Come try out boards from local shapers next weekend down at Bay Street. This coming Saturday, Bay Surf Club will be hosting a demo day with local shapers, giving them a chance to showcase their talents and allowing anyone to come down and try out some fresh boards. Join lewis.surf.stuff, Lula Crafts and Bay Street Boards on Saturday March 2nd at 7am at Bay Street, Tower 20 in Santa Monica (weather permitting). There will be lots of midlengths, fishes, logs and cool stuff to try if you never have. Pray for waves!

For more info, Click Here.

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

Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project - DEIR Public Review Meeting 2-24-24

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

"Friday is the weekly homeless encampment and bathroom cleanup in Venice, Beach California. You never know what you can expect."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Get ready for the ultimate showdown in competitive eating as the Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship returns to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on World Pistachio Day, February 26th, 2024. This year's event promises to be even more thrilling, with legendary Joey Chestnut set to return and face reigning champion Nick Wehry for a spectacular display of speed, skill, and pistachio-cracking prowess.

Last year's inaugural event set the bar high, but the 2024 championship is poised to surpass it with an incredible lineup of the world's best competitive eaters. These athletes will go head-to-head in a nail-biting, eight-minute battle to see who can consume the most Wonderful Pistachios, testing not just their eating speed but also their dexterity in cracking open these delicious nuts.

The Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of America’s #1 Nut®. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the event offers a perfect blend of competitive spirit and family-friendly entertainment. Spectators can expect a day filled with excitement, energy, and, of course, plenty of pistachios.

Attendees will have the opportunity to witness history in the making as they cheer on their favorite eaters in this one-of-a-kind event. Whether you're a die-hard fan of competitive eating or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend your day, the Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship is an event you won't want to miss.

Join us at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier for a day of high-energy competition, family fun, and a celebration of all things pistachio. It's sure to be a shell-crackin’ good time!

$10,000 TOTAL PRIZE PURSE! 1st $5,000 2nd $2,500 3rd $1,250 4th $600 5th $300 6th $200 7th $100 8th $50

The contest will take place at 11AM PST on Monday, February 26th, 2024, at the Pacific Park, 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401!



For more info, Click Here.

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

We Are Venice showcases the people and culture of Venice Beach, California and will inspire you to be the best version of yourself.

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.