Come out and Join us at the Historical Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10AM to 6PM at Oakwood Park.


Parade begins at 10AM on California Ave and Lincoln Blvd. Spectators are asked to post along Lincoln Blvd from California Ave (going North) to Rose Ave. The parade will go down Lincoln Blvd (north) then will turn left on Rose Ave (west) to 7th Ave and will turn left (south) on 7th Ave towards Oakwood Park. The parade will end on 7th Ave and California Ave.

A street festival will proceed with Aztec Dancers, Grupo La Rosa Folklorico Dancers, Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses), Venice High School Band, Santa Monica Cheerleaders. Classic Cars/Lowriders, Clown, Piñata, Authentic Mexican Food Trucks, Live Entertainment by Rythym Band playing Old School Funk Music, D.J. Mango, Baby Dog Rapper Straight out of Venice, Informational Booths and Vendors.

Venice Mexican American Traquero Monument, AmVets Post 2, Venice Family Clinic, Santa Monica College, Kaiser, Venice Kush, Venice Paparazzi, Venice Family Community Housing, Councilmember Traci Parks, Lupitas Tacos, Tacos de Valiii, Oaxacana Taco Truck, Growin up in Venice Brand, and much more. This is a friendly family free community event.



For more info, Click Here.

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

No information yet, just this post from Thursday morning via @SaveVenice1

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, an individual suspected of committing a robbery at the Louis Vuitton store in Santa Monica Place was apprehended by Santa Monica Police Officers along Ocean Avenue. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, matched the description of the person involved in the theft.

In the course of the operation, the police conducted an investigation, leading to the suspect's arrest on suspicion of grand theft. Before the arrest, Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect's health as a safety measure. Following a medical clearance, the individual was formally arrested.

The suspect faces potential charges under California Penal Code [CPC] §§487(a) – (d) for Grand Theft, which is applicable when property or services valued over $950 are stolen. Additionally, the individual may be charged with Estes Robbery, as defined by 211 PC, which involves the felonious acquisition of personal property through force or intimidation."

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.

Locals' Night returns on April 18. The Santa Monica Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more! You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica.

Prepare for a visual feast as several prominent Westside car clubs, including The WestSide Crew and the WestSide Volkswagen Club, make a triumphant return for Locals' Night. The Pier deck will transform into a showcase of automotive artistry as these enthusiasts bring their meticulously maintained and stunning vehicles to the event. From classic cruisers to customized Volkswagens, attendees will have the chance to gaze in awe at the diverse array of automobiles that these passionate clubs proudly present. It's not just a night of dancing and music; it's an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into keeping these wheels rolling in style. So, gear up for a night of not only rhythm and beats but also the visual spectacle of Westside's finest automobiles.

And much, much, more..... Click Here

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) personnel were dispatched to the scene of an incident where a fire hydrant had been struck by a vehicle on Bay Street, resulting in water jetting high into the air. The team, demonstrating prompt and efficient action, successfully located and closed the valve, halting the uncontrolled flow of water.

The driver involved in the incident remained on-site, awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officers to document the occurrence. Captain Johnny Maccini of the SMFD provided insights into the event, noting the swift response of the firefighters in managing to isolate and shut down the water main. Captain Maccini expressed optimism for a quick repair of the damaged infrastructure by city services, highlighting the effective coordination between emergency responders and municipal agencies in addressing such unforeseen disruptions."

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.

This is the video currently being posted on various online sites that people believe to be the suspect who assaulted women in the Venice canals.

If you recognize this man, Contact @LAPDPacific https://t.co/EsgpnwbX4w pic.twitter.com/VpbWYTEbU8

— V E N I C Ξ (@VeniceIntel) April 10, 2024

It has been reported via some news outlets that he is a homeless man and his last address is listed as Las Vegas, NV.

For all our coverage of this horrible event, Click Here.

A Lyft driver was assrested last week and charged for sexual assault on a Santa Monica resident back in September.

On September 7, 2023, Santa Monica police responded to the 2900 block of Pennsylvania Ave regarding a sexual assault. A woman reported that a Lyft driver picked her up from a restaurant in West Hollywood and sexually assaulted her during the ride home.

The victim, a Santa Monica resident, fell asleep in the car and woke up to inappropriate touching. The suspect then offered to walk her to her door, which she refused. Once home, she realized several hours had passed since she was picked up.

Santa Monica detectives investigated and identified the driver as Fernando Macias Morales, a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident. They arrested him on April 5, 2024, in the San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Morales with felony counts of:

Kidnapping to commit a sexual act (California Penal Code 209(b)(1))
Sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation (California Penal Code 289(e))
Oral copulation of a person intoxicated person or under sedation (California Penal Code 287(i))

His bail is set at $500,000.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Stephanie Davis at 310-458-2201 x4400, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

Photos via @VeniceIntel.

Back in January, the wave pool at the Palm Springs Surf Club broke down just weeks after opening. And then there was some sketchy ass drama that followed, including a magical "lightning strike", then them not wanting to admit the wave was down, pissed off customers, etc...read about that here.

People that had January reservations that got cancelled, and did not opt for an immediate refund, get an email with a link to book a new reservation, and that is not to be shared.

A comment posted online by the people who leaked the info: "They reached out to all of us who had their trips cancelled earlier for early booking, but 99% of it is midweek, unlike when we first booked. I dunno, starting to feel more Coachella hangout than surf anomaly...They also raised the prices by $50. Guess they, I mean WE, have to pay for repairs."

Appears prices are higher now.