On Friday, March 1st, the Santa Monica Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit conducted an Office of Traffic Safety grant-funded Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation focusing on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The operation took place at various locations throughout the city that have been identified as being prevalent in pedestrian and bike involved collisions, as well as in traffic violations that can lead to death or serious injury.

March 8, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 9, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

Touring the LA Art Space - A Shoppable Art & Music Festival happening at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Malibu City Council advances Permanent Skate Park 3/5 approving settlement agreement w/neighboring property owner. The City is committed to providing excellent sports/recreation facilities for our youth & recognizes importance of skating in Malibu culture.

The Malibu City Council took decisive action towards the long-awaited Permanent Skate Park for its residents. In a 3-2 vote, the Council approved a settlement agreement with the neighboring property owner, who previously threatened litigation, clearing the way for the much-anticipated project.

The City is committed to providing excellent sports and recreation facilities and programs as part of a thriving, health community, and skating has always been an important part of the Malibu culture.

The City Council scheduled a Special meeting on March 4, 2024, to continue discussion on the matter from the February 26 regular meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to share the proposed settlement offer with the community and get feedback on it before making a decision.

Highlights of the proposed settlement agreement include:

- Allowing the neighboring property owner to install landscaping at its own cost to improve the park and prevent graffiti along the perimeter wall of the Skate Park.
- Shifting a portion of the Skate Park 10 feet further away from The Case project homes and lowering one of the above-ground elements.
- Allowing The Case project to lease a portion of the area adjacent to the Temporary Skate Park lot for parking for $5,627 per month until construction begins on the Permanent Skate Park.
- Assigning responsibility to The Case project for all costs related to the changes made to the Permanent Skate Park and requiring a deposit of $150,000 with the City to cover any additional design and construction costs.

On November 30, 2023, the Planning Commission approved the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Permanent Skate Park, and the decision was appealed by the owner of the neighboring property, where “The Case” home development project is under construction. After filing this appeal, the owner of the neighboring property approached the City, and the City and the property owner have since been negotiating over a settlement to avoid a potential lawsuit by the property owner.

In 2019, the City Council directed staff to begin the design concept for a permanent skate park and authorized the installation of a temporary skate park in the meantime. The action is a testament to the City’s recognition of the community’s longstanding desire and the pressing need for recreational spaces that cater to the diverse interests of the community. The 12,500 square-foot Permanent Skatepark will be built at Malibu Bluffs Park, providing a valuable sports and recreation resource and safe community gathering place for Malibu's youth.

Malibu Task Force issued 74 citations for speeding 2/26 - 3/3. The City signed a contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu as part of our effort to address PCH safety.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

": In a significant development amid efforts to address homelessness and maintain public order, Los Angeles Police Department officers have arrested a homeless man on suspicion of stabbing two other homeless individuals at a local encampment on Lincoln Boulevard. The arrest occurred during a coordinated cleanup operation, highlighting the city's ongoing commitment to managing public health and safety concerns related to homelessness.

The charges against the suspect remain under consideration, with potential classifications including attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon. The incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement and city officials in navigating the complexities of homelessness and crime."



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.

Hey everyone! Come join us at 310 Bay St beach for a beach clean-up on Sunday, March 10, hosted by Solo Scott and sponsored by Dogtown Coffee!

For more info, Click Here.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In the early hours of Wednesday, March 6, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene of a violent altercation on Lincoln Boulevard, following reports of a stabbing incident. The event, which drew significant law enforcement attention, occurred in the Venice neighborhood, a place known for its vibrant community and bustling streets.

Upon their arrival, detectives initiated an investigation, finding two individuals—a man and a woman—suffering from stab wounds. Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic situation involving a homeless man, reportedly living in an encampment near Lincoln Boulevard and Rose Avenue. Allegations surfaced of the individual exhibiting erratic behavior, accusing others of poisoning him and making incoherent statements before attacking the victims with scissors.

The female victim, despite sustaining a chest wound, received immediate on-site medical attention from Fire Department paramedics and was deemed stable enough not to require hospitalization. Her companion, however, after suffering two stab wounds, was promptly transported to a nearby hospital; his condition remains undisclosed.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the assailant, last seen fleeing northward along Lincoln Boulevard. The suspect is described as a 35-year-old Black male, around 5 feet 6 inches tall, dressed entirely in black. Efforts to locate him are ongoing, with detectives reviewing surveillance footage from local businesses to gather further evidence.

The Los Angeles Police Department urges anyone with information about this incident to come forward, as they work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the 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.

March 6, 2024

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 9, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.