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, March 8 · 11am - 1pm PST
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 Monday, March 10, at 7:00 am

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 7:00 am, Monday, March 10, 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.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at approximately 5:48 a.m., The Santa Monica Fire Department requested an emergency police response for multiple arsons in the area of Alley 19 and Santa Monica Boulevard. Fire personnel reported that the suspect was walking south in the alley while attempting to ignite another fire.

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers quickly responded and located the suspect holding a lighter near 19th and Colorado. Officers determined that the individual had set a third fire near Alley 19 and Broadway, which was actively burning. SMFD personnel promptly extinguished the flames.

With the assistance of witnesses, the suspect was identified as Theresa Lynn Barron, who is homeless from Alabama. She was taken into custody.

The arson locations include:
• A trash container near a bus stop at Alley 19 & Santa Monica Blvd (westbound)
• A sign near the 1900 block of Santa Monica Blvd.
• A large blue city recycling containers near the 1500 block of Alley 19

SMPD and SMFD remind the community to report suspicious activity immediately to 9-1-1 or 310-458-8491 (non-emergency dispatch).

Summary:

Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 @ 5:48 AM

Type of Incident: Arson

Location: multiple locations near Alley 19 and Santa Monica Blvd.

Suspect: Theresa Lynn Barron, DOB 08/03/1979, homeless from Alabama; no prior arson arrests

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 May 18, 2025 runners will start and finish on the Venice Beach boardwalk for the first Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k (VBHM). All finishers will receive the inaugural finisher medal and race t-shirt. Local musicians will set the beat on the course and the finish line party will include a Vendor Village, more live music, and an ocean front view.



For more info, Click Here

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

Santa Monica is celebrating International Women’s Day with a Community Bike Ride & Community Garden Celebration on Saturday, Mar.8 from 9-11 a.m..

Join a fun, family-friendly bike ride to celebrate International Women's Day! Ride along the Beach Bike Path, visit the Main Street Community Garden, and savor some light refreshments. 

Main Street Community Garden
2318 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here

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

Get ready to spread love and good vibes at the Venice Love Fest 2025 - a celebration of all things love in the heart of the Westside!.

Celebrate love, community, and creativity at Venice Love Fest on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM on Venice Blvd in Downtown Mar Vista, CA!

This free community festival brings together an incredible lineup of live music, delicious food trucks, over 400 locally made brands and artists, beer gardens, games, and family-friendly activities.

12257 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

For more info, Click Here

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

A tour of the fire ravaged Malibu Coastline after the Phase 1 Clean Up, in which hazardous materials were removed from damaged properties. It appears that a lot of fire debris has been removed from several homes.

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

The Marina del Rey Dragon Boat Festival returns on Saturday, March 1st (7 am – 4 pm) at Burton Chace Park! This free event will feature 40 local and out-of-state dragon boat teams and clubs competing to be the fastest team on the water.

For more info, Click Here

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

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier invites families and community members to join in for Heroes Day, a fun-filled afternoon celebrating local heroes and promoting safety awareness on Saturday, March 1 from 3-6 p.m.

The free event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including appearances from beloved superhero characters, face painting, and special partnerships aimed at promoting preparedness. Guests will have the chance to snap photos with and meet and greet their favorite superheroes as they walk around Pacific Park’s Kid’s Cove area, and much more.

The public can also join the Santa Monica Police Department for Coffee with a Cop during Pacific Park’s Heroes Day in front of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf from 3-5 p.m. Come chat with local officers, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about how they serve and protect the community.

In addition, guests and locals can find their flow and feel the rhythm at the Santa Monica Pier’s Wellness & Waves Festival, a free, full-day experience of movement, mindfulness, and music, with donations in support of LA Fire Relief, on Saturday, March 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pacific Park will also mark “Red Cross Month” by joining other area landmarks in lighting up the evening in red. The Ferris wheel lighting event will kick off a month-long awareness campaign to honor the vital work of the American Red Cross. The event will coincide with Pacific Park’s inaugural Heroes Day, which will also honor first responders and recognize their crucial role in the community. In partnership with the American Red Cross, they will have a booth in the park where they will distribute free preparedness kits, helping families stay safe in the event of an emergency.

