California State Parks, along with partners including the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, Caltrans, and Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors are working on a project funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy to restore Topanga Lagoon.

Topanga Lagoon is located at the mouth of Topanga Creek, which drains from a watershed within the Santa Monica Mountains. The lagoon is currently approximately 1 acre in size and is crossed by the Pacific Coast Highway. The historic lagoon area has been filled and developed over the years with buildings and hard-scape infrastructure. The beach adjacent to the lagoon hosts millions of visitors per year and is an important regional coastal access and recreation location. Though reduced from its historical size, Topanga Lagoon still hosts important natural resources, including the federally endangered tidewater goby and federally endangered Southern California steelhead trout. The lagoon area also includes remnants of the Historic Topanga Ranch Motel.

The Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project seeks to restore ecological values by expanding Topanga Lagoon from 1 acre to 7-10 acres and reconstructing an existing PCH bridge to accommodate the wider lagoon. The project also seeks to improve visitor services and coastal access.

California State Parks and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains are seeking public input on the proposed restoration of Topanga Lagoon and the efforts to protect and enhance its biological, cultural, and recreational resources.

For more info, Click Here

International Surfing Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in June and takes place on June 17 this year. It is an environmentally-conscious holiday that celebrates surfing and the sustainability of ocean resources. It also promotes surfing and encourages more people to dive into this fun sport. Surfing can be traced back about 5,000 years and is not just a sport but a hobby and a lifestyle; it’s a pastime found on all populated continents.

History of International Surfing Day

International Surfing Day was initiated in 2005 by “Surfing Magazine” and the Surfrider Foundation. The holiday was created to promote the sport of surfing, as well as educate people about the negative impact of their activities on the ocean and the environment. On International Surfing Day, various activities are held, such as surfing contests, barbecues, and other fun surf-centered activities. Several groups also organize beach clean-ups and other restorative activities as a way of contributing positively to the environment.

Body-surfing has likely existed since humans began swimming in the ocean. However, surfing with the assistance of apparatus has been traced to the ancient cultures of Peru, where people surfed on reed watercraft for recreational and fishing purposes. Modern surfing with the use of surfboards, however, originates from pre-colonial Hawaii, which was introduced to the innovation by the Polynesians. Written evidence of surfing in Polynesia can be found in the journal of Joseph Banks during his stay in Tahiti in 1769. In Hawaii, surfing became more than a hobby or sport, moving into the realm of religion, culture, and art. It was referred to as ‘he’e nalu,’ meaning “wave sliding.” Before surfing, the people would pray to the gods for protection and strength. The making of surfboards also required the assistance of a priest.

According to historians Kim Stoner and Geoff Dunn, surfing made its debut in the United States in July 1885 when four teenage Hawaiian princes arrived in California. David Kawananakoa, Edward Keli’iahonu, Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole, and Elle Mancini all surfed at the San Lorenzo River on redwood boards. In 1961, the United States Surfing Association was established, arguably becoming the first professional surfing contest organization in the world. Today, surfing is not just a sport but a lifestyle, which can now be found on all populated continents.

Saturday, June 3, 2023 - 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pacific Mariners Yacht Club, 13915 Panay Way, Marina Del Rey, CA,

For more info, Click Here

Nick Gabaldon Day is always an incredible time. Filled with joy, history and the future. Definitely get out there if you can!

Hosted by The Black Surfers Collective, his year is even more epic with their partnership with Jamal Hill!

Jamal Hill, the founder of Swim Up Hill, has created an innovative teaching method that promotes restorative justice through swimming for underserved communities with little access to this essential life skill. We are pleased to have Swim Up Hill as our swimming lesson partner and grateful for their support.

Furthermore, we are thrilled to welcome the LA28, the organizers of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, who will be celebrating our community's diversity and creativity.

All participants will have the chance to meet and listen to inspiring stories from Olympic athletes, making the celebration even more special.

If you wish to take free surf lessons please Click Here

If you're interested in volunteering for the event, please Click Here to sign up. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think would be interested in attending and supporting the event. Thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at Nick Gabaldon Day.

