Image via @santamonicaproblems

The Santa Monica Police Department was made aware of looting that was going to take place in Santa Monica.

They were sent info about the planned attack from several sources, and even admitted in replies (as the above image shows) to people that they knew about it. Some sources state they inform the police about Sunday's attack as early as Friday.

Yet, the police did not alert any businesses or residents. A few places were already boarded up due to the Coronavirus closures, and a few others were alerted by individuals who found out about the plan to attack the city.

And when the riots started, many are agreeing that they were not prepared. Looters had free reign over the downtown area for almost two hours.

Calculated organized planned hits of targeted stores. Store owners left to defend themselves. Citizens bravely protecting businesses and getting attacked for it.

As seen world-wide in videos via social media, stores such as REI, Vans, Vons, and Patagonia, were hit hard, as well as smaller stores like the jewelry store and a stamp shop.

Then looters were casually strolling the area with all there stolen merchandise right in front of police, who did absolutely nothing about it. Loading up get away cars, trying on clothing, etc...

Not only that, but now SMPD is now in PR damage control mode, making social media posts and statements about the good job they claim Police Chief Cynthia Renaud did. And making the false statements that there were "no loss of life and no serious injuries."

They keep #SantaMonica safe and their professionalism was evident last night with no loss of life and no serious injuries. https://t.co/iadwcObtdO

— City of Santa Monica (@santamonicacity) June 1, 2020

The audacity he and other city council members have to make false statements like that.



People were seriously injured. There was the guy with the hockey stick that got beat up by a crowd of looters in the street, the Amazon truck driver that they attack, and one person who is currently hospitalized after a looters stolen get away car slammed into her.

No wonder residents are calling for the police chief to be fire. City needs a police chief to protect the city, not to make Tik-Tok videos.

Click the link below to read the view the full petition:
Recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud Petition

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE

Hundreds of people from all over Los Angeles came together this morning for clean up of Downtown Santa Monica. It was organized by DownTownSantaMonica.com.

By noon, most of the city was cleaned up.





Photos: Tim Harter

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE

A petition has been started to recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud.

"After seeing the widespread looting and vandalism of our city and local businesses, we can do better. After seeing our brave law enforcement officers stand by without strong leadership or overarching strategy to protect themselves, our city, and its citizens, we have to do better. After seeing SMPD Chief Cynthia Renaud conduct a blundering press conference that was completely misaligned with the current realities, we must do better."

Click the link below to read the view the full petition:
Recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud Petition

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE

In light of recent event in Santa Monica, Heal the Bay Knowledge Drop- Nick Gabaldon Day has moved to Thursday

Honor Nick Gabaldón Day and Nick's legacy as LA's early surfer of color!

Join Heal the Bay's Ines Ware in conversation with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and filmmaker Rhasaan Nichols. They will discuss the legacy of Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay, through their work — Alison’s book, "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" and Rhasaan’s film "Walking on Water".

Thu, Jun 4, 2020 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
Register Here
Heal the Bay is responding with a new interactive science education series “Knowledge Drops”, where our team of scientists, experts, and advocates explores the water world and offers fun lessons about the marine environment. Each session is about 1-hour long and includes a live presentation, Q&A, polls, and videos. Our new webinar series is generally geared for 3rd – 8th grade students, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!

A clean up of Downtown Santa Monica has been organized by DownTownSantaMonica.com:

Bring your brooms, garbage bags, gloves and face masks to help us clean up our downtown after yesterday’s tragic lootings. We will meet at the top of the Santa Monica Pier at 9:00am. Let’s help our businesses get up & running again.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE

Looting is going on in Downtown Santa Monica. This was not part of the peaceful protest that was happening on Montana and Ocean Aves.

The mall and several promenade stores, such as Vans, were looted.

Live coverage has been posted to our Instagram Stories.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE

Honor Nick Gabaldón Day and Nick's legacy as LA's early surfer of color!

Join Heal the Bay's Ines Ware in conversation with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and filmmaker Rhasaan Nichols. They will discuss the legacy of Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay, through their work — Alison’s book, "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" and Rhasaan’s film "Walking on Water".

