From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Hundreds of people gathered at Santa Monica Beach on Thursday, July 25, 2024, to celebrate the release of Mexican music superstar Fuerza Regida's new album, "Pero No Te Enamores." Fuerza Regida announced on social media that he would be hosting a release party at Santa Monica Beach, drawing hundreds of fans eager to see him perform live from a balcony on Ocean Front Walk. The impromptu performance delighted the crowd, who gathered on the beach to enjoy the music.

The Santa Monica Police Department, alerted to the spontaneous gathering, dispatched several officers to manage traffic around the Santa Monica Pier and beach, as the event caused significant gridlock in the area.

The album "Pero No Te Enamores," released today, represents a new direction for Fuerza Regida while retaining the essence of their signature sound, complete with distinctive lingo, guitars, and summer party vibes."

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 area by Ballona Creek is now open, but other beaches still have Warnings:

July 24, 2024


BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

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

· Dockweiler State Beach, one mile south from Ballona Creek

· Venice Beach, one mile north from Ballona Creek

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· 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.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

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.

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.

Ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Just like Coffee with a Cop, but cooler.

Wednesday, July 24th
1-3PM @ Afters Ice Cream
1603 Ocean Ave

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

July 19,, 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:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· 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.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

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:

· Malibu Pier 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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police officers responded to an incident at Palisades Park, near the Santa Monica Pier, on Friday, July 12, 2024. Witnesses reported that a homeless man allegedly attacked a woman, prompting another man to intervene and protect her. A scuffle ensued, leading to a prompt police response.

Upon arrival, officers detained the two men involved while conducting their investigation. Santa Monica paramedics were called to the scene to assess the individuals, but no one required transportation to the hospital.

Police officers arrested one of the men, although this arrest was potentially related to an outstanding warrant rather than the incident itself. Due to conflicting reports from witnesses, a police sergeant stated that a report would be filed and presented to the District Attorney to determine if any charges will be pursued at a later date.

The swift response by the Santa Monica Police Department highlights their commitment to maintaining safety and order in the community. The incident drew the attention of park-goers and nearby residents, underlining the ongoing challenges related to public safety and homelessness in the area."

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.

July 12, 2024

Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

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:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· 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.

· 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.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

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

· Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu

This afternoon at 12:11 PM, the Santa Monica Police Department received a frantic call for help from a grandmother whose 4-year-old granddaughter had been kidnapped from a restaurant in the 1900 block of Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. The first officers were on the scene within minutes of the call being dispatched, gathering video images of the probable kidnapper and child to send to additional units who were on their way. All available field resources, including more than 30 sworn and civilian personnel, flooded the area, searching for the subject, described as a heavyset white female in her 30s. At 12:37 PM, our Downtown Services Unit officers located the suspect and child in a room at the Holiday Motel at 11th Street and Pico Boulevard. Thankfully, the child was unharmed and the suspect was taken into custody.

Our heartfelt best wishes go out to the child and her family as they deal with the shock of this ordeal. We will do everything we can to make sure they are helped through this time and also to make sure no stone is left unturned in the investigation. The suspect will be booked into our jail on kidnapping charges. We will provide updates with the suspect’s name and booking photo within 24 hours. Additional updates will be forthcoming when the case is presented to the District Attorney’s office.

This early in the investigation, we cannot confirm the suspect's criminal history. It appears she has been residing at the Holiday Motel for an extended period of time, but it is too soon to confirm any details other than those shared above.

7/12/2024 8:30PM UPDATE:



Suspect: Shields,Breanna Taylor DOB 1/22/93

Shield was booked for kidnapping (207 PC) and is eligible for a sentencing enhancement (208PC). The penal code sections are below:

207 PC (a) Every person who forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear, steals or takes, or holds, detains, or arrests any person in this state, and carries the person into another country, state, or county, or into another part of the same county, is guilty of kidnapping.

208 PC (a) Kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 3,5 or 8 years.

(b) If the person kidnapped is under 14 years of age at the time of the commission of the crime, the kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 5, 8, or 11 years.

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers, while on patrol, identified an individual matching the description of a man on parole at Santa Monica Beach. The officers stopped the man and subsequently arrested him."

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.

July 08, 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:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· 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.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove 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:

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

· Malibu Pier 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.

The 4th of July Fireworks Show held on the 6th of July on the beach in Santa Monica.

This holiday weekend, SMPD is deploying the Mobile Command Post (MCP) near the beach to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!

The Mobile Command Post will serve as a central hub for quick response and coordination, providing enhanced safety for beachgoers and visitors. Here are some additional benefits:

👮 Increased police presence to deter potential incidents.

🆘 Quick response to emergencies and medical situations.

📞 Direct communication with officers for any concerns or assistance.

🔍 Lost and found services to help reunite families and friends.

The Santa Monica Police Department has an official update about the huge fight on the beach where one person was stabbed.

On June 29, 2024, at 2:21 PM, Santa Monica police officers responded to a 911 call of multiple male subjects fighting north of the Pier near Tower 14. It was reported that one of the people involved in the fight was stabbed. The SMPD drone was first on-scene and confirmed an active fight. Additional responding officers arrived shortly after and intervened.

The fight started when a vendor (identified as Efigenio Tacuba) approached a group of beachgoers and sexually battered several females. Others in the group confronted Tacuba who then requested assistance from fellow vendors. Several vendors armed themselves with umbrella poles, belts, and at least one knife. Officers located a victim suffering from a non-life-threatening stab wound. An additional victim suffered a possible broken ankle during the altercation. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Four subjects taken into custody were charged by the LA County District Attorney with felony assault and one with multiple counts of sexual battery:



**Tacuba, Efigenio.** DOB: January 1, 1994. 243.4(a) PC (three counts); 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)



**Cruz Murcia, Jorge Luis.** DOB: March 2, 1995. 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)



**Manzanarez Hernandez, Samuel.** DOB: July 19, 1984. 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)



**Hernandez, Oscar Samuel.** DOB: July 2, 1977. 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)

Additional arrests are likely to follow. Anyone with information related to this incident or this individual, particularly cell phone video footage of the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Holloway at Jacob.Holloway@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

.

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 Erika Aklufi, SMPD Lieutenant:

In anticipation of a greater number of visitors and events, SMPD is deploying additional officers throughout the city. The SMPD wants to make sure residents and visitors alike can feel comfortable relaxing in the sand and enjoying our awesome ocean views. A combination of the Directed Action Response Team (DaRT), Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team, Traffic, Public Service Officers, and Patrol Officers, in addition to the Downtown Services Unit have been deployed to assist in ensuring a safe holiday weekend.

Safety Tips for the Weekend

· Keep personal belongings secure and in sight. Lock vehicles and secure homes, especially when away.

· Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

List of Items Prohibited on the Beach

❌ Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal citywide (including those marked safe & sane). If you are found in possession of fireworks you will be cited or arrested.

❌ Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the beach.

❌ Gas-powered generators

❌ Amplified music or instruments: Keep it courteous for fellow beachgoers.

❌ Open flames.

❌ Firearms or other weapons

Important Note Regarding Pets

· Unleashed dogs: are prohibited. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/paved pedestrian path, but not the sand or in the water.

· With summer heat, the pavement can get very hot, burning your dog's paws.

· Leaving a pet in a hot car is dangerous and illegal. Owners who violate these rules will be cited or arrested, and the car may be forced open to remove the animal.

DUI Prevention

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a significant threat to everyone on the road. SMPD motor officers will be conducting safety-focused operations throughout the weekend. We strongly encourage everyone to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation such as rideshare services. Let's work together to prevent tragedies and make this holiday a safe one for all.

As we celebrate Independence Day, the Santa Monica Police Department remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday. For emergencies, please dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact our dispatch center at 310-458-8491.

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.

July 01, 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:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

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

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· 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.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove 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

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:

· Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, 100 feet west of the pier

· Latigo Shore Drive 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.