Heroes Day At Pacific Park

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier invites families and community members to join in for Heroes Day, a fun-filled afternoon celebrating local heroes and promoting safety awareness on Saturday, March 1 from 3-6 p.m.

The free event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including appearances from beloved superhero characters, face painting, and special partnerships aimed at promoting preparedness. Guests will have the chance to snap photos with and meet and greet their favorite superheroes as they walk around Pacific Park’s Kid’s Cove area, and much more.

The public can also join the Santa Monica Police Department for Coffee with a Cop during Pacific Park’s Heroes Day in front of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf from 3-5 p.m. Come chat with local officers, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about how they serve and protect the community.

In addition, guests and locals can find their flow and feel the rhythm at the Santa Monica Pier’s Wellness & Waves Festival, a free, full-day experience of movement, mindfulness, and music, with donations in support of LA Fire Relief, on Saturday, March 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pacific Park will also mark “Red Cross Month” by joining other area landmarks in lighting up the evening in red. The Ferris wheel lighting event will kick off a month-long awareness campaign to honor the vital work of the American Red Cross. The event will coincide with Pacific Park’s inaugural Heroes Day, which will also honor first responders and recognize their crucial role in the community. In partnership with the American Red Cross, they will have a booth in the park where they will distribute free preparedness kits, helping families stay safe in the event of an emergency.

Nearly 80 years ago, March was first proclaimed “Red Cross Month” in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission. All U.S. presidents since Roosevelt have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world through its workforce powered by more than 90 percent volunteers.

For more info, Click Here

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

Topanga Canyon Boulevard To Remain Closed Indefinitely

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) remains closed to the public for safety reasons between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Grand View Drive due to the recent rain. Areas were washed out and now need structural repair and cleanup. This is in addition to repairs for fire-related damage. As Caltrans works to restore the road, it will maintain access for emergency responders and is exploring options for limited access, when safely feasible. There is no estimated time of reopening.

Another safety threat was the recent discovery of a large boulder, measuring 30 feet by 15 feet by 10 feet, which is in an unstable position above the roadway between postmile 2.1 and 1.7. Last week, Caltrans began a rock scaling operation after coordinating with utilities to shut off power due to its proximity to a powerline. The area was closed to all – including Caltrans Maintenance, contract crews and utility workers. On Monday, February 24, crews were able to successfully blast the boulder and resume clearing of SR 27.



Utility companies are continuing major repair work, including rerouting a main water line and underground electrical work, which will impact the shoulder and lane. This will require one-way traffic control for contractors. Prior to the recent rain, Caltrans geotechnical engineers identified more than 20 locations along SR 27 that need debris flow barriers and culvert replacement. Additional work and safety measures, such as scaling and installation of rockfall cable mesh, are needed to restore slope stability and roadway safety.

Although reopening the roadway is dependent on cleanup, repair work and weather, Caltrans stands ready to execute a reopening plan in coordination with the CHP, utilities, and any affected public agencies as soon as it is safe to do so. We recognize the critical role these corridors play in the clean-up and recovery efforts for the residents and the public. The decision to reopen lanes must be a joint decision from all parties with a specific plan in place and with safety as the top consideration. We will keep you informed of potential plans to provide limited, escorted access during designated periods.

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Metro Bus Service Returns To PCH - Malibu to Santa Monica

Metro Bus Line 134 will resume service to Malibu beginning Friday, February 28. Line 134 runs on Pacific Coast Highway between the E Line in downtown Santa Monica and Trancas Canyon in Malibu and has been suspended since the devastating Palisades Fire started on January 7

Line 134 will run its usual route but will not be stopping in the 10-mile work zone most impacted by the Palisades Fire due to the loss of a travel lane on PCH and safety considerations. The no stopping zone is between the intersection of PCH and Temescal Canyon Road and the intersection of PCH and Rambla Vista.

To repeat: riders expecting to use a stop in the 10-mile work zone SHOULD NOT use Line 134. Buses will not be stopping to discharge riders or pick them up in the work zone.

