Red Bull is holding, what they call, a "first of its kind skate event" in Venice Beach to celebrate the origins of modern skateboarding and embodying the rich skate history and fame of Venice Beach.

“Venice was the epicenter to attitude and style which was the fuel for creativity and progression in a culture sport/lifestyle that changed the world! Hyped that “Red Bull Origin” Is bringing back some of the original obstacles from the 80’s so we can watch this new Gen of rippers shred our faces off by their approach and imagination… it’s gonna be an amazing weekend of skateboarding!!!” says Christian Hosoi.

Skateboarding’s origin story could not be described without mention of the sunny streets and vibrant culture of Venice Beach, California. In the 1970s, the Santa Monica(Dogtown) and Venice Beach area became a breeding ground for the Z-Boys and similar groups, birthing the punk and skate subcultures that reverberate through skateboarding today.

Red Bull wants to pay homage to the pioneers and iconic spots that have carved the way at Red Bull Origin, a challenge-focused event format set against the backdrop of iconic Venice Beach skate spots meticulously replicated for an unforgettable session.

The main events Friday & Saturday are for invited Red Bull Skaters only, but there will be a Community Skate Day open to all skaters to participate in the Origin features on Sunday. Participating Red Bull athletes scheduled are Torey Pudwill, Ryan Sheckler, Jake Wooten, and Zion Wright.

Event Details:

Date: May 31 – June 2
Time: Friday 4-7pm, Saturday 1-7pm, Sunday 11-3pm
Location: Venice Beach Skate Park, Venice Beach, California

Schedule:

Friday May 31, Venice Skate Park:

Features include: Bowl Jam, Red Bull Best Trick, Head-to-Head Death Races, Fire Hydrant Challenge

Saturday June 1, Venice Beach Pavilion:

Features include: Wall Showdown, Main Event featuring Best Trick and Special Events

Sunday June 2, Venice Beach Pavilion:

Community Skate Day open to all skaters to participate in the Origin features

Shacked Mag Editor's note: About Red Bull's claim of this being a "first of its kind skate event in Venice, the skatepark has had numerous Bowl Jams, had at least one Wall Ride Contest, had many Best Trick Contests, etc.... now the Fire Hydrant Challenge and Death Races, those are new.

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

Overnight moving lane closures are scheduled for northbound & southbound Pacific Coast Highway between Sunset Blvd. & Topanga Canyon Blvd. Monday, May 6 - Friday, May 10 to prepare for upgrading drainage culverts.

This overall project will repair or replace a total of twelve drainage culverts along PCH from south of Temescal Canyon Road to the Ventura County line. Work includes:

Removing debris or flush sediment inside the pipes.
• Repairing joint seal of the pipes.
• Re-lining culvert barrels.
• Replacing damaged sections of pipe.
• Replacing entire sections of culverts.

Replacing the culvert at Solstice Creek (near Corral Canyon Road) with a bridge under the highway. The proposed bridge replacing the existing culvert will allow steelhead trout to swim upstream.

The nights of Monday, May 6 & Tuesday, May 7 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.:

• One northbound lane will be closed from Sunset Boulevard to Topanga Canyon Boulevard for "potholing", confirming the location of utility lines. This will be a moving closure, starting at Sunset Boulevard.


The nights of Wednesday, May 8, Thursday, May 9 from 9 p.m. to 6.am.:
• One southbound lane will be closed from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Sunset Boulevard for "potholing", confirming the location of utility lines. This will be a moving closure, starting at Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Beginning Friday night, May 10, work will shift to southbound lanes again to install k-rail and for concrete work, blocking one lane each night for up to four nights. Then work will shift to northbound lanes again for up to four nights.

All lanes will reopen each morning. Please Be Work Zone Alert. The project will continue through summer of 2029. The contractor on the project is Security Paving Company, Inc.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

For the previous news update on this, Click Here

The State Prosecutor General announced the 3 surfers in Santo Tomas were killed for resisting an assault.

It also reported a fourth body, likely to have been there longer, was recovered from the same place, but may not be related to the other killings.



