Latest News

Andy - Surf Chats with Topanga Lou



On A Flat Day Go Snorkle.

Visit Topanga Lou Surf Videos for Topanga surfing videos.

Man Stabbed at Santa Monica Beach



At 2:07PM on Monday July 31st, officers from the SMPD responded to a 911 call of an assault with a deadly weapon in the 2000 block of the beach. The officers found a victim near the beach restrooms suffering from at least one stab wound to his chest. The officers gave the victim first aid and performed CPR until the fire department arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital.



The motive behind the stabbing has not been disclosed, and the identities of the victim and the suspect have not been released to the public.

Additional details will be provided when available.

Photo via @zuma_aaron



Dead Body Found in Barrel at Malibu Beach



Sanitation workers spot a 55 gallon barrel floating in Malibu Lagoon Sunday night. LA County Lifeguards pull it ashore and find a dead body inside. Gender and cause of death unknown. Section of beach closed. LASD Homicide & Coroner handling case.

Former Malibu Mayor Jefferson Wagner said the barrel was about 400 yards northwest of the Malibu Pier. Most of the Malibu beach is open except for the lagoon area where the body was discovered.





Man Drowns in Malibu Creek Rock Pool



INCIDENT DATE/TIME:7-31-23 5:33pm

One man is dead after drowning in the Malibu Creek State Park Rock Pool.

A large response from LASD, LACo.FD, CA State Parks searched for the man and located him within the rock pool water area.

Two divers (LACoFD Lifeguards) were flown to the state park from Zuma Beach.

CPR was done on the man for several minutes before he was pronounced dead.

Solstice Canyon in Malibu Closed Due to Bee Stings



Solstice Canyon in Malibu is temporarily closed until further notice due to multiple beehives & numerous bee stings in areas including the main trail & TRW Overlook Trail junction. A bee specialist is dispersing hives.

Pole Dancing Paradise on Santa Monica Beach



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In the midst of a picturesque Sunday on July 30, 2023, the sandy shores of Santa Monica Beach became the epicenter of an enchanting gathering, attracting an array of students and passionate pole enthusiasts. Among the spirited participants were members from the esteemed CoCreate Pole Fitness, who mingled harmoniously with other like-minded groups. With the sun shining brightly and the warm breeze gently caressing their skin, the day was destined for pole play and community building like never before. This one-of-a-kind event showcased the studio's unwavering commitment to fostering a close-knit and diverse group of individuals who share a passion for pole dance fitness."

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

Santa Monica Open Street Series Returns



Main Street, Santa Monica is bringing back its Open Street series for three weekends starting this summer on August 12- 13, September 9-10 and October 21-22. Transforming the street into a free community festival with al fresco dining, live music, local vendors, activities for kids, and different programming each month from Strand Street to Pier Avenue!

Curated by Santa Monica’s Pump Station & Nurtury, the experts on everything parenting, breast, baby and toddler, Open Main Street offers programming like musical story time, soccer, face painting and sensory stations to keep even the youngest attendees engaged. Rock climbing, performances from local youth organizations and classic games like giant Jenga and Connect 4 are fun and free for all ages.



From summer to fall, Open Main Street will transform sidewalks and public spaces with different programming each month, including Drag Bingo inside the beer garden in August, a collaboration with the Day of the Dog on September 9th and the return of Rocktober, celebrating Halloween with a pumpkin patch and outdoor movie screening. Each weekend brings free, pop-up fitness classes, police and fire community booths, and two satellite bars featuring local DJ’s at every event. For more info, Click Here

Meg - Surf Chats With Topanga Lou



Learn In The Bay, Work Your Way Up, Wait To Be Invited.

Visit Topanga Lou Surf Videos for Topanga surfing videos.

Santa Monica Police's Upcoming Enforcement Operation



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 Thursday, August 3rd and Friday, August 4th between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 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. 

Venice Beach Street Takeover



There was a street takeover at Venice Beach on Saturday night. In the video above, from the 3:35 to the 7:00 minute mark, is the footage from Venice.

