It's time for Santa Monica's 7th Annual Polar Bear Plunge!

Saturday, January 4, 2025, 10am-2pm
Annenberg Community Beach House

Looking for a bold way to kick off 2025? The Annual Polar Bear Plunge is a great way to refresh, reset, and have some fun. If you have never been part of a Polar Bear Plunge, it’s time to see what you’re missing.

The morning starts with a 10 a.m. check-in at Guest Services before heading to the shoreline in front of the Beach House. The first plunge takes place around 10:15 a.m. starting with the youngest Polar Bears, followed by the rest of the crowd. The most stalwart Polar Bears can take part in the 300-yard swim around a buoy. At this no judgement zone, whether you stick your toes in the ocean, take a quick dip or round the buoy, it’s a great experience that gets the blood pumping and the skin tingling. After the invigorating ocean plunge, warm up in the heated Beach House pool. Gather with friends and family, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and grab a photo with our very own Pat the Polar Bear mascot.

Pool admission will be charged for Polar Bears and others entering the pool deck to visit, soak, swim in the heated pool, or take a hot shower.

In-person registration will be available but may be limited on the day of event. Parking is $3 per hour or $8 per day.

Pool Admission: $10/adult, $5/senior adult age 60+, $4/youth age 1-17.

For more info, Click Here

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

A new diversion program will become reality in Santa Monica this spring, following the approval of several contracts and agreements by the City Council Tuesday.

Through the SaMo Bridge program, the city seeks to reduce criminal behavior by addressing its root causes, such as homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges, by offering an alternative to incarceration focused on rehabilitation and supportive services.

The key component of SaMo Bridge is a “respite hub” that will be located on the east side of the currently unused Civic Auditorium site, consisting of two temporary trailers with 24-hour onsite security and video monitoring. The hub will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for referrals from law enforcement.

Rather than taking an individual committing a low-level infraction — for example, violating the city’s camping ordinance or loitering in front of a business ― to jail, the Santa Monica Police Department can offer the alternative of the respite hub. There, the individual can eat a meal, take a shower and rest in a safe place. This environment makes it more likely the individual will be receptive to meeting with an onsite case manager.

“Respite hubs, also known as warm landing spaces, make a real difference in addressing the root causes of troublesome behavior and offering a different path,” Chief Deputy City Attorney for the Criminal Prosecution Unit Jenna Grigsby said. “Once someone has a criminal record, it becomes even harder for them to gain housing and employment. SaMo Bridge allows us to intercept people earlier, before they enter the justice system, and help them move toward permanent positive changes.”

The program, made possible by a nearly $8 million grant awarded to the City Attorney’s Office earlier this year, adds to the city’s existing portfolio of diversion initiatives, including STEP Court, the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program and Retail Theft Diversion program.

“Having a compassionate alternative to jail is absolutely vital to addressing the root causes of addiction-related offenses," Chief of Police Ramon Batista said. "This diversion program provides our officers with a constructive option. SaMo Bridge can facilitate a warm handoff to treatment professionals who are equipped to address the underlying substance use disorders. This approach not only helps individuals get the support they need to rebuild their lives, but it also breaks the frustrating cycle of arrest, release, and re-arrest that traditional enforcement hasn't solved. By connecting people with treatment instead of putting them in handcuffs, we're seeing better outcomes for both the individuals and our community. The program transforms what could be just another arrest into an opportunity for lasting recovery.”

To qualify for SaMo Bridge, an individual must have been arrested by Santa Monica Police and experiencing homelessness, substance abuse and/or mental health challenges. Once the person accepts help, they are required to work with a case manager on a personalized 90-day care coordination plan.

The case manager then works quickly to connect them with resources such as obtaining a driver license, county benefits, mental health treatment, drug treatment or temporary housing. An individual can stay at the hub no longer than 72 hours, and the expectation is that most will be there for six to 12 hours before they are transported to the best resource to assist them.

Ultimately, if the participant remains connected to services and completes their 90-day plan, the city will not file the misdemeanor criminal case ― providing a major incentive to comply and stay on the pathway to stability.

“SaMo Bridge is a wonderful addition to our toolbox for supporting individuals on their path to treatment and stable housing,” Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick said. “We want to make contact with individuals as early as possible and at as many points as possible, so that when someone is ready to accept services, a trusted individual is right there to help make those connections."

Tuesday’s council action included:

Authorizing the city manager to execute contracts, as provided for in the grant, with: Exodus Recovery, Inc. to operate SaMo Bridge

WillScot to provide mobile trailers that will house the respite hub and the program office

Moss Adams for program evaluation and fiscal audit services

Elizabeth Anderson Consulting for grant consulting services

Approving funding for a limited-term analyst position for data analysis, grant implementation and grant management.

Selecting the cement parking lot adjacent to the east wing of the Civic Auditorium as the location for SaMo Bridge and adopting an Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance, or IZO, to allow the mobile trailers to park and remain there.

As the program is implemented, the city will conduct extensive public outreach with both a local advisory committee and regular community meetings. The first public meeting will be held Jan. 22, 2025, as part of the Human Services Commission meeting.

On Sunday, a Sheriff motor deputy was monitoring traffic on Pacific Coast Highway near Decker when a blue Lexus sped past him at 126 mph. The 19 yr old driver was arrested for Reckless Driving & the car was impounded for 30 days. This happened in the middle of the day.



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

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, 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 and located video footage of the suspect and vehicle. In the course of their thorough and diligent work on this case, the Traffic Investigations Unit identified the driver as 30-year-old Los Angeles resident Rod Sharif.

