Latest News


Temporary signals now operating at Tuna Canyon Road and SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) for left turns onto sothbound PCH. This is an alternate route to avoid the closure on Route 27 (Topanga Canyon) from Grand View Dr to PCH due to the still-active landslide.






Join us on April 18th for the very first Art Mart at Santa Monica Pier Locals' Night!

Experience the magic as over 20 incredible artists unveil their homemade goods, reworked fashion, and stunning art. It's a night filled with creativity and community - don't miss out! See you there! ⁠

For more info, Click Here

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



Come out and Join us at the Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10AM to 6PM at Oakwood Park.


Parade begins at 10AM on California Ave and Lincoln Blvd. Spectators are asked to post along Lincoln Blvd from California Ave (going North) to Rose Ave. The parade will go down Lincoln Blvd (north) then will turn left on Rose Ave (west) to 7th Ave and will turn left (south) on 7th Ave towards Oakwood Park. The parade will end on 7th Ave and California Ave.

A street festival will proceed with Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico Dancers, Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses), Venice High School Band, Santa Monica Cheerleaders. Classic Cars/Lowriders, Clown, Piñata, Authentic Mexican Food Trucks, Live Entertainment by Rythym Band playing Old School Funk Music, D.J. Mango, Baby Dog Rapper Straight out of Venice, Informational Booths and Vendors.

Venice Mexican American Traquero Monument, AmVets Post 2, Venice Family Clinic, Santa Monica College, Kaiser, Venice Kush, Venice Paparazzi, Venice Family Community Housing, Councilmember Traci Parks, Lupitas Tacos, Tacos de Valiii, Oaxacana Taco Truck, Growin up in Venice Brand, and much more. This is a friendly family free community event.



For more info, Click Here.

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


No information yet, just this post from Thursday morning via @SaveVenice1


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, an individual suspected of committing a robbery at the Louis Vuitton store in Santa Monica Place was apprehended by Santa Monica Police Officers along Ocean Avenue. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, matched the description of the person involved in the theft.

In the course of the operation, the police conducted an investigation, leading to the suspect's arrest on suspicion of grand theft. Before the arrest, Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect's health as a safety measure. Following a medical clearance, the individual was formally arrested.

The suspect faces potential charges under California Penal Code [CPC] §§487(a) – (d) for Grand Theft, which is applicable when property or services valued over $950 are stolen. Additionally, the individual may be charged with Estes Robbery, as defined by 211 PC, which involves the felonious acquisition of personal property through force or intimidation."

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.


Locals' Night returns on April 18. The Santa Monica Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more! You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica.

Prepare for a visual feast as several prominent Westside car clubs, including The WestSide Crew and the WestSide Volkswagen Club, make a triumphant return for Locals' Night. The Pier deck will transform into a showcase of automotive artistry as these enthusiasts bring their meticulously maintained and stunning vehicles to the event. From classic cruisers to customized Volkswagens, attendees will have the chance to gaze in awe at the diverse array of automobiles that these passionate clubs proudly present. It's not just a night of dancing and music; it's an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into keeping these wheels rolling in style. So, gear up for a night of not only rhythm and beats but also the visual spectacle of Westside's finest automobiles.

And much, much, more..... Click Here

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



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) personnel were dispatched to the scene of an incident where a fire hydrant had been struck by a vehicle on Bay Street, resulting in water jetting high into the air. The team, demonstrating prompt and efficient action, successfully located and closed the valve, halting the uncontrolled flow of water.

The driver involved in the incident remained on-site, awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officers to document the occurrence. Captain Johnny Maccini of the SMFD provided insights into the event, noting the swift response of the firefighters in managing to isolate and shut down the water main. Captain Maccini expressed optimism for a quick repair of the damaged infrastructure by city services, highlighting the effective coordination between emergency responders and municipal agencies in addressing such unforeseen disruptions."

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.


This is the video currently being posted on various online sites that people believe to be the suspect who assaulted women in the Venice canals.



A Lyft driver was assrested last week and charged for sexual assault on a Santa Monica resident back in September.

On September 7, 2023, Santa Monica police responded to the 2900 block of Pennsylvania Ave regarding a sexual assault. A woman reported that a Lyft driver picked her up from a restaurant in West Hollywood and sexually assaulted her during the ride home.

The victim, a Santa Monica resident, fell asleep in the car and woke up to inappropriate touching. The suspect then offered to walk her to her door, which she refused. Once home, she realized several hours had passed since she was picked up.

Santa Monica detectives investigated and identified the driver as Fernando Macias Morales, a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident. They arrested him on April 5, 2024, in the San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Morales with felony counts of:

Kidnapping to commit a sexual act (California Penal Code 209(b)(1))
Sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation (California Penal Code 289(e))
Oral copulation of a person intoxicated person or under sedation (California Penal Code 287(i))

His bail is set at $500,000.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Stephanie Davis at 310-458-2201 x4400, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.


Photos via @VeniceIntel.




Back in January, the wave pool at the Palm Springs Surf Club broke down just weeks after opening. And then there was some sketchy ass drama that followed, including a magical "lightning strike", then them not wanting to admit the wave was down, pissed off customers, etc...read about that here.

People that had January reservations that got cancelled, and did not opt for an immediate refund, get an email with a link to book a new reservation, and that is not to be shared.

