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There will be intermittent lane closures on southbound PCH at Las Flores Canyon Road starting September 25 until this winter for a Caltrans project to improve a left turn lane and traffic signal to enhance safety and traffic flow. Work hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM weekdays, with occasional work on Saturdays.

The work will include installing a protected left-turn lane on southbound PCH, upgrading traffic signal hardware, lighting and poles, upgrading a flashing beacon warning system, and installing a speed feedback device to alert motorists of their speed.

Access for businesses and residents will be maintained, and all businesses may keep their regular open hours. Signs will be posted. Proceed with caution and watch for vehicles and workers in the road. Traffic citation fines are doubled in construction zones under California law.


The Santa Monica Art Museum is hosting The Fans Strike Back. An exhibition featuring more than 600 official items from the Star Wars Universe collected by fans and displayed for fans. Immerse yourself in a galaxy far, far away and see photos, posters, costumes, figures, and models of different types and sizes!

The Empire had its chance; this time, The Fans Strike Back! Get ready for the largest exhibition in the saga of fan-made Star Wars events. You’ll find photos, posters, costumes, figures, and models of different types and sizes—all official objects bought by Star Wars fans. There will also be a green chroma to take pictures in the Star Wars universe. It’s a perfect plan for the whole family, from the youngest Padawan to the wisest Jedi master!



Explore one of the largest private Star Wars collections made by fans, for fans, with: Hundreds of unique collectables and figurines Life-size figures and famous costumes More than 30 one-of-a-kind sculptures 40 years of passionate work Armor, lightsabers, blasters, helmets, masks, and more!



RELIVE YOUR FAVORITE SCENES FROM THE SAGA Plunge into the Star Wars Universe! Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities thanks to this exhibit’s amazing sets and decor. Take a selfie with the many life-size sculptures, a photo sitting on the Emperor’s throne or use the green screen to take pictures with selected Star Wars-themed backgrounds.



Showcasing hundreds of unique collectables, sculptures, life-size figures, lightsabers, blasters, and more, The Fans Strike Back® takes guests on a journey into both sides of the Force.

Starts October 5, 2023
Opening hours:
Final entry time is 1 hour before close.
Thursday & Friday 2:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Final entry time is 1 hour before close.

Duration: The visit will take approximately 1 hour
Location: Santa Monica Art Museum - 1219 3rd Street Promenade
Age requirement: All ages welcome! Free entry for children under 4

For more info and tickets, Click Here

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


A drunk driver drove down the Venice Boardwalk on Monday, he hit a pedestrian who was walking his dog. The man flew onto the windsheild, with his back busting the windsheild.

After several people try to stop the car, LAPD finally shows up and tries to get him out of the car. After he refuses, several bystanders get invovled as the efforts of the officers was not appearing to be successful.

Video by Venice Gallerie



A weekend of surfing at this popular Los Angeles surf spot with some of it's regulars.

Footage taken from our Instagram Stories.



A homeless man is spotted on the beach iin Santa Monica with what appears to be a rifle, he points it around, and starts marching, scaring some nearby beach-goers.

It ends up being a fake rifle made from pieces of wood. The homeless liaison personal had already been in contact with him earlier in the day and assured it was not a real gun.





Surf With Your Friends.

Visit Topanga Lou Surf Videos for Topanga surfing videos.



From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In a vibrant spectacle, the Abbot Kinney Festival 2023 descended upon Venice Beach, delivering a day of art, music, food, and community engagement. This event, which took place on Sunday, September24, 2023, marked an unforgettable addition to the local calendar.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard underwent a stunning transformation, becoming a thriving hub of creativity and excitement for festival-goers. The festival invited people from all walks of life to join in this unique celebration of culture."

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.

Support Santa Monica Closeup/Fabian Lewkowicz with Venmo or PayPal to help earn money to make these videos:

https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz


"I’m just visiting and thought I’d take the metro out to Santa Monica and we hit (got hit by?) a car a few blocks from the station. Eventually someone popped a door open on my car and we all hopped down and out.

I had a great time walking to Venice and back still, and then on my train ride home some dude was smoking crack so I’d say it was a pretty solid outing overall."


After several months of being unofficially ridden, on Sunday September 24th, the Inglewood Pumptrack has officially opened to the public.

The openeing day ceremony was a bike only event, since this pump track was actually built for bikes, not skateboards or scooters.

Fortunately, the city has decided to allow skateboards on the track on certain days. 3 days of the week have been designated as Bikes Only. The other for days will be bikes and skatebooards. Scooters are not allowed at all.

Here's everything you need to know about the pump track:

It is actually 2 different pump tracks, one designated for Beginner/Intermediate, and one for Intermediate/professional users.

Woodlands Track
Beginner / Intermediate



World Championship Track
Intermediate / Professional





Pumptrack Rules

Schedule:

- Inglewood Pumptrack was purpose-built for bikes, but we also love all things skate. Please be mindful of the days when bikes take priority and observe the community guidelines. Good Vibes Only!
- Monday: Bike & Skate
- Tuesday: Bike Priority
- Wednesday: Bike & Skate
- Thursday: Bike Priority
- Friday: Bike & Skate
- Saturday: Bike Priority
- Sunday: Bike & Skate



General Rules:

- Use: Bikes and skaters please use at appropriate times. No scooters, e-bikes, motorized vehicles or RC cars.
- Safety: RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK! Riding can be extremely hazardous! Helmets REQUIRED for people under 18 (California Vehicle Code §21212). Additional protective gear recommended. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t obstruct entries or the riding areas. Stay in control; be courteous and share the park.
- Hours: Open during park hours only.
- Care: No waxing, ramps, installations of any kind. No damaging or modifying features of the track. No throwing skateboards, bikes or objects.
- Prohibitions: No private events, food, music, pets, firearms, alcohol, smoking, vaping, or drugs. No camping, fires, fireworks, graffiti or tagging. Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate removal from the premises and penalties imposed by the City of Inglewood.
- Environment: Keep the park clean and beautiful. Respect what was created for you to enjoy, including native vegetation and wildlife.
- Professional Filming: All professional filming requires advance City of Inglewood legal permit. Contact pumptrack@growcyclingfoundation.org for details. Violation of permit prohibitions may result in immediate removal from the premises and penalties imposed by the City of Inglewood.
- In Case of Emergency: Dial 911.

Riders:

- Ride in one community direction at all times.
- Do not block the track. Always move off the track when not in motion.
- Ride safely and within your ability. Start small, progress gradually.
- Ensure your equipment is in good working order.

Pedestrians & Spectators:

- No loitering in the riding area.
- Spectators are to stay outside the riding area unless aiding someone.
- Parents/guardians, supervise young children at all times.

Community Guidelines:

- Respect Each Other: Take turns and keep a safe distance. Be mindful of others, adjust your speed when the track is busy, and be courteous to everyone.
- Inclusivity: This Pumptrack is for bringing people together to build community and to share joy. Treat others with dignity and kindness, regardless of skill level or background.
- Belonging: This Pumptrack was built as a place of belonging. Help foster a sense of community by engaging positively with others and encouraging new riders. Share tips, offer assistance if wanted, and make connections.
- Stewardship: Participate in keeping the pumptrack clean and in good condition. If you see litter or damage, please address it if you can or report it to pumptrack@growcyclingfoundation.org.
- Teaching & Learning: Encourage safe riding by example. If you see someone struggling, be respectful and supportive. Be the friend you wish you had made when you started out.
- Communication: Keep the dialogue open and respectful.

The track is inside Edward Vincent Jr. Park at 700 Warren Ln, Inglewood, CA 90302

For directions to the park, Click Here