"I’m just visiting and thought I’d take the metro out to Santa Monica and we hit (got hit by?) a car a few blocks from the station. Eventually someone popped a door open on my car and we all hopped down and out.

I had a great time walking to Venice and back still, and then on my train ride home some dude was smoking crack so I’d say it was a pretty solid outing overall."

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" In a recent incident at Santa Monica Beach Park, Santa Monica Code Enforcement Officers accompanied by SMPD Police Officers and an Animal Control Officer responded to a gathering involving online influencer "The Dog Daddy," a popular figure on Instagram and YouTube, renowned for his dog training content. The event, which took place at 2400 Ocean Front Walk, was intended to provide free dog training advice and an opportunity for dog enthusiasts to engage in discussions about their beloved pets.

Notably, several individuals, accompanied by their canine companions, turned up to meet The Dog Daddy, keen to benefit from his expertise. However, during the event, Santa Monica Code Enforcement Officers concluded that a city license was necessary for such a gathering. They subsequently requested The Dog Daddy to cease the event. The influencer argued that he was not engaged in a business venture and did not charge a fee for the event, thus believing that a city license was unnecessary. Disagreeing with his standpoint, Code Enforcement Officers declared their intention to issue a citation, which would be sent by mail."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a splendid display of culture and community, the Los Angeles Opera transported its patrons to the enchanting world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni on a crisp evening at the Santa Monica Pier on September 23, 2023. This was the opening night of an exceptional event known as "Opera at the Beach," a free live outdoor broadcast of this timeless masterpiece."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

Join us for a spooktacular day of volleyball and giving back at the Perry's Café & Beach Rentals in beautiful Santa Monica, CA, USA. Get ready to bump, set, and spike for a great cause! This in-person event promises a thrilling day of friendly competition and community spirit, complete with a Halloween costume contest, food, drinks, music, and prizes while raising money for local Santa Monica charities for the winter season.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, this tournament is open to all skill levels. Grab your friends and form a team of 2, 4, or 6 players; or sign up as an individual and we'll match you with a team. Costumes are highly encouraged, so get creative and show off your Halloween spirit!

Not a player? No problem! Come cheer on the teams, enjoy the Halloweeny beach vibes, and support a worthy cause. All proceeds from this event will go toward funding important local initiatives and programs that benefit our community.

Mark your calendar for this exciting event-- don't miss out on the chance to have a frightfully good time while making a positive impact!

Date: October 25, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Email: cares@santamonica.com
Directions: Perry’s Beach Cafe, 2400 Ocean Front Walk

For more info, Click Here

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

The FBI and Santa Monica Police are trying to identify this suspect wanted for Friday's armed robbery at First Citizens Bank, 1630 Montana Ave, at approx 925 am.

After the robbery, the suspect fled in a black colored BMW X5 SUV.

Call FBILA at 3104776565 or SMPD at 3104588491 with tips.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a dramatic incident on Thursday, September 21, 2023, Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers, Los Angeles County Lifeguards, and Santa Monica Police Officers sprang into action as they responded to a man who had leaped from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

The situation became challenging when two Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers jumped into the ocean from the end of the Santa Monica Pier to assist the distressed man who had also entered the water. As the man grew tired from his swim, one of the Harbor Officers used his rescue board to gently guide the man towards the shoreline.

However, when they neared the shore, the man, displaying defiance, disembarked from the board and adamantly refused to come ashore. Santa Monica Police Officers stood by, ready to take action once the man reached the beach, whether through citation or arrest.

The individual in question opted to walk along the shoreline, remaining waist-deep in the water as he headed south towards Venice. In a show of vigilance, Los Angeles County Lifeguards followed the man in their Lifeguard truck to ensure his safety in case of any emergencies. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Police Officers maintained a cautious distance and monitored the situation from their Off Road Vehicle.

The man continued his shoreline trek, covering approximately half a mile in waist-deep water. Both law enforcement and lifeguards trailed at a safe distance, vigilant and prepared for any developments.

After approximately 30 minutes, the man eventually made his way to the shore, where he sat, visibly exhausted. Assessing that he was no longer in immediate danger, the police decided to deescalate the situation and departed the beach without approaching the man or issuing a citation.

