An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 8:00 am, Monday, April 8, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.
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.

𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝘅 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝟴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗣𝗗 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁

Serial sex offender, Anthony Pittman, was recently sentenced to eight years in state prison after pleading no contest to a series of sexual assaults targeting homeless women in August and September of 2022.

In February, Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, pled no contest to a series of sexual assaults he committed between August and September 2022.

On September 27, 2022, at approximately 4:00am, a female experiencing homelessness was sleeping near the Santa Monica Library when she awoke to a male suspect attempting to remove her blankets. She attempted to run from the suspect but was tackled to the ground where he sexually assaulted her. A few hours after the incident, she walked to the Santa Monica Police Station and made an official report. Incident: 220098142



The other 2022 incidents occurred in LAPD’s Northeast and Wilshire Divisions. Pittman was linked to his victims, who were all homeless female adults, through DNA evidence.

Pittman, a previously convicted sex offender, was sentenced to eight years in state prison for Forced Sodomy and Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony.

We encourage anyone with information related to this individual to contact Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

While the 2022 case has been resolved, SMPD is actively investigating a separate sexual assault that occurred on March 1st, 2024, at approximately 8:15 PM near the 1700 block of Ocean Park Boulevard. A lone female victim was attacked while waiting for transportation. Investigators have obtained an image of the suspect from nearby security cameras. Click Here for more informatiuon on this case.

March 27, 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:

· 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.

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

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A collision involving a private vehicle and a tour bus on Ocean Avenue led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Monday, March 25, 2024. According to reports, the incident occurred in the early evening, drawing immediate response from law enforcement.

The initial investigation has shown that the man, whose identity remains undisclosed while further inquiries are conducted, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, leading to a collision with a tour bus. Authorities have confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries.

Following the crash, authorities conducted on-scene evaluations, which led to the arrest of the driver on suspicion of DUI. It was reported that there was another individual in the vehicle at the time of the accident. This person, after undergoing a brief assessment by the police, was permitted to drive the vehicle away from the scene following the arrest of the driver.

The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. "



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.

High surf and hazardous ocean conditions through Monday. Widespread gale force winds with large steep seas across inner and outer waters.

Also expect scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday, with potential for brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. In addition, there will be gusty W-NW winds 30-50 mph, strongest across coasts, mountains, and deserts.



A cold low pressure system will bring scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday. Any thunderstorms that develop will have the potential to produce brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. There will be gusty west to northwest winds across the region through Sunday, strongest in the mountains, coasts, and deserts with gusts in the 30 to 50 mph range.

From Nate, "The clocks have shifted forward again and beach season is in full swing. "

On March 1, a sexual assault occurred of a lone female who was waiting for a ride in the 1700 block of Ocean Park Boulevard. At about 8:15 PM, the male suspect approached the victim as he was pulling down his pants and making lewd statements. The victim turned to leave the area when the suspect grabbed her from behind and began touching the victim inappropriately over her clothing. The victim struggled with the suspect and was able to free herself and flee the area. The suspect was caught on surveillance camera leaving the location.

The Santa Monica Police Department urges anyone with any information about this incident or individual to contact SMPD Detective Tavera at Ismael.Tavera@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

Safety Alert and Request for Assistance- SEXUAL ASSAULT

On March 1, a sexual assault occurred of a lone female who was waiting for a ride in the 1700 block of Ocean Park Boulevard. At about 8:15 PM, the male suspect approached the victim as he was pulling down his pants and… pic.twitter.com/KVunMu7XT2

— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) March 15, 2024

A 6 year old girl was sucker punched in the face by a homeless man on Sunday. She was walking with her her parents down Main Street in Santa Monica when the assault happened. The Santa Monica Police has finally issued a statement regarding this horrible event:

We have received several media requests related to an incident that occurred at about 7pm on Sunday, March 10th, in Santa Monica. A male (not confirmed as homeless) was sitting on a bus bench at Main Street and Marine Avenue acting erratically. A 6-year-old child and her parents were walking northbound on Main Street behind the bench when the suspect spun around and struck the child causing her to fall to the ground. Thankfully, the child was not seriously injured. The suspect, described as a male, Black, approx. 6-01, 30-35 years old, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, fled the location northbound on Main Street and out of sight. He was not apprehended.

