A recap of some of the incidents Santa Monica Police dealt with on April 27 - May 3, 2025. From a peeping tom spying on a child and a public masturbater, to thefts from stores and robberies, here's the list:

Swatting Incidents – Ocean Ave: Two consecutive swatting incidents occurred at the same location. On the first day, dispatch received a call from a distorted voice claiming to have shot his mother. On the second day, a similar call was made claiming to have shot his sister. Containment was set up both times. All residents were safe, and both calls were confirmed hoaxes. No suspects in custody.

Grand Theft Auto – 1300 Block, 2nd St.: An electric bike was stolen from in front of Barney’s Beanery. No suspect information available.

Parole Violation / Narcotics Paraphernalia – 1200 Block, 6th St.: Officers observed a subject smoking narcotics outside 7-11. Upon contact, the subject was found with drug paraphernalia and had a no-bail parole violation for arson. Arrested on scene.

Felony Theft / Prior Convictions – Sunglass Hut & Sephora: A suspect previously involved in a theft at Sunglass Hut was identified by officers and later linked to multiple thefts at Sephora. Total loss was approximately $2,000. The suspect was also charged with 666.1 PC for theft with prior convictions.

Sex Registrant Violation / Warrants – 1500 Block, Alley 4: Officers contacted a subject believed to be a non-compliant sex registrant. He was confirmed to have a no-bail parole violation for failing to register and two SMPD warrants totaling $200,000 for lewd acts. Subject was taken into custody.

High-Capacity Magazine Arrest – Lot 4 South: During a traffic stop, officers detected marijuana and conducted a probation search. Two firearms were found secured in the trunk, along with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 33 rounds.

Vandalism to City Property – SMPD Pier Substation: A homeless individual was seen kicking the substation doors, breaking a window panel and frame. The suspect fled but was detained on Ocean Ave and arrested for vandalism.

Unfounded Shots Fired Call – 3100 block of Urban Ave: A food delivery driver reported that a resident fired a shot at him or into the air. Officers contacted the residents and neighbors; no one heard gunfire and no evidence was found. The incident was determined to be unfounded.

Prowling/Peeping (Juvenile Victim) – 11th St.: A 13-year-old girl witnessed a suspect peering through her front window. The suspect then moved to the back of the home and looked into her bedroom window. The suspect fled but was later located and arrested.

Domestic Violence – 500 block of Colorado Ave: During a domestic dispute, the suspect broke items, took the victim’s car keys, and pushed the victim to the ground while attempting to leave. A 2-year-old child was present. The suspect was stopped by officers and an Emergency Protective Order was granted. DCFS was notified.

Sexual Assault (Juvenile Victim) – Santa Monica Pier: A juvenile from a local group home met a suspect in person after online communication. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim at the pier. The incident was reported by the victim to group home staff. No arrest has been made.

Strong-arm Robbery – Main St. & Ocean Park Blvd: A suspect approached the victim, demanded property, and physically assaulted the victim before fleeing with the stolen items. The suspect was located nearby and taken into custody.

Traffic Collision / DUI Arrest – 7th St. & Ocean Park Blvd: Officers responded to a vehicle collision involving a city tree. The driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.

Grand Theft – Santa Monica Place: A known theft suspect concealed clothing valued over $950 in his pants. When confronted at the exit, the suspect dropped the items and attempted to flee but was unable to exit due to locked doors. He was arrested and the property was recovered.

Juvenile Theft – Santa Monica Place: Two juveniles concealed multiple phones inside a store. Officers detained them and recovered the stolen items. Investigation revealed the suspects were involved in similar thefts at multiple Apple stores in the area.

No Bail Warrant Arrest – 1600 Block, 6th Street: Subject contacted was found to have a PRCS no bail warrant and was taken into custody.

Weapons Arrest & No Bail Warrant – 1600 Block, Beach: Subject contacted for a municipal code violation had a no bail LAPD warrant for assault on a peace officer. Search revealed a makeshift slungshot. Arrested for the warrant and possession of a prohibited weapon (22210 PC).

