62nd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

The Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey is held every year on the second Saturday in December.

Our theme this year is “A Margaritaville Holiday” celebrating the joyful legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The parade begins with a spectacular lightshow display. Boat participants come up with their own ideas and decorate their boats with lots of holiday lights and decorations with our theme as their guide. They also wear costumes, dance, sing, have live bands or play music. Both boaters and spectators enjoy themselves immensely.



We look forward to seeing you at our 62nd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 14, 2024!

For more info, Click Here.

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

Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run

Mark your calendar and get ready to join the jolliest run in Southern California! The 47th annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run returns on December 14, 2024. Experience this historic and festive event in person as you dash down the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, California, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk.



Sleigh one of the 5K, 10K, or Youth Run courses before jinglin’ your way across the finish line where a holiday bash will be waiting for you with delicious treats and festive beverages that would make Santa’s reindeer jealous.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Miracle on Main Street, Santa Monica

Miracle on Main Street 2024 will be Sunday, December 8 with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

December 8, 2024, 3:30 pm to 7:30 PM

For more info, Click Here.

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

Lost Angels Venice Thanksgiving Block Party

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Lost Angels Organization hosted its 12th annual block party on Rose Avenue in Venice, providing vital support and holiday cheer to the homeless community. The event, held between Hampton Drive and Main Street, transformed the area into a haven of generosity and community connection.

Founder Tina Marie Wright expressed her passion for giving back during the event. "Hi guys, my name is Tina Wright. I'm the founder of Los Angeles Nonprofit Organization. This is our 12th year doing our event in Venice Beach. We give back to a less fortunate community, the homeless. We mainly give out hot, warm plates of Thanksgiving and Christmas food, brand-new shoes, and toiletries."

Tina's sister Linda, who plays a key role in organizing the event, elaborated on the program's thoughtful structure. "We have a hot food station where participants get to pick their warm dishes, brand-new fitted shoes, and we also pair them up with a volunteer in a buddy system. The volunteers guide them throughout the event, ensuring they feel cared for, loved, and reminded that the community is here for them."

Attendees enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings, while also receiving clothing, shoes, and essential toiletries. Volunteers embodied the organization's motto, "No one ever gets left behind," as they worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere of kindness and hope."

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.

Happy Thanksgiving From German In Venice

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

"When I came to Venice Beach today, I could not believe my eyes within 20 minutes the whole Venice beach was covered in mist or fog. It looked really scary and eerie. You don’t see this too often, but it gives you an opportunity to take some really cool pictures."

Venice Electric Light Parade

"About half of Venice Electric Light Parade goes through Santa Monica. If you want to join us, we leave from Windward Plaza in Venice at sunset every Sunday. We ride up the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to the SM Pier, then we make our way back along the beach, down Main Street, jog over to Abbot Kinney, Venice Sign, Venice Pier, then a little dance break at the end on Washington Street.

Join in anywhere along the route. I’m usually there on my yellow bike with disco balls and multi-colored LED lights. Lots of fun people and community building focused on bike safety and sober riding.

Come hang out with us!" - Mandy Zelinka

PCH Lanes Closures

Expect northbound Pacific Coast Highway to be reduced to one lane between Topanga Canyon Blvd. & Big Rock Drive from 9 p.m. Tuesday 11/26 to 6 a.m. Wednesday 11/27 to place conduit for utility lines.

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

Santa Monica PD & FD Candy Cane Drive

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

31st Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon Registration Is Open

Registrstion for the 31st Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon is open. The contest will be held on Saturday, December 14th at the Venice Pier.

To register, Click Here

Stay tuned for more updates.

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

Community Assistance Leads To Arrest In Assault On A Woman In Santa Monica

On September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of an assault on a woman in the 1400 block of Alley 5. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 25-year-old woman who was new to the area and experiencing homelessness. She sustained severe injuries, including facial trauma and signs consistent with strangulation.

According to a witness, the unprovoked attack involved the suspect repeatedly kicking and punching the woman as she lay on the ground. The incident was captured on surveillance footage, which also showed the suspect fleeing the scene. Despite extensive investigative efforts, initial attempts to identify the suspect through the video were unsuccessful. In response, detectives released the surveillance footage to the public, seeking assistance in identifying the individual involved.

On November 3, 2024, detectives received a tip that led to the identification of the suspect, Oscar Benn, a 27-year-old resident of Altadena. On November 14, 2024, detectives successfully apprehended Benn near the VA facility in West Los Angeles. He was subsequently booked and charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney for attempted murder under Penal Code 664/187(a) PC. Benn is currently in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Benn has a criminal history, including prior arrests for aggravated assault and burglary.

This arrest highlights the critical role of community partnership in ensuring public safety. The Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance, which was instrumental in bringing this suspect into custody.

For additional information, please contact Det. Sean Baker (Sean.Baker@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8932, Sgt. Chad Goodwin (Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8931, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

Ocean Water Use Warning

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:

November 22, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Big Rock Beach in Malibu

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.·

Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Topanga Canyon Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

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.

