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Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts


The internet is going after another one, a reporter who faked a photo for her website of herself helping Santa Monica recover from the tragedy.

***UPDATED: The news organization has fired this SAMOHI alumni due to all the backlash received.

You most likely saw the video of a woman who stopped a worker from boarding up a store so she can borrow his power drill and fake like she is helping Santa Monica rebuild for a photo. Here's the original video, in case you missed it:



As seen in the video, she hands the drill back to the worker, thanked him, then laughs about and makes that smug comment, before she gets into a Mercedes SUV with her boyfriend. And the fact that she made sure to pick a Latino worker to pose with didn't go unnoticed.

This happened on Monday morning during the huge clean up effort, where 100's of volunteers came to help clean up and repair Santa Monica. The video went viral and angered everyone. The search to find out who she is took off.

As one post on social media stated: "The problem here is that she's 1) using this terrible situation to promote herself instead of the man who's actually helping and 2) completely insensitive to racial / class tensions."

And soon enough, the internet found her and blasted her info everywhere. She is Fiona Moriarty McLaughlin, a conservative journalist, who has a column called Facts With Fiona and work for some political news site called the Washington Examiner.



Yeah, she is "just chasing the facts". We see the type of facts this BS'ing Washington Examiner is chasing.


We even shared the video of her on our Instagram Story and we almost immediately received DM's from people telling us her name, where she went to school, etc...even from people that know her personally. Saying things like she is a self-centered privileged rich girl.

And that school this poser went to is Santa Monica High School.

Now it's not clear if Fiona the poser was doing this for the news site or for her own struggling "influencer" account. Either way, mocking it the way she did, and laughing about it, it sure pissed off a lot of people. The news organization's social media accounts with comments calling for her to be fired.

And reports are now circulating that the Washington Examiner did indeed cut ties with Fiona. New York Magazine reporter Yashar Ali reported she was fired. Her bio page is now removed as well.

So Fiona now has some free time to actually help those businesses for real.


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE


Image via @santamonicaproblems


The internet is at work busting the garbage that came to loot Santa Monica businesses.

This idiot posted a video bragging about all the stuff he stole, it went viral, the internet tracked him down and posted all his info online.

And LAPD actually took note of it.

@santamonicaproblems was the first to share this scumbag's video:



The internet then went to work, and soon enough, all his info was posted:



@santamonicaproblems, along with a FOX 11 News reporter, of all people, then called out the Santa Monica Police to step up and do something about. Good to see not all big station news reporters are inconsideration clowns. Big bravo to you, Bill Melugin!

All his info was found, including his address. Even what part of his house all the merchandise he stole was in.

And since Bill Melugin has a blue check mark on twitter, it caught the attention of the LAPD:



And that forced SMPD to step up:



Unfortunately, SMPD doesn't know how to use twitter.



We will post an update if we hear of anything happens, probably will have to wait and see if SMPD figures out how to use their email account first.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE


Image via @santamonicaproblems


The Santa Monica Police Department was made aware of looting that was going to take place in Santa Monica.

They were sent info about the planned attack from several sources, and even admitted in replies (as the above image shows) to people that they knew about it. Some sources state they inform the police about Sunday's attack as early as Friday.

Yet, the police did not alert any businesses or residents. A few places were already boarded up due to the Coronavirus closures, and a few others were alerted by individuals who found out about the plan to attack the city.

And when the riots started, many are agreeing that they were not prepared. Looters had free reign over the downtown area for almost two hours.

Calculated organized planned hits of targeted stores. Store owners left to defend themselves. Citizens bravely protecting businesses and getting attacked for it.

As seen world-wide in videos via social media, stores such as REI, Vans, Vons, and Patagonia, were hit hard, as well as smaller stores like the jewelry store and a stamp shop.

Then looters were casually strolling the area with all there stolen merchandise right in front of police, who did absolutely nothing about it. Loading up get away cars, trying on clothing, etc...

Not only that, but now SMPD is now in PR damage control mode, making social media posts and statements about the good job they claim Police Chief Cynthia Renaud did. And making the false statements that there were "no loss of life and no serious injuries."



The audacity he and other city council members have to make false statements like that.



People were seriously injured. There was the guy with the hockey stick that got beat up by a crowd of looters in the street, the Amazon truck driver that they attack, and one person who is currently hospitalized after a looters stolen get away car slammed into her.

No wonder residents are calling for the police chief to be fire. City needs a police chief to protect the city, not to make Tik-Tok videos.

Click the link below to read the view the full petition:
Recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud Petition


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



Hundreds of people from all over Los Angeles came together this morning for clean up of Downtown Santa Monica. It was organized by DownTownSantaMonica.com.

By noon, most of the city was cleaned up.





Photos: Tim Harter


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



A petition has been started to recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud.

