Dangerous surf, life-threatening rip currents, and coastal flooding are expected at the beaches this week. Impacts are expected to become most extreme on Thursday, with the most dangerous conditions expected for the Central Coast and Ventura County Coast.



...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 PM PST SATURDAY...

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 PM PST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 7 to 12 feet with dangerous rip currents. Local sets of 15 to 20 feet will be likely near Point Conception. The most dangerous conditions are expected on Thursday.

* WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. West-facing beaches will be most susceptible to these conditions.

* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late Wednesday night. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 4 AM Thursday to 10 PM PST Saturday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 4 AM Thursday to 10 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of sea water is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways. Significant damage to roads or structures is NOT expected. There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Each morning Thursday through Saturday, residual high tides of 6.0 to 6.5 feet will enhance the coastal flooding risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Do NOT drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.

Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.

By City News Service

A motorcyclist was killed Christmas Eve in a crash with a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The collision took place around 6 p.m. in the 33400 block of PCH, according to Deputy Tracy Koerner of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The motorcyclist was heading south on PCH when the tragic crash unfolded and despite the immediate response from first responders, he was pronounced dead at the crash site. The motorcycle slammed into a Cadillac Escalade that was backing out of a driveway on PCH.

The crash shut down a two-and-a-half mile stretch of PCH just south of Leo Carillo State Beach, the LASD reported. All lanes were closed between Mulholland Highway and Decker Road.

The County Medical Examiner’s office Tuesday released the name of a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash with a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The victim was identified as Jose Alfonso De Lira Piedra, 32, of Burbank, according to the agency.

A basketball player almost get run over by a mini motorcycle.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The 99 Cent Only Store, located at the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Rose Avenue in Venice, has announced it will permanently close its doors on December 31st. This closure marks the end of a well-known discount shopping spot in the area, though customers can still find bargains at the chain's other locations in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and Los Angeles."

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

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The Department of Beaches and Harbors will host the Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party event on 12/31, 7 PM – Midnight, at Burton Chace Park. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family!

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

It's time for Santa Monica's 6th Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

The annual Polar Bear Swim at the Annenberg Community Beach House will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, 10am-2pm. The Beach House Polar Bear Swim has become a tradition just as cold water swims have been for centuries across the globe.

The Annual Polar Bear Plunge is a great way to refresh, reset, and have some fun. If you have never been part of a Polar Bear Swim, it’s time to see what you’re missing.

The morning starts with a 10 a.m. check-in at Guest Services before heading to the shoreline in front of the Beach House. The first plunge takes place around 10:15 a.m. starting with the youngest Polar Bears, followed by the rest of the crowd. The most stalwart Polar Bears can take part in the 300-yard swim around a buoy. At this no judgement zone, whether you stick your toes in the ocean, take a quick dip or round the buoy, it’s a great experience that gets the blood pumping and the skin tingling. After the invigorating ocean plunge, warm up in the heated Beach House pool. Gather with friends and family, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and grab a photo with our very own Pat the Polar Bear mascot.

Pool admission will be charged for Polar Bears and others entering the pool deck to visit, soak, swim in the heated pool, or take a hot shower.

In-person registration will be available but may be limited on the day of event. Parking is $3 per hour or $8 per day.

Pool Admission: $10/adult, $5/senior adult age 60+, $4/youth age 1-17.

Regular Pool Rules apply while swimming at this event. Youth under age eight and under four feet must be accompanied by an adult in the pool at all times.

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Tuesday morning on Main Streetby Rose Ave. Photos from @FightBackVenice

On Friday, December 22, 2023, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location. DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.

The SMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Free 3-hour parking starts today! 🚗🚗🚗
The SM City Council has extended free parking in downtown public parking structures from 90 minutes to three hours, effective Dec. 22 - 24, to support last-minute holiday shopping for local residents and visitors.