Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory: Advisory Extended for all Los Angeles County Beaches Until Friday, March 14, at 4:00 pm

RAIN ADVISORY:

Due to current rainfall, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in these areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.

Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill. Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends.

The ocean water quality rain advisory will be in effect at least until 4:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 2025.

This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will remain in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


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

Santa Monica leadership has been working in close coordination with regional, state and federal agencies to advocate for the community and ensure relevant information is shared. City officials are participating in a multi-agency Joint Information Center to share information and are in regular contact with our partners.

Santa Monica has taken the following actions in response to post-wildfire beach conditions and water quality concerns:

Denied a request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement a hazardous debris staging area in a Santa Monica beach parking lot.

Strongly advocated for clear communications on ocean and beach water conditions and advisories and prompted revisions to press releases and the county’s website.

Built sand berms around impacted storm drains to contain sediment and allow time for Santa Monica leadership to confer with regional partners on testing and best practices.

Handpicked and mechanically removed thousands of pounds of fire-related debris from off Santa Monica’s beaches after storm events. These operations are ongoing.

Urged testing of local storm drains to ensure the most impacted area of city beaches was included in regional evaluations.

Hosted a virtual town hall with environmental health leaders, stressing local concerns for environmental conditions and beach-focused economic needs. Shared information about a series of town halls hosted by Public Health.

What is the current status of beaches and ocean water quality?

The public should continue to heed Public Health's most updated ocean water advisories. Currently, a Rain Advisory is in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until Saturday, March 8. In addition, an ocean water warning for the Santa Monica Pier and Pico-Kanter storm drain is in place. This is a non-fire related advisory based on elevated bacteria levels. When ocean water advisories are implemented, dry beach sand usually remains unaffected and open to the public for recreational activities.

Any wildfire debris in Santa Monica’s storm drains at Montana Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard has washed up from the ocean, not flowed down from the wildfire zones.

What agencies are responsible for environmental testing, debris cleanup and public health alerts?

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is the city of Santa Monica’s public health and environmental health agency. Public Health conducts regular ocean water quality testing and issues alerts and advisories when bacteria levels exceed state standards.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, or DBH, operates and maintains public beaches to the north and south of Santa Monica. DBH has been working with Los Angeles County Public Works and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to test the dark, ashy sediment on the beaches for hazardous materials and other contaminants. DBH crews are also responsible for removing fire debris from the public beaches under county jurisdiction.

Authored By Lindsay B. Call, City of Santa Monica Chief Resilience Officer

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

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct traffic safety operations on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

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.

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.

SMPD offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

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

Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.
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, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross. 

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.


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

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration. A rear passenger was found to be in possession of a loaded .38 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number.

The 17-year-old suspect, with no prior criminal record, was placed under arrested.

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 20, 2025

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 (NON-FIRE RELATED):

· Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· 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.

· Ashland Ave. storm drain in Santa Monica. Santa Monica South Tower 28

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

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Culver Blvd Storm Drain

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain

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

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

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

· Rose Avenue Storm Drain at Venice Beach

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

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica North Tower 12

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

· Strand Street extension at Santa Monica Beach

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

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

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

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


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

The County of Los Angeles Public Healthhas announced that the dark sediment washing up on the beaches is NOT hazardous:

"Dark, silty sediment has been washing up on local beaches, and experts are testing it for fire-related substances and health risks. If the sediment spreads to other beaches, testing will continue, and new locations will be added.

Early results from Will Rogers and Topanga beaches after the Jan. 26 storm show that the sediment is not hazardous—it does not threaten the environment or human health.

Since the sediment is not dangerous, there are no plans to remove it. In fact, removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers, and marine habitats. It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage. Instead, natural tides and weather will gradually clear it away."

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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is providing the following updates on Los Angeles County Beaches.

RAIN ADVISORY:

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been lifted for all Los Angeles County Beaches. Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory. Beach users continue to be advised to avoid water contact near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. This includes any runoff that has flown onto or ponded on the beach sand.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


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

The storm drains on Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades Beaches the day after a powerful winter storm hit.

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

Despite the city's health warnings about ash, chemicals, and debris from the Palisades Fire contaminating the ocean water, several surfers have been out catching waves.

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

On Saturday, February 9, 2025, between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments responded to a series of arson incidents across the city. Four separate fires were intentionally set at multiple locations, posing significant safety risks and damaging public property.

