The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to reduce Topanga Canyon to one lane with alternating traffic so they can work on the damge done by the bug landslide that happened in March.

The lane closures are at postmile 1.8 and will be from 9PM - 6AM, for next 2 weeks.

Crews will be installing anchors on the steep hillside this week. These anchors will allow crews to tether themselves to them, so they secure straw wattles on the bare slope to prevent soil erosion during the upcoming rainy season.

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

3.7 earthquake at 4:22 AM, 3.75 miles north of Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains, followed by a 2.8 aftershock at 7:05 AM.

Fortunately, no injuries or damage reported. Beware of rocks in the road on Malibu Cyn, Kanan & other canyons.

Join Heal the Bay on September 21st for Coastal Cleanup Day - one of the world's largest volunteer events!

Click Here for more info.

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

Malibu's sixth annual safety and preparedness fair, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm AT CITY HALL

Take your emergency and wildfire preparedness to the next level in advance of wildfire season at the City of Malibu’s Annual Safety and Preparedness Fair on September 15. Malibu’s peak wildfire season is coming fast, and the City is working to help the community be prepared for wildfires, as well as earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.

Malibu faces a variety of potential disasters, including wildfires, floods earthquakes, and tsunamis, making it essential for the entire community to take active steps to be prepared. The City is committed to offering information, resources, trainings and guidance to help community members be more prepared and resilient, including the Safety and Preparedness Fair.

Whether you’re just getting started, or you’re ready to take your family, neighborhood or business preparedness to the next level, you’ll find a wide variety of excellent resources at the Safety and Preparedness Fair to help you get there.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Earthquake Simulator – Kids and adults can take a wild ride in Safe-T-Proof Earthquake Simulator to experience what it feels like to be in a house when a major earthquake strikes. The simulator effectively demonstrates the importance of anchoring furniture and heavy objects like TVs as part of making your home more earthquake safe.

Fire Extinguisher Training – Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers will set up and demonstrate their Emergency Information and Supplies Station. They will also offer live-fire training for guests to learn how to safely and properly use a fire extinguisher on small fires. No registration required.

Emergency Preparedness Services and Products Vendors - Participating companies will show their emergency preparedness services and products, answer questions, and some will have on-site sales.

Learn About Volunteer Opportunities - Attendees can learn about a variety of local emergency and safety related volunteer opportunities with Arson Watch, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Malibu Volunteers on Patrol (VOP), and Community Brigades.

Learn About Brush Clearance and Home Wildfire Hardening - Meet the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons, former wildland firefighters, and learn how you can harden your home against wildfire. They’ll teach you how to protect your home from the millions of embers that can fly out more than a mile ahead of a wind-driven wildfire like the Woolsey Fire, and which are a leading cause of homes burning down during a wildfire. The Fire Safety Liaisons can also give you advice on proper brush clearance and making your emergency plans.

Fun and Educational for Kids - The Expo is a great opportunity for kids to learn about emergency preparedness and meet the hardworking law enforcement, fire and rescue professionals who help keep our community safe.

Bicycle/Scooter Safety Rodeo - Safe Moves, a non-profit dedicated to traffic safety education for children and teens, will host a fun Bicycle and Scooter Safety Rodeo, where kids can learn safety tips while riding real bikes and scooters. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must sign a waiver.

Touch-a-Truck – Kids can see, touch and get inside specialty emergency and law enforcement vehicles, including a Fire Engine; LA County Sheriff’s Department Search Rescue truck, patrol car, and motorcycle; a California Highway Patrol (CHP) car and motorcycle; a Southern California Edison utility repair truck; and a tow truck.

Rock Climbing Wall – Fun, free activity for kids and adults.

Food and Desserts – Food will be available for purchase from the In & Out food truck and Tikiz Shaved Ice.

Raffle – Every attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win one of many great prizes.

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

LA’s Team Thailand, comprised of the Thai Consulate, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Thai Trade, invite Angelenos and travelers to Thai Fest by the Beach on Saturday, Sept. 28th, 2024! The free-to-enter event will create an immersive experience that captures the heart of Thailand at one of LA’s most iconic destinations–the Santa Monica Pier.

The westside event will celebrate Thai cultural identity, including food, art, culture, and sports. Highlights guests can expect include world-class cuisine and demonstrations from LA’s best Thai restaurants, free authentic Thai massage and special appearances by world-famous WBC Muay Thai fighters Buakaw Banchamek and Saenchai Saepong.