Mon, Jun 1, 2020 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
Register Here
Heal the Bay is responding with a new interactive science education series “Knowledge Drops”, where our team of scientists, experts, and advocates explores the water world and offers fun lessons about the marine environment. Each session is about 1-hour long and includes a live presentation, Q&A, polls, and videos. Our new webinar series is generally geared for 3rd – 8th grade students, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Local surf photographer California Mermaid is hosting a paddle out in honor of George Floyd.

"In honor of George Floyd, a paddle out will be held in protest of his and countless other horrifying murders," she stated on her Instagram, "Please use your voice to make it STOP. We are one community in support of each other."

They are meeting at 6:00PM on Friday at The Inkwell, Bat Street Surf Spot, and plan to paddle out at 7:00PM.

Take note that the parking lots all along Santa Monica are still closed, and the street parking restrictions will be in place along Bay St between Ocean Front Walk and Neilson Way and on Ocean Blvd. between Bay St. and Hollister Ave. The image below shows where NO PARKING signs are placed:



So while it may seem like the lots are open, and people are still parking on the restricted streets, you are risking getting a ticket if you do.

California Mermaid Photography

The thieves are back at it, targeting surfers' vehicles along PCH.

We got word that a vehicle at at Sunset got hit midweek at 12:30 in the afternoon. And another at Topanga around 2:00pm.

Don't just hide your keys around your car, theives are lurking and watching, waiting for their opportunity. .

Members of the surf community are doing our best to keep on the lookout, and warning other surfers not to just hide their keys under the fender.

And then, some individuals are not happy that surfers are being warned about the car burglaries, watch the video below:

"People who drive down to the beach to surf are sometimes getting their cars burglarized while out having fun. Some of us beach~boy elders are now watching out for these thieves. And we are doing a decent job, you might say. This woman in this video is verrry mad at me for trying to stop beach~side theft. I'll quote her: "That's not yo' problem"..." - Shot by R Wright


So take your key with you, or try using a lockbox, like the ones featured here:

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Santa Monica Pier 360 event has been cancelled.

"While this is disappointing news, the safety of our team and athletes is our top priority. If you’re already registered, your fee will be refunded automatically. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!"




For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Jacks Surfboards is hiring for all locations.

Apply online @ Jacks Surfboards Job Application

The Cove Skate Park's staff has been laid off, because of the City Of Santa Monica's "budget cuts". A petition has been started to bring back the park's experienced administrators, Rick Boisdeau and Brian Adams.

We understand the seriousness of the budget shortage and still we are asking that the Santa Monica City Council reconsider their decision to lay off highly experienced administrators of the Cove, notably Rick Boisdeau and Brian Adams. If the skate-park is re-opened with reduced hours and inexperienced staff it will create a safety risk as well as a serious blow to the community. Fees are currently very affordable and if increased could perhaps prevent these damaging cuts. Attendance at the park has steadily increased in the past year. As parents, coaches and skaters we are concerned that with shortened hours and inexperienced staff, once re-opened the skate park will lack the safety and enjoyment it has been known for.

It is impossible to overstate the value that Rick and Brian bring to the Cove. From a risk management perspective, they are highly experienced, competent, and knowledgeable about the sport of skating and can maintain safety through peak hours with high numbers of kids and adults at completely different skill levels. When beginners and intermediate skaters swamp the park area, crashes and injuries become more likely. For the safety of local and visiting skaters, it is important to maintain the excellent staffing from which we have benefited to date.

From a community perspective, Rick and Brian have made the park into an extraordinary place, a second home for many of us - it is no coincidence that attendance has increased under their watch. Rick has been instrumental in the success of the Cove Girls program, a twice-monthly girls-only skate session that has positively impacted the lives of so many girls. Brian, who outside the Cove is a teacher trained in Special Ed, teaches the kids to play chess and is always reading books, though typically his desk is busy with kids who want to chat with him. Rick and Brian both model sportsmanship, fairness, patience, and leadership. Our kids learn so much from them, in fact we all do - they are truly beloved.

Skating was once a rogue activity with origins here in LA; it is now an Olympic sport and recognized as one of the healthiest ways to develop resilience and brain activity. A recent article by Chris Lawton is one study among many outlining how skate parks contribute to the revitalization of urban space and provide important social and cultural benefits. For these benefits to be realized it is vital to maintain the sense of community, respect for the sport and each other that has flourished thanks to Rick Boisdeau and Brian Adams.

Please consider the impact to the safety, health and well-being of our community and sign this petition to help bring them back.

Today, Santa Monica Extends the Local Emergency to June 30 and Requires Face Coverings for Outdoor Activities (except water activities). here's the city's press release:

“Today, Interim City Manager and Director of Emergency Services Lane Dilg issued a fourteenth supplement to Santa Monica’s local emergency, extending the declaration of local emergency and all associated orders to June 30, 2020. The supplement also requires cloth face coverings for all permitted outdoor activities, except water activities. Children under two and individuals who have breathing difficulties, are unable to remove a cloth face covering without assistance, or have a disability that prevent the use of a cloth face covering are exempted from this requirement, but must comply with all other social/physical distancing requirements. This aligns with Los Angeles County’s revised Safer at Home Health Officer Order and a similar order from the City of Los Angeles issued yesterday.“

Here are additional updates Santa Monica residents should know:

Tennis courts are allowed to reopen for singles play. This weekend, the tennis courts at Reed Park will be available to residents with additional openings in the weeks ahead. All parks will be open, including Palisades Park, for safe outdoor recreation. Street sweeping will resume in neighborhoods beginning June 1 and will continue on a monthly schedule, beginning the first full week of every month. Follow posted street signs.

Physical distancing remains a requirement along with cloth face coverings whenever you are outside your home. Please comply with physical distancing requirements posted by businesses and recreational facilities.


For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

All the Beaches Are Closed banners and signs starting to be removed and these new Beach Rules signs are being put up.

LA Beaches & Harbors have been placing them at most beaches. They are the same image they posted to their social media accounts when they announced the beaches would reopen.


Santa Monica has also put up their own sign:





For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Skateboarding, surfing, and dirt biking in Santa Monica, CA, captured by a pre-teen David Markey on 8mm film in 1976/ '77.

The dawning of the Dogtown era; Road Rider 4's, Bennett Trucks, Logan Earth Ski's, 2 colored Vans. Shot at Bay Street, Kenter Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Harvard Street, and the former vacant lots of Santa Monica. Skaters include Paul Hoffman and Paul Cullen.

The fence Santa Monica erected to keep people off the bike path has been defeated, with an epic result.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

As we first reported via our Instagram Story, a bunch of people showed up today (Saturday, May 9th) at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier to protest. Adults of all ages, a lot of kids, held signs and waved flags. And some girls who were there twerking for the cause.

Most were protesting California's quarantine closures, some were protesting the vaccine companies. And about three were there to sell hats and masks.

The lady on the bullhorn running the circus made it known to all that she is from San Diego and she is a big protester who is facing jail time down there.

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

As we reported already, select businesses are permitted to reopen on 5/8/20 and trailheads and golf courses can reopen 5/9/20.

Santa Monica officially announced that some of their closures, including the beach area, Santa Monica Pier, and Palisades Park remain in effect.
Source: @santamonicacity

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

L.A. County Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer said at a news conference on Tuesday that L.A. County beaches, which have been closed since March 27, will reopen “soon.” She kept very vague about the reopening of the beaches. The existing health officer order closing the beaches expires on May 15.

Ferrer said her department has been “working hard” with the mayors of beach cities and L.A. County Beaches and Harbors.

“I think we’ll have a plan that will have our beaches reopen safe,” she said. Noting that the county’s beach city mayors have been working with beaches and harbors staff and have “created some documents that we are reviewing at the public health department. These are consensus documents and we think they look great.”

Ferrer said those documents “will give us the ability to have a road map for safely reopening county beaches here in L.A. County.” But Ferrer refuses to mention any timeline for the reopening L.A. County beaches.

San Diego was able to reopen their beaches. Orange County and Ventura were able to as well. Those beaches reopened with health guidelines in place, but looks like this Ferrer lady needs more time to come up with her own guidelines for LA beaches.



For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE

Due to warm weather this weekend, parking restrictions will be in place along Bay St between Ocean Front Walk and Neilson Way. and on Ocean Blvd. between Bay St. and Hollister Ave. starting Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27.

Vehicles with a displayed residential parking permit from within a two block radius can park at the bagged meters and will not be cited or towed.

Source: The official Twitter for the City of Santa Monica,

For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE