From Santa Monica Close Up:

" In a recent incident at Santa Monica Beach Park, Santa Monica Code Enforcement Officers accompanied by SMPD Police Officers and an Animal Control Officer responded to a gathering involving online influencer "The Dog Daddy," a popular figure on Instagram and YouTube, renowned for his dog training content. The event, which took place at 2400 Ocean Front Walk, was intended to provide free dog training advice and an opportunity for dog enthusiasts to engage in discussions about their beloved pets.

Notably, several individuals, accompanied by their canine companions, turned up to meet The Dog Daddy, keen to benefit from his expertise. However, during the event, Santa Monica Code Enforcement Officers concluded that a city license was necessary for such a gathering. They subsequently requested The Dog Daddy to cease the event. The influencer argued that he was not engaged in a business venture and did not charge a fee for the event, thus believing that a city license was unnecessary. Disagreeing with his standpoint, Code Enforcement Officers declared their intention to issue a citation, which would be sent by mail."

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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From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a splendid display of culture and community, the Los Angeles Opera transported its patrons to the enchanting world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni on a crisp evening at the Santa Monica Pier on September 23, 2023. This was the opening night of an exceptional event known as "Opera at the Beach," a free live outdoor broadcast of this timeless masterpiece."

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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Join us for a spooktacular day of volleyball and giving back at the Perry's Café & Beach Rentals in beautiful Santa Monica, CA, USA. Get ready to bump, set, and spike for a great cause! This in-person event promises a thrilling day of friendly competition and community spirit, complete with a Halloween costume contest, food, drinks, music, and prizes while raising money for local Santa Monica charities for the winter season.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, this tournament is open to all skill levels. Grab your friends and form a team of 2, 4, or 6 players; or sign up as an individual and we'll match you with a team. Costumes are highly encouraged, so get creative and show off your Halloween spirit!

Not a player? No problem! Come cheer on the teams, enjoy the Halloweeny beach vibes, and support a worthy cause. All proceeds from this event will go toward funding important local initiatives and programs that benefit our community.

Mark your calendar for this exciting event-- don't miss out on the chance to have a frightfully good time while making a positive impact!

Date: October 25, 2023
Time: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Email: cares@santamonica.com
Directions: Perry’s Beach Cafe, 2400 Ocean Front Walk

For more info, Click Here

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

The FBI and Santa Monica Police are trying to identify this suspect wanted for Friday's armed robbery at First Citizens Bank, 1630 Montana Ave, at approx 925 am.

After the robbery, the suspect fled in a black colored BMW X5 SUV.

Call FBILA at 3104776565 or SMPD at 3104588491 with tips.

A dead man was discovered in his wheelchair on the boardwalk during the weekly Venice Beach Homeless Encampment Clean Up on Friday morning.

Paramedics were called and they tried to revive the homeless man, but were unable to do so.

LAFD spokesperson Nicholas Prange said dispatchers received a 911 call at about 8:08 a.m. from a person who said they discovered a dead man near East Rose Avenue. When authorities arrived, they located an approximately 60-year-old man who appeared to be "obviously dead."

Word from people on the scene is the "guy was an older black male named Deral. He was found dead in a wheelchair but they removed him to perform CPR."

Authorities have not released any official information on his identity or the cause of death.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" In a concerning incident that unfolded on the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk today, Los Angeles Fire Fighters and Los Angeles Police Officers swiftly responded to an altercation that left a homeless man injured.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 21, 2023, when a homeless individual was viciously assaulted, sustaining a head injury. The victim, who was identified as a homeless man, was reportedly struck during the altercation, prompting a prompt response from emergency services.

Upon arrival at the scene, LAFD Paramedics immediately sprang into action, providing crucial on-site medical treatment to the injured individual. Following initial stabilization efforts, the victim was carefully transported via ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation and medical care.

Notably, the homeless man was in possession of two shopping carts filled with personal belongings at the time of the incident. In a display of community support, the victim managed to contact a friend who agreed to take custody of his possessions while he received the necessary medical attention.

However, the perpetrator responsible for the assault had already fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. As a result, no immediate arrests have been made in connection with the 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.

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Kale Brock is having a little meet up at Boardriders Malibu and will be showing a short film from Nicaragua, running through a Q&A and hanging out for a chat! Also going to give away some prizes! Free event! Saturday, September 23rd.



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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a dramatic incident on Thursday, September 21, 2023, Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers, Los Angeles County Lifeguards, and Santa Monica Police Officers sprang into action as they responded to a man who had leaped from the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

The situation became challenging when two Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers jumped into the ocean from the end of the Santa Monica Pier to assist the distressed man who had also entered the water. As the man grew tired from his swim, one of the Harbor Officers used his rescue board to gently guide the man towards the shoreline.

However, when they neared the shore, the man, displaying defiance, disembarked from the board and adamantly refused to come ashore. Santa Monica Police Officers stood by, ready to take action once the man reached the beach, whether through citation or arrest.

The individual in question opted to walk along the shoreline, remaining waist-deep in the water as he headed south towards Venice. In a show of vigilance, Los Angeles County Lifeguards followed the man in their Lifeguard truck to ensure his safety in case of any emergencies. Meanwhile, Santa Monica Police Officers maintained a cautious distance and monitored the situation from their Off Road Vehicle.

The man continued his shoreline trek, covering approximately half a mile in waist-deep water. Both law enforcement and lifeguards trailed at a safe distance, vigilant and prepared for any developments.

After approximately 30 minutes, the man eventually made his way to the shore, where he sat, visibly exhausted. Assessing that he was no longer in immediate danger, the police decided to deescalate the situation and departed the beach without approaching the man or issuing a citation.

It is important to note that leaping or diving from the Santa Monica Pier is explicitly prohibited under Municipal Code 10.08.620, constituting a misdemeanor offense. The municipal code clearly states that individuals should abstain from engaging in such activities from any part of the Santa Monica Municipal Pier, except in cases of imminent danger requiring the preservation of life."

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:

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