Santa Monica Police Department's proactive patrol in the 2000 block of Ocean Ave on Friday, April 24th led to the recovery of a loaded firearm, nitrous oxide, and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect, on diversion for a prior robbery, was arrested for loaded firearm & drug charges.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has officially launched its Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center), marking a significant advancement in how the City prevents, responds to, and investigates crime. The SMART Center serves as a centralized operations hub where technology, personnel, and real-time intelligence converge to support coordinated, proactive policing.

The SMART Center integrates multiple public safety technologies into a single operational platform, including the City’s camera network, Live 911, Drone as a First Responder operations, and advanced video analytics. This integration allows personnel to monitor incidents as they unfold, provide real-time intelligence to officers in the field, and support faster, more informed decision-making during critical incidents.

“This is a significant step forward in how we deliver public safety,” said Chief Darrick Jacob. “The SMART Center allows us to operate with greater precision, coordinate in real time, and proactively address crime trends while maintaining our commitment to transparency and accountability.”

“Safe streets are the foundation of Santa Monica’s comeback,” said Caroline Torosis, Mayor of Santa Monica. “The new businesses opening, the visitors returning, the investment flowing back into our corridors, all of it depends on people feeling safe here. The SMART Center gives our officers the real-time tools and information they need to deliver on that promise, and that is great news for every resident, every business owner, and every family in this city.”

A key function of the SMART Center is strengthening the Department’s ability to address Organized Retail Theft (ORT), a regional and statewide issue impacting Santa Monica’s commercial districts. By integrating live video and regional information-sharing systems, the SMART Center enhances SMPD’s ability to identify patterns, track repeat offenders, and coordinate with partner agencies to disrupt organized theft networks that operate across jurisdictional boundaries.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on after-the-fact investigation, the SMART Center is designed to support both real-time response and proactive enforcement. During active incidents, SMART personnel can synthesize information from multiple sources, coordinate aerial support through drone deployment, and provide officers with a clear operational picture to improve both effectiveness and safety.

Even prior to the completion of the physical center, SMPD utilized SMART Center capabilities in the field to support investigations, monitor incidents in progress, and coordinate deployments. With the center now fully operational, these tools are unified in a single environment, allowing for greater efficiency and consistency in how information is applied.

The SMART Center also enhances regional collaboration. By improving information sharing with local and state partners, SMPD is better positioned to address crime trends—particularly Organized Retail Theft—that extend beyond city limits and require coordinated, multi-agency response.

“I congratulate the Santa Monica Police Department for continually working to evolve the practice of policing to better serve our community,” said Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney. “Real-time crime intelligence centers are becoming the gold standard in policing and public safety nationwide. This cutting-edge technology helps our already highly trained officers have more robust evidence-collection which leads to greater crime prevention and, most importantly, fewer victims. At the District Attorney’s Office, this technology helps the prosecution to gather stronger evidence for our cases as we seek justice for victims. We appreciate the continued partnership with law enforcement as we work to take down retail thieves and other organized crime rings across Los Angeles County.”

Funding for the SMART Center was secured through a competitive grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections as part of the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program, through which SMPD was awarded $6.125 million. This investment reflects the State’s recognition of technology-driven, intelligence-led policing as a critical component in addressing retail theft and other complex crime challenges.

The SMART Center directly supports SMPD’s four operational priorities: crime suppression, homelessness response, traffic safety, and community engagement. For the community, this translates to faster emergency response, more precise deployments, and improved coordination during large-scale or rapidly evolving incidents.

The launch of the SMART Center represents more than a new facility—it reflects a shift in how SMPD delivers public safety. By combining technology, personnel, and real-time intelligence, the Department is advancing a more coordinated, proactive approach focused on prevention, accountability, and community trust.

Venice Healer Daisy is running for Santa Monica City Council.

The Santa Monica City Council is made up of seven members elected by the community. As the legislative authority, City Council sets the policies, priorities, and budget for the local government. The City Council provides leadership through policy development regarding the current practices and future direction of the City as well as the adoption and oversight of the City budget.

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct traffic safety operations on Wednesday, April 8th and Thursday, April 9th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

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.

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.

SMPD offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

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

Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.

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.

Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross. 

The Santa Monica Police Department needs your help identifying the individual pictured, suspected of sexual battery.


If you recognize him or have any information, please contact Detective Sean Baker at 310-458-8932 (sean.baker@santamonica.gov).

Explore the evolution of skateboarding culture from its humble roots to a dominant cultural force. Participants retrace pivotal eras, attempting iconic tricks and stunts across Southern California. This journey highlights technical innovations and the rebellious spirit that shaped the sport.

Zuma Cars and Coffee brings every type of person to share the passion of the automobile and motorsports. You will often find the world’s rarest, most expensive and fastest cars displayed here. A community event where celebrities and us regular folk walk around, take pictures and visit with fellow enthusiasts. And we really aren’t snobs!!

