Multiple Arrests and RV Towing on Venice Boulevard

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A significant joint operation was undertaken by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. on Venice Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles, targeting a homeless encampment. Three recreational vehicles (RVs) and one motorcycle were towed from the area. Prior to the towing, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. drained the sewage tanks of the RVs, with an Environmental Officer from the City of Los Angeles overseeing the operation. The operation resulted in multiple arrests, following an investigation that suggested potential non-compliance with regulations and outstanding legal matters. This cleanup initiative forms part of the broader city strategy to address homelessness and promote public health and sanitation. Subsequent to the cleanup, a section of Venice Boulevard was closed for an upcoming construction project. Barricades were installed, and a notice from the Public Works - Bureau of Engineering was displayed, detailing the construction work involving the demolition of curb ramps, sidewalks, and curbs, as well as the installation of new light poles and underground work. The closure is anticipated to deter the return of RVs to this area, a subject of ongoing concern owing to the consistent presence and dwelling of RVs, a situation that has elicited numerous complaints from neighboring residents. The removal of the RVs garnered a positive reaction, evidenced by cheers and applause from the local community."

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

Hazardous Surf coming this Week

Hazardous seas and surf are expected periodically through the coming week, with Gales of 35 to 40 knots at times over the waters, large seas and high surf.

Free Hot Cups of Spite (coffee) & Dry Scones in Venice from Curb Your Enthusiasm

This weekend, Friday, February 2 - Sunday, February 4, as the world eagerly awaits the premiere of the 12th and final season of the acclaimed HBO® Original Series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM , Max is inviting fans out to “Latte Larry’s,” Larry David’s short-lived coffee shop in Season 10.

In partnership with Menotti’s Coffee Stop, at their Culver City and Venice Beach locations, enjoy free Hot Cups of Spite (coffee) and Dry Scones (one per person, while supplies last, vegan options available), along with limited edition Menotti’s x CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM collaborative shirts and mugs, plus a special blend signature roast of “Latte Larry’s Beans.”

DATE & TIME
February 2, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 3, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 4, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM


LOCATIONS
CULVER CITY
12430 Washington Avenue,
Los Angeles, 90066
VENICE
56 Windward Ave,
Venice, 90291


FAQ

What times will you be open & offering free coffee and scones?
Latte Larry’s will be open Friday February 2, Saturday February 3, & Sunday February 4 from 7am - 4pm PT each day. Please note scones and coffee will be available while supplies last.

Do I need to purchase anything in order to receive the free coffee & scone?
Nope! All you need to do is come by the Latte Larry’s to receive your coffee & scone.

Can I grab a coffee & scone for a friend while I’m there? Only one hot cup of spite and one scone is available per customer, while supplies last. Only those who visit the store are eligible for the giveaways.


Is there a vegan option available for the scone?
Yes there is a vegan option available. Just let the barista know your preference when you get to the front of the line.



For more info, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Venice Healer Daisy answers more Questions

Venice Healer Daisy is interviewed again by Venice Gallerie

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Ocean Park Murder Update

The homeless woman was taken into custody for fatally shooting a man in Ocean Park has a history of crime, including armed robbery and attempted homicide.

Santa Monica Police released a Homicide Arrest Update: On January 25th at approximately 10:25 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of Shots Fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Officers located the victim of the shooting seated in his parked vehicle. The victim, identified as William Edwards III, a 46-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was transported to a local hospital in grave condition and died at the hospital. The motive for the crime is still being investigated.

SMPD located suspect Kayla Delise Mackie the following morning in West Los Angeles where she was taken into custody. Further investigation revealed she was responsible for additional crimes in Los Angeles, including an armed robbery and an attempted homicide. On January 30, 2024, the District Attorney filed a murder charge (187(a) PC) for the Santa Monica homicide as well as additional charges related to the Los Angeles incidents.



Santa Monica Chief Ramon Batista commended the extraordinary work by all members of the police department who assisted in getting this individual in custody and charged. Chief Batista stated:

“With unwavering dedication, the SMPD team applied tireless effort and professionalism to every aspect of the criminal investigation. Their relentless pursuit of the facts, coupled with meticulous hard work, reflects a commitment to justice. Our officers take pride in knowing their diligence contributes to upholding the principles of law and order. In Santa Monica, public safety is foremost, and crime will not be tolerated in our community.”