Authorities confirmed the finding of the 2 Australian brothers and the American citizen who have been lost since the weekend in Ensenada. They removed the bodies from a water well, more than 50-foot deep, next to the three foreigners a fourth body was located. The fourth body was identified as a ranch owner who was reported missing two weeks ago, officials said. He owned the property where the bodies were found.

And it also appears that Baja California’s state chief prosecutor, María Elena Andrade Ramírez, is blaming the families for not reporting them missing sooner.



She said the chances of finding the men had diminished as a result of delays to the investigation.

“Unfortunately, a notice of their disappearance was only filed in the last few days, so very important hours were lost there,” she told a press conference in Mexico on Friday.

Ari Gisel García Cota, 23, was found with drugs and a phone connected to one of the missing Australian surfer. She is one of three suspects arrested in Baja California in connection with this crime.



Her Tik-Tik account has been discovered and people have been leaving comments:







Antonio Otañez, president of the Baja California Surf Association said “Everyone is in shock. We can’t believe it.”

He announced the Baja California peninsula surfing community would hold a rally on Sunday, “to show solidarity with our Australian and American friends, and to demand security for the surfer community in the whole state”.

“Some friends told me they met [the missing surfers] here in the 38 and in San Miguel. They told me they were really great guys, friendly.”

Otañez said the area was not especially dangerous for surfers.

“You think Tijuana and you think cartel, mafia. But we who live here don’t see such risk. Of course, there’s crime. And you hear about deaths, but these are usually between the drug trafficking groups. But against civilians? Situations like this are very rare here. And still more with foreigners.”

Cirque du Soleil raises the Big Top for its first production at the Santa Monica Pier since 2014

From October 19 through December 1, 2024

Tickets available now for Club Cirque members.

General on-sale begins on May 6th.

The thrilling, internationally-acclaimed Cirque du Soleil production, KOOZA, is coming to the Santa Monica Pier from October 19 through December 1. Audiences are invited under the iconic Big Top at the Pier to be part of the joyous return of Cirque du Soleil to this much-loved location that is home to both magic and memories. From daredevil performances to mischievous clowns, KOOZA delivers a signature Cirque du Soleil experience in its most exciting form with high-flying acrobatics, whimsical characters, lavish costuming, colorful sets, hilarious clowning, and a powerful live score. Acclaimed the world over since its opening in 2007, KOOZA has mesmerized close to 8M spectators with over 4K performances in 65 cities across 22 countries. This marks Cirque du Soleil’s first Big Top show in Santa Monica since 2014.

A breathtaking return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil, KOOZA pays tribute to traditional circus in all its splendor with audacious acrobatic prowess and bold slapstick comedy. Filled with chills, thrills, laughter and wonder, KOOZA unfolds a non-stop, adrenaline-packed series of edge-of-your-seat surprises. Under the watch of a mysterious trickster with electrifying powers, KOOZA follows the self-discovery adventures of the Innocent who is magically transported to an exotic yet zany kingdom.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Cirque du Soleil to the beautiful Santa Monica Pier said Duncan Fisher, President, Touring Shows Division at Cirque du Soleil. It has been 10-years since our last visit to this iconic site that has created such amazing memories over the years. Cirque du Soleil’s relationship with Santa Monica dates back to 1987 where we received such a warm welcome that it sparked our climb to global prominence. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it is only fitting we return to the community and fans who supported us from the very beginning. We look forward to welcoming visitors, old and new, into the world of KOOZA” he concluded.

Undeniably the most daring Cirque du Soleil touring production, KOOZA takes audiences on a thrilling emotional ride with its nail-biting, mind-boggling acrobatics. Inspired by traditional circus arts from around the globe, the show’s performances display remarkable showmanship, exceptional execution, and incredible agility – notably in the High Wire, Teeterboard and Wheel of Death acts.

