The junior lifegaurds did their pier jump on Friday at the Venice Pier, here some photos from Six12 Media

These are just a few of the 200+ photos from this event. To see all the photos, Click Here













You can find about 200 more photos from this event, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Juniour Lifegaurds Venice Pier Jump Photo Gallery

.

From Erika Aklufi, SMPD Lieutenant:

In anticipation of a greater number of visitors and events, SMPD is deploying additional officers throughout the city. The SMPD wants to make sure residents and visitors alike can feel comfortable relaxing in the sand and enjoying our awesome ocean views. A combination of the Directed Action Response Team (DaRT), Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team, Traffic, Public Service Officers, and Patrol Officers, in addition to the Downtown Services Unit have been deployed to assist in ensuring a safe holiday weekend.

Safety Tips for the Weekend

· Keep personal belongings secure and in sight. Lock vehicles and secure homes, especially when away.

· Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

List of Items Prohibited on the Beach

❌ Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal citywide (including those marked safe & sane). If you are found in possession of fireworks you will be cited or arrested.

❌ Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the beach.

❌ Gas-powered generators

❌ Amplified music or instruments: Keep it courteous for fellow beachgoers.

❌ Open flames.

❌ Firearms or other weapons

Important Note Regarding Pets

· Unleashed dogs: are prohibited. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/paved pedestrian path, but not the sand or in the water.

· With summer heat, the pavement can get very hot, burning your dog's paws.

· Leaving a pet in a hot car is dangerous and illegal. Owners who violate these rules will be cited or arrested, and the car may be forced open to remove the animal.

DUI Prevention

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a significant threat to everyone on the road. SMPD motor officers will be conducting safety-focused operations throughout the weekend. We strongly encourage everyone to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation such as rideshare services. Let's work together to prevent tragedies and make this holiday a safe one for all.

As we celebrate Independence Day, the Santa Monica Police Department remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday. For emergencies, please dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact our dispatch center at 310-458-8491.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police arrested a man on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, on suspicion of assault at Santa Monica Beach. Authorities received a call reporting an individual being assaulted near lifeguard tower 27. Upon arrival, officers detained a suspect matching the provided description. However, the victim, when brought to the scene, stated the suspect was not the assailant, leading to the suspect's release.

Continuing their search, officers located another suspect at a homeless encampment near the Venice-Santa Monica border. Following further investigation, police arrested this individual and took him into custody. The victim received treatment from Santa Monica Fire paramedics at the scene and was subsequently released. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a disagreement over a possibly stolen bike.."

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.

July 01, 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:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

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

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain

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:

· Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, 100 feet west of the pier

· Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu

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.

Start at the Pier, finish at the Pier! A fast 5K & 1 Mile Race/Walk. A unique experience with access to fitness expo, sampling from various local shops and eateries by showing your bib at sponsored locations. Enjoy other festivities on the world famous Venice Beach Pier at the finish line celebration party.

All participants will receive a commemorative die-cast VBR 5K or 1 Mile Finisher Medal, premium multi color beach t-shirt, and string bag. Access to the sampling and exhibitor booths.

Race To The Pier 1 Mile is open to youth and adults. This is for those of you who are speed oriented and want to test yourself at this popular distance.

For more info and to register, Click Here.

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

Another update to the Homeless Man violently atacking women on the beach:

Santa Monica Police release their offical statement and mugshot on the person arrested:

On Monday, June 24, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to a call of a male subject assaulting multiple victims on the beach, just north of the pier. The subject, later identified as Jawann Dwayne Garnett of Los Angeles, attacked a 17-year-old girl who was on the sand near Lifeguard Tower 13, striking and strangling her. A 25-year-old female bystander intervened in the attack, suffering injuries when Garnett punched her and bit her ear. Garnett then attacked a female in her 70s who was walking near the waterline, pulling her into the ocean and holding her underwater.

Lifeguards and police officers were on-scene within minutes, interrupting Garnett’s attack and taking him into custody. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries and later released. The other two victims were treated at the scene by lifeguards and fire department personnel.

On June 26th, 2024, the District Attorney filed the following charges:

Victim 1 (juvenile)

664/187(a) PC - attempt murder 273(a) PC - felony child abuse

Victim 2 (bystander)

245(a)(4) PC - ADW likely to produce GBI 220(a)(1) PC - assault with intent to commit rape

Victim 3 (elder)

664/187(a) PC - attempt murder 207(a) PC – kidnapping

Garnett, who is currently homeless, has a significant criminal history in Los Angeles County, including prior arrests for the following crimes: 220 (a)(1) PC - Assault w/Intent to Commit Rape, 236 PC - False Imprisonment, 245(a)(2) PC - Assault w/Deadly Weapon – Firearm, 273.5(a) PC - Domestic Violence (Felony), 243(e )(1) PC - Domestic Violence (Misdemeanor), 245(a)(1)PC Assault w/Deadly Weapon – Not a Firearm, 483PC Theft, 602(k) PC - Trespassing, 290.011(a)PC - Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

In December 2021, Garnett was arrested by LAPD (Topanga) for 664/287(c)(2)(a) PC - Attempt Oral Copulation through Force, and subsequently charged and convicted for 220(a)(1) PC – Assault w/the Intent to Commit Sexual Assault. Garnett was placed on probation.

Garnett is currently on formal probation for his 220(a)(1) PC conviction and has been arrested for multiple violations of his probation terms and soon after released. Garnett was released on June 6, 2024, on his own recognizance for a probation violation and is scheduled to go to court for the violation on August 5, 2024.

On June 9, 2024, Garnett was arrested by Santa Monica PD for failing to register as a sex offender. While in custody, Garnett was registered as a sex offender in the City of Santa Monica and released with a citation with a promise to appear in court. This was SMPD’s only encounter with Garnett prior to the attack on the beach.

Garnett is being held on $1 million bail.

Anyone with information related to this incident or this individual is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at Hilda.Lucero@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Goodwin at Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

More updates will be shared as they become avilable.

Meanwhile, the similar event in Venice where women were attack, raped, and murdered, the LAPD and Venice politicians have not release the mugshot or additional information about the suspect that was arrested.

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 the week of July 1, 2024.

“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.

The Santa Monica 4th of July Parade RETURNS Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 9:30am. The 2024 Santa Monica Parade celebrates the Arts!

The 2024 parade returns to its classic route! The parade kicks off promptly at 9:30am at Pico and Main Street, traveling South on Main Street before turning right onto Marine, ending at Barnard Way. Join us to watch anywhere along the Main Street route as we make our way to Beach Lot 5 South. The official grandstand announcement location will be in front of the Ocean Park Library.



For more info, Click Here.

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

The best day of the year in Pacific Palisades is almost here! Celebrate the 4th of July with this year’s theme - “Happy Days in the Palisades!”

Show off your patriotic spirit by decorating your home and entering the Patriotic Home Decorating Contest.



The festivities kick off with the Will Rogers 5/10K Run and the Kids Fun Run.

Enjoy our annual parade featuring skydivers, floats, marching bands, patriotic pups, kids on decorated bikes, and much more!

Later, join us at Pali High for an evening of family fun! Starting at 6:00 PM, Lee Dyson of Hey Mister DJ will get the party started. Savor delicious eats from food trucks and marvel at the fireworks by the world-famous Pyro Spectaculars at 9 PM.

Get your tickets now for the best viewing spots at Palisades High School! Tickets are $10 and only sold before the event. You can also purchase a ticket with parking for $25 (one car, limited availability). Don’t miss out on Parade Grandstand Tickets as well.

For more info, Click Here.

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