Malibu City Council advances Permanent Skate Park 3/5 approving settlement agreement w/neighboring property owner. The City is committed to providing excellent sports/recreation facilities for our youth & recognizes importance of skating in Malibu culture.

The Malibu City Council took decisive action towards the long-awaited Permanent Skate Park for its residents. In a 3-2 vote, the Council approved a settlement agreement with the neighboring property owner, who previously threatened litigation, clearing the way for the much-anticipated project.

The City is committed to providing excellent sports and recreation facilities and programs as part of a thriving, health community, and skating has always been an important part of the Malibu culture.

The City Council scheduled a Special meeting on March 4, 2024, to continue discussion on the matter from the February 26 regular meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to share the proposed settlement offer with the community and get feedback on it before making a decision.

Highlights of the proposed settlement agreement include:

- Allowing the neighboring property owner to install landscaping at its own cost to improve the park and prevent graffiti along the perimeter wall of the Skate Park.
- Shifting a portion of the Skate Park 10 feet further away from The Case project homes and lowering one of the above-ground elements.
- Allowing The Case project to lease a portion of the area adjacent to the Temporary Skate Park lot for parking for $5,627 per month until construction begins on the Permanent Skate Park.
- Assigning responsibility to The Case project for all costs related to the changes made to the Permanent Skate Park and requiring a deposit of $150,000 with the City to cover any additional design and construction costs.

On November 30, 2023, the Planning Commission approved the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Permanent Skate Park, and the decision was appealed by the owner of the neighboring property, where “The Case” home development project is under construction. After filing this appeal, the owner of the neighboring property approached the City, and the City and the property owner have since been negotiating over a settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit by the property owner.

In 2019, the City Council directed staff to begin the design concept for a permanent skate park and authorized the installation of a temporary skate park in the meantime. The action is a testament to the City’s recognition of the community’s longstanding desire and the pressing need for recreational spaces that cater to the diverse interests of the community. The 12,500 square-foot Permanent Skatepark will be built at Malibu Bluffs Park, providing a valuable sports and recreation resource and safe community gathering place for Malibu's youth.

Malibu Task Force issued 74 citations for speeding 2/26 - 3/3. The City signed a contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu as part of our effort to address PCH safety.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

": In a significant development amid efforts to address homelessness and maintain public order, Los Angeles Police Department officers have arrested a homeless man on suspicion of stabbing two other homeless individuals at a local encampment on Lincoln Boulevard. The arrest occurred during a coordinated cleanup operation, highlighting the city's ongoing commitment to managing public health and safety concerns related to homelessness.

The charges against the suspect remain under consideration, with potential classifications including attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon. The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and city officials in navigating the complexities of homelessness and crime."



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.

Hey everyone! Come join us at 310 Bay St beach for a beach clean-up on Sunday, March 10, hosted by Solo Scott and sponsored by Dogtown Coffee!

For more info, Click Here.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In the early hours of Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene of a violent altercation on Lincoln Boulevard, following reports of a stabbing incident. The event, which drew significant law enforcement attention, occurred in the Venice neighborhood, a place known for its vibrant community and bustling streets.

Upon their arrival, detectives initiated an investigation, finding two individuals—a man and a woman—suffering from stab wounds. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic situation involving a homeless man, reportedly living in an encampment near Lincoln Boulevard and Rose Avenue. Allegations surfaced of the individual exhibiting erratic behavior, accusing others of poisoning him and making incoherent statements before attacking the victims with scissors.

The female victim, despite sustaining a chest wound, received immediate on-site medical attention from Fire Department paramedics and was deemed stable enough not to require hospitalization. Her companion, however, after suffering two stab wounds, was promptly transported to a nearby hospital; his condition remains undisclosed.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the assailant, last seen fleeing northward along Lincoln Boulevard. The suspect is described as a 35-year-old Black male, around 5 feet 6 inches tall, dressed entirely in black. Efforts to locate him are ongoing, with detectives reviewing surveillance footage from local businesses to gather further evidence.

The Los Angeles Police Department urges anyone with information about this incident to come forward, as they work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the community."



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.

March 6, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 9, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

After a long pursuit through Culver City, Santa Monica, Malibu, Camarillo, Agoura, Newberry Park and Ventura County the pursuit finally came to an end in Ventura. The suspect who was driving the stolen lowes truck came to a stop off the the 101 freeway in Ventura when he got off at the exit that leads to North Bank Dr. The box truck drove into a grassy area and got stuck. Less Lethal were deployed and the suspect took off on foot and was taken down by a CHP officer. The suspect was arrested by CHP Ventura.

Got the arrest pic.twitter.com/UCHzOcAeDk

— Los Angeles Scanner (@LosAngeles_Scan) March 6, 2024

Wednesday morning, police recieved a report of a man near the Venice Pier having a shotgun in a guitar case and a hand gun in his pocket. A second report stating he was pointing a gun at vehicles whle walking down Washington Blvd. Police showed up and took him into custody in front of the Arbor shop.

LAPD staed he had at least one pellet gun.

The Santa Monica Police Department reported on February 29, at approximately 2:10 a.m., a male subject entered a residence in the 2400 block of 2nd Street. The female victim awoke to the subject standing by her bed and touching her face while he masturbated. The victim ordered the subject to leave, and he complied, fleeing the residence before officers arrived.

