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Locals' Night returns on February 15th, celebrating Black History Month with an epic lineup of live music and activities!

Inside the Merry-Go-Round building:

Activities for Kids -

📚 3:30 & 4:30pm
Books & Cookies brings their cherished children's storytime to the Pier! Dive into a world of reading, dancing, singing, and musical instrument jams for a night filled with joy. This family-friendly event is the perfect chance for kids to come together, explore, and create lasting memories.

6-9pm
Disco Renegade's Silent Disco is shaking up the dance scene, offering a unique party experience where you control the beats with wireless headphones. Born out of a love for music and a rebellion against the ordinary, this silent revolution lets you curate your own dance adventure. Join the movement, break free from the norm, and let the silent beats of Disco Renegade's Silent Disco be your guide to unforgettable nights!

On the Parking Deck & Main Stage:

Live music, classic car show, merch booths & more.

5:00-9:00pm
Prepare for a visual feast as several prominent Westside car clubs, including The WestSide Crew and the WestSide Volkswagen Club, make a triumphant return for Locals' Night. The Pier deck will transform into a showcase of automotive artistry as these enthusiasts bring their meticulously maintained and stunning vehicles to the event. From classic cruisers to customized Volkswagens, attendees will have the chance to gaze in awe at the diverse array of automobiles that these passionate clubs proudly present. It's not just a night of dancing and music; it's an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into keeping these wheels rolling in style. So, gear up for a night of not only rhythm and beats but also the visual spectacle of Westside's finest automobiles.

5:00-5:45pm
SYREETA NEAL, a third-generation musician and songwriter, hails from a lineage of musical greatness. As the daughter of Grammy award-winning Blues musician Kenny Neal and the granddaughter of harmonica legend Raful Neal, she seamlessly carries on the rich tradition of her culture-bearing family.

Splitting her time between the vibrant musical landscapes of Louisiana and Los Angeles, Syreeta continues to carve her unique path in the world of music, blending the roots of her heritage with a contemporary musical vision. Syreeta’s album "Stand Tall" (available on all streaming platforms) stands as a testament to her artistry as she skillfully combines tradition and innovation in a harmonious blend of rock, blues and soul that has captivated audiences worldwide.

7:00-8:00pm
BLVK H3RO is one of Jamaica’s most exciting young artists, with a fervent following built on soulful solo tracks (“Feet Don’t Fail”, “It Nuh Easy”) and a collaboration with the likes of Skillibeng on “Young Boss” Remix. Rooted in reggae and dancehall, his infectious, genre-bending music draws from a boundless range of musical influences and experiences.

BLVK H3RO makes his loudest statement yet with his incoming sophomore album, dropping on Delicious Vinyl Island, the Caribbean music imprint of iconic L.A. label Delicious Vinyl. The followup to 2019’s The Immortal Steppa boasts collaborations with fellow rising stars Teejay, NationBoss and Iotosh, and a fresh batch of influences and sounds, from afrobeats to jazz. Leading the hype for the project is “It Nuh Easy”, a track that Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s prime minister, recently praised in a speech to the nation.

8:00-9:00pm
MIGHTY LOVE, featuring the renowned lead vocalist Starr Light, guides audiences on a captivating journey through the decades with performances of classic to contemporary Soul, RnB, Funk, and Dance Hits. The ensemble was founded by a group of friends who are enthusiastic music curators, boasting accomplishments as recording and touring artists, working actors, published writers, and music podcasters.

Audiences will be captivated by the band's innovative mashups, reminiscent of a DJ seamlessly controlling the ensemble. Their performance exudes a vibrant vibe and infectious energy, captivating crowds as they share their profound knowledge of songs and their passionate appreciation for music.

January 18 | 3:30-10PM



And much, much, more..... Click Here


Frank has been surfing Topanga for over 50 years. Topanga Lou Surf Videos asks him what he thinks about a local radio station's "investigative report" claiming Topanga is a "hostile, racist" surf spot.

Visit Topanga Lou Surf Videos for Topanga surfing videos.



Massive winter storm brings large waves and dirty storm drain water to the Venice Breakwater.



On Feb. 17 and 18, Burger King is celebrating "Million Dollar Whopper World" at the Santa Monica Pier – an immersive pop-up experience that will allow guest to sample a California-inspired Whopper sandwich, or create their own Million Dollar Whopper Contest inspired sandwich, using a number of ingredients that can't be found in restaurant, snag exclusive merch and more.

Dubbed Million Dollar Whopper World, the pop-up will allow visitors the opportunity to top a flame-grilled all-beef or Impossible Whopper patty with an array of premium ingredients not available in restaurants – including candied jalapenos, pickled red onion, smashed avocado, caramelized onion, various cheeses, special sauces like chili crisp aioli and candied bacon jam, and more.

Visitors can also choose to try a special California-inspired Santa Monica Whopper that will be exclusively available at the pop-up, featuring a flame-grilled all-beef or Impossible® patty topped with Monterey Jack cheese, birria, citrus aioli, pickled roasted fresno chili slices, heirloom tomatoes, red leaf lettuce and smashed avocado on a sesame seed bun.

In addition to the culinary features, Million Dollar Whopper work will offer one-of-a-kind photo opportunities, interactive games, free prizes (while supplies last), music and special entertainment. Visitors can also get their Million Dollar Whopper artificial intelligence (AI) creation printed on a free t-shirt.

Saturday, Feb. 17 – Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 - 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm

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


Mike, aka German in Venice, vlogs about daily life in Venice Beach, and the nearby communities.

"It’s super bowl weekend. I went to Venice Beach. You never really know what to expect, right when I got there, firefighters were putting out a fire. Venice Beach is one of the craziest attractions in Los Angeles. You never know what’s gonna happen, there’s always something to see."

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice


She is protesting for her right to not be forced to move for the weekly beach cleaning. Los Angeles Police officers are just asking for her to move all her items so the cleaning crew can clean up and do some maintenance work on the fencing behind her. She refuses and protests against it.


5 straight days of dumping rain in Southern California creating disgusting sewage spills into the ocean with storm drains overflowing and wild winds. On the contrary the storm also brought us some pretty unique swell direction, which created some fun waves in places (like Santa Monica) that usually doesn't get great waves. For about 30 minutes this stretch of beach turned on for pro surfers Yadin Nicol, Luke Davis, Hunter Jones and Jacob Atwood. Shot/Cut by Chris Papaleo





LAFD responded to a possible fire/smoke on the Venice Boardwalk Saturday afternoon around 3:50 pm.





From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Friday, January 9, 2024, members of the Venice Safe Team took action on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, escorting an individual towards Santa Monica after weeks of reported disturbances. The intervention followed a series of complaints regarding the man's disruptive actions along the popular beachfront area, including harassment of boardwalk visitors.

The Venice Safe Team, committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment, tracked the individual as he traversed the boundary from Venice into Santa Monica. This response is part of the team's broader effort to maintain order and safety on Venice Beach, a destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse community.

Operating daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the winter months, the Venice Safe Team plays a crucial role in the community. Their responsibilities include conducting routine patrols, engaging with the public, managing risks, and responding to a variety of safety concerns and non-emergency situations. Working in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services, the team addresses issues such as trespassing, vandalism, public intoxication, aggressive behavior, and compliance with city regulations, all aimed at safeguarding the interests of both visitors and residents of Venice Beach."

Click Here for more Stories about the Venice Safe Team

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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