Latest News

Ocean Park Pole Dancers



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Pole Dancers at Beach Park at Santa Monica Beach on Sunday, January 30, 2022."

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

Sunset Point Evening Surfing Drone Footage - January 22, 2022



Video by Brian Behrens:

Evening surf footage from 01.22.22 along the PCH.

Angry homeless Venice Beach Bro



Filmed by Green Cloud Art Org

Santa Monica Sunsets



From Santa Monica Close Up:

Santa Monica Beach amid the sunset on January of 2022.

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

Venice Boardwalk Homeless Clean Up 1/28/22



Friday 1/28/22 Venice Beach, CA boardwalk homeless clean up aka sweep. Filmed by Cop Watch Venice

"Park Rangers are back for the Friday boardwalk homeless clean up and are pretty nice to everyone today. LAPD was out at night again harassing everyone into moving for no reason, so there wasn't much for anyone to do. It's disgusting how LAPD is out in the middle of the night harassing elderly homeless people in wheelchairs, more disgusting this is the treatment the wealthy property owners ask for. They like helping the city screw themselves over apparently.

The Ferrari was there for a renegade photo shoot, LAPD did not care they were driving around illegally, they were too tired from waking up people sleeping in wheelchairs."

Cop Watch Venice follows LAPD pacific division on world famous Venice beach, showing a point-of-view style cop watch and update on Venice's current conditions. We make edited shorts, full scenes and are working on a documentary about homelessness and city failures. Donate to Cop Watch Venice via Cop Watch Venice Paypal

Surfing Topanga



Video by Brian Behrens:

An early morning on October 27th, 2021

Venice Beach Arsonist Arrested



The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section today arrested a suspect in connection with a recent series of arson fires in the Venice area and is seeking the public's help in locating an additional suspect in the crimes.

The fires occurred early Tuesday, January 25, 2022, on Ocean Front Walk near Westminster Avenue. Thanks to prompt reporting of the fires to 9-1-1, firefighters quickly extinguished the blazes before flames could cause injury or extend to any structure.

Police say the suspect, a homeless male, is alleged to be involved in a string of fires on the Boardwalk.

In canvassing the community in the hours that followed, plainclothes LAFD Investigators - working closely with Patrol Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Community Police Station, received helpful tips from neighbors, including surveillance video that allowed them to quickly apprehend a suspect and obtain imagery of his suspected accomplice.

Suspect Jonathan Michael Noriega, age 32, is currently in custody and expected to be charged with the crime of arson. His suspected accomplice remains at large.

"Protecting our community from the scourge of firesetting takes teamwork, and in this case, that teamwork paid off with the timely arrest of a suspected arsonist," said Los Angeles Fire Department Battalion Chief Roy Paige, Commander of the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section.

Anyone who knows the identity or location of the outstanding suspect (seen in a photo below) or who can tie these individuals to other crimes or fires should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477.



ARRESTEE:
Name: Jonathan Michael Noriega
DOB: 01/01/1990
Last Known Residence: Norwalk, California Court Case: Will Be Presented to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Bail: TBD by DA’s Office
Charge: TBD by DA’s Office
Date and Time of Fire Incident: January 25, 2022 at 2:31 AM PST
LAFD Incident Number: 01252022-0117



OUTSTANDING SUSPECT:
Unknown Adult Male, Approximately 6'1" tall, Thin Build, Wearing a Dress-Like Cloth On His Legs

Surfing Topanga Video



Video by Noshington Wells:

Topanga on Wednesday, January 26th.

2nd Night Of Arson on Venice Boardwalk



Another night of arson on the Venice Boardwalk. Earlier this week, the live webcam caught 2 assholes setting fire to trash destroying a bench, now on Tuesday night 15 trash cans were set on fire.

Superbowl Venice Beach Homeless Clean Up



Filmed on 1/26/22 by Cop Watch Venice

" LAPD and sanitation surprise everyone left on the boardwalk with a Wednesday clean up. They are doing it because of the upcoming super bowl and playoffs and surprisingly wasted more money than normal with this one. Over 10 cops standing around, 12 sanitation workers, and nobody did anything. The business improvement district guy power washed the pagodas after sanitation kicked everyone out, but they are not supposed to clean the boardwalk whatsoever and are paid by property owners separate money to clean around their properties only. They broke major federal laws acting as city employees and misappropriating homelessness funding. This is a federal crime that happens all the time because people here don't care what the city does and apparently like it. FBI is currently investigating the city and it's intentionally wasting homelessness funding, hopefully my reports on it will lead to an indictment or two."

