As the vibrant tradition of the Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade marks its 25th year, participants are urged to don their most festive costumes and join the lively celebration.

Event Details:
Date and Time: Sunday, February 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade Schedule:
11:00 a.m.: Pre-Parade Party
12:00 p.m.: Parade kicks off at ROSE AVE and the Boardwalk
2:00-6:00 p.m.: After Parade Dance Party at the Sidewalk Cafe featuring The Gumbo Brothers

Participants are encouraged to utilize street parking or park at the North City Parking Lot. The designated parking/start location is 300 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291.

Venice’s Mardi Gras legacy dates back to August 16-18, 1935, when the first annual Mardi Gras Festival was held, according to a post from Venice Paparazzi. Mirroring the festivities of New Orleans, the three-day event featured parades, costumes, contests, and entertainment. King Neptune’s arrival in an outrigger canoe, Queen Venetia’s coronation, and a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk marked the beginning of the celebration. The tradition continues, embracing the spirit of fun and frivolity, with the afternoon parade showcasing floats and costumed merrymakers wearing oversized plaster of Paris heads, crafted in Arthur Reese’s studio.

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LA Art Space - A Shoppable Art & Music Festival

· Saturday, March 2, 2024
· Event Time: 10am - 5pm
·Event Location: 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica

50+ Visual Artists * Live Music * Free Art Workshops * Stage-Side VIP Lounge * Activities For Kids * FREE!

Join us at the LA Art Space - A Shoppable Art & Music Festival happening at the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA, USA. Get ready to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of art and music!

Discover a wide range of artworks and crafts created by talented local artists. From paintings and sculptures to handmade jewelry and unique home decor, there's something for everyone.

As you explore the festival, let the live music performances set the perfect backdrop. Talented musicians will entertain you with their soulful tunes, creating an atmosphere that will make you want to dance and sing along.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun day out, the LA Art Space - A Shoppable Art & Music Festival is an event you don't want to miss. Mark your calendars and join us for a memorable experience!

PAINT : LAB POP-UP WORKSHOP
Unleash your inner artist with Paint: Lab! Explore your creativity with their FREE workshops all day long.


- Open Painting: Experiment with tempera & acrylics, texturizing tools, & unique surfaces!
- Giant Mural Collab: Team up with fellow artists on a massive 48x60 canvas!
- Speed Drawing Challenge: Sketch your best cat portraits from 3D Robotic Cat Models in minutes! ⏱️
- 2-3PM, Color Theory & Color Wheel: Master the basics in a fun, interactive workshop!
- 3-5PM, Drawing & Painting Workshops: Learn from experts in 2-hour sessions! ✏️ Step by Step Acrylic Paint Session
- Face Painting & Bubble Art: Express yourself & get a little messy with these hands on colorful creations! ✨

DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA ~ LIVE MUSIC STAGE

12-1PM: The SYCONS. Solar Powered DJs, and alt energy, alt transport activists.

1-2PM: The Rufus Bordal Jazz Trio. A jazz trio made up of southside, Santa Monica locals.

2-3PM: One High Five. Alternative Punk Rock from Long Beach, CA.

3-4PM: "The Edler". Spinning a mix of classic R&B and Hip & Hop.

4-5PM: La Compañía Musica. Latin Band from Santa Monica - Past performances include Pier Locals' Night & 4th of July Parade.

And More!

For more info, Click Here.

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

"Today we venture back to 1996 at Topanga Point in Los Angeles California, to see young surfers compete at the Hardware, Grom Pro Junior."

The Malibu Living Shoreline Project (MLSP) aims to restore approximately three acres of sandy beach and dune habitat at Zuma Beach and Point Dume Beach. This project will provide multiple ecosystem benefits such as increased shoreline protection and habitat for native flowering plants and shorebirds. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with The Bay Foundation to remove invasive plants and keep our project beautiful at the Point Dume Beach location.

