Bay Street Boards YEARLY ANNIVERSARY PARTY IS GOING UP!

Join in on Saturday June 28th for a mega celebration! Food, drinks, music, and everything you have come to expect at a Bay Street function… a mad good time! PULL UP!

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

For more info, Click Here.

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

Main Street, Santa Monica's iconic Summer Soulstice returns on June 21! Live music, vendors, beer garden, activities for kids & more. FREE! Saturday, June 21 · 12 - 7pm

Summer Soulstice 25th Annual Main Street tradition, attracting thousands of residents and visitors. Join us as we close the street to cars and transform it into a FREE vibrant community festival filled with live music, fun activities, delicious food, drinks and more!



Get ready to kick off summer! Mark your calendars for the annual Summer Soulstice Festival on Main Street – a FREE, car-free celebration that transforms the street into a pedestrian paradise.



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

On June 5, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to a call of a woman screaming for help near the intersection of 6th Street and Wilshire Boulevard.

Upon arrival, Officers located an 84-year-old Santa Monica resident who appeared to be in distress. The victim reported that she was approached and grabbed from behind by a male suspect who then dragged her into a nearby alley and attempted to sexually assault her.

Multiple witnesses at the scene came forward and corroborated the victim’s account. They also observed the suspect flee northbound from the area. Officers quickly located and detained the suspect near 5th Street and California Avenue.

The suspect was identified as 39-year-old Pape Tall (pictured above), a resident of Long Beach. On June 9, 2025, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against Tall, including kidnapping with intent to commit rape (209(b)(1) PC), assault with intent to commit rape (220(a)(1) PC), and violation of probation. Tall remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department without bail with a court appearance scheduled for July 9, 2025.

The Santa Monica Police Department encourages anyone with additional information about this incident to contact Detective Maricela Orta at (310) 458-229

Thousands of protesters take to the streets of Santa Monica on Saturday to rally againt President Donald Trump and I.C.E. in a peaceful No Kings Protest at Palisades Park.

Santa Monica Police watched over as people protested up and down Ocean Avenue, with no major incidents reported, the event went on into the afternoon with the street being closed off to traffic for a couple hours only.

Due to the riots, where multiple Waymo vehicle have be destroyed , Waymo is stopping service everywhere in Los Angeles.

Nick’s fearless passion for surfing paved the way for many, and this event honors his legacy by celebrating diversity in surfing and bringing the community together for a day of stories, surf, and shared experiences at Tower 24 in Santa Monica. Hosted by Black Surfers Collective, The Bay Foundation, Heal the Bay, Surf Bus Foundation, One With The Ocean, Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s Office, Dr. Alison Jefferson, and Santa Monica Conservancy

The Santa Monica Police Department has issued an official statement regarding the upcoming No Kings Protest planned for this weekend:

"To our Santa Monica community,

As we approach the scheduled “No Kings” rally in Santa Monica on Saturday, June 14, the Santa Monica Police Department wants to reassure our community that your safety remains our top priority.

We recognize that events like these can understandably bring feelings of uncertainty, especially in light of what our city experienced in 2020 and we have not forgotten the impact it continues to have.

Our department is fully prepared to protect our community citywide, not just in the areas associated with the rally. We are committed to upholding everyone’s right to peacefully demonstrate.

All sworn personnel have been placed on tactical alert, meaning the full strength of the Santa Monica Police Department is ready and available to respond quickly and decisively, wherever needed. Our mission is clear: to keep Santa Monica safe, secure, and peaceful, for business owners, residents, and visitors alike.

✅ Peaceful protest is protected.

To those who plan to protest peacefully, know that we are here to safeguard your rights.

❌ Criminal behavior, including vandalism, theft, or violence, will not be tolerated.

To those who may come with the intent to engage in thievery, disrupt or cause harm, we will act decisively and within the law to prevent violence and protect our community.

We’ve implemented a comprehensive operational plan that includes enhanced patrols, rapid-response teams, and the strategic use of technology to maintain situational awareness. We are working closely with regional partners to ensure a coordinated approach should additional support be needed.

We also want to reiterate what we’ve stated before: the Santa Monica Police Department does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and does not inquire about immigration status. We serve and protect everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Santa Monica—without exception.

