How America’s Greatest Ocean Park Failed

This is the story of Pacific Ocean Park. Once a rival to Disneyland, this popular so-cal amusement park built on a pier, would quickly become abandoned. What went wrong?

Santa Monica Answers Questions About Promenade Entertainment Zone

The City of Santa Monica's Planning Manager Jing Yeo answered questions about the proposed first-of-its kind "Entertainment Zone" on the 3rd Street Promenade. This zone would allow adults 21+ to purchase an adult beverage from a Promenade business and consume it outdoors as they walk along the Promenade, play an outdoor game or listen to a performer, and enjoy the beautiful weather our city is known for. This is one of the city’s many new initiatives to make the Third Street Promenade a fun, engaging, desirable destination for visitors and residents alike.

Where is the proposed Entertainment Zone?

The Entertainment Zone would encompass the 1200-1400 blocks of the Third Street Promenade, between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway. No other areas of the city would be included at this time.

What is proposed for the Entertainment Zone?

The Promenade would remain open, as usual, to families and visitors of all ages.

Patrons who are of legal drinking age will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at a business on the Promenade that has a license to serve alcohol from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. They can then consume that drink outside within the designated zone, which will run the three blocks of the Promenade.

Participating businesses will need to opt-in and sign a Participation Agreement with the city. The business will be responsible for checking IDs as they normally would when serving alcohol, and they will then provide the customer with an official city-provided wristband that they must wear while consuming the drink outdoors. Business owners will supply their own to-go cups (they must not be made of metal or glass per state law).

Per California law, the five essential rules of the Entertainment Zone are:

You must be 21+ and wear an official wristband to enjoy alcoholic drinks to-go.
Only alcoholic drinks purchased from participating businesses are allowed.
Alcohol taken to-go must be in a non-glass, non-metal container.
Finish your drink before exploring another bar, restaurant or shop.
Enjoy your alcoholic beverages within the Entertainment Zone boundaries.

The ordinance under consideration for the May 13 meeting would officially create Santa Monica’s Entertainment Zone in the city code. If approved by the council, city staff will develop a Management Plan that spells out more specific details, regulations and parameters.

Can I bring my own alcohol to drink on the Promenade?

No. Patrons in the Entertainment Zone can only consume alcoholic beverages purchased at participating establishments registered with the city.

Only individuals wearing an official wristband will be allowed to consume alcohol on the Promenade.

How will underage drinking be prevented?

Businesses will be responsible for checking IDs before selling alcohol, in accordance with their normal practices. All servers of alcoholic beverages on the Promenade are required to undergo alcohol server training with the Santa Monica Police Department, and those same rules – checking IDs, not serving to minors, not serving to anyone who is obviously intoxicated, etc. – still apply. Wristbands will only be provided to individuals who are 21+.

Can I go shopping with my drink?

Only window shopping. Individuals will not be permitted to take their beverage into any other businesses.

What if someone is drinking on the Promenade and gets rowdy?

The Santa Monica Police Department has been in close coordination with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.’s private security firm for the Promenade, Legion, on the Entertainment Zone rollout and guidelines. In addition to Santa Monica Police Department’s routine patrols downtown, private security will maintain a regular presence on the Promenade during all hours the Entertainment Zone is operational.

The city, Legion and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. will monitor and continuously evaluate the program to assess whether updates need to be made or the program must be paused for reconsideration due to participant conduct or other impacts.

The Community Development Department has identified a number of metrics that we hope will provide insight into the positives of the Entertainment Zone – such as sales tax revenue and foot traffic – as well as any potential negatives, such as calls for police service, increased promenade maintenance and trash collection needs, etc. The first formal staff evaluation of the Entertainment Zone will occur six months after its official activation.

What are the hours of the Entertainment Zone?

As currently proposed, the hours would be 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. These hours can be limited in the activation of the Entertainment Zone to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.

How will tourists or others from out-of-town know the rules?

There will be signs posted throughout the Promenade and at the boundaries of the Entertainment Zone denoting the five essential rules. Each participating business will also be required to post the rules at their establishment.

