Latest News

New Year's Eve Surfing at the Venice Breakwater



Filmed by, Venice Gallerie

Homeless Man Destroys Car at Venice Pier



On Sunday, December 31st, @NotTodayDexter reports, "Homeless guy destroyed a car, lead police on a chase into the ocean."





Ocean Water Use Warnings



December 29, 2023
Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms

· Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu

Entire swim area

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

Entire swim area

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

Entire swim area

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

Entire swim area

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down and coast from the creek

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down and coast from the pier

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

100 yards up and down and coast from the storm drain

· Venice Pier in Venice

100 yards up and down and coast from the pier

· Topsail Street extension in Venice

100 yards up and down and coast from the Topsail Street extension.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach.

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.


Surfing the Huge Venice Pier Closeouts



Friday morning at the Venice Pier. Filmed by, Venice Gallerie

Homeless Fire on Venice Sidewalk



From Venice Gallerie

Dredging to Begin in Marina del Rey



A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) effort to remove about a hundred Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of sediment from Marina del Rey’s harbor (MdR) is slated to begin on Friday, December 29th with the arrival of the Sea Horse dredge vessel, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors announced today.

The five-month maintenance dredging effort will remove 400,000 to 500,000 cubic yards of sediment accumulated at the Marina’s entrance and along the harbor’s north jetty, where shoaling has greatly reduced navigation for boaters and first responders. The dredging operation by the Sea Horse with its clamshell bucket will begin along the north jetty following equipment inspections.

As the Sea Horse dredges, the sediment will be loaded onto a dump scow, the Robert L, and deposited in the Pacific Ocean nearshore of Dockweiler State Beach, just north of Imperial Highway in Playa del Rey. The Robert L is expected to make approximately four to five trips per day.



The equipment and 24-hour dredging work may make certain portions of the harbor entrance impassible for periods of time. For this reason, boaters with accessibility questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Harbormaster Sgt. Ron Nohles at 310-482-6000 (Office); 323-893-6803 (Cell)

Dredging is the routine removal of accumulated underwater sediment from channel beds to maintain the appropriate depths of navigation channels, harbors, marinas, boat launches and port facilities. It’s usually conducted by heavy machinery that scoops sediment from an area onto a barge, which transports the sediment elsewhere.

The dredging project budgeted at $7.18 million will be funded through Federal Budget appropriations. The project will ensure safe navigation of the harbor entrance for the U.S. Coast Guard and other first responders, as well as for the roughly 4,300 recreational vessels docked in the Marina.

About 400,000 to 500,000 cubic yards of sediment will be dredged from the harbor entrance. Once removed, the dredged sand will be transported by a scow—a large flat-bottomed vessel—and dropped through an opening at the bottom of the vessel into water about 15 to 30 feet deep nearshore Dockweiler State Beach. The sand deposits will be made twice a day and take about a half hour to complete and are expected to provide renourishment for the beach.

The dredging project will be a 24/7 operation. The Department of Beaches and Harbors will work with the dredging contractor to mitigate noise. It is not anticipated that the dredging will take place close enough to residences such that it would result in nighttime noise disturbance. Dredging at Marina del Rey is expected to begin on January 1, 2024 and should be complete by May 2024.

Upon completion of the project, it is anticipated that the depth of the harbor entrance will be 20 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW), or a depth of 20 feet during low tide.

All dredging is monitored to assure that there is minimal impact to the foraging and nesting periods of the California Least Tern, as well as all other sensitive or endangered species.

High Surf and Rain through Saturday

High surf is peaking today, subsiding some tomorrow & increasing again Saturday w/ similar to slightly higher surf & coastal flooding. USE CAUTION at the beach & STAY WELL BACK from the water's edge! There is a high risk of ocean drowning for surfers & beach goers.



An approaching storm system will bring rain to the area late tonight with a slight chance of thunderstorms Fri evening through Sat morning. Heavier rain possible near any storm that forms. Rain will be ending late Saturday evening.