In a swift and coordinated response, the Police Department utilized aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation. Through this effort, authorities identified 36-year-old Marco Antonio Rubio as the primary suspect in connection with the fires. At the time of his arrest Rubio was in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can. The fires occurred at the following locations:

1000 block of Colorado Ave: A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.

16th and Michigan Ave: A discarded mattress was set on fire.

Memorial Park: Netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire.

1500 block of 18th St: A parked vehicle was set on fire.

Rubio has an arrest history in California for 148 PC (Resisting Arrest) and multiple prior arrests in Texas, including charges of resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault related crimes. There are no previous arson-related offenses on his record.

“The swift and coordinated response by our Police and Fire Departments highlights our commitment to ensuring the safety of Santa Monica residents. Through teamwork and advanced technology, we quickly identified the suspect and prevented further harm,” said Police Chief Ramon Batista.

The Police Department reminds residents to report any suspicious behavior to authorities immediately and to remain vigilant in their neighborhoods.

Anyone with information related to this incident or these individuals is encouraged to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 05, 2025

Due to current rainfall, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in these areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.

Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill. Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends.

The ocean water quality rain advisory will be in effect until 10:00 am, Saturday, February 8, 2025.

This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

OCEAN WATER CLOSURE AND ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS REMAIN:

The ocean water closure from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory from Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and from Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain until further notice.

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

On 01/27/25, SMPD Detectives received a report of a suspected inappropriate relationship between a 16-year-old female Santa Monica High School student and a male teacher.

An immediate and thorough investigation of the allegations ensued. Detectives learned the science teacher and student were engaged in inappropriate activities since the end of 2024. The incidents took place in multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County.

On 02/05/25, SMPD Detectives with assistance of uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants and took the teacher into custody. The teacher has been identified as Ingo Horst Gaida (58), of Los Angeles.

Gaida was booked for 647.6(a)(1) PC – annoying or molesting a child under 18 and 272(a)(1) PC – contributing to the delinquency of minor, both are misdemeanors. The case will be filed with the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office. Gaida was released from SMPD custody with a citation and promise to appear in court. Gaida has no prior criminal history.

If anyone has any additional information or has also been the victim of abuse by this teacher, please contact Officer Destinee King at (310) 458-6679, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

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:

January 30, 2025

Ocean Water Closure and Advisory in Fire Impacted Areas Remain - All Other LA County Ocean Waters Advisories Lifted 01/30/2025

Due to the increase in fire debris along these ocean waters, the Ocean Water Closure for Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in place, as fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. Beach users should avoid water and stay away from fire debris or heavy ash on the sand.

Exact locations of the closure can be viewed on the interactive map below.

The ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way remains in effect due to fire debris runoff, which may also flow onto or pond on the beach sand. Beach users are also advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach.

The closure and advisory due to fire related impacts will remain in effect until further notice.

The rain advisory for all other LA County ocean waters has been lifted.

Maintenance crews from the Department of Beaches and Harbors are removing and disposing of the large pieces of charred debris that wash up onto the sand. Additionally, DBH is working with its partners to address ongoing concerns about fire-related runoff from winter storms.

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.


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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

January 27, 2025

Due to recent rainfall and the increase in fire debris along these ocean waters, an Ocean Water Closure has been declared for Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach. Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory – through Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory declared on January 26, 2025, will remain in effect at least until 8:00 am, Thursday, January 30, 2025, for all other Los Angeles County beaches. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

Ocean Water Quality Advisory Due to Fire Debris Updated Locations – Extends beyond January 30, 2025

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain in effect due to fire debris runoff, which may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, which can be harmful to health. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand. Beach users are advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach.

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

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors is reminding beachgoers to stay away from fire debris that washes up on the beaches. Crews are gearing up to remove whatever hazardous debris finds its way to the beach during this weekend's predicted rains.

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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

January 17, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is extending the duration of the Ocean Water Advisory due to fire debris runoff. Ash from the Los Angeles Fires may enter coastal water through surface water runoff and windblown ash. The ash may contain substances including arsenic, other metals, and asbestos, which can be harmful to human health. The Department advises beach users to avoid all water contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way.

This advisory will remain in place until lifted by the Department of Public Health.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24-hours a day on the County's beach closure hotline: 1-800- 525-5662.

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.


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

The FBI is investigating an incident that occurred on the morning of Thursday, January 9, 2025, where an unauthorized drone flying in violation of an FAA temporary flight restriction (TFR) collided with a firefighting aircraft. The aircraft, commonly referred to as a “super scooper,” was conducting fire suppression operations at the Palisades Fire near Malibu, California, and was able to land safely. The collision left a 3 x 6 inch hole in the left wing. Parts of the heavily damaged drone were recovered.

