Locals' Night on the Santa Monica Pier features a car show with classic cars, lowriders, and more.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A local pedicab driver took on the role of an unsung hero on Monday, March 25, 2024, as he diligently worked to clear a path along Ocean Front Walk in Venice. The area had become obstructed with sand, following the gale-force winds that swept through the previous day. The accumulation had rendered the walk challenging for cyclists, with many finding themselves stuck. Recognizing the need for action, the pedicab driver proactively shoveled away the sand, ensuring a safer and more navigable route for all."



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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"A collision involving a private vehicle and a tour bus on Ocean Avenue led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) on Monday, March 25, 2024. According to reports, the incident occurred in the early evening, drawing immediate response from law enforcement.

The initial investigation has shown that the man, whose identity remains undisclosed while further inquiries are conducted, reportedly lost control of his vehicle, leading to a collision with a tour bus. Authorities have confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries.

Following the crash, authorities conducted on-scene evaluations, which led to the arrest of the driver on suspicion of DUI. It was reported that there was another individual in the vehicle at the time of the accident. This person, after undergoing a brief assessment by the police, was permitted to drive the vehicle away from the scene following the arrest of the driver.

The Santa Monica Police Department is continuing its investigation into 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.

High surf and hazardous ocean conditions through Monday. Widespread gale force winds with large steep seas across inner and outer waters.

Also expect scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday, with potential for brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. In addition, there will be gusty W-NW winds 30-50 mph, strongest across coasts, mountains, and deserts.



A cold low pressure system will bring scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms through Sunday. Any thunderstorms that develop will have the potential to produce brief heavy downpours, gusty winds, and small hail. There will be gusty west to northwest winds across the region through Sunday, strongest in the mountains, coasts, and deserts with gusts in the 30 to 50 mph range.

Elevated Surfcraft and Kona Big Wave to build waves of snow at 7,000 ft above sea level at Mt High Ski Resort in Wrightwood.

In addition to the wave park, Elevated is hosting expression sessions for registered riders. This is not a competitive contest with divisions and judging, but rather a fun event showcasing surfstyle and performance where riders will elevate each other collectively and standout performers will receive prizes.



The Frozen Wave will be open to all, but we encourage you to register and check in as the first 25 riders will get to demo a board for free, get 50% off on their lift ticket and get a limited edition merch kit.

WHEN: Expression Sessions (Frozen Wave will be open to all registered riders on the following dates)
• Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Frozen Wave Park - Open Ride (Park May Continue After Event Depending on Weather Conditions)
Monday March 25 - 30

For more info, Click Here.

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

PET-CHEWLLA is back, and BIGGER than ever! Join us for our second annual Adoption Fair and Pet Festival.

Join us for our second annual Adoption Fair and Pet Festival. Saturday, April 6th, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at our Venice Clinic at 210 Main Street, Venice, CA 90291.

You’ll have a chance to meet adoptable dogs and cats needing great homes from eight different Los Angeles-based rescues!A day filled with furry friends, fantastic food, lively tunes, and refreshing drinks!

Donate to the silent auction, shop local vendors, and get your face painted or a flower crown for your dog!

This event is family-friendly, and leashed pets are encouraged to come!

You must be present day of event to be eligible to win the raffle for the Lakers game tickets.

For more info, Click Here.

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

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct a Bike & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation with focused enforcement efforts on primary collision factors involving motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Police Department identifies locations where pedestrian and bike collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers, bike riders and pedestrians alike that can lead to life changing injuries. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

These extra enforcement efforts will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

Pedestrians

· Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

· Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

· Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

· Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

· Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

· Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

· If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

· Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

March 20, 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 Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

The entire swim area.

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

*Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory.

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.

"Do not carry the experience of life as a wound , let it become wisdom. The harder life has been on you, the sooner you should become wise.

Joseph Duerr's story brings this topic , you can learn with the obstacles in your journey , you can find the unique talent that you have and no one else can do it better than you , it’s your unique talent , with your best intentions you can find your true self and manifest whatever you want to be."

We Are Venice showcases the people and culture of Venice Beach, California and will inspire you to be the best version of yourself. This is a series of premium documentary profile pieces on Venice’s most important and influential individuals.