Franklin Fire burns multiple homes within hours of ignition.

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

Los Angeles County Fire Department held a press release at 6:00 PM on 12/10/24 at Zuma Beach. Officials provided this updated information.

The Franklin Fire has now burned 2,862 acres and remains at 0% containment. Preliminary reports indicate that seven structures have been destroyed, and eight have been damaged. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating event. The City has set up an Emergency Information and Supplies Station at Zuma Beach, offering updates, food, water, first aid assistance



Mandatory Evacuation Order:

Areas east of Latigo Canyon, west of Topanga Beach Driveway, and south of Baller Motorway, including the Big Rock and Las Flores Communities.

Evacuation Warning:

Areas east of Trancas, south of Hidden Highlands Road, and west of Crestline Drive. Residents in these areas should remain ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Shelters Open and Active

Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), 2802 4th Street, Santa Monica (crated small animals accepted).

Calabasas Community Center. (27040 Malibu Hills Rd.)

For Animals

Small animals: Agoura Animal Shelter (29525 Agoura Rd.)

Large animals: Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave.)

Road Closures

Soft Closure:

Las Virgenes and Lost Hills Road (residents only)

Hard Closures:

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Kanan Dume Road and Topanga Canyon.

Topanga Canyon Road is open to residents only.

Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway.

Resources and Response

Over 1,500 firefighters and 13 federal, state, and local agencies are actively responding to this incident. Their efforts are critical to protecting our community, and we thank them for their tireless bravery and dedication.

Stay Updated and Stay Safe.

We urge everyone to stay informed, follow evacuation orders and warnings, and prepare to act quickly if conditions change. Thank you for your resilience and cooperation during this challenging time. Together, we will face this crisis and emerge stronger as a community.

This updated message incorporates the Watch Duty App and Genasys Evacuation Map for real-time information and adds clarity to communication resources.

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

German in Venice reoprts from the huge fire in Malibu.

"Last night I happened to drive around in the early morning hours and I got a notification on my phone that there is a huge wildfire in Malibu. I drove from Venice Beach all the way to Malibu at 1 AM. I could not believe my eyes how many different fires I saw in the Malibu Hills hundreds of firefighters lots of fire engines helicopters with water try to fight the fire. I left a Malibu at six in the morning and the fires are still burning."

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

Topanga Canyon Blvd/Route 27 is CLOSED between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway/Route 1 in Topanga area from 12pm (noon) TODAY until 6pm Wed. 12/11 due to high fire danger.

ONLY residents & local business traffic allowed.

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

HAPPY HOWL-IDAYS 🦴 Enjoy the holiday season with your furry friends at Santa Paws on Saturday, December 14, 10 AM – 12 PM! Take a photo with Santa at Malibu Bluffs Park.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Saturday, December 7th from 6 - 9 pm!

Join the Venice Chamber of Commerce, special guests, and your community for a beloved tradition—the annual changing of the Venice Sign lights to festive red and green for the holidays!

Now in its 13th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss this magical start to the season!

For more info, Click Here.

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

Caltrans will close a northbound lane of PCH from Topanga Cyn to Big Rock in Malibu Dec 2 - 31 Mon - Fri, 9PM-6AM nightly for utility work. No work on holidays or during rain. Watch for workers & work vehicles in the road. Traffic fines doubled in construction zones under CA law.

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

Registrstion for the 31st Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon is open. The contest will be held on Saturday, December 14th at the Venice Pier.

Divisions will be: Boys 14U
Girls 14U
Boys 18U
Open Women
Open Men
Open Longboard Women
Open Longboard Men
Women 40ish
Men's 50+
Body Surfing
Body Boarding
Foamie Expression Session



Entry fee is $30 and that includes a contest t-shirt.

To register, Click Here

Stay tuned for more updates.

See photos from last year, Click Here

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

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the festive spirit has arrived to Montana Avenue! Gather on December 7 for live music, face painting, carolers strolling up and down the street and meet Santa and the gang at Montana Avenue’s biggest event of the year! Listen to live music and hear an upbeat klezmer band to get friends and family in the dancing mood, and feel the good cheer viewing shop windows dressed for the season. See you for some good fun and great holiday gift shopping along Montana Avenue!




