The area by Ballona Creek is now open, but other beaches still have Warnings:

July 24, 2024


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, one mile south from Ballona Creek

· Venice Beach, one mile north from Ballona Creek

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

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

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

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.

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

"Crime has increased the past three years in Santa Monica. There are lots of homeless people hanging out in the local parks and beaches. I walked around on third street promenade, and I had to find out that lots of stores are out of business. Even in the streets around third Street the city is definitely dying. How can Santa Monica be saved?"

Event Details:
Tuesday, Aug 6th 5pm – 7pm
Forest Cove Park

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

July 08, 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an ocean water closure for the following area due to the release of approximately 15,000 gallons of untreated sewage:

· One mile north and one mile south of Ballona Creek.

Public Health officials are advising residents or visitors planning to visit Los Angeles County beaches to avoid contact with ocean water and wet sand in the areas noted above.

According to LA City Sanitation, a sewage discharge occurred on July 20th around 4:00pm near 2700 S Cresta Pl, Los Angeles CA 90064, resulting in an estimated 15,000 gallons of sewage entering Ballona Creek. The cause of the sewage discharge was a broken water main that pushed sand into the sewer causing the blockage.

The affected beaches will remain closed for at least 48 hours and until two water quality tests indicate that bacterial levels meet health standards. The Department of Public Health will conduct water sampling beginning on July 22nd.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline:

1-800- 525-5662.

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.

According to RMG News, a pedestrian was killed after being struck by two vehicles, one of which dragged him down the street in a Venice neighborhood.

The person was crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk in the 700 block of Venice Boulevard at 11:19 p.m. when he was hit by a vehicle. That vehicle took off after striking the pedestrian.

Then a second vehicle hit the pedestrian dragging and pinning the victim under the car. Police said the car stopped not too far from the collision.

Firefighter arrived and raised the BMW off the victim and the paramedics pronounced the victim dead.

Police currently are investigating the incident.

Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) presents the 4th Annual Westside Unity Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier. Lowride for a Cause!

Lowride for a Cause. All proceeds will benefit youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

Last year, more than 3,000 people attended this family-friendly event. The event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. This year, over 200 classic cars of various makes and models, some dating back to 1930’s will be on display.

All Solo Riders and Classic Car Clubs can register now for $50 or for $60 at the Pier (Day of event).

Roll-in Time: 7am to 9am, will be strictly enforced.

For more information, please email us at carshow@picoyouth.org

Call us at (310) 804-3965 or (424) 480-8716.

More Background:

We are hosting this Classic Car Show to bring unity and awareness to the community that lowriding culture still thrives in the Westside of Los Angeles. Through this family-friendly event we plan to educate and inspire everyone, but especially our youth, to have pride in our culture and to contribute to the continuation of this beautiful art form that we know as low rider culture.

“At a time when low-income residents of all backgrounds, especially Latino and African American residents, are being pushed out of Westside communities due to gentrification we feel that unity, awareness and visibility is needed more than ever. This car show is necessary to celebrate our region’s cultural diversity that is at risk of extinction,” stated Oscar de la Torre, Santa Monica City Councilman.

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

Police Chief Ramon Batista and the members of the Santa Monica Police Department would like to invite the Santa Monica community to celebrate this year’s National Night Out (NNO) in front of City Hall (1685 Main Street). NNO is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, aimed at making our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.

This year’s National Night out theme: Past, Present, and Future! will have an 80s/90s nostalgia theme, filled with reminiscent snacks and games. We will be showcasing historic PD items, displaying our current technology, and also presenting our plans for the future.

Participants can meet police personnel (human and 4-legged), ask questions about our police vehicles and equipment, and enjoy music, food, and family-friendly activities.

Event Details:
Date & Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2024; 5:30 - 8:00 PM
​Location: City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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

Ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Just like Coffee with a Cop, but cooler.

Wednesday, July 24th
1-3PM @ Afters Ice Cream
1603 Ocean Ave

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

Menudo Madness on a Sunday Afternoon

Join us at the Venice Heritage Museum for the first Menudo Madness on a Sunday Afternoon. This car show in the museum's parking lot also features homemade menudo by Chef Paul Baca, as well as music by Jimmy Jams and shirts sold by Venice Native. Details: Classic Cars roll in at 7:30am.

Venice Soulstice is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create opportunity for independent artists by bridging communities through the power of expression. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT GO DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS, KNOWLEDGE PRODUCERS, AND CONTRIBUTORS, AND WILL FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PROJECTS IN OAKWOOD. This is not a religious event, but we ask that all guests please respect the strict rule of NO alcohol, smoking, or drugs on the First Baptist Church property.