Cars on display include hyper-cars, exotic cars, race cars, classic cars as well as the unusual. This is where auto enthusiasts gather to share their amazing vehicles and camaraderie.

Zuma Cars and Coffee is a monthly event beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at 11:30 AM. It takes place on the first Sunday of selected months. The location is at Perry’s Beach Cafe, 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica.

On February 11, 2026, at approximately 9:49 p.m., Santa Monica Police Department officers received a report of a street robbery that had just occurred near 2nd Streetand California Avenue.

According to preliminary information, multiple suspects armed with a knife took personal property from the victims before fleeing in a dark-colored vehicle.

Using SMART Center resources, officers located the vehicle traveling eastbound on the I-10 Freeway and transitioning to the southbound I-405. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through multiple jurisdictions before the vehicle was located in the City of Inglewood with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department Air Unit.

The suspects fled on foot, and five individuals were ultimately taken into custody with assistance from the Inglewood Police Department and LAPD Air Support.

There are no outstanding suspects related to this incident.

This remains an active investigation.

The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved the addition of a second unit to the Fire Department’s new Advanced Provider Unit Program, following the successful launch of the first unit in November 2025.

The Advanced Provider Unit, or APU, is a specialized Mobile Integrated Health resource designed to address complex medical and behavioral health calls and frequent 911 users in a way that supports both community well-being and system resiliency.

The APU initiative is part of the city’s two-year strategic Realignment Plan, building organizational capacity and delivering smarter, more coordinated public safety service.

“This is what modern public safety looks like,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “We’re meeting people where they are, delivering advanced care in the field, reducing strain on our ERs, and keeping ambulances ready for true emergencies. The data from the first three months is clear. It works. Expanding the APU means better outcomes for vulnerable residents and a more resilient system for everyone.”

Staffed by a firefighter-paramedic and a nurse practitioner, the APU combines advanced clinical capability with full integration into Fire Department operations and medical oversight. With this staffing model, the APU team can conduct advanced clinical assessments in the field, provide treatment in place when appropriate, coordinate follow-up care and service connections, and reduce unnecessary emergency department transports.

And by addressing calls that do not require a traditional emergency response, the APU reduces strain on frontline units and allows police officers, fire engines, and ambulances to remain available for truly time-critical incidents.

In just its first three months of operation, the city’s initial APU:

Responded to over 130 calls for service Provided Advanced Level of Care to over 60 patients, including advanced diagnostics, behavioral health screenings, and in home safety assessments

Successfully treated in place and discharged over 20 patients on scene, avoiding unnecessary hospital visits

Avoided the use of ambulances over 50 times, keeping units available for the next emergency

Successfully helped place two elderly, high-utilizer patients into long term care to better meet their complex medical needs.

Building on early success metrics, the APU expansion will facilitate a number of positive outcomes for the community, including:

Increased coverage during peak demand periods

Deployment seven days per week, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Improved response options for complex medical and behavioral health calls

Further reduced avoidable ambulance transports and emergency department utilization

Enhanced overall system resiliency across Fire, Police, and EMS operations

Big Blue Bus honors Rosa Parks’ birthday and Transit Equity Day, with FREE RIDES on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 To honor the legacy of Civil Rights Activist Rosa Parks, Transit Equity Day is celebrated nationwide as a day of action supporting equitable, affordable, accessible, reliable, and safe transit for all. This year’s theme, “Transit Moves Democracy”, highlights the work being done by community leaders, environmentalists, and social justice advocates fighting for equitable, accessible, and fully funded sustainable public transit systems in our communities. Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Project Save Our Surf returns to Tower 26 to clean the beach. Buckets, gloves and light snacks will be provided.

SUNDAY January 17th



While we are usually on the second Saturday of the month - were doing this one big on Sunday for plastic free July with amazing sponsors - cant wait to see you out soon!

Come join Project Save Our Surf for a fun afternoon of music and refreshments cleaning the beach. Buckets and gloves will also be provided for the cleanup. Connect with others in Los Angeles working to support our environment.

Supported by Beryl Foundation you can donate by choosing a donation ticket and choosing an amount

We have also partnered with Project Pop Drop to collect items for the homeless that we will be delivering to a homeless shelter on the last Saturday of the month (each month is a different shelter and details will be available at the cleanup for those who want to attend that event as well). We are collecting non- perishable foods and new toiletries, new socks, new underwear, new clothing etc.

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

Santa Monica's iconic 20-foot Shopping Cart Tree returns to Main Street with a festive lighting celebration..

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

Miracle on Main Street 2025 will be Sunday, December 7, 3:30-7pm with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

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

Santa Claus is coming to town with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters leading the way. Santa and his public safety helpers will be distributing good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of this year’s 33rd Annual "Candy Cane Drive.”

