The Malibu Chili Cook-Off

The Malibu Chili Cook-Off® is back. September 4–7, 2026.

Labor Day Weekend.

Four days of award-winning chili, live performances on the new Aviator Nation Dreamland Music Stage, carnival rides, world-class chili judges, a skate contest, local artists, and the kind of sunset that makes you wonder why you ever go anywhere else for Labor Day weekend.

The memories belong to all of us.

100% of net proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of Malibu - youth programs, mental health support, and the long-term disaster recovery of a community that has been through it and is coming back stronger. Your Labor Day weekend plans just got a purpose.

Tickets are online only and must be purchased in advance.

NO refunds. Tickets are non-transferable and do not roll over from day to day.

Children 5 and under are free. Carnival ride passes sold separately. Tickets are priced by availability. When a tier sells out, the price goes up.

Click Here for more info and to buy tickets.

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Venice Beach Skatepark Jump Ramp Sunset Session

Opening day of the redesigned Original Venice Beach Skate Park. Skaters hitting the new jump ramp feature late in the day.

The Skatepark Foudation rebuilt the poorly designed original skate park and this is opening day.

Venice Beach Labor Day Car Show

The annual car show hosted by The Westside Classics Car Club returns to Venice Beach for Labor Day! Food, drinks, flowers, local vendors, and live music make for a fun family-friendly day for enthusiasts and casual fans of classic cars and lowriders.

September 6 from 10AM–4PM at 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA.

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Malibu To Host Free NOAA Radio Training

On August 25, the city of Malibu announced that it is offering free NOAA Weather Radio Training. Malibu and the Los Angeles County Fire Department will conduct it on Monday, August 31. The event will take place at Malibu City Hall located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.

Click Here for more info and to register.

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Shooting At Santa Monica Pier - Juvenile Arrested

On August 23, 2026, at approximately 7:49 p.m., Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting near the Pier ramp.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a male victim in his 20s was approached by a group of individuals and an altercation occurred during an attempted robbery. During the altercation, one individual fired a weapon, striking the victim in the leg.

Officers provided emergency medical aid, and the victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

A juvenile suspect was taken into custody later that evening in connection with the incident. Investigators are working to determine the juvenile’s role in the attempted robbery and shooting. Detectives continue working to identify and locate the remaining individuals involved.

This remains an active investigation

Coastal Cleanup Day 2026

Coastal Cleanup Day is an international day of action to protect our oceans, watersheds, and wildlife from debris and plastic pollution. In collaboration with the California Coastal Commission and the Ocean Conservancy, Heal the Bay has proudly been the Los Angeles County Coordinator of this event for the past 37 years.

On Saturday, September 19th, 2026, thousands of volunteers will help tackle Los Angeles’s marine debris crisis!

Help keep our beaches healthy and beautiful, one piece of trash at a time.

This year, 60+ cleanup sites will span beaches, rivers, parks, trails, neighborhoods, and underwater dive sites throughout L.A. County on Coastal Cleanup Day 2026.

Click Here for more info and to register.

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Venice Beach Homeless Clean Up Outrage - Dragon speaks about Police Arrest

Dragon has some "serious shlt" to say about the homeless clean ups at Venice Beach.

Man With Large Knife Attacks Police - Gets Shot at Palisades Park

Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to Palisades Park near the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue regarding a reported domestic violence incident. While officers were interviewing witnesses, an unrelated individual armed with a knife charged at the officers. An officer discharged their firearm, striking the individual.

Santa Monica Fire Department personnel provided emergency medical care, and the individual was transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. The involved officer was not injured.

The scene remains active as investigators preserve evidence and conduct the preliminary investigation. The public is asked to avoid the area. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Venice Beach Labor Day Car Show

The annual car show hosted by The Westside Classics Car Club returns to Venice Beach for Labor Day! Food, drinks, flowers, local vendors, and live music make for a fun family-friendly day for enthusiasts and casual fans of classic cars and lowriders.

Sunday, September 6th, 2026

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6th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show

Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) presents the 6th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier. Lowride for a Cause!

Saturday, August 29th from 10am to 4pm.

Lowride for a Cause. All proceeds will benefit youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.

Last year, more than 5,000 people attended this family-friendly event. The event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. This year, over 200 classic cars of various makes and models, some dating back to 1930’s will be on display.

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Bay Street Boards Haunted Heats Returns

The spookiest surf contest in the land will re-emerge from the ashes once more, and victory will be glorious! Stay tuned for details but save the date! Saturday, October 24 is the day for a truly creepy competition!

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

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Malibu’s PCH Speed Enforcement Cameras System

City of Malibu’s PCH Speed Safety System: Education & Outreach Phase Begins

The City of Malibu is nearing completion of construction of its PCH Speed Safety System and is launching the public education and outreach phase.

The system uses lidar and cameras to detect vehicles traveling at least 11 MPH over the posted speed limit.

Late September 2026: A 60-day warning period begins. Motorists who exceed the threshold will receive warnings only

Late November 2026: Enforcement begins, with qualifying violations resulting in civil penalties. No license points or insurance penalties will apply.

The system is designed to reduce dangerous speeding, prevent crashes and save lives. It will only record when a speed violation is detected, and strong privacy protections apply

Brush Fire Near Malibu

The City of Malibu Fire Safety Liaisons monitored a small brush fire that started Monday, 8/17, about 9:20 PM on Yerba Buena Rd., about 5 miles north of Pacific Coast Highway, just west of the Malibu City limits.

Ventura County Fire Department responded with two fixed-wing water-dropping aircraft and quickly stopped forward progress at about 2 acres. The cause is under investigation.

While there was no threat to Malibu, the City continuously monitors fires in our surrounding area and will follow up with emergency alerts and messaging on the City website and social media if a fire becomes a threat to Malibu, helping residents stay informed and ready

Small fires are a powerful reminder to get started on emergency planning, including evacuation routes, reunification locations, emergency supplies and essential documents. Monitor for fire weather, fire starts and evacuation information through emergency alerts and local news coverage so you are ready to act.

Original Venice Beach Skate Park Grand Reopening Celebration

Opening day of the redesigned Original Venice Beach Skate Park. Local Venice Skateboarding legends show up for the ribbon cutting.

The Skatepark Foudation rebuilt the poorly designed original skate park and this is opening day.

Malibu Declares Local Emergency To Speed Up Encampment Removal

The Malibu City Council unanimously approved a declaration of local emergency on August 10 after Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) levels in the Santa Monica Mountains fell below 65%, the threshold the Council has set for hazardous fire conditions. The declaration allows the City, all of which is within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, to act more quickly to remove homeless encampments to reduce the risk of fires associated with unpermitted camping.

“Declaring a local emergency provides an important proactive measure to reduce wildfire risk and protects lives and homes in Malibu as fire conditions worsen as we move towards the peak fire season,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “This emergency declaration enables the City to act swiftly in reducing wildfire risks while continuing our balanced approach that protects both public safety and vulnerable community members.”

LFM is the percentage of water in living plants and is one of the key wildfire threat indicators. The Los Angeles County Fire Department takes fuel samples every two weeks. When the percentage of moisture reaches 60 percent, the fuels will burn as if they are dead, meaning fires will grow rapidly and pose a greater risk to lives, property and the environment. The City declares its local emergency when the Live Fuel Moisture reaches 65%. This most recent fuel sample came in at 63% from the previous reading of 67%.

The declaration allows the City to expedite the removal of homeless encampments in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. During normal conditions, state law requires a more extensive noticing process, while under the emergency declaration, removals can be completed within a day. These measures are part of the City’s comprehensive, balanced approach that combines compassionate outreach and housing placement with enforcement to protect public safety, public health, and the environment.

Malibu’s approach has yielded measurable results. The 2026 Homeless Count shows Malibu’s unhoused population has declined to 27 individuals and 16 total dwellings (tents, cars, RVs, vans, makeshift shelters), the lowest number since the City started tracking in 2016, down from 46 in 2025, 69 in 2024, 71 in 2023, 81 in 2022, and 157 in 2021. The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, operated by The People Concern, continues to successfully connect individuals with permanent housing, interim placements, and family reunification services.

The City also proactively removes encampments year-round to address wildfire, public safety, public health, and environmental concerns. Working alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Malibu cleared 44 encampments in 2025, 44 in 2024, and 29 in 2023.

The declaration will remain in effect for the duration of the hazardous fire season until: the City has received at least two inches of rain; LFM is at least 80%; and there have been no Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings in the previous two weeks and there are none in the extended forecast for Malibu.

Malibu Says No To Roundabouts On PCH

Malibu City Council Decides Not to Proceed with PCH Quick-Build Roundabouts at Proposed Location

At its August 10 meeting, the Malibu City Council directed staff to place the Pacific Coast Highway Quick-Build Roundabouts Project on hold and remove it from the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

The proposed project called for single-lane roundabouts at El Matador Beach Road and Encinal Canyon Road as a traffic-calming and safety measure on PCH.

Before making its decision, the Council reviewed updated traffic and wildfire evacuation analysis, along with simulations examining traffic flow, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency vehicles and access to nearby properties. The wildfire evacuation assessment found that the proposed roundabouts would have a minimal impact on overall evacuation performance, with an estimated 1.4% increase in evacuation clearance time under the modeled PSPS scenario.

The City is actively coordinating with Metro to reimburse the eligible design expenses that occurred on the project to date. The remaining Measure M funding allocated specifically for the roundabouts would be returned to Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s Office for consideration for other regional transportation priorities.

The City remains focused on improving safety on PCH and is moving forward with other safety measures, including the PCH Speed Safety System.

SMPD Holding DUI Checkpoint August 14

On August 14, 2026, the Santa Monica Police Department 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 is 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 improve traffic safety.

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.

Los Angeles County Lifeguards Recognized By County Supervisor

Los Angeles County Lifeguards had the privilege of being recognized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath for the tremendous commitment, courage, and teamwork demonstrated by our personnel during an exceptionally busy stretch from July 24–28.



During that time, Los Angeles County Lifeguards performed nearly 2,000 ocean rescues along the Los Angeles County coastline, demonstrating the skill, professionalism, and dedication required when our beaches and ocean conditions are at their busiest.
Photos: Doug Morrison, LACoFD Photographer

Venice Beach Dogtown Super Show Tour

The 2026 Dogtown Car Club's Dogtown Super Show at Venice Beach, A full walk around the car show, meeting with some Venice Beach locals, Hecho En Venice, and more..

Venice Beach Pin Up Girl Contest - 7 Beautiful Girls + 1 Guy

The full Venice Brand Pin Up Girl Contest held during the Dogtown Car Club Supershow in Venice Beach on Saturday. Seven girls and one guy compete for the 2026 Venice Brand pin up girl crown.

Palisades Village Grand Reopening Event

Kick off a full day of festivities, don’t miss the ribbon cutting to officially reopen Palisades Village. Then, spend the afternoon and evening dining at new restaurants and rediscovering your favorite retailers with special offers and experiences everywhere you turn. Be sure to stick around for the special evening finale, a love letter to Los Angeles honoring the Palisades community.

Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: 10:30AM
Daytime Festivities: 11AM – 7PM
Special Evening Finale: 8PM

Shops Open: 11AM – 7PM
Restaurants Open: 11AM – 10PM

PARKING

Parking Garage Opens: 9AM
Valet Parking Opens: 11AM

Complimentary self-parking.

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Tongva Twilight - Sounds & Cinema Series

TONGVA TWILIGHT: Sounds & Cinema is a FREE outdoor summer series celebrating live music, outdoor cinema, and community at Tongva Park. The series takes place every Saturday from August 8 through September 12, beginning at 7 p.m., and features an eclectic lineup of entertainment ranging from big band ska, salsa, and New Orleans funk to music-themed films—or a combination of both—all beneath the stars, just steps from the Pacific Ocean.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a free, fun, family-friendly evening in one of Santa Monica's most beautiful parks. Complimentary popcorn will be available on movie nights while supplies last.

Saturday, August 8

Concert: Western Standard Time – Acclaimed all-star ska jazz ensemble

Saturday, August 15

Concert: The Rumble – New Orleans funk

Saturday, August 22

Concert: Son Mayor – High-energy salsa orchestra, with a salsa lesson before the performance

Saturday, August 29

Concert: To Be Announced

Saturday, September 5

Concert: The Windbreakers – Yacht rock band performing smooth '70s sing-along classics

Saturday, September 12

Concert & Film: Emi Secrest – Memphis soul artist, followed by a screening of Summer of Soul

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Police detain Erratic Driver at Venice Beach - Find Drugs in Car

A woman is detained after she stops her BMW in the middle of the street under the Venice sign. "Drugs" are found in her vehicle. She strats ranting about her hatred of council woman Traci Park. Her car ends up getting towed.

Junior LifeGuards jump off Venice Beach Pier

Los Angeles County Junior Lifeguard Program pier jump drill at the Venice Pier on Thursday morning.

