𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗬 𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡: Palisades Fire Survivors Rally One Year Later in Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Wednesday, January 7, 2026 — Exactly one year after the devastating Palisades Fire, residents, fire survivors, and community advocates gathered in Pacific Palisades for a morning rally marking the anniversary of the disaster and calling for accountability, transparency, and long-term reform related to wildfire prevention, emergency response, and recovery.

The January 2025 wildfire burned for several weeks across the Santa Monica Mountains, killing 12 people, destroying nearly 7,000 structures, and causing an estimated $18–$20 billion in damage. One year later, rebuilding efforts remain uneven, litigation is ongoing, and many residents say they continue to face insurance disputes, permitting delays, displacement, and environmental concerns tied to damaged but standing homes.

The demonstration was organized under the banner “They Let Us Burn,” a phrase repeatedly echoed throughout the event by speakers who argued the fire was preventable and that failures at multiple levels of government contributed to the scale of destruction. Organizers emphasized that the protest was nonpartisan, framing it as a demand for operational accountability and improved emergency preparedness rather than a political campaign.

The rally took place in and around Palisades Village and ran from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., spanning the Antioch and Swarthmore corridor toward Via de la Paz. It drew homeowners, business owners, attorneys involved in active litigation, advocates, former and current public officials, and residents from other fire-affected communities including Altadena and Malibu. Yard signs were distributed, and organizers said no money was collected or merchandise sold.

Several speakers described evacuations they said were chaotic or nonexistent, citing a lack of audible warnings, traffic control, or visible emergency coordination during critical hours. Others raised concerns about water infrastructure, alleging key reservoirs were empty at the time of the fire, resulting in low or nonexistent hydrant pressure. Additional criticism focused on brush-management policies in surrounding parklands, with claims that earlier fires were allowed to smolder and later reignite.

Attorneys representing fire survivors said litigation against the City of Los Angeles, the State of California, and related agencies remains active, with a key court hearing scheduled for February 5, 2026, concerning motions to dismiss the case.

Organizer Mariam Engel said residents lost not only their homes but also trust in public institutions, arguing that warnings and established protocols were not adequately addressed prior to the fire. Jeremy Padawer, a Palisades resident and publisher of PacificPalisades.com, outlined a list of “Ten Imperatives” presented by organizers as policy proposals intended to ease rebuilding and recovery. The measures included waiving rebuilding permit fees, providing tax relief during reconstruction, improving evacuation planning, undergrounding electrical lines, enhancing brush-clearing and fire-prevention efforts, increasing budget transparency, establishing a local police presence, and addressing insurance-related challenges.

Among those appearing at the rally was Traci Park, who addressed the crowd and acknowledged what she described as a catastrophic failure, stating that residents were justified in their anger and pledging continued advocacy for affected communities. Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and actress and Palisades resident Heidi Montag were also among the listed speakers and participants.

Earlier in the morning, prior to the rally, a separate white-glove flag presentation and remembrance ceremony was held by the Pacific Palisades Long Term Recovery Group in partnership with Palisades American Legion Post 283, honoring victims and marking the one-year anniversary.

While emotions ran high throughout the multi-hour event, organizers emphasized unity among fire survivors and framed the rally as part of a broader effort to prevent similar disasters in the future. The demonstration unfolded as litigation, policy debates, and recovery efforts related to the Palisades Fire continue across the region, with residents signaling that public scrutiny of officials and agencies remains ongoing.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document fire-recovery efforts, public safety issues, and community responses across the Westside.

𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗗: Churches Pack Away Santa Monica Nativity Scenes for the Year

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saturday, January 3, 2025 — On a rainy Saturday morning, parishioners from St. Anne’s Catholic Church worked under overcast skies at 2311 Main Street, dismantling their nativity installation as the seasonal run of the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes came to a close.

Volunteers methodically wrapped and boxed life-size figures, straw, backdrops, and signage from “The Nativity,” one of several themed booths that together narrate the Christmas story. Each display is installed and maintained by a different local church or faith group, a model organizers describe as a cooperative community effort.

The Santa Monica Nativity Scenes are among the city’s most enduring holiday traditions, dating back to 1953, when local civic leader Herb Spurgeon partnered with area churches to place nativities in Palisades Park. For decades, the displays occupied prime park space each December and became a hallmark of the city’s seasonal landscape.

That long tradition encountered political and legal challenges in the early 2010s. A number of atheist applicants entered Santa Monica’s lottery for public park display space, an annual process required under the city’s Winter Display ordinance. Some of these applicants received lottery spots alongside traditional Christian scenes, prompting debate over whether religious displays should be permitted on public property and whether the system treated all viewpoints equally.