Line 134 will provide service to its usual stops in Santa Monica – including the E Line station – and to all stops on PCH west of Rambla Vista to Trancas Canyon Road. That includes the usual stops at Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way and Malibu Canyon Road.

Riders should expect travel delays through the work zone as speeds are restricted to 25 miles per hour. Metro will review schedules once service is back underway and make any needed adjustments.

On Friday, Line 134 will follow its usual schedule. The first westbound bus will depart Downtown Santa Monica Station at 5:31 a.m. and the first eastbound bus will depart Trancas Canyon at 6:41 a.m.

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Teen With Loaded Gun Arrested In Santa Monica

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration. A rear passenger was found to be in possession of a loaded .38 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number.

The 17-year-old suspect, with no prior criminal record, was placed under arrested.

Sick Sea Lions On Malibu Coast

California Wildlife Center team members are responding to a suspected Domoic Acid Event (DA) in Malibu affecting marine life, notably local California Sea Lions. The team has responded to fourteen calls for sea lions in distress over the last few days. Though they have not confirmed the cause for these animals’ illness, their signs and the recent rains make the situation highly suspicious for domoic acid toxicity. Malibu residents, visitors, and other beachgoers are advised to keep their distance from animals on the beach and call or text the Marine team at (310) 924-7256 for assistance with animals in distress.

What is DA? DA is an algal bloom resulting from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia. There are benign and toxic strains which animals may be exposed to through ingestion of contaminated fish. In its toxic form, DA damages the brain and heart, even in low doses. Signs in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as “stargazing,” and highly lethargic or comatose states. These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning. Call the nearest Marine Mammal rehabilitation facility for help. On the LA county beaches in Malibu, the responding facility is California Wildlife Center; you can reach our rescue team at (310) 924-7256.

Former Palisades Resident Caught Looting While Wearing Palisades Strong Shirt

On 2/21/25 officers from the CHP West Valley Area Office were notified of looting occurring at a residence in Pacific Palisades.



Officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim provided a detailed description of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle. Officers determined the vehicle was registered to an address in Valencia and subsequently requested assistance from CHP Newhall officers to respond to the address. Officers from the CHP Newhall Area Office then responded to the address out of Valencia, where they located and arrested the suspect, who was found in possession of antique items stolen from the residence.



The suspect, Karen Mastey, who was observed looting a burned-down residence that had been severely impacted by the recent fires was arrested for Grand Theft under Penal Code 487(a) and subsequently booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

The suspect, Karen Mastey, was a former resident of Pacific Palisades and her brother currently lives there. According to her Facebook posts, she had been entering the Palisades burn area seveal times with her brother to assist him in retrieving "medications and important papers".

She was also posting to a Palisades Facebook group about her trips into the area, " I’ll be going to the Palisades tomorrow w/ my brother. I will be helping him in the Marquez area but I may be able to check on other properties if anyone else needs help. Just let me know. I will be going in to help as many days during the week as I can."

About her first visit to the area, she wrote "I’m still in shock. My heart is broken for everyone. The small glimmer of hope is that there are some treasures to be found in the ashes."

She also as a Gofundme where she wants to raise $18,000

"Hello everyone - I’m Karen and was born and raised in Pacific Palisades in the '70s, '80s, '90s… when it was a quaint, wonderful town with down-to-earth people of all sorts.

Almost everything that my family and friends have known and loved for so long has been reduced to ashes. The picture is of my brother’s lot. That’s all it is now, not a home but a lot. The entire neighborhood looks like an atomic bomb was detonated.

I’m trying to raise funds for my brother and friends of the Palisades that have owned their homes for over 40 years and are now retired. I want to help the people who have supported their community for decades to build their homes back and not be forced to move out of their beloved town because newer and richer developers want to move in.

My heart is forever with the Palisades but I can’t do this alone. I would appreciate any help you would like to give. 100% of funds will be used for non-disaster related expenses for families who lost literally everything from their homes of over 40 years. Thank you.❤️‍"

She has raised $250 of her $18K goal.

