Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, is a vibrant and joyous celebration. The Festival of the Chariots not only honors ancient traditions but also promotes messages of peace, unity, and spiritual well-being, drawing thousands of attendees from various backgrounds each year.

This annual event, held in the heart of Los Angeles, features the grand procession of elaborately decorated chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and chanting, devotees and visitors pull the chariots through the streets

The parade begins at the Santa Monica Civic Center, proceeding down Main Street, then making a turn onto the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The chariots sail down the Boardwalk until reaching the festival site at Windward Plaza

The Santa Monica Police Department invites the community to National Night Out 2025 on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Santa Monica City Hall (1685 Main Street). This year’s theme, “Santa Monica All Stars,” brings the community together for a sports-inspired evening of fun, food, and connection.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This year's event will feature free food, games, music, and plenty of opportunities to meet the officers and staff who serve Santa Monica.

“This event is a chance for us to thank our community, strengthen relationships, and enjoy a fun evening together,” said Chief Ramon Batista. “Whether you're new to Santa Monica or have lived here for decades, we invite you to come out, bring your family, and be part of the team.”

The Big Blue Bus will be providing free rides to and from City Hall, making it easy and accessible for everyone to join in.

Join LA Tri Club for thier Epic FREE coached led open water swims each Friday at 6:30am. 10 Speed Coffee and Donuts are served afterwards.

These swims are FREE but there are many costs that come with putting on these swims.

"We highly recommend joining LA Tri Club if you attend our swims regularly to help off-set the cost for the Permits, Lifeguards, Coffee and Donuts plus you'll be part of an amazing community and get our weekly newsletter with all kinds of important information and updates about what we have planned throughout the year."

For more info, Click Here.

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

UNITE HERE Local 11, who represents over 32,000 workers employed in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers throughout Southern California and Arizona, has accused the recently closed Marnia Del Rey restuarant, Tony P's Dockside Grill, of Wage Theft.

In a letter to California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower, from UNITE HERE Staff Attorney Juan Fernando Luna requests an investigation into the Compliance with Wage and Hour Laws at Rick Caruso-Owned Tony P’s Dockside Grill

The letter states that workers at Tony P's have reported that throughout their employment they regularly missed rest breaks and meal periods to which they are legally entitled and were not provided with premium pay and that workers worked off-the-clock without compensation.

"The Restaurant's former employees report that they were unable to take rest and meal breaks because of excessive workload demands, a failure to provide coverage to enable breaks, and other practices. According to these former workers, supervisors knew or should have known that employees were unable to take rest breaks and meal periods. Tony P’s apparently failed to institute an adequate policy or process for authorizing and permitting the required rest breaks. The Restaurant also allegedly failed to provide meal periods to employees who worked more than five hours. Instead, employees reportedly labored through their legally required rest breaks and meal periods without premium pay, and as result, received inaccurate wage statements. This practice potentially violates the Wage Order and Labor Code section 226. It also constitutes an unfair business practice under California law"

The full letter can be viewed here

Some scenes from a typical weekday on the Venice Beach Boardwak. A homeless guy has his axe taken away by the Park Rangers during the one of the weekly Boardwalk encampment clean up. Also free food is given out to those in need, and Dragon drops his chow mein.

The 49th Annual Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots is happening on August 4, 2025 from 10AM - 7PM. This is a FREE festival!

Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, is a vibrant and joyous celebration. This annual event, held in the heart of Los Angeles, features the grand procession of elaborately decorated chariots carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and chanting, devotees and visitors pull the chariots through the streets. The festival also includes cultural performances, delicious vegetarian cuisine, and a marketplace showcasing Indian arts and crafts. It's a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience the rich cultural heritage and spiritual essence of India.

The festivities begin with a parade of three 40-foot tall chariots, which begins at Pico and Main in Santa Monica. The parade proceeds down Main Street until Rose Avenue, when it turns on to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The parade ends at the festival site, located at Venice Beach Windward Plaza at 12 PM.

The festival, located at Venice Beach Windward Plaza, runs from 12-7 PM. Come out for amazing cultural entertainment, a free feast, gift shop, and other food booths. You do not want to miss this once yearly festival.