Dive into authentic Thai flavors, enjoy the most vibrant of vibes, and experience cultural performances—all in one place and for one day only.

🗓️ September 28, 2024
🕚 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
📍 Santa Monica Pier

🆓 No cost to enter. Food, drink, and goods available at a variety of price points.

🅿️ Paid street and lot parking available at walkable distances surrounding the venue.

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁!🍜✨
🥊 Thrilling Muay Thai demonstrations and celebrity fighter appearances
🍲 Authentic Thai food booths, including Thai SELECT honorees
👩‍🍳 Engaging cooking demos
👗 Cultural experiences and traditional Thai dance
🙇 Thai massage
🎭 Captivating performances
🛍️ Shopping opps with Thai purveyors

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

Anthony Jones pleaded no contest to the sexual assault of two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6, resulting in the death of one woman.

Unfortunitly, LAPD and Council Woman Traci Park feel the need to keep Anthony's mugshot, and detailed information from the public. They have denied access to the court. When Traci Park was asked why, she refused to answer. She has been asked numerous times since the arrest and has avoided answering the questions. This is why the grainy screenshot above is the only images of Jones.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that Anthony Francisco Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and sexual assault of one woman and the sexual assault of another woman in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6.

"Our prosecutors fought hard to serve justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones’ vile actions, including a brutal murder. Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community. The pain and loss experienced by these individuals and their loved ones is horrific, and we extend our deepest empathy and compassion to them during this incredibly difficult time,” District Attorney Gascón said.

For these heinous crimes, Jones pleaded no contest and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 107 years to life in state prison, plus 8 years state prison determinate by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham.

Anthony Francisco Jones (dob 09/12/94) pleaded no contest to one count of murder, two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, and one count of sodomy by use of force.

Jones also admitted to allegations that the defendant kidnapped the victims, committed offenses against more than one victim, and that he inflicted great bodily injury on the victims. He also admitted that the murder of one of the victims occurred while he was engaged in the commission of rape and sodomy.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated professionals in our Sex Crimes Division and the investigating officers from the Los Angeles Police Department. Their tireless efforts and commitment to justice have been instrumental in holding the offender accountable and providing a measure of justice for the victims,” DA Gascón said. “We stand united in our resolve to protect our communities and ensure that such egregious acts are met with the full force of the law."

On April 6 between 10:30-11:30 p.m., Jones physically attacked and sexually assaulted two female victims, both in their mid-40s and mid-50s, as they each were alone outside in the Venice Canal neighborhood. One of the victims succumbed to her injuries on May 20.

The case was prosecuted by LADA’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

On September 7, 2024, at approximately 4:10 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 900 block of 7th Street for a call of a residential prowler.

Officers located and spoke to a victim who told them she was asleep inside her apartment when she was awakened by the suspect who was touching her leg while his penis was exposed. The victim was able to get away from the suspect and call police.

The suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Anthony Townson (currently homeless), fled from the apartment. Responding officers located him a short distance away and took him into custody. It was determined the suspect entered the apartment via an unlocked patio sliding door.

Townson was arraigned on September 10 and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges of 459 PC (Residential Burglary) and 314(1) PC (Indecent Exposure during Unlawful Entry). He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Townson’s criminal history includes trespassing, loitering on private property, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resist/obstruct police, battery on a peace officer, and carrying a concealed dirk/dagger.

Anyone with information about this individual or incident, please contact Det. Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931 or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

A little after 1:30 AM on September 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 1900 block of Ocean Avenue for an assault with a deadly weapon that just occurred. The caller, a friend of the victim, reported that a male suspect shot the victim several times and fled the location. Officers were on scene within minutes of the 911 call and detained several individuals as they attempted to leave. Other officers provided first aid to the 24-year-old victim until paramedics could arrive. The victim, who sustained several gunshot wounds, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently in serious but stable condition.

One of those detained, 19-year-old Isaac Santiago Ramos of Van Nuys, was positively identified as the shooter. He was in possession of a concealed handgun. Witnesses told officers that Ramos and four other young male subjects approached two of the victim’s friends while they were sitting in the 2000 block of the beach and an argument ensued. Ramos pulled out a handgun and the victim attempted to intervene. Ramos shot the victim several times before fleeing eastbound.