CHP officers have remained actively involved in the recovery efforts for the Pacific Palisades community, offering support and resources to those affected by the fire. Chief Margaris expressed pride in the officers' dedication to the community, stating, "I am incredibly proud of the swift action taken by our officers to protect the public and prevent further harm. Their commitment to serving and assisting those in need during this challenging period reflects the highest standards of the CHP."

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

3 Arrested in Fatal Stabbing Incident Outside Bungalow In Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Police Department has made three arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 1:50 AM, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Wilshire Blvd after a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims suffering stab wounds. Personnel from the Santa Monica Police Department and Fire Department provided immediate medical aid. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel then transported both victims to a local hospital.

One victim, 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez from Santa Maria, sustained critical injuries and, despite life-saving efforts, later succumbed to his wounds. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on Monday, February 17, 2025 and a third on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The suspects, all with extensive criminal histories, were identified as 41-year-old Alfredo Quinteros and 42-year-old Ricardo Quintero, brothers from South Gate; and Rogelio Arenas, 32-years-old of Los Angeles.

Charges & Bail:



· Alfredo Quinteros (DOB: 12-15-1983); 187 PC – Homicide; No Bail



· Ricardo Quintero Jr. (DOB: 08-30-1982); 32 PC – Accessory; No Bail



· Rogelio Arenas (DOB: 08-27-1992) 187 PC – Homicide; Bail Amount Pending

This remains an active investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Ocean Water Use Warning For LA Beaches

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 20, 2025

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 (NON-FIRE RELATED):

· 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.

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

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

· Ashland Ave. storm drain in Santa Monica. Santa Monica South Tower 28

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.

· Dockweiler State Beach. Culver Blvd Storm Drain

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain

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

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

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

· Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica North Tower 12

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

· Strand Street extension at Santa Monica Beach

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

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

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

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Fire Destruction Update - Touring Pacific Palisades As Phase 1 Clean Up Continues

Touring the businesses that where destroyed by the fire in Pacific Palisades as they enter "Phase 2" of the clean up.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Officials State The Sediment On The Beaches Is Not Hazardous

The County of Los Angeles Public Healthhas announced that the dark sediment washing up on the beaches is NOT hazardous:

"Dark, silty sediment has been washing up on local beaches, and experts are testing it for fire-related substances and health risks. If the sediment spreads to other beaches, testing will continue, and new locations will be added.

Early results from Will Rogers and Topanga beaches after the Jan. 26 storm show that the sediment is not hazardous—it does not threaten the environment or human health.

Since the sediment is not dangerous, there are no plans to remove it. In fact, removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers, and marine habitats. It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage. Instead, natural tides and weather will gradually clear it away."

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Santa Monica Pier Locals' Night

Offhand Wine Bar Takes Over Locals' Night – Thursday, Feb. 20

In honor of Black History Month, Offhand Wine Bar and Westside Winos—Black-owned Santa Monica gems—are curating a night of music, bites, art, and community at the historic carousel building on the Santa Monica Pier. A portion of proceeds will support Restaurants Care, providing aid to food and beverage workers affected by the LA wildfires.

Come early, stay late, and enjoy an evening of community, culture, and celebration at the Pier. Free and open to all (21+ to drink)!

For more info, Click Here

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

Venice Love Fest 2025

Get ready to spread love and good vibes at the Venice Love Fest 2025 - a celebration of all things love in the heart of the Westside!.

Celebrate love, community, and creativity at Venice Love Fest on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM on Venice Blvd in Downtown Mar Vista, CA!

This free community festival brings together an incredible lineup of live music, delicious food trucks, over 400 locally made brands and artists, beer gardens, games, and family-friendly activities.

12257 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

For more info, Click Here

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

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory Lifted For All LA Beaches

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is providing the following updates on Los Angeles County Beaches.