Nearly 80 years ago, March was first proclaimed “Red Cross Month” in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission. All U.S. presidents since Roosevelt have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world through its workforce powered by more than 90 percent volunteers.

For more info, Click Here

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

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) remains closed to the public for safety reasons between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Grand View Drive due to the recent rain. Areas were washed out and now need structural repair and cleanup. This is in addition to repairs for fire-related damage. As Caltrans works to restore the road, it will maintain access for emergency responders and is exploring options for limited access, when safely feasible. There is no estimated time of reopening.

Another safety threat was the recent discovery of a large boulder, measuring 30 feet by 15 feet by 10 feet, which is in an unstable position above the roadway between postmile 2.1 and 1.7. Last week, Caltrans began a rock scaling operation after coordinating with utilities to shut off power due to its proximity to a powerline. The area was closed to all – including Caltrans Maintenance, contract crews and utility workers. On Monday, February 24, crews were able to successfully blast the boulder and resume clearing of SR 27.



Utility companies are continuing major repair work, including rerouting a main water line and underground electrical work, which will impact the shoulder and lane. This will require one-way traffic control for contractors. Prior to the recent rain, Caltrans geotechnical engineers identified more than 20 locations along SR 27 that need debris flow barriers and culvert replacement. Additional work and safety measures, such as scaling and installation of rockfall cable mesh, are needed to restore slope stability and roadway safety.

Although reopening the roadway is dependent on cleanup, repair work and weather, Caltrans stands ready to execute a reopening plan in coordination with the CHP, utilities, and any affected public agencies as soon as it is safe to do so. We recognize the critical role these corridors play in the clean-up and recovery efforts for the residents and the public. The decision to reopen lanes must be a joint decision from all parties with a specific plan in place and with safety as the top consideration. We will keep you informed of potential plans to provide limited, escorted access during designated periods.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

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

Metro Bus Line 134 will resume service to Malibu beginning Friday, February 28. Line 134 runs on Pacific Coast Highway between the E Line in downtown Santa Monica and Trancas Canyon in Malibu and has been suspended since the devastating Palisades Fire started on January 7

Line 134 will run its usual route but will not be stopping in the 10-mile work zone most impacted by the Palisades Fire due to the loss of a travel lane on PCH and safety considerations. The no stopping zone is between the intersection of PCH and Temescal Canyon Road and the intersection of PCH and Rambla Vista.

To repeat: riders expecting to use a stop in the 10-mile work zone SHOULD NOT use Line 134. Buses will not be stopping to discharge riders or pick them up in the work zone.

Line 134 will provide service to its usual stops in Santa Monica – including the E Line station – and to all stops on PCH west of Rambla Vista to Trancas Canyon Road. That includes the usual stops at Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way and Malibu Canyon Road.

Riders should expect travel delays through the work zone as speeds are restricted to 25 miles per hour. Metro will review schedules once service is back underway and make any needed adjustments.

On Friday, Line 134 will follow its usual schedule. The first westbound bus will depart Downtown Santa Monica Station at 5:31 a.m. and the first eastbound bus will depart Trancas Canyon at 6:41 a.m.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

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.

California Wildlife Center team members are responding to a suspected Domoic Acid Event (DA) in Malibu affecting marine life, notably local California Sea Lions. The team has responded to fourteen calls for sea lions in distress over the last few days. Though they have not confirmed the cause for these animals’ illness, their signs and the recent rains make the situation highly suspicious for domoic acid toxicity. Malibu residents, visitors, and other beachgoers are advised to keep their distance from animals on the beach and call or text the Marine team at (310) 924-7256 for assistance with animals in distress.

