Shacked

The first big swell of winter 2024/25 at Topanga aka "Topangry". And well over 130 surfers out there.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at approximately 6:40p.m., Police Department officers responded to the scene of a fatal traffic collision at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Chelsea Avenue. The victim was crossing Wilshire southbound when she was struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Wilshire. The vehicle, a white Toyota Rav4 (photo attached), was seen by witnesses fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. Tragically, the victim, a Vietnam War veteran and Santa Monica resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team responded to begin their investigation, which is ongoing. Investigators have located video footage of the suspect and vehicle.

We are asking for the public’s help in identifying this person.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov, Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Georgia Pranksters , a Marine veteran battling depression, has found joy in bringing laughter to others. “Making people smile and laugh is what makes me happy,” he shared. Having honed his pranking skills since childhood, he now spreads positivity with his signature "bushman pranks."

Many pier visitors were caught off guard, with reactions ranging from shock to hearty laughter, as the prankster reminded passersby of the power of humor. Despite his camouflaged appearance, the veteran’s mission is clear: to share his laughter and happiness with the world."

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.

Over 140 surfers were out in the line up at Sunset Point on Sunday morning as the first big swell of the season hit.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police arrested a man near Ocean Avenue by the Santa Monica Pier at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, following a reported robbery.

According to the victim, the suspect approached him in an aggressive manner while wielding a knife and yelling. Fearing for his safety, the victim dropped his luggage bag, which the suspect then took before walking away. The victim called out for someone to contact the police.

Officers arrived shortly after the incident, located the suspect, and recovered the stolen belongings. The victim’s property was returned, and the suspect was taken into custody.

The suspect has been charged with robbery under California Penal Code § 211, which defines the crime as the felonious taking of another person's property against their will through force or fear.

The investigation is ongoing."

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.

Here's surfing photos from Sunday, December 22nd at Topanga.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by SPYOptic.com.

These are just a few of the 300+ 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 galleries for this day, check them out, the links to the complete galleries are down below.

You can find about 300 more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in these 2 photo galleries:

Topanga - Sunday 12-22-2024 - Gallery #1
Topanga - Sunday 12-22-2024 - Gallery #2

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.

Overnight lane closures scheduled for northbound & southbound State Route 1 (PCH) from Corral Canyon Rd to Puerco Canyon Rd for drainage work & lane realignment the nights of Monday 12/23, Thursday 12/26 & Friday 12/27.

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