RAIN ADVISORY:

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been lifted for all Los Angeles County Beaches. Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory. Beach users continue to be advised to avoid water contact near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. This includes any runoff that has flown onto or ponded on the beach sand.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Pacific Coast Highway To Remain Closed

Pacific Coast Highway will continue to remain FULLY CLOSED in both directions between Chautauqua Blvd. & Carbon Beach Terrace (ONLY open to emergency responders, contractors, utilities). Due to continuing cleanup and heavy equipment, the general public cannot enter. No estimated of opening.

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Santa Monica Murderer Arrested

On January 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30 AM, a shooting occurred in the 200 Block of Broadway in Santa Monica. The suspect, Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, approached the victim and pursued him into the middle of the street, where he shot the victim in the back. Despite lifesaving efforts by responding officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after an extensive and thorough investigation, Mendez was taken into custody by the Santa Monica Police Department. He is charged with homicide under Penal Code 187, with bail set at $3,000,000.

Anyone with information about this incident, please contact Det. Reyes (Isaac.Reyes@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Lozano (Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Marina Del Rey Dragon Boat Festival

The Marina del Rey Dragon Boat Festival returns on Saturday, March 1st (7 am – 4 pm) at Burton Chace Park! This free event will feature 40 local and out-of-state dragon boat teams and clubs competing to be the fastest team on the water.

For more info, Click Here

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

Fatal Stabbing At Bungalow Santa Monica

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 1:50 AM, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing at The Bungalow, located at 101 Wilshire Blvd.

Officers arrived within moments and located two male victims with stab wounds. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel provided medical aid and transported both individuals to a local hospital. One victim sustained critical injuries and, despite life-saving efforts, later succumbed to his injuries. The second victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and remains under medical care.

Preliminary findings indicate the incident occurred outside the hotel in the 100 block of Wilshire Blvd. At this time, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and not a random act of violence. There is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.

Detectives are actively investigating and pursuing all available leads. At this stage, no arrests have been made. Investigators are reviewing video surveillance and gathering witness statements to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

The Santa Monica Police Department is asking anyone with information related to this incident to contact Detective Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Pacific Palisades Fire Air Quality Update

A mobile survey was conducted by South Coast AQMD in the Palisades Fire area near cleanup and re-populated zones on February 10th. Overall air toxic metals and VOCs are within background levels and national standards and state health thresholds.

Results show no elevated levels of:

Air toxic metals including lead and arsenic
VOCs including benzene (Figure 7)

On January 31, 2025, South Coast AQMD began air monitoring efforts in the burn scars and surrounding communities of the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire. Debris removal could cause hazardous dust and ash to become airborne. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and, in close coordination with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), will assess air quality during debris removal or other activities. South Coast AQMD’s monitoring efforts will occur in two key stages.

Stage One: Mobile Monitoring of Air Toxics: Four mobile monitoring surveys will be conducted. Two in the Eaton Fire area and two in the Palisades Fire area. Mobile monitors provide instantaneous measurements for air toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and will be used to identify potential areas of elevated pollutants near the Eaton and Palisades Fire areas. Results of the mobile monitoring will help identify locations for temporary air monitoring stations.

Stage Two: Stationary Air Monitoring: Placement of air monitoring stations will be determined based on mobile monitoring results, cleanup activity, sensitive receptors (such as residents and schools) and meteorological conditions. These stations will include air monitors that will provide data for particulate matter (PM), lead, arsenic, and asbestos in communities near the burn zones. South Coast AQMD is planning to conduct this initial stationary air monitoring for one month.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Filthy Hazardous Water Floods LA Beaches After Huge Storm

The storm drains on Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades Beaches the day after a powerful winter storm hit.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Whale Stranded On Beach Rescued

Friday morning at Dockweiler Beach, lifeguards responded to a stranded dwarf pygmy whale and assisted Marine Mammal Care in assessing the situation.