High Surf Advisory



High Surf Advisory is in effect from 4AM Thursday to 10PM Saturday. Expect waves in the well overhead range with increased rip current activity.

Malibu Surfing Circa 1964



This is vintage footage of Malibu beach, and people surfing in the summer of 1964.

Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches




December 27, 2023
Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms

· Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu

Entire swim area

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

Entire swim area

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

Entire swim area

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

Entire swim area

· Windward storms drain at Venice Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down and coast from the creek

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down and coast from the pier

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

100 yards up and down and coast from the pier

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

100 yards up and down and coast from the storm drain

· Venice Pier in Venice

100 yards up and down and coast from the pier

· Topsail Street extension in Venice

100 yards up and down and coast from the Topsail Street extension.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards

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.


Homeless Man Arrested for Assaulting Lady Working at Venice Pier



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a developing story, Los Angeles Police Officers were called to the scene at Venice Beach Fishing Pier on Wednesday following a disturbance involving a homeless individual. The incident, which unfolded at the Venice Beach Fishing Pier parking lot, led to the arrest of the individual under suspicion of assaulting a parking attendant.

Eyewitness reports suggest that the suspect exhibited erratic behavior and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. During the arrest, the individual, who was handcuffed, requested medical attention. Responding to the situation, police officers promptly contacted the fire department.

Upon arrival, firefighters conducted an initial evaluation of the suspect at the scene. The nature of the medical assessment was to determine the individual's fitness for transport to the detention facility. Following the preliminary check, the firefighters decided to transport the individual to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and emergency services in dealing with situations involving individuals who may be experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues."

UPDATED INFORMATION:
Witnesses at the pier said the homeless man, who makes himself a regular problem there, grabbed the young lady working in the parking booth. It was said this was her first day on the job.

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.

SFLA x Friends of Topanga Point Public Beach Cleanup



Join us at Topanga Beach from 11am-1pm! We will be connecting with the ecologically-minded local surfing community of Friends of Topanga Point to cleanup Topanga beach before the incoming January King Tides.

Sunday January 7th, 11-1pm

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Dangerous Surf & Rip Currents this Week

Dangerous surf, life-threatening rip currents, and coastal flooding are expected at the beaches this week. Impacts are expected to become most extreme on Thursday, with the most dangerous conditions expected for the Central Coast and Ventura County Coast.



...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT...

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 PM PST SATURDAY...

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM THURSDAY TO 10 PM PST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 7 to 12 feet with dangerous rip currents. Local sets of 15 to 20 feet will be likely near Point Conception. The most dangerous conditions are expected on Thursday.

* WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. West-facing beaches will be most susceptible to these conditions.

* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through late Wednesday night. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 4 AM Thursday to 10 PM PST Saturday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 4 AM Thursday to 10 PM PST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of sea water is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways. Significant damage to roads or structures is NOT expected. There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Each morning Thursday through Saturday, residual high tides of 6.0 to 6.5 feet will enhance the coastal flooding risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Do NOT drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.

Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.

Motorcyclist killed in PCH crash in Malibu


By City News Service

A motorcyclist was killed Christmas Eve in a crash with a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The collision took place around 6 p.m. in the 33400 block of PCH, according to Deputy Tracy Koerner of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The motorcyclist was heading south on PCH when the tragic crash unfolded and despite the immediate response from first responders, he was pronounced dead at the crash site. The motorcycle slammed into a Cadillac Escalade that was backing out of a driveway on PCH.

The crash shut down a two-and-a-half mile stretch of PCH just south of Leo Carillo State Beach, the LASD reported. All lanes were closed between Mulholland Highway and Decker Road.

The County Medical Examiner’s office Tuesday released the name of a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash with a vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

The victim was identified as Jose Alfonso De Lira Piedra, 32, of Burbank, according to the agency.

Mini Motorcycles on Venice Beach Boardwalk



A basketball player almost get run over by a mini motorcycle.

