In the afternoon of July 29, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to the 3200 block of Santa Monica Blvd for an assault that just occurred on a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus.

Officers located the victim who reported being attacked from behind while seated on the bus. The attack was unprovoked; the victim did not know the suspect. The victim sustained significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.

Utilizing Big Blue Bus surveillance video, TAP card information, and additional neighborhood surveillance camera video, SMPD detectives identified 34-year-old Erik Morgan of Los Angeles as the suspect. On August 9th, Morgan was located and taken into custody.

Morgan was arraigned on August 13th and faces felony charges of 203 PC (Mayhem), 245(a)(4) PC (Assault likely to cause great bodily injury), 243(d) PC (aggravated battery), and 3455(a)pc (Violation of probation). He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact Detective Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

"On Monday, August 19, 2024, Venice Healer Daisy officially embraced a new chapter as she settled into her popup tent home on Venice Beach. After her recent stint in jail, Daisy chose to leave her apartment and live closer to nature, which she believes is essential for "global liberation."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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.

The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit purple and gold on Saturday, August 24 in recognition of Kobe Bryant Day 2024. Los Angeles will commemorate the life of the Lakers basketball legend with Kobe Bryant Day—also known as Black Mamba Day or Mamba Day—on August 24.

The commemoration date was chosen to honor Bryant’s jersey numbers (8 and 24) and his birthday, August 23.

Kobe Bryant is considered one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. He won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star and 15-time member of the All-NBA Team. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tragically, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in January 2020.

To honor Bryant and his legacy, Pacific Park will light the 90-foot-tall Ferris Wheel with dazzling displays of gold and purple in a variety of patterns and transitions, including combinations of “LA”, “24”, “8” and heart shapes.

This special lighting event will take place on the evening of Saturday, August 24. The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk until 11:35 PM each evening.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"n Friday, August 16, 2024, Los Angeles Police Officers were stationed along the Venice Beach Boardwalk as part of a newly formed task force aimed at educating the public and enforcing the no biking rule on the boardwalk. The initiative comes in response to a recent severe electric bike accident that left a child unconscious after being struck by a youth rider.

Around a dozen LAPD officers, including two sergeants, were strategically positioned across the boardwalk to maximize visibility and ensure compliance. The task force's primary focus was on preventing accidents and promoting safety by redirecting cyclists and pedicab operators to the designated bike path."

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.

friday, September 6, 2024

Celebrate over a century of fun and community at the Santa Monica Pier's 115th Birthday Bash! Partnering with Street Food Cinema, we're throwing a party you won't forget, packed with a FREE outdoor screening of the Barbie Movie, live entertainment, and nostalgic moments.

What to What to Expect

FREE, Family-Friendly Outdoor Movie:
Grab your blankets and enjoy a free movie under the stars on the pier deck! We’re showing the fabulous Barbie Movie for all ages to enjoy.

Live Music & Performances:
Get ready to dance and sing along to an amazing lineup of local musicians and entertainers. The pier will be buzzing with incredible performances!

Birthday Cake & Ice Cream:
What’s a birthday without cake and ice cream? Enjoy these tasty treats as we celebrate this special milestone.

Kids Activities:
Games, face painting, and more – there’s something for every kid (and kid at heart) to enjoy!

Delicious Food, Drinks & Treats:
Feast on a variety of yummy goodies from our local food vendors, offering everything from classic pier treats to gourmet delights.

Surprise Birthday Spectacle:
We’ve got a surprise in store that will leave you in awe – you won’t want to miss it!

Picnic on the Pier Deck:
Bring your blankets and set up a cozy picnic on the pier deck. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends in the beautiful ocean breeze.

Furry Friends Welcome:
The whole family is invited, including your furry pals! Bring them along for the fun.

Exclusive Merchandise:
Don’t forget to stop by our merchandise booths to pick up exclusive Pier merch! From t-shirts to hats, take home a piece of the Pier.

Interactive Photo Booth:
Capture the memories of this special day at our interactive photo booth. With fun props and instant prints, you’ll have a keepsake to remember the celebration.

Community Spotlight:
We’re highlighting local businesses and organizations that have been part of the pier’s journey. Learn more about our community partners and their contributions.

For more info, Click Here.

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

On Thursday, there wa a huge promotion for Amazon's Fallout TV Series on the Santa Monica Pier, which included 33-cent Churros.

Here's surfing photos from Easter Sunday at the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Thursday, August 15th at the Venice Breakwater.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.

These are just a few of the 100 photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.














You can find 170+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Thursday 8-15-2024 Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

The Santa Monica Police are seeking the community's assistance in locating Mychelle Dias Hespanhol who was last seen on August 11th near 4th and Broadway. She may not be familiar with the area and could require assistance.

Mychelle, 26 years old, is 5'3", weighing approximately 128 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. She may suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

If you have seen Mychelle or have any information, please contact us at 310-458-8491. Please share this to help spread the word.

Here's surfing photos from Wednesday, August 14th at Topanga.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by BodyGlove.com.

These are just a few of the 100+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.











You can find over 100 photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Topanga - Wednesday 8-14-2024 - Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.