Haden McKenna, a professional skateboarder from Venice, talks about skateboarding, the Venice Skatepark, and growing up having a father that was addicted to drugs.

We Are Venice showcases the people and culture of Venice Beach, California and will inspire you to be the best version of yourself. This is a series of premium documentary profile pieces on Venice’s most important and influential individuals.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers, along with deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, are currently engaged in a significant emergency operation at the 4th Street Expo Metro Train Station in downtown Santa Monica.

Authorities have closed 4th Street between Olympic Boulevard and Colorado Avenue to facilitate the response by the sheriff’s bomb squad. Commuters are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes as the investigation continues.

The nature of the incident has not been disclosed, and further updates are expected as the situation develops. Travelers using the metro service should anticipate delays and station closures. Local residents and businesses may experience increased law enforcement presence and are urged to remain alert and follow official guidance.

This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available."

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.

Here's the video of the Venice Beach homeless lady moments before she took off in a "camper" van and lead the LAPD on a ridiculous high speed chase where she crashed head on into cars on the 405.

Lifeguards attempt to free a beached sail boat during the high tide on Tuesday afternoon in Playa del Rey.

"Lifeguards, Firefighters, friends, and family gathered at Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Headquarters at Santa Monica Beach for a Flag Ceremony honoring the life of Lifeguard Section Chief Jon Douglas "JD" Moryl on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Chaplain Nugent delivered a heartfelt eulogy, expressing deepest sympathies to JD's wife, Colleen, his children Ryan and Shannon, his brother Dana, and sister Jamie. He reflected on JD's significant impact on his family, peers, and the community, highlighting his dedication to lifeguarding and his passion for music.

Born in 1954 in Santa Monica, JD grew up in the Palms area, excelling in swimming and music. He graduated with a music major from Long Beach State in 1973 and joined the Los Angeles City lifeguards the same year. JD’s career spanned 36 years, during which he was instrumental in the department’s Underwater Rescue & Recovery Unit and the Lifeguard Training Academy. He promoted through the ranks to Section Chief over the Rescue Boat Operations before retiring in 2008."

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.

Unlike the LAPD who is refusing to release information on the Venice Canals rapist, the Santa Monica Police Department releases information and mugshots of crinimals.

On Monday, May 13th, at 7:14 am, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to reports of an assault occurring in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk. Witnesses to the incident told dispatchers that a young woman was being dragged across the ground by her ponytail.

Responding officers were on scene within minutes and found both the victim and suspect near the Bicknell restrooms. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim, a Venice resident, was jogging southbound on the beach path when the suspect grabbed her ponytail from behind, knocking her to the ground. He then pulled her several feet toward the restrooms. The victim believed that the suspect intended to sexually assault her. Several witnesses intervened in the attack and called police. The victim suffered minor physical injuries in the attack.

The suspect was identified as Malcolm Jimmy Ward, Jr. (DOB: 01/13/1976). Ward is on parole for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He is currently homeless and is being held without bail. On May 15th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Ward with felony counts of:

• Kidnapping

• Assault with Intent to Commit Rape

• Violation of Parole

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective James McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov or CrimeTips@santamonica.gov.

Hop on the free BEACH SHUTTLE to major points of interest around Marina del Rey, such as Playa Vista, Fisherman’s Village, Mother’s Beach, and Venice Beach – and all your favorite restaurants and shops in between!

Ride the free BEACH SHUTTLE and enjoy all that the Westside offers in a hassle-free and relaxing way.

MAY 25 – SEPTEMBER 29 | Weekends & Holidays

Saturdays: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sundays: 10 AM – 8 PM
Holidays: 10 AM – 8 PM
Memorial Day – Mon, May 27, 2024
Independence Day – Thurs, July 4, 2024
Labor Day – Mon, September 2, 2024

For more info, Click Here.

Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, appeared in court on Wednesday morning for a pre-trial hearing. He was charged with two counts of forcible rape and one count each of sexual penetration by use of force, mayhem, torture, attempted murder and sodomy by use of force, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

Other than that, the DA, the LAPD, Traci Park, etc...no one will release any other info on this person. They even refuse to release his mugshot.

Jones is being held on $3.25 million bail. His preliminary hearing was pushed to June 11.

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.

On Tuesday morning, a lifeless body was discovered on the beach in Santa Monica south of the Pier by Tower 22. Witness stated it was a homeless man, who appeared to be white or Hispanic, with tattoos on his chest and shoulders. He was found with his bicycle and some belongs.