Join us for the 14th Annual Nick Gabaldón Day—a celebration of surf, community, culture, that honors the legacy of one of California’s pioneering Black surfers.

Pull up, bring the family, get a lesson, and help us start the 2026 season off right! We can’t wait to see you.

Registration for free lessons open.

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Some nights on the Pier just feel like summer. This is one of them.

Locals' Night wraps up its spring season with a May finale that's got it all: the roar of classic engines, live music filling the ocean air, a Fleet Week run honoring Rick Crocker, and the voices of the Pico neighborhood sharing stories that have shaped Santa Monica for generations.

Thirsty? Locals' Night is proud to partner with NEFT Vodka to bring you a full bar experience right on the Pier. Grab a drink, enjoy the music, and toast to a great season.

Stay for the whole night. It's free, it's all ages, and there's nowhere better to be.

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On May 17, 2026, at approximately 12:14 a.m., Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the Vons located at 1311 Wilshire Boulevard regarding a reported kidnapping involving an adult victim.

The preliminary investigation indicates Jorge Luis Vega, 32, of Los Angeles, and the victim were known to one another and had been in a dating relationship. This does not appear to be a random incident.

During the incident, Vega allegedly approached the victim in the parking lot and left the area with her in a vehicle. Vega also allegedly threatened a witness who attempted to intervene.

SMPD officers and detectives immediately began efforts to locate the victim and suspect. Later that day, the adult victim was located in the City of Beaumont. She was no longer with Vega and was contacted by law enforcement.

On May 18, 2026, at approximately 3:15 a.m., SMPD personnel located Vega in Los Angeles. Vega fled in a vehicle, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the 900 block of West 85th Street in Los Angeles, where an officer involved shooting occurred.

Vega was taken into custody at the scene. No officers were injured, and no gunshot injuries were reported. The victim was not present during the pursuit or officerinvolved shooting.

Vega is currently in custody and was booked on suspicion of:

Kidnapping

Criminal Threats

Brandishing a Firearm

Rape

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. SMPD is coordinating with the appropriate investigative agencies and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

SMPD is not releasing the victim’s identity due to the nature of the investigation.

The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus that occurred Friday afternoon at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard.

On May 15, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., SMPD officers and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded to the area of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard regarding a collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus. The pedestrian, an adult female, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators located security video from a nearby business, which provided a clearer view of the circumstances leading up to the collision. Preliminary investigation indicates the Metro bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath the bus. As the bus pulled away from the stop, the pedestrian was struck and sustained fatal injuries.

The Metro bus operator remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication of impairment or distraction on the part of the operator.

A Big Blue Bus vehicle that arrived at the stop moments after the incident was temporarily held for documentation and released as soon as practical.

Main Street was closed between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue during the investigation. Traffic on westbound Ocean Park Boulevard toward Main Street was also impacted.

This remains an active investigation.

Following the success of Interceptor 007, The Ocean Cleanup signed agreements with county and city leaders in Los Angeles to expand our operations to the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers

This project aims to prevent an estimated 410–628 tons of plastic from entering the Pacific Ocean through the LA rivers each year.

The Beach Boys singer, songwriter and founding member Mike Love will be onsite for the inaugural BEACH BOYS 5K & WELLNESS DAY, leading a special pre-race meditation at the start line, bringing a moment of mindfulness and intention to kick off the day’s festivities. Immediately following the meditation, a dedication ceremony will take place, further honoring the band’s cultural legacy and deep ties to California.

For more than 60 years, The Beach Boys have personified and shared the California Dream and Endless Summer spirit embodied in their timeless classics such as “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “I Get Around,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Surfer Girl,” and more. Now, that sun-drenched, fun-loving attitude has inspired the creation of this event, to be held in the heart of Santa Monica on the Third Street Promenade on May 16, 2026. “As a veteran meditator and yoga practitioner, I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this special day in Santa Monica, my backyard, celebrating wellness and community. Congratulations to everyone participating in the 5K run, remember, take good care of your feet, stretch, hydrate, but most of all have FUN FUN FUN. Namaste.” - Mike Love

Event highlights include:

● “Fun, Fun, Fun” Runs:

○ The Beach Boys 5K. Sign up for The Beach Boys 5K! It’s a 3.1-mile race along Ocean Ave. Participants will take in sweeping views of Santa Monica beach and earn an exclusive finisher’s medal after crossing the oceanfront finish line.

