Pacific Coast Highway Town Hall Discussion

The City of Malibu, Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath from LA County’s Third Supervisorial District, LA County’s Third Supervisorial District, LA County Sheriff’s Department, LA County Public Works, Caltrans and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an important discussion on the impacts of the Palisades Fire on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), its progress and ongoing recovery efforts.

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

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium To Be Revitalized

The landmark Santa Monica Civic Auditorium opened in 1958 as a public gathering place for cultural, educational, and community events. Designed by noted architect Welton Beckett, the classic Streamline Modern building is the architectural focal point for the southern sector of Santa Monica's Civic Center. Regular operation of the Civic Auditorium was suspended in June 2013, due to the loss of redevelopment funds needed to rehabilitate the facility.

The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved execution of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with development team Revitalization Partners Group, to renovate, operate and program the shuttered Civic Auditorium.

An Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, or ENA, provides a specified period during which involved parties can conduct due diligence to evaluate the feasibility of a project and negotiate terms for a final agreement, which in this case would be a Disposition and Development Agreement.

Under the ENA, the city agrees to negotiate solely with Revitalization Partners Group, or RPG, to determine the feasibility for redeveloping the Civic Auditorium site. The ENA also sets forth agreed upon timelines and performance schedules, creates financial responsibilities and outlines future discussions.

The term of the agreement is six months.

The next step includes the city coordinating with RPG to complete various site analyses to understand the feasibility of redevelopment and renovation. As part of the ENA, RPG will submit a cost recovery deposit of $250,000 to cover staff and consultant costs for analysis of the Civic project.

“As a city we are pursuing multiple strategies to bolster our economic recovery,” Director of Community Development Arminé Chaparyan said. “From streamlining permitting processes to advancing revitalization projects such as the Civic Auditorium, we’re focused on continuing to push forward initiatives that support our businesses and local economy.”

The process of selecting the development team kicked off in late 2023 when the City Council directed staff to seek Letters of Interest from entities with demonstrated financial capacity and extensive redevelopment experience. 

RPG was selected for the ENA based on their experience and financial resources to renovate, operate and program entertainment venues that have historical attributes. 

Surf Photos - Venice Breakwater - Friday 3-28-2025

Here's surfing photos from Friday, April 28th, at the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media.                                                                

Here's some surfing photos from Friday, April 28th, 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 90+ 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 90+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Friday 3-28-2025 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.

Palisades Fire Damage - Hill above Alphabet Streets Destroyed

Touring the devastating damage from the Palisades Fire to all the homes on the hillside above the "Alphabet Streets" in the Pacific Palisades. These homes had beautiful views of the ocean, several are tagged as dangerous as they are in danger of falling onto the hilside.

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

Duke's Malibu Will Reopen

UPDATE AS OF 3/25: Dukes Malibu is temporarily closed due to the mudslide that caused extensive damage. However, they are anticipate reopening this summer once they complete the cleanup and repairs. ds, Click Here.

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

Ocean Water Use Warning

March 24, 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):

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

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.

Supercars At The Beach - Fundraiser For Fire Relief

Beachside Benefit at Perry's Cafe on the beach in Santa Monica. Zuma Cars & Coffee gather at this event honoring the great Malibu, Altadena and Pasadena Fire Fighters. This event directly benefits California Fire Foundation, Pasadena Humane Society, and Palisades Forever, three incredible organizations assisting fire-impacted communities through emergency aid, pet rescue and care, and essential supplies for families in crisis.

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

Venice Love Fest

Cruising around the Venice Love Fest 2025 - a celebration of all things love in the heart of the Westside. 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 on Venice Blvd in Downtown Mar Vista, CA

Inspired By Cannabis Beach Clean Up

"Inspired By Cannabis is coming to Santa Monica! Come on out, pick up some trash, win some stuff in the raffle :) hang out with the chilliest peeps you'll ever meet!"

No need to sign up or bring anything supplies are provided just look for the tents and bring your great vibes!

Sunday, March 30 · 10am - 1pm PST
Bicknell Ave Beach Parking Lot
Santa Monica, CA 9040

For more info, Click Here.

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

Mudslide Destroys Home That Survived Fire In Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES A home on Castellammare Drive that survived the Palisades Fire was completely destroyed when the hill behind it came sliding down crushing it and covering the street.

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

Update On Topanga Canyon Blvd Closure

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) remains closed to the public for safety reasons between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View as extensive cleanup and repairs continue. The closure is to protect the public from serious injuries and fatalities.

Caltrans is prepared to open the road as soon as it is safe to do so in coordination with the California Highway Patrol, utilities and local public agencies.

Caltrans expects to open one lane to school buses during designated times with an escort this week and is working on a plan with its partners to also allow essential business travel during this timeframe.