Cop Watch Venice follows LAPD pacific division on world famous Venice beach, showing a point-of-view style cop watch and update on Venice's current conditions. We make edited shorts, full scenes and are working on a documentary about homelessness and city failures. Donate to Cop Watch Venice via Cop Watch Venice Paypal

Ocean Water Use Warning

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) continues cautioning residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to be careful of swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey
Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica
Pico-Kenter Storm Drain at Santa Monica Beach (South Tower 20)
Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu
Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach
Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

The warning has been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location.


Naked Cowboy At Venice Beach



From NameOnRice:

Beach Hazard Statement



Beach Hazard Statement in effect through Wednesday evening per the National Weather Service. A long period west swell will bring rising surf to area beaches through Wednesday, along with strong rip currents. Elevated surf conditions of 4-6' and strong rip currents will exist for most Los Angeles County Beaches.

PCH Road Work - Day or Night Preferred?



Caltrans wants to know if you prefer construction work on the Big Rock Retaining Wall project in Malibu, to take place during the day or night.

Share your preference for daytime/nighttime construction work by taking the online survey through January 31 at Malibu Secant Wall Project Survey

Large Number Of Dead Birds Found On The Beach In Venice



A large number of dead birds were found on the beach in Venice today.

Lifeguards Rescue Dog

Lifeguards located the dog about 600 yards from shore, secured it on the rescue sled, and transported it back to beach. While rescues like this one sure put a smile on our face, Lifeguards would like to remind beachgoers that dogs are not allowed on LA County Beaches.

Lowriders At Ocean Park



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Lowriders Park at Santa Monica Beach on Sunday, January 23, 2022."

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

2 Assholes Set Fire To Venice Beach



Two pieces of shit were caught on the Venice Boardwalk Webcam setting fire to a pile of garbage on the boardwalk.

Woman Robbed And Assaulted At Venice Beach



Read the full post on Instagram: @lihiyogini

High Surf This Week



The National Weather Services says hgh surf is expected for west facing beaches Monday through Wednesday as a long period swell arrives.

Defeat The Mandates Rally At The Santa Monica Pier



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Highlights from "Defeat the Mandates Rally & March," at Palisades Park on Saturday, January 22, 2022. According to “Defeat the Mandates” organizers, the goal of the march is to peacefully protest vaccine mandates, vaccine passports, COVID vaccines for children, and censorship. Participants marched in support of informed consent, natural immunity, and the doctor/patient relationship which should exist independent of government interference. Additionally, rally supporters stressed the need for greater government transparency regarding published peer reviewed COVID research which continues to be suppressed. Participants consisted of people from all walks of life regardless of political affiliation, race, ideology or vaccination status."

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

WNW Swell On The Radar This Week



Sunday, January 23rd: Easing NW with 2-3′ surf at exposures, good spots to 3’+ in the AM.
Lighter wind but still offshore for most breaks in the morning, looks moderate+ to locally more for North LA. Mostly light onshores for the afternoon. Mid day high tide slows most areas.

Monday, January 24th:Mix of old NW, new WNW swell for 3-4′ surf at exposures in AM, builds to 4-5’+ PM.
Old NW swell eases as a fresh round of healthy, long-period WNW swell (280-295) joins in. Light/variable winds for the morning, shift to a light+ sea breeze during the afternoon.

Originally published on Surfline

Floaty McFly Shreds Onewheel Pint



Floaty gets sendy (and sandy) riding to the Venice pier

Winds Knock Down Trees On PCH



Strong winds on Saturday knocked trees onto Pacific Coast Highway west of Heathercliff in Malibu, no one was injured.



Venice Beach Sushi Restaurant Fire



From 310FIRE

"Los Angeles Fire Department Engine 63 responded to a reported rubbish fire on the 2800 block of S Abbot Kinney Blvd. While in route for 3 minutes, Metro Fire Communications modified the incident to a structure fire. Battalion 4, Light Force 63, Engine 62, and Engine 67 were added to the structure assignment.

Engine 63 arrived on scene reporting a single story commercial with heavy smoke showing.

Engine 63 made entry, masked up and began fire attack. Once Light Force 63 arrived on scene, the truck headed to the roof while the pump grabbed a hydrant for the engine.

One additional task force was requested (Light Force 92 and Engine 59.)

Engine 62 assisted with forcible entry and was backup fire attack. Engine 67 checked the C side of the structure. Rescue 63 stood by as medical.

Battalion 4 was known as Abbot Incident Command. The additional task force was canceled while in route.

Knockdown was called in 20 minutes.

No injuries, arson investigators are investigating the cause."

High Winds This Weekend

Someone Pooped On Police Vehicle



Venice beach, CA library park major homeless encampment clean up AKA sweep. 1/12/22 Filmed by Cop Watch Venice

"First I run into a couple guys illegally off-roading on the beach that got stuck, they got lucky the police weren't around, but the police were not so lucky, cause someone pooped all over their ATV they left out of the illegal bribery parking spot at the hotel I recently filed a complaint about. Then sanitation and 10 cops making overtime to stand around, show up for the Hampton Ave homeless encampment clean up aka sweep outside of Google's headquarters. They all just stand around watching people move for hours like normal.

