𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖: Traci Park Spins Up Family Fun at Centennial Park

VENICE, Calif. — Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Families and community members gathered at Centennial Park on Saturday for a day of free activities and entertainment as the Venice Flying Carousel hosted a community celebration alongside the recently reopened Abbot Kinney Venice Public Library. The event took place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Centennial Park, located next to the library at 501 Venice Blvd., drawing children and adults for a full day of art, recreation, and neighborhood connection centered around one of Venice’s longtime community spaces. Free rides on the Venice Flying Carousel served as the centerpiece of the event, while visitors also took part in hands-on art-making, do-it-yourself carousel T-shirt printing, oversized bubble-making stations, and oceanarium-themed activities for children. A Naam yoga session and storybook reading time added to the family-friendly programming throughout the day. Artist Robin Murez, creator of the Venice Flying Carousel, described the project as a community-driven effort built with the help of friends, neighbors, and local experts. “It’s a fabulous community project,” Murez said. “Everybody can come print their own T-shirts and take them home. They’re free and permanent. We’re here celebrating the reopening of the Venice Public Library, and all of the animals of the carousel bring out stories of the history of Venice.” Murez said the carousel and the library share a connection through storytelling, noting that the carousel’s animal figures reflect pieces of Venice history that visitors can further explore inside the library. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park also attended the event and highlighted the transformation of Centennial Park, which she noted had previously been the site of a large encampment several years ago. “We are actively working on this park, and we are excited to see it activated today,” Park said. “It’s wonderful to see so many families out here enjoying it. We have big plans in store for revitalizing Centennial Park.” Park encouraged residents to visit the newly renovated Venice Public Library and emphasized the importance of restoring public spaces for families and neighborhood use. The gathering served both as a celebration of the library’s reopening and as a public showcase for ongoing efforts to reactivate Centennial Park as a family-friendly destination in the heart of Venice. Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public events and community gatherings across Venice and the Westside.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧’𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗙: Police Officers Meet the Community Over Burgers at Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, April 30, 2026 — The Santa Monica Police Department hosted its “Burgers with Police” community outreach event Thursday afternoon at Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier, inviting residents and visitors to share a meal and informal conversation with officers in a relaxed setting.

The event, promoted by the department as a casual variation of the nationally recognized “Coffee with a Cop” program, offered free hamburgers to attendees while giving the public an opportunity to meet and speak directly with Santa Monica police officers outside of a traditional enforcement setting.

Originally launched in 2011, “Coffee with a Cop” has since expanded to all 50 states and internationally to countries including Canada, Australia, and regions across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The concept is built on simplicity: creating a comfortable, informal environment where officers and residents can connect without the pressure of an emergency call or enforcement contact.

According to the event description shared by the Santa Monica Police Department, the goal was straightforward: “No speeches. No agenda. Just good food and real conversation.” These gatherings are designed to give community members a chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and build familiarity with the officers serving their neighborhoods.

Traditionally, many law enforcement interactions occur during high-stress moments such as emergencies, investigations, or enforcement actions, making it difficult to establish personal trust. Programs like “Coffee with a Cop”—and in this case, “Burgers with Police”—aim to bridge that gap by encouraging conversation in a more approachable setting.

A yellow SMPD outreach tent marked with “Join SMPD” branding was set up nearby, where visitors could pick up department swag, recruitment materials, and information about public safety programs. Families, tourists, and local residents stopped by throughout the midday event, with many taking the opportunity to ask questions, introduce themselves, and engage with officers in a more personal setting.

Inside Pier Burger, officers and guests shared tables over burgers and fries, while outside, police personnel mingled with the public under clear skies and steady foot traffic on the pier.

The continued success of these events reflects a broader community-policing effort focused on strengthening trust, improving communication, and allowing residents to see the officers behind the badge in everyday settings rather than only during moments of crisis.

Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public events of local significance across the city, including the everyday moments where community connection takes place beyond the headlines.

𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘: Three Rehabilitated Pups Return to the Ocean at Venice Beach

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026 — Three rehabilitated California sea lion pups were released back into the Pacific Ocean at Venice Beach after several weeks of treatment and recovery through the Marine Mammal Care Center. The public release event drew a crowd of beachgoers, volunteers, photographers, wildlife supporters, and local officials as staff carefully transported the young sea lions from their carriers to the sand before guiding them back toward the shoreline. The Marine Mammal Care Center, based in San Pedro, is the only NOAA-authorized year-round marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility serving Los Angeles County, covering more than 70 miles of coastline from Malibu to Long Beach, including Catalina Island. Since opening in 1992, the nonprofit has treated thousands of stranded sea lions, seals, and other marine mammals, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and returning healthy animals to the wild. John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, said the event represented more than a simple animal release. “Today is about more than just a patient release,” Warner told the crowd. “It’s a reminder of what can happen when we all come together on behalf of something bigger than ourselves—when care and science and compassion all intersect to give these animals a second chance at life.” Warner described each release as a symbol of resilience for both the animals and the coastline they depend on, adding that “our ocean needs advocates” and thanking supporters, volunteers, lifeguard partners, and community members for helping protect marine life. Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park also attended the event and highlighted the broader environmental issues affecting marine life along the coast, including pollution, runoff, domoic acid exposure, and offshore drilling concerns. “We’re not simply releasing three sea lion pups, but we’re witnessing the full arc of rescue, rehabilitation, and return to the wild,” Park said. She noted that many animals treated by the center suffer from toxic algae blooms, pollution, entanglement, and the long-term effects of human activity on coastal waters. Park also referenced the impact of the recent Palisades Fire, noting that ash, debris, and runoff entered storm drains and eventually reached the ocean. “That pollution doesn’t simply vanish,” she said. “It shows up in the ecosystem and often in the animals the Marine Mammal Care Center is working to save.” The three patients—Mogul, Bronze, and Missouri—had each been rescued earlier this spring after being found malnourished, underweight, and too young to survive on their own. Mogul, a male California sea lion pup rescued near the Windward Yacht Center in Marina del Rey on March 14, had been repeatedly pushed off a dock and was observed without his mother. Marine Mammal Care Center volunteers noted he was underweight and too young to survive independently. After six weeks of care, including tube feeding and nutritional rehabilitation, Mogul regained strength and was cleared for release. Bronze, rescued near the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach on March 15, was also found severely underweight and too young to be without maternal care. Initially tube-fed a fish mixture, Bronze later transitioned to whole fish and more than doubled in size during rehabilitation before being approved for release. Missouri, rescued from a jetty in Marina del Rey on March 24, was described as severely emaciated, with ribs and shoulder blades visibly pronounced beneath his fur. Following weeks of treatment and feeding support, Missouri regained his strength and was deemed healthy enough to return to the wild. Dr. Michelle Ravard, Director of Animal Health and Conservation at the center, said the pups were all less than 30 pounds when they were rescued and had each more than doubled their body weight during rehabilitation. “They were separated from their moms a little bit too early before they knew how to forage on their own,” she explained. “They’ve easily doubled their body weight and are ready to get released back into the ocean.” Marine Mammal Care Center staff coordinated the release with volunteers and safety personnel, creating a protected viewing area for the public while ensuring the animals had a clear path back to the ocean. As the gates opened and the pups made their way across the sand, spectators watched quietly as the three sea lions returned to the water—marking the final step in their rehabilitation journey. Park closed her remarks with a simple message to the returning animals: “To these three sea lions—welcome home.” Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including wildlife conservation efforts along the Southern California coastline.

𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗩 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥: Flavor Flav Hands Out Sparkling Ice to Visitors at Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saturday, April 25, 2026 — A promotional activation at the Santa Monica Pier drew steady crowds Saturday as rapper and television personality Flavor Flav made a public appearance to promote a new line of Sparkling Ice beverages. Flavor Flav greeted visitors along the pier while handing out free samples of the brand’s sparkling water. The activation, branded as a “Flavor Rescue,” featured a colorful booth where attendees sampled different flavors and interacted with staff. Members of the public also stopped to take photos and selfies with the artist, forming lines along portions of the boardwalk. The appearance is part of a broader national campaign tied to Sparkling Ice’s collaboration with LIFE SAVERS candy, introducing a limited-edition “Red, White and Blue” variety pack. The collection includes candy-inspired flavors such as White Grape, Blue Raspberry, Wild Cherry, and Strawberry, marketed as zero-sugar sparkling beverages. The promotion also includes an online “Flavor Rescue” sweepstakes, offering participants a chance to receive a surprise visit or giveaway experience. The rollout aligns with summer marketing efforts and increased foot traffic at outdoor destinations like the Santa Monica Pier. Saturday’s activation drew a mix of tourists and locals, with brand ambassadors distributing beverages and managing crowd flow. The event appeared orderly, with no disruptions observed. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance as activity along the pier remains active heading into the spring and summer season.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗘: William Attaway and Fellow Artists Transform Storefronts into Public Exhibit