Additionally, Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock issued the following statement to the community:

“Last week’s senseless killing on 29th Street has left all of us shocked. My heart goes out to William’s family and friends, and my thoughts are with all who were affected by this tragic event.

While nothing can take away the pain this incident has brought to our community, I am proud of the outstanding police work our officers showed to quickly apprehend the suspect and ensure she is brought to justice. I stand behind the strong message from Santa Monica Police: There is no place for any type of violence, particularly gun violence, in our city.”

Thank you again to the public for assistance in this investigation. We encourage anyone with information related to this individual or incident to contact Detective Tavera at Ismael.Tavera@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Gradle at Ryan.Gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

The Reason You May Not be Ready for Malibu - with Devon Howard

An east coast beach break longboarder comes to Malibu and gets tips from Devon Howard.

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.

We have also partnered with Project Pop Drop to collect items for the homeless that we will be delivering to a homeless shelter on the last Saturday of the month (each month is a different shelter and details will be available at the cleanup for those who want to attend that event as well). We are collecting non- perishable foods and new toiletries, new socks, new underwear, new clothing etc.

Saturday, February 10 · 11am - 1pm
Santa Monica Beach Tower 26

For more info and to register, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Beach Dune Restoration Event at Santa Monica

Volunteer with The Bay Foundation at the Santa Monica Beach Dune Restoration project. Participants will learn about dune ecology and contribute to restoration by removing trash, microsplastics, and invasive plants.This event will help increase biodiversity and coastal resilience.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
530 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica 90402
Nearest parking lot is Beach Parking Lot 9 North. Cost $10.00.

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

MLSP Point Dume Restoration Event

The Malibu Living Shoreline Project (MLSP) aims to restore approximately three acres of sandy beach and dune habitat at Zuma Beach and Point Dume Beach. This project will provide multiple ecosystem benefits such as increased shoreline protection and habitat for native flowering plants and shorebirds. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Bay Foundation to remove invasive plants and keep our project beautiful at the Point Dume Beach location.

Saturday, February 3, 2024
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Malibu's Talia Swindal Wins SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach

The SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach wrapped up in epic, summer-like conditions on Sunday. Taking the win in the North America Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 women’s event was Malibu’s Talia Swindal.



For Talia, the win was an emotional one as she dedicated it to Malibu surfer Lyon Herron, who recently succumb to a long fight with cancer. “I want to dedicate this win to Lyon Herron, Lyon forever,” Talia said, "He was an amazing surfer and Malibu guy. He passed away last month. I’ve always looked up to Lyon. He’s such an inspiration and yeah this is for him.”


Photo by Jonathon Reis

Talia, who earned the win over hyper-talented Bella Kenworthy, also sharde "I know she can throw a 9 or a 10 whenever she has to so I’m never comfortable out there with her having priority and needing a score. This means so much and just thank you to everyone supporting me; my family, my friends. This is incredible.”

Swindal now moves into a tie for first on the North America Qualifying Series with San Clemente's Kirra Pinkerton.


Photo by Jonathon Reis

Huge Venice Beach Party with Harry Mack and Marc Rebillet

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

"I showed up to Venice Beach today finding a huge crowd in front of the Sidewalk Café. I had no idea what was going on. I later found out that the musician and DJ Mark Rebillet, and the famous freestyle rapper, which is iconic on YouTube, Harry Mack. It felt like you're at a concert. I haven’t seen such a big crowd in a long time."

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 Healer Daisy answers some Question

Venice Healer Daisy is interviewed by Venice Gallerie

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Santa Monica's Singing Beach Chairs

Created by artist Douglas Hollis, these two 14-foot chairs with large stainless-steel tubes produce melodic sounds when the wind blows.

Malibu approves $2 Million for Dedicated 3 Officer PCH Task Force

The City of Malibu is pleased to announce the approval of a long-term contract with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish a dedicated three-officer traffic enforcement taskforce to patrol Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within City Limits.

On January 22, 2024, the Malibu City Council approved the contract for the term of two years, with a financial commitment not to exceed $2 million dollars. Active, visible traffic enforcement is one of the most immediate ways to make PCH safer, and will send a message that speeding and reckless driving will not be tolerated in Malibu.

