SANTA MONICA – In the wake of the heartbreaking terrorist attack in Manchester and recent suicide bombing in Jakarta, it is crucial to look at how one stays safe in these uncertain times. It is no secret that Santa Monica’s beautiful beaches and fun events attract tourists both near and far, but what does that mean for security, especially on this Memorial Day weekend?

Santa Monica Police Department was unavailable for comment, however, with the addition of thousands of tourists in Santa Monica due to the holiday weekend, an increased police presence is expected.  It is now more important than ever to have strong safety protocols in place to ensure a fun, safe time for everyone. Police are also expected to be even more vigiliget in keeping the community safe in the wake of recent attacks.  Especially because, aside from just the normal influx of visitors on a long weekend, this Sunday, Main Street will also see an influx of guests.  About 1,000 people are expected to flock to MAINopoly on Main Street, an interactive event that boasts fun, food, fundraising and drinking. 

Throughout all the fun it is important that residents and visitors alike remember to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution in the crowds. Make sure to report any suspicious activity to the Santa Monica Police Department Headquarters (310) 395-9931.

Photo by Reuters and Santa Monica Beach by Clinton Steeds is licensed under CC BY 2.0

SANTA MONICA – It might just be time to put on your stretchy pants and head over to Main Street this weekend! MAINopoly is here for the fourth year in a row bringing with it music, delicious eats, and games!

If you’re not familiar, MAINopoly is pretty much a child’s dream come true: it brings Monopoly to life in an interactive event complete with ice cream, chicken, waffles and pretty much every other type of food.

However, it’s not just for kids, MAINopoly has a little something for everyone. For the over 21 crowd, jail has never looked so good. The “GO TO JAIL” VIP Beer Garden is complete with cold beer to sip on, a photo booth, a DJ, snacks, and games.

However, despite all the fun, the event is about more than just good music, good food, and good times. It all started when Gary Gordan from the Main Street Business Improvement District searched for a way to raise funds for Summer SOULstice and bring in new customers to Main street.

Together, with Spin PR group they “brainstormed some different ideas and came up with a fun, interactive play on the classic board game that introduces people to new businesses and restaurants they may have never been to before,” said organizer Kim Koury. That was four years ago, and since then, the event has grown in size and effect.

“It gets bigger every year! We had nearly 1,000 people attend,” Koury said in reference to last year’s crowd. “People love to get dressed up as Monopoly game board characters and participate in the festivities,” she concluded.

In addition to raising money for Summer SOULstice, MAINopoly raises money for Heal the Bay, an environmental organization dedicated to improving the environment. MAINopoly will run from 3:00-8:00 on May 28th on Main Street in Santa Monica.

Photos courtesy of Spin Public Relations.