Filled with local merchants, live music, roaming carolers, and appearances by the Grinch, Cindy Lou, and Princess Elsa!

Enjoy hot cocoa and winter-themed activities for kids, in partnership with Tumbleweed Day Camp, and holiday parties hosted by local businesses. Don't miss the chance to shop local vendors, savor delicious treats, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. In partnership with Thomas James Homes.

Saturday, December 7 · 3 - 8pm
Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA



For more info, Click Here.

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

The Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey is held every year on the second Saturday in December.

Our theme this year is “A Margaritaville Holiday” celebrating the joyful legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The parade begins with a spectacular lightshow display. Boat participants come up with their own ideas and decorate their boats with lots of holiday lights and decorations with our theme as their guide. They also wear costumes, dance, sing, have live bands or play music. Both boaters and spectators enjoy themselves immensely.



We look forward to seeing you at our 62nd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade on Saturday, December 14, 2024!

For more info, Click Here.

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

December 19 | 4 PM - 8 PM 🎉✨

Let’s wrap up the holiday season in true Santa Monica style with a night packed full of festive fun, music, and community vibes!

🎶 Rockin’ the Night Away Outside on the Pier Deck

Live Music: Feel the groove with Squad Harmonix and The Jane Fonda's bringing their holiday hits.

DJ Proper: Our Santa Monica fave will keep the holiday vibes spinning!

Holiday Car Show: Stroll Sandy Cane Lane from 5–8 PM and marvel at the most decked-out, holiday-blinged cars you’ve ever seen. At 7 PM, the ultimate showdown begins as a panel of judges crowns the Best Holiday Car!

🎠 Cozy Cheer Inside the Carousel Building

Musical Storytime with Books & Cookies: A whimsical treat for the little ones (and the young at heart!).

Photos with Santa: Snap a pic with the big guy himself! He’s here from 4–7 PM—don’t forget your wishlist!

Bob Baker Marionette Shows: These puppets are bringing the magic with performances at 5 PM and 6:30 PM.

Mayoral Transition Celebration: At 5:30 PM, join us in honoring our city’s leadership with this special holiday moment.

Letters to Santa: Drop off your holiday wishes at our special station, and we’ll make sure they head straight to the North Pole!

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

Join the 4th Annual Santa Cruise in Santa Monica! A festive holiday ride & party for skateboarders, rollerbladers, bikers, and more...



Get ready to sleigh the streets! This December 7th, we're throwing the most unforgettable holiday event in Los Angeles. Join us for the Santa Cruise—a festive rolling parade and and night of holiday shenanigans!

Join us for our iconic holiday group ride through West LA. The route is a 6 mile beginner friendly loop from Santa Monica to Venice and back. Expect music, dancing, and several surprises along the way. We ask everyone joining the group ride to be able and confident with stopping and basic road skating skills. All Wheels Welcome!

Meet-Up Time: 3:00 PM

Roll Out: 4:00 PM sharp!

Starting Location: Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dress Code: Deck yourself in your most festive attire—Santa suits, elf outfits, reindeer antlers, or light up like a Christmas tree! Let's turn the streets into a winter wonderland.

The Ride:

A joyful 6-mile cruise through Santa Monica & Venice, great for all skill levels and ages.
Surprise stops along the way with holiday games, entertainment, and treats.
All Wheels Welcome! Skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters—if it rolls, it's invited! Just make sure you're confident with basic road skills and stopping.

⚠️ The ride will conclude by 7pm at Waterfront Venice (205 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291) for the 2nd party of the event.



Saturday, December 7 · 3 - 11pm
Santa Monica City Hall
1685 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90401

For more info, Click Here.

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

A groovy gathering of ocean enthusiasts as we explore the fascinating world of King Tides and celebrate their majestic beauty!

Experience one of the wonders of nature, the highest tides of the year! When the planets and sun are at their closest, and the orbits of the earth and sun are just right, the King Tides, the highest tides of the year, will occur. These high tides give us a glimpse into the future of sea level rise and how the these changes will affect our beach, coastal infrastructure, and our community. This is a natural phenomenon which can be appreciated for its subtlety and its potential intensity. It is an opportunity to connect with others in a shared appreciation of the wonder of nature. At this event we will also collect images for scientific documentation of the tides for the Coastal Commission.

