From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a recent incident at Venice Beach Parking Lot in Los Angeles, approximately twelve LAPD officers were involved in the arrest of two homeless individuals on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Witnesses report that the altercation began when a homeless man attempted to steal items from another homeless man's shopping cart. The situation escalated when the accused allegedly brandished a steel pipe and attacked the other individual. The LAPD intervened, and both men were taken into custody. While specific charges have not been confirmed, it is speculated that they may include assault with a deadly weapon. The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and crime within the city's homeless communities."

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

High surf and dangerous rip currents for north to west facing beaches, peaking Wednesday and Thursday.

On December 1st at approximately 8:55AM, SMPD officers responded to the 200 block of Palisades Park for an assault in progress. Upon arrival, officers found a transient male later identified as Tamarquis Burke actively strangling another male. The officers immediately intervened. The victim, who is also experiencing homelessness, could be heard pleading for help as officers ran towards him. Burke quickly responded to officers’ commands to release the victim and was handcuffed without further incident. During the investigation, several witnesses told officers that the attack appeared to be unprovoked.

Tamarquis Isiah Burke, 31-years-old, was arrested and booked into the Santa Monica Jail for Attempted Homicide. He is being held on $2,025,000 bail.

The Venetians Car Club hosted a Toy Drive with a free punk show at the Great Western Hoagies in Venice Beach. No Reaction and Angry Young Men preformed. Lots of toys collected for the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In an act of compassion, Los Angeles Police officers came to the rescue of a frightened and underweight kitten on the streets of Venice Beach. The incident unfolded on the sunny morning of Tuesday, December 5, 2023, when officers noticed a man, possibly homeless, walking along the iconic boardwalk with the small feline in his arms.

The officers, trained to spot signs of distress in both people and animals, sensed the kitten's plight. Approaching the man with care and professionalism, they engaged in a conversation about the kitten's well-being. Through a gentle dialogue, they learned more about the situation and persuaded the man to entrust the kitten to their care.

The kitten, which had captured the hearts of the officers, was promptly and safely transferred into the caring hands of the police. With a plan in place, the officers are now arranging for the kitten to be taken to a local animal rescue center. There, the kitten will receive the necessary medical attention, nourishment, and love that it needs to thrive.

Once recovered, the rescue center will also take on the task of finding a loving, forever home for the kitten, ensuring that this story has a happy ending. This tender act of kindness by the LAPD officers highlights the department's commitment to serving not just the human residents of the city but its animal inhabitants as well."

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a recent incident at Palisades Park, Santa Monica Police apprehended a man on Monday, December 4, 2023, for suspicion of indecent exposure. Reports indicate that the individual was allegedly involved in showing his genitals to a passerby."

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

Miracle on Main Street, Tree Lighting Celebration
Saturday, December 9th

Embrace the spirit of the holidays as Miracle on Main Street returns with two dazzling tree lightings, photos with Santa & more!

Celebrate the holidays on Main Street with a festive afternoon of holiday cheer, starting at 3:30 PM at the California Heritage Museum. Enjoy activities for kids, live music, and Santa's grand entrance at 4:00 PM. See the full schedule below and RSVP for updates.

3:30-5:30PM: Holiday Kid Corner

Free Face painting, Instrument Petting Zoo, Soft Play Area, Games & Cub Scout pack 67 Holiday Bake Sale!

4PM: Santa & Mrs. Claus

Witness the grand entrance of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as they arrive in a festive fire truck at 4:00 PM.

5:30PM: Tree Lighting Countdown

Join the joyous countdown to the tree lighting ceremony, followed by a heartwarming candlelight walk to the iconic Edgemar Shopping Cart Tree.

6PM: Edgemar Shopping Cart Tree

Festivities continue at Edgemar, where you can capture cherished moments with Santa, revel in the captivating tunes of Off the Jingle Bell Rockers, and indulge in a delightful array of holiday treats at the enchanting home of the world-renowned Shopping Cart Tree.

Let Santa Monica's Main Street be your gateway to a holiday wonderland filled with enchanting memories that will last a lifetime!

For more info, Click Here

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

Here's surfing photos from at Bay Street and the south side of the Santa Monica Pier.

This set of surf photos was shot on Sunday, December 3rd by Six12 Media and brought to you by Body Glove.



These are just a few of the 200+ 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 galleries for this day, check them out, the links to the complete galleries are down below.
















You can find about 200 more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in these 2 photo galleries:

Bay Street & SM Pier - Sunday 12-3-2023 Gallery #1
Bay Street & SM Pier - Sunday 12-3-2023 Gallery #2


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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Pier transformed into a vibrant dance floor this Saturday morning, marking the grand finale of DAYBREAKER's 10-Year Anniversary Together Tour. Thousands gathered to celebrate a decade of unforgettable dance experiences, embodying the theme of "Togetherness."

A decade ago, during the first snowfall of December, DAYBREAKER began as a novel idea — to wake up and dance. Since then, the movement has grown into a global phenomenon, with over 500,000 members across 28 cities worldwide. The journey has been filled with dance parties, international travels, and meaningful connections, fostering gratitude in every participant."

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