We urge the community to stay informed, stay safe, and reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Non-Emergency Dispatch: 310-458-8491
Emergencies: 9-1-1
Community Engagement Team: 310-458-8474

Together, we can uphold our shared values of safety, inclusion, and respect—on June 14 and every day.

Thank you,
Chief Ramon Batista"

The Santa Monica Police Department has issued an official statement regarding the unrest over recent federal immigration action in downtown Los Angeles:

"Dear Santa Monica Community,

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is dedicated to serving and protecting all community members, regardless of immigration status. In light of recent federal immigration actions and executive orders, we want to reassure our residents that our department will not participate in immigration enforcement operations. Our long-standing policy remains unchanged: immigration enforcement is solely the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies under Title 8 of the United States Code.

We do not and will not conduct independent sweeps, raids, or other concentrated efforts to detain individuals based on their immigration status. Moreover, the Santa Monica Police Department will abide by California Law SB54 / The California Values Act (2017).

Public safety is built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. The U.S. Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law to all individuals within its jurisdiction, including those who call Santa Monica home. We understand that for law enforcement to be effective, everyone, regardless of immigration status, must feel safe when seeking our assistance.

One of the primary reasons SMPD does not enforce immigration violations is to ensure that undocumented community members who are victims or witnesses of crime feel assured and confident in coming forward. No one in our community should fear that reporting a crime or calling for help will lead to deportation. By maintaining this policy, we foster a safer city where everyone can participate in keeping our community secure. We will not allow anyone to feel they can criminally victimize our immigrant community. Through our relationship with the community, we will follow up and investigate reported crimes.

While SMPD does not engage in federal immigration enforcement, we remain steadfast in holding all individuals accountable for criminal behavior, regardless of their immigration status.

Our mission is to uphold public safety for all residents. We will continue to work tirelessly to build trust and strengthen relationships with our diverse community. Santa Monica is a place of inclusion, dignity, and respect, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that every individual feels protected and valued.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Santa Monica Police Department. We are here to serve everyone in our community who needs our help.

Thank you,
Chief Ramon Batista"

Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival celebrates the best of beach life with an awesome, FREE, all-ages festival! With ocean sports competitions, live music, food and drinks, interactive games, sampling by some of your favorite brands and so much more, Santa Monica Pier 360 offers a peek into iconic SoCal beach culture and brings together thousands of guests for a day of good vibes. Whether you're hanging with the family, competing on land or at sea, or partying with your friends–Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival has got it all! The action on the beach starts at 8:00am and the Pier Festival is open at 10:00am.

Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival celebrates the best of beach life with two days of all ages experiences.

The Santa Monica “Pier 360” Beach Festival, the ultimate celebration of SoCal beach culture, returns June 28-29, 2025, for two epic days of competition, entertainment, and good vibes along the iconic Santa Monica shoreline.

Celebrate the best of beach life with an awesome, FREE, all-ages festival! With ocean sports competitions, live music, food and drinks, interactive games, sampling by some of your favorite brands and so much more. Whether you’re hanging with the family, competing on land or at sea, or partying with your friends–Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival has got it all! The action on the beach starts at 8:00am and the Pier Festival is open at 10:00am.

Pier 360” Main Attractions



· Paddleboard Races (June 29) – Celebrate 90 years of paddleboard racing with the One-Mile Short Course ($30), Mike Vaughan Memorial 5-Mile Distance Race ($40), and high-speed Sprint Racing ($40). Open to paddlers of all levels.

· Ocean Swims (June 29) – 500m and 1-Mile open water swim events with wetsuit/non-wetsuit divisions and age group awards. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with Hawaiian blessing.



· CBVA Beach Volleyball Tournaments (June 28 and 29) – Men’s & Women’s Open competition for a $4,000 prize pool plus the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame Legends Exhibition.

· Santa Monica Classic (June 28 and 29) – High-octane strongman contest featuring over 80 male and female athletes competing across multiple weight classes.

· AAU Invitational (June 29) – Top 18:U girls teams compete in a Triple Crown showdown.

· Lifeguard Competitions (June 28) – Including the historic Pete Peterson Surfboat 1-Mile Dory Race and Junior Guard events.



