𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗘: Remote Workers Trade Cubicles for Sand and Surf in Venice

VENICE, Calif. — Friday, July 17, 2026 — Remote-work advocate and social media personality Scott Muirhead brought his popular outdoor meetup concept to Venice Beach on Friday, transforming a stretch of sand into an unconventional open-air office.

Muirhead, known online as “The Remote Work Guy,” curates gatherings in scenic locations where participants can work outside traditional offices while connecting with other remote professionals.

Dozens of participants worked from laptops beneath beach umbrellas as sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s provided comfortable conditions along the coast.

Some attendees wore bathing suits and bikinis, while others arrived with surfboards or brought their dogs. Makeshift workstations—including portable desks, folding tables and beach chairs—were arranged across the sand, blending a typical workday with the relaxed atmosphere of Venice Beach.

The gathering reflected the continued flexibility of remote employment, allowing participants to conduct business while spending the day beside the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Monica Closeup covers news, community events and coastal lifestyle throughout Santa Monica, Venice and surrounding communities.

𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗣 𝗟𝗔𝗫: JSX Makes Flying Into Santa Monica Fast, Easy and Surprisingly Affordable

 

One of the best parts of my recent trip wasn't just Cozumel—it was flying home from Scottsdale directly into Santa Monica Airport.

After spending a couple of days in Arizona following my trip to Cozumel, I headed to Scottsdale Airport and boarded a JSX flight to Santa Monica. The convenience was remarkable. Instead of flying into LAX, waiting for a shuttle, and then catching an Uber from the rideshare lot, I was home in about 10 minutes. It was one of the smoothest and most enjoyable travel experiences I've had.

One thing that surprised me was the cost. Once I factored in the value of free checked baggage, arriving only about 20 minutes before departure, the ability to bring my own beverages onboard, and not having to worry about the typical TSA liquid restrictions, the overall cost was about the same as flying through a major commercial airport. You don't have to be a celebrity or a business executive to fly JSX. For anyone who lives near Santa Monica or on Los Angeles' Westside, it can be a convenient, cost-effective, and low-stress alternative to LAX.

The experience also served as a reminder that Santa Monica Airport is currently scheduled to close on December 31, 2028, with the 227-acre property planned for redevelopment as a public park.

Beyond passenger convenience, the airport serves several other important functions. It supports aircraft maintenance, fueling, charter operations, flight instruction, and other aviation-related businesses that provide local jobs. It also serves as a training airport for student pilots and flight schools, and its closure would shift more training activity to surrounding airports. Visitors arriving by private aircraft also contribute to the local economy by staying in local hotels and patronizing restaurants and businesses.

The airport also plays a role in regional emergency preparedness. Located on the Westside, it provides an aviation resource that could be valuable if a major earthquake or other disaster were to limit access to LAX or make road travel difficult.

Since the airport opened in 1919, aircraft accidents have occurred, but there have been no reported fatalities involving a person on the ground struck by an aircraft.

Have you ever flown into or out of Santa Monica Airport? What was your experience?

𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗧𝗘: California Roadhouse Founder Publishes Open Letter Urging Resolution of Vacant Restaurant Space

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Sean Ahaus, founder of California Roadhouse, Inc., has released an open letter calling on Santa Monica city leaders to resolve the long-running lease dispute over the former Rusty's Surf Ranch restaurant space on the Santa Monica Pier.

In the letter, Ahaus says the restaurant group remains prepared to move forward with a California-themed restaurant and live music venue but contends that negotiations have stalled over labor-related provisions included in the City's proposed lease. He writes that California Roadhouse has agreed to the commercial terms of the lease and believes the remaining dispute involves issues governed by state and federal labor law rather than the City's role as landlord.

Ahaus also states that his company has repeatedly sought meetings with members of the City Council, the City Manager, and the City Attorney in an effort to resolve the matter. He acknowledges Councilmember Lana Negrete for meeting with the company to discuss its concerns.

According to the letter, the prolonged vacancy has delayed job creation, reduced potential tax revenue, and left a prominent commercial space on the Pier unused while also limiting opportunities for local musicians and neighboring businesses that could benefit from increased visitor activity.

Ahaus calls for renewed good-faith negotiations and greater transparency regarding the lease provisions, stating that California Roadhouse remains prepared to sign a lawful lease and begin construction and hiring.

Santa Monica Closeup has not independently verified the legal claims contained in the letter. The City of Santa Monica has not responded publicly to the issues raised by the author.

Photo Caption: The former Rusty's Surf Ranch building on the Santa Monica Pier, shown before its closure. The property has been proposed as the future home of California Roadhouse.

Editor's Note

The following open letter was submitted by Sean Ahaus, founder of California Roadhouse, Inc. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Santa Monica Closeup. The letter is published in the interest of informing readers about a matter of public interest concerning the Santa Monica Pier. The letter has been edited only for formatting.

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Open Letter to Santa Monica City Leaders: It's Time to Resolve the California Roadhouse Lease

By Sean Ahaus

For nearly two years, one of the Santa Monica Pier's most visible restaurant spaces has remained vacant.

