Latest News

Santa Monica Homeless Man Kills Another Homeless Man

A homeless man was arrested for killing another homeless man during a fight outside the Santa Monica Library.



On July 29, 2022, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in the north courtyard of the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, the victim was speaking with the suspect when he brandished a knife and stabbed the victim twice. The suspect fled prior to officers’ arrival. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Both victim and suspect are homeless. The Santa Monica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division coordinated patrol and detectives in an around-the-clock search, ultimately identifying and arresting COLBERT on Sunday, July 31st.

Suspect: Quade Larry COLBERT, DOB 7/6/1988

Killer Car Show



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Highlights from the 10th Annual Killer Rides Car Show at Killer Shrimp in Marina Del Rey on Sunday, July 31, 2022."

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

Venice Skatepark Girl Fight

Elevated Surf And Strong Rip Currents



Long period SSW swell coming up from Tropical Cyclone Frank will bring elevated surf and rip currents to SW CA beaches late Sun-Wed. Rip Currents and longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions.

7 Days of Super Fun Surf In Malibu



Video by Scott Gudahl:

"Code Red 2 Swell sends 7 Days of super fun surf to Malibu California. Spent a full weeks surfing and shooting photos of the Code Red 2 swell. After watching how the swell tore through the south pacific nailing Tahiti and Hawaii. Every Californian was waiting with anticipation for this run of waves. On arrival it was much smaller than originally forecasted, but I have to say from sun up to sun down for 7 days straight we had good surf. Malibu was running from the top of the point to the pier on Tuesday with every day around it producing super fun surf. Its been 10 years since the first Code Red swell hit and I have my fingers crossed we link into a good late season here in California."

Johnny Strange Legacy Skate Contest



Johnny Strange was an adventure seeker deep in his heart. He accomplished so much at such a young age and was purely and intrinsically motivated. He was inspired by the world around him – nature, culture, sport, and used his opportunities to do good.

The Malibu Chili Cook Off hosts an annual skateboarding contest honoring late Malibu local, Johnny Strange. Competitors of all ages and skill levels as well as an enthusiastic crowd gather to watch this exciting contest. Winners are awarded cash prizes and honorable mention awards with various prizes. This year, the 3rd Annual will take place on Sunday, Sept 4 @ 3PM. (Registration will take place on site).

It’s free to register! However, the $15 The Malibu Chili Cook Off admission fee is required. Buy tickets for Sunday or the whole weekend, Click Here!

Over $2,500 in cash prizes and skate gear that will be awarded.

Prize Purse
Intermediate ($300) – 1st place $150, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50
Advanced ($1,700) – 1st place $1,000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $200
$500 random cash and prizes to be given out all day

It’s a jam-style contest with two heats, advanced (pro skaters) and intermediate (amateur skaters). Skaters will have an opportunity to show off their skills. Prizes and cash will be awarded. Parent or guardian must be present to sign a waiver if you’re under 18. All skaters must sign on-site waiver to participate.

For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

Venice Pier Homeless Encampment Clean-up



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works sanitation workers in white hazardous materials suits, with Clean Harbors hazardous waste management, clean-up a homeless encampment at the Venice Beach Pier on Friday, July 29, 2022. Los Angeles Police Officers and Park Rangers were onsite during the cleanup. LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) provided homeless outreach. No citations were issued."

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

Hurricane Frank



A rare occurrence along the Central Coast, Hurricane Frank off Baja California should track far enough northwestward to produce a 3- to 5-foot southerly (175-degree, deep-water) swell (with a 12- to 14-second period) on Monday through Wednesday.



Possible Thunderstorms This Weekend



We have showers & thunderstorms forecast for SW CA this afternoon-Mon, w/ the best chances over the LA/VTA Mtns & Antelope Vly Sat-Sun, 10-20% over the coast. All areas could see storms Sat night-Sun. Be extra cautious as there will be dangerous lightning & heavy showers in some areas!

Beach Hazard



Beach Hazard Statement is in effect through 11pm Saturday.

Ernst & Young LLP x SFLA Public Sponsored Beach Cleanup



Come on down to clean our coastline on a Saturday, 8/20! Surfrider Los Angeles will be on the beach with a stellar crew of volunteers from to leave our shores cleaner than we found them.
Sat, Aug 20, 2022
10:00AM-12:00PM PDT

Venice, CA 90291 (sign up to see exact location)

REGISTER HERE

Summer Adaptive Sports Para Surf Camp



PlayLA’s NEW Youth Adaptive Sports Program this summer: Para Surfing Camps for youth with physical disabilities age 7-17 at no cost!

All skill levels are welcome to participate.

Venice Beach Lifeguard Station #21 August 6 | August 20 | September 17 8a.m. to 12p.m.

Free beach parking Access Trax All boards, wetsuits and rashguards provided.

REGISTER HERE

Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica -1966



Photo: Denise Scott Brown

Venice Crazy Naked Lady Stand Off Against Police



Video from Venice Gallerie:

Amazon Web Services x SFLA Public Sponsored Beach Cleanup



Come on down to clean our coastline on a Sunday 8/7! Surfrider Los Angeles will be on the sand with Amazon Web Services at Ink Well Beach in Santa Monica in the morning from 9:00am-11:00am.
Sun, Aug 7, 2022
9:00AM-11:00AM PDT



REGISTER HERE

Seabin x SFLA Public Beach Cleanup



Join Surfrider Los Angeles for a beautiful Saturday morning of community and coastal cleaning at the Venice Fishing Pier on July 30th! Surfrider Los Angeles will have an optional casual community paddle out from 8:00-9:30am, and a beach cleanup sponsored by Seabin from 10:00am-12:00pm. Following the beach cleanup, will regroup at Firestone Walker - The Propogator for a free beer and 50% off discounted lunch for the first 40 participants of the cleanup afterwards starting at 12:30pm. NOTE: Must be 21+ to receive the alcoholic beverage after the cleanup.