5150 Hold – Lot 1 North: A subject was reported acting erratically and parked in traffic lanes. DART responded and requested DMH, who placed the subject on a 5150 psychiatric hold. Subject was transported to Exodus West.

Felony Narcotics Arrest & LAPD Warrant – 1500 Block, Alley 4: Subject contacted was found with a $100,000 LAPD warrant for meth sales. He was found in possession of meth and OC spray. Arrested under Prop 36 and booked for felony narcotics, illegal OC spray possession, and paraphernalia. Transported to LAPD Pacific.

LAPD DV Warrant Arrest – 1600 Block, Bike Path: Subject detained for shopping cart possession and found to have two LAPD warrants (DV and trespassing). Also in possession of a meth pipe. Arrested and transported to LAPD Pacific.

Weapons & Drug Charges – 1615 Ocean Ave (Tongva Park): Subject arrested for felony possession of a dirk/dagger, drug paraphernalia, and misappropriation of property.

Trespassing & Narcotics Arrest – 1600 Block, Beach: Subject was found trespassing under the pier in a gated area and was in possession of meth and a meth pipe. Subject had no ID and no fingerprint match via LACRIS. Arrested for trespassing and violations of 11377(a) HS and 11364(a) HS.

Theft – Nike Store: Three suspects were located by DART officers on the train platform after stealing merchandise from the Nike store. All suspects were identified.

Felony Battery – 3rd St./Arizona: Subject was located by DART officers after punching a female juvenile in the face without provocation.

Warrant Cite-Out – 1600 Block, Beach: Subject was detained for loitering under the pier and found to have a $30,000 SMPD warrant for trespassing and resisting arrest.

Lewd Conduct Arrest: Officers stopped a subject at 16th St. and Santa Monica Blvd for masturbating in public. The subject had two outstanding warrants and was on probation for felony assault. A hold was approved.

Stay-Away Order Violation: Officers arrested a subject for violating a stay-away order.

Weapons and Drug Paraphernalia Possession: In Tongva Park, officers stopped a subject for possessing a shopping cart. A search revealed the subject had a dirk/dagger and a meth pipe in his possession.

No Bail Warrant Arrest: Officers contacted a subject in the 1600 block of 6th Street. A warrant check showed the subject had a PRCS no-bail warrant, and he was taken into custody.

Felony Warrant – Sex Crimes: During a traffic stop in the 300 block of Broadway for expired registration, officers discovered the driver had a felony sex crimes warrant out of Orange County. The subject was arrested.

Muni Code Violation – Sex Offender Non-Compliance: A pedestrian stop for a municipal code violation in the 1400 block of Alley 5 revealed the subject was a registered sex offender (290 PC) who was out of compliance.

May 12, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a statement claiming "No beaches are currently under an advisory". No mention at all about fire debris at any beaches.

This is the story of Pacific Ocean Park. Once a rival to Disneyland, this popular so-cal amusement park built on a pier, would quickly become abandoned. What went wrong?

On Saturday, around noon, 2 guys were chased down and arrested by Santa Monica Police after they were seen breaking into vehicles in the Ocean Park Beach Parking lot.

They drove to the beach in a white Inifinti SUV, parked in Lot 5 and went out to break into the vehicles of people visiting the beach. They were seen checking the doors of several vehicles, and at least one victim was able to retrieve what was taken from her when the police searched the Infiniti. She said they got into her vehicle by forcing something into her door lock.

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. The 2025 season is about to get underway. Registration for “They Will Surf Again” Santa Monica opens Wednesday May 7th at 9am PST. We are extremely excited to see everyone on June 21st for the first surf event of the 2025 “Get On Board” Tour.



Lifeguard Tower 28
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica CA 90405





For more info and to register, Click Here.