Video from a previous year:

For more info, Click Here

Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguard Program pier jump drill at the Venice Pier on Friday morning.

🔧 Work includes: Cross gutter reconstruction and street paving

📅 Monday, Aug. 4 – Friday, Aug. 8

🕗 Full closure, 24 hours/day

The City of Santa Monica has contracted with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. (EBEI) to implement Phase 1, Pedestrian and Street Lighting Upgrade, of Lincoln Boulevard Neighborhood Corridor (LiNC) Streetscape Project. The Project will remove all old high-voltage streetlights and replace them with new energy-efficient pedestrian and street lighting along Lincoln Boulevard. The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety with new lighting. The work on Lincoln Blvd. spans from Interstate 10 freeway (I-10 Fwy) to Ozone Avenue at the southern city limit. In addition, the Project includes traffic signal and sidewalk improvements between Michigan Avenue and I-10 freeway.

This work includes installation of new small size electrical conduit, new foundations, new pedestrian and street light poles with new LED type fixtures, and removal of old streetlight poles. Furthermore, the pedestrian crossings at Olympic Blvd and at Michigan Ave on Lincoln Blvd will be reconfigured and improved with curb ramp extensions, additional signage and traffic signal modifications. Additionally, at Olympic crossings, a new pedestrian refuge median island will be installed with a two-phased safe crossing.

Construction is expected to begin in September 2024 and last approximately until December 2025. As the construction work encompasses a large section of Lincoln Blvd., the work will be performed in phases. The work is anticipated to begin at the southern city limit (Ozone Ave.) and gradually progress towards north to I-10 Fwy. During the construction, part of the street parking and sidewalks restrictions will occur temporarily. Safety barricades and signage will be provided at work locations. Driveway and building accesses will be maintained. Traffic flow will be maintained.

The operation of heavy equipment necessary to construct this project will create intermittent loud noise. We understand this process is inconvenient and we will make every effort to minimize any inconvenience that this work may cause.

Residential and commercial power service will be uninterrupted and maintained during the project. Power service for street lighting is isolated from residential and commercial power service.

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

Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025 / domingo 17 de agosto 2025

Time: 9am-4pm

Location: Connecting Culver City, Mar Vista, and Venice



CicLAvia is a non-profit organization that has been opening streets throughout LA County since 2010. Come experience car-free open streets at our 61st event, CicLAvia—Culver City meets Venice.

Enjoy the pop-up park for the day in your favorite people-powered way, whether that's walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating! All ages and abilities are welcome.

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

Caltrans has announced that thier crews have completed some work on Pacific Coast Highway & some changes have been made:

- McClure Tunnel to Temescal Canyon Road: No more cones, 45 mph speed limit

- Temescal to Sunset Blvd: Reduced cones & signage, 35 mph speed limit

- Sunset to Carbon Beach Terrace: Active work zone, 25 mph speed limit

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.

Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring crafts, live music, a taco truck, and more. The event will also include the unveiling of a commemorative poster highlighting 30 influential residents of Venice. Bring your family and friends to celebrate.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

11:00 a.m. 30th Anniversary and Poster Ceremony
11:30 a.m. Children’s Craft & Volunteer Bee Colman Dedication
12:00 p.m. Collaborative Zine Making
1:00 p.m. Line Dance Showcase and Lesson
2:00 p.m. Swing Dance with Dave Stuckey

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

Punk rock concert held this past weekend under the big V at the beach in Venice, featuring local Venice band, Neighborhood Watch.

Neighborhood Watchis a punk rock band established in the early 1980s. Hailing from Venice/West Los Angeles.

The full Pin Up Girl Contest held during the Dogtown Car Club Supershow in Venice Beach on Saturday. Seven contestants compete for the 2025 crown.

A TSUNAMI ADVISARY IS NOW IN EFFECT for coastal San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties.

A Tsunami Advisory has been issued, replacing the earlier issued Tsunami Watch. The tsunami should arrive near 1AM tonight. If you are located in the coastal area, move off the beach & out of harbors & marinas. Do not go to the coast to watch. Be alert to instructions from local EM officials. For LA, the arrival time is around 1AM, and surges of waves could last through 10AM on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service's Tsunami Warning Center said that the first tsunami waves could hit the west coast off the Bay Area as early as 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30. The earthquake was triggered by an 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the Pacific coast in Russia.



