Gladstone's Malibu will be Torn Down

After 50 years, Gladstones is closing down in October (some reports say as it will close as early as September 15). Their lease is coming to an end .Los Angeles County is the owner of the land and is seeking a long-term lease with new tenants.

L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, has called the property “seriously deteriorated and outdated.”

The building is set to be torn down and the city plans to construct a new culinary destination designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and operated by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. The proposed project calls for an architecturally attractive waterfront dining destination with easy access to public transit, including the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus. Preliminary plans include casual dining areas serving a changing menu of locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine, a lounge, a rooftop bar, a public deck, small retailers including an ice cream shop, and a monument to the site's well-known tenant, Gladstones.

According to Gladstones.com, California’s Pacific Palisades landmark has long been a state stalwart: Founded in 1972 right on the beach in Malibu, Gladstones restaurant has been a symbol of Los Angeles and the Southern California lifestyle for nearly half a century. Owned by former Los Angeles Mayor Richard J. Riordan, this classic establishment has stood the test of time, outlived trends, and set the bar for quality, warmth, and excellent seafood.

Venice Boulevardiers Bike lane Clean Up Event

Hey y'all. Sam here, local journalist who started People Powered Media .

We are trying to start up hyperlocal volunteer groups to clean and maintain bike lanes, and also to report issues to the authorities.

Our second bike lane cleanup is happening Sunday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. Meet at Coffee Bean/Tea Leaf and Venice and Hughes.

The plan is to the survey the local lanes, cleaning as necessary. You can come on foot or by bike, and there should be parking available if you drive. The cleanup crew will be traveling slow, at walking pace.

Basically dress for heavy, dusty work -- cover up, boots, masks, glasses/goggles, etc. Also, bring water!

Right now, the hub for PPM is on insta, so follow us there for details on the day of. But basically, show up, meet up, and we'll clean for an hour or two, and then grab food, probably at Baja California Tacos, down at Venice and Overland.

What better way to celebrate Labor Day than with some Labor! lol

For more info, Click Here

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

Waves of Malibu 1996

Today we're embarking on an exhilarating journey to the iconic shores of Malibu California circa 1996. Join us as we immerse ourselves in the thrilling world of the Malibu surf scene capturing the essence of a pivotal era in surfing history.

Hurricane Hilary Surfing Malibu

Fight at Venice Skatepark

Xcel's End of Summer Sale

It starts today, Xcel's End of Summer Sale

Xcel never goes on sale so this is a big deal!

Up to 40% off select items *
Sale runs until September 5th
No code needed!

Shop Now!

Venice Beach Homeless Fight stopped by LAPD

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) swiftly intervened in a dispute between two unhoused individuals at the iconic Venice Beach earlier today. Officers, driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), rushed to the scene to defuse a confrontation that reportedly involved a taser.

Eyewitnesses recounted a heated exchange between the two men, with tensions escalating as they grappled over the possession of a taser. By the time law enforcement arrived, one of the individuals had departed the scene, leaving officers to address the aftermath with the remaining individual.

The LAPD officers on-site were familiar with the individual who stayed behind, a man known for frequently causing disturbances due to being under the influence. The department acknowledged his recurring presence in the area, often drawing attention due to his behavior.

Following the incident, the police conducted a thorough investigation, speaking with witnesses to piece together the events that transpired. After careful consideration and consultation, the officers made the decision to release the remaining individual. Despite the altercation and the tumultuous history, the authorities opted to allow him to continue on his way."

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Visiting LA's Pump Track

Checking the Los Angeles' new pump track over in Inglewood. Even though it was made for bicycles, it's being used more by skateboarders.

Santa Monica Police Special Enforcement on Labor Day Weekend

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 Wednesday, August 30th, Thursday, August 31st and Friday, September 1, 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. 

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Chabot at 310-458-6679, Detective Sergeant Gradle at ryan.gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427."

Update on Dead Body Found in Palisades Park - Homeless Suicide

Here's an official update about the Dead Body Found Near Santa Monica Pier from the anta Monica Police Department:.

Suspicious Death / Shots Fired Incident
"On Sunday August 27, 2023, at about 10:48 pm, dispatch received a call that a subject described as a male, black, about 180lbs, wearing a grey hoodie, white shirt, black pants and with a black backpack fired once into the air with a handgun in the 1700 block of Ocean Ave on the west sidewalk. A spent casing was recovered at the location. The suspect was not involved in any disturbance prior to shooting the round and left southbound prior to officers’ arrival.

On August 28 at 0112 hours, SMPD officers responded to a call of additional shots fired near the 1500 block of Palisades Park. The RP reported that she “saw a male shooting and then shot himself in the face.” Officers located a victim down at the bottom of the Broadway stairs near PCH who was not breathing and with a gunshot wound. The victim matched the clothing and physical description of the shooter from the earlier call on Ocean Ave. Preliminary investigation indicates the two incidents are possibly related.

The Victim/Suspect, who lists an address in Los Angeles, is currently experiencing homelessness.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Chabot at 310-458-6679, Detective Sergeant Gradle at ryan.gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427."