Bay Street Boards X Fahrenheit/Celsius Board Swap

Scenes from Saturday's Board Swap at Bay Street Boards hosted by Fahrenheit/Celsius.

Homeless Fire On Beach In Santa Monica

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Santa Monica Police Community Service Officers quickly responded to a fire at the Santa Monica Beach parking lot. Using fire extinguishers, the officers managed to control the flames before Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived to fully extinguish the fire by dousing it with water.

The fire reportedly originated from a cooking setup involving charcoal briquettes, used by a homeless individual preparing breakfast. Several burnt pans were found at the scene, and the fire appeared to have grown out of control.

Police detained an individual for further investigation. No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under review."

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.

German In Venice Documerts The Wekly Venice Homeless Clean Up

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

"This is an update video about the Venice Beach cleanup. Every Friday, LAPD, Parks & Recreation, and Park Rangers are checking on the restrooms in Venice Beach. Often times the restrooms are occupied by homeless staying overnight. No Homeless is allowed to camp on Venice beach"

Earthquake in Malibu

At 2:15PM on Frida, a 3.8-magnitude earthquake hit north of Malibu.

Santa Monica Police Critical Incident Video - October 5th Officer Involved Shooting

"The use of force by law enforcement personnel is a matter of critical concern, both to the public and to the law enforcement community. Every day, officers are involved in rapidly evolving interactions with members of the public and, when warranted, use reasonable force in carrying out their duties. This is especially true with respect to officers safeguarding the community and themselves from attacks and overcoming resistance while engaged in the performance of law enforcement duties. Officers and their supervisors are responsible for understanding their authority and its limitations and appreciating the serious consequences of every use of force.

Current California law requires police departments to release video and audio recordings of a critical incident within 45 days of the occurrence.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) understands that building and maintaining trust between the police department and the community requires openness and transparency in all matters, especially the use of deadly force by a police officer. On October 5, 2024, a Santa Monica police officer was involved in a fatal Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) with an armed subject in front of the police station. To abide by state law and, most importantly, to ensure our community is engaged, the SMPD has created a Critical Incident Community Debriefing Video (CIV) to provide insight into and context for the OIS."

LAPD Crackdown On Dogs On Venice Beach

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Beach saw a coordinated enforcement effort on Wednesday, November 20, 2027, as Los Angeles Animal Control officers, accompanied by LAPD officers, issued citations to individuals violating pet-related ordinances. Violations included unlicensed animals, dogs off-leash, and bringing dogs onto the beach, all prohibited under city and state laws."

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.

Santa Monica Security Guard Arrested For Murder Of Homeless Man

On September 6th, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) officers received a radio call of a person lying on the ground in the 1100 Block of Alley 6. When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased male in his 30s with one stab wound to the upper chest area. Two detectives were designated as the handling investigators and several other from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) responded to assist. As a team, CID gathered evidence, video footage, and witness statements throughout the day.

After an extensive and thorough investigation, detectives determined the suspect to be a security guard (photo above) who worked in a building adjacent to the incident. Detectives presented the case to an LA County Deputy District Attorney who believed there was enough evidence to file the murder charge. An arrest warrant was issued for Gaston who was subsequently taken into custody on November 7th at the Santa Monica police station. During his interrogation, Gaston admitted to the murder as well as a previous assault in July. Gaston remains in the custody of the LA County Sheriff’s Department pending trial.

Anyone with information about this individual or incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kayondo at lawrence.kayondo@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

Santa Monica Bicyclist Killed in Traffic Collision

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Police Department officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision near the 1800 block of Lincoln Blvd. A bicyclist was traveling southbound on Lincoln Blvd when he was struck by a vehicle and subsequently struck again by a second vehicle. Both drivers remained at the scene and are cooperating with the investigation. Neither driver showed signs of impairment.

Tragically, the victim, a 41-year-old male believed to be homeless, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

Santa Monica High School Lockdown

On Tuesday afternoon, SMPD officers responded to a report of suspicious activity on the high school campus. As a precaution, students were sheltering in place. It was determined to be a false alarm. Officers are conducting a thorough search to ensure everyone's safety.

Paddle Out For Baywatch Actor and Real-Life Lifeguard Michael Newman

"Last weekend, we said goodbye to one of our own, Michael “Newmie” Newman—an extraordinary individual in every sense. His legacy and impact will be deeply missed. Rest easy, Newmie." the Los Angeles County Fire Dept, Lifeguard Division posted to their social medai..

Los Angeles-born Michael Newman rose to fame in the '90s as mainstay TV lifeguard Mike "Newmie" Newman on the long-running series Baywatch, and was the only member of the hit cast who actually was a lifeguard. Newman was also a full-time firefighter and maintained his schedule at the firehouse while filming the show. When the series ended its run, he continued firefighting until he retired after 25 years.

On October 20, Mike passed away due to complications from heart issues. He was 68 years old and had lived with Parkinson’s disease for the past 18 years.

