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?"

Following the successful conversion of restrooms at several city parks, the city of Santa Monica is set to complete all-gender restrooms at the beach and Pier this month.

The effort is in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and is partially supported by a $40,000 grant from the office of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath.

Santa Monica beaches and Pier are among the top-visited destinations in the region. Now, visitors will have expanded access to a basic life necessity, regardless of their gender identity. The all-gender restrooms also benefit those who need to assist someone of a different gender, such as a caregiver or parent.

“Santa Monica embraces people of all gender identities. The all-gender signage is a significant advancement in our work to ensure our spaces are accessible to everyone. Moreover, the all-gender signage sends the important message that Santa Monica’s spaces are welcoming spaces for all genders and gender identities,” Deputy City Manager and LGBTQ+ Liaison Christopher Smith said. “Everyone should feel welcome while enjoying our beautiful Santa Monica beaches and I want to thank L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath for her support.”

All-gender restrooms are increasingly commonplace, found in restaurants, cultural venues and academic institutions.

“Santa Monica is known around the world as a welcoming place where anyone can be free to be themselves,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “As we take this meaningful step, I encourage everyone to take part in enjoying our Pier and beach and spending the day in our beautiful city."

The majority of Santa Monica’s existing beach and pier restrooms were constructed using an individual toilet stall and locking mechanism design with common areas for hand washing. Phase I of the conversion project includes installing new door signage on the existing restrooms, with expected completion by August. Phase 2 includes installing new wayfinding signage, set to be completed by spring 2025.

Santa Monica has long been a leader in fostering equity and inclusion. The 2022 Santa Monica/West Hollywood co-sponsored legislation Senate Bill 1194 paved the way for local agencies to expand access to inclusive all-gender restroom facilities within their jurisdictions. In 2023, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring all-gender, multi-stall public restrooms for all newly constructed buildings and the city began the process of converting existing public restrooms at its beach and parks.

“The city of Santa Monica’s transition to all-gender restrooms on our beaches is a meaningful act of inclusion for both local communities and visitors who enjoy our beautiful coastline,” Horvath said. “This investment puts Santa Monica’s values into action and is part of their longstanding commitment to equality and creating a welcoming community for all. My office is proud to support this effort.”

The all-gender restroom project advances the city’s key strategic priority of Justice, Equity & Inclusion. n 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.

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.

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From Erika Aklufi, SMPD Lieutenant:

In 2023, the SMPD arrested more than 2500 individuals for misdemeanor and felony violations. Hundreds more were issued citations in the field for misdemeanor offenses per the LA County zero bail policy of Cite and Release (CR). The following numbers reflect those individuals taken into police custody and booked before being released with a citation (BR):

Theft: 366 arrestees. This includes 171 shoplifting arrests, 58 petty thefts, 49 grand thefts, 16 frauds, 14 grand thefts from a person, and 14 organized retail theft arrests, among other crimes.

Public Intoxication/Under the Influence of drugs: 330 arrestees

Trespassing: 105 arrestees

Indecent Exposure: 17 arrestees

These arrests combined represent 30% of all arrests made by the SMPD in 2023.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police arrested a man on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, on suspicion of assault at Santa Monica Beach. Authorities received a call reporting an individual being assaulted near lifeguard tower 27. Upon arrival, officers detained a suspect matching the provided description. However, the victim, when brought to the scene, stated the suspect was not the assailant, leading to the suspect's release.

Continuing their search, officers located another suspect at a homeless encampment near the Venice-Santa Monica border. Following further investigation, police arrested this individual and took him into custody. The victim received treatment from Santa Monica Fire paramedics at the scene and was subsequently released. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a disagreement over a possibly stolen bike.."

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.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation with focused enforcement efforts on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Police Department identifies locations where pedestrian and bike collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

These extra enforcement efforts will take place the week of July 1, 2024.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

Pedestrians

· Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

· Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

· Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

· Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

· Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

· Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

· If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

The Santa Monica 4th of July Parade RETURNS Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:30am. The 2024 Santa Monica Parade celebrates the Arts!