Suspect(s):







The FBI has set up a Digital Media Tipline, and is seeking the public’s help in order to identify the operator of the drone. Anyone with information, photos, and/or video footage of the incident is asked to submit them.

If you have any information concerning the individual or group operating the drone, please contact the FBI's Toll-Free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or Click Here.

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

Here's information on some looters that were recently arrested by the Santa Monica Police Department.



On Thursday, SMPD's auto plate reader got a hit on a vehicle stolen out of Hawthorne. The driver, GABRIEL ISAIH STOKES , DOB 10/12/97, who has priors for burglary, robbery, and grand theft, was also in possession of a stolen California ID, other fraudulent IDs, burglary tools, a ski mask, and black beanie.



MIGUEL ANGEL DORANTES, DOB 05/07/02, was apprehended on 10TH ST / CARLYLE AVE. He is charged with 459 : BURGLARY : ENTER INHABITED DWELLING W/ INTENT TO COMMIT GRAND/PETTY LARCENY/ANY FELONY:F

He was in a van with his crime partner, Dominic (below).



DOMINIC PACHECOMANGA , DOB 09/30/06 was arrest along with Miguel and faces the same charges. Dominic's arrest file states that he is a TEACHER

Over on the 200 BLOCK OF EUCLID ST, police arrested another group of theives. DAVID MANUEL ORTIZ, DOB 09/15/06, YANCARLOS VALDEZPONCE, DOB 11/07/06, and JOSE ALBERTO SEGURA, DOB 12/05/05 are all charged with 182(a)(1) : CONSPIRE TO COMMIT ANY CRIME and 466 : POSSESS BURGLARY TOOLS

Along with them was JUNIOR ABADES MONTESINOS, DOB 07/13/06. He is charged with 182(a)(1) : CONSPIRE TO COMMIT ANY CRIME and 25400(a)(1) : CARRY CONCEALED FIREARM IN VEHICLE



On Saturday, JOSHUA KALIEL LOVE, DOB 05/09/95, was apprehended in the 400 BLOCK OF SAN VICENTE BLVD. He was found to be in possession of a dagger, a window breaking tool, a mask, gloves, and narcotics. He was charged with 459 : BURGLARY : ENTER INHABITED DWELLING W/ INTENT TO COMMIT GRAND/PETTY LARCENY/ANY FELONY

MOISES BECERRA GARCIA, DOB 03/24/75, was arrrested on the 100 BLOCK OF 10TH STREET. He is charged with 466 : POSSESS BURGLARY TOOLS, 11377(a) : CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE : POSSESSION, and 12500(a) : UNLICENSED DRIVER

ADRIAN MORENO HERNANDEZ, DOB 03/20/75, was also caught on the 100 BLOCK OF 10TH STREET. His charges are 466 : POSSESS BURGLARY TOOLS, 11377(a) : CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE : POSSESSION, and 409.5(c) : ENTER CLOSED DISASTER AREA

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

"Hello, I’m Ramón Batista, Chief of Police for the city of Santa Monica.

To all Santa Monicans, especially those who have been displaced by the Palisades Fire, your safety is our top priority. Throughout the past several days the SMPD and our mutual aid partners have contacted hundreds of people on foot or in cars and we have arrested individuals in our evacuation and evacuation warning zones that were in possession of weapons, stolen property or wanted for serious felony crimes in our region.

To those considering coming to our city to commit crimes or victimize our residents, your actions will not be tolerated and we will not allow you to prey on our residents during a time of crisis.

Day and night, we remain dedicated to ensuring the security of your homes and loved ones. Our team is proactively monitoring the evacuation zone, and all sworn officers have transitioned to a tactical alert, ensuring that we have a full contingent of officers available 24 hours a day. During this period we received assistance from our mutual aid partner cities, special thanks to Culver City, Beverly Hills, UCLA, Hawthorne and Redondo Beach. These resources have been a crucial part of our proactive public safety efforts. We are steadfast in our commitment to respond swiftly to any needs that arise.

Safety is a partnership between the police and the community—it is also our strongest weapon as we fight crime. We need everyone to follow the curfew orders, the curfew order for the evacuation zone is in effect from sunset to sunrise. And, as always, if you see something, say something; please call 911 or the Watch Command office 310-458-8427.

We are a strong resilient city, and we are here for you. Thank you for your trust and cooperation as we work together through this period."

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