The Community Development Department is also working closely with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., Santa Monica Police Department, Public Works Department, the city’s Office of Communications and others to ensure a smooth rollout of the Entertainment Zone should it be approved by the City Council.

What options is the council considering on May 13?

Proceed with the expanded program as outlined in the staff report and this FAQ
Move forward with an events-based model similar to what was presented at the April 22 City Council meeting
Make adjustments to the expanded proposal, such as limiting hours, days, etc.
Decline to establish the Entertainment Zone

If approved by the City Council, when will the Entertainment Zone be effective?

The city is aiming to begin activating the program in early June, with the Pride on the Promenade event on June 21 being the official, celebratory launch.

Any activation of the Entertainment Zone — whether as a daily occurrence or tied to a special event — will require approval by the city. Further, the city has no obligation to allow activation of the Entertainment Zone if there are safety or operational concerns.

2 Arrested For Breaking Into Cars At Ocean Park

On Saturday, around noon, 2 guys were chased down and arrested by Santa Monica Police after they were seen breaking into vehicles in the Ocean Park Beach Parking lot.

They drove to the beach in a white Inifinti SUV, parked in Lot 5 and went out to break into the vehicles of people visiting the beach. They were seen checking the doors of several vehicles, and at least one victim was able to retrieve what was taken from her when the police searched the Infiniti. She said they got into her vehicle by forcing something into her door lock.

Life Rolls On - They Will Surf Again

Hundreds of volunteers, people of all ages with disabilities, and entire families come together for an epic day in the ocean.

Whether you’ve surfed with us for years, are a beginner, or just want to meet people and hang out for the day…YOU BELONG HERE. Everyone is welcome.

You’ll be amazed who you meet at a Life Rolls On event. Heroic people navigating life with various disabilities, and heroic volunteers making freedom possible. The 2025 season is about to get underway. Registration for “They Will Surf Again” Santa Monica opens Wednesday May 7th at 9am PST. We are extremely excited to see everyone on June 21st for the first surf event of the 2025 “Get On Board” Tour.



Lifeguard Tower 28
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica CA 90405





For more info and to register, Click Here.

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

Annual Venice Beach Firefighters Station 63 Pancake Breakfast

It’s time again for the annual Venice Beach Firefighters Station 63 pancake breakfast.

Come out and support your local heroes at Station 63 this Saturday from 8 AM – 1 PM!

Join the Venice firefighters as they fire up the griddle and serve up a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausages, coffee, and orange juice – all for a great cause. Bring your appetite, your friends, and your community spirit and enjoy station tours, live music and jumpers for the kids. Let’s show some love to the brave men and women who keep Venice safe! See you there.

Saturday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Los Angeles Fire Dept. Station 63 1930 Shell Ave
Venice, CA 90291

For more info, Click Here

Venice Beach Cinco de Mayo Car Show

The Westside Classics Car Club presents Cinco de Mayo celebration at Venice Beach on May 4th 2025. Lowriders and classic cars from all over Los Angeles show up for this large car show.

Dead Body Found On Beach By Venice Skatepark

While surfers are surfing, skaters are skating, and tourists are touristing, officials are investigating a body found on the beach next to the Venice Graffiti Wall and Skatepark. Said to possibly be a homeless man in his 40's, LAPD recieved the call about the discovery around 3am Tuesday morning, and the investigation lasted till around 11am.

Pali Strong - Healing, Hope & Community by the Sea Event

To our friends and neighbors from Pacific Palisades to Malibu to Altadena/Pasadena/Sierra Madre...

In the wake of the fires that changed our lives, we invite you to join us for a special evening at the Santa Monica Pier dedicated exclusively to the survivors.

This night is about us—a time for unity, joy, and celebrating the unbreakable spirit of our community, as we come together to heal and reconnect.

📍 Santa Monica Pier
Tuesday May 6, 2025
5pm-10pm
7:30-8:30 Esteemed Leaders & Hero's Awards
*This event is exclusively for fire victims. Please be mindful this private gathering is intended for neighbors to connect with one another.