Daisy Venice Healer Proposes - Wedding Announced



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a quirky and unconventional proposal, Daisy, also known as Wa, popped the question to her beloved, the Perfect Prince, at Venice Beach on Saturday, July 29, 2023. To the delight of the onlookers, the Perfect Prince said "yes!" The couple have wasted no time in planning their wedding, which is set to take place on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 3:00 pm, at the picturesque No Man's Land, located between Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach."

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

Alex - Surf Chats with Topanga Lou



Practice Controlling Your Board.

Visit Topanga Lou Surf Videos for Topanga surfing videos.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Experience



The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Experience is a FREE family friendly, immersive experience that invites guests to explore the turtles’ underground home. See what life is like inside their lair and train with your favorite heroes before the epic film comes to theatres on August 2.

This experience will be taking place in Sasnta Monica from Sunday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 1. Specifically on the3rd Street Promenade from 12 PM to 8 PM local time. The immersive experience itself will let you explore the Turtles’ underground home and see what everyday life is like as heroes in training.



Paramount’s also partnering up with Amazon for the event. At the end of each trip to the lair you’ll be greeted by the “Sewer Shop” that will have all the TMNT merch your Turtle loving heart desires. This includes everything from Mutant Mayhem and classic TMNT toys to clothes.

Amazon exclusive Turtle products will also be available to buy like Mutant Mayhem’s Leonardo Plush Toy , the Classic Cohort Collection of action figures, and various t-shirts .

For more info and to book a time, Click Here

Santa Monica Pier 2nd Annual Classic Car Show



The Santa Monica Police Officer Association is hosting its 2nd annual classic car show on the Santa Monica Pier. Chemical Guys and Liquid Death , are helping out with their sponsorship; along with others. Also, the one and only CHIP FOOSE and MITCH LANZINI will be attending and picking a vehicles for a prizes. There will be great raffle prizes, including a 50/50 raffle, food and beverages for purchase, and entertainment will be provided. A beer garden will be available.

The event is free for those who want to attend without classic cars or motorcycles.

Pre-register your car or motorcycle online for $45 or $50 at the door. When registering, please include the make, model, year, and color of your car or motorcycle. If you don't plan on entering your car or motorcycle into the show, but would like to donate to this event, you can do so by clicking "donate," at checkout. All proceeds will go to the SMPOA Survivor Fund.

There will be prizes for the following:

*Best Hotrod

*Best Paint Job

*Best Kustom

*Best In Show

*All cars/motorcycles registered for the car show must be in place by 8:00 am. Entrance will open at 7:00am. Entrance will be off the main Pier entrance ramp on Ocean Ave and Colorado Ave.

There will be event T-shirts for sale for $25.

This is a family event open to all. Please respect each other, the location, and no drama. We are not responsible for any lost/stolen items from your vehicle. Keep all valuables locked.

For more info and car show registration, Click Here

The Surfer and the Sage - Conversation & Book Signing with Shaun Tomson



Join us for a conversation with Shaun Tomson & Noah benShea , authors of "The Surfer and the Sage", w/ Julie Cox, founder of Traveler Surf Club.

When: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 @ 5pm for Conversation + Book Signing / 6pm for Reception

Where: 5pm @ Malibu Village Books / 6pm @ Traveler Surf Club

Program + Signing: 5-8pm

General Ticket is $35/person: incl: 1 copy of "The Surfer and the Sage", Conversation, Book Signing, Meet and Greet & Reception. 10% of your proceeds go to The Mighty Under Dogs, a grassroots non-profit providing surf therapy to children with emotional, cognitive, and physical disorders, as well as autism. Admission for one.

Wine and liquor generously provided by Strange Family Vineyards and Casamigos!

We are looking forward to seeing you - if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: malibu@villagebookstores.com or call us at: 424-235-2262

Malibu Village Books
23559 Pacific Coast Highway 23559 Malibu, CA 90265

For more info and admission, Click Here

House in Danger of falling onto PCH



Crews fix storm damaged hill under house that sits above PCH in Pacific Palisades.