A tsunami capable of producing strong currents that may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures is expected. Widespread inundation is NOT expected. However, damage at the harbors will be possible. Surging water in and out of harbors can cause boats and docks to detach from structures. Port San Luis and Morro Bay will be of particular concern for these impacts, however other locations anywhere in the Advisory area will be susceptible to impacts including coastal flooding.

Tsunamis often arrive as a series of waves or surges which could be dangerous for many hours after the first wave arrival. The first tsunami wave or surge may not be the highest in the series.

The Dogtown Super Show at Venice Beach, hosted by the Dogtown Car Club. This video is a full walk around tour of the car show, meeting with some Venice Beach locals, Hecho En Venice, and more.

This is the 2025 show that took place on July 26th. Full video of the Pin-Up agirl Contest will online soon.

Longtime Southland philanthropist Wallis Annenberg died Monday at her Los Angeles home from complications of lung cancer, the Los Angeles Time reported. She was 86.

"All of us at Annenberg Community Beach House are mourning the passing of Wallis Annenberg. It was through her generous and visionary act of philanthropy that the Beach House came into existence. During the opening summer in 2009, Wallis loved stopping by unannounced and delighted in seeing people from all walks of life enjoying the pool, the playground, relaxing in canopies on the sand, playing in the splash pad, and experiencing a quintessential day at the beach. Her innovative vision and generous partnership with the city leaves a legacy that has enabled millions of people to gather, recreate, experience the arts, and exchange ideas. She deeply wanted the Beach House to be a place where memories are made, and that has happened with every Cardboard Yacht Regatta, Polar Bear Swim, Happy Birthday Marion party, wedding, birthday, and day off spent at the Beach House. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Annenberg family and friends, Annenberg Foundation staff, and all touched by her life."

On Saturday, July 26, at the parking lot in Ocea Park, Santa Monica Police impounded 12 off-highway vehicles. SMPD released this statement:

While these electric bikes may look street legal, they are not permitted on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks.

These vehicles:
• Often exceed 40 mph
• Lack operable pedals
• Are NOT classified as legal electric bicycles under California law

📄 Know what’s legal to ride.

We’re increasing enforcement in response to serious safety concerns and community complaints. If your vehicle doesn’t have pedals or meet California’s e-bike standards, it doesn’t belong on the road.

📲 Questions? Contact SMPD’s Traffic Enforcement Unit at 310-458-8954




📲 Questions? Contact SMPD’s Traffic Enforcement Unit at 310-458-8954

Over the weekend there were numerous reports of dogs becoming sick in the Venice Canals area of Venice. "Within the last 10 days, 4 Canal dogs have passed away suddenly & 1 is currently in ICU." @VeniceIntel reports Sunday on Twitter. "All of these Canal dogs were in good health, with no health issues, some were young with the oldest being 12 years old.

All died suddenly."

On Monday morning, the Venice Canals Association released this notice:

"Over the past 10 days, several healthy dogs in our neighborhood have suddenly fallen ill — heartbreakingly, six have passed away and one is currently in ICU. While the cause is still unknown, symptoms have included vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and collapse.

Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their beloved companions. These dogs were not just pets — they were family, and treasured members of our community. 💔

Please take extra precautions:
• Keep dogs leashed and close
• Avoid canal water, puddles, and shared bowls
• Watch for signs of illness and seek vet care immediately

If you’ve seen anything or have info to share, please scan the QR code in the flyer or reach out. Together, we can help protect each other’s fur babies."

@VeniceIntel shared more details on the dogs:

"Chloe, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever died of a sudden seizure and cardiac arrest.

William, a 2-year-old King Charles Cavalier had possible poisoning and is in the ICU.

Sasha died after sudden weakness, seizure and foaming of the mouth.

Shadow, 12-year-old died suddenly under similar circumstances as Sascha.

Daisy, died suddenly of a cardiac arrest." These photos were also share:



We will update this story as it develops.