This evening has one purpose: to reconnect.

🎤MC Jimmy Dunne

❤️ Handprint Unity Wall
A creative station where guests dip their hands in paint and leave their handprints on a large banner, creating a visual representation of their unity and commitment to rebuilding.

❤️Pali Strong Time Capsule
Each attendee brings a small personal item, note, or memento (e.g., a photo, a written wish, a token of remembrance) to be placed inside a sealed time capsule that will be permanently stored in the Palisades. This capsule will serve as a testament to the strength and unity of those who lived through this moment in history.

❤️Filiming Histories booth
Step into the Filming Histories Booth to share your personal experience of the Palisades fires. This is a space to record your story—whether it’s a moment of loss, resilience, or hope—for future generations to remember. Your voice becomes part of a collective archive, ensuring our community’s history is never forgotten.

❤️Tiles for future placement on DT Palisades wall
Leave your mark on the Palisades by contributing a personalized tile to be placed on the future downtown wall. Each tile tells a story—honoring resilience, remembering the past, and celebrating our community’s strength. Be part of this lasting tribute that will stand for generations to come. (Palisades residents only please)

Throughout the evening, there will be special booths and interactive spaces designed to stir your heart, honor our shared journey, and celebrate the strength of our community. From symbolic keepsakes to collaborative art and storytelling, each experience has been carefully curated to help us reconnect, reflect, and contribute to something lasting. Get ready for moments you’ll carry with you long after the night ends.

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

Santa Monica Pier Bridge Construction Has Begun

Construction at Beach Parking Lot 1N started and parking remains available for all visitors.

Construction started early March at Beach Parking Lot 1N in preparation for the upcoming Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement, set to start in late 2025. This project involves relocating electrical equipment located underneath the bridge to a permanent location in the Beach Parking Lot 1N. The move will ensure uninterrupted electrical connection for businesses on the pier during construction.

The 85-year-old bridge, built in 1939, has served as the only access point for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic from Colorado Ave to the Pier. The city contracted Doty Bros. Equipment Company for the project. Their responsibilities include setting up staging areas, installing fencing, and potholing existing utility structures within Beach Parking Lot 1N, where new power equipment will be stored. The Beach Parking Lot 1N, where the new electrical infrastructure will be housed. This portion of the project is expected to be completed by September 2025.

The Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project aims to make the bridge more accessible for cars and pedestrians, and plans to make seismic safety upgrades for earthquake protection. New railing, lighting, and expanded sidewalks are new features that will be introduced to the bridge to make it more accessible for visitors. This $29 million project includes the removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the historic Santa Monica Pier sign. The target finish date is set ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, in anticipation of hundreds of thousands of additional visitors in the city.

Parking remains available during construction at Beach Parking Lot 1N for all visitors.

For additional questions regarding Beach Parking Lot 1N construction or the Pier Replacement Project, contact Santa Monica City Senior Civil Engineer Jason Hoang at 310-351-7913

Nick Gabaldón Day Celebration

Join Black Surfers Collective as we celebrate Nick Gabaldón Day on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9 AM – 1 PM.

Nick’s fearless passion for surfing paved the way for many, and this event honors his legacy by celebrating diversity in surfing and bringing the community together for a day of stories, surf, and shared experiences.

🌊 Surf Lessons: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Register in advance to secure a spot)
🏄 Location: Bay Street, Santa Monica, 2000 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

📢 Special Event at Heal the Bay Aquarium (1 PM – 4 PM)
After the beach, enjoy free admission to Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier, featuring:
🎤 Celebrity Guest Story Time
🎨 Special Art Activities
🎬 Documentary Screenings

Don’t miss this incredible day of surf, history, and community! Register now to secure your spot.

For more info and to register, Click Here

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

High Surf Advisory Issued For LA Beaches

On Saturday at 12:29 p.m. a high surf advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 9 p.m. until Monday, May. 5 at 9 a.m. for Los Angeles County Beaches:

WHAT...Large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents. Surf highest across northwest and west facing beaches.