Exploring Marina Del Rey with German In Venice



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

"Today, I explored LA‘s hidden treasure in Marina del Rey. It’s the Fishermans Village, they have a lighthouse. It kind a looks like New England style homes, really colorful. I took the boat taxi around the marina. You see incredible boats, yards, and a pretty cool apartments. Not too many people walk around the Fishermans village. at the end I had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It was incredible day."

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

Oceanic Global LA Hub Cleanup - Venice Beach



Join the Ocean Global LA Hub for a Beach Cleanup on Sunday 30th July 2023 at Venice Beach from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST!

This free event is to help preserve our beautiful beaches and blue planet and is an opportunity to meet our local LA Hub community! This is our second year dedicated to keeping Los Angeles clean and waste-free.

Meeting Point: Parking lot at the end of Rose Avenue in Venice Beach, CA

Access: We recommend carpooling or ride-sharing, if possible. If you need to drive, there is a paid lot available here.

Activities:

9 AM ~ Welcome Coffee and Grounding Introduction by Oceanic Global's LA Hub Chair Danielle, supported by local non-profit Waves of Recovery
10 AM ~ Cleanup - Let's protect our beaches!
11:30 ~ Weighing & Sorting Collected Waste with recycling partner Ridwell

What to pack: Volunteers will be provided with clean-up supplies, including gloves and bags. Come dressed comfortably for the clean-up, we recommend closed-toe shoes. If you'd like, feel free to bring your own gardening gloves and reusable bags!

What's Included: Water provided by recyclable and plastic-free OpenWater

This event is open to all ages.

For more info and to RSVP, Click Here

2nd Annual Venice Art & Music Street Expo



Reggae, Hip Hop & the always popular PUNK ROCK! Come out for the get down!! Help celebrate RuSTy's Birthday & show that appreciation for bringing us all together & keeping it real.

Saturday, July 29, 2023
12-6 pm

Join us in the park for a fun day of local music, art, and a celebration for our friend Rusty of No Reaction! — the seminal Venice punk band that featured at our 'History of Punk' show last year.

Barbie Movie Surfboard For Sale - $1,000, 000

Some fool posted this ad on Craigslist:



The $1,000,000 price tag is most likely for attention, appears if the person selling the board is for real, the highest offer made by the end of July deadline will get to buy it.

To view the ad, Click Here

Malibu Dreams - A Mesmerizing Surf Adventure



From Brad Jacobson:

"Yes, I've said Malibu can be an absolute nightmare to surf but... when filmed from above it looks a bit more dreamy."

Life Rolls On - They Will Skate Again - WCMX at Venice Skatepark



Video recap from They Will Skate Again adaptive skateboarding event by Life Rolls On held at the Venice Beach Skatepark.

SUP Magic @ Malibu Beach



How to start your day when living in California? Grab your SUP and take it for a early morning paddle and yoga session at Malibu Beach! Nothing can beat the mood there when the sun start to rise.

Lady Arrested for Assaulting Venice Beach Vendor with Traffic Cone



NameOnRice captured video of the arrest of a lady that hit a vendor with a orange trafgfic cone. She had been taken away by the LAPD 3 times already, but gets released and she returns to the beach to cause more trouble.

Ed Perry Memorial Regatta at Venice Beach



Sun, July 29, 2023

For more info, Click Here

The 47th Annual Festival of the Chariots



The 47th Annual Los Angeles Festival of the Chariots is happening on August 6, 2023 from 10AM - 7PM. This is a FREE festival!

The festivities begin with a parade of three 40-foot tall chariots, which begins at Pico and Main in Santa Monica. The parade proceeds down Main Street until Rose Avenue, when it turns on to the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The parade ends at the festival site, located at Venice Beach Windward Plaza at 12 PM.

The festival, located at Venice Beach Windward Plaza, runs from 12-7 PM. Come out for amazing cultural entertainment, a free feast, gift shop, and other food booths. You do not want to miss this once yearly festival.