Sat, Jul 30, 2022
10:00AM-12:00PM PDT



REGISTER HERE

Surf & Rescue - George Freeth And The Birth Of California Beach Culture



Santa Monica History Museum Speaker Series presents: Surf & Rescue: George Freeth and the Birth of California Beach Culture

Author Patrick Moser discusses his new book “ Surf & Rescue: George Freeth and the Birth of California Beach Culture,” which tells the story of mixed-race Hawaiian athlete George Freeth who brought surfing to Venice, California, in 1907.

Freeth’s inspiring life story is set against the rise of the Southern California beach culture he helped shape and define. Freeth made headlines with his rescue of seven fishermen, an act of heroism that highlighted his innovative lifeguarding techniques. He also founded California’s first surf club and coached both male and female athletes, including Olympic swimming champion and “father of modern surfing” Duke Kahanamoku. Often in financial straits, Freeth persevered as a teacher and lifeguarding pioneer–building a legacy that endured long after his death during the 1919 influenza pandemic. A compelling merger of biography and sports history, Surf and Rescue brings to light the forgotten figure whose novel way of seeing the beach sparked the imaginations of people around the world.

Free event for everyone.

DATE: August 4, 2022 TIME: 5:30pm – 7pm

CLICK HERE for more info, and to RSVP.

The book is currently avaliable on Amazon:

40th Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off



The 40th Annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off will take place on Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, 2022 at 23575 Civic Center Way. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. It is a weekend full of music, food, drink, amusement, artisans, friends and family. Malibu and surrounding areas will come together to celebrate the end of summer and to support community.

This Malibu tradition brings amazing food and entertainment fea­turing some of your all-time favorite local restaurants, businesses, artisans, and DJ performances!

Event Admission tickets are REQUIRED. Tickets will NOT be sold on site, you must pre-purchase online. Carnival ride tickets sold separately.

For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

Explosion at Venice Beach



From radioguybigd:

"Somebody blew a trash can in front of Hinano Cafe (the bar 🍻 🍺) after the Venice Electric Light Parade. No more than 5 minutes after we finished our weekly ride KABOOM! I was 50-100 feet away and it still hurt my ears! One of our riders was injured in the blast, turning a simple prank into a crime scene."

Jacks Surfboards Is Hiring



Jacks Surfboards is accepting applications, CLICK HERE to apply online. ⁠



Car Broken Into At Surfrider



A vehicle parked near Surfrider Beach was broken into and two iPhones worth $2,300 and multiple credit cards were stolen. The victim received a notification of a $15,000 purchase made at a Nordstrom and a $11,000 at the Apple store at The Grove in West Hollywood.

Alva X Moetalliva



Created to celebrate Alva Skates 45th Anniversary, Alva has teamed up with legendary Lowrider artist Moetallica to create twelve one-of-a-kind hand-painted Alva skateboard decks and completes. Each Alva X Moetallica deck comes with a certificate of authenticity, edition number, Tony Alva signature and polaroid, and Moetallica signature "M 22" on the tail rail.

For over twenty-five years, Moetallica has customized cars, motorcycles, and, more recently, skateboards. Each Alva X Moetallica hand-painted deck takes 3-4 weeks to complete. All graphics are hand-painted and not silkscreened.

ALVA X MOETALLICA | ONE OF A KIND
LAUNCHES WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022
10 AM PST @ ALVA-SKATES.COM

Largest Surf In 10 YEARS Hits Malibu



Video by Scott Gudahl:

"Code Red 2 Largest south swell in years slams into the west coast. After massive surf in both Tahiti and Hawaii the code red 2 swell arrived in California. 4 days of perfect surf from sunrise to sunset. I knew I needed to capture all angles of the swell so I brought all my surf and camera gear and made a few days of it. Malibu is one of the best waves in California when its working and for these few days it was perfect. Koa Rothman, Luke davis, and Taro Watanabe were some of the standouts of the swell. Beach was packed with people from all up and down the coast. Massive waves crashed into the pier and lots of people had to be rescued over the week. Hope you enjoy"

Venice Surfing Association Announces First Surf Contest



Venice Surfing Association announced the date of their first surf contest. It will be held on Saturday, September 24th at the Venice Breakwater.

No other details have been given yet.

Z-Boys Skateboarding In The 70's



Surfing Malibu Code Red 2 Surf Swell



Video by Noshington Wells:

July 20, 2022, Luke Davis, Andy Nieblas, and Allen Sarlo surfing Malibu.

Dave Letterman Goes Surfing In Malibu



Dave Letterman and Paul take a break from the Late Show to hang ten in Malibu.

(From "Late Show" in Los Angeles, air date: 5/13/94)

Topanga - Wednesday 7-20-2022

Here's surfing photos from Wednesday, July 20th at Topanga.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Body Glove.

These are just a few of the 30+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the links to the complete gallery is down below.
















You can find about 30 more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Topanga - Wednesday 7-20-2022 Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.