Venice Heritage Museum | Parking Lot
228 Main Street, Venice 90291

For more info, Click Here.

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

July 19,, 2024

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

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

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

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

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:

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

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.

This is the second of 2 sharks caught by a fisherman on on Thursday. This was in Pacific Palisades, near tower 12.

Contrary to the initial online reports, this is not a" Great White that was beached" incident, the shark was caught. The fsherman who caught it said it is a Mako Shark.

Heated confrontations occurred between the fishermen and people on the beach about this after the first shark was seen dragged onto the sand. The fisherman stating he is doimg nothing illegal.

A lifeguard came down and did a report. Found nothing wrong.

The second Shark was then caught at approximately 8:30 PM by the same fisherman.

A person from the Department of Fish And Wildlife was spotted at the scene soon after. Last we know of, he left after taking down information from the fisherman.

An not shocking update to that Social Media Influencer, Summer Wheaton, who killed a person while driving drunk in Malibu.

Malibu Global Media has uncovered one of her Instagram Stories of her drunk on the side of the road in September 2023, mocking law enforcement as “at least 20 of her friends drove by drunk”.

EXCLUSIVE: Social media influencer Summer Wheaton, drunk on the side of the road in September 2023, mocking law enforcement as “at least 20 of her friends drove by drunk”. Wheaton was behind the wheel when she drifted into oncoming traffic causing the fatal Fourth of… pic.twitter.com/l0zKohWPxh

— Cece Woods (@ceceswoods) July 13, 2024

On Thursday, July 4th, just after 10 p.m., Wheaton's Mercedes sedan was travelling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway reportedly crossed into the path of a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The two vehicles collided head on and the driver from the Cadillac suffered major injuries. Unfortunately, the motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

It happened in the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, west of Carbon Canyon.

A passenger in the Cadillac Escalade also had major injuries. Paramedics transported the passenger as well as Wheaton with serious injuries to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for treatment.

The preliminary investigation indicates that speed and/or alcohol are possible causes of the accident. Reports say that Wheaton was a guest at the infamous Nobu "Red, White, & Bootsy" event sponored by wine, tequila, and Champagne bottlers. A table at the event cost range from $10,000 to $75,000 and include liquor.




Wheaton has an Instagram with 102K followers and claims to be a "wellness advocate" and "Luxury Realtor" who sells or rents real estate in Malibu and Beverly Hills. But following the crash, her Instagram has made turn to Private:




"Imagine not liking me and I'm just floating from one successful meeting to the next like this" was one of her last Instagram post captions.

The driver of the Escalade that was killed has been identified as 44-year-old Martin Okeke, a ride share driver.

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

In Defense of Animals and Peace 4 Animals are offering a $5,100 reward for information leading to the conviction of the individual responsible for the cruel abuse and abandonment of Argon, a German shepherd found in a remote area near Malibu Creek Canyon. An additional $2,500 reward for an arrest is being offered by Hollywood Producer Marc Gurvitz of Brillstein Entertainment Partners. This heart-wrenching incident occurred on the evening of July 3, 2024.

At approximately 7:45 p.m., two compassionate hikers discovered the distressed dog. His mouth was cruelly zip tied shut, and another zip tie constricted his neck. Despite the harrowing situation, the hikers swiftly called 911 and managed to remove the zip tie from his mouth before police and animal control arrived. Together, they freed him from the zip tie around his neck and carried him to safety.

The dog, described as sweet and gentle, gradually warmed up to his rescuers, allowing them to pet him and even eat from their hands. He has since been transported to the Agoura Animal Care Center, where he is receiving necessary care and attention.

Argon is around 7 years old and he is undergoing tests for suspected lymphoma. The individuals who rescued the dog are deeply committed to ensuring his well-being and are eager to find him a loving home, if his prognosis allows. Their dedication extends to seeking justice for the heinous act of cruelty he endured.

“We are grateful for the quick actions of these hikers and law enforcement, but our efforts must continue,” said Fleur Dawes, Communications Director of In Defense of Animals. “Argon was left to suffer and die in a remote location. We urge anyone with information about this cruel act to come forward. We are determined to find the person responsible for this horrific abuse and hold them accountable since they are a danger to others.”

“This cruel and heartless act of abandoning an innocent German Shepherd in scorching temperatures with his mouth zip-tied over the 4th of July weekend is reprehensible. The individual responsible must be swiftly and decisively brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law. Rest assured, justice will prevail!” stated Katie Cleary, Founder of Peace 4 Animals and World Animal News.