As previously announced, Cirque du Soleil will perform under the Big Top at the Laguna Hills Mall from June 8th through July 21st. Cirque du Soleil In Santa Monica

Cirque du Soleil made its first United States debut at the opening of the Los Angeles Festival in 1987. The Big Top first set ground at the beautiful and iconic Santa Monica Pier for its first international staged-show in 1987 which led to a turning point in the growth of Cirque du Soleil. The performance received such a warm welcome that it was followed by a tour of California which brought an incredible visibility for Cirque du Soleil. Since then, the company returned with 10 different productions over the years to a location that became a favorite tour residency destination. Cirque du Soleil will visit the Santa Monica Pier for the first time since 2014 with anticipation.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for Santa Monica performances of KOOZA are available online exclusively to Club Cirque members starting today. For free subscription, Click Here. General on-sale to start on May 6th, Click Here.

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

The lifeless bodies of the 3 Missing Surfers in Mexico havbe been found.

They were discovered at the bottom of a cliff located in the Punta San Jose area in the area known as the lighthouse in the delegation of Santo Tomas, Ensenada municipality.

They were Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson (33 and 30, respectively), and American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, who were last seen on April 27th at northern Baja surf spot, K-38. The Robinson brothers had attended the Coachella music festival before going to Mexico to surf. Callum was based in the U.S. and Jake, who worked in regional hospitals across Australia, had flown out two weeks ago to visit him.

The mother of the brothers reported them missing shortly shortly after, when she noticed their social media posting of their trip had stopped and she found out they failed to check into their AirBnB accommodation in the city of Rosarita on April 28. She pleaded for help via social media, sparking others to help spread the word.

The last image posted to Callum's Instagram shows the group made to San Miguel beach in Ensenada before going off the radar:



The truck they had been traveling in was a white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck at the beach ion Rosarito.

That same vehicle was later found burnt-out in the Santo Tomás area after the ranch manager called 911 on Thursday. Police also say they found three abandoned tents south of Ensenada, with local media reporting that blood was found on them.

On Friday, May 3, unconfirmed local reports that two of the bodies were found in a well, but other outlets have described the location as 'near a cliff'. The local police had suspected foul play as their burned-out car was found as well as an abandoned campsite with traces of blood.

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with their dissappearance. A 23-year-old Mexican woman who reportedly was discovered in possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the brothers, along with methamphetamine.

Two men, also Mexican, were also arrested as part of the investigation, said Baja California’s chief public prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade Ramirez.

Police were able to make the arrests after one of the brothers' mobile phones was turned back on, and pinged a local mobile tower.

"The detainees are the brothers Cristian Alejandro "N" and Jesús Gerardo "N" (a) "El Kekas" partner of Ari Gisel "N" who was secured on Wednesday morning in the possession of the cell phone of one of the missing tourists and had pointed out who gave it to.

In all cases the suspects would be in possession of various doses of drug when arrested.

As reported, this Wednesday, the municipal police carried out an operation in the area of La Bocana to search for three surfers missing since Saturday, April 27 when their relatives stopped contacting them.

The missing tourists are 30-year-old Jake Robinson, 33-year-old Callum Robinson (brothers) and Carter Rhoad, 30, who were last seen Sunday 28 in the La Bocana area.

They intended to return to a house they had rented for vacation at an AIRBNB in Rosarito and were traveling aboard a white Colorado-branded pick up with plates 70189W1.

The operation was carried out in the area near the Bocana de Santo Tomás in the site known as San Juan de las Pulgas and Punta San Jose 150 kilometers south of the city of Ensenada, bordering the coast.

Unofficially it is known that in the search area they located an abandoned cottage, apparently from surfers and traces of violence."



Australian brothers Jake, 30, (right) and Callum Robinson, 33, pictured below:

They were travelling with 30-year-old American Jack Carter Rhoad. Pictured below in an image uploaded by Callum last Saturday, shortly before the trio went missing.

The Pacific Wheel will light up in red, white, and green from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo 2024.

Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for “Fifth of May”, is a yearly celebration held on May 5. It commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This victory is notable because the Mexican army prevailed over the larger and better equipped French force.

Widely celebrated in Southern California, Cinco de Mayo was first commemorated in Columbia, California, just days after the historic battle. Mexican miners were so overjoyed at the news of the victory that they spontaneously let off fireworks, sang patriotic songs and made speeches.

Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. This is celebrated on September 16, and commemorates the “Cry of Delores” (the call to revolt) that initiated the Mexican War of Independence. Cinco de Mayo has now become associated with a more general celebration of Mexican-American culture.