In case you were wondering, nothing was cleaned, unless you count throwing away someone's tent and sleeping bag, and people were just moved for a few hours while the city wastes more homelessness funding, and allowed to move right back. Note the private security, there's multiple armed private security forces paid for by the city and neighbors like googly illegally, to strictly harass homeless people because the police and city legally can't. Probably why people poop in their vehicles..."

Cop Watch Venice follows LAPD pacific division on world famous Venice beach, showing a point-of-view style cop watch and update on Venice's current conditions. We make edited shorts, full scenes and are working on a documentary about homelessness and city failures. Donate to Cop Watch Venice via Cop Watch Venice Paypal

Clean Beach Poster Contest



Do you know any Ocean Heroes in the 3rd - 5th grade? Encourage them to enter the #CanTheTrash Clean Beach Poster Contest for a chance to have their art displayed on beach trash barrels this summer. Deadline for the 2022 contest cycle is 1/31/22.

For full details, Click Here

Surf Forecast



Today (January 19th): 3’+ at average winter breaks, focal points run 4-5′ early.
Variable to light offshore flow for the morning ahead of a light/light+ WNW sea-breeze in the afternoon. WNW swell holds the most size early before dropping off. Look for waist-stomach high waves at most average winter spots, while good spots pull in larger sets. Size comes down a notch across the board in the afternoon.

Thursday, January 20th: 1-2’+ at average breaks, focal points run 3′.
Variable to light+ offshore flow for the morning ahead of a light to moderate WNW sea-breeze in the afternoon. Smallest day of the week as old WNW swell bottoms out. Look for knee-thigh high waves at most average spots with lully sets to waist high. Focal points still pull in the odd waist-stomach high sets.

Originally published on Surfline

Venice Homeless Encampment Clean-up



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works sanitation workers in white hazardous materials suits clean-up a homeless encampment at the 700 block of Flower in Venice on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) was on site providing homeless outreach. Los Angeles Police Officers were on site to provide security."

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

Police Move Homeless Camp From Santa Monica To Venice




From @FightBackVenice:⁠⁠

"Watched SMPD load a truck with unattended encampment items. When the owner appeared, screamed at them, they unloaded it all so he could move it 10' to Venice."⁠⁠


L.A. Surf Forecast



Monday, January 17th: 3-4’+ at average winter breaks, focal points run 4-6′ early.
Weak offshore flow for the morning. Looking clean across the region in the afternoon. WNW swell holds the most size early then drops off. That sets up another morning of waist-chest high waves at most average winter spots, while good spots pull in larger sets.

Tuesday, January 18th: 3-4′ at average winter breaks, focal points run 4-5′.
Variable to light offshore flow for the morning ahead of a weak sea-breeze in the afternoon. WNW swell levels off with waist-stomach high waves at most average winter spots, while good spots pull in larger sets to chest high.

Originally published on Surfline

Jacks Surfboards MLK Sale - 20% Sitewide




Check out Jacks Surfboards SALE going on this weekend only!⁠⁠
20% off Storewide & Sitewide Friday 1/14 - Monday 1/17.⁠⁠
Use the code "MLK2022" to receive a discount.⁠


(This sale excluded Surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, booties, bikes, rainbow, gopro, yeti, theragun, gift cards, already discounted items.)


Saturday Night Tsunami Update

Tsunami Coastal Observations

How A Tsunami Works



This was not your run of the mill way a #tsunami is generated. Most often its from plates shifting abruptly on the sea floor. This tsunami was essentially caused by a massive underwater explosion of molten rock and lava that displaced the water above it.

Tsunami Advisory Issued For The West Coast



A Tsunami Advisory is in effect for all coasts including the islands. Arrival time will be between 7:30 and 8:00 AM this morning.

A tsunami capable of producing strong currents hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures is expected.

Malibu Arts Commission Presents: Deliver Me





The City of Malibu Arts Commission’s winter public art exhibition in the Malibu City Hall Gallery, “Deliver Me,” featuring original works by world renowned fine artist Tom Fritz, is open to the public December 13 through January 20. The exhibition can be viewed Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. City Hall is located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., Malibu, CA 90265. No appointment is needed. Facemasks are required inside for COVID-19 safety.

More info at malibuartscommission.org

Topanga - Thursday 1-13-2022

Here's surfing photos from Thursday, January 13th at Topanga.

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

These are just a few of the 175+ 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 about 150 more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in these 2 photo galleries:

Topanga - Thursday 1-13-2022 Gallery #1
Topanga - Thursday 1-13-2022 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.