Officers arrived on scene and obtained security footage of the suspect entering the victim’s house. The video was immediately shared with detectives who, within hours, identified the suspect as Anthony Romero, 28, currently experiencing homelessness.

On Friday, March 1, at 9:22 a.m., Watch officers located Romero walking in the 400 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. With the help of the UAS/Drone, which was on scene in minutes, and the assisting K9 officer who contacted the suspect, Romero was taken into custody without incident.

He was booked for Burglary, Indecent Exposure, Attempt to Commit Rape, and a Parole Hold (out of San Bernardino County).

Anyone with details on the incident or Romero is asked to contact Detective McCoy at James.McCoy@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

Tuesday afternoon so another crash on Pacific Coast Highway. This time a multicar crash on the northbound lanes near the Santa Monica Pier. THe crash had one vehicle pushed into the southbound lane.

There will be only one lane open at the 1500 block of Northbound Pacific Coast Highway until further notice. SMPD and SMFD are responding to a traffic collision investigation. Expect delays and use alternate routes.

Photos via @VeniceIntel





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

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 Thursday, March 7th and Friday, March 8th, 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. 

⚠️ Ax attack on the boardwalk ⚠️

This man was swinging an ax 🪓 at people on the boardwalk today in the middle of the afternoon on a busy weekend. He was taken in for a mental evaluation, but will likely be back on the boardwalk shortly. https://t.co/1kMrSxCHu4 pic.twitter.com/pLhWVEIK8g

— SAVE VENICE! (@DyingVenice) March 4, 2024

This man was swinging an axe at cars and people on the Venice Boardwalk on Sunday afternoon.

LAPD showed up and they took the man in for a mental evaluation.

No one was injuried by the man.

All southbound lanes of Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica were closed on Sunday morning due to a violent ht and run crash that left a fullsize Dodge pickup truck on its side.

March 4, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been extended for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect until 7:00 am, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

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.

CicLAvia is a non-profit organization that has been opening streets throughout LA County since 2010. Come experience car-free open streets at the 51st event, CicLAvia—Venice Blvd.

Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024 / Domingo 21 de abril 2024
Time: 9am - 4pm
Location: Connecting Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice



Enjoy the pop-up park for the day in your favorite people-powered way, whether that's walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating! All ages and abilities are welcome.



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

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier celebrates Women’s History Month with a special lighting of the Pacific Wheel on March 8, International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is a day of activism and celebration for everyone committed to women’s equality. To mark the occasion, Pacific Park’s famous, solar-powered Ferris wheel will be lit up using the colors purple, green and white. These official IWD colors signify justice, dignity, and hope.

The special light program will run from dusk (around 6–7 pm) to midnight on Friday, March 8. The best views of the Pacific Wheel lights are from the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk just west of the amusement park, or from the beaches south of the Pier.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Stolen Lamborghini Recovered Thanks to Vigilant Malibu Volunteer on Patrol.

The LASD VOP team in Malibu routinely patrols the parking areas adjacent to local hiking trails to deter vehicle break-ins and other criminal activity. On Sunday February 25, two VOPs were patrolling the parking lot at Winding Way (East) and noticed an unoccupied black Lamborghini with no license plates parked in the lot. The VOP’s requested that a deputy respond to their location to run the vehicle’s VIN. The vehicle turned out to have been reported stolen out of LAPD’s Wilshire Division. The vehicle was towed and will presumably be returned to its owner. The driver was located by the deputies and claimed to have rented the vehicle for the weekend.





Photos via Lost Hills Sheriff's station. Are you interested in making a difference in the community? Get off the couch and join the team! For more information about the LASD Volunteers on Patrol program, email malibuvop@gmail.com

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Friday, March 1, 2024, an impromptu gathering unfolded on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, featuring Venice Healer Daisy. Despite a recent injury that left her with a broken foot, necessitating the use of a wheelchair, Daisy engaged in heartfelt discussions with a local Venice Sage and a Monk. The incident leading to her injury occurred during a dance performance, where an ambitious jumping twirl resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent fracture.

Amidst sharing insights on healing and community, Daisy also opened up about a personal chapter of her life. She detailed a recent marriage proposal she made to a man she refers to as her new "Turkish King," revealing that her offer was not accepted. Daisy provided an elaborate account of their exchange, shedding light on her experiences with love and rejection. This meeting not only highlighted the resilience and spirit of a community figure but also touched on the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning."



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.

Last week, at approximately 9:30 PM the owner of Kennedy surf shop in Woofland Hills received a call from the alarm company stating the alarm is going off. He arrived at the store to find a broken window with skateboards and other things stolen out of the front of the window. The suspect made off with whatever they could grab.

On Thursday night, the Tracy Park Gallery in Malibu was vandalized by homeless man. He threw boulders threw all the windows of the gallery. He was caught and detained by security gaurds and they handed him over to the sheriffs, who placed him under arrest.

Gallery owner Tracy Park said, "No art was damaged or stolen tonight! I would like to thank IPS security for catching the muther fucker who threw boulders the size of my head through the windows of my gallery and I would like to thank the Lost Hills Sheriff for arresting this muther fucker!"