○ “Pet Sounds” Pooch Run: Sign up with your best friend for this doggy dash. All dogs who complete the run will receive their own edible finishers medallion. ● “You’re So Good to Me” Wellness Activations: from guided meditations and spin classes to warm up yoga and cold plunge sessions, reset the mind and body with holistic wellness experiences.

● “Don’t Worry Baby” VIP Beer Garden: hang out and cheers, dance, sip and sing along to The Beach Boys’ classic records, spun by DJ’s, along with new music by up-and-coming artists.

Leading up to the May 16th event, organizers are dedicated to supporting the community’s wellness journey. Runners and walkers can prepare for the 3.1-mile course by training to a curated “Run, Run, Run” Beach Boys 5K Run Playlist. This mix of upbeat, iconic hits and motivational B-sides for discovery is specifically designed to keep participants on pace and is available now on Spotify.

Iconic Artists Group and Mascot Sports are working with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s brand management and merchandise company, to develop this event.

The Beach Boys 5K & Wellness Day is open to the public.

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On Easter morning, my Dad Richard Pinard "Grandpa" was tragically hit by a car while riding his scooter in the bike lane at Washington and Sanborn, by Venice Beach boardwalk and passed away 4 days later. Losing him has been incredibly devastating for me and his family, and I still can't believe the reality of his absence. He was healthy, living his best beach life in Marina Del Rey at the age of 92, yes, still riding an e-scooter. People were amazed at how he looked in his 60's and was so strong and healthily for his age. He was my life, my world. Richard was a loving father who raised me from the age of 7. He was a devoted grandpa to my 3 kids, and a cherished member of the Venice Beach community. Everyone who knew him, loved him! My Dad will be dearly missed and I will never be the same now that he is gone. He would of lived to be 100 as he always told us and he definitely could have, no doubt at all.

My Dad did not have any life insurance, and I am planning his funeral arrangements with limited funds. So many kind Venice/Marina Del Rey residents and others have reached out to express their condolences and offered to donate to my Dad's funeral expenses. I created this GoFundMe to give everyone a way to support Richard, and I am deeply grateful for any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in his honor. Richard A. Pinard will be laid to rest at the Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery in Gardena, California. Thank you for your support! On Easter morning, my Dad Richard Pinard "Grandpa" was tragically hit by a car while riding his scooter in the bike lane at Washington and Sanborn, by Venice Beach boardwalk and passed away 4 days later. Losing him has been incredibly devastating for me and his family, and I still can't believe the reality of his absence. He was healthy, living his best beach life in Marina Del Rey at the age of 92, yes, still riding an e-scooter. People were amazed at how he looked in his 60's and was so strong and healthily for his age. He was my life, my world. Richard was a loving father who raised me from the age of 7. He was a devoted grandpa to my 3 kids, and a cherished member of the Venice Beach community. Everyone who knew him, loved him! My Dad will be dearly missed and I will never be the same now that he is gone. He would of lived to be 100 as he always told us and he definitely could have, no doubt at all.

Enjoy a fun-filled morning with family-friendly activities and a group bike ride for all ages. Wear GREEN for mental health awareness month!

Co-hosted by the City's Human Services Division and Santa Monica Spoke, the 5th annual Kidical Mass bike ride + Mental Health & Wellness Fair is back at Clover Park!



Arrive early to enjoy:

Community partners offering activities and local mental health resources
Helmet decorating
Bagels, juice, coffee, and snacks
Wear GREEN for mental health month!
Family-friendly group bike ride for ALL ages on Santa Monica streets

We will meet on the west side of the park, near 25th Street and Oak Street. Remember to wear GREEN for Mental Health Awareness month! The group ride will help all participants develop skills and comfort for city bike riding. This crossover event celebrates May as Bike Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

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Come get in the spirit of the World Cup with Bay Street Boards on May 15th with their first ever Futbol Friday! ⚽️🎉 Bay Street Boards will be celebrating the release of a super exclusive soccer jersey just in time for this year’s Mundial! There will be soccer themed games, vintage matches on the screen and more fun to get us all hyped for the World Cup 26 in Bay Streetstyle.

Food by North Shore Beef

This is a family friendly event so bring the kids and enjoy some futbol action!

Bay Street Boards
3216 Santa Monica Blvd,
Santa Monica, CA 90404

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