How Tony Alva Created Modern Skateboarding

Tony Alva, Los Angeles, CA, skateboarder, surfer, entrepreneur, musician, artist and pioneer of vertical skateboarding and one of the original members of the Dogtown and Z-Boyz.

Transworld Skateboarding Magazine ranked him eighth in its list of the "30 Most Influential skateboarders" of all time.

Tony Alva was born September 2, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, to Dutch and Mexican-American parents. He first began surfing and skateboarding around 1967 at the age of 10. Influenced by the new, aggressive Hawaiian and Australian surfing style, Alva brought a radically new and powerful free form surf style to skateboarding.

Alva's style was revolutionary and stood in stark contrast with the traditional 60's style of the era. His skill, style and charisma has set him apart for decades, to this day.

Person Stabbed in Brawl near Santa Monica Pier - Several Arrested

At 2:21 PM today, Santa Monica Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting multiple males fighting north of the Pier near Tower 14. It was confirmed that one individual was stabbed during the altercation. The SMPD drone was the first to arrive and confirmed an active fight. Additional officers quickly intervened.

Officers located two victims: one with a non-life-threatening stab wound and another with a possible broken ankle. Both were transported to local hospitals for treatment.



Five males were arrested: three for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, one for Battery, and one for Sexual Battery. The incident is still under investigation.

See something, say something! Your vigilance can help keep our community safe. If you witness suspicious activity, don't hesitate to report it by calling 9-1-1 or 310-458-8491 for the non-emergency dispatcher.

More Lane Closures planned for PCH

Expect one lane to be blocked on northbound or southbound July 1 & Tuesday, July 2 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. by a moving closure between Sunset Blvd & Topanga Canyon Blvd for drainage upgrades Monday, July 1 & Tuesday, July 2 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

SMPD Plans Bike and Pedestrian Safety Operation next Week

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation with focused enforcement efforts on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Police Department identifies locations where pedestrian and bike collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

These extra enforcement efforts will take place the week of July 1, 2024.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

Pedestrians

· Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

· Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

· Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

· Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

· Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

· Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

· If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

Santa Monica 4th of July Parade

The Santa Monica 4th of July Parade RETURNS Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:30am. The 2024 Santa Monica Parade celebrates the Arts!

The 2024 parade returns to its classic route! The parade kicks off promptly at 9:30am at Pico and Main Street, traveling South on Main Street before turning right onto Marine, ending at Barnard Way. Join us to watch anywhere along the Main Street route as we make our way to Beach Lot 5 South. The official grandstand announcement location will be in front of the Ocean Park Library.



For more info, Click Here.

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

Marina Del Rey 4th of July Fireworks Show

The fireworks show on Thursday, July 4, 2024 starts at 9 p.m. and lasts 20 minutes. This is a popular event, with visitors traveling to the area from throughout the Southland. Plan to arrive as early as 1 p.m. and stay in the Marina to avoid traffic.

TIP: for a truly immersive experience, head to either Burton Chace Park or Fisherman's Village where the fireworks will be synchronized with music

For more info and to register, Click Here.

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

LIVE - Queen Of The Point at First Point Malibu

Experience the Queen Of The Point 2024, an all-ladies longboard surfing competition at First Point Malibu in Malibu, CA, on June 29-30, 2024. This event features 130 competitors across 10 divisions, with over 60 finalists, showcasing the best in female longboarding. Watch live as surfers take on the waves in a celebration of skill, community, and competition.

Santa Monaca 1980s

Archive footage of Santa Monica shot by an American filmmaker while traveling to California in the 1984.

This archive footage contains historical stock footage of View of Santa Monica Pier, Traffic signal view in street with cars, View of Pacific Sands Motel, Flamingo west Motel, Ocean ave side street, Group of people view walking through footpath, Shopping malls, Flying view of United States Flag, Holiday inn and more

Homeless woman attacks Families with Children at Will Rogers Beach

News coming from Circling The News about another homeless person attacking people on the beach.

A homeless lady attacked a family at Temescal Park, then ran across PCH and punched a mom knocking her onto her child.

Palisades Patrol was flagged dwon and they detained her, preventing her from attacking the children.

According the report from Circling The News, it took 2 hours for LAPD to arrive.

One of the 3 victims had to be taken to the hospital, the other 2 were treated by LAFD on the scene.

The lady was arrested and told the police she was high.

See Circling The News for more details.

A Tale of a Seaside Town

Septic Tank over-flowing at Topanga Beach

People visiting Topanga on Friday morning report that the bathroom septic tank has "Exploded", and it is flowing into the ocean.

