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Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts


During the week of March 18 - 24, the Malibu Task Force issued 109 citations in Malibu, 88 for speeding. One motorist stopped for speeding was arrested for DUI. Year to date 712 citations. City signed a contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu for PCH safety effort.

Between March 11 and 17, the Malibu CPH Task Force issued 42 citations (36 for speeding, four for other moving violations, one was for distracted driving, and one for a seatbelt violation). Three verbal warnings for speed were also issued.


The City of Santa Monica Community Recreation Division offers two action packed weeks at The Cove Skatepark.

Learn to skate The Cove Skatepark in this 3 hour and 50 minute half day skateboarding camp for beginner and intermediate skaters. This camps will consist mostly of group instruction with an opportunity to free skate and practice new skills. All protective gear (mask, helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards) are required to participate in the camp.



During non-camp hours all participants must have a Cove Skatepark Membership in order to use the skatepark. Cove Skatepark membership can be attained at the Memorial Park Gym office located next to the Cove Skatepark (1401 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, 90404). PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST BE PRESENT TO SIGN COVE SKATEPARK WAIVER. For questions regarding membership and office hours please call (310) 458-8237.



Apr 1, 2024 - Apr 5, 2024

For more info, Click Here.

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


𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝘅 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝟴 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗣𝗗 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁

Serial sex offender, Anthony Pittman, was recently sentenced to eight years in state prison after pleading no contest to a series of sexual assaults targeting homeless women in August and September of 2022.

In February, Anthony Pittman, currently homeless, pled no contest to a series of sexual assaults he committed between August and September 2022.

On September 27, 2022, at approximately 4:00am, a female experiencing homelessness was sleeping near the Santa Monica Library when she awoke to a male suspect attempting to remove her blankets. She attempted to run from the suspect but was tackled to the ground where he sexually assaulted her. A few hours after the incident, she walked to the Santa Monica Police Station and made an official report. Incident: 220098142



The other 2022 incidents occurred in LAPD’s Northeast and Wilshire Divisions. Pittman was linked to his victims, who were all homeless female adults, through DNA evidence.

Pittman, a previously convicted sex offender, was sentenced to eight years in state prison for Forced Sodomy and Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony.

We encourage anyone with information related to this individual to contact Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

While the 2022 case has been resolved, SMPD is actively investigating a separate sexual assault that occurred on March 1st, 2024, at approximately 8:15 PM near the 1700 block of Ocean Park Boulevard. A lone female victim was attacked while waiting for transportation. Investigators have obtained an image of the suspect from nearby security cameras. Click Here for more informatiuon on this case.


March 27, 2024

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

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

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

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

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

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.




LAPD responds to reports of a man walking around the beach carrying two dead ducks. Witnesses at the Venice Pier stated the man was trying to sell them the dead ducks. The man, who only speaks Spanish, said the ducks were hit by a car. The two police offers were baffled, they do not know what to do in this situation, as a passerby tells them that this does not follow under their jurisdiction.


Interceptor 007, station in Ballona Creek, is nearing the end of its second rainy season in LA County.

This was one of the latest offloads of the Interceptor, bringing its total catch of garbage to 229,000 lbs to date.



Video shot on Monday 25, 2024, show landslides continue to happen, and with several days of rain on the forecast for later this week, Caltrans has announced the road will continue to stay fully closed in both directions. There is no estimate on when it will reopen.


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A collision involving a private vehicle and a tour bus on Ocean Avenue led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Monday, March 25, 2024. According to reports, the incident occurred in the early evening, drawing immediate response from law enforcement.

The initial investigation has shown that the man, whose identity remains undisclosed while further inquiries are conducted, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, leading to a collision with a tour bus. Authorities have confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries.

Following the crash, authorities conducted on-scene evaluations, which led to the arrest of the driver on suspicion of DUI. It was reported that there was another individual in the vehicle at the time of the accident. This person, after undergoing a brief assessment by the police, was permitted to drive the vehicle away from the scene following the arrest of the driver.

The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. "



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.


High surf and hazardous ocean conditions through Monday. Widespread gale force winds with large steep seas across inner and outer waters.

Also expect scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday, with potential for brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. In addition, there will be gusty W-NW winds 30-50 mph, strongest across coasts, mountains, and deserts.



A cold low pressure system will bring scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday. Any thunderstorms that develop will have the potential to produce brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. There will be gusty west to northwest winds across the region through Sunday, strongest in the mountains, coasts, and deserts with gusts in the 30 to 50 mph range.