It is important to note that leaping or diving from the Santa Monica Pier is explicitly prohibited under Municipal Code 10.08.620, constituting a misdemeanor offense. The municipal code clearly states that individuals should abstain from engaging in such activities from any part of the Santa Monica Municipal Pier, except in cases of imminent danger requiring the preservation of life."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

September 21, 2023
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:

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662.

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.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at about 3:30 pm, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of a battery that just occurred in Palisades Park near the intersection with Santa Monica Boulevard. Officers located the victim of the battery down on the ground and suffering from injuries to his face and head. A suspect description and direction of travel were broadcasted to other responding officers.

According to statements from the victim and witnesses, the victim was recording video of Palisades Park on his cell phone when he turned his camera on the suspect, who is currently experiencing homelessness, while the suspect was laying on the ground in the park. The suspect was angry he was being filmed and stood up to confront the victim, demanding he stop recording. The suspect then struck the victim at least one time in the face, knocking him to the ground. The suspect took the victim’s phone, which had fallen to the ground, and fled the scene.

Officers located the suspect, identified as Tyler Jordan Keating (DOB: 02-17-1989), and the victim’s phone nearby. Keating was arrested for felony battery, robbery, and elder abuse and booked into the Santa Monica Jail where he is being held. The case will be presented to the District Attorney for filing.

The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Tyler Jordan Keating has a long history of arrests:

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 11:20 pm, Santa Monica Police officers observed a vehicle run a red light near the 700 block of Montana Avenue. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield to police officers and committed additional traffic violations while driving recklessly for several blocks before colliding with a vehicle at 7th and Wilshire Blvd. The driver failed to stop after the collision, continuing to drive without regard to public safety down the Pier ramp and into the Newcomb Lot. The vehicle pursuit terminated when the driver was boxed in near the Carousel building on the Pier.

The driver, later identified as 21- year-old Nehemias Rivera-Menjivar (DOB: 9-21-2001) from Wilmington, CA, exited the stopped vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot. An officer deployed a taser which had no effect on Rivera-Menjivar. After continued demands, Riveria-Menjivar was finally taken into custody without further incident.

During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the vehicle driven by Rivera-Menjivar had been stolen from an address in Long Beach, CA. The driver admitted to using marijuana.

Riveria-Menjivar was booked for multiple violations including: 20001(a) CVC - Felony Hit and Run; 23104(a) CVC - Reckless Driving; 2800.2(a) CVC - Felony Evading Police; 23153 (f) CVC- Felony DUI (Marijuana); and 148(a)(1) PC - Resisting and Obstructing Arrest

Art projection on iconic clock tower lights up the Promenade



Beginning Saturday, September 23, 2023, visitors to the Third Street Promenade will see a unique projection on one of Santa Monica’s most iconic buildings. In a week-long project titled Art of Time, artist Drasko V will use his artistic vision to integrate real-time environmental data from Santa Monica, including wind patterns and noise levels, and utilize AI for variations and remixes to create visuals that will illuminate the east side of the iconic Clock Tower Building from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

Spectators can interact with the art by scanning a QR code located on a-frames along the Promenade, which will allow them to create designs by swiping their fingers, which will then be used to shape the art piece in real-time.

The projection will be on the east-facing wall of the Clock Tower Building located at 225 Santa Monica Blvd. It’s best viewed from the Third Street Promenade, between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.

Drasko V’s art portfolio is a rich tapestry of music, sound design, visuals and technology. His work takes various forms, from interactive installations in public spaces to digital experiences and generative art. As a creative director and sound designer, he has collaborated with brands like Google, IBM, National Geographic, and the City of Santa Monica.


For more info, Click Here

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

The monthly Westside Volkswagen Club VW Coffee Meet just north of the Santa Monica Pier along Pacific Coast Highway.

Join us every THIRD THURSDAY of the month as the Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more! You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica.

September 21 | 3:30-10PM



Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico
Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico, a vibrant and captivating dance group, will take the stage. With their exceptional talent and dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage, this troupe promises to mesmerize the audience with their authentic folkloric performances. Through intricate choreography, colorful costumes, and lively music, Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico brings to life the traditional dances of various Mexican regions, celebrating the country's diverse cultural tapestry.

MAIN STAGE | 5:00PM




Westside Crew
Get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Westside Crew, the Latin sensation hailing from Santa Monica! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of music, energy, and pure Latin vibes. Westside Crew, with its unique fusion of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia, will transport you to a world of dance and celebration.




Salsa on the Pier
Get ready to groove Salsa Way brings you the ultimate salsa experience! DJ Andy Lorenzo will kick off the evening with infectious beats from 5pm to 6pm, setting the mood just right. Then, from 6pm to 7pm, join the dynamic duo, Cesar Romero and Courtney Parisi, for a sizzling salsa lesson that's perfect for both beginners and seasoned dancers. But the excitement doesn't stop there; at 7pm, they’ll be turning up the heat with live salsa music by Trombor, ensuring an unforgettable night of rhythm and passion.

EAST MERRY GO-ROUND DECK | 5:00PM-9:00PM

And much, much, more..... Click Here

Join Heal the Bay for Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23, 2023, to remove thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables from our watersheds, neighborhoods, and coastline.

Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action to protect our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. This year, there are more than 30+ cleanup sites to choose from throughout L.A. County. Whether you want to tidy up the mountains, better your neighborhood, or spruce up the beach, we've got you covered!

This year Heal the Bay’s Coastal Cleanup Day in Los Angeles County is in its 34th year! The annual community cleanup will take place on September 23, 2023, as an official event for California’s statewide Coastal Cleanup and the International Coastal Cleanup movement.

Join us for our 34th annual community cleanup happening at more than 55 sites across Los Angeles County! Our planet’s waters and marine life are suffering from the cumulative impact of an unprecedented amount of pollution, climate change, and harmful human activity. This year, we invite you to participate in our day of action to drastically rehabilitate our local environment. Choose a cleanup location and join in on fun site activities, giveaways, and more!

Locations:

Ballona Creek Bike Path - Overland Ave
You are welcome to arrive with waiver and supplies in hand (reusable water bottle, gloves, bag/bucket) cleanup with Ballona Creek Renaissance
location: Ballona Creek Bike Path @ Overland Ave
4990 Overland Ave, Culver City, 90230

Ballona Creek Bike Path - Sepulveda Blvd
Kiwanis Club of Los Angeles
location: Ballona Creek Bike Path @ Sepulveda Blvd,
5000 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City

Ballona Creek Bike Path - Syd Kronenthal Park
Echo Horizon School
location: Ballona Creek Bike Path @ Syd Kronenthal Park
3451 McManus Ave, Culver City, 90232

Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve
this is both a restoration and creek cleanup with the Friends of Ballona Wetlands
location: 303 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, 90293

Corral Canyon & Dan Blocker County Beaches
Site Captain: Don Nipper and Antelope Valley Desert Divers
Location: Dan Blocker parking Lot,
25700 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265

Malibu Surfrider Beach
location: Tower Mal 1
23050 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, 90265

Marina Mothers Beach
location: Mother's Beach,
14031 Palawan Way, Marina Del Rey, 90292

Marina Del Rey - Admiralty Way
Volunteers will meet at California Yacht Club
4469 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Watercraft site

Santa Monica State Beach - North Beach - Pier
S location: Tower 1550
1600 Appian Way, Santa Monica, 90401
Park in big parking lot north side of pier

Santa Monica State Beach - South Beach - Bay St
You are welcome to arrive with waiver and supplies in hand (reusable water bottle, gloves, bag/bucket)
location: Tower 21
103 Bay St, Santa Monica, 90405
Bay St/Inkwell Monument

Santa Monica State Beach - South Beach - Ocean Park Blvd
You are welcome to arrive with waiver and supplies in hand (reusable water bottle, gloves, bag/bucket)
location: Tower 27
2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, 90405

UNDERWATER | Santa Monica Pier
*** this is an UNDERWATER cleanup ***
location: Pier/Tower 1550
1600 Appian Way, Santa Monica, 90401
You MUST be dive certified to participate.

Topanga Beach
You are welcome to arrive with waiver and supplies in hand (reusable water bottle, gloves, bag/bucket)
location: Tower South
18700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, 90265

Venice City Beach - Rose Ave
location: 1 Rose Ave, Venice, 90291
The cleanup is located right in the parking lot at 1 Rose Ave-- we will have a tent set up just south of the play ground right next to the lot.

Westward Beach
7103 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265-4280.

Will Rogers State Beach - central
location: Tower 7
17000 Pacific Coast Hwy @ Temescal Canyon Rd,
Pacific Palisades, 90272

For more info, Click Here

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" In a troubling incident that unfolded at Santa Monica Chess Park on Sunday, September 17, 2023, a homeless individual created a substantial mess by littering a large quantity of trash and a shopping cart. The situation escalated to the point where Santa Monica sanitation workers were compelled to involve local law enforcement to address the issue.

According to eyewitnesses and accounts from the scene, the homeless man's actions led to growing frustration among nearby residents and parkgoers. Santa Monica Sanitation workers, who routinely maintain the park's cleanliness, swiftly decided to contact the police to seek assistance in clearing the debris and restoring order.

Responding promptly to the distress call, Santa Monica police officers arrived at the park to address the situation. However, upon observing the approaching officers, the homeless individual hastily departed from the scene, leaving behind the accumulating trash. The law enforcement response was met without incident, and no citations were issued during the encounter.

This incident marks the culmination of a recurring issue, as noted by a frustrated resident who wished to remain anonymous. The resident revealed that the homeless individual had been a persistent presence at the park for the past three days, consistently leaving behind substantial messes and disregarding the park's cleanliness.

Santa Monica Sanitation workers took charge of the cleanup operation, promptly disposing of the accumulated trash and securing the abandoned shopping cart. The cart was returned to the sanitation yard, where it awaits retrieval by the rightful owner."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

The USA Tour for the new film, CORNERS OF THE EARTH KAMCHATKA, will have 2 local stops this month. The Laemmle in Santa Monica and Brain Dead Studios in Los Angeles will each host a screening of the film with a Q&A with director Spencer Frost.

The film follows filmmakers Spencer Frost and Guy Williment and surfers Letty Mortenson and Fraser Dovell as they journey to Kamchatka in the far east of Russia in search of new waves along the frozen, unexplored coastline. At a time when the world was seeing the worst of human nature, these guys flew behind the iron curtain and found, to their surprise the best of it. Mi-8 helicopters, skidoos, frozen campsites, and frozen bank accounts, this surf trip quickly became far more than anyone could imagine.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk with more than 150 volcanoes (29 active)the Kamchatka Peninsula in Far Eastern Russia is as remote as it is unique. After 2 years of planning the trip was almost over before it started. An hour before boarding their flight to Moscow, Russia invaded Ukraine.

At a time when the world was seeing the worst of human nature, these guys flew behind the iron curtain and found, to their surprise the best of it. Mi-8 helicopters, skidoos, frozen campsites, and frozen bank accounts, this surf trip quickly became far more than anyone could imagine.

“Maybe the greatest surf adventure of the century.” - ★★★★★ Nick Carroll, Surfline

Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from the director and see this incredible documentary. Grab your tickets now!



For more info and to get tickets,

Brain Dead Studios - Los Angeles
Monday 25th September
Click Here

Laemmle - Santa Monica
Thursday 28th September
Click Here



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

Surf Tias and Surf Tios - join us for our last surf camp of the 2023 Summer Season on SEP 24.



Los Courage Camps' mission is to teach the diverse children of Los Angeles who have never experienced the ocean how to surf and consequently connect them with their courage, potential, inner strength, and leadership.

Since 2017, Los Courage Camps has offered free surf lessons to the youth of the greater Los Angeles & Orange County areas.

We believe in the ocean's ability to transform our communities of color. Surfing is an experience that allows you to do something you never even knew was possible. One lesson and one child at a time, we expand access to the ocean to the communities that need it the most.

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

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

Pop Up Clearance Sale Next Weekend…

Sunday September 17th 9am-4pm

Surfboardbroker Will Be In Santa Monica On The Coast At
Ashland Hill
2870 Main St.
Santa Monica, California

Blow Out Prices -$100 Or More Off Posted Prices. All Kinds/Brands, Shortboards, Longboards, Mids, Fish, Grom Board & More! Some Boards As Low As $80 & All Are Watertight, Ready To Rip!



For more info, Click Here

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

3rd Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier

Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) proudly presents the 3rd Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, September 9th.

Lowride for a Cause. All proceeds will benefit youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

More than 3,000 people attended this family-friendly event. The event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. This year, over 200 classic cars of various makes and models, some dating back to the 1930s will be on display.

September 11, 2023
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 AREAS WARNINGS:

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

50 yards and 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica State Beach

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

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

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

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662.

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.