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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Get an E-Bike Voucher

The application for Santa Monica’s E-bike Voucher Program is open!

The City of Santa Monica’s E-bike Voucher Program will award approximately 90 vouchers to qualified Santa Monica residents to cover the cost of an e-bike, and safety equipment like a helmet, lights, and/or a bike lock. Each voucher is worth up to $2,000 to be used at the time of purchase and will be awarded through a series of lotteries. To be eligible to receive a voucher, residents must meet defined income criteria. Vouchers will be redeemable at several participating Santa Monica shops.

It is important to note that Santa Monica’s E-bike Voucher Program is not a rebate program. Residents must apply and be awarded a voucher prior to purchasing their e-bike. No reimbursement for the purchase of an e-bike will be made prior to being awarded a voucher.

Increasing equity in access to e-bikes and their benefits is a key pillar of this program. Distinct from the City’s Electrify Santa Monica Rebate Program, the E-Bike Voucher program aims to serve low- and moderate-income households and waives any upfront costs that typically exclude such communities from taking advantage of rebate programs. If selected to receive an e-bike voucher, recipients will not need to pay any upfront costs to the bike shop or wait for reimbursement. The voucher will directly cover the cost of the e-bike and accompanying equipment (up to $2,000) at the time of sale.

Applications will remain open until all funds are exhausted. Due to limited funding, vouchers will be awarded through a lottery system, NOT first-come-first-served basis. All applicants, regardless of the date they apply, will be entered into a lottery to receive an e-bike voucher.

To learn more about the voucher process, Click Here.

Giant inflatable water slide. Free swim trunks. Need we say more?

Chubbies is taking over the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, April 27th to bring you the first annual CHUBBIES SPLASHDOWN.

Chubbies is setting up a giant inflatable water slide on the Santa Monica Pier and those brave enough to slide down it will receive a FREE pair of Chubbies swim trunks .*

If water slides aren’t your thing (weird but okay), we’ve still got TONS to do and see, including:

Live DJ
Free food & drinks
A giant hammer carnival game
360 photobooth
Swag giveaways
Custom tote bag station
…and so much more. We may have outdone ourselves here.

The party goes from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. April 27. All ages welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

*While supplies last.

For more info and to reserve a spot, Click Here.

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

Registration for the city of Santa Monica’s Summer programs including skate classes and skate camps at The Cove Skatepark opens April 24 for Santa Monica residents and May 1 for non-residents. Secure your spot and sign up now!

For more info, Click Here.

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

Help Save Patrick's Roadhouse: A California Icon

Located on the corner of Entrada and Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, California, Patrick's Roadhouse has been a beloved landmark for over five decades. However, due to recent circumstances, this iconic establishment is at risk of permanent closure.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help save the place:

Why We Need Your Help:
Patrick's Roadhouse was forced to shut its doors after 51 years due to falling behind on rent payments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they struggled to stay afloat with limited revenue from takeout orders. Despite their efforts to support the community by providing meals to frontline workers and students, they found themselves unable to meet the demands of accumulated rent when the deferral period ended and the large lump sum recently came due. That said, the business has operated profitably for nearly a half century and we want to see it continue on, making great food and great memories for all who visit Patricks Roadhouse!.

About Patrick's Roadhouse:
Patrick's Roadhouse isn't just a restaurant; it's a cultural institution. With its quirky decor featuring dinosaurs, Native American and Albert Einstein statues, and unique rooftop sculptures, Patrick's Roadhouse has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Over the years, it has earned numerous accolades, including "Best Diner in California", "Best Banana Cream Pie in the USA" and this year it was awarded “Best Diner in the USA”, It has even been featured on #2 episodes of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives." Established in 1973, this iconic diner has been a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike. Known for its retro decor, hearty comfort food, and welcoming atmosphere, Patrick's Roadhouse has become a staple in the community over the years. The restaurant's founder, Bill Fischler, envisioned a place where people could gather for delicious meals and good company. Patrick's Roadhouse quickly became a popular destination for those seeking a taste of nostalgia and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Throughout its history, Patrick's Roadhouse has welcomed a diverse clientele, including numerous political luminaries, countless film, television, and music celebrities, surfers, families, and of course tourists from all over the world.

Our Plan:
We are working closely with Anthony Fischler, the owner of Patrick's Roadhouse, and his legal team to secure a new long-term lease. Our goal is to raise $250,000, with $200,000 allocated for back rent and $50,000 for immediate building improvements. These improvements will help rejuvenate the establishment after 52 years and ensure its continued success and immediate reopening. We plan to accomplish all of the financial requirements through all of the generous donations stemming from this GoFundMe page as well as through a group of private angel investors and longtime customers of Patricks Roadhouse. Again, no proceeds will be taken or utilized unless an adequate lease is provided and all the proceeds ($250,000.00) are accumulated.

How You Can Help:
Every contribution counts, no matter how small. Your donation will not only help us save Patrick's Roadhouse but it will also help to preserve a piece of Santa Monica's history. Additionally, we have some big-name and famous customers who have pledged their support, and we hope you will join them in contributing to this cause.

What Happens if We Don't Reach Our Goal:
We understand that not everyone can contribute financially, and that's okay. Your moral support and sharing of this campaign are equally valuable. *Please note: If we don't reach our fundraising goal and secure a new lease, all funds raised will be returned to donors less fees charged by GoFundMe.

For more info and to donate, Click Here.

The Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit red on Wednesday, March 27 in recognition of Giving Day.

Mike, aka German in Venice, vlogs about daily life in Venice Beach, and the nearby communities.

"Today there was a car show on the Santa Monica Pier lots of old-timers, classic cars you name it. Live bands were playing and we enjoyed the beautiful sunset. It was an incredible day."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"This Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Santa Monica Pier turned up the heat with the Local's Night Car Show, turning the iconic spot into a buzzing hive of classic car mania. As part of the pier's hype Locals Night series, this event was tailor-made by and for Santa Monicans, dishing out a killer mix of activities that had everyone from toddlers to grandparents vibing."

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.

Photos via The Dude

In case you were wonder what are those markings on the road in several sections of Pacific Coast Highway, they are optical speed bars. According to the California Department of Transportation, "Speed Reduction Markings (also known as Optical Speed Bars) are transverse pavement markings placed with progressively reduced spacing on both edges of the traveled way to create the perception of increased speed. This illusion encourages drivers to slow down as they pass by the markings."

The guidebook also states, "Speed reduction markings should be reserved for unexpected curves and should not be used on long tangent sections of roadway or in locations frequented mainly by local or familiar drivers. Speed reduction markings shall not be used in lanes that do not have a longitudinal line (center line, edge line, or lane line) on both sides of the lane."

Mason Brown's Surf Report reports that thousands of dried up creatures resembling jellyfish have washed ashore on the beach in Santa Monica.



There are called Velella velella or By-the-Wind Sailors. The By-the-Wind sailors are also known as colonial hydroids and are similar to Portuguese Man O'War, feeding on algae and zooplankton.

Velella velella are flat, oval-shaped hydroid polyps (cousins of the jellyfish) that live in the open ocean but are often seen washed up on beaches in the spring and early summer months when strong winds push them ashore.

This video (below) is about them washing up last year, on April 10th:

They have a firm and upright triangular sail attached to their body which causes them to be caught up by the wind and blown across the surface of the water, giving them their name “By-the-Wind Sailors.” Don't worry about those little blue tentacles that hang from their body! These tentacles don't sting humans but will gather up plenty of zooplankton or fish eggs for them to eat.

According to Point ReyesNational Seashore, Velella Velellas pose little threat to humans, but if you do decide to pick one up, be careful when touching your face and eyes afterward because they can cause slight irritation to your skin.

"You may come across a fresh wash-up of Velella, tinging the stretch of shoreline blue, but if they've been there a while, they will look like crinkly and dry ovals of cellophane."

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, an individual suspected of committing a robbery at the Louis Vuitton store in Santa Monica Place was apprehended by Santa Monica Police Officers along Ocean Avenue. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, matched the description of the person involved in the theft.

In the course of the operation, the police conducted an investigation, leading to the suspect's arrest on suspicion of grand theft. Before the arrest, Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect's health as a safety measure. Following a medical clearance, the individual was formally arrested.

The suspect faces potential charges under California Penal Code [CPC] §§487(a) – (d) for Grand Theft, which is applicable when property or services valued over $950 are stolen. Additionally, the individual may be charged with Estes Robbery, as defined by 211 PC, which involves the felonious acquisition of personal property through force or intimidation."