Huge List of LA Beaches get Ocean Water Use Warnings

June 27, 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, 100 feet west of the pier

Swim area west of Green Pleasure Pier.

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

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. This map is updated as conditions change.

Horny Toad - Venice 'Last Thursday' Summer Concert Series

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Beach launched its "Last Thursday" summer concert series on Thursday, June 27, 2024, with a performance by Southern California legends Horny Toad. The event, held at the Dudley Avenue pergolas on the north end of the Venice boardwalk, began at 6:30 p.m. and featured the band's eclectic mix of punk, ska, funk, metal, and fusion music against the backdrop of a stunning sunset."

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.

Throwback - Colton & Allen Sarlo at the 2018 Malibu SurfAid Cup

Annual Pacific Palisades July 4th Celebration

The best day of the year in Pacific Palisades is almost here! Celebrate the 4th of July with this year’s theme - “Happy Days in the Palisades!”

Show off your patriotic spirit by decorating your home and entering the Patriotic Home Decorating Contest.



The festivities kick off with the Will Rogers 5/10K Run and the Kids Fun Run.

Enjoy our annual parade featuring skydivers, floats, marching bands, patriotic pups, kids on decorated bikes, and much more!

Later, join us at Pali High for an evening of family fun! Starting at 6:00 PM, Lee Dyson of Hey Mister DJ will get the party started. Savor delicious eats from food trucks and marvel at the fireworks by the world-famous Pyro Spectaculars at 9 PM.

Get your tickets now for the best viewing spots at Palisades High School! Tickets are $10 and only sold before the event. You can also purchase a ticket with parking for $25 (one car, limited availability). Don’t miss out on Parade Grandstand Tickets as well.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Ghost Skate Jam on SM Pier this Weekend

ATTN: Skaters! Don't miss the Ghost Jam Skate Experience at Pier 360 on June 29-30 from 10am-5pm! Enjoy open skate sessions, guided lessons, trick contests, and more.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Venice Neptune Parade & Summer Solstice Festival

This Venice tradition to herald the beginning of summer dates back to the 1910s, with the arrival of King Neptune in an outrigger canoe and the coronation of Queen Venetia, with a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk

Sleeping Man gets Body Slammed at Ocean Park

A man who was sleeping on grass gets picked up and slammed to the ground by an angry man. The sleeping man had at least one empty alcohol bottle next to him and that may be the reason the angry guy assaulted him. They appear to know each other as well. Prior to this, he was seen talking to the police on the beach about missing money.

Police start giving Tickets for Dogs on Beach in Venice

Today is one of the rare random days LAPD and Animal Control are patrolling Venice Beach issuing tickets to people who have their dogs on the sand.

One officer is overheard saying they have gotten numerous complaints about people not picking up after their dogs, dogs being off leash, running at people and attacking them and stuff like that.

Skate History- Santa Monica Courthouse w/ Chris Roberts and Zach Doelling

This week we head over to the West LA Courthouse AKA the Santa Monica Courthouse with Chris Roberts and Zach Doelling to talk about some of the skate history that has gone down, as well as do some skating ourselves, well mostly Zach. We go over the out ledge, the stairs, the ledges, and of course the stage!

Homeless Man who Attacked Women at SM Beach has a History of Violence Against Women

Another update to the Homeless Man violently atacking women on the beach:

His name is Jawann Dwayne Garnett, and he has a history of arrests. A history of attacking women. A history of sexually assaulting women. He is a registered sex offender that was recently released from jail for partially serving time for assault with intent to rape and false imprisonment.

He was sentenced on May 9, 2024,90 days in jail but served only 28 days.





Forcible oral copulation is a serious sex crime defined under California Penal Code section 287(a). Forcible oral copulation occurs when a defendant engages in oral copulation with another person through the use of force, fear, duress, or threats. This crime encompasses non-consensual oral sexual acts accomplished through coercion, violence, or intimidation.





More updates will be shared as they become avilable.

Meanwhile, the similar event in Venice where women were attack, raped, and murdered, the LAPD and Venice politicians have not release the mugshot or additional information about the suspect that was arrested.

Lizzie Armanto

Unapologetically herself. This is Lizzie Armanto.

From the Cove in Santa Monica to the pages of Vogue, Lizzie continues to be one of the most influential and inspirational female skaters in the world. Mixing style and elegance - there's no one out here doing it like she is.

We're really witnesses of the greatness that is Lizzie.

Venice SkatePark Morning Sessions

Venice beach skatepark in the mornings is the best time to skate. All the morning locals are super nice and friendly.

