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From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A significant joint operation was undertaken by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. on Venice Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles, targeting a homeless encampment. Three recreational vehicles (RVs) and one motorcycle were towed from the area. Prior to the towing, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. drained the sewage tanks of the RVs, with an Environmental Officer from the City of Los Angeles overseeing the operation. The operation resulted in multiple arrests, following an investigation that suggested potential non-compliance with regulations and outstanding legal matters. This cleanup initiative forms part of the broader city strategy to address homelessness and promote public health and sanitation. Subsequent to the cleanup, a section of Venice Boulevard was closed for an upcoming construction project. Barricades were installed, and a notice from the Public Works - Bureau of Engineering was displayed, detailing the construction work involving the demolition of curb ramps, sidewalks, and curbs, as well as the installation of new light poles and underground work. The closure is anticipated to deter the return of RVs to this area, a subject of ongoing concern owing to the consistent presence and dwelling of RVs, a situation that has elicited numerous complaints from neighboring residents. The removal of the RVs garnered a positive reaction, evidenced by cheers and applause from the local 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:

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Hazardous seas and surf are expected periodically through the coming week, with Gales of 35 to 40 knots at times over the waters, large seas and high surf.


This weekend, Friday, February 2 - Sunday, February 4, as the world eagerly awaits the premiere of the 12th and final season of the acclaimed HBO® Original Series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM , Max is inviting fans out to “Latte Larry’s,” Larry David’s short-lived coffee shop in Season 10.

In partnership with Menotti’s Coffee Stop, at their Culver City and Venice Beach locations, enjoy free Hot Cups of Spite (coffee) and Dry Scones (one per person, while supplies last, vegan options available), along with limited edition Menotti’s x CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM collaborative shirts and mugs, plus a special blend signature roast of “Latte Larry’s Beans.”

DATE & TIME
February 2, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 3, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 4, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM


LOCATIONS
CULVER CITY

12430 Washington Avenue,
Los Angeles, 90066
VENICE
56 Windward Ave,
Venice, 90291


FAQ

What times will you be open & offering free coffee and scones?
Latte Larry’s will be open Friday February 2, Saturday February 3, & Sunday February 4 from 7am - 4pm PT each day. Please note scones and coffee will be available while supplies last.

Do I need to purchase anything in order to receive the free coffee & scone?
Nope! All you need to do is come by the Latte Larry’s to receive your coffee & scone.

Can I grab a coffee & scone for a friend while I’m there? Only one hot cup of spite and one scone is available per customer, while supplies last. Only those who visit the store are eligible for the giveaways.


Is there a vegan option available for the scone?
Yes there is a vegan option available. Just let the barista know your preference when you get to the front of the line.




For more info, Click Here

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


Venice Healer Daisy is interviewed again by Venice Gallerie

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy


The homeless woman was taken into custody for fatally shooting a man in Ocean Park has a history of crime, including armed robbery and attempted homicide.

Santa Monica Police released a Homicide Arrest Update: On January 25th at approximately 10:25 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of Shots Fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Officers located the victim of the shooting seated in his parked vehicle. The victim, identified as William Edwards III, a 46-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was transported to a local hospital in grave condition and died at the hospital. The motive for the crime is still being investigated.

SMPD located suspect Kayla Delise Mackie the following morning in West Los Angeles where she was taken into custody. Further investigation revealed she was responsible for additional crimes in Los Angeles, including an armed robbery and an attempted homicide. On January 30, 2024, the District Attorney filed a murder charge (187(a) PC) for the Santa Monica homicide as well as additional charges related to the Los Angeles incidents.



Santa Monica Chief Ramon Batista commended the extraordinary work by all members of the police department who assisted in getting this individual in custody and charged. Chief Batista stated:

“With unwavering dedication, the SMPD team applied tireless effort and professionalism to every aspect of the criminal investigation. Their relentless pursuit of the facts, coupled with meticulous hard work, reflects a commitment to justice. Our officers take pride in knowing their diligence contributes to upholding the principles of law and order. In Santa Monica, public safety is foremost, and crime will not be tolerated in our community.”

Additionally, Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock issued the following statement to the community:

“Last week’s senseless killing on 29th Street has left all of us shocked. My heart goes out to William’s family and friends, and my thoughts are with all who were affected by this tragic event.

While nothing can take away the pain this incident has brought to our community, I am proud of the outstanding police work our officers showed to quickly apprehend the suspect and ensure she is brought to justice. I stand behind the strong message from Santa Monica Police: There is no place for any type of violence, particularly gun violence, in our city.”

Thank you again to the public for assistance in this investigation. We encourage anyone with information related to this individual or incident to contact Detective Tavera at Ismael.Tavera@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Gradle at Ryan.Gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.


An east coast beach break longboarder comes to Malibu and gets tips from Devon Howard.


Project Save Our Surf returns to Tower 26 to clean the beach. Buckets, gloves and light snacks will be provided.

Come join Project Save Our Surf for a fun afternoon of music and refreshments cleaning the beach. Buckets and gloves will also be provided for the cleanup. Connect with others in Los Angeles working to support our environment.

We have also partnered with Project Pop Drop to collect items for the homeless that we will be delivering to a homeless shelter on the last Saturday of the month (each month is a different shelter and details will be available at the cleanup for those who want to attend that event as well). We are collecting non- perishable foods and new toiletries, new socks, new underwear, new clothing etc.

Saturday, February 10 · 11am - 1pm
Santa Monica Beach Tower 26

For more info and to register, Click Here

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


Volunteer with The Bay Foundation at the Santa Monica Beach Dune Restoration project. Participants will learn about dune ecology and contribute to restoration by removing trash, microsplastics, and invasive plants.This event will help increase biodiversity and coastal resilience.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:00 PM
530 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica 90402
Nearest parking lot is Beach Parking Lot 9 North. Cost $10.00.

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

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


The Malibu Living Shoreline Project (MLSP) aims to restore approximately three acres of sandy beach and dune habitat at Zuma Beach and Point Dume Beach. This project will provide multiple ecosystem benefits such as increased shoreline protection and habitat for native flowering plants and shorebirds. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Bay Foundation to remove invasive plants and keep our project beautiful at the Point Dume Beach location.

Saturday, February 3, 2024
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

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