Despite PCH being under Caltrans jurisdiction, the City remains committed to doing everything possible within its jurisdictional ability to make PCH safer. The City Council declared a local state of emergency on November 13, 2023, in response to the increasingly dangerous conditions on PCH, culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students struck by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH in October, 2023.

Free Photography Workshop by City of Malibu

Learn how to take amazing pictures using your camera or phone at the complimentary Photography Workshop on Wednesday, January 31 at 3:30 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park.

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

No Reaction Live at Beyond Baroque in Venice

No Reaction playing live at Beyond Baroque in Venice

Homeless Woman Arrested in Fatal Shooting in Ocean Park

On January 25th at approximately 10:25 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of Shots Fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Officers located the victim of the shooting seated in his parked vehicle. The victim, identified as Edward Williams III, a 46-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was transported to a local hospital in grave condition and died at the hospital.

Witnesses who saw the suspect leave the scene provided officers with her general direction of travel. SMPD Detectives worked tirelessly throughout the day to identify and locate the suspect who was taken into custody this morning in West Los Angeles. The motive for the crime is still being investigated.

In Custody: Kayla Denise Mackey, 27 years old, currently experiencing homelessness.

THERAsurf Sign Ups are Open

Mark your calendars! THERAsurf's Leo Carrillo event has landed on April 6th! Sign-ups are now open for both athletes and volunteers. Head over to thier website and go to the sign up page to register. Let’s make an epic beach day happen folks!
For more info and to register, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Rip City to be inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame

Skateboarding Hall of Fame will be signing mhis book, 1000 Skateboards at Rip City Skates in Santa Monica - Sunday June 25 from 1-4PM. Come through and buy a copy, get your existing copy signed, and meet the author at one of the most legendary skateshops on the planet.

Congratulations to Rip City Skates on being inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame.

Jim, Bill, Chris, Earl and all the others have been a staple in the skate community since 1978 providing a place for the Skaters of the World to get quality Skateboards with good service and fair prices for decades. It is especially hard to do in the “high rent district” of Santa Monica, CA. Ask anyone that has ever owned a Skate Shop how hard that is to accomplish for over 4 decades. If you have never been to visit their shop make it a must see. You’ll enjoy their mini museum of history that covers the walls and ceiling.

Person killed on Ocean Park

Today, at 10:25 AM, we received a call of shots fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street. Officers located one victim who has been transported to a local hospital. His condition remains unknown. The suspect or suspects are outstanding. Detectives are on scene and investigating. All… pic.twitter.com/ODV0kNG469

— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) January 25, 2024

Today, at 10:25 AM, Santa Monica Police received a call of shots fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street. Officers located one victim who has been transported to a local hospital.

Unfortunately, around 2:00 PM, the victim involved in the recent incident on 29th and Ocean Park succumbed to his injuries at a local area hospital. The investigation into this matter is ongoing. The suspect or suspects are outstanding.

Throwback - 3ird Street Promenade Santa Monica 1965

Hazardous this Week

Elevated to high surf will affect many west-NW facing beaches through Friday afternoon. Be aware that strong rip currents will be common, and stay off rocks and jetties near the water's edge.

LAPD battles Daisy Venice Healer over her Tiny Home on the Boardwalk

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a recent development along the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, local figure Venice Healer Daisy, encountered a regulatory challenge. On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, a team of 10 Los Angeles Police Officers, two Park Rangers, and the Chief of the Los Angeles Park Rangers approached Daisy with an important message regarding her three tiny homes. These homes, created as a compassionate response to homelessness, faced scrutiny under city ordinances related to street performers and vendors."

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

Winter Swell hits LA's Angriest Surf Spot - TopAngry!

VChFJIDuG9w

The first winter swell of the year hits Topanga and over 150 surfers are there to battle for waves, along with the cast of "Surf II"..

Diversity in Surfing Report

Courtesy of SIMA

The Surf Industry Members Association has released their Diversity in Surfing Report, shedding light on the transformative changes occurring in the world of surfing.

The sport, culture, and lifestyle of surfing are now more diverse than ever, and recent data from ActionWatch and the SFIA Participation Study underscores the positive impact of concerted diversity efforts.

