Latest News

McClure Tunnel To Close For Upgrades



Beginning the week of January 4, 2021, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin a project to upgrade the tunnel lighting system and install a queue warning system at the McClure Tunnel on Interstate 10 (I-10) and State Route 1 (SR-1). Overnight full closures of the McClure Tunnel and nearby ramps will occur during construction.

Anticipated roadway impacts: McClure Tunnel:

CLOSED in both directions - 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

I-10 lane closure for both directions:


One lane CLOSED from Lincoln Blvd. to McClure Tunnel – 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Ramp Closures – 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

WB I-10

Lincoln Blvd./Olympic Blvd. On-Ramp

EB I-10

4th St. On-Ramp

Lincoln Blvd. Off-Ramp

SB 1

Ocean Ave. Off-Ramp

Jamie O'Brien Hiring Full Time Editor



Jamie O'Brien is looking for a full time editor for his Vlogs, see the info in the photo above.

Gusty North To Northeast Winds Alert



From the National Weather Service Los Angeles:

Gusty north to northeast winds will affect portions of SW CA and coastal waters through early afternoon on New Years Day. Outdoor activities and boating will be affected, as well as impacts to travel especially for high profile vehicles.

Clean Beach Poster Contest



Do you know a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader who wants to make a difference?

Enter the Can The Trash! Clean Beach Poster Contest and their artwork could be featured on beaches throughout LA County next year! Learn more about the contest at https://beaches.lacounty.gov/postercontest/

This contest is ongoing. Submitted artwork will be included in the contest cycle ending January 10, 2021.

Santa Monica Pier Closing Again.



New Release from the City of Santa Monica:

"In an effort to slow the rampant spread of COVID-19 throughout Los Angeles County, the Santa Monica Pier will temporarily close for the New Year’s holiday weekend. The closure will be effective at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30 through 6 a.m. on Monday, January 4. The closure aligns with public health officials’ plea with members of the public to stay home as much as possible and dissuade the public from gathering in crowds.

We are in the middle of the worst part of the public health crisis with hospitals stretched beyond their capacity as people continue to gather and infect friends and family. Right now, one county resident dies of COVID-19 every ten minutes. Be part of curbing this trend by not gathering and staying home.

The City’s Code Enforcement COVID-19 details will be active throughout the weekend to enforce unpermitted business operations, gatherings, and face masks. Please follow all Los Angeles County guidelines to promote community health."



For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE




More Rain For Next Week



More rain for the first week of 2021! Monday's system may not bring much rain south of Pt. Conception, but Wed looks wetter, early estimates are around 1".

Venice Pier - Tuesday 12-29-2020

Here's some surfing photos from Tuesday, December 29th at the Venice Pier.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by XCEL Wetsuits.

These are just a few of the 100 photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo galleries for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.


















You can find over 100 more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in these two photo galleries:

Venice Pier - Tuesday 12-29-2020 Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

Venice Beach Homeless Encampments During The Rain



Mike, aka German in Venice, vlogs about daily life in Venice Beach, and the nearby communities.

"It has not been raining for a while here in Los Angeles, but last night it was a thunderstorm. Lots of rain and it rained during the day. I wanted to check out how Venice Beach and the homeless encampment looked doing a rain storm. It is really sad to see that all the belongings of the homeless people are completely wet. They are not even able to sleep in the tent because most of the ground was flooded."

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice

Footage Of A Shark At Venice Breakwater



It Snowed In Malibu



On the morning of Monday, December 28 of 2020, a reported snow fall was seen on various parts of Kanan Road in Malibu.

Per a witness, the amazing white substance coming down from the sky was floating before coming to rest on the ground. Reports also said there was hail mixed in as well. Heavy rainfall was also coming down in the area.

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice

Man Stole $1,600 From Venice Hipster Surf Shop



According to the CITIZEN App:

At 11:29:59 AM, police received a report of a man who stole $1600 worth of merchandise from Aviator Nation. Incident reported at 1224 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

No other info reported yet.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory



An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 7:00 am, Thursday, December 31, 2020. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall. This advisory may be extended depending upon further rainfall.

A rain advisory is issued when there is significant rainfall that may cause bacteria levels in ocean waters to increase. Bacteria levels can increase significantly during and after rainstorms, as contaminants within the runoff enters the ocean. Bacteria levels may remain elevated up to 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of runoff. Elevated bacteria levels in ocean water may cause illness, especially in children and the elderly. The Department of Public Health recommends that beach users avoid contact with ocean water for a period of 3 days after significant rainfall, especially near flowing storm drains, creeks and rivers.

