The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans a slope restoration project at postmile 4.9 on State Route 27 (SR-27) south of Circle Trail beginning Tuesday, Aug. 20. The work will require reducing about a half-mile of SR-27 to one lane with flaggers directing alternating traffic during off-peak hours, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., for four weeks. Signs will be posted. Motorists can expect delays.



The slope along Topanga Creek was seriously eroded by February rainstorms, which undermines a section of the southbound roadway shoulder. Caltrans' aim is to rebuild the slope with native dirt and rocks before the rainy season. What the work involves:

One lane closure from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Extended one lane closure Friday to Saturday - 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Hours were determined to avoid disrupting peak commuting periods. • K-rails will be installed along the southbound fog line as a safety measure. • Daytime slope repair work behind k-rails.

Flaggers will communicate via radio to minimize traffic delays in both directions. Motorists will have access to Circle Trail.

In the event of an emergency such as evacuation due to fire danger, work will be suspended to open lanes in both directions.

All work is subject to change due to weather or construction-related issues. Residents and businesses located near the freeway may experience noise, vibrations and dust associated with construction activities.

Caltrans reminds drivers to "Be Work Zone Alert" and to "Slow for the Cone Zone."

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers issued a citation to street performer Lionel Jean-Baptiste, known on Instagram as @icecreamsongs1, for violating Santa Monica Municipal Ordinance (SMMO) 4.08.750, which prohibits solicitation in certain locations. The incident occurred at Ocean Front Walk, in front of Shutters on the Beach hotel, where Lionel has been performing regularly for over a year.

Lionel was asked to pack up his equipment and stop performing. He was cooperative and complied with the officers' requests, who stood by to ensure his compliance. During this time, a nearby resident expressed frustration with the police action, criticizing the allocation of resources to the incident when more pressing crimes were happening elsewhere. The resident spoke with Lionel, offering her support, and then confronted the officers, questioning their priorities.

Lionel, a former elementary school teacher with over a decade of experience in Los Angeles' inner-city schools, calmly acknowledged the citation. He explained that he would make adjustments to comply with the ordinance and mentioned plans to reach out to the Santa Monica Police Department’s lieutenant for further discussion and clarification. Despite this setback, Lionel intends to continue performing at the same location, adapting his approach to stay within the bounds of the law. "I was told if I continue to play today, there was a possibility I'd be arrested," Lionel said, emphasizing his decision to temporarily stop playing to avoid further conflict.

Before becoming a street performer, Lionel dedicated 10 years of his life to educating young children, creating educational music designed to engage and inspire students. His website, IceCreamSongs.com, features a collection of songs aimed at teaching children basic skills through music, including tracks like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Wheels on the Bus" for younger kids, as well as educational rap songs focused on subjects like multiplication for older students. This commitment to education and community service has won Lionel a dedicated following, both online and in the local community.

The incident on Ocean Front Walk has brought to light the ongoing tensions between street performers, local businesses, and law enforcement in Santa Monica. The resident’s vocal support for Lionel, coupled with his respectful response to the situation, underscores a broader concern about resource allocation and community priorities in the city. Lionel's background as an educator and his transition to street performance add a layer of complexity to this narrative, highlighting the challenges and resilience of those who seek to share their talents in public spaces."

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.

This information is from the Santa Monica Police Department:

Sexual Assault in Palisades Park

Last Month, in the 300 block of Palisades Park, a woman was walking in the park when the suspect approached her and groped her breast. Officers responded, located the suspect nearby, and took him into custody. The suspect is homeless.

This information is from the Santa Monica Police Department:

Arrest of Child Annoying Suspect

On Saturday at 2:11 pm, Santa Monica's Direct Action Response Team (DART) Officers were patrolling the beach on a MUV when they were flagged by a mother in the 1600 block of the beach regarding a male taking photographs of her 16-year-old daughter in her bathing suit.

The suspect is an active sex registrant. He was in possession of multiple photographs of multiple underage females in their bathing suits. The suspect was arrested for Felony 647.6(c)(1) PC-Child annoyance under the age of 18 with prior conviction. He has a prior conviction for 288(a)1 PC -lewd and lascivious acts with a child.

A FREE block party on the Third Street Promenade, EVERY Third Thursdays of the month through October!

Bring your friends and family for an evening of fun—enjoy live music, interactive art, outdoor dining, and community booths.

WHEN: Thursday, August 15th, 5-8 PM

WHERE: 1200 Block of Third Street Ptomenade

For more info, Click Here.

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

Police responded to a call that a man had been stabbed on the 800 block of North Venice Boulevard just after 12:15 a.m. Saturday. When officers arrived at the scene, the victim was unable to describe the suspect or give details about the incident. He died soon after.

Police said this was not gang related. No other details were given.

Video portrait featuring Taro Watanabe.

Craft brews, Hot Dog on a Stick Lemonade, adoptable pups from HIT Living Foundation & FREE dog-friendly goodies

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with us at Santa Monica Brew Works for a pawsome dog-friendly event on August 11th! Join us for an afternoon of craft brews, adoptable pups from HIT Living Foundation, and free goodies from: Milk-Bone, JustFoodForDogs, ZippyPaws, PupLid, and Joya Diamonds for Dogs.

At the event, you can plan to:

Stop by our booths for freebies and fun!
Enjoy Hot Dog on a Stick Hand-Stomped Lemonade by donating what you can to Hit Living Foundation.
Sip for a cause - $1 from every 310 Stomped Shandy goes to Hit Living Foundation.
Pose with your pup at our lemonade stand dog photo booth!

Sunday, August 11 · 12 - 3pm
Santa Monica Brew Works
1920 Colorado Avenue #suite c
Santa Monica, CA 90404

For more info, Click Here.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, approximately a dozen Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to a call at Whole Foods in Venice. The officers detained a homeless man in handcuffs while investigating the situation.

According to the LAPD Sergeant on the scene, the incident began with a radio call from an unidentified individual who refused further contact. The caller reported a person wearing what appeared to be a tactical vest, acting abnormally.

Upon arrival, officers identified the man as someone well-known in the area. The Sergeant clarified that the vest was not ballistic but tactical, which likely led to the concern and subsequent call to the police.

The Sergeant further explained that the officers were in the process of either releasing the man or contacting the mental health unit to determine if additional resources were needed for him. "It's not illegal to have a vest like that," the Sergeant stated, emphasizing that the vest was merely a carrier.

The investigation concluded with the man being released without further action."

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.