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From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a concerted effort to enhance safety and cleanliness along Santa Monica Beach, the Santa Monica Police Department initiated "Operation Sunrise" on Thursday, February 22, 2024. The operation, which took place on the Ocean Front Walk, was spearheaded by the department's Downtown unit and involved a dedicated team of 8 officers and 2 supervisors. Running from 7 am to 12 pm, the initiative was a targeted approach aimed at engaging proactively with individuals found camping, creating disturbances, or in need of social services.

The operation led to the arrest of one individual on suspicion of narcotics possession and the issuance of a citation for smoking on the beach. Additionally, several advisals were issued to individuals found camping on the premises. "Operation Sunrise" was not only about enforcement but also focused on educating the public about local camping laws and connecting those in need with appropriate services.

Sergeant Sendejas, in charge of the Pier Task Force and Directed Action Response Team (DART), emphasized the importance of high visibility enforcement and addressing quality of life issues that have been a concern for the community and local businesses, especially those in the hotel industry. The presence of officers on patrol was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the community, addressing municipal and county violations.

Vice Mayor Lana Negrete praised the operation's impact, noting the proactive engagement with the community and the positive response from residents, tourists, and the business community. The visible presence of law enforcement was reported to curtail unwanted activities and was met with widespread approval from passersby and businesses alike, who have long sought a safer, more accessible, and attractive beach path.

"Operation Sunrise" represents a direct response to the concerns raised by community members and businesses along Ocean Front Walk. The initiative's success in creating a cleaner, safer environment underscores the Santa Monica Police Department's commitment to addressing community needs and enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors."



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.

February 21, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been extended for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect until 6:00 am, Saturday, February 24, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

Update: Both southbound lanes of PCH near Latigo Cyn/Corral Cyn. are open as of approximately 6 a.m. (Feb. 22) The northbound left lane is open. The northbound right lane will remain closed at least through the next storm. K-rail remains in place. Multiple boulders were removed from the slope overnight.

Whether you have a camera or a smartphone, you can learn the principles of composition, light, color, and texture at the free Photography Workshop on Wednesday, February 28 at Malibu Bluffs Park at 3:30 PM.

For more info & to register, Click Here.

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

Pacific Coast Highway remains CLOSED from Latigo Cyn Rd to Corral Cyn Rd due to a large mudslide. CalTrans will be working overnight to dislodge loose boulders at the hilltop to make the area safe for clearing the roadway. When the work will be completed is currently unknown.





For more info on road closures & conditions, Click Here.

Malibu Canyon Road is closed in both directions near Piuma Road due to a large mudslide.

LAFD has stated th road could be closed for several days.















For more info on road closures & conditions, Click Here.

State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is CLOSED in both directions between Corral Canyon Road and Latigo Canyon Road in Maliobu due to a mud slide.

Following Santa Monica Police Department's traffic Operation where 65 vehicles where stopped on PCH on Friday, the Malibu Task Force has announced they issued 113 citations between 2/12 - 2/18.

- 91 for speeding

- 10 for equipment violations

- 12 for violations like failing to stop at traffic signals & unsafe turns.