Progress has been made in cleanup efforts, with at least 8,600 cubic yards of mud and debris — equivalent to 860 truckloads — removed so far of the 33,000 cubic yards that came down on the highway after the February storm. All mud and debris are being pushed to the side of the road and tested. Clean dirt will be sent to Oxnard farms for reuse. To date, all dirt has tested clean.

Caltrans and its partners are working to restore Topanga Canyon Boulevard by building retaining walls in three locations and rebuilding the shoulder and lane where the road was washed away. Rebuilding the shoulder and lane will take at least a month, once a design is in place. Additionally, multiple locations throughout SR-27 will require the installation of debris flow barriers and installation of larger culverts. These improvements will help minimize the impacts of future debris/mudflows on SR-27 due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon..



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.

Homeless Guy Arrested For Arson By Santa Monica Pier

Several trash bins in the area have been set on fire over the past week.. On Sunday, arch 16, 2025, the trash bin behind the McDonald's next to the Santa Monica Pier was set on fire, this time a witness saw it happened and reported it. SMPD found the suspect a block away and he was identified and arrested. He was wearing a shirt that says "Not Above The Law".

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

Fire Destruction Recovery - Tour of he Village in Pacific Palisades

A updated tour of the current status of The Village (downtown area) of the Pacific Palisades.

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

Over A Dozen Vehicles Burglarized & Vandalized In Venice

On Sunday evening, reports of over a dozen cars were vandalized and broken into in the 3700 block Clarington Ave. in Venice.

Then according to the LAPD, a suspect entered an apartment complex and broke into a car. They then stole the keys and used them to steal another vehicle from the same owner. <

Caltrans Public Meeting For PCH Rehabilitation Project

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) invites community members and stakeholders to attend an informational meeting about the Pacific Coast Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Project at 6 p.m. March 27 in the multipurpose room at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The project will also incorporate Complete Streets elements that enhance safety.

The meeting is intended for the project team to share information and schedules for the proposed improvement project on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/State Route 1) between McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu, including safety enhancement measures. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The scope of work for this project, which is expected to begin in summer 2027, would include:

· Rehabilitate pavement along PCH from McClure Tunnel to Cross Creek Road

· Upgrade existing ADA Ramps and existing Metal Beam Guard Rail (MBGR)

· Improve lighting in the Roosevelt Tunnel and Will Rogers Parking Lot Tunnel underground pedestrian crossings

· New sidewalks at multiple bus stop locations

· A new overhead sign at Sunset Avenue

· Additional Class II bike lanes and striping

· Additional pedestrian warning signs

The goal of this project is to extend the service life of the pavement and improve ride quality for motorists.

Caltrans has identified this location as a top-priority safety corridor. It is also a Complete Streets project, meaning the scope aims to increase safety and mobility features for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to share the road.

The total estimated cost for the project is $72 million. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2029..

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

Car Crash Kills Pedestrian Near The Beach

On Sunday evening, in the 8200 block of Vista Del Mar near the shoreline in Playa Del Rey, a two car collision resulted in one car going off the side of the road and struck a pedestrian down below.

Unfortunately the female patient struck by the car was beyond medical help when paramedics arrived and determined deceased on scene. Her age is unknown at this time. An approximately 70 year old male patient was treated for minor injuries.





The police have not yet released any information about the ongoing investigation.

Magnitude 3.9 Earthquake In Malibu

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was reported at 8:17 p.m. Sunday 10 km NW of Malibu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Surf Photos - Venice Breakwater - Saturday 3-15-2025

Here's surfing photos from Saturday, March 15th, 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, March 15th, 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 70+ 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 70+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Saturday 3-15-2025 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.

Mudslide Keeps PCH Fully Closed

As of Friday, March 14 at 4 PM, Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades burn area is under a temporary FULL CLOSURE from Carbon Beach Terrace to Coastline Drive due to continuous rock/mud/debris flow onto PCH at Big Rock. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed through.



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.

Palisades Fire Recovery - Alphabet Streets Destruction Clean Up Efforts Tour

Touring the Pacific Palisades "Alphabet Streets" during the fire recovery clean up.

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

Paliskates Needs Your Help

"My name is Nora. I am the manager of Paliskates, and I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my boss, Erica Simpson, a female entrepreneur who opened her small business in the Pacific Palisades in 1999. Paliskates has been a staple in the community over the last 25 years in our beloved Palisades. We are devastated to share that the Palisades fire has taken our shop at 1021 N Swarthmore Ave. The fire has taken most of our community, and everyone is struggling during this time. Like so many, we are asking for help during this devastating time. As you may know our store burned last week, and we lost everything. Can you please share our GoFundMe link.? Anything helps. We look forward to coming back stronger." -Erica and the Paliskates Team

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