Community Corner

đŸŒ± Patch AM: How Big Blue Bus bounced back to 10 million rides again

And check out Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier on the Santa Monica Patch calendar

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
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Good morning Santa Monica! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Big Blue Bus bounced back to 10 million rides again
  • Could your Santa Monica shop qualify for a $5,000 city microgrant?
  • Why Santa Monica is keeping Flock cameras when LAPD walked away

Also on today's calendar: Afterglow: Portraits By Sam Comen Exhibition at the Santa Monica Pier and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 75 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and beautiful, temps: high: 76, low: 67.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 77 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Big Blue Bus Tops 10 Million Rides For 2nd Straight Year (patch.com) — Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus has rebounded to more than 10 million annual rides for the second year in a row, nearing pre-pandemic levels and expanding its zero-emission fleet. Recent upgrades include more frequent service, better bus stops, and new safety enforcement with onboard cameras. Residents can celebrate and get free rides or treats at a Sept. 30 SoCal Transit Month booth at the Downtown Farmers Market.
   

2. City of Santa Monica launches $100,000 Small Business Relief Microgrant Program (santamonica.gov) — Santa Monica has launched a $100,000 Small Business Relief Microgrant Program offering $5,000 one-time grants to eligible brick‑and‑mortar businesses, with the first application round open through Oct. 1. City leaders say the effort, part of the Realignment Plan, aims to stabilize locally owned shops, strengthen commercial corridors, and keep storefronts active, with a help session at the Main Library for interested owners.
   

3. Flock Cameras Are Still Recording Parts of the Westside – And Many Don't Even Know It (westsidecurrent.com) — Santa Monica police are continuing to use 79 Flock license-plate reader cameras across the city, even as Los Angeles police have ended their contract over privacy concerns. Local officials say the system helps solve crimes and that data is tightly controlled, while civil liberties advocates warn about tracking residents' movements. The current contract runs through 2027, with any changes requiring public City Council action.
   

4. Santa Monica Groups Win Prestigious Olmsted Network Award (smdp.com) — Santa Monica's Airport2Park Foundation and Great Park Coalition are being nationally honored for their work to turn the Santa Monica Airport site into a major new public park when it closes in 2028. The Olmsted Network's 2026 President's Award recognizes local advocacy for more green space in park‑deficient Santa Monica and could help connect the effort with new tools, partners, and funding.
   

5. Concern as Hurricane Marie forces cancellation of Santa Monica Ocean Way Concert (environewsnigeria.com) — A major Ocean Way concert planned for Santa Monica was canceled after Hurricane Marie severely eroded the beachfront festival site, underscoring how extreme weather can abruptly upend local events. Organizers had booked big-name acts, but safety concerns forced the shutdown. Climate advocates say the disruption should push coastal communities like Santa Monica to prioritize resilience and ocean protection.
   

📸 Around Santa Monica

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Santa Monica

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Santa Monica Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Santa Monica PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Unwelcome —Michael Ashcraft Read on Patch
  • NO corporate money, NO special interests, just YOUR interests! —Phil Brock Read on Patch
  • Remember my post about needing a repair on a small item?
    David Knox was the first to respond, so I reached out to him. He took the piece, which was of little value, but great sentimental importance. He… (Nextdoor Sunset Park-Southwest)
  • Hello- looking for some help in getting a mission rocker from 2nd floor apartment to the trash area.
    Attaching a pic- I will vacuum off the cat hair before you come. Let me know how much you will charge. Thank you. (Nextdoor SaMo Mid-City)
  • Providence Health & Services posted a job opening for Hospitality Concierge - Obstetrics in Santa Monica. Apply here.
  • Lululemon Athletica, Inc. posted a job opening for Junior Graphic Designer, Apparel in Santa Monica. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Santa Monica here.

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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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