High Surf Advisory Updated



From the National Weather Service Los Angeles:

High surf advisories remain in effect for west facing beaches of SW Calif. through Tuesday afternoon. Sneaker waves can suddenly overtop jetties and dangerous rip currents can exist. Stay off of rock walls and jetties.

Special Marine Warning



From the National Weather Service Los Angeles:

Special Marine Warning including the Outer waters from Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island to 60 NM offshore including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands until 1:00 AM PST.

High Surf Through Tuesday



From the National Weather Service Los Angeles:

All eyes are on the first significant storm of the season Sun night-Mon. We're looking at 0.5-1" of rain across the board with 1-2" across SW facing coastal slopes.

A large northwest swell will bring elevated to high surf to most west-facing beaches through at least Tuesday. Large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet with local sets to 15 are expected along the Central Coast and 6 to 9 feet with local sets to 12 feet are expected along the Ventura County Coast. Elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet is expected along west-facing beaches of the Santa Barbara South Coast and the Los Angeles County Coast. The surf will peak twice: first on Sunday, then a higher peak is expected Monday afternoon and evening. There is a high likelihood that the Beach Hazards Statement for the LA County Coast will be upgraded to a High Surf Advisory on Monday. There is a high rip current risk for most beaches, so use extreme caution when in or near the water, and always swim near a lifeguard. Stay off rocks and jetties and never turn your back to the ocean.

Merry Christmas From Venice Beach



Mike, aka German in Venice, vlogs about daily life in Venice Beach, and the nearby communities.

"Today I was riding my bike along with Santa clause on the world-famous Venice Beach Boardwalk. I wish everybody happy holidays from German in Venice."

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice

Pro Wrestler's Widow Sues City Claiming Under Trained Lifeguards



On May 17th, former WWE star Shad Gaspard tragically passed away as he was swept out to sea at Venice Beach. He had instructed lifeguards to save his son before he was pulled under the water.

Today, it has been reported that the wife (and family) of the late wrestler filed for negligence against the state of California, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles. Siliana Gaspard (Shad’s widow) filed a claim stating their negligence and dangerous condition of the public property.

Siliana said the lifeguards were under-trained and were not working with proper equipment that would’ve saved both her son and husband’s lives that day. She feels they left her husband to die while they rescued her son.

She stated that the lifegaurds “left Shad Gaspard in the water to die."

But all reports from that day state the lifeguards attempted to save them both, but Shad insisted that they save his son first. A wave would then pull Shad underwater, where he would never resurface alive. Three days later on May 20th, his body was discovered.

Siliana also claims there were insufficient signs on the beach warning about the dangers of swimming there.

She brought the still unofficial lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of herself and Gaspard’s son, and is seeking unspecified damages and burial costs.

Even though, the Official Shad Gaspard Family Fund on Gofundme has already raised $160,355 (exceeding their $100,000 goal).

But as we know, the lifegaurds are not "under-trained", they did appear to have the proper equipment (see the video below), and they certainly did not leave him in the water to die.



$40 DIY Portable Shower



DIY to making your very own portable shower for $40.

Items:
1. 1 Gal. Pump Sprayer
2. Handheld Shower Head
3. 1/4" Hose Splicer Brass/Plastic (or whatever size your hose is)
4. 1/4" to 5/8" Hose Clamp

Tools:
1. Flat head screwdriver
2. Scissors/Snips/Shears
3. Heat gun (or anything to heat up the hose but not deform it.)

Video by: Wild Oz Film

Gale Watch Issued For Wednesday



The National Weather Service Los Angeles has issued a GALE WATCH valid from Wednesday morning to Wednesday eve for the potential of Santa Ana winds gusting to 35 kt. affecting the inner waters between Ventura and Santa Monica out to Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands.

Venice Beach Out Of Business



Mike, aka German in Venice, vlogs about daily life in Venice Beach, and the nearby communities.

"Today, I went to Venice Beach, and for the first time, I realized how many businesses are out of business in Venice. Once Venice Beach was the number one tourist's attraction, now it feels like it’s a ghost town. There are still people on the beach, but nobody is really buying anything."

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice

Venice Surf-A-Thon Official Results And Recap



The Official Contest Recap and Results from Ger-I Lewis

In this season of sorrow and discontent Venice Surf-A-Thon was/is a bright spot of liberty, celebration, surfing, fellowship and competition!