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

On Saturday at 12:29 p.m. a high surf advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 9 p.m. until Monday, May. 5 at 9 a.m. for Los Angeles County Beaches:

WHAT...Large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents. Surf highest across northwest and west facing beaches.

WHERE...Los Angeles County Beaches.

WHEN...From 9 PM Saturday evening to 9 AM PDT Monday.

IMPACTS...There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks. For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

On-Campus Sexual Battery

On April 30, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., while in the SMC Library (Main Campus), the suspect tapped the victim on the shoulder and asked for a kiss. When the victim attempted to leave, suspect grabbed victim’s groin area without consent. The suspect then left the area in an unknown direction. SMC Police personnel offered support/resources to the victim. The victim is an SMC student.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION (as provided by victims and/or witnesses): Male, Unknown Race/Ethnicity, Black Hair, 18-25 yo, No further description provided. (See photo above).

This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Santa Monica College Police Department at 310-434-4300 and refer to Report #: 25-82.

A recap of some of the incidents Santa Monica Police dealt with on April 13 - April 19, 2025

Sexual Assault– 600 Block of Santa Monica Blvd The reporting party observed a sexual assault in progress and began recording the incident while calling 911. Officers located the suspect leaving the area. Both the victim and suspect were transported to the Rape Treatment Center for evidence collection.

Assault W/ Deadly Weapon (Dual Stabbings) – 1700 Block of the Beach Two victims, a brother and sister, were walking on the beach when the brother got into a verbal altercation with two suspects. The altercation turned physical, and the sister intervened, trying to break up the fight. One suspect was armed with a knife and both suspects fled southbound on the beach. Both victims sustained stab wounds. Both victims were transported to the hospital and were later in stable condition, with no surgeries needed. On scene, multiple parties/witnesses were uncooperative, under the influence and provided conflicting information to officers.

Assault W/ Deadly Weapon (Family Domestic) – 21st St A grandmother and granddaughter got into a verbal altercation which turned physical. The granddaughter stabbed her grandmother in her shin with a knife, causing a 1-inch laceration. The granddaughter was taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – 1600 Block of Ocean Front Walk The victim contacted PD stating her boyfriend had beat her up by punching her multiple times in her face and head; and possibly cut the back of her head with a box cutter. The victim was located with multiple injuries on her face. The victim advised that her boyfriend fled the scene and did not have a car. The victim was transported to the hospital for further treatment. Note: There has been prior domestic violence in their relationship.

Burglaries via Rear Sliding Door – Investigation Ongoing

1800 block of Arizona Ave
700 block of 21st St
2900 block of Arizona Ave

Criminal Threats w/ Firearm - SM Place Mall. DSU officers respond to a call where mall security was threatened by a female transient with a firearm. The security guards lost sight of the suspect as she walked into Structure 7. Officers searched the parking structure while investigating. The suspect was not located.

6th St/Broadway 368(b)(1) PC / 11377(a) HS An elderly BBB passenger was spat on by a bus rider after she asked him to stop smoking on the bus. The suspect was located and found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

6th St/SM Blvd Warrant/11377(a) HS Officers contacted a subject known to have an outstanding SMPD warrant. The subject was found in possession of methamphetamine.

PED stop 400 block of Arizona Officers contacted a subject after they observed him manipulating drugs with additional drug paraphernalia in plain view. Ultimately their investigation led to a possession for sales arrest, and felony possession due to prior convictions.

Juvenile Overdose - Beverly Ave Officers responded to an assistance call for service. The comments of the call stated a 16-year-old was not breathing in the house and dispatch was giving CPR instructions. Upon arrival, Santa Monica Fire Department Engine 2 administered Narcan and was providing rescue breaths. The victim regained consciousness and was transported to a local area hospital. It should be noted on 09/09/2024 SMFD responded to an overdose call for the same individual. The juvenile was placed on a 5150 hold for making suicidal statements.