Key Takeaways:


- Changing Demographics: African American/Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Island surfers now constitute nearly 40% of the total surfing population in the United States.
- Female Participation: Females make up 40% of the total surfing population, highlighting a more inclusive and balanced representation in the sport.
- Surge in Diversity: Non-Caucasian surfing ethnicities are experiencing higher participation growth than Caucasian surfers, with African American/Black surfers leading in growth over the past 3-5 years.
- Promising Trends: Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Island surfers are making impressive strides, with Hispanic surfers showing notable growth and an equal or greater percentage of “Core Surfers” compared to Caucasians.
- Caucasian Surfer Decline: The percentage of Caucasian/White surfers has decreased from 65% in 2022 to 61%, indicating a decline in favor of a more diverse participant base.
- Hispanic Representation Increase: Hispanic representation among surfers has risen from 17.2% in 2022 to nearly 20%, reflecting a growing acceptance and engagement within the surfing community.
- Rise of African American/Black Surfers: African American/Black surfers have seen a rapid increase from 8.7% to 11% of the surfing population, highlighting the effectiveness of efforts to engage and support this demographic.
- Asian/Pacific Islander Engagement: Asian/Pacific Island surfers have experienced a substantial increase, rising from 7.6% to 8%, signifying greater visibility and inclusivity initiatives.

This data underscores the positive impact of diversity initiatives, making surfing more representative of the broader population. The surfing community is flourishing as a result, with increased participation and a richer blend of cultures and perspectives.

Cyclist Hit on Head with Hammer by Venice Beach Homeless Man

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

"Homeless person got arrested in Venice Beach. You got to see it to believe it."

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

Vintage Surf Swap coming next Month

The The Vintage Surfboard Collector Club is curating its next vintage surf swap on Feb. 24, 10am-3pm, hosted by Boardriders Malibu.

New club members (sellers) are always welcomed to set up shop and sell vintage sleds for $40 for all of ‘24 vintage surf events. Boardriders Malibu
18820 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, Ca 80265
310 - 359 - 8274


Check out photos from a previous swap event: Topanga Vintage Surf Swap

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory

Due to recent rainfall, LA Public Health has declared an {Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory} recommending to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours.

Clean Beach Poster Contest

Enter our CAN THE TRASH! Clean Beach Poster Contest for a chance to have your message shared with millions of beachgoers!

To enter the poster contest, draw a picture with a message about how we can keep our oceans and beaches pollution-free and healthy. Be creative!



Contest winners will have their artwork displayed around trash barrels on the beach. Simply submit your artwork online, in person, or by mail. The contest is open to students in grades 3 – 5 who reside in the County of Los Angeles. Online submissions must be entered by an adult.



2024 Summer Contest: We are now submitting submissions for summer 2024.

For more info and to enter, Click Here

Venice Beach Surf Video - Friday 1-19-2024

Filmed by Ronnie Robbins

German In Venice checks out the Venice Homeless situation with Daisy

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

"Today was another Venice beach, homeless encampment, clean up where the city and the Los Angeles police department or rangers tell the homeless people in Venice to leave the area so they can actually clean the place. I witness how a homeless person got taken away by a group of mental health workers

Every Friday the city make sure nobody occupies the Venice beach restrooms people try to stay in there.

I also met Venice Healer Daisy , she’s a local who tries to provide help to the homeless by building tiny homes.

A new law came in affect that the large RVs cannot be parked in Venice streets at night anymore."

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

WARNING - Vehicles getting Broken into at Sunset Point & Topanga

Reports are coming in of a group of theives breaking into vehicles at spots along Pacific Coast Highway.

NEWEST UPDATES added at the bottom.



According to witnesses, the group consist of up to 3 males. They also broken into at least one known vehicle at Sunset Point on Saturday, Mason Brown's Surf Report gave an update about that with some photos:

"Surveillance video of the robbers who broke into Guy's car yesterday!



They eventually pulled into the lot right next to Guy's car and broke in (possibly using a fob scanner). Guy saw them just as they were finishing and they peeled out."



Their worst crime... those shorts!!!



Keep an eye out for them!

UPDATE: apparently, this video is from today... they came back to steal again. Hopefully they were unsuccessful! But Guy confirms that those are the culprits!"

As soon as we posted Mason's info to our Instagram Stories on Sunday afternoon, we recieved many messages about the same group:









Mo In The Morning posted a heads up about these guys aand recieved numerious comments about them:









TUESDAY, January 23 UPDATES:











THURSDAY, January 25 UPDATES:



We will keep updating with new information if we can any.