Latest News

Jacks Surfboards Holiday Sale Continues



Time to grab a gift for yourself…. Jacks Surfboards⁠ Holiday Sale continues today through January 1st. Get 20%-50% OFF STOREWIDE!⁠

30% - 40% OFF Select Brands in-stores⁠
20% OFF Wetsuits (excluding O’Neill) in-stores⁠
Get these special deals in-stores & online⁠
- 20% OFF Shoes⁠
- 25% OFF Clothing⁠
- 40% OFF Jack’s Apparel ⁠



Jack's Surfboards Giveaway



Follow Jacks Surfboards Instagram⁠ for daily giveaways, from 1/2-1/6! ⁠



Weekly Homeless Encampment Clean-up Drama In Venice



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works sanitation workers in white hazardous materials suits, with Blue Environmental Services, Inc., clean-up homeless encampments at Venice Beach on Friday, December 30, 2022. LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) provided homeless outreach. Park Rangers were onsite during the cleanup. The Venice Beach clean-ups are conducted every Friday."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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

Car Broken Into At Topanga



On 12/24, a vehicle parked near Topanga Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim’s wallet, iPhone, and keys were stolen. The victim was notified that a $12,000 purchase was made at an Apple Store in Sherman Oaks.

Rain For The Weekend And Next Week



Still expecting active weather into next week with widespread rain Saturday, then a stronger storm next Tue/Wed/Thu. Gusty winds will accompany the storms and there will be heavy rain at times.

High Surf This Weekend



Along with the rain and wind we've been mentioning, we're also expecting gale conditions on the inner waters and high surf along the coast this weekend beginning Saturday afternoon.

Venice Healer Does a Chair Dance



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The Venice Healer, Daisy, aka Wa, does a chair dance while setting up the patio at the Venice Ale House on Friday, December 30, 2022."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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

Malibu PCH DUI Checkpoint Tonight



On December 30, 2022, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location. ⁠

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. ⁠

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant Michael Lennig said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.” ⁠

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. ⁠

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. ⁠

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ⁠

Update & GofundMe For Motorcyclist Almost Killed On PCH By Stolen Car



From LeveyAngeles:

"Hi everyone, I am the innocent motorcyclist who was just sitting at a red light minding my own business, when out of nowhere I recorded my near death on 11/14/22, I will never again be who I was before that day, my life is now forever changed, I am a photographer who cannot take photographs, I am an active person who now can’t even stand unassisted, every year I run the LA marathon for St Judes children’shospital, now I can’t even walk to my kitchen without being in crippling pain and it taking 20 minutes and I am a motorcyclist with no motorcycle…

This “accident” has taken everything for me, except my life, and thank God for that…

I honestly did not think I was going to reach the $50,000 goal which at the time i drastically underestimated the amount of the bills it looks like I’m going to be stuck with not to mention my ongoing care… right now it appears because of the circumstances of the “accident“ I will be stuck with because sadly the party who caused this perished in the crash they caused while driving a stolen car, so I’m just stuck with all the expenses now.



But, I will recover, I will regain the use of my arm, I will be able to walk unassisted, I will go on with my life!!!!.

A stolen black Lexus driving at least double the speed limit crashed into a pick up truck, which then flipped on top of me was simply sitting at a red light, waiting to make a left turn before I was airlifted to the nearest trauma hospital as which point it was apparently very much in doubt I was going to live but I beat those odds. you can see exactly what happened in the video, but be advised it is very disturbing, even knowing that I lived (this video is very graphic so if you are sensitive, please be aware ahead of time). I ended it up with a shattered right arm and I am now the owner of a bunch of titanium I did not ever want, 9 broken ribs, an extremely damaged right foot, a collapsed, lung and a wide variety of other issues along with a lifetime of trauma. Not to mention the years and years of therapy OT, PT & mental in an attempt to try to recover as much use as I can from my arm/hand and foot & in an attempt to get back to my old self.

sadly, the driver who caused all of this perished in the accident and since the car they were driving was stolen. I am pretty much stuck with everything above and all the financial burden beyond what my insurance will pick up, unfortunately, I was transported to a hospital other than my own insurance plan so this has become a substantially larger issue now financially. I would just like to say thank you in advance for your generosity, especially in these extremely lean times, it’s hugely appreciated."  

Venice Beach Police Chase



Video from Venice Gallerie.

Santa Monica DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint



The Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Unit will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint on December 30, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Lieutenant Cody Green said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The Santa Monica Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.

The Santa Monica Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. moves!

Cleaning Venice



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Employees of the Venice Clean Team power wash the Boardwalk and remove graffiti at the Venice Beach Boardwalk."

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

A Lot More Rain Coming



Still expecting active weather into next week with widespread rain Saturday, then a stronger storm next Tue/Wed. Gusty winds will accompany the storms and there will be heavy rain at times.

High Surf Alert Extended



High surf and strong rip current will impact beaches in SW California, especially west facing shores.

