City Hall remains closed but some of Santa Monica’s essential services and departments are planning to open this week.
“We want to be sure that residents know that all of our departments are working to keep the community clean and safe, to provide essential services, and to expedite safe and sustained economic recovery while City Hall is closed,” city spokesperson Constance Farrell said. “I know it’s hard for residents to track the closing and reopening of city programs and services, but here is a current roundup and a quick reference for what’s available and soon reopening.”
All reopening plans are subject to change at the direction of LA County Public Health and the State of California, but the City is closely monitoring the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases and testing positivity rate, “which is currently at 8.4% countywide, to make adjustments to our plans,” Farrell added, before detailing the latest information on the Cove Skate Park, Santa Monica Swim Center, Pico market, and curbside pickup at library branches.
Recreation
The Cove Skate Park at Memorial Park is expected to reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for Monday through Saturday operations. Safe reopening plans for the Santa Monica Swim Center are also in progress as an opening is currently planned for the week of Aug. 10, Farrell said, mentioning the swim center will operate Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only.
“We have issued permits for surf camps and beach yoga classes, in accordance with LA County requirements,” Farrell said, stating all outdoor licensed fitness instructors have also been asked to bring their services in alignment with public health guidelines.
Beach parking lots are open and so is the Santa Monica Pier for physically distanced strolling. Tennis courts at Ocean View, Reed Park, Memorial Park, Clover Park, Douglas Park, Los Amigos Park, Marine Park are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and no reservations will be taken for the courts. The East Court At Colorado Center Park can be booked though by visiting Bookmycourt.com.
Learning and Enrichment.
The Santa Monica Public Library has already resumed services through contactless pickup service at the Main branch, and curbside pickup will begin at the Pico branch on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Fall direct services programs at CREST, PAL and Virginia Avenue Park are in the planning stage, and city officials expect more information to be available for residents in the next two weeks.
Housing and Food
The City’s Below Market Housing waitlist is still open, and opportunities are available, particularly for households earning moderate income, seniors, and individuals living with a disability. Visit santamonica.gov/housing-apply.
The Downtown Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the Pico market is slated for reopening sometime in August, according to Farrell. School-aged children can receive free summer lunches at Virginia Avenue Park through Aug.14 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The COVID-19 Emergency Pantry at Virginia Avenue Park in partnership with the Westside Food Pantry offers pre-assembled food bags to low-income Santa Monica residents and/or families with children enrolled in SMMUSD schools as well. Residents only need to schedule an appointment by calling 424-410-1354 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Residents are invited to learn more about the expected reopenings by visiting the website www.santamonica.gov/coronavirus-reopenings, Farrell said, “where all of our facility and service information is kept up-to-date.”
