From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers, while on patrol, identified an individual matching the description of a man on parole at Santa Monica Beach. The officers stopped the man and subsequently arrested him."

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.

Announcing the inaugural Venice Soulstice on July 20 at the First Baptist Church of Venice—a cornerstone for the community of Oakwood, a historically Black and Brown neighborhood in the heart of Venice Beach.

A celebration of Black expression in the heart of Venice Beach, including music, dance, art, food, and story-telling. Experience live performances by Mofaya & Friends, Olokun Cultural Group, Wadada Khufu, and Just Satyan alongside stunning art and live painting by Gakwaya. Explore the cultural history and progress of Black communities on LA’s Westside with author and historian Alison Rose Jefferson. Enjoy savory Jamaican food from Ozi's Kitchen, artisanal ice cream by All Chill, and cold brew coffee and teas by Boketto.

Venice Soulstice is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create opportunity for independent artists by bridging communities through the power of expression. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT GO DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS, KNOWLEDGE PRODUCERS, AND CONTRIBUTORS, AND WILL FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PROJECTS IN OAKWOOD. This is not a religious event, but we ask that all guests please respect the strict rule of NO alcohol, smoking, or drugs on the First Baptist Church property.

Sat, Jul 20th, 2024,
12:00 - 7:00 PM
Oakwood First Baptist Church Lot,
Venice, CA For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

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

This just released interview with Daisy the Venice Healer was recorded prior to her hospitalization and her arrest last week.

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Roller Skate in Santa Monica

Roll @ Santa Monica is more than just a rink – it's a summer celebration!



From August 10 to October 14, our vibrant rink will transform downtown Santa Monica into a lively hub of excitement and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Roll @ Santa Monica offers an unforgettable experience for all ages and skill levels.

Picture this: gliding under the sunny California sky, surrounded by the energy of fellow skaters and the iconic sights of Santa Monica. It’s the perfect backdrop for creating memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.



Just the Facts

Located at 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Opens Thursday, August 10, 2024 through October 14, 2024

Hours of operation are Sundays through Thursdays 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Admission including skate rental: $15

Lockers, socks and party tent available to rent/purchase.

Private Party (Buyout) Available!

For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

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

July 08, 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

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.

The 4th of July Fireworks Show held on the 6th of July on the beach in Santa Monica.

Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriffs Station identified 32-year-old "social media influencer" Summer Wheaton as the driver of the car that drove head on into oncoming traffic on Pacific Coast Highway killing one person and injurying another.




On Thursday, July 4th, just after 10 p.m., Wheaton's Mercedes sedan was travelling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway reportedly crossed into the path of a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The two vehicles collided head on and the driver from the Cadillac suffered major injuries. Unfortunately, the motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

It happened in the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, west of Carbon Canyon.

A passenger in the Cadillac Escalade also had major injuries. Paramedics transported the passenger as well as Wheaton with serious injuries to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for treatment.

The preliminary investigation indicates that speed and/or alcohol are possible causes of the accident. Reports say that Wheaton was a guest at the infamous Nobu "Red, White, & Bootsy" event sponored by wine, tequila, and Champagne bottlers. A table at the event cost range from $10,000 to $75,000 and include liquor.

Wheaton has an Instagram with 102K followers and claims to be a "wellness advocate" and "Luxury Realtor" who sells or rents real estate in Malibu and Beverly Hills. But following the crash, her Instagram has made turn to Private:




"Imagine not liking me and I'm just floating from one successful meeting to the next like this" was one of her last Instagram post captions.

The driver of the Escalade that was killed has been identified as 44-year-old Martin Okeke, a ride share driver.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

This holiday weekend, SMPD is deploying the Mobile Command Post (MCP) near the beach to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!

The Mobile Command Post will serve as a central hub for quick response and coordination, providing enhanced safety for beachgoers and visitors. Here are some additional benefits:

👮 Increased police presence to deter potential incidents.

🆘 Quick response to emergencies and medical situations.

📞 Direct communication with officers for any concerns or assistance.

🔍 Lost and found services to help reunite families and friends.