Latest News


Starting TOMORROW, Saturday, May 3, Caltrans contractors will begin installing temporary speed bumps at two checkpoints to enhance safety for the National Guard stationed there:

📍 Entrada/Chautauqua (Los Angeles side)

📍 Carbon Beach Terrace (Malibu side)

Installation begins around 6 AM on the Los Angeles side, then moves to the Malibu side once complete. One lane will remain open at all times for those with access passes into the burn area.

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



Live!! At the Santa Monica Pier, Cycotic Youth is headlining the final night of Locals Night!! Punkrock, classic cars, vendors.. FREE SHOW ALL AGES!! Free giveaways, new merchandise!! Also playing will be No Reaction. May 15th, starts at 6:30 pm.

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


Street League Skateboarding (SLS) has announced an all-new Spot Takeover event that will take place on the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, May 23 for the second stop of the 2025 SLS Championship Tour.

This free festival and competition will bring SLS action to the heart of skateboarding culture, with a custom-built skate spot on the pier inspired by the legendary Santa Monica Triple Set — a spot that has tested the best and shaped generations of skaters. The event will combine elite SLS competition with an immersive community experience, uniting skaters, fans, brands, and local skate shops like never before.

“The Santa Monica Triple Set is an iconic spot,” said Paul Rodriguez, “and it's going to be awesome seeing skaters take over the pier to honor a street spot that shaped us. SLS keeps pushing the boundaries of street skate events.”



This all-new SLS format is designed with the fans at its core, offers a unique open-layout event with free admission, and creates an immersive festival atmosphere. Attendees can expect exclusive merch collaborations with world-renowned artist Joshua Vides, food trucks, live DJs, interactive fan activations, vendors, and more.

Nyjah Huston, seven-time SLS Super Crown World Champion and Los Angeles local, will compete in the event alongside Yuto Horigome, Chris Joslin, Braden Hoban, and more. Additional details, including the full skater lineup, event schedule, and skate spot renderings will be announced soon.

The 2025 SLS Championship Tour begins in Miami and then heads to Santa Monica for the first of four SLS Takeover events, each set at an iconic location reimagined for SLS competition. The season will culminate in the SLS Super Crown World Championship on December 6-7 in São Paulo, Brazil.

“There is no better place to introduce the SLS Championship Tour Takeover series than Santa Monica,” said Frank Lamicella, CEO of Thrill Sports (parent company of Street League Skateboarding). “LA is the home of skateboarding, and the Santa Monica Triple Set, of which the SLS course for this event will be based on, is both a rite of passage and a historical proving ground. The Takeover series of events inside the Championship Tour will see the best skateboarders in the world competing at noteworthy locations in their quest to earn a Super Crown championship, the most coveted achievement in street skating. This event marks a new chapter in the storied history of SLS and we’re excited to showcase our league, skaters and these legendary locations throughout the year.”



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


Come out to join us to celebrate the Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10AM to 6PM on 7th Ave between California Ave and Broadway. Parade will begin at 10AM on California Ave and Lincoln Blvd. There will be food trucks, Folklorico Dancers, Horses and Charros,Banda, Aztec Dancers, Venice High School Band, Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, Classic Cars, DJ, Piñata, raffles,Photo Booth, and much more.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at Oakwood Recreation Park. Join us for a day filled with vibrant parades, delicious food, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Venice while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that brings the community together to honor Mexican heritage and commemorate the Battle of Puebla. Bring your friends and family for a day of celebration and cultural appreciation. See you there!

Video from last year:



For more info, Click Here

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


Tour of the clean up progress on the beach front properties along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Progress has been made on the clean up of several of the beach front homes along the Malibu coast near Big Rock. Most homes have been fully cleared of alltheir fire debris, while a couple have not. This was filmed right after the rain storm on Saturday afternoon, April 26th, 2025, exploring the area from the beach.

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



Westside Classics Car Club presents Cinco de Mayo celebration at Venice Beach on May 4th 2025.

For more info, Click Here

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


A recap of some of the incidents Santa Monica Police dealt with on April 13 - April 19, 2025

Sexual Assault– 600 Block of Santa Monica Blvd The reporting party observed a sexual assault in progress and began recording the incident while calling 911. Officers located the suspect leaving the area. Both the victim and suspect were transported to the Rape Treatment Center for evidence collection.

