Kanya Sesser's story is one of resilience and inspiration. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby, Kanya refused to let her disability define her. At the age of 9, she discovered skateboarding, and it became a life-changing moment for her. Skateboarding gave Kanya a newfound sense of freedom and independence, allowing her to overcome physical barriers and societal misconceptions. Her unwavering spirit and determination have propelled her forward, and she has become an advocate for inclusivity in the skateboarding community and beyond.

Kanya's courage and determination have not only helped her find freedom in skateboarding but have also made her a role model for others facing challenges in their lives.

Video by Carver Skateboards. .

Here's surfing photos from Friday, May 12th at the Venice Pier. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Friday, May 12th at the Venice Pier.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.

These are just a few of the 30+ 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 30+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Pier - Friday 5-12-2023 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.

Surf Shop Day Is Coming May 20th.

Surf Shop Day is the day to celebrate the independent retailers that helped build and continue to maintain the surf industry. These surf shops are where so many of us found our surf stoke, the euphoric smell of surf wax, neoprene wetsuits, and resin curing from a fresh batch of surfboards

The City of Malibu will be hosting a free outdoor screening of "21 Miles in Malibu," the documentary produced by Malibu resident Michel Shane, exploring the safety issue on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Friday, May 19, 7:30 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park.

The event will begin with a community discussion about PCH safety, with the screening beginning shortly after sunset. The film is a hybrid of personal stories of loss, the history of a loved place, and a cautionary tale of government indifference and citizen activism. The story is personal to the Shane family, who tragically lost their 13-year-old daughter Emily in 2010, who was struck by a motorist while walking along PCH.

The film by Shane Gang Pictures and the directors of "Enormous: The George Story" and the executive producer of "I, Robot," and "Catch Me If You Can" is intended for audiences 16 years old and older.

The event is free to attend, and tickets are not required. Malibu Bluffs Park is located at 24250 PCH at Malibu Canyon Road. Picnics, blankets, and chairs are welcome. No BBQs or alcohol allowed. For more information about the screening, visit www.MalibuCity.org/21Miles. For more information about the film and the project, visit www.21milesinmalibu.com.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, skaters assemble at Venice Beach to participate in the Vibe Ride LA meet-up. This event encourages individuals to learn and ride various wheeled devices such as longboards, skates, one wheels, bikes, and more, fostering a sense of community. Join us for a delightful cruise amidst the beauty of nature. The Vibe Ride LA skateboard meet-ups take place every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and every Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m."

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

May 4th, the Lost Hill Sheriff's Department towed the "UFO" RV & a van that had amassed over $4200 in unpaid parking tickets. The City of Malibu has been partnering with the Sheriffs on regular enforcement actions on RVs & oversized vehicles illegally parked overnight on PCH in Malibu, to maintain beach parking & access for all.

Who’s ready to dunk on 'em? Catch us at the White Men Cant Jump x Hoop Bus tomorrow, May 10.

Venice Beach Courts
1708-1798 Ocean Front Walk

The final event of the WCBR 2022-2023 season is going down this Saturday 5/13/23 as the North Central Region squares off to see who will be heading to Lowers.

On April 25th, 2023, the Santa Monica Police Department received information that human remains were found in the courtyard of an abandoned property in the 2900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard.

The Los Angeles County Coroner took possession of the remains and are currently working to determine the cause of death. On May 6, 2023, the Coroner positively identified the remains as those of Beau Mann (DOB: 2/21/1982).

Mann, who was last seen on November 30, 2021, was reported missing to the Los Angeles Police Department on December 4, 2021.

Anyone with any information pertaining to this incident or person(s) involved is strongly encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Ismael Tavera at 310-458-2256