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.

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.

Held on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at the Venice Beach Pier. Here are the results:

Boys 18U
1 Tristan Baldwin
2 Danny Okeefe
3 Drake Bakunin



Girls 18U
1 Rose Bakunin
2 Coral Venice



Open Men
1 Cole Sweeney
2 Andy Schwartze
3 Romulo Cortez



Open Women
1 Leah Miller
2 Nicole Brait
3 Crystal Arrias



Men's 50+
1 Norman Antonio
2 Steve Siegrist
3 Stan Chiu



Open Longboard Men
1 Steve Siegrist
2 Norman Antonio
3 Nathan Antonio



Body Surfing
1 Adrien Deloffre
2 Todd Francis
3 Edward Sweeney



Foamie Expression Session
1 Alex Statman
2 Seamus Mcmullan
3 Nathan Antonio



These are just a few of the 400+ photos from the contest from Six12 Media, the link to the complete gallery is down below.











You can find more photos from the contest, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

2024 Venice Surf-A-Thon Photo Gallery

"Driving down PCH in Santa Monica this evening when a brick hit that was thrown from an overpass hit my windshield. I was going about 50mph and am lucky it didn’t go through." reports the victim of Wednesday night's incident.

"...police wrote it up as an assault with a deadly weapon. At first i thought that was a bit dramatic but as it’s settled in and i’ve inspected the damage a bit more i have realized that i was probably within a few mph of it going through and causing serious injury."

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Santa Monica police arrested a man for allegedly using a recording device to film a woman in a gender-neutral public restroom. Officers responded to a disturbance call and discovered that the individual had been involved in an altercation. Upon investigation, authorities determined the man had violated California Penal Code Section 647(j), which prohibits the unlawful invasion of privacy.

Under PC 647(j), it is illegal to use a device to record or view someone in a private setting without their consent. A conviction for this misdemeanor carries penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

According to the police sergeant, the suspect, who was apprehended at the scene, also had an outstanding $50,000 warrant for a similar offense in another jurisdiction. The incident occurred when the suspect allegedly used a stall to record another person, who noticed the intrusion and reported it to authorities. Officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect before he fled the area."

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.

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.