The Santa Monica Police are seeking the community's assistance in locating Mychelle Dias Hespanhol who was last seen on August 11th near 4th and Broadway. She may not be familiar with the area and could require assistance.

Mychelle, 26 years old, is 5'3", weighing approximately 128 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. She may suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

If you have seen Mychelle or have any information, please contact us at 310-458-8491. Please share this to help spread the word.

Here's surfing photos from Wednesday, August 14th at Topanga.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by BodyGlove.com.

These are just a few of the 100+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.











You can find over 100 photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Topanga - Wednesday 8-14-2024 - Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans a slope restoration project at postmile 4.9 on State Route 27 (SR-27) south of Circle Trail beginning Tuesday, Aug. 20. The work will require reducing about a half-mile of SR-27 to one lane with flaggers directing alternating traffic during off-peak hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., for four weeks. Signs will be posted. Motorists can expect delays.



The slope along Topanga Creek was seriously eroded by February rainstorms, which undermines a section of the southbound roadway shoulder. Caltrans' aim is to rebuild the slope with native dirt and rocks before the rainy season. What the work involves:

One lane closure from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Extended one lane closure Friday to Saturday - 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Hours were determined to avoid disrupting peak commuting periods. • K-rails will be installed along the southbound fog line as a safety measure. • Daytime slope repair work behind k-rails.

Flaggers will communicate via radio to minimize traffic delays in both directions. Motorists will have access to Circle Trail.

In the event of an emergency such as evacuation due to fire danger, work will be suspended to open lanes in both directions.

All work is subject to change due to weather or construction-related issues. Residents and businesses located near the freeway may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with construction activities.

Caltrans reminds drivers to "Be Work Zone Alert" and to "Slow for the Cone Zone."

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers issued a citation to street performer Lionel Jean-Baptiste, known on Instagram as @icecreamsongs1, for violating Santa Monica Municipal Ordinance (SMMO) 4.08.750, which prohibits solicitation in certain locations. The incident occurred at Ocean Front Walk, in front of Shutters on the Beach hotel, where Lionel has been performing regularly for over a year.

Lionel was asked to pack up his equipment and stop performing. He was cooperative and complied with the officers' requests, who stood by to ensure his compliance. During this time, a nearby resident expressed frustration with the police action, criticizing the allocation of resources to the incident when more pressing crimes were happening elsewhere. The resident spoke with Lionel, offering her support, and then confronted the officers, questioning their priorities.

Lionel, a former elementary school teacher with over a decade of experience in Los Angeles' inner-city schools, calmly acknowledged the citation. He explained that he would make adjustments to comply with the ordinance and mentioned plans to reach out to the Santa Monica Police Department’s lieutenant for further discussion and clarification. Despite this setback, Lionel intends to continue performing at the same location, adapting his approach to stay within the bounds of the law. "I was told if I continue to play today, there was a possibility I'd be arrested," Lionel said, emphasizing his decision to temporarily stop playing to avoid further conflict.

Before becoming a street performer, Lionel dedicated 10 years of his life to educating young children, creating educational music designed to engage and inspire students. His website, IceCreamSongs.com, features a collection of songs aimed at teaching children basic skills through music, including tracks like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Wheels on the Bus" for younger kids, as well as educational rap songs focused on subjects like multiplication for older students. This commitment to education and community service has won Lionel a dedicated following, both online and in the local community.

The incident on Ocean Front Walk has brought to light the ongoing tensions between street performers, local businesses, and law enforcement in Santa Monica. The resident’s vocal support for Lionel, coupled with his respectful response to the situation, underscores a broader concern about resource allocation and community priorities in the city. Lionel's background as an educator and his transition to street performance add a layer of complexity to this narrative, highlighting the challenges and resilience of those who seek to share their talents in public spaces."

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.