· Skate Experience (June 28 and 29) – An energetic celebration of skateboarding and athleticism with demos, clinics, and competitions on custom ramps with L.A.’s top skaters.

· POP SK8 Roller Rink (June 28 and 29) – Community themed pop-up roller rink on the Pier deck open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (skates available on site).

· Beer & Spirits (June 28 and 29) – Chill with cold brews and vodka seltzers thanks to Michelob Ultra in the “Ocean Brews & Bites Garden.”



· All-Day Music & Polynesian Dance (June 28 and 29) – Kick off each day with vibrant Polynesian performances and live music throughout the afternoon.

· Museum of Beach Life (June 28 and 29) – A free, hands-on exhibit curated by local legends explores the history of surf, Muscle Beach, and paddleboard racing.

· Youth Zone (June 28 and 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – Arts, crafts, and giant games for kids. An adult must accompany children under 18.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Hundreds of volunteers, people of all ages with disabilities, and entire families come together for an epic day in the ocean.

Whether you’ve surfed with us for years, are a beginner, or just want to meet people and hang out for the day…YOU BELONG HERE. Everyone is welcome.

You’ll be amazed who you meet at a Life Rolls On event. Heroic people navigating life with various disabilities, and heroic volunteers making freedom possible. The 2025 season is about to get underway. Registration for “They Will Surf Again” Santa Monica opens Wednesday May 7th at 9am PST. We are extremely excited to see everyone on June 21st for the first surf event of the 2025 “Get On Board” Tour.



Lifeguard Tower 28
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica CA 90405





For more info and to register, Click Here.

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

New video from Real Skate Stories.

"Skateboarding is built on progression—and few have pushed it forward like Natas Kaupas.

In this deep dive into skateboarding’s untold history, we explore the era of early NBDs—Never Been Done tricks—and how they shaped the technical evolution of street skating in the late 1980s. Before modern setups, street pioneers were landing groundbreaking tricks on oversized decks, wide trucks, and wheels meant for vert ramps—not the street.

Featuring legendary skater Natas Kaupas, this video pays tribute to the innovators who adapted freestyle tricks to the urban environment, unlocking terrain that no one thought was skateable. From the first wall rides to the early days of flip tricks, we break down how NBDs laid the foundation for everything we see in skateboarding today—from Thrasher covers to Olympic-level street runs."

Street League Skateboabing's first-ever spot-takeover, transforming the Santa Monica Pier with a custom-built course, paying homage to one of the most iconic spots in all of skateboarding!

We're transforming the iconic Santa Monica Pier on Friday, May 23, in the league’s first-ever ‘Spot-Takeover’ event. A custom-built course will rebuild the Santa Monica Triple Set — one of skateboarding’s most iconic spots — right on the Santa Monica Pier for a FREE festival that pays homage to the place that shaped skateboarding into what it is today.

Pacific Coast Hwy will reopen to the public in Malibu & Pacific Palisades Friday, May 23 in time for Memorial Day holiday.

The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel ahead of schedule this Friday in advance of Memorial Day Holiday.

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will reopen to all drivers at 8 a.m. Friday, May 23, in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

“In California, we get stuff done, period. We’re opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day. We are able to do this thanks to the tireless work of hundreds of construction and road crews and with help from our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers.”

According to the governor office, a "robust security presence will remain at the neighborhood level following the highway reopening. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed LAPD to continue its increased deployment in the Palisades, including staffing check points 24 hours a day."

“The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step forward in our recovery effort in the Palisades, which is on track to be the fastest in state history,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I thank Governor Newsom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and partners at all levels of government for their partnership and collaboration as we work around the clock to get families home and businesses reopened. As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, we will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the State. All of us have a shared goal – to ensure residents can safely and quickly rebuild and return to their community. We will continue working together toward that goal and recommit to clearing any barrier that stands in the way of recovery.”

What to Expect for Travelers

Be aware that repairs will continue even after two lanes in both directions are opened to the public.

For the safety of repair crews and first responders, drivers are asked to please use caution while driving through the area, Move Over if possible, and slow down. A 25 mile per hour speed limit will remain in effect.

Due to the volume of traffic expected over the holiday weekend and ongoing construction, drivers should expect delays on PCH. Please allow extra time for travel or find an alternate route to your destination.