Free Westside Repair Cafe

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Coastal Erosion Threatening Pacific Coast Highway In Palisades Fire Burn Area

The City of Malibu is working closely with Caltrans and other state and regional partners to address rapidly worsening coastal erosion threatening Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the Palisades Fire burn area. While Caltrans has taken important interim steps to protect the roadway, the City continues to urge the agency to move quickly on permanent stabilization measures to protect public safety and critical infrastructure.



Immediately following the Palisades Fire, the City initiated an investigation of conditions along the PCH corridor and has been conducting rigorous field observations, documenting active erosion, coordinating emergency protective measures, and bringing together the agencies responsible for the roadway and utilities beneath it.



Left unaddressed, the erosion trend will continue to accelerate, removing the material that supports the roadway embankment. The onset of El Niño conditions this storm season significantly raises the likelihood of heavy rainfall, high surf and wave events that could compress months of expected erosion into a single storm cycle. The collaborative approach to address this impending situation with all agencies will help to mitigate roadway failure.



WHAT ACTIONS THE CITY HAS TAKEN To date, the City has done everything within its authority to document these conditions and work with our agency partners to allow everyone to move quickly to permanently stabilize PCH, including:

Conducted joint field observations with Caltrans at all 16 red-tagged High-Priority parcels posing immediate roadway risk.

Coordinated directly with Caltrans District 7, Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29, and SoCalGas to assess utility conditions.

Committed City staff to monitor of affected parcels and direct outreach to every High-Priority property owner.

Provided support through the rebuild centers for all affected property owners.

Briefed Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath's Office on all issues related to the Palisades Fire and rebuilding efforts.

Briefed the Governor's Office of Los Angeles Recovery on conditions along PCH, including coastal erosion issues.

Malibu Skate Park With Andy Anderson And Team Powell Peralta

The Powell Peralta skate team was deep at the new Malibu park.

Westward Beach Road Closed Due To Severe Erosion

Westward Beach Road, which provides vehicle access to Point Dume Beach, is closed until further notice due to severe erosion caused by recent high tides and surf. There is currently no estimated reopening date.

Visitors are reminded not to cross safety cones, caution tape, or barriers. The bluff edge is unstable, with erosion creating drop-offs of up to 8 feet in some locations. Entering closed areas could result in serious injury.

In addition, Restrooms 1, 2, and 3 remain closed after erosion damaged the water line and water meter serving the facilities. Temporary chemical toilets and hand-washing stations are available nearby.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors and Los Angeles County Public Works are assessing the damage.

Updates will be posted as additional information becomes available.

Venice Beach Caribbean Street Carnival

One big block party in Venice to kick off the closing weekend of the LA Jazz Festival. Windward Circle transforms into a free, family-friendly celebration of the beating pulse of the diaspora and its journey across four stages: Cuba, Latin Jazz, New Orleans and Afrobeats. Street food, drinks, DJs and dancing.

August 21, 2026

Windward Cir, Los Angeles, CA 90291

For more info, Click Here

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Santa Monica Police Department National Night Out

The Santa Monica Police Department invites residents, families, businesses, and visitors to join us for National Night Out 2026, a free evening dedicated to strengthening neighborhood relationships, building trust, and celebrating the community we serve.

This year's event will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street, and features the movie-inspired theme, "Lights. Camera. Community."

National Night Out is an annual nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. The event provides an opportunity for residents to meet the officers, professional staff, and community partners who work together every day to keep Santa Monica safe while learning more about the programs, services, and resources available throughout the city.

Guests can enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities, including:

• Police vehicle displays

• Interactive games and activities for children

• Meet-and-greets with officers and professional staff

• Community resource booths

• Food, entertainment, and giveaways

• Crime prevention and emergency preparedness information

• Opportunities to explore specialized police equipment and programs

Hosted at Santa Monica City Hall, National Night Out brings together residents from across the community for an evening of fun, conversation, and connection. Whether meeting an officer for the first time, exploring a police motorcycle or patrol vehicle, collecting officer autographs in a special kids' autograph book, or learning more about public safety programs, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

"Public safety begins with relationships," said Chief Darrick Jacob. "National Night Out is an opportunity to meet your officers, connect with your neighbors, and strengthen the partnerships that help make Santa Monica a safer and more resilient community. We look forward to welcoming everyone for an evening of conversation, learning, and fun."

Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Free parking will be available in the Civic Parking Structure.

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