It happens more than you'd think. Analyzing a few surfing clips from a good swell at Malibu.

Five Fun Food Offerings Feature Smashie's Burgers, Mr. Nice Fry, Churrita Churro, Scoops Creamery, and Cosmic Funnel Cake; Arizona's eegee's frozen fruit beverage debuts in Mr. Nice Fry

Smashie's Burgers, serving smash burgers, loaded hot dogs, and a selection of freshly fried fries. Smashie's anchors the new "Snackville" at Pacific Park. Smashie's hot, fresh burgers are charbroiled on the griddle, topped with slices of American cheese, grilled onions, and all-new Smashie Sauce, then assembled and pressed for a crispy, melty, juicy, burger experience.



Mr. Nice Fry, serving fresh fry varieties including Skinny Dippers, Swirly Fries and Tater Wheels. Mr. Nice Fry satisfies boardwalk guests' cravings for all things golden, brown and delicious. Mr. Nice Fry's fun selection of fried potatoes is served with tasty dipping sauces and premium seasonings to keep tater lovers coming to the boardwalk again and again.

eegee's, an Arizona beverage staple since 1971, is making its Hollywood debut over the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located inside Mr. Nice Fry, eegees are the perfect blend of real fruit and frozen goodness that'll have you sipping on sunshine year round.

Churrita Churro, a classic fried dough treat gets a decadent upgrade at Churrita. Cinnamon sprinkled, dulce de leche filled, or chocolate dipped, get your churro fix, with or without creamy soft-serve ice cream at Santa Monica's hottest new sweet shop.

Scoops Creamery, located just inside Snackville's main entrance, Scoops Creamery serves frozen treats including hand-scooped ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes. Scoops Creamery is open daily and offers six flavors of Dippin' Dots and freshly made funnel cakes, which you can top with your choice of Lappert's premium ice cream.

Cosmic Funnel Cake, Pacific Park's signature Funnel Cake is a boardwalk treat that can't be missed on any visit to the Santa Monica Pier. The name comes from the technique of pouring batter through a funnel into hot oil. The funnel gives the cake its signature texture. Funnel Cakes are typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar. At "Snackville" they are served at Cosmic Funnel Cakes and Scoops Creamery and can be topped with strawberries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of your favorite Lappert's premium ice cream.

"Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier has been an opportunity to apply our restaurant experience to some of my most beloved amusement park foods," said James Kent, Michelin-Star Chef and Executive Chef at Saga Hospitality Group. "We'll serve exactly what I want when I'm on the water with my family, namely the definitive smash burger and extra crispy fries."



Chef James Kent's culinary journey began at Bouley, leading to Le Cordon Bleu and Johnson & Wales. He honed his skills at renowned kitchens like Babbo and Jean-Georges before joining Eleven Madison Park. Under Kent's leadership as chef de cuisine, EMP earned four stars from The New York Times and three Michelin stars. In 2017, Kent set out to pursue his first solo project–an ambitious pair of restaurants in the landmark Art Deco building at 70 Pine Street in New York's Financial District. Kent opened Crown Shy, the first of those restaurants, in March 2019. Just six months after opening, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. After 18 months of pandemic-related delays, the pair opened SAGA–a fine-dining restaurant in the tiered spire of the building–in August of 2021. In October 2022, SAGA was awarded two Michelin stars.

James Kent passed away over the weekend. ‘We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly,’ his company announced. He was 45 year old.



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Let’s welcome the new season with a bikeride with friends. Thursday Beach Fires are the backbone of our fun lil community so let’s run it up! Bring food, bring friends, bring beverages!! Any bike will do!

For more info, Click Here.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"An altercation occurred between two men, who appear to be homeless, on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The conflict arose when one man accused the other of stealing his phone. In an attempt to escape, the alleged thief jumped into the back of a passing pickup truck, followed closely by the accuser.

The driver of the pickup truck, unaware of the situation, yelled at the men to get out. As he sped away, one of the men was thrown from the vehicle. Meanwhile, the man accused of theft remained in the truck and drove away with the other man's phone. Local authorities are investigating the incident."

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.

The Annual Venice Summer Solstice Neptune Parade is Sunday June 23rd!!

Meet at Washington Square and boardwalk at 2pm!

PARADE at 3pm!

After Party at Hinao with The Brobots!!



For more info, Click Here.

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

Start at the Pier, finish at the Pier! A fast 5K & 1 Mile Race/Walk. A unique experience with access to fitness expo, sampling from various local shops and eateries by showing your bib at sponsored locations. Enjoy other festivities on the world famous Venice Beach Pier at the finish line celebration party.

All participants will receive a commemorative die-cast VBR 5K or 1 Mile Finisher Medal, premium multi color beach t-shirt, and string bag. Access to the sampling and exhibitor booths.

Race To The Pier 1 Mile is open to youth and adults. This is for those of you who are speed oriented and want to test yourself at this popular distance.

For more info and to register, Click Here.

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

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at about 11:30 PM, patrol officers responded to a commercial burglary call in the 2900 block of Lincoln Boulevard. The owner of the business received an alert from the alarm company that a single suspect entered the business by breaking through a skylight. Responding officers arrived while the suspect, later identified as Allen Francisco Contis (DOB: 01/25/1975) was still inside and were able to take him into custody without incident. Contis, who is currently homeless, was issued a citation and released per the LA County Bail Schedule.

On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, patrol officers responded to radio calls of multiple arsons in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Lincoln Boulevard and the alley east of Lincoln Boulevard. Multiple witnesses identified Contis as the individual responsible for setting fire to a discarded tire, a city-owned trash can, and a small garage located directly adjacent to a multi-unit apartment complex.

Responding officers located and arrested Contis without incident. Contis has been charged by the LA County District Attorney’s office with two counts of felony arson [451 (b) PC] and one misdemeanor count of giving false information to a police officer [148.9(a) PC].

The burglary case will be presented to the District Attorney separately.

Anyone with information related to this incident or this individual is encouraged to contact Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

The City of Malibu is pleased to announce that Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), which authorizes the use of speed camera systems in designated areas of Malibu, has successfully passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee June 17. This pivotal legislation aims to enhance road safety and reduce speeding-related incidents in the community.

SB 1297, introduced by Senator Ben Allen, whose 24th District includes Malibu, received support from several Committee members, community and safety advocates, and law enforcement officials. The bill will now advance to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee for further consideration.

"We are thrilled that SB 1297 has taken this significant step forward," said Mayor Steve Uhring. "The implementation of speed camera systems is a crucial measure to protect our residents, pedestrians, and visitors from the dangers of speeding. This technology will serve as a deterrent, encourage responsible driving, and ultimately save lives."

Senator Allen expressed his gratitude for the Committee's support, stating, "Passing SB 1297 out of the Assembly Transportation Committee is a major victory for public safety in Malibu. Speed cameras have proven effective in reducing speeding and saving lives in other communities, and I am confident they will do the same here.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (whose 42nd District includes Malibu), co-author of SB 1297, joined Senator Allen at Monday’s hearing, also commented, "This legislation represents a critical step towards making our roads safer. I am proud to support SB 1297 and look forward to its continued progress through the Assembly."

The proposed speed camera systems will be strategically placed in five high-risk areas along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch, where speeding poses a serious threat to public safety. Data gathered from other communities and countries that have implemented similar measures show an average of 41% reduction in fatal or incapacitating injury crashes.

Bridget Thompson, a classmate of the Pepperdine students who were tragically killed on PCH back in October of 2023, testified in Sacramento in support of the bill. She shared, "This legislation is a necessary step towards ensuring that no other family or community has to endure the pain we have experienced. Speed cameras will make our roads safer for everyone."

Michel Shane, father of Emily Shane who was killed in 2010 on PCH, also testified, saying, "The passage of SB 1297 out of committee is a beacon of hope for those of us who have lost loved ones to reckless driving. It is a crucial step towards preventing future tragedies on our roads."

"We thank the Assembly Transportation Committee for their support and recognition of the importance of this bill," added Mayor Uhring. "We look forward to continuing our efforts to make Malibu a safer place for everyone."

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

June 18, 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.