From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On the morning of September 5, 2024, both Santa Monica and Los Angeles Police officers responded to a report of a man wielding a machete near the Venice-Santa Monica border along Ocean Front Walk.

The incident unfolded as a local man, who was biking in the area, noticed a stranger carrying a machete. "I look at him, and he’s looking at me. This guy thinks he’s Conan the Barbarian or something," the victim recounted. Feeling threatened, the victim continued to pedal away while attempting to call 911. At that point, another man on a skateboard intervened, yelling, “Don't be a snitch!” He then forcibly took the victim's phone. "I’m trying to get away from this guy with a machete, and this other guy is more concerned about me making a call," the victim added.

The victim described the suspect who took his phone as a homeless man with a "Y-shaped mark on his face," and expressed regret about letting the man walk away with his phone without escalating the situation further. "I feel like letting that guy take my phone is bad. As a man, I shouldn’t have let that happen, but I didn’t want things to get worse," he said.

Los Angeles Police officers arrived at the scene to speak with the victim about his stolen phone, while a Santa Monica Police officer continued searching for the suspects and speaking to witnesses on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. An LAPD officer noted, "We will take a courtesy report since it occurred on the border and will follow up with Santa Monica detectives."

Police are still searching for both suspects involved in the incident. The investigation is ongoing."

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 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:

September 04, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Pena Creek at Las Tunas County Beach

100 yards in each direction of the outfall.

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· Outer Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

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

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.

Boardriding Clubs Japan, Canada, East Coast and Australia will be participating in this year’s contest on Sept 7-8th at Surfrider, 1st Point Malibu

The MSA Classic is one of the most iconic and enduring surf longboarding surf contests. It is hosted by the Malibu Surfing Association and has been held at Surfrider Beach, Malibu for the last 61 years!

This prestigious event has a rich history rooted in the traditional values of longboard surfing. The Classic draws surfers from around the globe, all vying to showcase their skills on the legendary waves that have shaped the history of surfing. The contest not only highlights exceptional surfing talents but also embodies the spirit and culture of the surfing community, making it a pivotal event in the surfing calendar.

Surfrider Beach, with its perfect swells and scenic beauty, provides an ideal backdrop for the MSA Classic, enhancing the competitive atmosphere with its natural allure. Over the decades, the event has seen some of the most memorable performances in longboarding history, and its longevity is a testament to its significance within the sport. Each year, the competition fosters a sense of community and continuity among surfers, celebrating new talents and honoring seasoned legends. The MSA Classic not only commemorates the sport's heritage but also inspires future generations of surfers to keep the tradition of longboard surfing alive and thriving.

Click Here for more info.

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

A chill car cruise in/meet at Ocean P{ark this Sunday

See 310 Riders Car Club Instagram for more info.

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

DAY OF THE DOG will be happening at the Main Street's Open Streets Festival on Saturday in Santa Monica.

A free and pet friendly event featuring: Yoga with adoptable puppies – 80 ft. pool party for dogs including DJ & canine cabanas – Leading pet exhibitors in California – Superhero themed photo booth – Brunch for dogs featuring a selections of Acana Pet foods with fresh fruit and goats milk

And Of Course The Races!
• Running of the Bulls – French and English bulldog races
• You did WHAT with your WIENER? – Wiener dog races
• If Baguettes could Run! – Corgi Races
• AND MORE!

From summer to fall, Open Main Street will transform sidewalks and public spaces with different programming each month, including Drag Bingo inside the beer garden in August, a collaboration with the Day of the Dog on September 9th and the return of Rocktober, celebrating Halloween with a pumpkin patch and outdoor movie screening. Each weekend brings free, pop-up fitness classes, police and fire community booths, and two satellite bars featuring local DJ’s at every event.




For more info, Click Here

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

"Lowrider Classic Car Event" this Saturday, September 7!

Come inside and see Dogtown and The Legendary Z-Boys!

Don't miss it!

Main Street Block Party!

Street Closed!

11:00AM to 3:00PM

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

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to reduce Topanga Canyon to one lane with alternating traffic so they can work on the damge done by the big landslide that happened in March.

The closure of the Northbound lane will be at postmile 1.8 and will be from 9PM - 6AM, starting on Tuesday 9/10 and will last for 3 weeks.



Crews will be installing anchors on the steep hillside this week. These anchors will allow crews to tether themselves to them, so they secure straw wattles on the bare slope to prevent soil erosion during the upcoming rainy season.

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

On Tuesday, a Pruis invovled in an accident ended on falling onto the Ballona Creek Bikev Path.

"Dude drove off Inglewood Blvd, crashed through a fence and landed on the bike path. Thank goodness nobody was seriously injured." stated the witness who took the photo.

The driver was trapped in his vehicle, but not injured. The other vehicle took off. LAPD said they will be investigating the crash, which they said is just a misdemeanor since no one was injured.

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, 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.