On December 27, 2024, SMPD’s Traffic Unit, along with SWAT and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, served search and arrest warrants for Sharif and his residence in Santa Monica Canyon. Several items of evidence were recovered from the home along with the white Toyota Rav4 that had significant front-end damage that appeared to have been caused during the accident.

Sharif was arrested and booked for 187(a) PC - Murder and 20001(a) VC - Felony Hit and Run. Sharif has prior arrests for 23152(a) VC - Driving Under the Influence, and 23103 VC - Reckless Driving.

Anyone who has information related to this incident or individual is encouraged to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov Investigator Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov , our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

General Information:

Date of Incident: Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 6:40 p.m.

Type of Incident: Fatal traffic collision, auto vs pedestrian

Location: Wilshire Blvd. and Chelsea Ave.

Suspect: Sharif, Rod / 30 years old / Resident of Los Angeles

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.

RAIN or SHINE!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 in Marina del Rey with a Glow Party & Fireworks Show!

*STREET CLOSURES:

7 pm – 12:30 am: Mindanao Way (westbound) closed (including from NB Admiralty’s left-turn lane)

8:30 pm + 1 am: No Left Turn @ Fiji Way onto NB Admiralty



In addition, the Waterside Shopping Center driveway on Mindanao Way, near Ralphs, will be temporarily closed at 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. for up to one hour to alleviate vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area. All other driveways at the shopping center will not be impacted.

For more info, Click Here

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

Funding will help LA County protect 45 miles of coastline from sea level rise to ensure access for everyone.

Los Angeles County will receive $1 million from the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to advance coastal resilience efforts to protect the County’s iconic beaches from climate change-accelerated erosion threats, the Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) announced today.

The OPC governing board voted unanimously on Dec. 10 to provide the much-needed grant of state funds to preserve the County’s public beaches. The money from the OPC’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program, which aims to equip California’s coastal communities with the tools needed to combat climate threats, will support the development of the County’s Regional Coastal Strategic Adaptation Plan (RCSAP). The plan is a collaborative effort to protect 16 County-operated beaches, as well as State and local resources, along 45 miles of world-renowned coastline from threats posed by sea level rise and climate change.

“This grant allows us to build on our existing Coastal Resilience Initiative and take a significant step toward ensuring that LA County’s beaches remain resilient, accessible and sustainable for future generations,” DBH Director Gary Jones said. “We’re proud to collaborate with community stakeholders and experts in the field of coastal resilience to find solutions that address climate impacts while promoting equity, inclusivity and sustainability.”

Erosion that robs beaches of sand occurs naturally, but its effects are accelerated by dynamic weather patterns spurred by climate change. In LA County and other parts of the State, the resulting powerful storms and heavy wave action have reduced the size of some beaches and increasingly threatened public beach access and amenities and other essential coastal infrastructure.

In LA County, Zuma Beach loses approximately 3.6 feet of shoreline annually, Dockweiler erodes at a rate of 4.5 feet per year, and Redondo Beach faces narrowing challenges exacerbated by infrastructure disruptions. These findings underscore the urgent need for proactive coastal resilience measures.

“This funding secured from the state represents a major step forward in protecting and preserving our coastline for generations to come,” said Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “With this vital partnership, we will advance the County’s RCSAP, including design and robust community engagement for living shoreline projects across LA County. These efforts will protect our beaches and address the growing threats of climate change.”

The RCSAP is part of DBH’s Coastal Resilience Initiative, which aims to tackle these pressing challenges systematically by leveraging local, State and Federal resources and deploying nature-based strategies, while fostering collaboration with partners and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable coast that adapts to serve current and future generations.

“This project exemplifies how targeted investments can have far-reaching impacts, from protecting vital ecosystems to ensuring safe, inclusive access to all residents,” said Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “It’s a win for our environment, economy, and communities.”

Building on the foundational work of DBH’s 2023 Coastal Resilience Study, the RCSAP will integrate cutting-edge solutions, including living shorelines, sediment reuse and enhanced shoreline management strategies.

“Tropical Storm Hilary last year and the extreme rains this year drove home that there is no time to bury our heads in the sand about the impacts of climate change across LA County,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. “It’s up to us to take action against the threat of coastal erosion. This grant is going to help us protect our beloved beaches for years to come.”

The RCSAP will engage a broad coalition of stakeholders, including municipal partners, tribal organizations, community advocates and regional agencies. These partnerships will help design and implement strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of LA County’s diverse coastal communities.

Highlights of the RCSAP include:

Community and Equity Focus: The project prioritizes equitable beach access for all, with a major focus on preserving coastal access for members of underserved inland communities disproportionately affected by extreme heat and limited recreational opportunities. The planning process will incorporate robust stakeholder engagement to ensure that diverse community voices shape the strategies for a sustainable coastline.

Holistic Approach: The RCSAP will go beyond piecemeal solutions and consider how projects will benefit beaches in the Santa Monica Bay as a whole. This holistic approach, combined with the plan’s focus on long-term sustainability, will ensure that the County’s beaches remain accessible, resilient and vibrant for years to come.

A Collaborative Future for California’s Coastline: The RCSAP is part of a larger statewide effort to build resilience against sea level rise, supported by the OPC’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program. By leveraging state funds and aligning with California’s sea level rise adaptation goals, DBH continues to set the standard for regional collaboration and innovative coastal management.

The RCSAP will be implemented over two years, with an initial on stakeholder engagement and data collection. Subsequent phases will develop actionable strategies and implementation pathways to build long-term resilience. To ensure transparency and accountability, key updates will be shared with the public and stakeholders throughout the project.

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.