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.

𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦: Crews Roll Cameras on Venice Beach as Production Gets Underway

VENICE, Calif. — On a warm 88-degree day along the Venice shoreline, production officially got underway for the new Baywatch series, just days after the historic Venice Lifeguard Station was dedicated as the show’s new headquarters.

Crews were observed filming multiple beach sequences near the station, with actors dressed in the iconic red lifeguard uniforms moving between the sand and surf while carrying rescue buoys. Several scenes showed performers entering the water and staging lifeguard-style interactions in the shallows, as beachgoers and extras filled the background.

A full production setup was visible on the sand, including a camera vehicle rig, large overhead diffusion and reflector panels, and a boom microphone mounted on an extended pole to capture dialogue amid the ambient ocean noise. Crew members coordinated movements around the set while managing lighting and sound, with dozens of extras positioned along the shoreline to create a busy, authentic beach atmosphere.

Near the lifeguard station, additional filming activity unfolded with performers moving across the elevated deck and stairways, reinforcing the building’s role as the newly designated Baywatch Lifeguard Headquarters.

The production drew attention from beach visitors, many of whom paused to watch as scenes were reset and filmed repeatedly under clear skies and bright coastal light.

Filming follows a recent dedication ceremony that brought together lifeguards, city officials, and production leaders, marking the return of the globally recognized franchise to Los Angeles. The new series is expected to air later this year.

Santa Monica Closeup was on scene documenting the first day of filming as cameras rolled on Venice Beach, capturing the revival of a series long associated with the Southern California coastline.

𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦: Venice Lifeguard Station Dedicated as New Baywatch Headquarters

VENICE, Calif. — Friday, March 13, 2026 — A ceremony at the historic Venice Lifeguard Station formally introduced the building as the new “Baywatch Lifeguard Headquarters,” marking the return of the iconic television franchise to the Los Angeles coastline.

The gathering drew a crowd on the sand and the station’s upper deck, including active-duty and retired lifeguards, Los Angeles Police Department officers, local officials, production staff, and members of the media. Lifeguard rescue boards and signage identifying the building as the Baywatch headquarters were displayed outside the station during the event.

During remarks, Greg Bonann, the original creator of Baywatch and a former Los Angeles County lifeguard, reflected on the building’s long history. The Venice Lifeguard Headquarters opened in November 1969, and Bonann recalled arriving there in April 1970 as one of 15 rookie lifeguard candidates, training on the same beach and waters where the show’s stories would later be inspired.

Bonann said the series was grounded in three core principles taught during his lifeguard training: teamwork, service, and family—values he credited with shaping both the original television show and the new production.

He also acknowledged a wide range of individuals and organizations involved in bringing the project back to Los Angeles, including Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Film Commission, Los Angeles County Fire Department leadership, LA County lifeguards, and Los Angeles officials including Councilmember Traci Park and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Bonann said the production team had worked for about 18 months to bring the show back to California.

Speaking at the ceremony, Matt Nix, the creative lead behind the new series, described the show as a story about first responders and community service rather than simply beach imagery and slow-motion scenes. He said the project reflects the heroism and dedication of those who protect coastal communities.

The event also included a cultural acknowledgment from Christina Connelly, a Tongva tribal representative, who welcomed attendees to the ancestral homeland known as Guasha, part of the broader Tongva region historically stretching from Malibu to Aliso Creek and including nearby Channel Islands. Connelly offered a blessing and shared the Tongva word “Awa Esco,” meaning happiness, encouraging the production team to carry that spirit forward during the project.

Another speaker emphasized the historic relationship between lifeguards and the ocean, noting that the role of lifeguards represents a long tradition of people standing watch over the shoreline to protect others from the dangers of the sea.

Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park told attendees the project represents an investment in local jobs and the regional film industry. She said city and county agencies worked together on permits, site approvals, and coordination with lifeguards and beaches officials to bring the production to Venice Beach.

Park noted that the new production will help keep the iconic Baywatch brand rooted in the place where it originated. The production team also announced filming for the new series was scheduled to begin the following week, with the show expected to air on Fox in September.

Following the ceremony, a Los Angeles County lifeguard rescue boat staged a brief display offshore, spraying a high arc of water into the air as spectators watched from the beach.

The event highlighted both the historic legacy of Venice Beach lifeguards and the cultural impact of the Baywatch franchise, which helped introduce the work of lifeguards along the Los Angeles coastline to audiences around the world. Santa Monica Closeup was on scene documenting the ceremony and the crowd gathered along the sand for the dedication.

 

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: City Outreach Teams Move Encampment Residents Into Housing

VENICE, Calif. — Thursday, March 12, 2026 — Before sunrise Thursday morning, city crews and outreach teams gathered near the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Washington Boulevard along the Del Rey–Venice border for a coordinated Inside Safe operation aimed at relocating individuals from a large encampment into interim housing.

