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

"Today, I went down to Venice Beach to see the beautiful sunset and right underneath the Venice sign they filmed a crime thriller with Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth. Of course I try to get a pic of those celebrities. After this I cruise around on my minibike to see the beautiful sunset on Venice Beach."

The city of Santa Monica will join the U.S. Army for a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. on the Santa Monica Pier.

Now in its fifth year, the event will feature exciting performances, military demonstrations and a flyover, as well as remarks from senior military leaders and local elected officials. The ceremony, which will take place on the Pier’s west parking deck, is free and open to the public.



The event program will include:

A military convoy led by former NFL players Andrew Whitworth, Cade McNown, and Donnie Edwards with Army vehicles from the California Army National Guard.

Posting of Colors performed by UCLA ROTC cadets

A military flyover with Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters from the U.S. Army Reserve

Demonstration by the West Point Drill Team from the United States Military Academy (sponsored by American Legion Palisades Post 283)

Performances by the 300th Army Band

National Anthem and “God Bless America” performances by Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren

Keynote speech from a top Army 4-star General

Remarks from Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock

Remarks from Councilmember Gleam Davis

Remarks from former NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth

Future soldier swearing-in ceremony by Major General Dianne Del Rosso

Free ride tickets for veterans and active military members (courtesy of Pacific Park)

Free meals for veterans and active military members (courtesy of Meals on Wheels)

Music and entertainment provided by 95.5 KLOS (courtesy of Meruelo Media)

“On this Veterans Day, and every day, we should strive to honor our veterans not only with words but through our actions,” Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Sonki Hong, who organized the event, said. “We can support them, advocate for their needs, and ensure that they feel valued in our communities. Each veteran carries a unique story, filled with bravery and sacrifice, and it is our duty to listen to those stories and recognize their impact on our lives. We should also acknowledge the families of our veterans, who stand by them through challenges and triumphs. Their support is vital and deserves our deepest gratitude.”

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

Andy Anderson, the Dogtown Car Club, Hecho En Venice and more in the Vendor Village at the Venice Skatepark 15th anniversary celebration.

Montage of clips from the campy 1984 teen comedy 'Hot Moves', showing american 80s beach life at its finest.

Ice at Santa Monica presented by Disney+ will be opening on Friday, November 8, 2024 for an unforgettable holiday season experience! Located in the heart of Santa Monica, our rink offers the unique opportunity to skate under the California sun by day and the twinkling stars by night.

Season Opening: Friday, November 8, 2024
Season Closing: Monday, January 20, 2025s



Located at the corner of Arizona Avenue and 5th Street in Downtown Santa Monica.

Nearly 8,000 square feet of shimmering ice with a 400-square-foot tot rink for the little ones.

Season opens Friday, November 8 at 11:30am with the Opening Celebration starting at 5p.m.

Hours of operation are Sundays through Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Click here for full schedule.

Skate rental and admission is $22 with locker rentals at $5.



For more info, Click Here

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

A brush fire broke out Wednesday morning in Malibu, along Pacific Coast Highway. PCH was closed between Webb Way and Corral Canyon for several hours.



LAFD reports the fire’s forward progress has stopped. The fire has been held at 50 acres and is 15% contained. Several; hones were reported to have been damaged by the fire.

Extreme fire conditions are escalating across California as intense, dry Santa Ana winds sweep through the region.

The #BroadFire has ignited, fueled by wind gusts reaching 51 mph and humidity levels of 11%. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/EqMYCDoh3f

— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) November 6, 2024

Here's surfing photos from Tuesday at the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Tuesday, November 5th at the Venice Breakwater.

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

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 100+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Tuesday 11-5-2024 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.

Due to a high wind event and fire danger, Topanga Cyn Blvd (Route 27) will be CLOSED between Pacific Coast Highway and Mulholland Drive from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM Friday 11/6-8.. Use other routes. Only residents & local business traffic allowed in area.



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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The Santa Monica Pier rang in Día de los Muertos on Friday, marking the first of two days dedicated to honoring the traditional Mexican holiday. The celebration, which runs through Saturday, offers a family-friendly experience with a series of vibrant activities held inside the iconic Merry Go-Round building."

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.