Caltrans and CHP reminds drivers that traffic fines can be doubled in an active work zone.

“Instead of having to hang a u-turn on PCH, Angelenos can now ‘hang ten’ with Malibu businesses and residents. I want to offer a big thanks to federal, state, and local partners who made this happen!” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin.

There are many people in the Palisades and Malibu the are against re-opening of PCH, they have been voicing thier concerns on social media and contacing all the local officials about it. But all of the council members and the 3 mayors are in favor of the opening.

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

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

A recap of some of the incidents Santa Monica Police dealt with on May 4 - May 10. Here's the list:

1200 block of 16th St - Bike Stop / 69 PC SM Warrant Arrest: Officers conducted a bike stop on a suspect who had a $250,000 Santa Monica warrant for battery on a peace officer, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested.​

1500 block of 4th Street - Domestic Violence: Police responded to a family disturbance. A female was found intoxicated in a vehicle with a cut nose. Her male partner reported she had struck him multiple times in the face and bit his finger while he was driving after they had been drinking. The female was arrested for domestic violence.​

500 block of Wilshire - Theft/ Shoplift: Officers responded to a theft at CVS. A suspect concealed merchandise in a TJ Maxx bag and fled. The suspect was later observed and detained, positively identified, and the stolen property was recovered. The suspect was taken into custody.

Ocean & Colorado Ave - Stabbing: Officers responded to a stabbing involving two males who are believed to be homeless. A verbal altercation led to one stabbing the other, who was uncooperative with officers. Video footage showed the two walking together before an argument, during which the suspect stabbed at the victim, who blocked the attack with his forearms. Officers identified and arrested the suspect nearby, who had a folding knife with possible blood on his person. The victim sustained non-life-threatening wounds.

1300 2nd St - Probation Violation: Officers stopped a vehicle for expired registration and discovered the driver had a no-bail warrant for a probation violation out of San Bernardino County. The driver was on probation for possessing a controlled substance while armed.

2100 block of Main St - Strong arm robbery: A known theft suspect was observed grabbing items in a store. When an employee tried to stop him from leaving, the suspect punched the employee multiple times in the face, causing him to fall. The suspect was located several hours later and arrested.

Lot 5 South - Vehicle Burglary Arrest: Officers responded to a vehicle burglary in progress. The reporting party provided a vehicle description and license plate. Although the suspects were initially gone, the vehicle was later located by the drone operator in Lot 5 South, where the occupants were observed burglarizing other vehicles. Officers apprehended and arrested both suspects, believed to be foreign nationals, for burglary, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, and possession of burglary tools.

Criminal Threats/Domestic Violence: A woman came to the police station to surrender firearms due to concerns about her safety related to her husband's alcoholism. Further investigation revealed that her husband had threatened her with a firearm while she was in bed with their infant. Detectives and CIT officers safely apprehended the suspect during a traffic stop.

333 Olympic Dr. (PSF) - Narcotics Possession (PCP): A suspect approached officers in front of the Public Safety Facility, screaming for help and holding a vial of PCP. Officers found additional PCP in the suspect's possession. The suspect was taken into custody.

3100 Block of 4th St. - Burglary (Residential) – Narcotics Possession: A suspect entered a property they had been to before. While being detained, items stolen from the residence were located, and the suspect was also found to be in possession of narcotics. The suspect was taken into custody.

1801 Lincoln Blvd, World Gas Station - Commercial Burglary: An unknown number of suspects broke the front glass door of the store, entered, and stole approximately $10,000 in merchandise and cash.

2425 16th St Soccer Field- Assault W/ A Deadly Weapon (Bodily Force): During a soccer game, two opposing players had a verbal altercation. The suspect punched the victim in the face, causing a laceration and loss of consciousness and memory. A witness reported the suspect then kicked the victim in the head with his cleat before fleeing in an SUV. The victim refused medical treatment.

700 block of Santa Monica Blvd - Traffic Stop / Firearm Arrest / Burglary Tools: Officers stopped a vehicle and found the driver was on parole for attempted murder. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm, ski masks, and burglary tools. The suspects were possibly linked to multiple attempted burglaries at a Commercial Bank of California. Similar clothing worn during those incidents was found in the vehicle. Both suspects were arrested.