Several outreach workers from the office of Karen Bass were on site alongside representatives from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to begin engaging with individuals living at the encampment.

The operation prompted temporary traffic controls in the surrounding area. Personnel from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation closed portions of Beach Avenue and Del Rey Avenue in both directions to accommodate buses and service vehicles, while officers with the Los Angeles Police Department were present to provide public-safety support during the operation.

Outreach workers spoke with individuals at the encampment and assisted them as they gathered their belongings and carried them to a nearby charter bus staged for transportation. Some individuals arrived with bicycles, which were secured to racks mounted on the front of the buses. In total, three buses were used to transport participants to interim housing locations. Officials said roughly 20 individuals accepted services and were transported from the encampment to shelter or other temporary housing placements.

Speaking at the scene, Councilwoman Traci Park said the encampment had generated numerous complaints from nearby residents and businesses and that the operation was intended to restore access to the area while offering housing assistance.

“We have had a very large encampment here and a lot of complaints from neighbors and businesses,” Park said. “Today we’ve teamed up with the mayor’s Inside Safe team for a major operation, and we’re excited to return this area safe and accessible for the community.”

Juan Fregoso, district director for Park’s office, said the operation followed several weeks of planning and outreach.

“Planning for Inside Safe takes several weeks of coordination with outreach teams and service providers to make sure all the right departments are here,” Fregoso said. “Today roughly 20 people are going inside and off the streets.”

Fregoso added that the location has been approved as a future enforcement site under LAMC §41.18, with signage expected to be installed in the coming weeks restricting camping and the storage of personal property in the area.

Nick Marcone, a manager with the Inside Safe Field Intervention Team in the mayor’s office, said outreach workers had spent several weeks engaging with individuals at the site before the operation.

“Our field intervention team has been coming to this location, getting to know the individuals that live here and identifying their needs,” Marcone said. “The goal is to make sure everyone at this encampment goes inside to interim housing.”

Marcone said participants placed through the program receive a range of services including case management, meals, healthcare connections, and housing navigation aimed at helping them transition into permanent housing.

Once participants departed the site, sanitation crews began clearing the remaining debris associated with the encampment. The cleanup involved the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Environmental Compliance Inspectors, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, and outreach staff from LAHSA.

Environmental Compliance Inspectors and hazardous-materials specialists sorted through remaining items to identify potentially hazardous materials such as batteries and aerosol containers. Clean Harbors personnel handled the disposal of hazardous waste while Public Works crews removed accumulated trash and bulky debris from the sidewalks and surrounding area.

After the debris was cleared, sanitation workers power-washed the sidewalk and nearby street, restoring the area following the encampment removal.

City officials said the operation marked another deployment of the Inside Safe initiative, which aims to move people from encampments into interim housing while connecting them with supportive services and long-term housing pathways.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including homelessness outreach operations, law enforcement activity, and ongoing efforts to address the region’s housing crisis.

𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗗: Man Travels Across America on Motorized Bike With Custom Trailer and Dog

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A traveler and clothing maker who goes by the name “Mushroom” spoke with Santa Monica Closeup at Palisades Park while stopping in Santa Monica during a cross-country journey with his dog, Rhapsody. Mushroom said he began the current trip in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and traveled south through Big Sur before arriving in Santa Monica. He described the journey as an attempt to “circle America” using a motorized bicycle and a large custom-built trailer that serves as both a mobile workshop and living space. He said the route could eventually cover about 12,000 miles and may take roughly a year to complete. According to Mushroom, he plans to continue east from Santa Monica through Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. He said he expects to remain in Santa Monica through much of March while making clothing, selling garments, and gathering supplies needed for the next leg of the trip, including replacement tires and other equipment. The trailer, decorated with colorful artwork and “Spunco” branding, was seen set up near the sidewalk at Palisades Park with tie-dye shirts hanging outside for sale. Mushroom said he supports himself on the road by making and selling clothing, including shorts, jackets, hoodies, hats, and tie-dye items. He described his work as upcycled fashion, explaining that he takes apart used garments and rebuilds them into custom pieces. During the interview, he showed a pair of patchwork shorts he said took about 16 hours to make and said he typically sells such pieces for around $300, though prices vary. Inside the trailer, Mushroom was also seen using a hand-crank sewing machine, which he said he has relied on for custom garment work while traveling. He said the machine allows him to sew more efficiently than working entirely by hand. During the encounter, he was also preparing pizza inside the trailer using a pan on low heat. Mushroom said the bicycle is powered by a four-stroke, 79cc gas engine and that he built the custom trailer and hitch system himself. He said the setup presents ongoing mechanical challenges, especially with the rear wheel and spokes due to the weight of the trailer, the dog, and rough road conditions. He added that he performs most of the repairs himself. He identified his dog, Rhapsody, as his travel companion and said the animal accompanies him on the road as he moves from city to city. Throughout the stop at Palisades Park, pedestrians and cyclists passed by while Mushroom worked from the trailer and displayed his clothing. Mushroom said his work can be found under the name Spunco on YouTube and Instagram. He explained that the name refers to fabric being spun together and serves as the identity for the clothing and project he is building while traveling. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the people, projects, and public-life moments unfolding across Santa Monica.

