Good day Santa Monica! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Live improv comedy show! 🎭😂 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Police Seek Potential Victims After Indecent Exposure Arrest (patch.com) — Santa Monica police are asking potential additional victims to come forward after a registered sex offender allegedly exposed himself to a store employee while trying on women's clothing in a local shop. Detectives arrested 72-year-old Michael Greenwald of Calabasas following the August incident, recovered evidence during a search of his home, and now urge anyone with similar experiences in Santa Monica to contact SMPD investigators.
2. Santa Monica Upzones 89 Homes To Limit State Housing Law (patch.com) — Santa Monica is proposing denser zoning on 89 single-family parcels near the Expo/Bundy station to qualify the area for temporary exclusion from California's new SB 79 transit housing rules. City leaders say the move trades a modest local upzoning now for more control over future development near the station, while neighborhood advocates question the scope and timing of the change.
3. Santa Monica Offers $5K Grants To Small Businesses (patch.com) — Santa Monica is rolling out $5,000 microgrants for up to 20 local brick-and-mortar businesses, with applications due Oct. 1. Eligible small businesses can use the funds for technology, equipment, marketing, inventory and other operating needs, and can get help at a Main Library workshop. City leaders say the program supports neighborhood vitality and is part of Santa Monica's broader Realignment Plan.
4. Santa Monica Celebrates Over 20 Million Bus Rides (canyon-news.com) — Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus just surpassed 20 million rides over two years, signaling a strong rebound in local transit use. The article traces the system's history, notes safety upgrades after pandemic-era ridership drops, and highlights current low fares and discounts so residents can better take advantage of city buses.
5. Beach Repairs Begin as the City Readies for ESPN's Super Bowl Week, Ocean Way 2027, and the LA28 Games (santamonica.gov) — Santa Monica crews are actively rebuilding the storm-damaged beach just south of the Pier, keeping the shoreline open while preparing for ESPN's Super Bowl coverage, the rescheduled Ocean Way Festival in 2027, and LA28 Olympic hospitality houses. Work includes moving sand, building protective berms, and clearing storm drains so residents and visitors can safely enjoy the beach now and during these major upcoming events.
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Ok Santa Monica! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
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