Caltrans will implement a full closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Chautauqua Blvd in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu due to safety concerns from the incoming storm beginning Wednesday, March 12 at noon. Only emergency vehicles and US Army Corps of Engineers’ debris-hauling contractors will be allowed through the closure. Residents and businesses in burn scar areas are not permitted. Those with burn area access passes will not be accepted.

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.

Due to safety concerns from the incoming storm, restrict access to the following roads in Malibu beginning Wednesday, March 12:

Las Flores Canyon Rd: Closed to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 12 PM. Will reopen when PCH reopens (TBD).

Malibu Canyon Rd: Closed from Francisco Ranch Rd (1.5 miles north of PCH) to Piuma Rd to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 6 PM. Tentative reopening planned for Thursday, March 13 at 6 PM, depending on conditions.

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.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory: Advisory Extended for all Los Angeles County Beaches Until Friday, March 14, at 4:00 pm

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 4:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 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.

Conditions have allowed crews to begin the clean-up of least 33,000 cubic yards of mud and debris that came down after the last storm. Once the boulder was reduced to rubble on February 24, engineers surveyed the extent of damage and determined that retaining walls must be built in three locations, one specifically to replace guardrail and to rebuild the shoulder and lane where the road washed away. Rebuilding the shoulder and lane will take at least a month, once a design is in place.

Additionally, there are multiple locations throughout SR-27 that will require installation of debris flow barriers and installation of larger culverts. These improvements will help minimize the impacts of debris/mudflows on SR-27 due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon.



As it may take it several months before the road is fully open due to repair work, Southern California Edison will now undertake previously planned work to underground its utility lines. (More on partial opening plans later.) Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works wants to re-route a water main connection for the town that was exposed when the road washed away.

All mud and debris that came down onto the highway is being pushed to the side of the road and will be tested. Clean dirt will be sent to Oxnard farms for reuse. To date, all dirt has tested clean.

Caltrans is aiming to open one lane to essential business travel during dedicated times and with an escort and possibly shuttles to provide residents access once it’s deemed safe. Although reopening the roadway is dependent on cleanup, repair work and weather, Caltrans stands ready to execute this interim reopening plan in coordination with the CHP, utilities, and any affected public agencies as soon as it is safe to do so.

Caltrans recognizes 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

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.

LA surf and skate legend Randy Wright who has been posted up at Sunset Point as photographer and surf guru now urgently needs our help after the Palisades Fire to get rolling and back in business to do what he does best.

Randy's friend & surf buddy, Andrew MacDonald from Pacific Palisades has set up a gofundme for him. Any amount will help immensely.

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

As the vibrant tradition of the Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade marks its 26th year, participants are urged to don their most festive costumes and join the lively celebration. The annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade will take place on March 8, beginning at 1 p.m. at The Waterfront Venice, located at 205 Ocean Front Walk. Parade starts at 2:00 at The Rose Ave Beach Parking Lot, followed by an after-party at The Waterfront from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Venice Mardi Gras Festival initially took place from August 16-18, 1935, inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It featured a grand opening with King Neptune arriving by outrigger canoe, the coronation of Queen Venetia, and a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk. The proclamation by the queen marked the beginning of three days filled with parades, costume contests, and entertainment, embodying the spirit of fun and revelry. Highlights from the early years included majestic floats, participants donning enormous plaster of Paris heads crafted in Arthur Reese's studio, and a street carnival on Windward Avenue, complete with gondoliers and Keystone Cops adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event quickly grew in popularity and scale, evolving into a significant annual festival that drew crowds in the hundreds of thousands before World War II. The expanded four-day celebration by 1941 included a treasure hunt for children, aquatic events, the Miss California beauty pageant, and a grand Mardi Gras Ball, all contributing to a burgeoning sense of civic pride and community engagement.

Venice's Mardi Gras Festival has stood as a testament to the community's commitment to celebrating culture, history, and the arts. For those interested in delving deeper into Venice's rich history, Jeffrey Stanton's website offers extensive insights into the past festivals and the evolution of this beloved event."



For more info, Click Here

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

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.