If you haven’t heard, City Council recently approved the launch of state-of-the-art digital wayfinding kiosks for use in commercial areas, which will include wifi, maps, business directory, city announcements, emergency services, and much more. These kiosks will enhance residents’ and visitors’ experience of our city and provide added safety to Downtown Santa Monica and beyond.

Digital Kiosk Open House

Big Outdoor and the City of Santa Monica would like to invite you to a reception at Building Bridges Art Exchange (Bergamot Station ARTS CENTER) to experience and interact with the kiosks in person to get your feedback on the proposed kiosk design, locations, and what information you think should be available in the kiosks so that they are user-friendly and relevant for all Santa Monicans.



Goodies: Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Bergamot Station ARTS CENTER 2525 Michigan Ave Santa Monica, CA 90404 Building Bridges Art Exchange (Building F2)

When: Friday, June 2, 2023 at 3pm-7pm, Saturday, June 3 at 10am-2pm, and Thursday June 8 at 2pm-6pm

Parking: Free parking available in the Bergamot lot (enter on Michigan Avenue)

Ways to get there: We recommend coming by bicycle, Big Blue Bus (routes 5, 16, 43), or the Metro E Line (gallery located directly across from the Metro station).

For more info and to register for Friday, Click Here and for Saturday, Click Here

Caltrans plans emergency storm repairs on sections of Route 27 (Topanga Cyn Blvd ) that requires lane closures with alternating traffic between Cezanne Ave to Route 1 (PCH) beginning MON, June 5. Expect delays.

Security cam footage of Winnie The Pooh attempting to break into an apartment building ion West LA.

Saba Surf, the surf lifestyle brand dedicated to crafting premium essentials that celebrate and uplift the surf community, is excited to announce their first-ever Beach Clean-up on Sunday June 11th starting at 9:00 a.m.

The event, led by Saba Surf co-founder, Laura Quintana, was created to give back to the surf community by working to preserve the beaches they rely on for clean waves. What started as a Venice-local initiative has since grown into a Southern California-wide effort, with clean-ups happening along the coast in cities including San Diego, Newport, Manhattan Beach, and Santa Monica.

For consumers looking to join the Venice Beach clean-up, plan to meet at Breakwater in Venice at 9:00am and look for the Saba Surf tent. Gloves will be provided, and the beach-clean up will begin at 9:30AM. Guests will then be invited to meet back up at the Saba Surf tent at 10:30 for a chance to win a month’s supply of Saba Surf Wax, Saba Surf T-Shirt, and more prizes. To learn more about the clean-ups in additional communities, locals can reach out to sabasurfco@gmail.com. More information will also be posted on Saba Surf’s Instagram page.

Co-founded by Gal Tshnieder and Laura Quintana, Saba Surf was born from an unbridled appreciation for surf culture; as avid surfers themselves, the Saba Surf co-founders understand the wants and needs of surfers at every skill level, from beginner to professional. Unlike other surf waxes on the market, the brand’s proprietary blend of natural ingredients allows their wax to work in a wide range of temperatures, allowing surfers from coast to coast to utilize the wax in varying weather conditions.

In addition to Saba Surf’s product offerings, the brand is also committed to providing resources to the surf community through a variety of digital platforms — including their blog, newsletter, Instagram page, and YouTube channel, where they regularly share industry news, WSL standings, and more. The brand also utilizes these platforms to spotlight local videographers and artists, as well as the stories of prominent individuals in the surf world.

LA’s beloved grassroots LGBTQ+ Pride celebration returns with FREE party in the street!

Be who you are at the Venice Pride Block Party on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 5 PM to 11 PM at 99 Windward Ave, Venice, CA. Featuring community booths, food trucks, queer market, and more! Celebrate Pride at the beach, it’s open to the public—and all ages!

Special Pride month edition of everyone’s favorite westside queer dance party, @gaywatchparty (21+) to follow Block Party at Baja Cantina from 10 PM to 2 AM. Proceeds from the Block Party will benefit Venice Pride, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aimed at saving lives through the acceptance of diversity by giving back to the local community through volunteerism, partnerships and events throughout the year.

For more info and tickets, Click Here

The smallest pier, south of Santa Monica Pier at Hollister Avenue, existed from 1905 to 1949. It was built in 1905 as the White Star. In 1908 it was renamed the Bristol Pier. From 1919 to 1949 it was the Crystal Pier. The pier was demolished in 1949.

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at about 7:30 pm, Santa Monica Police Department DART officers patrolling the Pier were flagged down by the victim of an assault that just occurred. The victim, a Spanish-speaking tourist from Mexico, told the officers that about ten minutes prior, a male suspect approached her and grabbed her breast. The suspect, later identified as Johnathan Peck, continued walking past the victim, but stayed in the area. When the victim told her friend what happened the friend approached Peck and confronted him about the sexual assault. Johnathan responded by using a large, sharpened stick to stab the friend (victim 2) in the face and neck.

Johnathan Peck fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by additional officers on the Pier. While they were conducting their investigation, officers learned that Peck was also responsible for an additional assault that occurred shortly before the one described above. Peck attacked another female, grabbing her breasts, and another male victim who was also stabbed with the stick. Two of the victims requiring medical attention were transported to local hospitals and treated for minor injuries.

In Custody: Johnathan James Peck, DOB: 11/11/1997.

Some news outlets have reported him as being homeless, but the SMPD has not annouced anything about that yet.

Santa Monica Police Department Holding Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations June 1st & 2nd

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will have extra officers on patrol June 1st and 2nd looking specifically for violation 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, 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.

A crowded Spring day at Sunset Point in the Pacific Palisades. Video edited from our Instagram Story footage of this day.