We’re honoring the occasion by lighting the Pacific Wheel in the colors of Mexico. Enjoy this special event from Friday, May 3 through to Sunday, May 5. You can see the Pacific Wheel lights from dusk until 11:35 PM each evening.

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

3 men who went on a surf trip to Mexico are now missing.

Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, failed to check into their accommodation in the city of Rosarita on April 28.

It's understood they were surfing and camping at the popular surfing spot Punta San Jose near the city of Ensanada.

Local media reported while searching for the men around La Bocana, authorities discovered one of the trio's phones had been switched on around an hour's drive of where the men were last seen.

"A woman … about 25 years old … was detained in possession of it [in the upper part of Maneadero]," reporter Mario Muñoz told the press, citing local police sources.

He said she was also found carrying drugs and would be handed over to the state attorney general's office.

"The state prosecutor's office will investigate the disappearance of the three tourists," Mr Muñoz said.

Mr Munoz supplied pictures of the area in Punta San José where police are searching.




Police in Mexico say they have made another two arrests as they investigate the disappearance of the trio.

The mother of the two brothers, Debra Robinson, has been using social media to appeal for help finding her sons.





"They have not contacted us since April 27 … they are travelling with another friend; an American citizen," she wrote.

"Callum is a Type 1 diabetic so there is also a medical concern.

"Please contact me if you have seen them or know their whereabouts."



Baja California Attorney General María Elena Andrade Ramírez told reporters that three Mexican people were arrested in connection with the case.

Ramírez said three tents belonging to the trio had been found south of the city of Ensenada.

A truck belonging to one of the brothers was also found burnt out on a nearby farm. The torched vehicle was about 400 metres from a stream and a vineyard within the property. The area has been cordoned off.

Mexican government statistics show Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder.

Baja California Sur and Baja California are among the states with the highest homicide rates. According to Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), residents of Baja California reported 27,211 criminal incidents per 100,000 people in 2022, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Baja California is also among the worst states in Mexico when it comes to violent crime, with ongoing conflicts amongst drug cartels contributing to a spike in the local homicide rate.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, emergency responders were called to Santa Monica Beach after receiving reports of an assault. Los Angeles County Lifeguards, Santa Monica Police Officers, Santa Monica Firefighters and Paramedics, and Santa Monica Harbor Patrol Officers attended the scene where a couple's argument had escalated into violence.

According to eyewitnesses, a dispute between the couple culminated with the male partner, described as an African American man, striking the female partner over the head with a wine bottle. The assault left the woman temporarily unconscious with a head injury. Lifeguards and firefighters provided first aid until she was transported to a hospital by ambulance for further medical care.

The suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident. Authorities have since launched a search to locate him, with potential charges of domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon pending upon his capture. Eyewitnesses praised the prompt response of the emergency services, highlighting the quick arrival of both lifeguards and police at the beach.

This violent incident has heightened community concerns about safety and security in popular public areas like Santa Monica Beach."

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

Venice's Glen Walsh is thrilled to announce the documentary ‘Out in the Lineup’ is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a screening at the Dana Point Film Festival on Saturday, May 4 at 1pm!

"Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I music supervised and co produced this ground breaking documentary about LGBTQ surfers. So much progress has been made , of course we will have a ways to go towards equality and acceptance! Come see the film that launched a movement! Would love to see you all there with Riley Herman and mysel are doing a Q&A after! Or we will just surf!"

Time: Sat, May 4th, 1:00 PM @
Location: Dana Point Women's Club

For more info, and to get tickets, Click Here.


Originally released in 2014, and featured in film festivals around the world, ‘Out in the Lineup’ is a documentary following two gay surfers as they travel the world and learn why gay men and women surfers find it impossible to get sponsorships, or find acceptance in a sport which is supposed to be renown for it's laid back, free-spirited culture.



Join David and Thomas from the east coast of Australia to Hawaii, California, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands as they meet and surf with people from all corners of the surfing community. There’s some amazing stories, and beautiful surfing – contradicting a comment from a pro surf spectator that “gays just aren’t strong enough to paddle a surfboard”. There’s an openly gay three-time world champion, an award winning big wave rider, and former US Congressman and his surfer husband, along with everyday surfers, gay and straight coming together to help build acceptance. The story even inspired a current national champion surfer to come out and share his story – an amazing finale to the film.