Saturday, February 3, 2024
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

For more info and to sign up, Click Here

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From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A significant joint operation was undertaken by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. on Venice Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles, targeting a homeless encampment. Three recreational vehicles (RVs) and one motorcycle were towed from the area. Prior to the towing, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. drained the sewage tanks of the RVs, with an Environmental Officer from the City of Los Angeles overseeing the operation. The operation resulted in multiple arrests, following an investigation that suggested potential non-compliance with regulations and outstanding legal matters. This cleanup initiative forms part of the broader city strategy to address homelessness and promote public health and sanitation. Subsequent to the cleanup, a section of Venice Boulevard was closed for an upcoming construction project. Barricades were installed, and a notice from the Public Works - Bureau of Engineering was displayed, detailing the construction work involving the demolition of curb ramps, sidewalks, and curbs, as well as the installation of new light poles and underground work. The closure is anticipated to deter the return of RVs to this area, a subject of ongoing concern owing to the consistent presence and dwelling of RVs, a situation that has elicited numerous complaints from neighboring residents. The removal of the RVs garnered a positive reaction, evidenced by cheers and applause from the local community."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz

Hazardous seas and surf are expected periodically through the coming week, with Gales of 35 to 40 knots at times over the waters, large seas and high surf.

This weekend, Friday, February 2 - Sunday, February 4, as the world eagerly awaits the premiere of the 12th and final season of the acclaimed HBO® Original Series CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM , Max is inviting fans out to “Latte Larry’s,” Larry David’s short-lived coffee shop in Season 10.

In partnership with Menotti’s Coffee Stop, at their Culver City and Venice Beach locations, enjoy free Hot Cups of Spite (coffee) and Dry Scones (one per person, while supplies last, vegan options available), along with limited edition Menotti’s x CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM collaborative shirts and mugs, plus a special blend signature roast of “Latte Larry’s Beans.”

DATE & TIME
February 2, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 3, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 4, 2024, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM


LOCATIONS
CULVER CITY
12430 Washington Avenue,
Los Angeles, 90066
VENICE
56 Windward Ave,
Venice, 90291


FAQ

What times will you be open & offering free coffee and scones?
Latte Larry’s will be open Friday February 2, Saturday February 3, & Sunday February 4 from 7am - 4pm PT each day. Please note scones and coffee will be available while supplies last.

Do I need to purchase anything in order to receive the free coffee & scone?
Nope! All you need to do is come by the Latte Larry’s to receive your coffee & scone.

Can I grab a coffee & scone for a friend while I’m there? Only one hot cup of spite and one scone is available per customer, while supplies last. Only those who visit the store are eligible for the giveaways.


Is there a vegan option available for the scone?
Yes there is a vegan option available. Just let the barista know your preference when you get to the front of the line.



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Venice Healer Daisy is interviewed again by Venice Gallerie

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

The homeless woman was taken into custody for fatally shooting a man in Ocean Park has a history of crime, including armed robbery and attempted homicide.

Santa Monica Police released a Homicide Arrest Update: On January 25th at approximately 10:25 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of Shots Fired in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Officers located the victim of the shooting seated in his parked vehicle. The victim, identified as William Edwards III, a 46-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was transported to a local hospital in grave condition and died at the hospital. The motive for the crime is still being investigated.

SMPD located suspect Kayla Delise Mackie the following morning in West Los Angeles where she was taken into custody. Further investigation revealed she was responsible for additional crimes in Los Angeles, including an armed robbery and an attempted homicide. On January 30, 2024, the District Attorney filed a murder charge (187(a) PC) for the Santa Monica homicide as well as additional charges related to the Los Angeles incidents.



Santa Monica Chief Ramon Batista commended the extraordinary work by all members of the police department who assisted in getting this individual in custody and charged. Chief Batista stated:

“With unwavering dedication, the SMPD team applied tireless effort and professionalism to every aspect of the criminal investigation. Their relentless pursuit of the facts, coupled with meticulous hard work, reflects a commitment to justice. Our officers take pride in knowing their diligence contributes to upholding the principles of law and order. In Santa Monica, public safety is foremost, and crime will not be tolerated in our community.”

Additionally, Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock issued the following statement to the community:

“Last week’s senseless killing on 29th Street has left all of us shocked. My heart goes out to William’s family and friends, and my thoughts are with all who were affected by this tragic event.

While nothing can take away the pain this incident has brought to our community, I am proud of the outstanding police work our officers showed to quickly apprehend the suspect and ensure she is brought to justice. I stand behind the strong message from Santa Monica Police: There is no place for any type of violence, particularly gun violence, in our city.”

Thank you again to the public for assistance in this investigation. We encourage anyone with information related to this individual or incident to contact Detective Tavera at Ismael.Tavera@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Gradle at Ryan.Gradle@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.