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To help with its district-wide fundraising efforts for extracurricular programs, teachers’ aides, and other services for schools, the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation is holding its innagural “Pledge Days” campaign. The Santa Monica Public Library is asking you to design its next library card for the chance to win some prizes. Help change the way Santa Monicans get around and engage with our community at #HacktheBeach. And, the Santa Monica City Council is considering a new minimum wage ordinance.

“Pledge Days”

Starting today and running through October 9, donations made to the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation’s district-wide fundraising effort will be matched up to $100,000, thanks to an anonymous donor.

“Pledge Days and the very generous $100,000 match will encourage district families to give early in the school year,” said SMMEF Executive Director Linda Greenberg. “High rates of district family giving allow us to show potential corporate and community donors how invested our parent community is in ensuring excellent educational opportunities for all our students.”

SMMUSD schools will hold Pledge Days on the following dates:

  • Juan Cabrillo Elementary School: September 28-30, during drop-off
  • Edison Language Academy: September 30, during drop-off and pick-up
  • Franklin Elementary School: September 30, during drop-off and pick-up
  • Grant Elementary School: September 28-October 2, during drop-off
  • McKinley Elementary School: Sept. 28, Sept. 30 & Oct. 2, during drop-off & pick-up
  • John Muir Elementary School: September 28-October 2, during drop-off
  • Pt. Dume Marine Science School: October 8, during drop-off and pick-up
  • Roosevelt Elementary School: October 5-9, during drop-off
  • Santa Monica Alternative School House: September 28-October 2, during drop-off
  • Webster Elementary School: September 28 & October 2, during drop-off
  • Will Rogers Learning Community: Sept. 28, Sept. 30 & Oct. 2, during drop-off & pick-up

For more information about Pledge Days and SMMEF, visit smmef.org.

Design Santa Monica’s New Library Card

The Santa Monica Public Library wants you to design the system’s new library card. The deadline for submitting your design is October 10.

The contest is open to all library card holders. There are three categories — Youth (10 and under), Teen (11-17), and Adult (18 and over) — and one winner will be chosen from each.

Winners receive a $125 gift card.

For more information, contest rules, and information on how to submit your design, visit smpl.org.

City Council to Consider $15 Minimum Wage Ordinance

This Tuesday, the City Council will consider an ordinance that would see the city-wide minimum wage raised to $15 an hour by 2020 for most businesses.

As proposed, the wage increase schedule mirrors Los Angeles’ ordinance, which was approved in June.

#HacktheBeach

The city of Santa Monica is partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., WeWork, Cross Campus, Expert Dojo, General Assembly, and the Santa Monica Pier to plumb the talent of Silicon Beach in search of new and innovative ways to get people around and involved in their community.

“Much more than a hackathon, Hack the Beach: The Contest, allows anyone in the community to submit proposals for apps, ideas, processes, and/or technology to help Santa Monica improve our sense of Community, Mobility, and Civic Engagement,” according to the Hack the Beach website.

“Quick Applications” for new app ideas are being accepted now through October 9, with a contest launch scheduled for October 6. For more information on guidelines, how to submit ideas, and a schedule of #HacktheBeach events, visit hackthebeach.com.

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