Assault W/ Deadly Weapon (Dual Stabbings) – 1700 Block of the Beach Two victims, a brother and sister, were walking on the beach when the brother got into a verbal altercation with two suspects. The altercation turned physical, and the sister intervened, trying to break up the fight. One suspect was armed with a knife and both suspects fled southbound on the beach. Both victims sustained stab wounds. Both victims were transported to the hospital and were later in stable condition, with no surgeries needed. On scene, multiple parties/witnesses were uncooperative, under the influence and provided conflicting information to officers.

Assault W/ Deadly Weapon (Family Domestic) – 21st St A grandmother and granddaughter got into a verbal altercation which turned physical. The granddaughter stabbed her grandmother in her shin with a knife, causing a 1-inch laceration. The granddaughter was taken into custody.

Domestic Violence – 1600 Block of Ocean Front Walk The victim contacted PD stating her boyfriend had beat her up by punching her multiple times in her face and head; and possibly cut the back of her head with a box cutter. The victim was located with multiple injuries on her face. The victim advised that her boyfriend fled the scene and did not have a car. The victim was transported to the hospital for further treatment. Note: There has been prior domestic violence in their relationship.

Burglaries via Rear Sliding Door – Investigation Ongoing

1800 block of Arizona Ave
700 block of 21st St
2900 block of Arizona Ave

Criminal Threats w/ Firearm - SM Place Mall. DSU officers respond to a call where mall security was threatened by a female transient with a firearm. The security guards lost sight of the suspect as she walked into Structure 7. Officers searched the parking structure while investigating. The suspect was not located.

6th St/Broadway 368(b)(1) PC / 11377(a) HS An elderly BBB passenger was spat on by a bus rider after she asked him to stop smoking on the bus. The suspect was located and found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

6th St/SM Blvd Warrant/11377(a) HS Officers contacted a subject known to have an outstanding SMPD warrant. The subject was found in possession of methamphetamine.

PED stop 400 block of Arizona Officers contacted a subject after they observed him manipulating drugs with additional drug paraphernalia in plain view. Ultimately their investigation led to a possession for sales arrest, and felony possession due to prior convictions.

Juvenile Overdose - Beverly Ave Officers responded to an assistance call for service. The comments of the call stated a 16-year-old was not breathing in the house and dispatch was giving CPR instructions. Upon arrival, Santa Monica Fire Department Engine 2 administered Narcan and was providing rescue breaths. The victim regained consciousness and was transported to a local area hospital. It should be noted on 09/09/2024 SMFD responded to an overdose call for the same individual. The juvenile was placed on a 5150 hold for making suicidal statements.

Robbery/69 PC/Use of Force
–420 Broadway Officers responded to an Estes Robbery at 420 Broadway. The suspect had taken items and scratched the loss prevention agent on the face as she left the business. Officers located the suspect on the train platform and attempted to detain the suspect. She proceeded to also scratch the officer along the right side of his face and neck. The suspect was placed under arrest with the assistance of responding officers.

Rollover Traffic Collision/DUI - 900 Block of Broadway Officers were on patrol in the 1100 block of Broadway when he heard a loud crash near the 900 Block of Broadway. They arrived on scene and located two vehicles overturned. Only one driver was located and initially it was believed the driver of the second vehicle fled the location. Video of the accident was located and showed the driver struck a parked unoccupied vehicle at a high rate of speed. A search of the suspect’s’ vehicle and a backpack revealed bottles of Nitrous Oxide. The driver was transported to a local hospital and eventually cited out for DUI.

Narcotics Violation / 9th St. & Pico Blvd. Officers initiated a traffic stop for a moving violation. It was subsequently discovered that the driver was on felony probation. A probation search revealed the driver was in possession of narcotics.

Assault – Deadly Weapon (Skateboard) / 600 Block of Ocean Park Blvd. The victim sees a suspect coming from the direction of the front door of his apartment. The victim confronted the suspect who swung a skateboard at the victim’s head. The suspect fled but was located nearby.

Grand Theft (E-Bike) / 1000 Block of Pico Blvd. (800 Block of Broadway) The victim reported the theft of an E-Bike from in front of his apartment building. The following day, the victim was able to track (with an apple air tag) the stolen bike to a specific apartment building. Officers responded and found the suspect in possession of the bike.

Aggravated Battery – 800 Block of Ocean Ave A homeless victim was contacted by six suspects riding scooters. An unknown number of suspects punched and kicked the victim once on his body. The victim was not very forthcoming with incident details. The victim sustained redness all over his body and was transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Firearm Arrest – Ocean Way and Bay St Officers stopped a vehicle for displaying stolen license plates. Once all passengers were out of the vehicle, the officers noticed a handgun in plain sight beneath the center console. The handgun was positioned to be easily accessible to the driver. The handgun was a loaded .40 caliber Springfield XD. The driver was arrested. Once at the jail, it was determined the suspect had falsely identified himself and had an outstanding burglary warrant.