What is DA? DA is an algal bloom resulting from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia. There are benign and toxic strains which animals may be exposed to through ingestion of contaminated fish. In its toxic form, DA damages the brain and heart, even in low doses. Signs in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as “stargazing,” and highly lethargic or comatose states. These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning. Call the nearest Marine Mammal rehabilitation facility for help. On the LA county beaches in Malibu, the responding facility is California Wildlife Center; you can reach our rescue team at (310) 924-7256.

On 2/21/25 officers from the CHP West Valley Area Office were notified of looting occurring at a residence in Pacific Palisades.



Officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim provided a detailed description of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle. Officers determined the vehicle was registered to an address in Valencia and subsequently requested assistance from CHP Newhall officers to respond to the address. Officers from the CHP Newhall Area Office then responded to the address out of Valencia, where they located and arrested the suspect, who was found in possession of antique items stolen from the residence.



The suspect, Karen Mastey, who was observed looting a burned-down residence that had been severely impacted by the recent fires was arrested for Grand Theft under Penal Code 487(a) and subsequently booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

The suspect, Karen Mastey, was a former resident of Pacific Palisades and her brother currently lives there. According to her Facebook posts, she had been entering the Palisades burn area seveal times with her brother to assist him in retrieving "medications and important papers".

She was also posting to a Palisades Facebook group about her trips into the area, " I’ll be going to the Palisades tomorrow w/ my brother. I will be helping him in the Marquez area but I may be able to check on other properties if anyone else needs help. Just let me know. I will be going in to help as many days during the week as I can."

About her first visit to the area, she wrote "I’m still in shock. My heart is broken for everyone. The small glimmer of hope is that there are some treasures to be found in the ashes."

She also as a Gofundme where she wants to raise $18,000

"Hello everyone - I’m Karen and was born and raised in Pacific Palisades in the '70s, '80s, '90s… when it was a quaint, wonderful town with down-to-earth people of all sorts.

Almost everything that my family and friends have known and loved for so long has been reduced to ashes. The picture is of my brother’s lot. That’s all it is now, not a home but a lot. The entire neighborhood looks like an atomic bomb was detonated.

I’m trying to raise funds for my brother and friends of the Palisades that have owned their homes for over 40 years and are now retired. I want to help the people who have supported their community for decades to build their homes back and not be forced to move out of their beloved town because newer and richer developers want to move in.

My heart is forever with the Palisades but I can’t do this alone. I would appreciate any help you would like to give. 100% of funds will be used for non-disaster related expenses for families who lost literally everything from their homes of over 40 years. Thank you.❤️‍"

She has raised $250 of her $18K goal.

CHP officers have remained actively involved in the recovery efforts for the Pacific Palisades community, offering support and resources to those affected by the fire. Chief Margaris expressed pride in the officers' dedication to the community, stating, "I am incredibly proud of the swift action taken by our officers to protect the public and prevent further harm. Their commitment to serving and assisting those in need during this challenging period reflects the highest standards of the CHP."

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

The Santa Monica Police Department has made three arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 1:50 AM, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Wilshire Blvd after a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims suffering stab wounds. Personnel from the Santa Monica Police Department and Fire Department provided immediate medical aid. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel then transported both victims to a local hospital.

One victim, 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez from Santa Maria, sustained critical injuries and, despite life-saving efforts, later succumbed to his wounds. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on Monday, February 17, 2025 and a third on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The suspects, all with extensive criminal histories, were identified as 41-year-old Alfredo Quinteros and 42-year-old Ricardo Quintero, brothers from South Gate; and Rogelio Arenas, 32-years-old of Los Angeles.

Charges & Bail:



· Alfredo Quinteros (DOB: 12-15-1983); 187 PC – Homicide; No Bail



· Ricardo Quintero Jr. (DOB: 08-30-1982); 32 PC – Accessory; No Bail



· Rogelio Arenas (DOB: 08-27-1992) 187 PC – Homicide; Bail Amount Pending

This remains an active investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.