On Sunday evening, reports of over a dozen cars were vandalized and broken into in the 3700 block Clarington Ave. in Venice.

Then according to the LAPD, a suspect entered an apartment complex and broke into a car. They then stole the keys and used them to steal another vehicle from the same owner. <

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.

On Sunday evening, in the 8200 block of Vista Del Mar near the shoreline in Playa Del Rey, a two car collision resulted in one car going off the side of the road and struck a pedestrian down below.

Unfortunately the female patient struck by the car was beyond medical help when paramedics arrived and determined deceased on scene. Her age is unknown at this time. An approximately 70 year old male patient was treated for minor injuries.





The police have not yet released any information about the ongoing investigation.

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was reported at 8:17 p.m. Sunday 10 km NW of Malibu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

As of Friday, March 14 at 4 PM, Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades burn area is under a temporary FULL CLOSURE from Carbon Beach Terrace to Coastline Drive due to continuous rock/mud/debris flow onto PCH at Big Rock. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed through.



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.

Touring the Pacific Palisades "Alphabet Streets" during the fire recovery clean up.

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

EVACUATION WARNINGS ISSUED DUE TO STORM CONDITIONS

The following Malibu zones are under evacuation warning beginnining TOMORROW, March 12 at 7 AM due to the upcoming storm: MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, MAL-C112-A, MAL-C112-B, MAL-C112-C, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B. The warning will be in effect until at least Thursday, March 13 at 6 PM.

Residents should prepare to evacuate now due to the significant risk of flash flooding, debris flows and mudslides. These hazards pose a serious threat to life and property.

Neighborhoods include:
Carbon Canyon
Carbon Beach East
La Costa Beach, La Costa (hillside)
Las Flores Creek
Las Flores Mesa
Eastern Malibu
Big Rock
Las Tunas Beach
Topanga Beach Road
Carbon Beach Terrace
Carbon Beach
Rambla Pacifico
Carbon Beach West/Malibu Beach
Sweetwater Canyon
Sweetwater Mesa
Serra Retreat
Malibu Creek
Cross Creek
Malibu Colony
Civic Center
Malibu Knolls
Malibu Road
Malibu Country Estates
Puerco Canyon
Piuma Roa

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.

Caltrans will implement a full closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Chautauqua Blvd in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu due to safety concerns from the incoming storm beginning Wednesday, March 12 at noon. Only emergency vehicles and US Army Corps of Engineers’ debris-hauling contractors will be allowed through the closure. Residents and businesses in burn scar areas are not permitted. Those with burn area access passes will not be accepted.

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.

Due to safety concerns from the incoming storm, restrict access to the following roads in Malibu beginning Wednesday, March 12:

Las Flores Canyon Rd: Closed to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 12 PM. Will reopen when PCH reopens (TBD).

Malibu Canyon Rd: Closed from Francisco Ranch Rd (1.5 miles north of PCH) to Piuma Rd to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 6 PM. Tentative reopening planned for Thursday, March 13 at 6 PM, depending on conditions.

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.

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.

Conditions have allowed crews to begin the clean-up of least 33,000 cubic yards of mud and debris that came down after the last storm. Once the boulder was reduced to rubble on February 24, engineers surveyed the extent of damage and determined that retaining walls must be built in three locations, one specifically to replace guardrail and to rebuild the shoulder and lane where the road washed away. Rebuilding the shoulder and lane will take at least a month, once a design is in place.

Additionally, there are multiple locations throughout SR-27 that will require installation of debris flow barriers and installation of larger culverts. These improvements will help minimize the impacts of debris/mudflows on SR-27 due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon.



As it may take it several months before the road is fully open due to repair work, Southern California Edison will now undertake previously planned work to underground its utility lines. (More on partial opening plans later.) Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works wants to re-route a water main connection for the town that was exposed when the road washed away.

All mud and debris that came down onto the highway is being pushed to the side of the road and will be tested. Clean dirt will be sent to Oxnard farms for reuse. To date, all dirt has tested clean.

Caltrans is aiming to open one lane to essential business travel during dedicated times and with an escort and possibly shuttles to provide residents access once it’s deemed safe. Although reopening the roadway is dependent on cleanup, repair work and weather, Caltrans stands ready to execute this interim reopening plan in coordination with the CHP, utilities, and any affected public agencies as soon as it is safe to do so.

Caltrans recognizes the critical role these corridors play in the clean-up and recovery efforts for the residents and the public. The decision to reopen lanes must be a joint decision from all parties with a specific plan in place and with safety as the top consideration

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.

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, March 8 · 11am - 1pm PST
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.

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.

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


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

On May 18, 2025 runners will start and finish on the Venice Beach boardwalk for the first Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k (VBHM). All finishers will receive the inaugural finisher medal and race t-shirt. Local musicians will set the beat on the course and the finish line party will include a Vendor Village, more live music, and an ocean front view.



For more info, Click Here

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

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.

Get ready to spread love and good vibes at the Venice Love Fest 2025 - a celebration of all things love in the heart of the Westside!.

Celebrate love, community, and creativity at Venice Love Fest on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM on Venice Blvd in Downtown Mar Vista, CA!

This free community festival brings together an incredible lineup of live music, delicious food trucks, over 400 locally made brands and artists, beer gardens, games, and family-friendly activities.

12257 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

For more info, Click Here

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

A tour of the fire ravaged Malibu Coastline after the Phase 1 Clean Up, in which hazardous materials were removed from damaged properties. It appears that a lot of fire debris has been removed from several homes.

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