From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Saturday, June 4, 2022, animal lovers and supporters gathered at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Open House Fundraiser, a remarkable event aimed at raising much-needed funds for the welfare of animals in the community. The event was filled with laughter, joy, and a shared commitment to supporting the Santa Monica Animal Shelter's vital mission."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

Call for local artists to submit original, surfing-themed art for City of Malibu's next exhibition by June 7. The Arts Commission will host a free opening reception Sun, July 16, 12PM at City Hall w/food, beverages & live music.

For more info & submissions, Click Here

On Saturday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Cardboard Yacht Regatta kicks off a bucket list of summer fun at the Annenberg Beach House!

SAIL, ROW, PADDLE OR SINK YOUR WAY INTO SUMMER! Be a part of the 11th Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta!

Have you ever dreamed of setting sail across the waters in your very own yacht? Now you can build your own cardboard yacht and test its seaworthiness in a race across the Beach House Pool. Build a yacht using just corrugated cardboard and duct tape, decorate it, cross your fingers and hope you can make it to the other side.

Two people must be in the yacht during the race. All boats must be human-powered (no motors).People's Choice Awards will be given in a variety of categories, including "Most Likely to Sink", "Best Use of Theme", and "Most Spirited". The Beach House Courtyard will open for yachts to be on display beginning at 9am. Races will launch beginning at 11am. Please read attached information sheet for more details on the Cardboard Yacht Regatta, including appropriate yacht building materials, regatta rules and an event timeline.

For questions or more information, call the Beach House at 310-458-4904.

Preregistration required to race your yacht. Register early and enjoy building your boat with friends and family! $20 entry fee per yacht. Payment is NOT required for each sailor who will be in the yacht. This is a team registration. Please register once per yacht that will be entered in the event.

You will be asked for the names and ages of sailors in the registration process.

For more info, Click Here

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Thursday, May 25, 2023, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Action Cleanup Environmental Services, executed a comprehensive cleanup operation targeting the homeless encampment in Venice."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" Venice Pride Block Party Lights Up Windward Avenue with DJ Victor Rodriguez and Dazzling Divas Dancers on Friday, June 2, 2023."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

Kick off Summer at the Venice Summer Fest

Saturday, June 24th, 2023. 12pm - 8pm in downtown Mar Vista, on Venice Blvd.

Explore the Fest Grounds as you enjoy a day filled with Local Bands, Activities for the Entire Family, Shop Local Artists & Designers, Dog Adoptions, Yoga, Games, Food trucks, Beer Gardens, Classic Cars & so much more! ☮️🎶

The Fest will be located in between Centinela & Inglewood Blvd. The city has closed Venice Blvd. for this event. The event will be held in the street. This is a free community event.

Dog Friendly

12257 Venice Blvd Los Angeles CA, 90066

For more info, Click Here

When: Saturday June 3rd from 12-3pm.

Where: The Santa Monica Animal Shelter 1640 9th St. Santa Monica, CA 90404.

What: A fun afternoon for the whole family to raise much needed funds for the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.

All funds raised help the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and make a difference in the care and well-being of the animals.

We hope to see you there!

At the event

- Tour the Animal Shelter and meet the wonderful animals waiting to be adopted, you may meet your new best friend.

- For a small donation you could win fantastic prizes from our raffle. (See the awesome items that will be part of our raffle below)

- Bid on unique experiences in our silent auction. (Our great silent auctions items are listed in the next section)

- Indigenous bird presentation from Michael Chill with Wild Wings of California Wild Bird Rehabilitation Organization at 12pm.

- Enjoy a live performance from School of Rock West LA House Band at 1:30pm.

- Face painting by The Magical Atelier.

- Balloon animals, headbands and bracelets from Wild About Balloons LA.

- Interact with cool critters from Allan’s Pet Center West LA.

- Delicious dark chocolate tahini brownies from Cadoro Bakery.

- Meet the Santa Monica Police Department Mounted Unit

- And more fun activities for the whole family.

For more info, Click Here

Don't miss out on 20% OFF all boardshorts & bikinis. Plus get up to 60% off our sidewalk sale and 30% off fullsuits!⁠ ⁠

Sale is valid online @ Jackssurfboards.com. Exclusions apply.⁠

This intimate feature documentary, UNZIPPED focuses on one of the country’s most iconic and increasingly income divided zip codes, Venice CA 90291. Once a mecca for artists, outsiders and a thriving Black community, Venice is now the frontline for America’s heated battles over gentrification, affordable housing, and homelessness.

With moving, personal profiles of families who struggle to remain in their rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, to bitterly contested community fights over a proposed homeless shelter, UNZIPPEDexplodes stereotypes and humanizes the lived experiences of people caught in the cross-fire of America’s growing housing divide. A topical local lens on this alarming humanitarian issue, UNZIPPEDis an urgent call to action for more equitable housing solutions for every community in America and around the globe.

The film is now avaliable on Amazon.

Trailer: