The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) invites community members and stakeholders to attend an informational meeting about the Pacific Coast Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Project at 6 p.m. March 27 in the multipurpose room at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The project will also incorporate Complete Streets elements that enhance safety.

The meeting is intended for the project team to share information and schedules for the proposed improvement project on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/State Route 1) between McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu, including safety enhancement measures. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The scope of work for this project, which is expected to begin in summer 2027, would include:

· Rehabilitate pavement along PCH from McClure Tunnel to Cross Creek Road

· Upgrade existing ADA Ramps and existing Metal Beam Guard Rail (MBGR)

· Improve lighting in the Roosevelt Tunnel and Will Rogers Parking Lot Tunnel underground pedestrian crossings

· New sidewalks at multiple bus stop locations

· A new overhead sign at Sunset Avenue

· Additional Class II bike lanes and striping

· Additional pedestrian warning signs

The goal of this project is to extend the service life of the pavement and improve ride quality for motorists.

Caltrans has identified this location as a top-priority safety corridor. It is also a Complete Streets project, meaning the scope aims to increase safety and mobility features for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to share the road.

The total estimated cost for the project is $72 million. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2029..

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

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.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory: Advisory Extended for all Los Angeles County Beaches Until Monday, March 10, at 7:00 am

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 7:00 am, Monday, March 10, 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.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at approximately 5:48 a.m., The Santa Monica Fire Department requested an emergency police response for multiple arsons in the area of Alley 19 and Santa Monica Boulevard. Fire personnel reported that the suspect was walking south in the alley while attempting to ignite another fire.

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers quickly responded and located the suspect holding a lighter near 19th and Colorado. Officers determined that the individual had set a third fire near Alley 19 and Broadway, which was actively burning. SMFD personnel promptly extinguished the flames.

With the assistance of witnesses, the suspect was identified as Theresa Lynn Barron, who is homeless from Alabama. She was taken into custody.

The arson locations include:
• A trash container near a bus stop at Alley 19 & Santa Monica Blvd (westbound)
• A sign near the 1900 block of Santa Monica Blvd.
• A large blue city recycling containers near the 1500 block of Alley 19

SMPD and SMFD remind the community to report suspicious activity immediately to 9-1-1 or 310-458-8491 (non-emergency dispatch).

Summary:

Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 @ 5:48 AM

Type of Incident: Arson

Location: multiple locations near Alley 19 and Santa Monica Blvd.

Suspect: Theresa Lynn Barron, DOB 08/03/1979, homeless from Alabama; no prior arson arrests

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.

Santa Monica is celebrating International Women’s Day with a Community Bike Ride & Community Garden Celebration on Saturday, Mar.8 from 9-11 a.m..

Join a fun, family-friendly bike ride to celebrate International Women's Day! Ride along the Beach Bike Path, visit the Main Street Community Garden, and savor some light refreshments. 

Main Street Community Garden
2318 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here

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

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier invites families and community members to join in for Heroes Day, a fun-filled afternoon celebrating local heroes and promoting safety awareness on Saturday, March 1 from 3-6 p.m.

The free event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including appearances from beloved superhero characters, face painting, and special partnerships aimed at promoting preparedness. Guests will have the chance to snap photos with and meet and greet their favorite superheroes as they walk around Pacific Park’s Kid’s Cove area, and much more.

The public can also join the Santa Monica Police Department for Coffee with a Cop during Pacific Park’s Heroes Day in front of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf from 3-5 p.m. Come chat with local officers, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about how they serve and protect the community.

In addition, guests and locals can find their flow and feel the rhythm at the Santa Monica Pier’s Wellness & Waves Festival, a free, full-day experience of movement, mindfulness, and music, with donations in support of LA Fire Relief, on Saturday, March 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pacific Park will also mark “Red Cross Month” by joining other area landmarks in lighting up the evening in red. The Ferris wheel lighting event will kick off a month-long awareness campaign to honor the vital work of the American Red Cross. The event will coincide with Pacific Park’s inaugural Heroes Day, which will also honor first responders and recognize their crucial role in the community. In partnership with the American Red Cross, they will have a booth in the park where they will distribute free preparedness kits, helping families stay safe in the event of an emergency.

Nearly 80 years ago, March was first proclaimed “Red Cross Month” in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission. All U.S. presidents since Roosevelt have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world through its workforce powered by more than 90 percent volunteers.

For more info, Click Here

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

Metro Bus Line 134 will resume service to Malibu beginning Friday, February 28. Line 134 runs on Pacific Coast Highway between the E Line in downtown Santa Monica and Trancas Canyon in Malibu and has been suspended since the devastating Palisades Fire started on January 7

Line 134 will run its usual route but will not be stopping in the 10-mile work zone most impacted by the Palisades Fire due to the loss of a travel lane on PCH and safety considerations. The no stopping zone is between the intersection of PCH and Temescal Canyon Road and the intersection of PCH and Rambla Vista.

To repeat: riders expecting to use a stop in the 10-mile work zone SHOULD NOT use Line 134. Buses will not be stopping to discharge riders or pick them up in the work zone.

Line 134 will provide service to its usual stops in Santa Monica – including the E Line station – and to all stops on PCH west of Rambla Vista to Trancas Canyon Road. That includes the usual stops at Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way and Malibu Canyon Road.

Riders should expect travel delays through the work zone as speeds are restricted to 25 miles per hour. Metro will review schedules once service is back underway and make any needed adjustments.

On Friday, Line 134 will follow its usual schedule. The first westbound bus will depart Downtown Santa Monica Station at 5:31 a.m. and the first eastbound bus will depart Trancas Canyon at 6:41 a.m.

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.

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.

The Santa Monica Police Department has made three arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 1:50 AM, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Wilshire Blvd after a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims suffering stab wounds. Personnel from the Santa Monica Police Department and Fire Department provided immediate medical aid. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel then transported both victims to a local hospital.

One victim, 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez from Santa Maria, sustained critical injuries and, despite life-saving efforts, later succumbed to his wounds. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on Monday, February 17, 2025 and a third on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The suspects, all with extensive criminal histories, were identified as 41-year-old Alfredo Quinteros and 42-year-old Ricardo Quintero, brothers from South Gate; and Rogelio Arenas, 32-years-old of Los Angeles.

Charges & Bail:



· Alfredo Quinteros (DOB: 12-15-1983); 187 PC – Homicide; No Bail



· Ricardo Quintero Jr. (DOB: 08-30-1982); 32 PC – Accessory; No Bail



· Rogelio Arenas (DOB: 08-27-1992) 187 PC – Homicide; Bail Amount Pending

This remains an active investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@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 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.

Offhand Wine Bar Takes Over Locals' Night – Thursday, Feb. 20

In honor of Black History Month, Offhand Wine Bar and Westside Winos—Black-owned Santa Monica gems—are curating a night of music, bites, art, and community at the historic carousel building on the Santa Monica Pier. A portion of proceeds will support Restaurants Care, providing aid to food and beverage workers affected by the LA wildfires.

Come early, stay late, and enjoy an evening of community, culture, and celebration at the Pier. Free and open to all (21+ to drink)!

For more info, Click Here

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

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.

Pacific Coast Highway will continue to remain FULLY CLOSED in both directions between Chautauqua Blvd. & Carbon Beach Terrace (ONLY open to emergency responders, contractors, utilities). Due to continuing cleanup and heavy equipment, the general public cannot enter. No estimated of 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.

On January 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30 AM, a shooting occurred in the 200 Block of Broadway in Santa Monica. The suspect, Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, approached the victim and pursued him into the middle of the street, where he shot the victim in the back. Despite lifesaving efforts by responding officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after an extensive and thorough investigation, Mendez was taken into custody by the Santa Monica Police Department. He is charged with homicide under Penal Code 187, with bail set at $3,000,000.

Anyone with information about this incident, please contact Det. Reyes (Isaac.Reyes@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Lozano (Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

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

A mobile survey was conducted by South Coast AQMD in the Palisades Fire area near cleanup and re-populated zones on February 10th. Overall air toxic metals and VOCs are within background levels and national standards and state health thresholds.

Results show no elevated levels of:

Air toxic metals including lead and arsenic
VOCs including benzene (Figure 7)

On January 31, 2025, South Coast AQMD began air monitoring efforts in the burn scars and surrounding communities of the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire. Debris removal could cause hazardous dust and ash to become airborne. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and, in close coordination with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), will assess air quality during debris removal or other activities. South Coast AQMD’s monitoring efforts will occur in two key stages.

Stage One: Mobile Monitoring of Air Toxics: Four mobile monitoring surveys will be conducted. Two in the Eaton Fire area and two in the Palisades Fire area. Mobile monitors provide instantaneous measurements for air toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and will be used to identify potential areas of elevated pollutants near the Eaton and Palisades Fire areas. Results of the mobile monitoring will help identify locations for temporary air monitoring stations.

Stage Two: Stationary Air Monitoring: Placement of air monitoring stations will be determined based on mobile monitoring results, cleanup activity, sensitive receptors (such as residents and schools) and meteorological conditions. These stations will include air monitors that will provide data for particulate matter (PM), lead, arsenic, and asbestos in communities near the burn zones. South Coast AQMD is planning to conduct this initial stationary air monitoring for one month.

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.