Santa Monica Beach Restrooms Blocked

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On August 29, 2023, at Santa Monica Beach, Vernes Plumbing effectively addressed a notable mainline blockage that resulted in the closure of restrooms at the 1700 block. Amid a temporary interruption due to the mainline obstruction, the Vernes Plumbing team skillfully located and resolved the issue, ensuring the smooth functioning of the restrooms. This momentary disruption garnered the interest of both beachgoers and pedestrians who regularly utilize the area."

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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8-Wheel Skateboard

Just like the one Lonnie Toft rode in the 70's, Kevin from Ocean Park 26 made a 8-wheel skateboard and goes skates it. Joined by Sante Bentivoglio of Bay Street Boards, they hit up Stoner Skate Park, a mini-ramp on the Santa Monica Pier, and Ocean Park.

LA County Ocean Water Quality Update

August 28, 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 AREAS WARNINGS:

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Ashland Avenue Storm Drain at Santa Monica State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

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

· Herondo Street Storm Drain in Hermosa Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· 28th Street Storm Drain at Manhattan County Beach.

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

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

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach

· Pico-Kenter Storm Drain at Santa Monica State Beach

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

· Topanga County Beach, Topanga Canyon Lagoon

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24- hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662.

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.

Opera at the Beach

LIVE FROM THE LA OPERA STAGE TO THE BIG SCREEN AT SANTA MONICA PIER

LA Opera presents Mozart’s Don Giovanni on the big screen. Your beach day just got better. See Mozart’s Don Giovanni, broadcast live from the LA Opera stage to the Big Screen at Santa Monica Pier.

Free to attend, RSVP below
Saturday, September 23

Gates open 4:30pm
Broadcast begins 6:00pm
Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA 90401

Gather your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic and come experience the music and drama of Don Giovanni under the stars. This event is free to attend and open to all ages. RSVP to receive the latest updates and a free gift at the event.



EVENT DETAILS
Arrive early for LA Opera arts & crafts activities

Beach Parking Lot: 1550 Appian Way,
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Food & Beer: **Check back soon for announcements about exciting food vendors at the event



What to Bring: Bring your own blankets, low lawn seats, and cushions. Don't forget your sweaters and jackets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
**Chairs will not be available for rent.

What Not to Bring: Large coolers, canopies, tents or sun umbrellas. Sorry, no pets.
**There will be a bag check at the event entrance.

About Don Giovanni:
In the heat of the moment, the notorious Don Giovanni (aka Don Juan) murders the father of one of his conquests, unwittingly unleashing an ominous force from beyond the grave that can’t be stopped. Accustomed to getting away with anything and everything, he must now face the music as years of cruelty and debauchery come due.

Sign up to attend Opera at the Beach and receive the latest event details.

For more info and to RSVP, Click Here

Combative Homeless Man Arrested on the beach

Several Santa Monica Police officers respond to a combative homeless man in the area on the beach that borders Venice called "No Man's Land"

Possible Murder of Homeless Man at Palisades Park

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica's law enforcement agencies are in the midst of an intensive inquiry following a reported incident at Palisades Park earlier today. This ongoing investigation has prompted the temporary closure of a section of Palisades Park, as well as the Broadway pedestrian bridge which spans the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Santa Monica Police Department has been actively probing a fatality that occurred during the early hours of the morning. The incident site, located at the juncture of Ocean Avenue and Broadway and near the Broadway stairs within Palisades Park, serves as the focal point of this inquiry. The victim, a male believed to be in his 40s, was discovered deceased at the scene. While initial indications hint at a potential connection to homelessness, authorities have also uncovered an associated address in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has become actively involved in the investigation, dispatching their personnel to the scene. Taking charge of the deceased individual's body, the coroner's team has taken a crucial step towards unraveling the complexities of this incident, which includes determining the precise cause of death.

As the Santa Monica Police Department delves deeper into the investigation, additional updates are anticipated to be released in the coming days. In their efforts to gather a comprehensive understanding of the situation, law enforcement is urging any individuals possessing pertinent information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation."

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

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Dead Body Found Near Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating a death that occurred early this morning in Palisades Park, near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Broadway and the Broadway stairs. The deceased appears to be a male in his 40s, possibly homeless but with an associated address in Los Angeles. The LA County Coroner has responded and will assist with crucial aspects of the investigation, including positively identifying the victim and the manner of death.

Unrest Erupts at Palisades Park

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Turmoil Unfolds at Palisades Park as Santa Monica Police Officer Engages with Disruptive Gathering on Friday, August 25, 2023."

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

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Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier

2nd annual classic car show on the Santa Monica Pier hosted by the Santa Monica Police Officer Association (SMPOA).

Skating the Famous Santa Monica Triple Set

The Santa Monica Triple set , some history of the vast number of tricks that have gone down it over the years! We also take a look at what there is to skate near by.