For more info, Click Here

Fire in Topanga Canyon



As of 3PM, on Wednesday, LA County Fire Dept responding to an approx 1/2 acre fire in medium brush with a moderate rate of spread, light wind out of the west at Topanga Cyn Blvd & Santa Maria Rd. Some structures threatened. Topanga Cyn is closed from PCH to Mulholland. This fire is being called the Owen Fire.



At 4PM, he fire grew to about 25 acres, with 10% containment. Topanga Canyon Blvd. (State Route 27) closed between PCH (State Route 1) and Mulllholland Dr. Only emergency vehicles & residents with ID permitted.



At 5PM, Topanga Canyon Road has reopened, but drivers are being urged to seek an alternate route. Traffic may be slow due to fire crews and equipment in the area.



Smoke from the Owen Fire in Topanga Canyon drifting over the LA Basin.

Removal of Dangerous Portion of Santa Monica Bluffs



Recently, the City discovered an unstable portion of the Santa Monica Bluffs located just above the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between the California Incline and Moomat Ahiko Way.

In order to address the land instability and to ensure safety, the City of Santa Monica proactively performed an emergency removal of the portion identified.

The bluff removal required a temporary early morning closure of all lanes of northbound PCH and in connection westbound I-10, in addition to a temporary overnight and morning closure of the Moomat Ahiko Way on-ramp from Ocean Avenue to PCH.

LAPD gives Tickets for Smoking on Venice Beach



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took action against individuals violating the smoking regulations at the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. Smoking, whether it be tobacco or marijuana, is strictly prohibited on the boardwalk and the beach, in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44.b,24 and California Health and Safety section 11362.3.

As per the Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44.b,24, the use of tobacco products and smokeless tobacco is banned, and violations of this regulation are considered infractions. The code specifically states that no person shall light, ignite, or otherwise set fire to, or smoke, carry, throw, or discard any lighted tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, or smoking tobacco within the area.

Moreover, California Health and Safety section 11362.3 emphasize that cannabis or cannabis products may not be smoked or ingested in any public place unless authorized by the local jurisdiction. Violation of this section is also deemed an infraction. It is further clarified that smoking cannabis is prohibited in locations where smoking tobacco is disallowed, which includes the Venice Beach Boardwalk and its adjacent beach area.

The LAPD has been actively enforcing these regulations to ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors to the city. The ban on smoking at popular outdoor spots like Venice Beach aims to protect the public from secondhand smoke exposure and maintain clean and enjoyable recreational spaces.

Authorities urge everyone to comply with these laws and respect the designated non-smoking areas across the city. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in citations and fines. It is essential for the public to be aware of these rules and to act responsibly to preserve the well-being of all individuals in Los Angeles.

The LAPD remains vigilant in upholding these smoking regulations and will continue to monitor and enforce the ban to uphold public health standards and promote a cleaner, smoke-free environment for all."

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

Cart Narcs - Venice



Stand-Up Paddleboard Classes at the Annenberg Community Beach House



Learn the basics of this exciting activity and enjoy the world-famous Santa Monica State Beach from a whole new perspective. Participants learn water safety, entering and exiting the water with the board and paddle, and the basic positions, techniques, and strokes needed to enjoy their time on the water. Class fee includes use of paddleboard, paddle, and Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device.

August 5, 12, 19, and 26
Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402

For more info and to register, Click Here or call Guest Services at (310) 458-4904

Clean Up The Beach - Venice



We are seeking people who are passionate about keeping our California beaches clean!

We are seeking people who are passionate about keeping our California beaches clean!

Earn Community Service Hours while learning the importance of why we should care about Venice Beach and should "Be Nice to VeNice" by keeping it trash-free!

Please complete the information below with the dates and number of people.

We meet at 📍 Venice Beach: Lifeguard Tower#19Our meet up station will be at a green pop-up Tent.