Neilson Way & Ocean Park Blvd - Hit & Run Felony (Vehicle vs Ped): A vehicle traveling north on Neilson Way struck a pedestrian. The vehicle fled the scene. The pedestrian sustained a possible broken leg.

1540 2nd St McDonalds - Pepper Spray Incident: Officers responded to a fight in progress at a McDonald's. A security guard had deployed a large canister of bear spray inside the restaurant. The spray was taken as evidence.

PSF - No Bail Warrant / Structure Rescue: A subject at the Public Safety Facility called dispatch wanting to be placed on a 5150 hold. Officers found him scaling the outside of the stairwell. Due to his paranoia and drug impairment, SMFD was called to safely bring him down. The subject was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Lincoln Blvd. and Brooks Ave. - Firearm Possession (Felon): A vehicle was seen speeding and a traffic stop was initiated. The suspect did not yield for several blocks. Investigation revealed the suspect was a previously convicted felon, and a loaded firearm was found in the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody.

Bike path under the pier - 484 (Petty Theft Assist): HSOs assisted LA County Lifeguards and a victim whose backpack was taken by a homeless individual who refused to return it. The backpack was retrieved without incident, and the subject left the area. The victim did not desire prosecution.

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 2:26 AM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to a radio call regarding a reported stabbing in the 1700 block of Ocean Front Walk. One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Officers arrived on scene within two minutes and discovered two individuals who had been stabbed. The first victim, an adult male, sustained multiple stab wounds to the upper torso. SMPD personnel provided initial medical aid to the victim. Upon their arrival, Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) paramedics continued medical treatment and then transported the individual to a local area hospital. At the time of this release, the victim was in critical, but stable condition.

The second victim, an adult female, was also discovered to have sustained stab wounds. She was also transported to the hospital for treatment and released.

Witnesses reported that suspects fled the scene on foot, traveling southbound after the stabbing.

A preliminary investigation revealed the following suspect descriptions:

Suspect 1: Male, Hispanic, thin build, wearing a grey sweater and a blue bandana or face mask. Suspect 2: Male, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants. Suspect #2, 20-year-old Ivan Angel Plancarte from San Gabriel, CA was taken into custody on Monday, April 21, 2025 and charged with attempted murder (664/187 PC).



Suspect #1 remains outstanding.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is encouraged to contact the Det. Zamfirov (Peter.Zamfirov@santamonica.gov) at (310)458-8398, Det. Sgt. Lozano (Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov) at (310)458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at approximately 9:30 PM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded within two minutes to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a business in the 1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade. .

The preliminary investigation revealed that the business owner was conducting a private, after-hours sale with a known associate when a second individual—conspiring with the known associate—entered the closed store and sprayed the victim with a chemical irritant. A struggle followed, and the victim, who was in legal possession of a firearm, shot the intruder. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. .

The associate, who coordinated the meeting, Karen Melikyan, male, 41-years-old, DOB 4/8/1984; Hollywood area resident(seen in the booking photo above), was detained at the scene and later arrested in connection with the attempted robbery. He has since been charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. .

The victim (store owner) was not injured and is cooperating fully with investigators. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives believe this was a targeted and isolated incident involving individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the community. .

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information about this incident, is encouraged to contact Det. Jauregui at (310) 458-4852.

Eric Britton discusses where his nickname "Tuma" come from, getting sponsored at 12 years old, leaving Dogtown for SMA, Kareem Campbell telling Skip Engblom to turn him pro for SMA, ending up in a coma from a mosquito bite, what it was like skating the Venice Pavilion in the 80's, starting "Tuma Skateboard Academy" teaching kids how to skate, his re-issue SMA board coming soon and much more!

Various scenes of the crazy, wild, dangerous, and scary people that are roaming around Santa Monica these days.

From a homeless man jumping on a students car, to a metro employee getting assaulted, to a Daisy the Venice Healer sighting, , even Police from another city have to come over a fetch someone who is wanted in thier city, this video is a montage of madness. Be safe out there.

SAIL, ROW, PADDLE OR SINK YOUR WAY INTO SUMMER! Be a part of the 13th Annual Cardboard Yacht Regatta! Saturday, June 14th.