Ocean Water Use Warning

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:

November 18, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Big Rock Beach in Malibu

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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

• Herondo Street storm drain in Hermosa Beach. Near Hermosa Tower TK

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

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.

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

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.

Santa Monica Man Murders His Mother

A little after 5:30 on the morning of November 16, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to a call of an aggravated assault at an apartment in the 1100 Block of 12th Street. The reporting party told dispatchers his brother stabbed their mother several times.

Upon arrival, officers located two male adults (brothers) and removed them from the apartment. An elderly female was down inside, suffering from several upper body stab wounds. Our officers rendered emergency medical aid to the victim until the arrival of SMFD paramedics. The victim was transported to a local hospital. She died of her wounds on the way.

The suspect, 43-year-old Vernon Jeremiah Harris, lives at the location with his mother, the victim, and two older brothers. Harris has no known criminal history. He may have physical and developmental disabilities. The brother who called police acts as a caregiver for Harris and their mother. The brother woke up this morning when he heard his mother yelling for help. When he walked into her bedroom, he found Harris standing over her with a knife.

The third brother was at work during the incident but arrived on scene during the investigation. Both of Harris' brothers provided statements for detectives.

A search warrant was executed at the apartment and detectives located the weapon used in the attack. Forensics responded and processed the scene.

Harris will be booked and then transported to Los Angeles County Jail to await his first court appearance.

Santa Monica Man Gets Felony Charges For His Booby Trap Garage

stock photo

On November 17, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to a report of Shots Fired at a residence in the 3300 Block of Exposition. A neighbor told dispatchers she also heard a male voice coming from the garage threatening to kill someone.

Officers on scene located two elderly females unharmed inside the residence. They also located the third member of the household, suspect Arthur Tabuchi, unharmed and inside. While checking the garage, officers located a shotgun shell mounted on top of a work bench. The shell had been rigged with a spring-loaded firing pin and wire attached to the end of the pin and the garage door. Officers determined the wire was set to pull the pin out of the housing and fire the shell toward the door when opened.

The officers located a second shotgun shell located next to a pedestrian gate on the north side of the house with a similar firing pin/trip wire set up. This shell, which had been altered to be a sound diversion device (no projectile) had been recently discharged and is believed to be the source of the original Shots Fired call.

Officers evacuated the house and called the LA County Bomb Squad to clear the residence and garage of additional booby traps. No others were located and the shotgun shell in the garage was dismantled. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the location and found additional illegally obtained ammunition.

Tabuchi was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. Felony charges of assembling, placing and maintaining a booby trap (California Penal Code 20110) will be filed by written complaint with the District Attorney’s office.

Surf Photos - Venice Breakwater - Saturday 11-16-2024

Here's surfing photos from Saturday at the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Saturday, November 16th at the Venice Breakwater.

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

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 gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.










You can find 100+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Saturday 11-16-2024 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 from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

Memorial for the Four Pepperdine Students Killed on PCH

"We are coming together to make a heartfelt wish come true in memory of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, who were taken from us on October 17th, 2023, in a senseless disaster on PCH. By participating in this GoFundMe, born from the loving heart of Asha Weir’s mother, Vinita Wier, you’ll help create a permanent memorial at Point Dume. Asha, Niamh, Peyton, and Deslyn often visited this place to enjoy the beauty and solitude.

Asha saw this place by the Pacific waters as a place to wash her thoughts away. In her last months, she penned a poem called "For A Moment of Peace," which captures the spirit of Point Dume and her love for Malibu. Below, you’ll find a copy of the poem.

Streets Are For Everyone, along with the Emily Shane Foundation and members of the FixPCH team, have worked with the California State Parks District Superintendent to design a memorial program honoring these four girls. It will be the first of its kind—a permanent tribute offering breathtaking panoramic views of the bluffs, beaches, and ocean they all loved. This space will feature two park benches where others can come and enjoy Point Dume. Each bench or table will have a small plaque with a QR code linking to a digital memorial of all four girls, Asha's poem, and reminding people to drive safely, especially along PCH.

Each bench or picnic table will cost $8000 to make and install ($16,000 for all four)l. This includes maintenance or replacement in the event of loss.

Every contribution counts. Together, we can honor Niamh, Peyton, Asha, and Deslyn in a way that celebrates the love, joy, and positive change they brought to this world. Any funds raised beyond the memorial’s cost will be donated to the Emily Shane Foundation and Streets Are For Everyone, under the wishes of their families. Both foundations have been the driving force to make PCH safer.

When this memorial is complete, we invite you to visit Point Dume, to stand at the water’s edge, and find a Moment of Peace. Let’s spread the word, share this GoFundMe, and continue their legacy—making PCH safer and remembering these four extraordinary young women in all the ways they deserve."

Malibu Red Flag Preparedness

To stay safe, it is crucial for Malibu residents to have a Red Flag Plan. Follow the Los Angeles County Fire Department's "Ready, Set, Go" wildfire safety program.

Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

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:

November 15, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Pico-Kenter Storm Drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20.

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

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Big Rock Beach in Malibu

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the 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:

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach.

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.