Your weekly “wait, that’s happening?” digest

Happy Friday!

The kids are officially back in school (cue the collective sigh of relief... or maybe that's just me 😂). The timing couldn't be better. Have you been outside this week? LA weather has truly been flexing. Golden hour sunsets that look like someone cranked up the saturation, perfect beach-walking temps and calm waters that make you remember why we all pay these rents.

literally unedited photo from Jan 13, 2026 - sunset at Venice pier

Take advantage! Grab a sunset walk this week. Let the kids run off some energy on the sand after school. Soak it in before the next weather system rolls through.

March on Washington | August 28, 1963

This Monday we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader whose message of justice, equality and nonviolence still speaks to us — especially in a time of political division, rising racial tensions, and deep questions about fairness in our country.

As parents, it can feel hard to explain to our children what’s happening in the world right now — from news headlines to heated debates online and in our communities. Dr. King’s legacy calls us to reject any narrative that ranks people’s worth. In a moment when some leaders openly question who deserves rights, safety, or belonging, Dr. King’s message remains clear: dignity and respect are not selective. They apply to all people — without exception.

Dr. King taught that change comes not through anger or division, but through peaceful action, listening, and speaking up for what’s right. Those are lessons we can help our kids see and practice every day — in the way they treat classmates, stand up for someone who’s been hurt or excluded, or use their words to build understanding.

A simple way to start? Have a discussion about what fairness means, what justice looks like to your family, and how each person can make a small difference.

Jan 18–24, 2026

Weekly Picks

Pop-Up Pool Day at Annenberg Beach House (MLK Day!)

Annenberg Community Beach House Pool

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Annenberg Community Beach House is opening up their historic heated pool for a special Pop-Up Pool Day.

Deets:

  • When: Monday, January 19, 2026

  • Pool Hours: 11AM–5PM

  • Passes: Go on sale at 10AM at Guest Services (first come, first served!)

  • Cost: $10 Adults | $4 Youth (ages 1-17) | $5 Seniors (60+)

  • Where: Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica

Get there early for passes. These pop-up pool days are popular, and passes sell out. If you're serious about getting in, aim to be in line by 9:30AM. Bring coffee. Bring snacks. Bring your patience. It's worth it.

Make a day of it. The Beach House has a café, beautiful grounds, and obviously the beach is right there.

This is such a lovely way to spend the holiday together as a community.

LA County Beach Poster Contest

LA County Beaches is hosting their annual Beach Art Poster Contest, and it's basically the perfect creative project for our beach kids. The contest invites young artists to create original artwork focused on showing how we can keep our oceans and beaches clean, healthy, and free of pollution.

Deets:

  • Head to beaches.lacounty.gov/postercontest for all the details, rules, and submission info

  • 3rd-5th Grade Students

  • DEADLINE January 31, 2026 (entries accepted year-round; late entries go to Summer 2027)

Lunar 2026 K-Popalooza with K-Pop Demon Hunters

If you don't have a K-Pop fan in your house yet, just wait... it's coming 😂.

As part of Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations, there's a special K-Popalooza event happening featuring the K-Pop Demon Hunters. If you've got tweens or teens who are deep in their K-Pop era: or even younger kids who've caught the bug from older siblings: this is a fun, high-energy way to celebrate the Lunar New Year together.

Neighbor Spotlight: House of Pies

If you've driven past Venice & Lincoln anytime in the past few years, you've probably noticed the House of Pies construction site—and maybe even spotted the elusive single worker on the roof. The project has taken on legendary status, as construction seems to move at the pace of a snail on vacation. Why the hold-up? Mostly permitting issues with the City of LA (classic!). Plus, there's been drama over removed trees and lots of back-and-forth with city agencies.

Got intel about House of Pies? Share it below!

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