If you haven’t heard, City Council recently approved the launch of state-of-the-art digital wayfinding kiosks for use in commercial areas, which will include wifi, maps, business directory, city announcements, emergency services, and much more. These kiosks will enhance residents’ and visitors’ experience of our city and provide added safety to Downtown Santa Monica and beyond.

Digital Kiosk Open House

Big Outdoor and the City of Santa Monica would like to invite you to a reception at Building Bridges Art Exchange (Bergamot Station ARTS CENTER) to experience and interact with the kiosks in person to get your feedback on the proposed kiosk design, locations, and what information you think should be available in the kiosks so that they are user-friendly and relevant for all Santa Monicans.



Goodies: Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Bergamot Station ARTS CENTER 2525 Michigan Ave Santa Monica, CA 90404 Building Bridges Art Exchange (Building F2)

When: Friday, June 2, 2023 at 3pm-7pm, Saturday, June 3 at 10am-2pm, and Thursday June 8 at 2pm-6pm

Parking: Free parking available in the Bergamot lot (enter on Michigan Avenue)

Ways to get there: We recommend coming by bicycle, Big Blue Bus (routes 5, 16, 43), or the Metro E Line (gallery located directly across from the Metro station).

For more info and to register for Friday, Click Here and for Saturday, Click Here

Caltrans plans emergency storm repairs on sections of Route 27 (Topanga Cyn Blvd ) that requires lane closures with alternating traffic between Cezanne Ave to Route 1 (PCH) beginning MON, June 5. Expect delays.

Security cam footage of Winnie The Pooh attempting to break into an apartment building ion West LA.

Saba Surf, the surf lifestyle brand dedicated to crafting premium essentials that celebrate and uplift the surf community, is excited to announce their first-ever Beach Clean-up on Sunday June 11th starting at 9:00 a.m.

The event, led by Saba Surf co-founder, Laura Quintana, was created to give back to the surf community by working to preserve the beaches they rely on for clean waves. What started as a Venice-local initiative has since grown into a Southern California-wide effort, with clean-ups happening along the coast in cities including San Diego, Newport, Manhattan Beach, and Santa Monica.

For consumers looking to join the Venice Beach clean-up, plan to meet at Breakwater in Venice at 9:00am and look for the Saba Surf tent. Gloves will be provided, and the beach-clean up will begin at 9:30AM. Guests will then be invited to meet back up at the Saba Surf tent at 10:30 for a chance to win a month’s supply of Saba Surf Wax, Saba Surf T-Shirt, and more prizes. To learn more about the clean-ups in additional communities, locals can reach out to sabasurfco@gmail.com. More information will also be posted on Saba Surf’s Instagram page.

Co-founded by Gal Tshnieder and Laura Quintana, Saba Surf was born from an unbridled appreciation for surf culture; as avid surfers themselves, the Saba Surf co-founders understand the wants and needs of surfers at every skill level, from beginner to professional. Unlike other surf waxes on the market, the brand’s proprietary blend of natural ingredients allows their wax to work in a wide range of temperatures, allowing surfers from coast to coast to utilize the wax in varying weather conditions.

In addition to Saba Surf’s product offerings, the brand is also committed to providing resources to the surf community through a variety of digital platforms — including their blog, newsletter, Instagram page, and YouTube channel, where they regularly share industry news, WSL standings, and more. The brand also utilizes these platforms to spotlight local videographers and artists, as well as the stories of prominent individuals in the surf world.

LA’s beloved grassroots LGBTQ+ Pride celebration returns with FREE party in the street!

Be who you are at the Venice Pride Block Party on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5 PM to 11 PM at 99 Windward Ave, Venice, CA. Featuring community booths, food trucks, queer market, and more! Celebrate Pride at the beach, it’s open to the public—and all ages!

Special Pride month edition of everyone’s favorite westside queer dance party, @gaywatchparty (21+) to follow Block Party at Baja Cantina from 10 PM to 2 AM. Proceeds from the Block Party will benefit Venice Pride, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at saving lives through the acceptance of diversity by giving back to the local community through volunteerism, partnerships and events throughout the year.

For more info and tickets, Click Here