Carjacking / Assault – 2100 Block of Ocean Ave Unprovoked, the victim was struck multiple times in the head by three suspects wearing face masks. One of the suspects took the victim’s car keys and they all fled in his vehicle southbound on Ocean Ave and out of sight. The investigation is ongoing.



On Wednesday morning, Westside Global Awareness Magnet in Marina del Rey went under lockdown as police search for a student who fled after a gun he had went off.

“Today, a student allegedly discharged a possible firearm inside of a classroom and thereafter fled the campus,” according to a message that went out the parents of the students. “No students or staff were injured. The campus has been swept by law enforcement and the lockdown has been lifted.”

Westside Global Awareness Magnet is a K-8th-grade school.

“The bullet didn’t hit anybody,” a parent report after being in a Zoom meeting with the school. “It ricocheted around the class and fell on the ground.”

It was between 8:00 and 8:30AM, the gun went off accidentally from inside the packback of a 13 year old boy. According to LAUSD, the gun went off when the backpack was dropped to the ground.


Westside Classics Car Club presents Cinco de Mayo celebration at Venice Beach on May 4th 2025.

For more info, Click Here

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


Progress has been made on the clean up of several of the beach front homes along the Malibu coast near Big Rock. Most homes have been fully cleared of alltheir fire debris, while a couple have not. This was filmed right after the rain storm on Saturday afternoon, April 26th, 2025, exploring the area from the beach.

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



Come out to join us to celebrate the Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10AM to 6PM on 7th Ave between California Ave and Broadway. Parade will begin at 10AM on California Ave and Lincoln Blvd. There will be food trucks, Folklorico Dancers, Horses and Charros,Banda, Aztec Dancers, Venice High School Band, Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, Classic Cars, DJ, Piñata, raffles,Photo Booth, and much more.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at Oakwood Recreation Park. Join us for a day filled with vibrant parades, delicious food, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Venice while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that brings the community together to honor Mexican heritage and commemorate the Battle of Puebla. Bring your friends and family for a day of celebration and cultural appreciation. See you there!

Video from last year:



For more info, Click Here

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


The Saturday morning rain brought down debris that's blocking both directions of Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga, Tuna and Big Rock, prompying a full hard closure between Topanga and Carbon Beach Terrace.



Crews are making good progress but still have to clear mud at Peña Road. PCH will remain closed tonight and will reopen Sunday at 6 a.m. to the same soft closure (residents w/burn scar passes, contractors, emergency responders and designated Metro, school buses.)

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


Santa Monica’s AMP (Art, Music, Promenade) Fest; a shoppable art & music festival happening at the Third Street Promenade. Get ready to immerse yourself in vibrant art created by talented local artists!
AMP (Art, Music, Promenade) Fest
Date: April 27th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Address: Third Street Promenade, (1200 & 1300 Block).



For more info, Click Here

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


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics and LAPD officers responded to reports of an unresponsive man lying near the public restrooms along Ocean Front Walk.

First responders assessed the individual and determined he was deceased at the scene. LAPD officers erected a privacy tent around the body as standard protocol and awaited the arrival of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Roughly ninety minutes later, coroner personnel arrived to examine and transport the body. The official cause of death has not yet been released. Authorities have not confirmed whether foul play or overdose is suspected.

The investigation is ongoing."

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.

Ivan Angel Plancarte, 20-years-old, DOB 05/20/2004; San Gabriel Resident; Charge: 664/187 PC Attempted Murder' $1,000,000 Bail; Pending 4/23/2025 court appearance

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 2:26 AM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to a radio call regarding a reported stabbing in the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Officers arrived on scene within two minutes and discovered two individuals who had been stabbed. The first victim, an adult male, sustained multiple stab wounds to the upper torso. SMPD personnel provided initial medical aid to the victim. Upon their arrival, Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) paramedics continued medical treatment and then transported the individual to a local area hospital. At the time of this release, the victim was in critical, but stable condition.

The second victim, an adult female, was also discovered to have sustained stab wounds. She was also transported to the hospital for treatment and released.

Witnesses reported that suspects fled the scene on foot, traveling southbound after the stabbing.

A preliminary investigation revealed the following suspect descriptions:

Suspect 1: Male, Hispanic, thin build, wearing a grey sweater and a blue bandana or face mask.

Suspect 2: Male, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants.