Everyone is invited to join in the festivities sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Santa Monica Firefighters, Local 1109 .

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit with Santa, this year’s scheduled stops include one per police beat.

Saturday, December 6, 2025:

10:00 – 10:45 am Douglas Park - 2400 California Ave (Beat 4)

11:00-11:30 am Christine Reed Park California Ave & 7th Street (Beat 1)

1:00 – 1:45 pm Virginia Avenue Park - 2200 Virginia Ave (Beat 3)

2:00 – 2:45 pm Clover Park - Ocean Park & 25th St (Beat 2)

Santa Monica children are encouraged to look and listen for the lights and sirens of the public safety vehicles, while parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.

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

Miracle on Main Street 2025 will be Sunday, December 7, 3:30-7pm with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

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

Looking through the December 2014 issue of now gone suf magazine Drop Zone LA, a magazine that was all about the Los Amgeles surf culture. It was a free magazine that lasted about 2 years in print form.

This video is from our partnered Youtube Channel: Vintage Skate Snow Surf Stuff. All kinds of old steboarding, surfing and snowboarding magazines and catalogs are being posted on that channel.

PAUSE to stop the video to read the text.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 10 to 0 to raise parking meter rates 50% citywide. Meters will move from 1.00 to 1.50. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation currently charges between $1 and $8.50 for metered parking, depending on the area.

LADOT will also extend meter hours, with high activity areas running to midnight and most other metered blocks running to 8 p.m.

Meters will also start operating on Sundays

Boarding For Breast Cancer is thrilled to announce the 18th Annual Skate The Coast on October 25 + 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

Skate the Coast is a 15 mile skate-bike-roll from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach along the iconic Southern California Strand with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop for this mellow cruise.

B4BC welcomes anyone on wheels of all ages and abilities to join this push for prevention as we raise funds for B4BC's education, prevention and survivorship programs. Please help us reach our $75K goal by registering today! Registration includes an event tee shirt, goodie bag and prizes for top fundraisers!

Skate-bike-roll 15 miles from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach with B4BC and friends! This is a collective push for prevention with three hydration stops along the way. The morning will start at Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach where we'll load the shuttles to the Santa Monica Pier. From there we'll cruise down the coast to Arbor Venice, Marina Del Rey, Dockweiler State Beach, Hermosa Beach and finishing off at Dive N Surf for awards and celebrations. Our finish line party includes live music, food, adult beverages, raffle prizes and silent auction.



The 15-mile event is taking place on October 22nd, with participants meeting up at 7:00 am at Veteran’s Park in Redondo Beach for check in and shuttles. The skating begins at 9 am at Santa Monica Pier and will end at 1:00 pm at Redondo Beach, with a three hydration stops in between. Following the event there will be a finish line party from 12 pm – 4 pm at Dive N Surf.

The goal is to fundraise $75,000 and B4BC looks forward to getting the community together for some fresh air and movement, all for breast cancer awareness!

For more info, Click Here

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

Fall’s Biggest Celebration!
Sunday, Oct. 19th, 12-7pm
Main Street Block Party

A not-to-be-missed opportunity for dog lovers. An amazing lineup of events throughout the day with highlights including a Pool Party with DJ and Canine Cabanas, Dog Races, Foam Party for Pups, Doggy Brunch, Super-Hero Photo Booth, Yoga with Adoptable Puppies & so much more for you and your dog!

A free and pet friendly event featuring: Yoga with adoptable puppies – 80 ft. pool party for dogs including DJ & canine cabanas – Leading pet exhibitors in California – Superhero themed photo booth – Brunch for dogs featuring a selections of Acana Pet foods with fresh fruit and goats milk

And Of Course The Races!
• Running of the Bulls – French and English bulldog races
• You did WHAT with your WIENER? – Wiener dog races
• AND MORE!

From summer to fall, Open Main Street will transform sidewalks and public spaces with different programming each month, including Drag Bingo inside the beer garden in August, a collaboration with the Day of the Dog on September 9th and the return of Rocktober, celebrating Halloween with a pumpkin patch and outdoor movie screening. Each weekend brings free, pop-up fitness classes, police and fire community booths, and two satellite bars featuring local DJ’s at every event.




For more info, Click Here

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

Want to be $500.00 richer?!

Enter our HOWL-O-WEEN costume contest for a chance to win BIG!

Date and Location:

Santa Monica

October 19
📍2327 Main st (between Strand st and Ocean Park Blvd)
⏰12:00-5:00

Entry Details:

👻Contestants can enter between 1:00-3:00 at the HOWL-O-WEEN stage.

👻Have your photo taken while you walk the pumpkin runway.

👻The top 10 finalist will be notified and return to the stage for judging at 3:00pm.

👻The best costume will win $500.00 CASH, the Skeleton Trophy 🏆and bragging rights until the2026 event!!