Throughout their travels David and Thomas hear stories of fear, isolation and self-doubt, but are also inspired by tales of hope, self-empowerment and transformation. They witness the conflicts created by the marketing image of surfers (straight white males and women in tiny bikinis), and how it inhibits personal expression in a sport that’s supposed to be so free. Numerous attempts to get comments from the professional surfing associations, or the mega-corporations that sell billions of dollars of merchandise built on the surfing stereotypes were unsuccessful, as the film documents.



Why are homophobic slurs so common in the lineup? When homosexuality is now being accepted in pro sports including basketball, football and soccer – why is the surf industry unwilling to make any comment at all? How do gay surfers reconcile their identities as athletes when role models are invisible?

These topics and others are revealed as the journey of David and Thomas unfolds. They, along with the 5,000+ members of GaySurfers.net, their friends, families and communities hope this film can help create change in surf culture, looking to the surfing’s grassroots values of freedom of spirit, open-mindedness and love for the ocean.



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

Get ready for some adrenaline-pumping action at the Spyder X Carver Pump track event - it's gonna be epic!

All ages, all skates, and all inclusive! Get ready for the first skate contest over at the Inglewood Pump Track presented by Carver and Spyder boards. They will have demos of all the latest boards, so if you don’t have a board and want to compete they'll take care of you!

There's going to be tons of prizes and the winner for one of the divisions will win a brand new Super73 E-bike.

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to have a blast on two wheels. Don't miss out on the chance to meet fellow riders, test your limits, and maybe even pick up some new tricks. See you there!

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 Friday, May 3, 2024 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 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. 

Pick Up for Paradise, Rebel Alliance Beach Cleanup


Attention all rebels and Jedi knights! Join us for a galactic beach cleanup on May the 4th at Life Guard Tower 1550 in Santa Monica! Harness the power of the Force as we unite to clean the shores of Santa Monica Beach. Don your Jedi robes, bring your lightsabers (or grabbers), and prepare to restore balance to our coastal paradise. Together, we'll make a difference and leave a lasting impact on our galaxy. May the 4th be with you as we embark on our Pick Up For Paradise mission!

Saturday, May 4 · 9 - 11:30am Northside of the Santa Monica Pier


For more info & to sign up for this free event, Click Here.

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

Come out and Join us at the Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10AM to 6PM at Oakwood Park.


Parade begins at 10AM on California Ave and Lincoln Blvd. Spectators are asked to post along Lincoln Blvd from California Ave (going North) to Rose Ave. The parade will go down Lincoln Blvd (north) then will turn left on Rose Ave (west) to 7th Ave and will turn left (south) on 7th Ave towards Oakwood Park. The parade will end on 7th Ave and California Ave.

A street festival will proceed with Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico Dancers, Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses), Venice High School Band, Santa Monica Cheerleaders. Classic Cars/Lowriders, Clown, Piñata, Authentic Mexican Food Trucks, Live Entertainment by Rythym Band playing Old School Funk Music, D.J. Mango, Baby Dog Rapper Straight out of Venice, Informational Booths and Vendors.

Venice Mexican American Traquero Monument, AmVets Post 2, Venice Family Clinic, Santa Monica College, Kaiser, Venice Kush, Venice Paparazzi, Venice Family Community Housing, Councilmember Traci Parks, Lupitas Tacos, Tacos de Valiii, Oaxacana Taco Truck, Growin up in Venice Brand, and much more. This is a friendly family free community event.



For more info, Click Here.

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

The Pacific Wheel will be lit red on Wednesday, May 1 in recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, 2024.

The month of May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This annual celebration recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

To mark the occasion, we’ll be illuminating the world-famous Pacific Wheel with a special lighting program in red. This is an auspicious color in Chinese culture associated with vitality, passion, good fortune, and celebration.

