Latest News


December 10! Dogtown Car Club's first annual toy drive! Please join for a fun night at Lunetta in Santa Monica.

Let’s give some love ❤️💚tis the season! 4:30- 8:30 Tacos, classic cars and music! Don’t miss this! Please bring a unwrapped toy and join in on the raffle! Lots of amazing stuff!

2420 / 2424 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here

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


Venice Healer Daisy performing her chair dance at the Venice Ale House. Filmed by, Venice Gallerie

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy


Filmed by, Venice Gallerie


Police draw guns on stolen vehicle suspect and arrest him in a Venice Beach alley. Filmed by, Venice Gallerie


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Thursday, November 16, 2023, a collaborative effort unfolded on Main Street and Ozone Avenue in Venice, where the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. converged to address a homeless encampment with an cleanup operation. Prioritizing safety, the workers wore white hazardous materials suits, in compliance with established safety standards."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz


From Santa Monica Close Up:

" In a shocking turn of events, the once-beloved couple known as "The Venice Healer" and "The Perfect Prince" has announced their separation after exchanging vows on August 2, 2023. The Venice Healer, fondly referred to as "Wa" and Daisy, shared her emotional journey during an exclusive interview with Santa Monica Closeup at the Venice Beach Boardwalk on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

In a candid conversation, The Venice Healer offered insight into the challenges her marriage with The Perfect Prince has been facing. She began by emphasizing the universality of relationship struggles, stating, "We all go through struggle stages." Acknowledging the trauma both she and The Perfect Prince have endured, she described their current situation as a "struggle stage" and expressed hope that they could eventually overcome it together."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The holiday season has officially begun in Downtown Santa Monica, marked by a magnificent Tree Lighting Ceremony that took place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the iconic Third Street Promenade. A multitude of eager onlookers gathered to witness the enchanting moment when Santa Claus himself lit up the city's holiday tree, ushering in a festive atmosphere that promises to bring joy and cheer to the community."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz


November 15, 2023
An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 1:30 pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023, This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

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.




Santa Monica Police just released information about some victims that were able to subdue a homeless man that carjacked them and held them hostage.

"On November 7, 2023, Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested Adrian Jose Dugas, a 24-year-old male experiencing homelessness from the Los Angeles area, for a carjacking incident involving multiple victims.

At approximately 10:30 pm, officers responded to the 400 block of Adelaide Drive after receiving reports of a group of individuals holding down Dugas in the middle of the street. The six victims reported that as they were returning to their vehicle in Parking Structure 8, Dugas approached them while simulating a handgun concealed within a duffle bag. Dugas forced his way into the backseat of the vehicle and demanded the victims drive him around the city. While in the car, he confiscated their cell phones, made multiple threats to shoot the victims if they did not comply, and physically assaulted the driver and a passenger.

The victims drove for more than an hour before Dugas ordered all passengers out of the vehicle. Upon exiting, one of the victims was able to place the suspect in a chokehold. The victims held the suspect down until police arrived.

The LA County District Attorney charged Dugas with:
· (6) counts of robbery;
· (6) counts of kidnapping during the commission of a carjacking;
· (1) attempted carjacking; and
· (1) count of aggravated assault.

Dugas remains in police custody with bail set at $6.4 million and awaits a November 29th court appearance.

SMPD Detectives believe the suspect may have attempted an additional carjacking and are seeking other victims. Anyone with information related to this individual or this investigation is urged to contact Detective Spencer at brian.spencer@santamonica.gov or Sergeant Gradle at ryan.gradle@santamonica.gov or call 310-458-8427."