Huge Mudslide On Topanga Canyon Blvd

Rainstorms this week caused large mudslides on Topanga Canyon Blvd. (State Route 27) in the Palisades fire burn scar. ⛰️🌊



The route will remain closed south of Grand View Dr. until crews can clear debris and mitigate potential hazards, such as falling rocks and road damage.



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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Surfers Defy Health Warnings About Hazardous Water Conditions

Despite the city's health warnings about ash, chemicals, and debris from the Palisades Fire contaminating the ocean water, several surfers have been out catching waves.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Mudslides in Fire Ravaged Pacific Palisades

Several mudslides throughout fire burnt Pacific Palisades. Crews work to make the roads passable for vehicles.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

More Destruction - Beach Bridge Collapses

More destruction in Pacific Palisades. The latest storm washed away more a the remaining support of the already damaged Will Rogers Beach bike path bridge causing another portion of the bridge to collapse, sending more of it onto the beach.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Mudslides Force Full Hard Closure Of PCH

Pacific Coast Highway between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace is FULLY CLOSED and will remain until further notice due to heavy flooding and mudslides. Only Emergency Responders may access PCH until further notice due to a HARD CLOSURE of the route.



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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

West Side Wild Fire Relief Fundraiser Music Event

As a community, we’re raising funds for two friends who were impacted by the LA Wildfires: Kiyo Kitmitto and Bart Saric. Donate to help these two rebuild and rebound. Please donate in $5 increments, so we can set aside prize tickets for you to be claimed at the February 16th fundraiser event!

West Side Wild Fire Relief Fundraiser Music Event
February 16, 2025 - 6pm to 10 pm
CocoBeach Bar Grill
404 Washington Blvd, 90202

For more info, Click Here.

Arsonist Who Set 4 Fires In Santa Monica Arrested

On Saturday, February 9, 2025, between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments responded to a series of arson incidents across the city. Four separate fires were intentionally set at multiple locations, posing significant safety risks and damaging public property.

In a swift and coordinated response, the Police Department utilized aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation. Through this effort, authorities identified 36-year-old Marco Antonio Rubio as the primary suspect in connection with the fires. At the time of his arrest Rubio was in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can. The fires occurred at the following locations:

1000 block of Colorado Ave: A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.

16th and Michigan Ave: A discarded mattress was set on fire.

Memorial Park: Netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire.

1500 block of 18th St: A parked vehicle was set on fire.

Rubio has an arrest history in California for 148 PC (Resisting Arrest) and multiple prior arrests in Texas, including charges of resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault related crimes. There are no previous arson-related offenses on his record.

“The swift and coordinated response by our Police and Fire Departments highlights our commitment to ensuring the safety of Santa Monica residents. Through teamwork and advanced technology, we quickly identified the suspect and prevented further harm,” said Police Chief Ramon Batista.

The Police Department reminds residents to report any suspicious behavior to authorities immediately and to remain vigilant in their neighborhoods.

Anyone with information related to this incident or these individuals is encouraged to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Endangered Steelhead Trout Rescued From Fire-Impacted Topanga Creek

Temporary Relocation Will Safeguard the Last Santa Monica Mountains Population from Post-fire Storm Impacts

As part of statewide efforts to help Californians and wildlife recover from the Southern California fires, on Jan. 23 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and its partners rescued 271 endangered Southern California steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from Topanga Creek, the last known population of this species in the Santa Monica Mountains.

These fish survived in the chilly waters of Topanga Creek as the Palisades Fire swept through Topanga Canyon, but rain brought the threat of localized extinction. Storm events in late January and future storms falling over the burn scar can carry ash, sediment and debris into the creek that would suffocate and wipe out the population. Fisheries biologists estimate the remaining population to be as few as 400 - 500 trout.

“The fires in Southern California have been incredibly devastating,” said CDFW Chief Deputy Director Valerie Termini. “CDFW stands with the victims who have lost their homes, and we’re here to help everyone recover. Part of that effort is to bring back habitats and wildlife. Our role is going to be for the long term — helping people and wildlife recover.

“People in California want to live where biodiversity is thriving,” added Termini. “It's important for California, and it’s important for our wildlife.”