You can view the AAPI Heritage Month Ferris wheel lights from dusk until midnight on May 1. The best views of the Pacific Wheel light programs are from the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk just west of the amusement park or on the beaches south of the Pier.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Work starts this week on City of Malibu's PCH Median Improvements Project. Single lane closures on PCH, John Tyler Dr - Puerco Cyn 6AM - 5PM. Will increase safety by reducing illegal u-turns & wrong-direction driving. Completion expected June, 2024.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

Two suspects from Richmond, CA that went on a crime sapree in Santa Monica have been caught.

Two suspects have been arrested and charged on suspicion of committing two counts each of burglary from a vehicle and grand theft. On April 24, 2024, at 12:24 pm, a dark colored Nissan Altima with three occupants pulled into the Chevron at 1344 Santa Monica Boulevard and stopped next to the open car door of a vehicle getting gas. One of the suspects took the victim’s purse from the front seat.

At about 12:30 pm, the same Altima pulled into the Sinclair gas station at 1944 Pico Boulevard and stopped in front of the second victim’s vehicle at the pumps. The rear passenger in the Altima opened the victim’s car door, took the victim’s purse, and fled with the other suspects. About 30 minutes later, the same suspects shattered the window of a vehicle parked at the Shell station at 1866 Lincoln Boulevard and stole a laptop, iPad, and other property.

The suspects were tracked and arrested with the assistance of the Hawthorne Police Department. Officers recovered several hundred dollars and most of the victims’ property.

On April 26th, the LA County District Attorney’s office filed felony burglary and grand theft charges (487a PC and 459 PC):



Lopez, Raul Santino of Richmond, CA (DOB: 12/27/2003)

Vega, Agustin Jesus of Richmond, CA (DOB: 02/23/2003)

None of the arrestees have a significant arrest history in California.

Anyone with information related to this incident or these individuals is encouraged to contact Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

On Sunday morning, several people observed a man walking on the Venice Pier hiding what they said looked like a rifle under a jacket he was carrying. They informed some police officers that were in the area to enforce the No Dogs On the Beach law. It ended up being a fake rifle, which the man let the police have.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Healer Daisy along with her fiancé Jeff Kupers and a team of volunteers, stepped in to support the community by feeding the homeless on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. This initiative came as a response to the illness of Dan Hubbard, the founder and CEO of Oasis, who was recently sidelined and unable to continue his work.

Daisy and Jeff began their day early, using the Oasis van to collect donated food items from Whole Foods and Vons. They then transported these provisions to Venice Beach, where volunteers were ready to distribute them. The assortment of donated food included fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, cookies and desserts, baked breads, and various protein options.

The couple plans to continue this vital service, providing meals to the unhoused while Dan is recovering. Their efforts align with the broader mission of Oasis Network, which has a long-standing tradition of reaching out to the homeless, not only on weekends at Venice Beach but also on weekdays in Redondo.

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.

As part of Safe on PCH week, the Michel Shane film, 21 Miles Film, will be screened at Malibu High School on Wednesday, May 1st.

As part of Safe on PCH Week, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, in partnership with Malibu High School, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, and Malibu High School PTSA, will be hosting a film screening of the Michel Shane film, 21 Miles Film.

Panelists: Captain Jenn Seetoo, Captain Dennis Ford, Robert D Cohen, Michel Shane, & Bridget Thompson

"21 Miles in Malibu" follows the incredible history of Malibu, the story of the Pacific Coast Highway, and the people most affected by it all. It shows the dichotomy of this small town - a seemingly idyllic paradise devastated by a high-speed highway ripping through its heart. The documentary chronicles the lives of those affected, further exemplifying the dangers of the frequently traveled road and leaving viewers wondering why stricter regulations are not in place to prevent future damage.

Wednesday, May 1 · 6:30 - 8:30pm PDT Malibu High School
30215 Morning View Drive Malibu, CA 90265

For more info & to RSVP (required) for this free event, Click Here.

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

Who’s counting days til May 4th at Malibu?!?! We can’t wait to share the stoke, countless smiles and good times with all our AWOW Athletes, volunteers, families and friends. Come support if you can and big thanks to all our ‘Bu partners and people who make these events possible. See ya soon




For more info, Click Here.

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