WHERE...Los Angeles County Beaches.

WHEN...From 9 PM Saturday evening to 9 AM PDT Monday.

IMPACTS...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.

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. For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Another Dead Sea Lion washes up on Santa Monica Beach

Another dead sea lion washes up on the beach at Bay Street, just south of the Santa Monica Pier. A crowd gathers as animal control and the beach maintenance crew load the sea lion onto the truck to remove it from the area.

No information was provided on the cause of death of this sea lion.

Officials say sea lions have been affect by Red Tides and Domoic Acid Toxicity.

The Marine Mammal Center states "Domoic acid is produced during certain harmful algal bloom events by a type of algae called Pseudo-nitzschia australis. This neurotoxin accumulates in small fish, like sardines and anchovies, which are then eaten by marine mammals like sea lions in large quantities.

Domoic acid attacks the brain and the heart causing seizures and heart failure. If left untreated, it usually causes permanent brain damage. The toxin will naturally flush from an animal’s system over time, but sea lions repeatedly exposed to the toxin will suffer longer-lasting and more serious effects."

Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival

Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico Dancers, Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses), Venice High School Band, Santa Monica Cheerleaders. Classic Cars/Lowriders, a Clown, and more in ths festival and historic parade down Lincoln Blvd in Venice Beach.

Sexual Assault at Santa Monica College - Suspect At Large

On-Campus Sexual Battery

On April 30, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., while in the SMC Library (Main Campus), the suspect tapped the victim on the shoulder and asked for a kiss. When the victim attempted to leave, suspect grabbed victim’s groin area without consent. The suspect then left the area in an unknown direction. SMC Police personnel offered support/resources to the victim. The victim is an SMC student.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION (as provided by victims and/or witnesses): Male, Unknown Race/Ethnicity, Black Hair, 18-25 yo, No further description provided. (See photo above).

This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the Santa Monica College Police Department at 310-434-4300 and refer to Report #: 25-82.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) Fire Recovery and Repair Progress

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) remains closed to the general public for safety reasons between State Route 1 and Grand View Drive as extensive cleanup and repairs continue. Three crews have been working day and night in the emergency repair area.

While the closure remains in place, access has expanded to allow escorted school buses during designated times. Access is also permitted to law enforcement for public safety. Caltrans asks the public to heed the closure points and avoid the area for their safety as debris removal and repair work take place.

Caltrans and its partners continue to work on rebuilding and restoring the roadway by restoring retaining walls at three locations (postmiles 2.363, 2.52 and 2.712), the shoulder and a lane where the road was washed away. Caltrans is also installing debris flow barriers and larger culverts and clearing debris from nine locations where slides occurred. Through April, work will focus on a slide area near postmile 2.52 to install a new drainage system and culverts, as well as temporary paving to allow for one lane traffic through that location. Many of these improvements will help minimize the impacts of future debris/mudflows due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon.

Caltrans' contractor is making good progress on clearing storm debris. Debris removal from the February slides is nearing completion, with all 33,000 cubic yards of mud and debris cleared. To date, all dirt has tested clean. This material has been hauled out to farms in Somis and is also being used to replenish state park land impacted by the fire and storms. The storm that came in on April 26 brought down more debris, but that has been cleared.



The contractor is also conducting boring tests to determine how deep to drive the piles for the walls. Once they place K-rail and install the traffic signals for one-way traffic control, Caltrans can open the emergency repair section.

Extensive utility work continues with Southern California Edison undergrounding utility lines and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works rerouting a water main connection that was exposed when the road washed away.

