This afternoon, August 27th at approximately noon, officers responded to a call at the Hilton Santa Monica on 4th Street and Civic Center Drive. A suspect was threatening hotel staff with a hammer. The suspect fled towards the Santa Monica High School 4th Street Breezeway but did not enter the campus. Thankfully, no students were nearby.

Despite repeated commands, the suspect refused to drop the hammer and continued making threats. Officers used a taser and 40mm projectiles to safely take the suspect into custody.

The suspect was evaluated by the Santa Monica Fire Department and in accordance with department policy, transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. Assault with a deadly weapon charges are pending

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to reduce Topanga Canyon to one lane with alternating traffic so they can work on the damge done by the bug landslide that happened in March.

The lane closures are at postmile 1.8 and will be from 9PM - 6AM, stating on Tuesday and lasting till Friday.

Crews will be installing anchors on the steep hillside this week. These anchors will allow crews to tether themselves to them, so they secure straw wattles on the bare slope to prevent soil erosion during the upcoming rainy season.

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

Several scenes of things that go on in Santa Monica after the sun sets.

During the weekly Friday morning Venice Beach Homeless Encampment Clean Up, one person finds out all his important belongings were trashed by the clean up team. Then the clean up team encounters a person who was just assaulted and in need of urgent medical attention.

On Saturday, August 24th, 2024, the Great Western Steak & Hoagie Co. Celebrated 51 years in Venice Beach with a community event with lowriders, local vendors, and music.

Here's surfing photos from the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Friday, August 23rd at the Venice Breakwater.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.

These are just a few of the 100+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.














You can find 100+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Friday 8-23-2024 Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

Here's surfing photos from the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Thursday, August 22nd at the Venice Breakwater.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.

These are just a few of the 140+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.














You can find 100+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Thursday 8-22-2024 Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

The Santa Monica Police Department will have extra officers on patrol August 23, 2024 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

• Use your signal when changing lanes.

• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

• Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

• Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Live from the LA Opera Stage to the Big Screen at Santa Monica Pier

Lights, camera, action: Gather your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic, and come experience the music and drama of Madame Butterfly under the stars. This Madame Butterfly gets a stunning and cinematic twist, taking place on a 1930s film set transforming the look of this beloved opera classic. An American officer in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved.

Saturday, September 21, 2024
Broadcast begins at 6:00pm

Arrive early and explore your artsy side, enjoy family friendly crafts with LA Opera Connects. Get a balloon animal before the show starts or have your face painted by Work of Heart face painting, a biodegradable glitter bar. Be amazed by Magic Castle magician Dana Pleasant and don't miss our gift basket giveaways, LA Opera merchandise giveaways, and more!

Food & Beer available for purchase.

Bring your own blankets, low lawn seats, and cushions. Don't forget your sweaters and jackets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.

For more info, Click Here

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