Have you ever dreamed of setting sail across the waters in your very own yacht? Now you can build your own cardboard yacht and test its seaworthiness in a race across the Beach House Pool. Build a yacht using just corrugated cardboard and duct tape, decorate it, cross your fingers and hope you can make it to the other side.

Two people must be in the yacht during the race. All boats must be human-powered (no motors).People's Choice Awards will be given in a variety of categories, including "Most Likely to Sink", "Best Use of Theme", and "Most Spirited". The Beach House Courtyard will open for yachts to be on display beginning at 9am. Races will launch beginning at 11am. Please read attached information sheet for more details on the Cardboard Yacht Regatta, including appropriate yacht building materials, regatta rules and an event timeline.



Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Santa Monica, CA 90402

For more info, Click Here.

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

The Santa Monica City Council early Wednesday approved a new Entertainment Zone, a first-of-its-kind effort to support economic development and bring new experiences to the iconic Third Street Promenade shopping district.

The Entertainment Zone ordinance will allow adults 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages from a participating, licensed Promenade business and consume them outdoors on the 1200-1400 blocks of the Promenade, between Wilshire Boulevard and Broadway.

Per City Council direction, the Entertainment Zone will begin with a soft rollout in early June, with initial hours on Friday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The official launch is set for the city’s annual Pride on the Promenade celebration on June 21.

The Entertainment Zone will be the first in Southern California, made possible by California’s Senate Bill 969, which went into effect this year, allowing local governments to create designated outdoor areas where open container prohibitions are lifted for beverages purchased from participating restaurants and bars.

“The new Entertainment Zone will provide a unique way for visitors to experience the iconic Third Street Promenade that caters to the new trends in shopping and dining,” Mayor Lana Negrete said. “It is an example of the many ways Santa Monica is thinking creatively about our economic growth and I’m excited to see more residents and visitors supporting our downtown businesses while responsibly enjoying the Entertainment Zone.”

Parameters for Santa Monica’s Entertainment Zone include:  

Participating businesses will need to opt-in and sign a participation agreement with the city. 
The business will be responsible for checking IDs as they normally would when serving alcohol, and they will then provide the customer with an official city-provided wristband that they must wear while consuming the drink outdoors. 
Business owners will supply their own to-go cups (they must not be made of metal or glass per state law). 
Individuals may window shop but will not be permitted to take their beverage into any other businesses - for outdoor consumption only. 

The Entertainment Zone will be active from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday to start, with the goal of expanding the program to 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days per week as feasible.

Businesses with current alcohol licenses can choose to participate in the Entertainment Zone by signing a participation agreement with the city. The Promenade will remain open, as usual, to families and visitors of all ages. 

City Community Development and public safety staff will provide regular status updates on the Entertainment Zone rollout and make adjustments as needed.

In addition, per California law, the five essential rules of the Entertainment Zone are:

You must be 21+ and wear an official wristband to enjoy alcoholic drinks to-go. 
Only alcoholic drinks purchased from participating businesses are allowed. 
Alcohol taken to-go must be in a non-glass, non-metal container. 
Finish your drink before exploring another bar, restaurant or shop. 
Enjoy your alcoholic beverages within the Entertainment Zone boundaries.

Community Development Department staff are working to finalize the management plan for the Entertainment Zone based on feedback from the council meeting and are also working closely with Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., or DTSM, to install signage and other communications to reiterate the rules and boundaries of the Entertainment Zone.

The Santa Monica Police Department, DTSM’s private security firm for the Promenade, Legion, and the city’s Public Works Department are working to ensure that resources and staff are in place to continue to make the Promenade a clean and safe space for everyone to enjoy.

"Few places in the country have the potential to rival Santa Monica’s year-round coastal climate, and this new experience will further elevate our downtown as a place to socialize and connect," Andrew Thomas, CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc said. "This wouldn’t be possible without the vision and commitment of our local businesses, residents, visitors and the city of Santa Monica. As our downtown transforms to meet new expectations, so too does the city evolve to support the broader community’s needs."

The new ordinance further builds on efforts to enhance offerings in downtown Santa Monica, including outdoor dining and new experiential entertainment such as pickleball and mini golf.

No changes were made to the city’s outdoor dining program, which allows businesses to serve food and drink in designated outdoor spaces on the Promenade.