A comment posted online by the people who leaked the info: "They reached out to all of us who had their trips cancelled earlier for early booking, but 99% of it is midweek, unlike when we first booked. I dunno, starting to feel more Coachella hangout than surf anomaly...They also raised the prices by $50. Guess they, I mean WE, have to pay for repairs."

Appears prices are higher now.


Checking out the solar eclipse at Venice Beach with Oscar from Hecho En Venice.


The Los Angeles Police Department Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section is investigating two incidents that occurred in the Venice Canal community on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Investigators believe that the same suspect assaulted two separate victims.

At approximately 2230 hours, a woman was walking in the 2700 block of Strong Drive when the suspect approached her from behind and struck her with a hard object, rendering her unconscious. Approximately hour later, the same suspect similarly attacked another woman walking nearby on Sherman Canal. Both victims sustained significant injuries.

The suspect fled the scene, leaving evidence behind. Residents in the area located the second victim and immediately contacted police. Pacific Patrol Division units responded to the scene and began the investigation. The suspect is described as a male Black or male Hispanic with medium to dark skin. He is between 5'10" and 6' tall and weighs 180-200 pounds with short hair that appears to be trimmed around the ears.

The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting the Venice community to these crimes to emphasize the importance of personal safety. Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and notify the police of any suspicious activity or persons loitering in this area. As detectives work to identify and arrest this suspect, the LAPD will be increasing patrols in the Venice community. Residents will see additional black and white police vehicles and uniformed officers in the neighborhood. This deployment is being implemented as a precautionary measure.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Tracy Park stated, "I am horrified and furious to learn of these violent and abhorrent assaults on two women in Venice over the weekend. As your councilwoman, and as a resident of this community, I am calling on LAPD to devote every resource necessary to investigate these crimes. I have been working directly with Chief Choi and Captain Applegate and remain focused on ensuring that this criminal is apprehended, charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This behavior will not be tolerated, and violent criminals will be held accountable."

Anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the suspect, additional victims or witnesses should contact Special Assault Detectives at 213-473-0447. During off hours or on weekends, call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on the, "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P-3 Tips" mobile app and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.




On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:00am, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of the Beach for an individual threatening a lifeguard with a metallic rod. The suspect, later identified as Michael Vincent Parrett, a 38-year-old homeless male, jumped from the roof of Lifeguard Tower 12 and approached the victim with the rod, thrusting it towards him several times. The victim was able to dodge out of the way and was not injured.

Parrett was located by officers in the 400 block of Palisades Beach Road. He ignored the officers’ commands and began running on the sidewalk, approaching multiple bystanders, while still holding the rod. When the officers intervened, the subject ran into the bluffs overlooking PCH. Due to the risk of the suspect falling onto PCH and into traffic, CHP assisted in closing northbound and southbound traffic.

The suspect made multiple statements threating that he would not give up without a fight resulting in the Crisis Negotiations Team responding to the location. Dialogue with Parrett continued for over an hour and half with no impact. Parrett made statements indicating that officers would need to shoot him before he would give up. Officers attempted to use less than lethal means to have the suspect drop the rod and surrender. He continued to maintain control of the weapon, refusing to drop it. Ultimately, Parrett was taken into custody with the assistance of a department K9.

Parrett was taken to a local area hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Santa Monica Jail. He was booked for 245 (a) 1 PC – Assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to inflict great bodily injury.


Patagonia Santa Monica is the grand prize winner of the 28th annual Sustainable Quality Awards, the city announced today.

The business is among several others recognized for sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the environment, demonstrating excellence in helping move Santa Monica toward a more sustainable future.

Five additional local businesses received excellence awards:

Angeles Investment Advisors for excellence in economic development.
Avocado Green Mattress for excellence in stewardship of the environment.
HGA for excellence in stewardship of the environment.
Physical Therapyworks for excellence in social responsibility.
Yoga-urt for excellence in economic development and stewardship of the environment.

The awards program is a partnership between the city and Santa Monica based environmental education nonprofit Sustainable Works.

The public is invited to attend the annual Sustainable Quality Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway.

A reception to celebrate the businesses for their achievements will take place after with food and beverages, exhibitor tables and networking. The ceremony will begin promptly at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Registration is required.

For more info and register for the event, Click Here.

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


Pacific Coast Highway was shut down in both directions in Santa Monica on Monday as police were in a stand off with a homeless man.

Witnesses said he threatened a lifeguard with a screwdriver, then fled across PCHand up into the bluffs just south of Patrick's Roadhouse. Police, along with the SWAT, K9-units, and the Fire Department, tried to get him to come out. Witnesses said he was threatening to jump, but looking at where he was in the video, there's nothing to jump from. Police eventually apprehended him as seen in the video. He was taken a medical facility for evaluation.




Join us on 4/12 on the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade to watch High School Musical 1 and relive this classic with the best sing-along of your life!

For more info, Click Here.

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


A McLaren loses control and nearly hits a motorcycle police officer, then wrecks into 3 cars that are parked next to the cliff overlooking the ocean on Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, California. This happen as vehicles were leaving a supercar show being held in the Gladstone's parking lot on Sunday morning.


LEGO Brand Retail


Join Friends of Venice Library in the library parking lot to witness the partial solar eclipse and share this experience with the community. Glasses will distributed while supplies last. Celestial snacks generously provided by Friends of Venice Library.

Monday, April 08, 2024
10 a.m. - 12 noon
Venice - Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library 501 S. Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291

For more info, Click Here.

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


Part of the Venice Beach Canals that people don't like to see.
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