This information is from the Santa Monica Police Department:

Sexual Assault in Palisades Park

Last Month, in the 300 block of Palisades Park, a woman was walking in the park when the suspect approached her and groped her breast. Officers responded, located the suspect nearby, and took him into custody. The suspect is homeless.

This information is from the Santa Monica Police Department:

Arrest of Child Annoying Suspect

On Saturday at 2:11 pm, Santa Monica's Direct Action Response Team (DART) Officers were patrolling the beach on a MUV when they were flagged by a mother in the 1600 block of the beach regarding a male taking photographs of her 16-year-old daughter in her bathing suit.

The suspect is an active sex registrant. He was in possession of multiple photographs of multiple underage females in their bathing suits. The suspect was arrested for Felony 647.6(c)(1) PC-Child annoyance under the age of 18 with prior conviction. He has a prior conviction for 288(a)1 PC -lewd and lascivious acts with a child.

A FREE block party on the Third Street Promenade, EVERY Third Thursdays of the month through October!

Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun—enjoy live music, interactive art, outdoor dining, and community booths.

WHEN: Thursday, August 15th, 5-8 PM

WHERE: 1200 Block of Third Street Ptomenade

For more info, Click Here.

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

Police responded to a call that a man had been stabbed on the 800 block of North Venice Boulevard just after 12:15 a.m. Saturday. When officers arrived at the scene, the victim was unable to describe the suspect or give details about the incident. He died soon after.

Police said this was not gang related. No other details were given.

Video portrait featuring Taro Watanabe.

Craft brews, Hot Dog on a Stick Lemonade, adoptable pups from HIT Living Foundation & FREE dog-friendly goodies

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with us at Santa Monica Brew Works for a pawsome dog-friendly event on August 11th! Join us for an afternoon of craft brews, adoptable pups from HIT Living Foundation, and free goodies from: Milk-Bone, JustFoodForDogs, ZippyPaws, PupLid, and Joya Diamonds for Dogs.

At the event, you can plan to:

Stop by our booths for freebies and fun!
Enjoy Hot Dog on a Stick Hand-Stomped Lemonade by donating what you can to Hit Living Foundation.
Sip for a cause - $1 from every 310 Stomped Shandy goes to Hit Living Foundation.
Pose with your pup at our lemonade stand dog photo booth!

Sunday, August 11 · 12 - 3pm
Santa Monica Brew Works
1920 Colorado Avenue #suite c
Santa Monica, CA 90404

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, August 7, 2024, approximately a dozen Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to a call at Whole Foods in Venice. The officers detained a homeless man in handcuffs while investigating the situation.

According to the LAPD Sergeant on the scene, the incident began with a radio call from an unidentified individual who refused further contact. The caller reported a person wearing what appeared to be a tactical vest, acting abnormally.

Upon arrival, officers identified the man as someone well-known in the area. The Sergeant clarified that the vest was not ballistic but tactical, which likely led to the concern and subsequent call to the police.

The Sergeant further explained that the officers were in the process of either releasing the man or contacting the mental health unit to determine if additional resources were needed for him. "It's not illegal to have a vest like that," the Sergeant stated, emphasizing that the vest was merely a carrier.

The investigation concluded with the man being released without further action."

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to a complaint regarding the disruption of a Starbucks commercial filming on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Starbucks was in the process of filming an autumn-themed commercial at the Venice Beach Boardwalk Pagodas when the incident occurred.

Adjacent to the commercial setup, BBOY KydSteez (@kydsteezinc), a regular street performer and comedian, was conducting his daily performance using amplification. The production company claimed that the loud sound from the performer was interfering with their filming, prompting them to contact the police.

The street performer contended that amplification is permitted on the boardwalk. An LAPD sergeant clarified that the production company had a filming permit, which led to a discussion about the boundaries and perimeters defined in the permit. The street performer argued that no clear boundaries had been established.