Use the address for Venice Beach Rentals for the meet up location:

2100-1 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291r



Saturday, August 12, 2023
10am - 3pm

Venice Beach
2100-1 Ocean Front Walk
Los Angeles, CA 90291



For more info, Click Here

Marina Movie Night - Jaws



The Department of Beaches and Harbors presents Marina Movie Nights. Pack your picnic baskets and bring the family to Burton Chace Park on Saturday nights to enjoy our free outdoor movie screenings – by the water and under the stars!

All movies start at 8:00 pm. Be sure to bundle up!

2023 MOVIE LINEUP:
July 29 | Jaws
August 12 | Grease
August 26 | Beverly Hills Cop
September 2| Thor: Love and Thunder
September 9 | Love and Basketball
September 16 | Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
September 23 | Top Gun: Maverick
September 30 | Creature from the Black Lagoon

TICKETS:
No tickets are required for entry but RSVP is highly recommended so that you can be notified of any last minute changes. RSVP for each movie night by clicking on the links above. Each link will direct you to separate EventBrite pages.

SEATING:
Seating is festival-style, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is absolutely no reserved seating for the public.
Please be considerate and bring only low-back lawn/beach chairs or blankets.
No tents or umbrellas during the show.

PARKING:
Closest parking is located at Marina Parking Lots #77, #4 and #5.

Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

For more info and to RSVP, Click Here

Venice Skateboarding Stuff's 25 Year Anniversary and Skate Contest



The Venice Beach Games celebrates Venice Skateboarding Stuff's 25 Year Anniversary with some flatland skate contests.

This mom and pop shop is still standing strong thanks to all of you who have kept the shop going and big thanks to the locals. Venice family. There will be many dope giveaways and prizes!

Flatland Skate Events

- 9:00 a.m. Welcome Skate
- 10:00-11:030 a.m. Longboarding Dancing and Skate Lessons
- 11:030 a.m -12:00 p.m Raffles and Giveaway
- 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Highest Ollie and longest manuel
- 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. Flatland freestyle tricks contest
- 5:00 p.m Cruise out

On July 29, 2023 come down to the Venice Rec. Center, 1800 Oceanfront Walk, and check in at the registration tent. You will sign a waiver, and get a wrist band and map/event itinerary. The wrist band is your pass to participate in the 45+ events going on at Venice Beach Games. The map and itineraries will show you where and when in the park everything is happening.



For more info, Click Here

Skateboard Contests at the Venice Beach Games

The Venice Beach Games is stoked to have Skate Parks Association International and Girl is Not a 4 Letter Word , hosting the Venice Beach Games 2023 Skate Comp. in Venice's world famous ocean front skate park

SKATEBOARD EVENTS

10:30 – 11:30 am Pup Cup

12 – 1:30 Ladies Jam in small bowl and Snake Run

12 - 1:30 Best trick on the 3 block

1 pm – 3 pm Best tricks in the big bowl

1:45 – 2:30 Best Trick on the stairs

2:30 – 3 pm Best trick on the clam shell

3pm - Longest grind in the big bowl

3:30 – 4 pm Best trick in the Snake Run

On July 29, 2023 come down to the Venice Rec. Center, 1800 Oceanfront Walk, and check in at the registration tent. You will sign a waiver, and get a wrist band and map/event itinerary. The wrist band is your pass to participate in the 45+ events going on at Venice Beach Games. The map and itineraries will show you where and when in the park everything is happening.



For more info, Click Here

SFLA x DTS x Bliss Beach Venice Pier Public Beach Cleanup



Get stoked on summer at one of Surfrider LA's public cleanups! We will be gathering from 10am-12pm at the northside of Venice Pier for a morning of beach cleaning and community. Bliss Beach will be generously providing a setup for participants to lounge at during the event.

Prior to the beach cleanup, Dream Team Society will be hosting a casual surf and beach hang from 8am-10am. All types of surf, boogie, or swim craft are welcome. Please bring your own board.

Sun, Jul 30, 2023
10:00AM-12:00PM

For more info and to register, Click Here