With the help of teams from the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, California Conservation Corps, Watershed Stewards Program, Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board, and California State Parks, CDFW staff set out Jan. 23 to ensure the steelhead survive. Equipped with backpack electrofishers, nets and buckets, the trout were captured from the creek and relocated to CDFW’s nearby Fillmore Fish Hatchery to prevent a likely mortality event during the rains. There, they will be held in a specially designated area of the hatchery that is set aside for the conservation of imperiled fish until it is safe to be returned to their home waters or another suitable creek in the area. Most of the netted fish were no bigger than 12 inches in length.



“Southern California steelhead are critically endangered within the Santa Monica Mountains,” said CDFW Environmental Program Manager Kyle Evans. “Topanga Creek is their only remaining population, when historically trout were found in streams across the Los Angeles area.

“These fish are incredible. They are adapted to drier summers and warmer water temperatures; they have a really complex life where they can either stay in the creek their whole life or go to the ocean and come back,” added Evans. “They're a very adaptable, important, iconic species whose success represents a healthy watershed, and healthy watersheds mean better water quality for us all. Protecting this population and their home habitats isn’t just good for the trout, it benefits the Californians of this community and beyond.”

In addition to this one-day operation to rescue the population of critically endangered fish, CDFW is working alongside California’s resource agencies to support state fire response and recovery efforts following the Southern California fires. CDFW staff are working to rescue and relocate animals impacted or displaced by the fires and are supporting and monitoring intake of injured wildlife to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

As climate disruption continues to impact California residents, CDFW is working to help California be more resilient. Since 2021, CDFW’s Wildfire Resiliency Initiative has increased the pace and scale of vegetation management activities on its 1.1 million acres of state lands. Fire fuels reduction has been implemented on more than 100,000 acres annually across 90 high fire-risk lands statewide, providing protection to disadvantaged communities and adjacent natural lands.

Advances in veterinary medical science have come as a result of CDFW’s work in collaboration with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine — the application of fish skin to treat animal burn victims, first used in North America on bears and a mountain lion injured in a 2017 wildfire and today on animal burn patients around the world.

CDFW’s work in wildlife science has helped save rare populations of animals during fires, floods and drought. In 2020, mountain yellow-legged frog tadpoles were pulled out of the blackened landscape of a 116,000-acre wildfire, where most breeding pools were destroyed by charred rubble. CDFW supported efforts to help riparian brush rabbits to higher ground during 2023 flooding events. Salmon spawning and rearing habitats have been restored in drought-impacted creeks and streams across California.

These advances not only support the species themselves, but the Californians living near and benefitting from healthy, biodiverse habitats.

Images & text via California Department of Parks and Recreation

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Dead Body Found On Santa Monica Beach

On Monday, February 10, 2025, at approximately 7:00am, following a discovery by City Beach Maintenance personnel, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive individual near Lifeguard Tower 1550 along the waterline.

Upon arrival, officers located a female victim in a sleeping bag, displaying visible trauma to her face. The Santa Monica Fire Department arrived shortly after and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

At this time, the identity of the victim has not been determined. The circumstances surrounding the victim’s death are under investigation by SMPD.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Peter Zamfirov at Peter.Zamfirov@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Date of Incident: Monday, February 10, 2025, at 7:05 a.m.

Type of Incident: Homicide

Location: 1500 Block of the Beach

Victim: Unidentified Female, approximately 30 years old, unhoused

Suspect: Unknown

Full Video - Protest Against EPA's Use of Beach as Hazardous Waste Site

The EPA will using the Parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades as a hazardous waste processing site. Concerned citizens took action, organizing a protest on Sunday, February 9, 2025 to demand that the site be relocated to a safer, more controlled environment.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

A Boulder Falls On Topanga Canyon Blvd

On Saturday morning, a slide occurred on Topanga Canyon Blvd, north of the closure at Grand View Drive, bringing down a small boulder onto the roadway.



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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.