Ramos was arraigned on September 10th and faces the following charges:

• Count 1: 664-187 PC - Attempt Murder

• Count 2: 205 PC - Mayhem

• Count 3: 25400(a)(2) PC - Carrying a Concealed Firearm

• Count 4: 25850(a) PC - Carrying a Loaded Firearm

• Counts 5-7 – 148(a)(1) PC Resisting Arrest

Bail for Ramos has been set at $4,105,000

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact Detective Reyes at Isaac.Reyes@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

The "Bridge Fire" hits Mt High Ski Resort on Tuesday night.

The ski resort consist of 3 sperate areas in Wrightwood. This is footage from the live camera that on top of Mt High East, the chairlift that gets engulfed in flames is the Discovery Chair (8), it serves the mountain top beginners area. The other chair is the East's main lift, the camera stops we see it's fate.

According to Mt High, "Fire raced through the area yesterday but all the main lifts and buildings survived with little to no damage."

"The Bridge Fire moved through parts of Mountain High Resort overnight, briefly engaging with a few lifts. As of 11 a.m. this morning, reports indicate that base facilities at all 3 Resorts (East, West, & North) remain intact. Los Angeles County Fire Station 130, stationed at the West Resort, has been credited with the incredible work of defending the property. The captain of Engine 130 also confirmed that the building and restaurant at the top of East Resort survived the fire.

“We are grateful beyond words for the swift and courageous actions of Los Angeles County Fire Department Division 5 and all the first responders working tirelessly to protect our resort and community,” said John McColly, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the California Mountain Resort Co. “We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by the Caanf Bridge Fire and other fires burning throughout the State. We are committed to supporting our community and plan to come out of this tragedy stronger than ever.”

The resort is still assessing the situation but anticipates opening on time for the upcoming season. An official opening date has not been set. Opening is weather-dependent but could be anytime after November 1st.

This is still an active fire and the situation could change. Mountain High continues to work closely with the Unified Command, which includes CAL FIRE, Los Angeles County Fire, and the San Bernardino County Fire, among others. The safety of staff, guests, and the surrounding community remains the top priority."

Santa Monica Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported bluff rescue at the 600 block of Palisades Park, where initial reports indicated that two people and a dog had gone over the bluffs and needed assistance.

Truck 1 was the first to arrive on scene and established Palisades Command. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that there were no human victims present, only a dog in need of rescue.

Battalion 1 arrived shortly thereafter, took over command, and assigned Truck 1 as Rescue Group, with Engine 6 and USAR 2 supporting their efforts. Engine 7 was positioned in staging at the base of the bluffs on PCH. Truck 1, Engine 6, and USAR 2 quickly set up a lowering system. A rescuer was then sent over the bluffs using this system. The operation was executed with precision and efficiency, resulting in the successful rescue of the dog.

There were no reported injuries to fire department personnel or the dog.

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:

September 10, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Pena Creek at Las Tunas County Beach

100 yards in each direction of the outfall.

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Santa Ynez Storm Drain at Will Rogers State Beach

100 yards in each direction from the outfall.

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

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Officers from the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a man at Ocean Way on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The suspect was reportedly seen spray-painting graffiti at Santa Monica Beach when CIT officers witnessed the activity and approached him. The man attempted to flee, prompting a foot chase that ended a few blocks away, where officers apprehended him.

Paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect and clear him for transport to jail. Once medically cleared, the man was placed in a squad car and taken into custody. He is expected to face charges of vandalism and obstruction."

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Monday, September 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers were flagged down by bystanders at the Santa Monica Pier following an unprovoked assault. Witnesses reported that a man, who appeared to be homeless, had thrown a rock at a group without any apparent cause, striking one individual in the face.

The suspect, who was found to be on probation, was detained by officers at the scene while an investigation was conducted. He was subsequently arrested on assault charges. The victim was not harmed. The rock, recovered by officers, will be used as evidence in the case."

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.

In recognition of those who perished September 11, the Santa Monica Fire Department annually conducts a brief and solemn ceremony consistent with the International Association of Fire Chief recommended protocols. Santa Monica Fire stations 1, 2, and 3 will participate. The public, especially neighbors of Santa Monica’s fire stations, are encouraged to attend at any of the fire stations listed below, promptly at 6:45 a.m. The ceremony is approximately 20 minutes. An artifact from the Ground Zero site resides in Fire Station 1 (1337 7th Street, Santa Monica CA 90401) just outside the Santa Monica Fire Department’s community room and is open for viewing by the public during normal business hours.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Station 1 1337 7th Street

Station 2 222 Hollister Avenue

Station 3 1302 19th Street

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

Locals' Night returns on September 19th. The Santa Monica Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more! You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica.

