Another morning surfing session at the Venice Beach pier.

There's an old legend that during the huge El Nino winter of 1998-99, Santa Monica local Donnie Wilson picked off a ride from Topanga that connected all the way past Chart House -- a distance of more than 300 yards.

On January 5th, 2023, it happened again. This time it was Michael Torquato DeNicola riding a wave from Topanga past Chart House. .

Michael Torquato deNicola is a world traveling and award-winning surfer, artist, and filmmaker.
https://iamtorquato.com/

A tree fell on a Mercedes Benz after several days of rain soaks the city of Santa Monica.

Guy in a Porsche raced out of the Santa Monica Pier, in his lame attempt to impress all the tourist with his Soccer Mom SUV, and drives into and down the sectioned off protected bike lanes until he reaches a plastic post.

The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel was Lights off except rim, 1 hr on Saturday, March 25 in recognition of Earth Hour 2023. Earth Hour, one of the largest global grassroots movements for the environment, will bring together millions of people, businesses and leaders from around the world to raise awareness on the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change.

The City of Santa Monica wants to hear from you! What are your thoughts on pedicabs on the beach bike path?

In 2022, the City Council voted to allow a limited number of non-electric pedicabs on the Beach Bike-Path providing an alternative mode of transport that enhances tourism and reduces pollution and motor vehicle congestion. A limited number of pedicab operators were granted specific decals through a lottery process to operate on the Beach Bike-Path. The City would like to receive input from the public regarding the existing policy and operating on the Beach Bike Path.

Click Here to tell them via a survey.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Graffiti Mural Artist Jules Muck, popularly known as Muck Rock, paints a new mural of the Santa Monica Pier on the Skin Remedies Medical building at 1711 Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica on Monday, March 27, 2023. Muck is known for her large-scale murals that are both colorful and dynamic, often incorporating pop culture references and themes of social justice.

Muck's latest mural is a beautiful and intricate representation of the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The mural showcases the pier's neon sign in her signature style, featuring bold colors, expressive lines, and playful imagery. The mural is a perfect fit for Skin Remedies Medical, which specializes in cosmetic procedures to help people feel more confident and beautiful."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

Lifeguard Operations Building along Pacific Coast Highway and the adjoining public restrooms were vandalized with graffiti. The home across PCH, was also tagged up.