Robbery/69 PC/Use of Force –420 Broadway Officers responded to an Estes Robbery at 420 Broadway. The suspect had taken items and scratched the loss prevention agent on the face as she left the business. Officers located the suspect on the train platform and attempted to detain the suspect. She proceeded to also scratch the officer along the right side of his face and neck. The suspect was placed under arrest with the assistance of responding officers.

Rollover Traffic Collision/DUI - 900 Block of Broadway Officers were on patrol in the 1100 block of Broadway when he heard a loud crash near the 900 Block of Broadway. They arrived on scene and located two vehicles overturned. Only one driver was located and initially it was believed the driver of the second vehicle fled the location. Video of the accident was located and showed the driver struck a parked unoccupied vehicle at a high rate of speed. A search of the suspect’s’ vehicle and a backpack revealed bottles of Nitrous Oxide. The driver was transported to a local hospital and eventually cited out for DUI.

Narcotics Violation / 9th St. & Pico Blvd. Officers initiated a traffic stop for a moving violation. It was subsequently discovered that the driver was on felony probation. A probation search revealed the driver was in possession of narcotics.

Assault – Deadly Weapon (Skateboard) / 600 Block of Ocean Park Blvd. The victim sees a suspect coming from the direction of the front door of his apartment. The victim confronted the suspect who swung a skateboard at the victim’s head. The suspect fled but was located nearby.

Grand Theft (E-Bike) / 1000 Block of Pico Blvd. (800 Block of Broadway) The victim reported the theft of an E-Bike from in front of his apartment building. The following day, the victim was able to track (with an apple air tag) the stolen bike to a specific apartment building. Officers responded and found the suspect in possession of the bike.

Aggravated Battery – 800 Block of Ocean Ave A homeless victim was contacted by six suspects riding scooters. An unknown number of suspects punched and kicked the victim once on his body. The victim was not very forthcoming with incident details. The victim sustained redness all over his body and was transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Firearm Arrest – Ocean Way and Bay St Officers stopped a vehicle for displaying stolen license plates. Once all passengers were out of the vehicle, the officers noticed a handgun in plain sight beneath the center console. The handgun was positioned to be easily accessible to the driver. The handgun was a loaded .40 caliber Springfield XD. The driver was arrested. Once at the jail, it was determined the suspect had falsely identified himself and had an outstanding burglary warrant.

Carjacking / Assault – 2100 Block of Ocean Ave Unprovoked, the victim was struck multiple times in the head by three suspects wearing face masks. One of the suspects took the victim’s car keys and they all fled in his vehicle southbound on Ocean Ave and out of sight. The investigation is ongoing.

Story by City News Service

The owner of a pit bull mix who fatally mauled a toy poodle in Santa Monica has been identified, and authorities Wednesday were evaluating possible charges in the death.

The attack happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday near Main and Strand streets, not far from shoreline, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

A gray-and-white pit bull attacked the 11-year-old toy poodle, who sustained fatal injuries, police said. One of the poodle's owners was also bitten while trying to save the dog, according to police.

The pit bull owner fled the scene on foot with the dog, and his image was captured by security cameras, police said.

The owners of the poodle, named Dublin, said the pit bull's owner should be held accountable for failing to prevent the attack and for fleeing the scene afterward.

The incident happened less than two blocks from where the poodle's owners, Alyssa Kluge and Christopher Dietrick, live.

"This is a walk we take three times a day," Dietrick said. "We were walking home with Dublin. As we were walking, a man was not paying attention; he was leaned into the passenger window of a car, and the pit bull mix lunged across us, got a hold of our Dublin. It was very violent. There was a big scuffle. I kept punching the dog."

The man then grabbed his pit bull and "took off running," Dietrick said.

A good Samaritan drove the couple and Dublin to an animal hospital, but Kluge said, "My baby died in my arms."

"I got him on St. Patrick's Day more than 11 years ago, and he was aptly named Dublin," said Kluge, who raised the dog since he was 10 weeks old.

