Reigning North America Regional Pro Junior victor Talia Swindal has officially qualified for the 2024 Challenger Series

Malibu's Talia Swindal just earned a spot on the WSL Challenger Series with her Second Place finish in the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro this past weekend. She even scored a near-perfect 9.77 in the semi-finals. Talia is now the #2 in the WSL 2023/2024 North America Women's QS Final Regional Rankings.

"It's hard for me to put into words how much this last week has meant to me. I am so happy to end the QS season with a 2nd place at the QS 5,000 in Barbados. This has been one of the best years of my life and I'm so thankful to be able to do what I love along side some of my best friends.

At the begining of the season I wrote down that my biggest goal was to qualify for the Challenger Series. I'm so excited to have finished runner up in the North American rankings and be able to continue to chase my dreams on the Challenger Series. I'm so grateful for everyone who constantly supports me, it means the world. Can't wait for Australia."

Video shot on Monday 25, 2024, show landslides continue to happen, and with several days of rain on the forecast for later this week, Caltrans has announced the road will continue to stay fully closed in both directions. There is no estimate on when it will reopen.

Locals' Night on the Santa Monica Pier features a car show with classic cars, lowriders, and more.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A local pedicab driver took on the role of an unsung hero on Monday, March 25, 2024, as he diligently worked to clear a path along Ocean Front Walk in Venice. The area had become obstructed with sand, following the gale-force winds that swept through the previous day. The accumulation had rendered the walk challenging for cyclists, with many finding themselves stuck. Recognizing the need for action, the pedicab driver proactively shoveled away the sand, ensuring a safer and more navigable route for all."



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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A collision involving a private vehicle and a tour bus on Ocean Avenue led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Monday, March 25, 2024. According to reports, the incident occurred in the early evening, drawing immediate response from law enforcement.

The initial investigation has shown that the man, whose identity remains undisclosed while further inquiries are conducted, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, leading to a collision with a tour bus. Authorities have confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries.

Following the crash, authorities conducted on-scene evaluations, which led to the arrest of the driver on suspicion of DUI. It was reported that there was another individual in the vehicle at the time of the accident. This person, after undergoing a brief assessment by the police, was permitted to drive the vehicle away from the scene following the arrest of the driver.

The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. "



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.

High surf and hazardous ocean conditions through Monday. Widespread gale force winds with large steep seas across inner and outer waters.

Also expect scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday, with potential for brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. In addition, there will be gusty W-NW winds 30-50 mph, strongest across coasts, mountains, and deserts.



A cold low pressure system will bring scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday. Any thunderstorms that develop will have the potential to produce brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. There will be gusty west to northwest winds across the region through Sunday, strongest in the mountains, coasts, and deserts with gusts in the 30 to 50 mph range.

Elevated Surfcraft and Kona Big Wave to build waves of snow at 7,000 ft above sea level at Mt High Ski Resort in Wrightwood.

In addition to the wave park, Elevated is hosting expression sessions for registered riders. This is not a competitive contest with divisions and judging, but rather a fun event showcasing surfstyle and performance where riders will elevate each other collectively and standout performers will receive prizes.



The Frozen Wave will be open to all, but we encourage you to register and check in as the first 25 riders will get to demo a board for free, get 50% off on their lift ticket and get a limited edition merch kit.

WHEN: Expression Sessions (Frozen Wave will be open to all registered riders on the following dates)
• Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Frozen Wave Park - Open Ride (Park May Continue After Event Depending on Weather Conditions)
Monday March 25 - 30

For more info, Click Here.

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

PET-CHEWLLA is back, and BIGGER than ever! Join us for our second annual Adoption Fair and Pet Festival.

Join us for our second annual Adoption Fair and Pet Festival. Saturday, April 6th, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at our Venice Clinic at 210 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291.

You’ll have a chance to meet adoptable dogs and cats needing great homes from eight different Los Angeles-based rescues!A day filled with furry friends, fantastic food, lively tunes, and refreshing drinks!

Donate to the silent auction, shop local vendors, and get your face painted or a flower crown for your dog!

This event is family-friendly, and leashed pets are encouraged to come!

You must be present day of event to be eligible to win the raffle for the Lakers game tickets.

For more info, Click Here.

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

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation with focused enforcement efforts on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Police Department identifies locations where pedestrian and bike collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

These extra enforcement efforts will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

Pedestrians

· Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

· Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

· Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

· Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

· Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

· Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

· If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

· Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.