"After seeing the widespread looting and vandalism of our city and local businesses, we can do better. After seeing our brave law enforcement officers stand by without strong leadership or overarching strategy to protect themselves, our city, and its citizens, we have to do better. After seeing SMPD Chief Cynthia Renaud conduct a blundering press conference that was completely misaligned with the current realities, we must do better."

Click the link below to read the view the full petition:
Recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud Petition


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



In light of recent event in Santa Monica, Heal the Bay Knowledge Drop- Nick Gabaldon Day has moved to Thursday

Honor Nick Gabaldón Day and Nick's legacy as LA's early surfer of color!

Join Heal the Bay's Ines Ware in conversation with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and filmmaker Rhasaan Nichols. They will discuss the legacy of Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay, through their work — Alison’s book, "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" and Rhasaan’s film "Walking on Water".

Thu, Jun 4, 2020 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
Register Here

Heal the Bay is responding with a new interactive science education series “Knowledge Drops”, where our team of scientists, experts, and advocates explores the water world and offers fun lessons about the marine environment. Each session is about 1-hour long and includes a live presentation, Q&A, polls, and videos. Our new webinar series is generally geared for 3rd – 8th grade students, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!



A clean up of Downtown Santa Monica has been organized by DownTownSantaMonica.com:

Bring your brooms, garbage bags, gloves and face masks to help us clean up our downtown after yesterday’s tragic lootings. We will meet at the top of the Santa Monica Pier at 9:00am. Let’s help our businesses get up & running again.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



Looting is going on in Downtown Santa Monica. This was not part of the peaceful protest that was happening on Montana and Ocean Aves.

The mall and several promenade stores, such as Vans, were looted.

Live coverage has been posted to our Instagram Stories.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



The average water temps as of May 28th.


Honor Nick Gabaldón Day and Nick's legacy as LA's early surfer of color!

Join Heal the Bay's Ines Ware in conversation with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and filmmaker Rhasaan Nichols. They will discuss the legacy of Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay, through their work — Alison’s book, "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" and Rhasaan’s film "Walking on Water".

Mon, Jun 1, 2020 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
Register Here

Heal the Bay is responding with a new interactive science education series “Knowledge Drops”, where our team of scientists, experts, and advocates explores the water world and offers fun lessons about the marine environment. Each session is about 1-hour long and includes a live presentation, Q&A, polls, and videos. Our new webinar series is generally geared for 3rd – 8th grade students, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Here is a list of surf shops in our Los Angeles area that are now open, their hours, and other info:



Santa Monica's Bay Street Boards officially opened 3 weeks ago. Hours are 11am-4pm until they figure out all the madness!

Bay Street Boards
🌴☀️Santa Monica ☀️🌴
Surf & Skate Shop
3216 Santa Monica Blvd
310.310.2485




At the Topanga/Malibu border, Boardriders Malibu is opening their doors again! 10am - 5pm are the shop hours to get you pumped!

Boardriders Malibu
18820 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, Ca 80265
310 - 359 - 8274




Jacks Surfboards in Santa Monica is open 10am -8pm.

Masks are required to be worn while shopping. If you do not have a mask, no problem, they will be providing complimentary disposable masks. There will be a strict limit on max occupancy. In addition, each store will have staff on-site cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day. Jacks will be following all of the guidelines and protocols set by the County.

Jacks Surfboards
2012 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405
Store Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-8pm




Rider Shack is open for daily curbside pickup from 11-3pm. For help call 310-821-7873 or text/email Jeff directly 310-902-6310 Visit their FAQs Page for more info.

Rider Shack
13211 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
www.ridershack.com
310.821.SURF (7873)
877.57.SHACK (74225)




For the Vals, Valsurf is offering curbside pickup at our their Valley Village location on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm. Visit their FAQs Page for more info.

Val Surf
4810 Whitsett Ave.
Valley Village CA 91607




Santa Monica's ZJ Boarding House will be open from 2pm - 6pm. There will be limited entry to allow for social distancing. They are asking that everyone wear a face mask in the shop, and are recommending non touch (credit/debit cards) payments. They are so stoked to be back and can’t wait to see you in the shop! Shoot them a DM via their Instagram with any questions.

ZJ Boarding House
2619 Main St. Santa Monica, CA
(310) • 392 • 5646
Store Hours:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY


For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE



Local surf photographer California Mermaid is hosting a paddle out in honor of George Floyd.

"In honor of George Floyd, a paddle out will be held in protest of his and countless other horrifying murders," she stated on her Instagram, "Please use your voice to make it STOP. We are one community in support of each other."

They are meeting at 6:00PM on Friday at The Inkwell, Bat Street Surf Spot, and plan to paddle out at 7:00PM.

Take note that the parking lots all along Santa Monica are still closed, and the street parking restrictions will be in place along Bay St between Ocean Front Walk and Neilson Way and on Ocean Blvd. between Bay St. and Hollister Ave. The image below shows where NO PARKING signs are placed:



So while it may seem like the lots are open, and people are still parking on the restricted streets, you are risking getting a ticket if you do.