Caltrans and its partners aim to partially reopen Topanga Canyon Boulevard with one-way traffic control within two months.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Speed Bumps Will Be Installed On PCH

Starting TOMORROW, Saturday, May 3, Caltrans contractors will begin installing temporary speed bumps at two checkpoints to enhance safety for the National Guard stationed there:

📍 Entrada/Chautauqua (Los Angeles side)

📍 Carbon Beach Terrace (Malibu side)

Installation begins around 6 AM on the Los Angeles side, then moves to the Malibu side once complete. One lane will remain open at all times for those with access passes into the burn area.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Cycotic Youth And No Reaction Preform At Santa Monica Pier Locals Night

Live!! At the Santa Monica Pier, Cycotic Youth is headlining the final night of Locals Night!! Punkrock, classic cars, vendors.. FREE SHOW ALL AGES!! Free giveaways, new merchandise!! Also playing will be No Reaction. May 15th, starts at 6:30 pm.

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

SLS Brings Championship Tour to Santa Monica

Street League Skateboarding (SLS) has announced an all-new Spot Takeover event that will take place on the Santa Monica Pier on Friday, May 23 for the second stop of the 2025 SLS Championship Tour.

This free festival and competition will bring SLS action to the heart of skateboarding culture, with a custom-built skate spot on the pier inspired by the legendary Santa Monica Triple Set — a spot that has tested the best and shaped generations of skaters. The event will combine elite SLS competition with an immersive community experience, uniting skaters, fans, brands, and local skate shops like never before.

“The Santa Monica Triple Set is an iconic spot,” said Paul Rodriguez, “and it's going to be awesome seeing skaters take over the pier to honor a street spot that shaped us. SLS keeps pushing the boundaries of street skate events.”



This all-new SLS format is designed with the fans at its core, offers a unique open-layout event with free admission, and creates an immersive festival atmosphere. Attendees can expect exclusive merch collaborations with world-renowned artist Joshua Vides, food trucks, live DJs, interactive fan activations, vendors, and more.

Nyjah Huston, seven-time SLS Super Crown World Champion and Los Angeles local, will compete in the event alongside Yuto Horigome, Chris Joslin, Braden Hoban, and more. Additional details, including the full skater lineup, event schedule, and skate spot renderings will be announced soon.

The 2025 SLS Championship Tour begins in Miami and then heads to Santa Monica for the first of four SLS Takeover events, each set at an iconic location reimagined for SLS competition. The season will culminate in the SLS Super Crown World Championship on December 6-7 in São Paulo, Brazil.

“There is no better place to introduce the SLS Championship Tour Takeover series than Santa Monica,” said Frank Lamicella, CEO of Thrill Sports (parent company of Street League Skateboarding). “LA is the home of skateboarding, and the Santa Monica Triple Set, of which the SLS course for this event will be based on, is both a rite of passage and a historical proving ground. The Takeover series of events inside the Championship Tour will see the best skateboarders in the world competing at noteworthy locations in their quest to earn a Super Crown championship, the most coveted achievement in street skating. This event marks a new chapter in the storied history of SLS and we’re excited to showcase our league, skaters and these legendary locations throughout the year.”



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

Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival

Come out to join us to celebrate the Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10AM to 6PM on 7th Ave between California Ave and Broadway. Parade will begin at 10AM on California Ave and Lincoln Blvd. There will be food trucks, Folklorico Dancers, Horses and Charros,Banda, Aztec Dancers, Venice High School Band, Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, Classic Cars, DJ, Piñata, raffles,Photo Booth, and much more.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style at Oakwood Recreation Park. Join us for a day filled with vibrant parades, delicious food, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Venice while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Don't miss out on this exciting event that brings the community together to honor Mexican heritage and commemorate the Battle of Puebla. Bring your friends and family for a day of celebration and cultural appreciation. See you there!

Video from last year:

For more info, Click Here

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

Palisades Fire Recovery: Burnt Malibu Homes along Pacific Coast Highway Update

Tour of the clean up progress on the beach front properties along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Progress has been made on the clean up of several of the beach front homes along the Malibu coast near Big Rock. Most homes have been fully cleared of alltheir fire debris, while a couple have not. This was filmed right after the rain storm on Saturday afternoon, April 26th, 2025, exploring the area from the beach.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Westside Classics Car Club Cinco de Mayo Celebration At Venice Beach

Westside Classics Car Club presents Cinco de Mayo celebration at Venice Beach on May 4th 2025.

For more info, Click Here

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