In 2012, amid growing controversy and competing applications, the City Council voted to repeal the Winter Display exception that had allowed unattended holiday displays in parks, effectively banning all such exhibits in city parks — religious and secular alike. The Santa Monica Nativity Scenes Committee filed a federal lawsuit, arguing the repeal violated free speech rights. Federal courts upheld the city’s action as a neutral regulation of time, place, and manner, bringing an end to the decades-long practice of placing the Nativity Scenes in Palisades Park.

In the years since, organizers and volunteers have worked to preserve the tradition at a new site on Main Street, relying on community support, church partnerships, and donations to keep the project alive. Churches including St. Anne’s, St. Monica, Vintage Church, and the First United Methodist Church have contributed scenes and labor to sustain continuity.

As St. Anne’s volunteers finished dismantling their booth in the morning drizzle, the scene reflected both the seasonal close and the persistence of a tradition carried forward by successive generations of Santa Monica residents.

Organizers say the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes will return for the next holiday season. More information on the project and ways to support it are available through volunteer and donation channels

𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡: Crews Inspect Icon Ahead of Bridge Replacement

 

On Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025, crews from YESCO were seen conducting a structural inspection of the historic Santa Monica Pier sign as part of preparations for its planned removal early next year. The inspection is a preliminary step tied to the larger Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project, a multi-year infrastructure effort aimed at modernizing access to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The inspection focused on evaluating the structural condition of the iconic blue steel sign, which spans the entrance to the pier. According to the project timeline, the original sign is scheduled to be removed in January 2026, restored off-site, and stored until the bridge replacement is completed. Once construction concludes, the refurbished sign will be reinstalled at a higher elevation to improve visibility and clearance.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project involves replacing the 86-year-old bridge that connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the pier. Built in 1939, the existing structure will be replaced with a new, seismically upgraded bridge designed to meet modern safety standards and provide a projected 75-year service life. Planned improvements include widened sidewalks, improved pedestrian circulation, and enhanced accessibility in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and continue through the end of 2027. During the project, pier businesses, restaurants, parking, and visitor access are expected to remain open. Temporary pedestrian and vehicular access routes will be installed to maintain connectivity, including a pedestrian bridge from Ocean Avenue and a vehicle ramp from the beach parking lot for emergency access, deliveries, and public parking.

Shimmick Construction Company, Inc., a nationally recognized infrastructure contractor, is leading the $35 million project. Approximately 75 percent of the funding is provided through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the remaining costs covered by local transportation funds.

YESCO, the company conducting the sign inspection, is a Salt Lake City–based manufacturer of electric signs founded in 1920. The firm is known for producing and maintaining several high-profile landmarks nationwide, including the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, the Fremont Street Experience, the Reno Arch, and historic theater marquees in Hollywood.

City officials have stated that outreach with pier tenants and community stakeholders will continue throughout construction to minimize disruption and maintain public access during the multi-phase project.

Santa Monica Closeup documents infrastructure projects and civic improvements across the city as they unfold.

𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: Rabbi Lights Giant Menorah on Hanukkah’s First Night in Santa Monica

Rabbi Isaac Levitansky of Chabad of Santa Monica lit the giant menorah at the Third Street Promenade on Sunday night, December 14, 2025, marking the first night of Hanukkah. The public ceremony brought community members together in downtown Santa Monica as the first candle of the eight-day Festival of Lights was illuminated.

Before the lighting, Rabbi Eli Levitansky addressed recent international events impacting the Jewish community. He referenced a reported attack on members of the Jewish community in Australia that occurred during an early Hanukkah celebration due to time zone differences, emphasizing resilience in the face of antisemitism.

“When these tragedies occur, they are done to create fear,” Rabbi Eli Levitansky said. “Our response needs to be the opposite. We need to come out even stronger, even prouder, to show our Jewish pride.” The gathering paused to light 16 memorial candles in honor of those who lost their lives in the reported attack. Attendees were invited to join in singing Ani Ma’amin, a song rooted in Jewish faith and perseverance. “It is not a song of despair, but rather a song of hope,” Rabbi Eli Levitansky told the crowd. “Even in the darkest moments, the Jewish people believed their future still lay ahead—and that we are here to stay.” Gratitude was also extended to local law enforcement, with organizers thanking the Santa Monica Police Department for providing security during the event and offering a blessing for their safety. Prior to the menorah lighting, a letter written in 1980 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe was read aloud. The message described Hanukkah as a reminder of the victory of spiritual strength over oppression and emphasized the symbolic power of light in confronting darkness. “Our sages said, ‘A little light expels a lot of darkness,’” the letter read. “Illumination begins at home, but it does not stop there.” Following the remarks, Rabbi Isaac Levitansky led the menorah lighting as prayers were recited and songs were sung. The evening concluded with community activities, including hot chocolate, latkes, children’s arts and crafts, and a photo area near the large dreidel display. Additional nightly menorah lightings and Hanukkah festivities are scheduled to continue throughout the week at the Third Street Promenade, hosted by Chabad of Santa Monica.

𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡: Mary, Joseph, and Angels Lead Demonstration for Worker Housing on the Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica — On Thursday evening, December 11, 2025, community leaders, labor advocates, clergy, and local workers held a seasonal posada procession through Santa Monica, calling for expanded worker housing, immigrant protections, and stronger job opportunities as the region prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A posada is a traditional Christmas-season procession that reenacts the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they seek shelter, often marked by singing, candlelight, and stops along a route where participants symbolically ask for lodging. In this case, organizers used the tradition’s theme of seeking shelter to highlight modern-day housing insecurity and economic challenges facing working families.

The demonstration began at the cannon monument on the Santa Monica Pier, where participants gathered with candles, signs, and traditional visuals including two ponies and volunteers dressed as Mary, Joseph, and angels. The procession’s first stop took place outside the shuttered Rusty’s Surf Ranch, where speakers urged the city to ensure that former workers have a pathway to return to their jobs once the venue reopens.

Organizers centered the march on a broader push for below-market housing to be developed on the current Santa Monica Airport property, which is slated to close in 2028. Groups including UNITE HERE Local 11, Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), and the Fair Games Coalition have advocated for years for the land to be repurposed into housing that would serve low- and moderate-income families. The coalition reiterated its call for 50,000 units of worker housing across the Los Angeles region, citing an acute housing shortage expected to worsen following recent wildfire disasters.

As the procession moved through the city toward its final stop at St. Augustine By-The-Sea Church, participants sang traditional posada songs while clergy and community members highlighted ongoing challenges faced by working families. Along the route, speakers emphasized the need for stable employment, fair wages, and immigration protections.

The Fair Games Coalition includes more than 75 unions, immigrant-rights groups, community organizations, and housing advocates. UNITE HERE Local 11 represents over 32,000 hospitality workers across Southern California and Arizona. CLUE continues its interfaith advocacy work by mobilizing clergy and lay leaders to support workers and immigrant communities across the region.

— Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance for the community.

𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗪𝗔𝗬: Heidi Klum Films “Germany’s Next Topmodel” at Venice Beach at Sunset

VENICE BEACH, CA — Tuesday, December 9, 2025 — A full-scale television production unfolded along the Venice shoreline Tuesday evening as host and executive producer Heidi Klum returned to Southern California to film an episode of Germany’s Next Topmodel during golden hour near the water. A temporary beach set was constructed just north of the Venice Pier, complete with lighting towers, camera cranes, production tents, and a raised judging platform set against the Pacific Ocean backdrop. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, contestants—dressed in coordinated beachwear and runway attire—were staged for a sunset photoshoot and elimination sequence. Pedestrians, cyclists, and sunset watchers gathered along the perimeter to observe the behind-the-scenes production. Many stopped to film and photograph the scene as contestants lined up before Klum and the judging panel, while camera crews captured multiple angles of the beachfront runway setup. The episode appeared to feature a high-pressure seaside challenge, consistent with the show’s format of combining fashion performance with dramatic visual environments. Overhead boom lifts and studio lighting were used to maintain consistent exposure as daylight faded, while large reflector panels framed the judging area. Germany’s Next Topmodel, now in its twentieth season, follows aspiring models through a series of elimination challenges testing runway skill, photo performance, brand presence, and adaptability. The Venice Beach shoot marks one of several international locations featured during the current season’s production cycle. Filming concluded shortly after sunset as crews began dismantling equipment and beach traffic returned to normal. No road closures were reported, and public access to the surrounding beach remained open throughout the production. Santa Monica Closeup documents public events of local significance and on-scene activity across the Westside.

𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘: SMFD’s New Medical Team Assists Unhoused Woman at Santa Monica Beach

On Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025, the Santa Monica Fire Department’s Advanced Provider Unit (APU) responded to a medical call near the public restrooms at Santa Monica Beach. The two-person team—comprised of a firefighter/paramedic and a nurse practitioner—evaluated an unhoused young adult woman at the scene. After a medical assessment, the team provided the woman with a list of community-based resources intended to assist with follow-up care and support services. The Advanced Provider Unit is part of a newly launched emergency medical services expansion within the Santa Monica Fire Department. The program deploys a firefighter/paramedic and a nurse practitioner together to respond to complex medical calls, provide advanced on-scene treatment, and coordinate follow-up care for high-risk patients. The initiative is designed to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, limit repeat 9-1-1 calls, and decrease reliance on private-sector ambulance services while improving patient outcomes through proactive, field-based care. The department is also recruiting experienced nurse practitioners for part-time, contracted roles within the program, offering opportunities to work directly in the field alongside first responders in an evolving model of community-centered emergency medicine. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the people, programs, and public safety efforts shaping life along the coastline.

𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘: Son Taken Into Custody After Father Fatally Stabbed in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — December 9, 2025 — A 31-year-old man was taken into custody Monday night following a fatal stabbing inside a residence in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible assault in progress at approximately 9:20 p.m. on December 8. Upon arrival, officers contacted the reporting party, who directed them inside the home. Inside the residence, officers located a 71-year-old man suffering from critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.

The suspect, identified as the victim’s son, was located inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. Detectives from the department’s Criminal Investigations Division secured the scene and obtained a search warrant. Forensic specialists are now processing physical evidence, including a weapon recovered at the location.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation. The suspect is expected to be booked on suspicion of homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.

Police emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and occurred within a private residence. There is no ongoing threat to the community, though officers maintained a presence in the area throughout the investigation.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov at (310) 458-8451 or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟: Boardwalk Sees Fresh Energy as Visitors Return to Shops, Food, and Ocean Views

VENICE BEACH, CA — Monday, December 8, 2025 — Under clear blue skies and warm winter sunshine, Santa Monica Closeup documented a full-length walking tour of the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, capturing a calm yet active stretch of the oceanfront as locals and visitors enjoyed the morning along the Pacific.

Pedestrians moved steadily along the wide concrete promenade, with light to moderate foot traffic spread across the boardwalk as shoppers browsed small storefronts, visitors paused for refreshments, and walkers took in the palm-lined scenery. While not heavily crowded, the atmosphere reflected a relaxed and open public space that now feels accessible, orderly, and safe for everyone.

In recent years, the Venice Beach Boardwalk experienced a prolonged period of disruption following the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders. During that time, the area saw a sharp increase in encampments and public safety concerns, significantly altering the visitor experience. City-led cleanup operations, outreach efforts, and renewed public safety presence have since reshaped the corridor.

Today, the boardwalk presents a markedly different scene—clean, open, and welcoming. Vendors, artists, retailers, and food spots now operate alongside families, tourists, and residents who have returned to enjoy the attractions that made Venice internationally known. From beachfront dining and casual shopping to people-watching and ocean views, the boardwalk has re-established itself as a safe and inviting gathering place.

Venice Beach now stands as a revitalized destination for both locals and visitors, offering a walkable, scenic, and food-rich experience along the Pacific shoreline. As the video tour reflects, the boardwalk is once again open for business—and open for exploring.

Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public spaces and community life across the Westside.

𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗗𝗨𝗧𝗬: LAPD Officers Deliver Holiday Toy Donations at Muscle Beach

VENICE BEACH, CA — Sunday, December 7, 2025 — The Venice Beach Recreation Center hosted the 18th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive on Sunday, drawing steady community participation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Ocean Front Walk. The holiday charity event focused on collecting new, unwrapped toys for children across Westside communities, including Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, Oakwood, Westchester, and Marina del Rey.

Presented by Icon Muscle and produced by Joe Wheatley Productions in collaboration with World Gym International, the event was hosted by MusclePharm and coordinated in conjunction with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

Uniformed officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division collected donated toys throughout the day for delivery to the division’s annual Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive. Donations filled multiple police vehicles as officers assisted with on-site collection and logistics.

Santa Claus arrived on the boardwalk accompanied by his elves, creating a focal point for family photo opportunities. A scheduled boardwalk performance by Santa & His Elvettes took place in the early afternoon, adding a lively entertainment element to the day’s activities.

Among those in attendance was Traci Park, who joined officers and organizers in supporting the toy collection effort. The event also drew participation from local motorcycle groups, including members of the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club, who arrived with toy donations and additional financial contributions.

Event producer Joe Wheatley noted that the toy drive has partnered with the Pacific Division for nearly two decades to support its holiday distribution efforts, emphasizing the impact the annual collection has on local families.

Limited-edition event T-shirts were distributed during the drive, with proceeds directed back into the program. By the end of the afternoon, organizers reported a strong turnout and substantial volume of donated toys.

Santa Monica Closeup will continue documenting community-based events and public service efforts across the Westside.