Suspect #2, 20-year-old Ivan Angel Plancarte from San Gabriel, CA was taken into custody on Monday, April 21, 2025 and charged with attempted murder (664/187 PC).

Suspect #1 remains outstanding.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the Det. Zamfirov at (310)458-8398, Det. Sgt. Lozano at (310)458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.



Here are answers to questions we've been getting about the status of surfing at Sunset:

NOTE: This is solely to give answersto the numerous questions we have been receiving about surfing at Sunset. This is not encouragepeople to ho surf or to break any kaws, just answering questions with the knowledge we have observed.

Is Sunset open for surfing?
It was never really closed.

Is PCH open?
It is only open to those that have a proper pass. The closure/checkpoint is at Chautauqua/W Channel Rd. Only vehicles with passes are allowed to continue on PCH. So without a pass, you can not drive a vehicle up to Sunset.

Can I bike up PCH?
If you have the proper pass, it depends on who is at the checkpoint, some gaurds let you through, some say "No bikes...too dangerous".

As of Friday, 4/25, CHP was stationed near Sunset turning back people riding bikes and walking up PCH. stuff changes constantly.

How have people been surfing there, and at Topanga?
They have passes to be in the area, or they snuck in.

Is Will Rogers open?
Yes, the beach and the bike path are now open.

Can I get to Sunset from Will Rogers?
Yes, but the main Will Rogers parking lot is still closed. The small parking lot at Entrada is open, that lot is before the PCH closure. If you park there you can walk or bike up the path to the Bay Club then go around the Club to Sunset. There has been no beach closures, the beach is open all the way to Sunset.


How far is it from the parking lot (the small lot) to Sunset?
About 2.3 miles. A 10 minute bike ride at an easy pace.



I heard there's a secret route to go there and to Topanga?
First Rule and Second Rule

Can I park at Sunset?
The Gladstones lot is closed, it is being used by a constuction company. Vehicles have been parking along PCH.

Is Randy still there/Is he okay?
He is still there, he appears okay.

How's the water?
It appears the same as Santa Monica. There are mixed answers to this.

Is the bike path the only way to get to Sunset for those without a pass?
As of Friday, 4/25, it is possible to ride the bike path to the very end o the Will Rogers Parking where the Bay Club is, then walk the beach over to the rocks at Sunset. CHP was stationed near Sunset turning back people riding bikes and walking up PCH.

Is there police and National Gaurd all over PCH?
There is a heavy presence of both CHP and LAPD all along PCH. A lot of vehicles have been seen getting pulled over. The National Gaurd is stationed at specific areas.



On Saturtday morning, about 2:26 a.m., Santa Monica Police responded to reports of a stabbing in the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk.

The only information out right now is that two people were taken to the hospital with stab wounds. Police said they remained in stable condition as of Saturday afternoon. No information on whether any suspects were detained or identified in this stabbing.

The victims were reported to be brother and sister. And reports say they were asttacked by to drunk men who were seen on scooters.

The sister spoke to the news service

"She said it was around 1 a.m. on Saturday when her group went down to the beach, just wanting to dip their toes in the water. Before they got to the sand, the sister said they noticed two men from a distance, seeming to be drinking and riding their scooters on the boardwalk.

The sister said she found it suspicious, but they carried on. They later again noticed the same men who seemed to be getting closer to her group.

The two men eventually approached her and her brother and began harassing them, she said. The sister said that her brother was trying to protect her and his girlfriend and her other friends during the confrontation.

The men pulled out pocket knives and began threatening them, the woman said. She and others in the group managed to record the suspects.

The sister begged the two men to leave her and her brother alone, but the suspects didn't listen, and instead attacked and lunged at both of them with their knives.

The group was able to escape to safety, and the sister said she and her brother ran toward the parking lot to get to their car.

The woman said she was stabbed four times -- in her head, her back and under her armpit area. Her brother was stabbed five times -- with hits to his stomach and back."



The beach and the bike path at Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades finally reopens after being closed to the public for over 3 months due to the Palisades Fire. The video above was shot on Friday evening, showing that the National Guard is gone and there is no more closure of the beach or bike path. The beach and bike path are open all the way to the end where Sunset Point is.

Pacific Coast Highway Closure remains enforced and the large Will Rogers Beach Parking lot is still closed. The Will Rogers Lot 1 (small lot at the Santa Monica border) is open.



For surfers wanting to go surf Will Rogers or Sunset, as of Friday evening, it is possible to go there via the bike path (and then walk the beach past the club to Sunset).

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