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.

A Lyft driver was assrested last week and charged for sexual assault on a Santa Monica resident back in September.

On September 7, 2023, Santa Monica police responded to the 2900 block of Pennsylvania Ave regarding a sexual assault. A woman reported that a Lyft driver picked her up from a restaurant in West Hollywood and sexually assaulted her during the ride home.

The victim, a Santa Monica resident, fell asleep in the car and woke up to inappropriate touching. The suspect then offered to walk her to her door, which she refused. Once home, she realized several hours had passed since she was picked up.

Santa Monica detectives investigated and identified the driver as Fernando Macias Morales, a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident. They arrested him on April 5, 2024, in the San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Morales with felony counts of:

Kidnapping to commit a sexual act (California Penal Code 209(b)(1))
Sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation (California Penal Code 289(e))
Oral copulation of a person intoxicated person or under sedation (California Penal Code 287(i))

His bail is set at $500,000.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Stephanie Davis at 310-458-2201 x4400, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:00am, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of the Beach for an individual threatening a lifeguard with a metallic rod. The suspect, later identified as Michael Vincent Parrett, a 38-year-old homeless male, jumped from the roof of Lifeguard Tower 12 and approached the victim with the rod, thrusting it towards him several times. The victim was able to dodge out of the way and was not injured.

Parrett was located by officers in the 400 block of Palisades Beach Road. He ignored the officers’ commands and began running on the sidewalk, approaching multiple bystanders, while still holding the rod. When the officers intervened, the subject ran into the bluffs overlooking PCH. Due to the risk of the suspect falling onto PCH and into traffic, CHP assisted in closing northbound and southbound traffic.

The suspect made multiple statements threating that he would not give up without a fight resulting in the Crisis Negotiations Team responding to the location. Dialogue with Parrett continued for over an hour and half with no impact. Parrett made statements indicating that officers would need to shoot him before he would give up. Officers attempted to use less than lethal means to have the suspect drop the rod and surrender. He continued to maintain control of the weapon, refusing to drop it. Ultimately, Parrett was taken into custody with the assistance of a department K9.

Parrett was taken to a local area hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Santa Monica Jail. He was booked for 245 (a) 1 PC – Assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to inflict great bodily injury.

Patagonia Santa Monica is the grand prize winner of the 28th annual Sustainable Quality Awards, the city announced today.

The business is among several others recognized for sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the environment, demonstrating excellence in helping move Santa Monica toward a more sustainable future.

Five additional local businesses received excellence awards:

Angeles Investment Advisors for excellence in economic development.
Avocado Green Mattress for excellence in stewardship of the environment.
HGA for excellence in stewardship of the environment.
Physical Therapyworks for excellence in social responsibility.
Yoga-urt for excellence in economic development and stewardship of the environment.

The awards program is a partnership between the city and Santa Monica based environmental education nonprofit Sustainable Works.

The public is invited to attend the annual Sustainable Quality Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 1, from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Highway.

A reception to celebrate the businesses for their achievements will take place after with food and beverages, exhibitor tables and networking. The ceremony will begin promptly at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Registration is required.

For more info and register for the event, Click Here.

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

A homeless man with a weapon shuts down PCH in Santa Monica pic.twitter.com/duTyP9L9sT

— WCoastSanta Monica (@WCoast_) April 8, 2024

Pacific Coast Highway was shut down in both directions in Santa Monica on Monday as police were in a stand off with a homeless man.

Witnesses said he threatened a lifeguard with a screwdriver, then fled across PCHand up into the bluffs just south of Patrick's Roadhouse. Police, along with the SWAT, K9-units, and the Fire Department, tried to get him to come out. Witnesses said he was threatening to jump, but looking at where he was in the video, there's nothing to jump from. Police eventually apprehended him as seen in the video. He was taken a medical facility for evaluation.

Join us on 4/12 on the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade to watch High School Musical 1 and relive this classic with the best sing-along of your life!

For more info, Click Here.

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

A McLaren loses control and nearly hits a motorcycle police officer, then wrecks into 3 cars that are parked next to the cliff overlooking the ocean on Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, California. This happen as vehicles were leaving a supercar show being held in the Gladstone's parking lot on Sunday morning.