Witnesses said the pit bull's owner, speaking with an English accent, shouted that someone was going to kill his dog as he ran up Fourth Street and into an apartment building in the Ocean Park neighborhood.

Following days of seeking public help, the SMPD shared an update on Wednesday morning stating that the owner had been identified. Police did not provide his name, however.

Police said under current law, several dog-on-dog attacks and related violations fall under civil or misdemeanor-level offenses, including failure to control a dangerous animal or failure to provide information following a dangerous bite.

The Santa Monica city attorney was identifying any municipal or criminal violations that might be applicable to this attack, officials said. middle class local"

A search is underway for the owner of a pit bull that mauled to death a toy poodle. This happened on Friday afternoon as Alyssa Kluge and Christoper Dietrick were walking their poodle, named Dublin, down Strand inbetween Main Street abd 2nd St, when they pasted dark-haired man next to a parked car with black and grey pitbull on a leash. The pit charged at the poodle and killed him. The man then took off.

Dublin's owner posted this:

"Hi All - Unfortunately, our dog was the one killed by this dangerous animal. The owner was absolutely negligent. We have called SMPD, Animal Control, you name it, and have spoken to every business on Main Street, in addition to neighbors, and have put up 50+ signs and sent over 100 emails. We've also patrolled our neighborhood and blasted this across every channel we've tried.

PLEASE HELP US FIND THIS MAN. He may have two pitbulls; one gray, one white-ish with spots on his face, but he only had the gray one with him. He was middle aged, a little bigger around the middle (not fat, but just got winded running away), was wearing shorts and flip flops -- white, black or dark brown hair and had an accent like it was British.

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIS MAN, PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE POLICE AND OR ME DIRECTLY -- I have posted in NextDoor, Neighbor Ring, everywhere with my phone number and my phone number 517-803-5158 on flyers throughout Main Street / Santa Monica area. WE NEED EVIDENCE AND PHOTOS OF THIS MAN."







The suspect is described as:
"middle age white male dark hair five o clock shadow slightly heavier set had an english accent
gray / black pit bull
lives in the neighborhood — around 4th and Pacific we believe
middle class local"

The Ocean Water Advisory due to Fire Impacts from Las Flores State Beach (SMB 1-14) to Santa Monica State Beach (DPH 104 A&B) has been lifted. Residents are still advised to avoid fire debris in the water, and to avoid being on beaches on or near burned properties.

After Rigorous Testing, Public Health Lifts Ocean Water Quality Advisory for Fire-Impacted Beaches - RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO BE ADVISED TO AVOID FIRE DEBRIS IN THE WATER, ON THE BEACH, AND ON OR NEAR BURNED PROPERTIES

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is lifting the Ocean Water Advisory due to Fire Impacts from Las Flores State Beach (SMB 1-14) to Santa Monica State Beach (DPH 104 A&B). This decision comes after the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board released results and analysis for testing on ocean water on January 22nd, January 27th, February 6th, February 18th , and March 13th, and sediment/beach sand testing from February 25th through February 27th.

The ocean water and sediment/beach sand testing, which looked for metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals that may be found in water runoff based on previous California wildfires, revealed no chemicals related to wildfires at levels that are dangerous to human health

Beachgoers may now enter the ocean water and recreate on the sand in these areas, but they are still advised to avoid fire debris in the water, and to avoid being on beaches on or near burned properties, as the fire debris may contain harmful substances and physical hazards such as glass, metal, and sharp wooden debris.

High tides may carry fire debris into the ocean, creating hazardous conditions. In areas along the coast—particularly near burned or destroyed properties on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)—debris from recent fires has not yet been fully cleaned up. As the tides rise, this debris can be swept into the water, posing a danger to those in or near the ocean.

Residents are advised to continue following the Department of Public Health Ocean Water Advisories, which are non-fire related, and avoid entering the ocean water when ocean water quality exceeds State bacterial limits.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

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



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.

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.

Saturday, April 12 · 11am - 1pm
Santa Monica Beach Tower 26
2559 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here.