The 2024 parade returns to its classic route! The parade kicks off promptly at 9:30am at Pico and Main Street, traveling South on Main Street before turning right onto Marine, ending at Barnard Way. Join us to watch anywhere along the Main Street route as we make our way to Beach Lot 5 South. The official grandstand announcement location will be in front of the Ocean Park Library.



For more info, Click Here.

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

Archive footage of Santa Monica shot by an American filmmaker while traveling to California in the 1984.

This archive footage contains historical stock footage of View of Santa Monica Pier, Traffic signal view in street with cars, View of Pacific Sands Motel, Flamingo west Motel, Ocean ave side street, Group of people view walking through footpath, Shopping malls, Flying view of United States Flag, Holiday inn and more

Unapologetically herself. This is Lizzie Armanto.

From the Cove in Santa Monica to the pages of Vogue, Lizzie continues to be one of the most influential and inspirational female skaters in the world. Mixing style and elegance - there's no one out here doing it like she is.

We're really witnesses of the greatness that is Lizzie.

On Saturday, June 8yj, we joined the over 600 volunteers at tower 28 in Santa Monica to be a part of Life Rolls On's They Will Surf Again event. This Santa Monica event was the first surf stop of Life Rolls On's Get On Board 2024 Tour.

They Will Surf Again is an award-winning series of bi-coastal events that empower paraplegics and quadriplegics to experience the freedom of mobility by riding a wave with the assistance of adaptive equipment and the support of hard working volunteers.

More than a day of recreational activity, They Will Surf Again also serves as an exceptional opportunity for individuals with SCI and their families to network and establish new support networks outside traditional group support settings. Founded by world champion quadriplegic surfer Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for young people affected by spinal cord injury. Believing that adaptive surfing and skating could inspire infinite possibilities beyond paralysis.

Six12 Media has been there every year, getting as many great surfing shots of these athletes as possible, making sure they and their families get some awesome action photos to remember this day.















We got way too many great photos to post here. You can find several 100 more surf photos from this day, all full size and high-resolution, in this gallery:

They Will Surf Again 2024 Photo Gallery

If you were out there, there probably is some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Hundreds of volunteers, people of all ages with disabilities, and entire families come together for an epic day in the ocean on Saturday.

Founded by 3X World Adaptive Surfing Champion and 6X US National Adaptive Surfing Champion Jesse Billauer, Life Rolls On is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with various disabilities. Believing that adaptive surfing, skating, and fishing could inspire infinite possibilities beyond any disability, Life Rolls On began as a splash into the unknown on September 11, 2001; achieved 501c3 nonprofit status in 2002; and now touches the lives of hundreds of thousands.

Hundreds of volunteers, people of all ages with disabilities, and entire families come together for an epic day in the ocean.

Whether you’ve surfed with us for years, are a beginner, or just want to meet people and hang out for the day…YOU BELONG HERE. Everyone is welcome.

You’ll be amazed who you meet at a Life Rolls On event. Heroic people navigating life with various disabilities, and heroic volunteers making freedom possible.



Lifeguard Tower 28
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica CA 90405

Near the South Beach playground

Use Parking Lot 5S, we are at the extreme southwest corner



For more info, Click Here.

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

June 03, 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:

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

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

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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:

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

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.

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the reopening of Topanga Canyon Boulevard ahead of schedule on Sunday, June 2.



Original estimates had the reopening of this important route that connects Malibu to the western San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County scheduled for this fall. Caltrans crews have been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to stabilize the area and clear the roadway to open the boulevard fully with occasional one-way traffic controls as emergency repairs continue on the highway.

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

May 30, 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:

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

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

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· 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.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

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

· Topanga Canyon Beach 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.

Two employees of a do-it-yourself pottery/paint business in the Ocean Park area of Santa Monica were caught on video dumping green paint glaze into a storm which has a huge warning sign stating "No Dumping - This Drains To Ocean" on it. One of the employees is heard saying "Who Cares. It'll Rain." The business has issued an apology and statement.

May 21, 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:

·East Temescal Canyon Storm Drain at Will Rogers State Beach

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

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the Lagoon.

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

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· 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.

· 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. Topanga Canyon Beach 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.