 

𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝗔 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗟: Drive-Along With Meals on Wheels Delivering to Homebound Residents

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Santa Monica Closeup joined Meals on Wheels West Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins for a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization prepares and delivers meals to homebound residents across the Westside.

During a tour of the Santa Monica facility, Hawkins explained how meals are received and organized before volunteers depart on daily delivery routes.

Clients typically receive a hot entrée, a cold side dish, and fruit, along with a frozen meal intended for the following day to help ensure consistent nutrition between deliveries. Meals are delivered three times per week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—with frozen meals provided for the days in between.

Meals on Wheels West also accommodates vegetarian and medically tailored diets, including options designed for individuals managing conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. All meals are approved by a Los Angeles County registered dietitian.

According to Hawkins, the program delivers meals to approximately 400 to 450 clients each day across about 40 delivery routes, with volunteers typically serving around ten clients per route.

The organization has operated in the region for more than 50 years, serving residents across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.

Beyond nutrition, Hawkins said the deliveries also provide an important point of human connection for many clients who live alone.

“More than 80 percent of our clients live completely on their own,” Hawkins said. “We’re not only delivering food—we’re delivering social connection.”

Volunteers also serve as informal wellness checks. If something appears unusual during a visit, Meals on Wheels West staff can connect clients with additional support services through a network of community partners.

Following the facility tour, Santa Monica Closeup accompanied Hawkins on a delivery route where meals were delivered to several local clients.

One Santa Monica resident, who identified herself as “Miss Lulu,” invited the team into her apartment and described how the program helps her manage a limited budget and difficulty getting to the grocery store.

“Meals on Wheels helps me out,” she said. “When you’re choosing between rent and food, it makes a big difference.”

She said she has been receiving the meals for several years and sometimes struggles to travel to the store.

“Sometimes it’s hard for me to get out,” she said. “Having the meals has really helped get me through.”

Another recipient visited during the route was Charles, a military veteran recovering from cancer treatment. Charles said the program provided support during a difficult period when he was undergoing chemotherapy and rebuilding his life.

“They were going out of their way to help me out,” he said of Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers. “It was life-saving.”

Charles, who served as a corpsman during the Vietnam War and later worked as a nurse for decades, said the deliveries not only provide food but also emotional support.

“They check on me and keep my spirits up,” he said. “It’s been a great help.”

A third delivery was made to Joseph, a Santa Monica resident who is blind and said the program has been helpful in maintaining regular meals.

“It’s been helpful,” Joseph said of the deliveries.

Joseph said he appreciates the volunteers who bring the meals and encouraged community members to support the program.

“It would be nice if we could get more volunteers,” he said.

For all three residents, the deliveries represent more than just food — they provide consistency, contact, and support during challenging circumstances.

Hawkins said the organization relies heavily on community support to sustain the program. While some funding comes from government sources, much of Meals on Wheels West’s operating budget comes from private donations and community partnerships.

With food costs continuing to rise and demand for services increasing, the organization encourages residents interested in helping to volunteer or donate.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document community programs and local efforts supporting residents across Santa Monica and the Westside.

𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Volunteers Install Native Plants at Santa Monica Beach

SANTA MONICA — Saturday, January 18, 2026 — Volunteers with The Bay Foundation took part in a morning planting effort at Santa Monica Beach as the organization continued expanding its coastal dune restoration work along the shoreline. The volunteer event focused on installing native plants and seeds as part of the foundation’s ongoing Coastal Adaptation Program, which uses nature-based solutions to reduce erosion, improve biodiversity, and increase resilience to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Participants planted California sunflower and California poppy seedlings while also dispersing a native seed mix containing approximately 20 different species expected to emerge over time as conditions allow. Heather Burdick, Director of Programs for The Bay Foundation, said the effort relies on plant growth to naturally build dunes. As native vegetation establishes itself, wind-driven sand accumulates around the plants, allowing dunes to gradually rise and strengthen without mechanical intervention. Volunteers assisted with planting and site preparation throughout the morning. The dune restoration approach replaces traditional beach-flattening maintenance practices that remove vegetation and destabilize sand. By allowing dunes to form naturally, the project aims to raise beach elevation, absorb wave energy during storms, and create habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Previous restoration efforts at Santa Monica Beach have been credited with supporting the return of species such as the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover. The Bay Foundation emphasized the role of community participation in maintaining and expanding the restored areas, noting that volunteers contribute not only labor but long-term stewardship and public awareness. The organization continues to encourage public involvement in future planting and restoration events. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document environmental restoration efforts and public space projects shaping the Westside coastline.