Venice Bank of America ATMs Destroyed

This is what the ATMs at the Bank of America in Venice Beach looked like on Monday morning.

Malibu Queen of the Point Schedule

The schedule for this year's Queen of the Point has been published:

Opening Party! at Traveler Surf Cub in Malibu Village on Friday, June 28, 5p

Competition begins! at First Point Malibu on Saturday, June 29, 630a

Skate Sesh! with Concrete Queenz in the Bu lot on Saturday, June 29, 11a

Competition resumes! at First Point Malibu on Saturday, June 30, 7a

Surf Sesh! with El Barrio Athletic Club at First Point on Sunday, June 30, 12p

Art & Discussion on Sunday, June 30, 2p

Closing Ceremony! at Dreamland on Sunday, June 30, 6p

For more info Click Here.

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

Last Thursday Venice Summer Concert Series

Announcing the Last Thursday free summer concert series on Ocean Front Walk is this week!

The first event is June 27th and will feature the legendary Horny Toad at Dudley Avenue and Ocean Front Walk until sunset

For more info, Click Here.

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

SMPD Statement on the Homeless Man Violent Attacks on Women

Santa Monica Police Department has released an official statement on the Homeless Man violently atacking women on the beach:



"The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating multiple assaults by an individual in the 1300 block of the beach. The suspect is in custody and facing several felony charges. Three victims, all unrelated, were provided medical attention at the scene, including an elderly female and a bystander who was injured after attempting to intervene. A 17-year-old was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but not life-threatening, injuries. Additional information will be provided once the case has been presented to the District Attorney. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427"

Meanwhile, the similar event in Venice where women were attack, raped, and murdered, the LAPD and Venice politicians have not release the mugshot or additional information about the suspect that was arrested.

SMPD Plans Bike and Pedestrian Safety Operation

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation with focused enforcement efforts on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Police Department identifies locations where pedestrian and bike collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

These extra enforcement efforts will take place the week of June 24, 2024.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

Pedestrians

· Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

· Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

· Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

· Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

· Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

· Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

· If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

Homeless Man Fights Homeless Woman at Venice Beach

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Los Angeles Police Officers (LAPD) responded to a call at Venice Beach on Sunday, June 23, 2024, involving a physical altercation between a homeless man and woman. Upon arrival, officers detained both individuals to investigate the incident.

After conducting their investigation, the officers arrested both individuals and transported them to jail. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety and conflict resolution among the homeless population in the Venice Beach area."

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.

Homeless Man Violently Attacks Women on Santa Monica Beach

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police officers and Los Angeles County lifeguards responded to a call of a man attacking multiple people at Santa Monica Beach on Monday, June 24, 2024. The suspect, identified as a black man appearing to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was located on the shoreline and promptly arrested.

According to one of the victims, the incident began near Lifeguard Tower 13. "I was sitting on the beach and heard screaming coming from Lifeguard Tower 13," the victim recounted. "I approached the situation and saw a man attacking a young woman, trying to rob her. I pushed him off, but he punched me in the face and attacked her again. I tackled him, and he turned his attention towards me, attempting to strangle me and biting my ear."



The ordeal escalated when the attacker moved towards another woman, dragging her into the water and attempting to drown her. A lifeguard intervened, and the police arrived shortly after, arresting the suspect. Firefighter paramedics attended to the victims, while forensic specialists and detectives began their investigation. Potential charges may include kidnapping and assault. Updates will be provided by the Santa Monica Police Public Information Officer as the situation develops."

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.

Teen Stabbed to Death at LAPD Pacific Division Fundraiser

Story via City News Service / Photo by OnSceneTV

A 16-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by another teen during a summer carnival in the Palms community of Los Angeles being held as a Los Angeles Police Department fundraiser, and authorities were still searching for the culprit Sunday.

The stabbing was reported around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 near the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Keystone Avenue, the LAPD reported. The boy had been in a fight with “multiple” juveniles prior to being stabbed by the suspect, who was described a male between 15 and 20 years of age, according to the LAPD’s Media Relations Division.

The suspect fled the scene on foot.

The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene, and police believe the attack was gang-related, an LAPD spokesperson told City News Service on Sunday.

The stabbing occurred on the second day of a three-day event advertised as the Palms Community Weekend and Summer Carnival, co-hosted by the Pacific Area Boosters Association, the Motor Avenue Association and City Council District 5, which is represented by Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky.

There was a large police presence at the event, but LAPD Officer Christian Faulkner told the media “there are windows of opportunity, unfortunately, that suspects can find and we can only cover so much of an area.”