December 8, 2024
3:30 pm to 7:30 PM
Heal the Bay Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90401

For more info & to reserve a sopt, Click Here.

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

Project Save Our Surf returns to Tower 26 to clean the beach. Buckets, gloves and light snacks will be provided.



Come join Project Save Our Surf for a fun afternoon of music and refreshments cleaning the beach. Buckets and gloves will also be provided for the cleanup. Connect with others in Los Angeles working to support our environment.

We have also partnered with Project Pop Drop to collect items for the homeless that we will be delivering to a homeless shelter on the last Saturday of the month (each month is a different shelter and details will be available at the cleanup for those who want to attend that event as well). We are collecting non- perishable foods and new toiletries, new socks, new underwear, new clothing etc.

Saturday, December 14 · 11am - 1pm
Santa Monica Beach Tower 26
2559 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here.

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

Ten years in the making - MAYA and the WAVE tells the story of Maya Gabeira who dreamed of surfing the biggest wave in the world. Her body, her mind, and society tried to stop her - but she never gave up.

Please join us for a very special screening of the film at Emerson College's Bright Family Screening Room followed by Q&A with Director Stephanie Johnes ✨

Screening will begin promptly at 7PM. Late-entry will not be admitted.

NOTE: This screening is free (first-come, first-served) and seating is limited. To help us track attendance, you must register for the event. Your registration does not guarantee entry. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the screening room. No smoking allowed on the premises.

Tuesday, December 3 · 7 - 9pm PST.
Doors at 6:30pm
Emerson College Los Angeles Center
5960 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

For more info, Click Here.

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

Santa Claus is coming to town with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters leading the way. Santa and his public safety helpers will be distributing good cheer and thousands of candy canes as part of this year’s 31st Annual "Candy Cane Drive.”

Everyone is invited to join in the festivities sponsored by the Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Santa Monica Firefighters, Local 1109 .

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to visit with Santa, this year’s scheduled stops include one per police beat.

Saturday, December 7, 2024:

10:00 – 10:45 am Douglas Park - 2400 California Ave (Beat 4)

11:00-11:30 am Christine Reed Park California Ave & 7th Street (Beat 1)

1:30 – 2:15 pm Virginia Avenue Park - 2200 Virginia Ave (Beat 3)

2:30 – 3:15 pm Clover Park - Ocean Park & 25th St (Beat 2)

Santa Monica children are encouraged to look and listen for the lights and sirens of the public safety vehicles, while parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Miracle on Main Street 2024 will be Sunday, December 8 with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

December 8, 2024, 3:30 pm to 7:30 PM

For more info, Click Here.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Beach Boardwalk, Saturday, November 30, 2024 — Crews were busy cleaning up after a dramatic smash-and-grab robbery at the iconic Good See Co. eyewear store early this morning. At approximately 4 a.m., a vehicle rammed through the store's security gates and wall, causing substantial damage to the building. Good See Co., known for its extensive selection of designer sunglasses and optical frames, was the target of the heist. An eyewitness account from a local homeless individual, identified as "Dragon," revealed that two vehicles were involved in the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department responded swiftly, including deploying a helicopter to assist in the investigation. Good See Co. has been a Venice Beach staple for over 35 years, offering one of the most comprehensive selections of eyewear in the country. The store boasts over 100,000 items in stock, featuring 200 unique brands, custom lenses, and on-site optical services. Its oceanfront location has made it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. While repairs to the damage are underway, the community remains on edge as LAPD investigates the incident. The smash-and-grab serves as a stark reminder of rising concerns about crime on the boardwalk."

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.

Mark your calendar and get ready to join the jolliest run in Southern California! The 47th annual Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run returns on December 14, 2024. Experience this historic and festive event in person as you dash down the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, California, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk.



Sleigh one of the 5K, 10K, or Youth Run courses before jinglin’ your way across the finish line where a holiday bash will be waiting for you with delicious treats and festive beverages that would make Santa’s reindeer jealous.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Miracle on Main Street 2024 will be Sunday, December 8 with kids activities, Santa and the tree lighting on the Heritage Museum lawn. Plus, Carolers & street-wide festivities and holiday parties into the night!

December 8, 2024, 3:30 pm to 7:30 PM

For more info, Click Here.

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