By City News Service

A 29-year-old woman who was struck and killed by a vehicle in Marina del Rey whose driver fled was identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner Tuesday.

Officers were dispatched Sunday at about 12:30 a.m. to Lincoln and Washington boulevards regarding a “possible vehicle versus pedestrian” call, according to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

She was later identified by the medical examiner as Kruti Pandya.

On Wednesday morning, Pacific Coast Highway was closed between Heathercliff Road and Busch Drive while Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau personnel assised the Malibu/Lost Hill’s Station with a barricaded assault with a deadly weapon suspect in his vehicle.

The standoff began about 5 a.m., when deputies attempted to cite the suspect for a parking violation. Deputies checked the man's license plate information and discovered he had a no-bail felony warrant, sheriff's spokesperson Adam Zeko said.

He assaulted the deputies with a fire extinguisherwhen they approached his white van, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Zeko told the press.

Deputies called in other resources, including "our special weapons team, who are on the scene right now," he said. The man was taken into custody without incident around 8:30 a.m. and the road was reopened to traffic about an hour later.

Investigators are still poring over the scene in #Malibu where a man was barricaded in his camper van for a couple of hours. He was taken into custody by #LASD. This stretch of #PCH is still closed. @knxnews pic.twitter.com/lyZdb2HmKb

— Jon Baird (@KNXBaird) August 21, 2024

Fans of country music and dance can two-step into the sunset with the first-ever Hoedown Throwdown offering free lessons and open dancing at the Annenberg Community Beach House on Aug. 29 from 6-8 p.m.

SoCal group Tina Michelle and the Rhinestone Cowgirls will light up the courtyard with music, step by step instruction, followed by open dancing.



Event schedule:

6-7:30 p.m. Line dance and 2-step lessons - jump in anytime

7:30-8:00 p.m. Open dancing

The event is all-ages and everyone is welcome. No dance partner is required.

Please, no alcohol, glass, or dogs.

Getting Here: The Annenberg Community Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy. Parking is available for $3 per hour or $12 per day. Please pay for parking at the Pay & Display machine upon your arrival and place receipt on dashboard. Exact change cash and credit cards are accepted. Ample bike parking is available; please bring a lock.

For more info, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

In the afternoon of July 29, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to the 3200 block of Santa Monica Blvd for an assault that just occurred on a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus.

Officers located the victim who reported being attacked from behind while seated on the bus. The attack was unprovoked; the victim did not know the suspect. The victim sustained significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.

Utilizing Big Blue Bus surveillance video, TAP card information, and additional neighborhood surveillance camera video, SMPD detectives identified 34-year-old Erik Morgan of Los Angeles as the suspect. On August 9th, Morgan was located and taken into custody.

Morgan was arraigned on August 13th and faces felony charges of 203 PC (Mayhem), 245(a)(4) PC (Assault likely to cause great bodily injury), 243(d) PC (aggravated battery), and 3455(a)pc (Violation of probation). He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact Detective Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

"On Monday, August 19, 2024, Venice Healer Daisy officially embraced a new chapter as she settled into her popup tent home on Venice Beach. After her recent stint in jail, Daisy chose to leave her apartment and live closer to nature, which she believes is essential for "global liberation."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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 Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel will be lit purple and gold on Saturday, August 24 in recognition of Kobe Bryant Day 2024. Los Angeles will commemorate the life of the Lakers basketball legend with Kobe Bryant Day—also known as Black Mamba Day or Mamba Day—on August 24.

The commemoration date was chosen to honor Bryant’s jersey numbers (8 and 24) and his birthday, August 23.

Kobe Bryant is considered one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. He won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star and 15-time member of the All-NBA Team. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tragically, Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in January 2020.

To honor Bryant and his legacy, Pacific Park will light the 90-foot-tall Ferris Wheel with dazzling displays of gold and purple in a variety of patterns and transitions, including combinations of “LA”, “24”, “8” and heart shapes.

This special lighting event will take place on the evening of Saturday, August 24. The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk until 11:35 PM each evening.

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"n Friday, August 16, 2024, Los Angeles Police Officers were stationed along the Venice Beach Boardwalk as part of a newly formed task force aimed at educating the public and enforcing the no biking rule on the boardwalk. The initiative comes in response to a recent severe electric bike accident that left a child unconscious after being struck by a youth rider.

Around a dozen LAPD officers, including two sergeants, were strategically positioned across the boardwalk to maximize visibility and ensure compliance. The task force's primary focus was on preventing accidents and promoting safety by redirecting cyclists and pedicab operators to the designated bike path."

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.

friday, September 6, 2024

Celebrate over a century of fun and community at the Santa Monica Pier's 115th Birthday Bash! Partnering with Street Food Cinema, we're throwing a party you won't forget, packed with a FREE outdoor screening of the Barbie Movie, live entertainment, and nostalgic moments.

What to What to Expect

FREE, Family-Friendly Outdoor Movie:
Grab your blankets and enjoy a free movie under the stars on the pier deck! We’re showing the fabulous Barbie Movie for all ages to enjoy.

Live Music & Performances:
Get ready to dance and sing along to an amazing lineup of local musicians and entertainers. The pier will be buzzing with incredible performances!

Birthday Cake & Ice Cream:
What’s a birthday without cake and ice cream? Enjoy these tasty treats as we celebrate this special milestone.

Kids Activities:
Games, face painting, and more – there’s something for every kid (and kid at heart) to enjoy!

Delicious Food, Drinks & Treats:
Feast on a variety of yummy goodies from our local food vendors, offering everything from classic pier treats to gourmet delights.

Surprise Birthday Spectacle:
We’ve got a surprise in store that will leave you in awe – you won’t want to miss it!

Picnic on the Pier Deck:
Bring your blankets and set up a cozy picnic on the pier deck. Enjoy the festivities with family and friends in the beautiful ocean breeze.

Furry Friends Welcome:
The whole family is invited, including your furry pals! Bring them along for the fun.

Exclusive Merchandise:
Don’t forget to stop by our merchandise booths to pick up exclusive Pier merch! From t-shirts to hats, take home a piece of the Pier.

Interactive Photo Booth:
Capture the memories of this special day at our interactive photo booth. With fun props and instant prints, you’ll have a keepsake to remember the celebration.

Community Spotlight:
We’re highlighting local businesses and organizations that have been part of the pier’s journey. Learn more about our community partners and their contributions.

For more info, Click Here.

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

On Thursday, there wa a huge promotion for Amazon's Fallout TV Series on the Santa Monica Pier, which included 33-cent Churros.