INSIDE
Santa Monica Pier Calling for Love Story Submissions for the Month of Love smmirror.com
February 9 - February 15, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 6
Santa Monica Marked as a Priority Amid Statewide Housing Development Goals The announcement comes as California seeks to construct 2.5 million new homes by 2030 By Zach Armstrong The City of Santa Monica became one of 37 California localities designated by Gov. Newsom as “Prohousing”, making it a funding and resource priority during a statewide acceleration effort of housing development. The announcement comes as California seeks to construct 2.5 million new homes by 2030. Of that, at least one million are set to house lower-income residents. The designation rewards communities that have shown a commitment to reducing construction obstacles; rewarding them with exclusive access to grants and infrastructure funding by the Department of Housing and Community Development
amid this development mission. According to a news release, Santa Monica proved these qualities in several instances such as identifying sites for 13,600 new housing units, eliminating parking requirements for residential development, ministerially approving ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units regardless of size
and providing financial assistance for new construction of affordable rental housing. “We need to aggressively build more housing to support Californians,” said Newsom in a statement. “Prohousing cities move to the front of the line when it comes to incentives, funding and other state resources. It’s critical for more communities
to join in this distinction and build their fair share of housing.” On Jan. 23, HCD announced a Notice of Funding Availability for the second round of the Prohousing Incentive Program. Prohousing jurisdictions have until March 15 to apply for a piece of the $9.5 million available in that round.
Smorgasburg Vendor to Open Kava Nectar Bar in Santa Monica Kava Nectar Is Made from Natural Roots of the Kava Plant By Zach Armstrong Kavahana, a permanent vendor at wellknown food event Smorgasburg, will hold the grand opening for its inaugural retail location which it describes as the first-ofits-kind “kava nectar bar.” The event will take place at 306 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica on Feb. 10 from Noon to 11 p.m. The brick & mortar spot will continue focusing on Kava nectar, a non-alcoholic drink originally conceived by its founders. The beverage is made from natural roots of the kava plant grown in Hawaii and the
South Pacific. Co-Founder Neil Bhatia compares it to matcha due to its premium and smooth texture. He went on to describe it as a new type of food inspired by original Kava drinks found in places such as Fiji. “With our new Santa Monica location, we aspire to become a vital part of both the local community and the greater Los Angeles area, establishing ourselves as a leading destination for non-alcoholic social gatherings and a beacon for those seeking a unique and inclusive social experience.” said Bhatia in a statement. Hannah Wilen, co-founder of Kavahana, held the vision to infuse traditional earthy and peppery notes of kava nectar with various flavor combinations. The business is a manifestation of that culinary vision with offerings including blue spirulina, matcha, rose, cardamom and ube, and the “Beach Nectar.” More information on Kavahana can be found at https://shop.kavahana.com.
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