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

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory: Advisory Extended for all Los Angeles County Beaches Until Friday, March 14, at 4:00 pm

RAIN ADVISORY:

Due to current rainfall, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in these areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.

Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill. Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends.

The ocean water quality rain advisory will be in effect at least until 4:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 2025.

This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will remain in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Santa Monica leadership has been working in close coordination with regional, state and federal agencies to advocate for the community and ensure relevant information is shared. City officials are participating in a multi-agency Joint Information Center to share information and are in regular contact with our partners.

Santa Monica has taken the following actions in response to post-wildfire beach conditions and water quality concerns:

Denied a request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement a hazardous debris staging area in a Santa Monica beach parking lot.

Strongly advocated for clear communications on ocean and beach water conditions and advisories and prompted revisions to press releases and the county’s website.

Built sand berms around impacted storm drains to contain sediment and allow time for Santa Monica leadership to confer with regional partners on testing and best practices.

Handpicked and mechanically removed thousands of pounds of fire-related debris from off Santa Monica’s beaches after storm events. These operations are ongoing.

Urged testing of local storm drains to ensure the most impacted area of city beaches was included in regional evaluations.

Hosted a virtual town hall with environmental health leaders, stressing local concerns for environmental conditions and beach-focused economic needs. Shared information about a series of town halls hosted by Public Health.

What is the current status of beaches and ocean water quality?

The public should continue to heed Public Health's most updated ocean water advisories. Currently, a Rain Advisory is in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until Saturday, March 8. In addition, an ocean water warning for the Santa Monica Pier and Pico-Kanter storm drain is in place. This is a non-fire related advisory based on elevated bacteria levels. When ocean water advisories are implemented, dry beach sand usually remains unaffected and open to the public for recreational activities.

Any wildfire debris in Santa Monica’s storm drains at Montana Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard has washed up from the ocean, not flowed down from the wildfire zones.

What agencies are responsible for environmental testing, debris cleanup and public health alerts?

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is the city of Santa Monica’s public health and environmental health agency. Public Health conducts regular ocean water quality testing and issues alerts and advisories when bacteria levels exceed state standards.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, or DBH, operates and maintains public beaches to the north and south of Santa Monica. DBH has been working with Los Angeles County Public Works and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to test the dark, ashy sediment on the beaches for hazardous materials and other contaminants. DBH crews are also responsible for removing fire debris from the public beaches under county jurisdiction.

Authored By Lindsay B. Call, City of Santa Monica Chief Resilience Officer

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct traffic safety operations on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 5 a.m. to 4 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. 

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration. A rear passenger was found to be in possession of a loaded .38 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number.

The 17-year-old suspect, with no prior criminal record, was placed under arrested.

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 20, 2025

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 (NON-FIRE RELATED):

· 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.

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

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

· Ashland Ave. storm drain in Santa Monica. Santa Monica South Tower 28

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

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Culver Blvd Storm Drain

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain

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

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

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

· Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica North Tower 12

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

· Strand Street extension at Santa Monica Beach

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

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· 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.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

The County of Los Angeles Public Healthhas announced that the dark sediment washing up on the beaches is NOT hazardous:

"Dark, silty sediment has been washing up on local beaches, and experts are testing it for fire-related substances and health risks. If the sediment spreads to other beaches, testing will continue, and new locations will be added.

Early results from Will Rogers and Topanga beaches after the Jan. 26 storm show that the sediment is not hazardous—it does not threaten the environment or human health.

Since the sediment is not dangerous, there are no plans to remove it. In fact, removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers, and marine habitats. It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage. Instead, natural tides and weather will gradually clear it away."

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is providing the following updates on Los Angeles County Beaches.

RAIN ADVISORY:

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been lifted for all Los Angeles County Beaches. Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory. Beach users continue to be advised to avoid water contact near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. This includes any runoff that has flown onto or ponded on the beach sand.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.