VENICE BEACH — Tuesday, April 14, 2026 — A series of open-air art galleries along the Venice Beach Boardwalk drew steady attention Tuesday as pedestrians paused to view installations displayed inside street-facing units spanning two adjacent buildings.

Artists on site said the spaces are being offered free of charge by the property’s ownership, allowing creators to exhibit work directly to the public in one of Los Angeles’ most active pedestrian corridors. The concept, described by participants as a “give it away” model, prioritizes accessibility and visibility over traditional gallery sales.

Venice-based artist William Attaway, who identified his work under Attaway Fine Art, described the project as both a retrospective and a community-driven effort. He said many of the sculptures and paintings on display were created decades earlier and recently brought out of storage for public exhibition.

Attaway compared the concept to a “Macy’s window,” where artists are given space to create and display without commercial pressure. He added that the broader installation across both buildings is collectively referred to as “SeaWorld,” reflecting Venice’s coastal identity, with elements such as sand-based installations and sculptural works intended to mirror the surrounding environment.

Additional artists are featured throughout the spaces, including Robin Murez whose installation incorporates a carousel-inspired concept and sculptural pieces placed within a sand-covered setting. Attaway said the initiative is meant to “give back to Venice” while maintaining a consistent presence of creative expression along the boardwalk.

Other exhibits varied widely in form, including mixed-media environments, abstract compositions, and immersive installations. In one gallery, an artist identified as James from England incorporated performance art into his display, appearing to sleep inside a staged bedroom setting as visitors observed from outside.

Throughout the day, foot traffic slowed as passersby stopped to photograph and engage with the exhibits, effectively turning the sidewalk into an informal gallery walk.

Artists involved also referenced connections to broader creative networks, including participation in events such as the Bombay Beach Biennale and pop-up performances like opera showcases previously held at the site.

The installations reflect an ongoing effort to activate underutilized storefront spaces while reinforcing Venice Beach’s reputation as a hub for experimental, public-facing art.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document evolving cultural activity and public life along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗟𝗟: Santa Monica Fire Crews Train on New Pier Access Gate Amid Construction

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Wednesday, April 8, 2026 — Santa Monica Fire Department personnel conducted hands-on training exercises Wednesday at the Santa Monica Pier, focusing on operational access and emergency response procedures amid ongoing construction related to the Pier Bridge Replacement Project.

Crews from all five Santa Monica fire stations participated in the coordinated training, which centered on familiarization with the newly installed beam gate at the temporary vehicle ramp on the north side of the pier. Firefighters and ambulance operators were observed inspecting, operating, and securing the barrier system, which now serves as a primary control point for emergency and delivery access.

During the session, personnel worked through the mechanical components of the gate, including lifting, locking, and release procedures, while coordinating as a team to simulate real-world response conditions. Fire apparatus and support vehicles were staged nearby as part of the exercise.

Santa Monica Fire Department Battalion Chief James Altman said the training was part of broader preparation efforts tied to the evolving construction environment.

“Today, our crew—the A platoon—is coming out here to do some familiarization with the pier,” Altman said. “With all the construction going on and everything that’s happening with the pier bridge remodel, our crews are identifying access points and how we’re going to travel into and away from the pier should something happen. It’s about making sure we have eyes on the changes and understand the response plan.”

The training reflects adjustments required following the recent shift in vehicle access. The temporary ramp, which saw its first full day of operation earlier this week, now serves as the primary route for emergency and delivery vehicles, replacing the former Colorado Avenue access point, which has been closed to vehicular traffic.