2023 Homeless Count in Malibu shows Reduced Numbers

The Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) announced the results from the 2023 Homeless Count, which showed a continuing reduction in people experiencing homelessness in Malibu. The Count took place in Malibu on January 25, 2023 with more than 20 volunteers participating, including members of the City’s Homeless Outreach Team, Homelessness Task Force, Public Safety Commission, and City staff.

Volunteers were assigned to a group that covered a particular census-designated area within the city limits in order to look for individuals, families, cars, RVs, tents, and makeshift shelters.

"The homeless crisis impacts everyone -- housed and unhoused," said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. "When I was elected to the City Council, one of my top priorities was to find ways to help reduce the number of individuals living unhoused in Malibu, and I am pleased to see that our efforts to assist unhoused individuals while making Malibu's public spaces more welcoming to our residents appear to be succeeding. We are indebted to the Sheriff’s Department, The People Concern, the Las Virgenes – Malibu Council of Governments, the Malibu Homelessness Working Group, the Homelessness Task Force, Malibu Community Assistance Resource Team (CART), and the community volunteers who have worked in partnership with the City to help in our efforts to achieve our objectives."

The raw data presented by LAHSA showed that there were 26 unsheltered people living in Malibu and 43 improvised dwellings, including 23 cars, 9 vans, 7 RVs and 3 tents, which together account for approximately 45 people, for a total of 71 unhoused individuals living in Malibu.

On July 13, 2023, City staff, the City’s Homeless Outreach Team, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and members of Malibu CART conducted another homeless count to observe patterns in the City’s homelessness trends since the January 2023 count and obtain an additional data set. The count found that an estimated 86 people are experiencing homelessness, a large part of whom are transient individuals commuting through the City to other locations while 38 are engaged with services provided by the City’s Homeless Outreach Team.

For the full article, Click Here

Westward Beach Clean Up

Join City of Malibu for 2023 CA Coastal Cleanup Day at Westward Beach Sat, Sept 23, 9AM – 12PM. Open to all adults, children, community groups & businesses. You can help keep our beaches and ocean clean and beautiful!

The City of Malibu is joining with Heal the Bay to host the 2023 CA Coastal Cleanup Dayat Zuma Lagoon and Westward Beach on Saturday, September 23, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This volunteer event is part of California Coastal Cleanup Day, and is open to everyone, including adults, children, community groups, and businesses.

California Coastal Cleanup Day was started in 1985, and has become one of the largest trash collection events in the world, with thousands of volunteers participating across the state.

"The people of Malibu are a responsible custodian of the area’s natural resources for present and future generations," said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. "That is a quote from our city's Vision Statement, and I invite everyone in Malibu to join our city staff on Coastal Cleanup Day to help Malibu stay true to that Vision."

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Bay Street Boards - local Surf / Skate Shop in Dogtown, Santa Monica

Kevin from Ocean Park 26 takes us on a visit to Bay Street Boards in Santa Monica, CA. A local family-owned surf & skate shop.

Bay Street Boards
3216 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica,
CA 90404, United States

Dodge Challenger gets stuck on the Beach in Venice

Around 3AM, some guy drives his Dodge Challenger on the beach at Venice Beach and gets it stuck in sand. Unable to get it out. a tow truck pulls it out, all got on the surf cam.

Surfing on a Snowboard at Malibu

From Brad Jacobson:

"I finally figured out if a snowboard could be surfed. It was worth the wait. My friend Julian Willams was kind enough to assist me even though it meant paddling out on a soft top with a snowboard at one of the most crowded line-ups in the world."

Santa Monica Pier Drone show for 'One Piece' Debut

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The Santa Monica Pier was awash with a mesmerizing display of light and technology on Thursday night, as a fleet of 500 drones took to the night sky in celebration of the highly anticipated premiere of Netflix's live-action adaptation of the beloved Japanese manga, "One Piece.""



Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

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Kobe Bryant Day Lights Up Santa Monica's Ferris Wheel

From Santa Monica Close Up:

" Honoring Kobe Bryant's Legacy 🏀✨ The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel lit up in vibrant purple and gold on August 24th, a beautiful tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant in the heart of LA.

Today, we celebrate Kobe Bryant Day, a day also known as Black Mamba Day or Mamba Day. This special date, August 24, was chosen to honor Kobe's jersey numbers, 8 and 24, as well as it being the day after his birthday on August 23. He would have turned 45 this year.

Kobe's impact on the game of basketball and the city of Los Angeles is immeasurable. Starting his NBA journey at just 17, he dedicated an incredible 20 years to the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2018, he launched the "Mamba Sports Foundation," now known as the "Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation." This foundation is all about creating positive opportunities for underserved young athletes, regardless of gender, helping them chase their dreams on and off the field."



Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

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Surf Photos - Topanga - Saturday 8-19-2023

Here's surfing photos from the Saturday, AUgust 8th, the day before Huricane Hilary at Topanga.

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

These are just a few of the 250+ 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 galleries for this day, check them out, the links to the complete galleries are down below.
















You can find about 250 more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in these 2 photo galleries:

Topanga - Saturday 8-19-2023 Photo Gallery #1
Topanga - Saturday 8-19-2023 Photo Gallery #2


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.