Elevated Surfcraft and Kona Big Wave to build waves of snow at 7,000 ft above sea level at Mt High Ski Resort in Wrightwood.

In addition to the wave park, Elevated is hosting expression sessions for registered riders. This is not a competitive contest with divisions and judging, but rather a fun event showcasing surfstyle and performance where riders will elevate each other collectively and standout performers will receive prizes.



The Frozen Wave will be open to all, but we encourage you to register and check in as the first 25 riders will get to demo a board for free, get 50% off on their lift ticket and get a limited edition merch kit.

WHEN: Expression Sessions (Frozen Wave will be open to all registered riders on the following dates)
• Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Frozen Wave Park - Open Ride (Park May Continue After Event Depending on Weather Conditions)
Monday March 25 - 30

For more info, Click Here.

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


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 Saturday, March 23, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 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. 


March 20, 2024

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

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area.

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

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:

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

*Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory.

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.



The iconic Gladstones parking lot off PCH and Sunset Blvd in Pcific Palisades provides a picturesque backdrop like no other for Malibu Autobahn's all-new Cars & Coffee event, blending scenic beauty with ample space for a diverse range of cars. The next meet is April 7th.

For more info, Click Here

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



On Saturday 3/16/24, the California Wildlife Center responded to a call about a Gray whale in distress at Little Dume in Malibu. He has since deceased and was an approximately 13,000 pound sub-adult male who stranded and is wedged in the sand. We are currently planning to get samples from the whale to help determine why this happened. NOAA and CWC are working together to formulate a plan for next steps.

As the tide rises, the animal may shift in the waves so please keep a safe distance.

Call 310/924-7256 with questions or if you see a marine animal in distress.



Dream Team Surf is hosting Big Gay Beach Day:

"Trans people are here: in the water, in the waves and in our world all day every day⚧ and we are celebrating on March 31st for Trans Day of Visibility.

We will be doing a special skate at 10:30am from the Will Rogers parking lot (Tower 15) to the Inclusive Pride Flag Tower (Tower 18 aka Ginger Rogers) with a moment of recognition for our trans family (past, present, future). Followed by a big gay beach day!

Will Rogers Beach - Tower 15
($10-15 parking - carpool if yew wish!)
10am - 3pm (or whenever follow your bliss)
10:30am sk8 to inclusive pride tower honor the homies
11:30am beach day

Please bring your own boards and suits and snacks!

If you need board, suit or financial assistance (with parking) please DM us! We want as many hot bods and cool cats on the beach to celebrate this day."

For more info, Click Here.

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


"Over the weekend, Los Angeles County Lifeguards and the Sherrifs' Department responded to a vehicle that had driven into the ocean just south of the Venice Pier following a high-speed pursuit that originated in Temple City.

Once the car began to submerge, the driver escaped the vehicle and swam towards the end of the pier, where they were ultimately detained by the Sherrifs. Lifegurads searched the vehicle for additional occupants and found two dogs were left inside the vehicle, lifeguards rescued and returned them to shore.



While the mission of the Department has always been to protect life, property, and the environment, this time life took the form of two Boston Terriers. Thankfully, everyone is safe, and the vehicle has since been removed from the water with minimal environmental impacts



A tour of the massive rock slide that has shut down Topanga Canyon Blvd indefinitely. The road will remain closed from Grand View down to Pacific Coast Highway as it is still active, with rock still sliding down daily. This is the current state of the area affected, filmed on Sunday, March 17th.



For more info on road closures & conditions, Click Here.


A woman who was reported to be driving drunk was chased by police on Saturday night. She drove her BMW SUV, which had two dogs in it, down Washington Blvd, though the Venice Pier parking lot, then across the sand on the south side of the pier, and right into the ocean.

She ditched the vehicle, and her two dogs, and swam out into the water.

She was eventually taken into custody. The dogs were retrieved and placed with animal services.





Saturday around 8 a.m, a large whale washed ashore at Little Dune Beach, Malibu, about 1/2 a mile north of Paradise Cove.

The whale's carcass, which is said to be about 25-feet long and weigh around 13,000 pounds. Wildlife crews plan to leave the whale as is overnight and determine the cause of death on Sunday.

Photos: Justin B. O'Brien


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Fatal crash Thursday night on Pacific Coast Highway near Leo Carrillo State Beach just after 9:30 p.m. For an unknown reason, the female driver veered across lanes, crashed into parked car and power pole before continuing down the embankment and crashing near beach frontage road. The driver was ejected. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

California Highway Patrol investigation is ongoing. The driver was identified as 30-year-old Vivien Huerta-Guimont.