From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Friday, February 17th, 2023, the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works sanitation workers, in white hazardous materials suits, along with Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc., cleaned up homeless encampments at Venice Beach. Many of the unhoused have been using the restrooms as living quarters, which has caused significant health and safety concerns for both the unhoused and the general public."

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.

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Marine hazards returning to the area next week - mostly Tuesday night into Wednesday night. High seas, strong winds, and high surf are all possible.

Light rain could return to our area as early as Wednesday, with heavier rain by the weekend.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Operations-West Bureau’s Special Assault Section is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection to an attempted sexual assault.

On February 4, 2023, around 6:30 p.m., a male suspect approached a lone adult female at a local beach in the area of 15500 Pacific Coast Highway. The suspect made a statement of intent, then proceeded to place his hand over the victim’s mouth while brandishing a boxcutter. The victim was able to safely escape, preventing any further assault.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, between 20 to 30 years of age. He stands 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs around 150 to 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. The suspect was wearing a navy blue or black zip-up jacket with dark pants and a tan hat.

Detectives are requesting that anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the suspect, additional victims, and witnesses contact the Special Assault Detectives, at 213-473-0447. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.

Interceptor 007 update: Repairs completed: Interceptor 007 returns to full working capacity. Following the replacement of a barrier damaged in January's storm , Interceptor 007 is good as new and continuing to intercept trash in Ballona Creek, Los Angeles County.

At 6:24 PM, The California Highway Patrol Los Angeles Communications Center received a call regarding a vehicle vs mountain lion. The incident was reported on Pacific Coast Highway ear Leo Carrillo State Park. CHP arrived on scene and found an injured mountain lion on the right shoulder. The lion appeared to have severe injuries to its front right arm. The striking vehicle also remained on scene and was not badly damaged as it drove off after contact from CHP.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Tim Daly reported that the lion initially survived the crash, but had very serious injuries and the lion died before the team could immobilize it for capture and treatment.

The The Vintage Surfboard Collector Clubis holding a Vintage Surf Swap this Saturday 2/18 at Boardriders Malibu. Starting at 7am, check out awesome vintage surfboards (and bring your own!)

Boardriders Malibu
18820 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, Ca 80265
310 - 359 - 8274


Check out photos from a previous swap event: Topanga Vintage Surf Swap

Fireball Tim's WHEELS AND WAVES Malibu is coming back and will be set up at the Zuma Shopping Center EVERY FIRST SUNDAY across from Zuma Beach and Sponsored by SEA N’ SOUL Surf Cafe at 29575 E Pacific Coast Hwy suite J, Malibu, CA 90265. Cars, Coffee, Dogs & Diecast!

A lot of syringes found on the beach during a clean up by Brian Douglas.