The Last Days of Venice Beach's 99 Cent Only Store



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The 99 Cent Only Store, located at the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Rose Avenue in Venice, has announced it will permanently close its doors on December 31st. This closure marks the end of a well-known discount shopping spot in the area, though customers can still find bargains at the chain's other locations in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and Los Angeles."

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

Marina del Rey New Years Eve Fireworks Show & Glow Party



The Department of Beaches and Harbors will host the Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Glow Party event on 12/31, 7 PM – Midnight, at Burton Chace Park. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family!

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Polar Bear Plunge at the Beach House



It's time for Santa Monica's 6th Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

The annual Polar Bear Swim at the Annenberg Community Beach House will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024, 10am-2pm. The Beach House Polar Bear Swim has become a tradition just as cold water swims have been for centuries across the globe.

The Annual Polar Bear Plunge is a great way to refresh, reset, and have some fun. If you have never been part of a Polar Bear Swim, it’s time to see what you’re missing.

The morning starts with a 10 a.m. check-in at Guest Services before heading to the shoreline in front of the Beach House. The first plunge takes place around 10:15 a.m. starting with the youngest Polar Bears, followed by the rest of the crowd. The most stalwart Polar Bears can take part in the 300-yard swim around a buoy. At this no judgement zone, whether you stick your toes in the ocean, take a quick dip or round the buoy, it’s a great experience that gets the blood pumping and the skin tingling. After the invigorating ocean plunge, warm up in the heated Beach House pool. Gather with friends and family, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and grab a photo with our very own Pat the Polar Bear mascot.

Pool admission will be charged for Polar Bears and others entering the pool deck to visit, soak, swim in the heated pool, or take a hot shower.

In-person registration will be available but may be limited on the day of event. Parking is $3 per hour or $8 per day.

Pool Admission: $10/adult, $5/senior adult age 60+, $4/youth age 1-17.

Regular Pool Rules apply while swimming at this event. Youth under age eight and under four feet must be accompanied by an adult in the pool at all times.

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Several Vehicles Vandalized at Venice Beach



Tuesday morning on Main Streetby Rose Ave. Photos from @FightBackVenice



Santa Monica Police Holding DUI Checkpoint on Friday



On Friday, December 22, 2023, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location. DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.

The SMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Free Parking in Downtown Santa Monica this Holiday Weekend



Free 3-hour parking starts today! 🚗🚗🚗
The SM City Council has extended free parking in downtown public parking structures from 90 minutes to three hours, effective Dec. 22 - 24, to support last-minute holiday shopping for local residents and visitors.

Beach Hazards / High Tide Warning


...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Abnormally high tides around 7.2 to 7.4 feet are expected.

* WHERE... Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches.

* WHEN...From late Saturday night through Tuesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible. No significant damage is expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Minor coastal flooding is expected during early morning high tides.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks.


Chaos in Santa Monica - Homeless Man's Rainy Rampage



From Santa Monica Close Up:

" Downtown Private Security Officers from Legion Corporation were dispatched on a rainy Wednesday to address a public disturbance caused by a homeless man on 5th Street in Downtown Santa Monica. The incident occurred in front of a local business, where the man was reported to be yelling incessantly and behaving erratically.

Legion Security Officers, who recently commenced patrol duties in the area as of December 1, arrived promptly at the scene. They approached the individual, who was barefoot, shirtless, and wearing shorts amidst the rain. Despite their attempts to engage, the man continued to yell and subsequently walked into the middle of a busy intersection at Santa Monica Boulevard and 5th Street, causing concern for his and others' safety.

The security officers followed him as he wandered off into a private parking lot where he vanished from sight. A Santa Monica Police officer, signaled by the security team, was briefed on the situation for further attention."

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

Crazy Venice Beach Pre-Christmas with German In Venice



Mike, aka German in Venice, vlogs about daily life in Venice Beach, and the nearby communities.

"The week before Christmas I’m just riding my new bicycle around Venice Beach showing you a typical day and what’s going on on the craziest beach in the world. I ended up joining the electric light parade with my new bike. This is the real Venice."