With a cloud of uncertainty but plenty of strong support and sponsorship, we went forth and folks we did it! We put the 27th Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon Surf contest in the books! Everybody from the volunteers to the sponsors really did a wonderful job and the the turnout was greater than expected! As the day broke with a typical Southern California golden and pink sunrise, the Groms and parents were waiting at the pier! The surf pushing an early high was very contestable and clean 2-3 feet especially for the Menehunes division and Jr Mens. The surfers did not disappoint and the action was spectacular and a very competitive field was out to win the coveted Venice Surf-A-Thon trophies! Every competitor also received a limited edition Ric Clayton hand drawn T-shirt which will assuredly become a collectors item. One again Thank you and great job one and all . all gloiry to the Lord Jesus, amen!



Results 27th Annual Venice Surf-A-thon Surf Contest

Body Surfing
1st - Brett
2nd - Mike Wood
3rd - Sgt. Slaughter

Menehunes
1st- Mataeo Bierman
2nd - Austin O’Keefe

Groms Div #1
1st - Bohdi Deroma
2nd - Jack Noruzi
3rd - Lenny

Groms Div #2
1st - Max Hinton
2nd - Danny O’Keefe
3rd - Skylar Serrrano

Groms Div #3
1st - Liam Nassour
2nd - Danny O’Keefe
3rd - Skylar Serrano

Jr Mens Div#1
1st - Elijah Labb
2nd - Brad Kay
3rd - Koleo Golden

Jr Mens Div #2
1st - AJ Phelpsd
2nd - Gus Harrison
3rd - Logan Doerr

Mens
1st - Dirk Kay
2nd - Cole Sweany
3rd - Pablo

Masters
1st - Jaqoim
2nd - Lazlo
3rd - Eric Weis

Women
1st - Stephanie Weis
3rd - Seena Galan
3rd - Alysa

Long Board
1st - Lazlo
2nd - Brock M
3rd - Lazlo

For all the contest surf photos, check out the: Venice Surf Photo Recap

If you care to order a 2020 Contest T-shirt just go to Paypal and list the size and quantity. The email associated with the Venice SUrf-A-Thon account is surfathon62@yahoo.com $30.00 includes shipping in the USA. 2 or more tshirts $25.00 each. 5 or more $15.00 each including shipping in USA. Please allow for three (3) weeks in shipping and handling as the Venice Surf-A-Thon will shut down operations 12/24/20-1/1/21

ZJ Boarding House Secures New Lease in Santa Monica



The iconic Santa Monica board shop secures a new lease, extensive new renovations, and will reopen in the Spring of 2021. The temporary store will remain open for business in adjacent building next door, during the renovation.

Boardriders Inc. is pleased to announce a new go-forward lease and substantial renovation of its iconic ZJ Boarding House in Santa Monica – a pillar of the local community for more than three decades.

Working closely with the building’s landlord and local leaders, a new five-year lease has been signed and major renovations are underway at the original corner location on Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica. These steps ensure ZJ’s ongoing service to the community in all things boardriding for the foreseeable future.

“What a silver lining at the end of such a challenging year,” says Todd Roberts, co-founder of ZJ. “ZJ Boarding House is such an integral part of the community and we can’t thank our customers enough for their patience and support of us over the years. Thanks to the hard work of the community, of Boardriders, and of our landlord, we now have a plan in place that will continue to make this space the ultimate destination for everyone looking to have fun in and around the ocean, the mountains and beyond.”

After the Main Street renovations, which include the replacement of the roof, seismic retrofits, and substantial interior upgrades, the entire 4,900 square foot space will be open and ready to share the stoke in just a few months’ time. “Spring 2021 can’t come soon enough,” says Ajai Datta, who leads US retail operations for Boardriders. “We’re all looking to turn the page on challenging year that will ultimately make us stronger in the long run.”

Beach Hazard Statement



{BEACH HAZARD STATEMENT} in effect through Thursday AM per National Weather Service Los Angeles:

Elevated WNW surf of 3-5' is expected for all Los Angeles County Beaches. High tides around 6.6' around 930 this AM may produce minor coastal flooding​.

Venice's Harry Perry Death Rumor



On Monday afternoon, word started spreading that legendary Venice Beach musician Harry Perry had passed away.

Postings on Instagram appeared about him passing away and the Harry Perry Wikipedia Page had been updated with his death info.

But several of his close friends have starting replying to the social media posts letting everyone know that he is alive and well. The part about his death was then removed from his Wikipedia Page

Apparently, according to a source close to him, this was a hoax. The reason why, still unknown.

So it appears Harry is still alive.