Christmas Eve Surfing In North Malibu





From Surfer Spock

"What a great Christmas present for the Sysco Boys... Fabulous waves!"

Clean Up The Beach - Beach Clean Up



We are seeking people who are passionate about keeping our California beaches clean!

Earn Community Service Hours while learning the importance of why we should care about Venice Beach and should "Be Nice to VeNice" by keeping it trash-free!

Please complete the information below with the dates and number of people.

We meet at 📍 Venice Beach: Lifeguard Towe r#19 Our meet up station will be at a green pop-up Tent.

Use the address for Venice Beach Rentals for the meet up location:

2100-1 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

10AM - 12PM on Saturday, January 21, 2023

We have limited supplies. Please Bring:

Bucket

Trash Picker

Gloves 💧Reusable Water Bottle

📋Community Service Hours Sheet

Personal Items for the Hangout Afterwards (as the weather permits).

💫We want to discourage the following:

🚫Single Use Water Bottles - Let’s help save the earth!

🚫Plastic Bags to Collect Trash - The wind blows them inside out which risks the loss of all trash being in blown in the ocean!

WE WILL BE RAFFLING AWESOME PRIZES!!!!!

SCAVENGER HUNT!!!!

For more info and to register, Click Here

Afro Skate - Pop-Up Skate Jam Sessions



Join skaters from all around the world celebrating the anniversary party of our outdoor skate jam sessions vibing to the sounds of the African Diaspora including Afrobeats,House,JB & More!

During the night there will be various opportunities to learn/develop your flow with some of your favorite skaters also showcasing their moves!

There will also be refreshments & local restaurants on the beach available



ALL LEVELS & WHEELS WELCOMED!

CHILDREN & PETS OK!

SKATING NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND

Venice Beach Skate Dance Plaza

Wed, January 4, 2023,
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM PST

For more info and to register, Click Here

Marina del Rey New Year's Eve Fireworks & Glow Party



Head to Burton Chace Park for a family-friendly Glow Party, 7 p.m.–midnight, with DJ music, dancing food trucks, and more!

7:00 p.m. - Join us for a Glow Party with fun activities for the whole family! Featuring , Live Entertainment, DJ, Face Painting, Photo Booth, Food Trucks and More!

8:59:30 p.m. - 30-second countdown and view the Times Square ball drop followed by an amazing 10-minute fireworks display.

11:59:30 p.m. - 30-second countdown to celebrate New Year's Eve in Marina del Rey followed by another amazing ten-minute fireworks display.

Watch the spectacular fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or the many waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey!

Sat, Dec 31, 2022, 7:00 PM

Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

For more info, Click Here

Project Save Our Surf Beach Clean Up



Project Save Our Surf returns to Tower 26 to clean the beach. Buckets, gloves and light snacks will be provided.

Come join Project Save Our Surf for a fun afternoon of music and refreshments cleaning the beach. Buckets and gloves will also be provided for the cleanup. Connect with others in Los Angeles working to support our environment.

Sat, January 14, 2023,
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST

Santa Monica Beach Tower 26
2559 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info and to register, Click Here

Noah Hill - As It Is Film Screening



Noah Hill has a new film coming out.

The film will screen on Thursday, January 5th at The Waterfront in Venice.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory



Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been issued lasting to at least 4:30PM Friday, December 30th. A rain advisory is issued when there is significant rainfall that may cause bacteria levels in the ocean waters to increase.

More Rain Coming



Active weather is expected into next week with widespread rain Saturday, then a stronger storm next Tue or Wed. Gusty winds will accompany the storms and there will be heavy rain at times.

Here are the latest projected rainfall totals for our next storm on Saturday and Saturday Night. The peak of the rain is expected to occur right in the middle of #NewYearsEve evening activities. Rain may be heavy at times.

Venice Healer Shares Herself



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The Venice Healer Daisy, AKA Wa, gives a treatment to a person at the at Venice Beach on Monday, December 26, 2022. She also shared her thoughts."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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

First Venice Beach Clean Up For 2023



The first Surfrider public beach cleanup of 2023 at the Venice Fishing Pier for a beautiful winter morning spent with your local environmentalist community. SurfriderLA will be meeting from 10am-12pm to get our toes in the sand and trash off of our shorelines.

Sun, Jan 29, 2023
10:00AM-12:00PM

For more info and to register, Click Here

High Surf - Strong Rip Current Alert



High surf and strong rip current will impact beaches in SW California, especially west facing shores.

Surf Photos - Venice Breakwater - Tuesday 12-27-2022

Here's surfing photos from Tuesday, December 27th at the Venice Breakwater.

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

These are just a few of the 200+ 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 links to the complete galleries are down below.



















You can find 180+more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in these 2 photo galleries:

Venice Breakwater - Breakwater - Tuesday 12-27-2022 Gallery #1
Venice Breakwater - Breakwater - Tuesday 12-27-2022 Gallery #2



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 from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.