The beam gate installed at the ramp is operated during designated hours to allow controlled entry, and emergency responders must be able to quickly access and navigate the system under time-sensitive conditions.

Elsewhere on the pier, construction activity continued alongside the training. Crews with Shimmick Construction Company were observed advancing deck work near the Santa Monica Pier Carousel, placing and aligning timber deck boards over exposed structural framing. Nearby, Malcolm Drilling crews continued deep foundation drilling operations for columns that will support the upcoming temporary pedestrian bridge.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project is a $35 million infrastructure effort to replace the aging 1939-era bridge connecting Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier. The new structure is designed to meet modern seismic and safety standards while improving long-term access ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document infrastructure developments and public safety operations across Santa Monica and the Westside.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Traci Park Rides Through Venice With Santa Monica Closeup

VENICE, CA — Friday, April 3, 2026 — Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park joined Santa Monica Closeup for an on-the-ground bike tour through Venice Beach, offering a firsthand look at ongoing improvements along the Ocean Front Walk corridor and surrounding public spaces.

The ride began along the beach bike path near Rose Avenue, continuing south into the Venice Beach Boardwalk, where both transitioned to walking their bikes through the pedestrian-heavy stretch. Along the route, Park highlighted changes implemented during her time in office, pointing to visible reductions in encampments, improved sanitation conditions, and increased coordination between city agencies and local partners.

During the tour, the pair stopped to speak with members of the Venice Safe Team, who described ongoing efforts to maintain cleanliness and provide outreach in the area. Park emphasized the role of Business Improvement District teams as “essential partners” in sustaining progress across Venice Beach.

The discussion also revisited prior conditions along Ocean Front Walk, where Park noted that public restrooms had once been heavily impacted by individuals living inside, contributing to safety concerns, overdoses, and fire incidents. She described early interventions focused on restoring restroom access and safety, supported by increased presence from ambassadors and coordinated outreach services.

As the tour continued, Park pointed to formerly impacted areas that had since been restored, including grassy sections that were previously damaged by encampments. She attributed improvements to infrastructure repairs and sustained maintenance efforts following large-scale cleanups and housing interventions.

The pair later stopped at Rico’s Empanadas, a local boardwalk restaurant, where they spoke with the business owner about current conditions. The owner reported increased tourism activity and described the area as cleaner, with fewer visible encampments compared to prior years.

Park also outlined broader policy tools used during her tenure, including enforcement of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 41.18, which restricts encampments near sensitive locations such as schools and parks. She noted that such measures were implemented alongside outreach and housing efforts aimed at transitioning individuals off the streets and into services.

The tour concluded at the Venice Beach Lifeguard Headquarters, where filming activity for the television production Baywatch is currently underway. Park described the project as a multi-agency effort involving city and county coordination, permitting, and investment in local infrastructure. She said the production represents a boost to the local economy and part of a broader effort to revitalize Venice Beach ahead of upcoming global events, including the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

Throughout the tour, Park framed the changes as part of a longer-term recovery effort, citing improvements in public safety conditions, increased business activity, and renewed tourism as indicators of progress, while noting that additional work remains.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document local developments, public safety conditions, and community perspectives across Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢: Santa Monica Attorney Drafts Estate Plans at Palisades Park Overlooking the Pacific

SANTA MONICA, CA — Tuesday morning, March 31, 2026 — An oceanfront stretch of Palisades Park briefly doubled as a professional workspace, as a local attorney set up a fully equipped outdoor office along the blufftop path. Timur Berberoglu, a trust and estates attorney and co-founder of Berberoglu & Berberoglu Law, was observed working from a folding table outfitted with multiple devices, including a three-screen setup, keyboard, and documents, while seated beneath a tree overlooking the Pacific. Berberoglu explained that he occasionally brings his work outdoors, describing the setting as a “backyard office” with ocean views. At the time, he was working on a trust, using the open-air environment to focus while remaining connected to the surrounding community. Despite steady pedestrian traffic along the path, he reported minimal disruption, noting the setting allows for both productivity and reflection. The workspace also provided informal interactions, as passersby occasionally stopped or recognized him during the work session. Berberoglu & Berberoglu Law is a Santa Monica-based firm specializing in trust and estate planning, probate, trust administration, conservatorships, and related litigation. The firm describes itself as values-driven, emphasizing excellence, leadership, and client-focused service. According to firm materials, its practice centers on helping individuals navigate complex legal matters with personalized guidance, developed through direct client relationships and extensive litigation experience. In recent years, the firm reports recovering millions of dollars for litigation clients and managing probate estates ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to approximately $20 million. Much of its work focuses on conservatorship, trust, and probate-related matters, with an emphasis on tailoring legal strategies to each client’s specific needs. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit berberlaw.com. The scene highlights a broader shift toward flexible work environments, where professionals increasingly adapt public spaces into functional offices—blending productivity with the natural and social elements of their surroundings. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document everyday moments that reflect how public spaces are being used across the city.

𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡: Venice Heritage Museum Opens New Westminster Park Location

LOS ANGELES — Saturday, March 21, 2026 — The Venice Heritage Museum officially reopened to the public Saturday at its new location in Westminster Park, marking a significant milestone for the community and a renewed commitment to preserving Venice’s cultural identity.

The reopening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, city officials, and museum leadership. During remarks, Park described Venice as “the cultural heart of the Westside,” highlighting the importance of preserving its history as the area prepares for major global events, including the upcoming World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. She also noted the museum’s location—just steps from Ocean Front Walk and the Venice Recreation Center—as a key opportunity to showcase local heritage to an international audience.

The new museum space, located at 1234 Pacific Avenue, occupies a former community building that had remained underutilized since the COVID-19 pandemic. City departments, including Recreation and Parks and the Department of Cultural Affairs, collaborated with Council District 11 to help activate the site and support the museum’s transition.

Leaders from the Venice Heritage Foundation emphasized that the museum is a community-driven project built largely through volunteer efforts. Foundation President Carol Levy noted that the organization had been seeking a sustainable home after opening a temporary location in 2024, with the new Westminster Park site made possible through coordination with city partners.

Museum organizers described the institution as an evolving “living archive,” inviting residents to contribute personal artifacts, photographs, and stories to help shape future exhibitions. Curators emphasized that the museum will feature rotating displays highlighting different chapters of Venice history, from long-lost landmarks like the Ship Café to cultural events such as the historic canal festivals.

The Venice Heritage Foundation, established in 2008, continues to expand its programming through community archives, oral history initiatives, and public exhibitions designed to reflect both past and present narratives of Venice.

Admission to the museum remains free, with organizers encouraging repeat visits as exhibits change over time and new community contributions are added.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document community events and cultural developments across the Westside.

𝗦𝗧. 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞’𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛: Santa Monica Police Deploy Mobile Command for DUI Awareness on Main Street

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday, March 17, 2026 — The Santa Monica Police Department deployed its mobile command unit to Main Street on St. Patrick’s Day as part of a public safety outreach effort aimed at reducing impaired driving during the holiday.

Officers with the department’s traffic unit were seen engaging with members of the public and offering free preliminary breathalyzer tests to individuals celebrating along the busy corridor. The initiative was designed to provide an educational opportunity, allowing participants to better understand their level of impairment before making decisions about driving.

According to what was witnessed at the scene, officers used the mobile command post as a centralized hub for outreach, encouraging open conversations with revelers about alcohol consumption and safe transportation options.

Santa Monica Police Officer Matthew Cordova said the program is part of a broader effort to prevent driving under the influence through awareness and community engagement.

“We’re giving people the opportunity to use free breathalyzers,” Cordova said. “We want you to drink responsibly and not get behind the wheel. The goal is to have a conversation and remind people that the effects of drinking and driving are just not worth it.”

Cordova also emphasized the availability of alternatives such as rideshare services, taxis, and designated drivers, urging the public to plan ahead before consuming alcohol.

The outreach comes as law enforcement agencies across the region typically increase DUI enforcement efforts during major holidays, including St. Patrick’s Day, when alcohol-related incidents historically rise.

No enforcement activity was immediately associated with the outreach operation, which remained focused on education and prevention throughout the evening.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public safety initiatives and community-based policing efforts across the city.