“The circumstances in which this dog was found are horrific, and an affront to human decency and our role as responsible stewards to our pets,” said Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) Director, Marcia Mayeda. “DACC thanks the Good Samaritans who found this poor creature, and wants to ensure the public that he is getting all the care he needs as we investigate how this crime occurred.”

In Defense of Animals is appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for this act of cruelty. If you have any information, please call: 415-879-6879.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 40-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police officers responded to an incident at Palisades Park, near the Santa Monica Pier, on Friday, July 12, 2024. Witnesses reported that a homeless man allegedly attacked a woman, prompting another man to intervene and protect her. A scuffle ensued, leading to a prompt police response.

Upon arrival, officers detained the two men involved while conducting their investigation. Santa Monica paramedics were called to the scene to assess the individuals, but no one required transportation to the hospital.

Police officers arrested one of the men, although this arrest was potentially related to an outstanding warrant rather than the incident itself. Due to conflicting reports from witnesses, a police sergeant stated that a report would be filed and presented to the District Attorney to determine if any charges will be pursued at a later date.

The swift response by the Santa Monica Police Department highlights their commitment to maintaining safety and order in the community. The incident drew the attention of park-goers and nearby residents, underlining the ongoing challenges related to public safety and homelessness in the area."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

July 12, 2024

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:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

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

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· 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.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

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

· Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu

From Santa Monica Close Up:

": A potentially dangerous encounter was defused by Los Angeles Police Officers during a homeless encampment cleanup operation in Venice Beach on Thursday. Officers successfully deescalated a tense situation when they drew their tasers in response to a homeless man who brandished a knife. The incident occurred on Main Street as part of a scheduled cleanup effort.

The man, visibly agitated, eventually complied with officers' commands to put away the knife and departed from the scene without further conflict. No arrest was made, as the potential victim was an armed police officer and there were concerns that the District Attorney might not pursue charges. After resolving the situation, officers continued with the cleanup operation, which included towing an inoperable vehicle with out-of-state plates."

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:

"Venice Healer Daisy was released from jail after a week, thanks to the support of family, friends, and the community. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the couple made an announcement at Venice Beach to express their gratitude and outline their future plans."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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.

Don't miss the FREE Summer Soulstice celebration happening on July 13th!

Join us on Main Street, Santa Monica for live music, outdoor art displays and free activities for all ages.

• The EdgeMar Courtyard:
This centrally located satellite bar features a DJ spinning summer beats with delicious food and drink specials all day long. Don't miss this hidden gem during the Summer Soulstice!

• Pop-Up Art Gallery:
For the first time at the Summer Soulstice, art enthusiasts can explore a visual display of work from over 50 visual artists. This project was made possible in part with support from Art of Recovery, an initiative of the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs.

• Pet Zone by Offleash'd & VCA:
Bring your furry friend for a day of fun! Enjoy pet giveaways, meet vendors from past Main Street dog events, and celebrate your four-legged community.

• Skate Popup at Alfalfa:
Join Beyond the Board and LA Skate Hunnies for a rolling good time with skateboarding and roller skating fun, including an inflatable skate ramp!

For more info, Click Here.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers, while on patrol, identified an individual matching the description of a man on parole at Santa Monica Beach. The officers stopped the man and subsequently arrested him."

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.

Announcing the inaugural Venice Soulstice on July 20 at the First Baptist Church of Venice—a cornerstone for the community of Oakwood, a historically Black and Brown neighborhood in the heart of Venice Beach.

A celebration of Black expression in the heart of Venice Beach, including music, dance, art, food, and story-telling. Experience live performances by Mofaya & Friends, Olokun Cultural Group, Wadada Khufu, and Just Satyan alongside stunning art and live painting by Gakwaya. Explore the cultural history and progress of Black communities on LA’s Westside with author and historian Alison Rose Jefferson. Enjoy savory Jamaican food from Ozi's Kitchen, artisanal ice cream by All Chill, and cold brew coffee and teas by Boketto.

Venice Soulstice is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create opportunity for independent artists by bridging communities through the power of expression. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT GO DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS, KNOWLEDGE PRODUCERS, AND CONTRIBUTORS, AND WILL FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PROJECTS IN OAKWOOD. This is not a religious event, but we ask that all guests please respect the strict rule of NO alcohol, smoking, or drugs on the First Baptist Church property.

Sat, Jul 20th, 2024,
12:00 - 7:00 PM
Oakwood First Baptist Church Lot,
Venice, CA For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

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