“An incident like this one is an affront to public safety and will not be tolerated. Even more so that a child was involved. Any crime committed in Santa Monica is a crime too many; our department stands strong in the face of anyone who chooses to victimize those who are in this city. Our detectives are working hard to uncover more details of the incident and identify and apprehend the suspect.

We appreciate our partnership with our community, relying on our residents, business owners and visitors to provide us with information about criminal behavior. We continue our specialized uniformed deployments on Main Street and in our Downtown area. Our goal is to be proactive and present, providing safety and security to our residents and visitors.

In addition, we are deploying our Homeless Liaison Program Team of police officers and a mental health clinician to provide much needed resources to those experiencing homelessness. Our efforts, combined with the Therapeutic Transport Team and the Salvation Army, provide us a platform to redouble our efforts to connect individuals with treatment and shelter.” -Chief Rámon Batista

We encourage anyone with information related to this individual or incident to contact Detective Diaz and Daniel.Diaz@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

Even though the SMPD stated the suspect is not homeless, witnesses have reported he is.

Eric Dressen started skating at age 8 and went pro at age 12.

Throughout the 80s and 90s, Eric would have some of the best selling boards, invent the salad grind and define expectations for a video part with “Speed Freaks”.

Eric still is inspiring skaters of all ages for over 40 years, including Lil Revolution’s Pancho and Weeman. For the last 20 years, He’s built a career as a professional tattoo artist. He channels the same discipline, passion and energy to tattooing that he does to skating. Studying under the best, he’s sure to become a legend in this field too.

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 on Thursday, March 14th and Friday, March 15th, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

“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.

· Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

Marine and Surf Hazards through Friday. High Surf Advisories in effect for the Central Coast with breakers of 10-16 feet. Elevated surf of 4-7 feet for west facing beaches of LA/Ventura counties.

On Friday, March 1st, the Santa Monica Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit conducted an Office of Traffic Safety grant-funded Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation focusing on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The operation took place at various locations throughout the city that have been identified as being prevalent in pedestrian and bike involved collisions, as well as in traffic violations that can lead to death or serious injury.

March 8, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 9, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported on February 29, at approximately 2:10 a.m., a male subject entered a residence in the 2400 block of 2nd Street. The female victim awoke to the subject standing by her bed and touching her face while he masturbated. The victim ordered the subject to leave, and he complied, fleeing the residence before officers arrived.

Officers arrived on scene and obtained security footage of the suspect entering the victim’s house. The video was immediately shared with detectives who, within hours, identified the suspect as Anthony Romero, 28, currently experiencing homelessness.

On Friday, March 1, at 9:22 a.m., Watch officers located Romero walking in the 400 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. With the help of the UAS/Drone, which was on scene in minutes, and the assisting K9 officer who contacted the suspect, Romero was taken into custody without incident.

He was booked for Burglary, Indecent Exposure, Attempt to Commit Rape, and a Parole Hold (out of San Bernardino County).

Anyone with details on the incident or Romero is asked to contact Detective McCoy at James.McCoy@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

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 on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

“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.

· Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

February 21, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been extended for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect until 6:00 am, Saturday, February 24, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

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.

February 14, 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 AREAS CLOSURE:

The following site continues to remain closed due to a recent sewage discharge:

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire beach area

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· 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 of the pier.

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

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

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast of the pier.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

*Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

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

"Today, I took the chance to walk around in LA’s storm. It rained for two days straight. The LA River and Ballona creek were full of water. I walked around Santa Monica and Venice Beach and the Venice Canals to show you what it’s like to be in an LA storm."

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been extended for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 1:00 am, Wednesday, February 7, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

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, February 10 · 11am - 1pm
Santa Monica Beach Tower 26

For more info and to register, Click Here

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