California Wildlife Center team members are responding to a suspected Domoic Acid Event (DA) in Malibu affecting marine life, notably local California Sea Lions. The team has responded to fourteen calls for sea lions in distress over the last few days. Though they have not confirmed the cause for these animals’ illness, their signs and the recent rains make the situation highly suspicious for domoic acid toxicity. Malibu residents, visitors, and other beachgoers are advised to keep their distance from animals on the beach and call or text the Marine team at (310) 924-7256 for assistance with animals in distress.

What is DA? DA is an algal bloom resulting from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia. There are benign and toxic strains which animals may be exposed to through ingestion of contaminated fish. In its toxic form, DA damages the brain and heart, even in low doses. Signs in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as “stargazing,” and highly lethargic or comatose states. These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning. Call the nearest Marine Mammal rehabilitation facility for help. On the LA county beaches in Malibu, the responding facility is California Wildlife Center; you can reach our rescue team at (310) 924-7256.

On 2/21/25 officers from the CHP West Valley Area Office were notified of looting occurring at a residence in Pacific Palisades.



Officers responded to the scene but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim provided a detailed description of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle. Officers determined the vehicle was registered to an address in Valencia and subsequently requested assistance from CHP Newhall officers to respond to the address. Officers from the CHP Newhall Area Office then responded to the address out of Valencia, where they located and arrested the suspect, who was found in possession of antique items stolen from the residence.



The suspect, Karen Mastey, who was observed looting a burned-down residence that had been severely impacted by the recent fires was arrested for Grand Theft under Penal Code 487(a) and subsequently booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.

The suspect, Karen Mastey, was a former resident of Pacific Palisades and her brother currently lives there. According to her Facebook posts, she had been entering the Palisades burn area seveal times with her brother to assist him in retrieving "medications and important papers".

She was also posting to a Palisades Facebook group about her trips into the area, " I’ll be going to the Palisades tomorrow w/ my brother. I will be helping him in the Marquez area but I may be able to check on other properties if anyone else needs help. Just let me know. I will be going in to help as many days during the week as I can."

About her first visit to the area, she wrote "I’m still in shock. My heart is broken for everyone. The small glimmer of hope is that there are some treasures to be found in the ashes."

She also as a Gofundme where she wants to raise $18,000

"Hello everyone - I’m Karen and was born and raised in Pacific Palisades in the '70s, '80s, '90s… when it was a quaint, wonderful town with down-to-earth people of all sorts.

Almost everything that my family and friends have known and loved for so long has been reduced to ashes. The picture is of my brother’s lot. That’s all it is now, not a home but a lot. The entire neighborhood looks like an atomic bomb was detonated.

I’m trying to raise funds for my brother and friends of the Palisades that have owned their homes for over 40 years and are now retired. I want to help the people who have supported their community for decades to build their homes back and not be forced to move out of their beloved town because newer and richer developers want to move in.

My heart is forever with the Palisades but I can’t do this alone. I would appreciate any help you would like to give. 100% of funds will be used for non-disaster related expenses for families who lost literally everything from their homes of over 40 years. Thank you.❤️‍"

She has raised $250 of her $18K goal.

CHP officers have remained actively involved in the recovery efforts for the Pacific Palisades community, offering support and resources to those affected by the fire. Chief Margaris expressed pride in the officers' dedication to the community, stating, "I am incredibly proud of the swift action taken by our officers to protect the public and prevent further harm. Their commitment to serving and assisting those in need during this challenging period reflects the highest standards of the CHP."

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

The Santa Monica Police Department has made three arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 1:50 AM, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Wilshire Blvd after a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims suffering stab wounds. Personnel from the Santa Monica Police Department and Fire Department provided immediate medical aid. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel then transported both victims to a local hospital.

One victim, 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez from Santa Maria, sustained critical injuries and, despite life-saving efforts, later succumbed to his wounds. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on Monday, February 17, 2025 and a third on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The suspects, all with extensive criminal histories, were identified as 41-year-old Alfredo Quinteros and 42-year-old Ricardo Quintero, brothers from South Gate; and Rogelio Arenas, 32-years-old of Los Angeles.

Charges & Bail:



· Alfredo Quinteros (DOB: 12-15-1983); 187 PC – Homicide; No Bail



· Ricardo Quintero Jr. (DOB: 08-30-1982); 32 PC – Accessory; No Bail



· Rogelio Arenas (DOB: 08-27-1992) 187 PC – Homicide; Bail Amount Pending

This remains an active investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 20, 2025

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 (NON-FIRE RELATED):

· 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.

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

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

· Ashland Ave. storm drain in Santa Monica. Santa Monica South Tower 28

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

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Culver Blvd Storm Drain

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain

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

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

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

· Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica North Tower 12

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

· Strand Street extension at Santa Monica Beach

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

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

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

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Touring the businesses that where destroyed by the fire in Pacific Palisades as they enter "Phase 2" of the clean up.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

The County of Los Angeles Public Healthhas announced that the dark sediment washing up on the beaches is NOT hazardous:

"Dark, silty sediment has been washing up on local beaches, and experts are testing it for fire-related substances and health risks. If the sediment spreads to other beaches, testing will continue, and new locations will be added.

Early results from Will Rogers and Topanga beaches after the Jan. 26 storm show that the sediment is not hazardous—it does not threaten the environment or human health.

Since the sediment is not dangerous, there are no plans to remove it. In fact, removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers, and marine habitats. It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage. Instead, natural tides and weather will gradually clear it away."

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Offhand Wine Bar Takes Over Locals' Night – Thursday, Feb. 20

In honor of Black History Month, Offhand Wine Bar and Westside Winos—Black-owned Santa Monica gems—are curating a night of music, bites, art, and community at the historic carousel building on the Santa Monica Pier. A portion of proceeds will support Restaurants Care, providing aid to food and beverage workers affected by the LA wildfires.

Come early, stay late, and enjoy an evening of community, culture, and celebration at the Pier. Free and open to all (21+ to drink)!

For more info, Click Here

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

Get ready to spread love and good vibes at the Venice Love Fest 2025 - a celebration of all things love in the heart of the Westside!.

Celebrate love, community, and creativity at Venice Love Fest on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM on Venice Blvd in Downtown Mar Vista, CA!

This free community festival brings together an incredible lineup of live music, delicious food trucks, over 400 locally made brands and artists, beer gardens, games, and family-friendly activities.

12257 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

For more info, Click Here

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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is providing the following updates on Los Angeles County Beaches.

RAIN ADVISORY:

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been lifted for all Los Angeles County Beaches. Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory. Beach users continue to be advised to avoid water contact near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. This includes any runoff that has flown onto or ponded on the beach sand.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.