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

Santa Monica police are called when a man with a knife and swords is seen at the beach in an area that is filled with families.

The man explains he was just practicing his martial arts and means no harm to anyone.

A mountain lion attacked a child on Septepber 1st at Malibu Creek State Park (minor injuries, the animal was euthanized).

Santa Monica Police are investigating a tragic incident involving a male victim, believed to be homeless, who was found deceased from an apparent stab wound in the alley near the 1100 block of 6th Street. At this time, no suspect is in custody, and they are seeking the community's assistance in identifying and locating the individual(s) responsible. If you have any information that may assist in this investigation, please contact SMPD at 310-458-8491.

SMPD recognizes that the community has recently been impacted by several violent crimes and understand the heightened concern these incidents cause. SMPD wants to reassure the community that the safety and well-being of residents remain the highest priorities and is working diligently to identify the suspect(s), and a strong police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues.

On August 28th, 2024, at about 11:45 PM, a good Samaritan riding southbound in the 2700 block of Barnard Way was flagged down by a distressed woman who needed help calling 911. The woman was bleeding from cuts to her face and head.

Officers were on scene within minutes. The woman reported that a male suspect in a distinctive orange shirt punched her several times in the head and face, hit her with a bottle, and tried to shove sand in her mouth. The suspect was last seen walking northbound. While officers flooded the area looking for the suspect, others arranged for medical transport and located the crime scene in the 2600 Block of Ocean Front Walk.

Officers located the suspect nearby. Mario Alejandri, a 31-year-old homeless individual, was positively identified and arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. While conducting his investigation, the handling detective recognized the suspect as the perpetrator in a recent Assault with a Deadly Weapon that occurred the day prior at the Trader Joe’s on Broadway in Santa Monica.

At about 7:45 PM on August 27th, Alejandri entered the store and was immediately recognized by store staff from prior shoplifting incidents. When a store employee asked him to leave, Alejandri became irate and hit the victim in the face. He proceeded to throw two potted plants at the victim and then, on the way out, picked up a sign and was poised to throw it when the doors closed blocking him. Thankfully, the employee was not seriously hurt. The incident was captured on store surveillance video, allowing the beach assault detective to definitively connect Alejandri to both incidents.

Alejandri is on summary probation for Battery (242 PC). He also has prior arrests for Battery, Trespass to Injure Property (602(k)PC), Assault with a Deadly Weapon (245(a)(1) PC), Petty Theft (484 PC), Resisting Arrest (148 PC), Vandalism (594 PC), Brandishing (417 PC), Possession of Methamphetamine (11377 H&S), and Contempt of Court (166 PC).

On September 3, 2024, the LA County District Attorney’s Office filed three felony Assault with a Deadly Weapons charges, two counts for the incident on the beach and one for the attack at Trader Joe’s.

Anyone with information about this individual or incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jenkins at Benjamin. Jenkins@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-8427.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On the morning of September 5, 2024, both Santa Monica and Los Angeles Police officers responded to a report of a man wielding a machete near the Venice-Santa Monica border along Ocean Front Walk.

The incident unfolded as a local man, who was biking in the area, noticed a stranger carrying a machete. "I look at him, and he’s looking at me. This guy thinks he’s Conan the Barbarian or something," the victim recounted. Feeling threatened, the victim continued to pedal away while attempting to call 911. At that point, another man on a skateboard intervened, yelling, “Don't be a snitch!” He then forcibly took the victim's phone. "I’m trying to get away from this guy with a machete, and this other guy is more concerned about me making a call," the victim added.

The victim described the suspect who took his phone as a homeless man with a "Y-shaped mark on his face," and expressed regret about letting the man walk away with his phone without escalating the situation further. "I feel like letting that guy take my phone is bad. As a man, I shouldn’t have let that happen, but I didn’t want things to get worse," he said.

Los Angeles Police officers arrived at the scene to speak with the victim about his stolen phone, while a Santa Monica Police officer continued searching for the suspects and speaking to witnesses on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. An LAPD officer noted, "We will take a courtesy report since it occurred on the border and will follow up with Santa Monica detectives."

Police are still searching for both suspects involved in the incident. The investigation is ongoing."

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.