California Mermaid Photography


Here's the full clips of all the footage from our Instagram Stories that were shot and posted live as the skaters re-claimed the Venice Skate Park on Sunday & Monday. Led by Peck and the crew from Venice Skateboarding Stuff, skaters and non-skaters from all over the city came down, grab shovels, brooms, and buckets and got to work digging out the skate park that the city buried during the Covid-19 lockdown.

For the story on the clean up of the skate park, CLICK HERE



As seen on our Instagram Stories, the city was looking at the Venice Skate Park early Tuesday morning. They cautioned taped off the park and were telling everyone to leave, becuase the skate park is closed.

A witness by the name of "Shane" who was present Tuesday morning when the "Chief of the Parks And Rec" was checking out the skate park. He "was calling the staff in order to specifically put sand back in it."

But mid-morning, they had left and skaters returned to the park and started skating it again.

By the afternoon, the park was packed with skaters, and the police where somewhat successful in trying to clear out the park, as seen in the videos below:




For the story on the clean up of the skate park, CLICK HERE



There continues to be great progress on Malibu's Temporary Skate Park.

California Skateparks is constructing the skate equipment off-site, and will transport the equipment to Malibu Bluffs Park once it is complete.





In 2019, the City Council approved the use of the Crummer/Case property adjacent to Malibu Bluffs Park as the location for a temporary skate park, and authorized staff to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design of a 12,500 square-foot permanent skate park on the same property.

The City Council approved the Final Conceptual Design for the Temporary Skate Park on Monday, February 24.

The Temporary Skate Park is expected to open on the west portion of the property in Mid-2020, while the Permanent Skate Park is designed and built on the east portion of the property.




Venice Skate Park's Sergeant-At-Arms Peck and Venice Skateboarding Stuff got everyone together to clean out the skate park.

As seen on our Instagram Stories, the clean up started late Sunday afternoon, Peck rounding up shovels, brooms, and buckets, and the crew started removing most of the sand from the mini-bowl.


Sunday afternoon, mini-bowl almost cleared out and was skate-able.


Venice Skateboarding Stuff put the word out that skate park clean up will continue at 8am on Monday.

Clean up resumed early Monday with a few people, then it grew throughout the morning to a large number of people coming down to help out. More shovels and buckets were brought over. All ages pitched in, even the non-skaters jumped in and started shoveling out sand.


Peck in the completely buried snake run Monday morning.





There were all ages helping out.


No interruptions from Police or The Department Of Parks & Recreation. But a source said that Parks & Rec are just going to tell the workers to fill the skate park back up with sand again.


This kid was shoveling sand on Sunday and Monday morning, took a break from that to get some air over the hip.





@somasugiyama with sandals frontside airing a penny board.






By Sunday afternoon, the last bucket of sand was removed from the snake run. The mini-bowl was cleared of sand, and they were working on getting the last of the sand out of the pool. By late afternoon, everyone was skating the park again. But as seen in the photos, the city let the skate park get thrashed, there is graffiti everywhere, it has never been this badly tagged up before.


Venice Skateboarding Stuff , Peck, and all who helped get the skate park.


We'll have to wait till Tuesday morning when the Parks & Rec head honcho shows up to find out the fate of the park.

The city workers gave a heads up, that the park will just be refilled with sand. But Peck said, "We are prepare for that, we're ready for that, we prepared for that. But hey, let it be a battle. We gonna fight for what we believe in and our rights, cuz this skate park is our life and we're gonna fight for it."

Check out more photos of the clean up and skating in this gallery:

Venice Skatepark - May 2020 Photo Galley

News of another death at Venice Beach on Sunday:

“Another death on the boardwalk today. LAPD won't provide any information yet, but locals say it was an elderly homeless man that just showed up today. He was walking around by the paddle tennis courts and sat down on the bench and passed away."

Info and photo from Matt Fisher


The average water temps as of May 25th. Since last week, temps risen 1-2* in most areas, except for South LA, it dropped.
The thieves are back at it, targeting surfers' vehicles along PCH.

We got word that a vehicle at at Sunset got hit midweek at 12:30 in the afternoon. And another at Topanga around 2:00pm.

Don't just hide your keys around your car, theives are lurking and watching, waiting for their opportunity. .

Members of the surf community are doing our best to keep on the lookout, and warning other surfers not to just hide their keys under the fender.

And then, some individuals are not happy that surfers are being warned about the car burglaries, watch the video below:



"People who drive down to the beach to surf are sometimes getting their cars burglarized while out having fun. Some of us beach~boy elders are now watching out for these thieves. And we are doing a decent job, you might say. This woman in this video is verrry mad at me for trying to stop beach~side theft. I'll quote her: "That's not yo' problem"..." - Shot by R Wright


So take your key with you, or try using a lockbox, like the ones featured here:
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