If you would like to support German in Venice with some gas money or you want to buy him a coffee, you are welcome to donate to his paypal account: https://paypal.me/germaninvenice

Fire on the Beach in Santa Monica




Santa Monica Beach Fire Extinguished by City Workers

Santa Monica Police doing Special Safety Enforcement on Friday



Santa Monica Police Department Holding Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for December 15, 2023

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 Friday, December 15, 2023 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 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. 

Palm Springs Surf Club's Wave Pool now taking Reservations



The Palm Springs Surf Club announced will open its new wave pool in the Southern California desert to the public on Jan. 1, with reservations open now for the first of several artificial waves planned for Southewrn California.

You’ll need a reservation to surf at the Palm Springs Surf Club. An hour surfing session will cost $100 to $200 depending on a surfer’s skill level (on top of the $20 club admission fee). Board rental is also offered at an additional fee. Reservations can be made at palmspringssurfclub.com, with current availability starting on Jan. 7.

Intermediate waves will cost $150, with the first week already booked up hours after the opening announcement. Advanced, barreling waves will cost $200. Begginers will have to wait till spring, but for $100, the beginner waves will a Waikiki-style wave perfect for those who have never surfed before.



The Intermediate A-Frames are designed to offer a split peak experience which two surfers can ride in opposite directions on the same wave. There is a closeout section at the end which is intended to be there for a finishing maneuver. We throw 3 wave sets at 15 second intervals between waves with approximately one and a half minutes between sets.



Advanced A-Frames are not for the faint of heart. These slabby cylinders give surfers the option to pull in off the takeoff and come out in time to do one or two more turns if you are quick enough. The end section makes its presence known on these waves, its thick and powerful so bring all the power you can to it. Like the mellow A-Frames, stay in the pocket. These waves come in 3 wave sets with an 8 second interval between waves and approximately one and a half minutes between sets.

The video below shows waves recently being tested at the Palm Springs Surf Club. The lineup of surfers in the pool included Italo Ferriera, Parker Coffin, Jackson Dorian, Sierra Kerr, Josh Kerr, Caity Simmers, and many more heavy hitters.



From palmspringssurfclub.com.

Making the most of Bad Waves at Tower 20



From Nate.

Venice Surf-A-Thon Awards Party - hosted by Tonan



The highlights from the awards ceremony for the 30th Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon. Tonan takes the mic to announce the surf contest winners at the Sidewalk Cafe on the Venice Boardwalk.

Fire Destroys California Yacht Club



Two firefighters were hospitalized Tuesday while battling an intense blaze that ripped through the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters responded around 11:30 p.m. Monday to 4469 Admiralty Way where they found the club in flames, according to the fire department.

The firefighters were taken to a hospital in moderate condition, City News Service reported.

The fire department’s Arson Investigation Unit was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire, according to Fox 11.

The yacht club was founded in 1922 in Wilmington Harbor near San Pedro and the current facility in Marina del Rey was built in 1967, according to the club’s website.

Photos via VeniceIntel



Ocean Water Use Warning for Malibu



December 08, 2023
Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

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.


Vehicle Plows into Venice Boardwalk Vendors



On Saturday a vehicle plowed into some vendors on the Venice Boardwalk at Rose Ave. The driver was reportedly "under the influence" and arrested. It is unknown is there were any injuries.

Surfers' Locked Keys Retrieved by Park Rangers



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In an unusual turn of events on Friday, December 8, 2023, a group of surfers at Venice Pier found themselves in a bind after accidentally locking their keys inside their car. Fortunately, Los Angeles Park Rangers, proficiently trained in handling such situations, came to their aid. Utilizing a slim jim, the rangers skillfully opened the car door, much to the surfers' relief. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the surfers offered to compensate the rangers for their help. However, in a heartwarming display of public service, the rangers declined any payment, stating that such assistance is part of their duty and comes at no cost. This act of kindness and professionalism highlights the diverse roles park rangers play in serving 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