After discussions between the police and the street performer, an agreement was reached. The performer agreed to cease using amplification for his comedy routine and to rely solely on his voice without a public address system. Additionally, the comedian alleged that a member of the production's security team had placed his hand on his gun while making demands. The comedian intends to file a formal complaint regarding this incident."

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.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

August 07, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· Big Rock Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach

The entire swim area.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) presents the 4th Annual Westside Unity Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier. Lowride for a Cause!

Lowride for a Cause. All proceeds will benefit youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

Last year, more than 3,000 people attended this family-friendly event. The event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. This year, over 200 classic cars of various makes and models, some dating back to 1930’s will be on display.

All Solo Riders and Classic Car Clubs can register now for $50 or for $60 at the Pier (Day of event).

Roll-in Time: 7am to 9am, will be strictly enforced.

For more information, please email us at carshow@picoyouth.org

Call us at (310) 804-3965 or (424) 480-8716.

More Background:

We are hosting this Classic Car Show to bring unity and awareness to the community that lowriding culture still thrives in the Westside of Los Angeles. Through this family-friendly event we plan to educate and inspire everyone, but especially our youth, to have pride in our culture and to contribute to the continuation of this beautiful art form that we know as low rider culture.

“At a time when low-income residents of all backgrounds, especially Latino and African American residents, are being pushed out of Westside communities due to gentrification we feel that unity, awareness and visibility is needed more than ever. This car show is necessary to celebrate our region’s cultural diversity that is at risk of extinction,” stated Oscar de la Torre, Santa Monica City Councilman.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Monday, August 5, 2024, a Los Angeles police officer faced a tense situation with an aggressive individual during a camping enforcement operation at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The incident began when police requested a homeless man to move away from the boardwalk with his belongings. The individual asked for medical assistance, prompting the police to call Los Angeles Firefighter Paramedics. The paramedics arrived shortly and transferred the man to the hospital.

Sanitation workers later arrived to dispose of the remaining items, which the homeless man had relinquished. During this time, another homeless individual who was also asked to move did not cooperate, yelling and threatening the police. The police were prepared to use force, but after a brief standoff, the man ultimately walked away with his suitcase of belongings."

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Beach saw an unusual scene on Monday, August 5, 2024, as the Los Angeles Police Department and firefighters responded to a vehicle stuck in the sand. An elderly man had inadvertently driven his car onto the beach, leading to the vehicle becoming entrenched in the sand.

The front end of the vehicle displayed damage from a prior incident. Emergency services, including fire paramedics, attended to the scene, ensuring the elderly driver was unharmed. He waited in an ambulance for his family to arrive and take him home. A tow truck successfully extricated the car from the sand before impounding it."

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Just after sunset on Sunday night, August 4, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers, Santa Monica Firefighters, Los Angeles County Lifeguards, and Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers responded to a report of a potential drowning at Santa Monica Beach. Following an extensive search, authorities concluded that the witness had mistaken a buoy for a person in distress. The lifeguard on duty reassured the witness that reporting the sighting was the correct action. Buoys, which are floating objects anchored at specific locations, serve to guide or warn mariners, mark the positions of submerged objects, or moor vessels. "

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.

Santa Monica Police try to get this person to clean up the mess he made, and he gets made at people watching the ordeal, and moons them.

The Festival of the Chariots, also known as Ratha-yatra, or “cart-festival”, originates from an ancient tradition in India. It commemorates a joyous celebration of life and glorification of God. The ancient annual Ratha-yatra parade in Jagannatha Puri, India, attracts one million people every year.

The tradition was brought to the West in 1967 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Today it is celebrated in most major cities of the world, including London, Moscow, Toronto, Johannesburg, Delhi and New York.

The local Los Angeles version attracts approximately 40,000 parade and festival participants. Every year on the first Sunday morning of August onlookers are surprised by the procession of three glittering red, blue and gold, ancient style, east-Indian chariots traveling slowly through Santa Monica and Venice. The chariots do not move by motor. They are hand pulled by the spectators.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

August 05, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.