That vacancy represents more than an empty building. It represents delayed jobs, unrealized tax revenue, lost opportunities for local musicians and performers, and another missed opportunity to strengthen one of Santa Monica's most recognizable public destinations.

My name is Sean Ahaus, founder of California Roadhouse, Inc. Our vision is to create a California-themed restaurant and live music venue celebrating the culture, music, and hospitality that have made Southern California famous around the world. We remain ready to move forward immediately.

Many people assume this project has stalled because of financing, construction, or permitting. It has not.

California Roadhouse has agreed to the commercial terms of the City's proposed lease. The remaining disagreement concerns labor-related provisions that we believe improperly extend beyond the City's role as a landlord and into matters governed by state and federal labor law.

Reasonable people may disagree with our legal position. That is exactly why these issues deserve open discussion rather than prolonged silence.

For months, we have repeatedly requested meetings with members of the City Council, the City Manager, and the City Attorney to explain our concerns and discuss a path toward resolution. Those requests have produced very little meaningful dialogue.

I want to acknowledge Councilmember Lana Negrete, who took the time to meet with us and hear our concerns directly. Whether or not elected officials ultimately agree with us, the willingness to listen is an important part of public service.

This issue is about more than one lease. It raises larger questions about how Santa Monica works with businesses that want to invest in the community. How should public property be managed? When should government act as a landlord, and when does it risk becoming a regulator? How do we encourage economic investment while respecting the legal rights of employers and employees alike?

The public also deserves transparency. Residents should understand how the disputed lease provisions were developed, who participated in those discussions, and why they remain necessary. When significant policy questions affect a publicly owned property and the future of dozens of jobs, transparency is fundamental to public trust.

Meanwhile, the consequences continue to grow. A public restaurant space remains vacant. Prospective employees continue waiting for work. Local musicians lose another potential stage. Visitors lose another destination on the Pier. Nearby businesses lose the additional activity that a successful restaurant could generate.

California Roadhouse remains prepared to sign a lawful lease and begin hiring immediately. We continue to believe this project can become a positive addition to the Santa Monica Pier while creating jobs, supporting local artists, attracting visitors, and contributing to the City's economic recovery.

My hope is simple: that City leaders return to good-faith negotiations, openly address the remaining issues, and allow this project to move forward.

The Santa Monica Pier deserves to be known for opportunity, not prolonged vacancies. Most importantly, the residents of Santa Monica deserve a transparent government that welcomes dialogue, encourages investment, and works to put people back to work.

Respectfully,

Sean Ahaus

Founder

California Roadhouse, Inc..

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Santa Monica Closeup has not independently verified the legal claims contained in the letter. The City of Santa Monica had not provided comment to Santa Monica Closeup at the time of publication.

𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥: First-Ever Slackline Stretches Across Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saturday, June 27, 2026 — Spectators looked on in amazement as members of Slackademic walked a 200-foot slackline suspended above the Pacific Ocean during the Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival.

The installation marked the first time a slackline has been rigged across the Santa Monica Pier, allowing athletes to carefully traverse from one side of the pier to the other high above the crashing waves. The exhibition drew steady crowds throughout the day as participants demonstrated remarkable balance, focus and control.

Leading the effort was Los Angeles-based slackliner Jim Galli, founder of Slackademic. Galli began slacklining in Santa Monica in 2016 after backgrounds in skateboarding, soccer, water polo and other sports. Within months, he advanced to highlining and went on to set and break records, pioneer new lines and develop new tricks while teaching the sport to others. He is an International Slackline Association (ISA) certified rigger, an IRATA Level 3 Rope Access Technician and SPRAT Level 2 certified.

According to Galli, Slackademic was created to share the physical and mental benefits of slacklining with others. He says the sport teaches patience, focus, determination and confidence while emphasizing the importance of breathing and remaining calm under pressure. Galli believes those same skills can help people navigate everyday challenges beyond the slackline itself.

The slackline demonstration was one of many attractions featured during the Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival, a free, all-ages celebration of Southern California beach culture featuring ocean sports competitions, live entertainment, food, interactive activities and family-friendly programming.

The high-flying exhibition added a dramatic new element to this year's festival, giving visitors a rare opportunity to witness athletes balancing hundreds of feet across open water against the backdrop of one of Southern California's most recognizable landmarks.

Santa Monica Closeup remains committed to documenting the people, places and events that shape the Santa Monica community—one story at a time. 

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗢𝗙𝗙: 2,500 Drones Light Up Santa Monica Beach

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On Thursday evening, June 11, 2026, 2,500 drones illuminated the skies above Santa Monica Beach in a spectacular drone light show celebrating the arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the opening of the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club at the Santa Monica Pier. Hundreds of spectators gathered along the beach, Pier, and surrounding areas to watch the synchronized aerial display as the drones performed a series of animated formations above the Pacific coastline. The show was produced by Pixis Drones, a leading U.S.-based drone light show company known for creating large-scale aerial displays for major brands, professional sports teams, entertainment companies, and high-profile events. The company has produced shows for organizations including the NFL, NASCAR, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros., and specializes in using coordinated drone swarms to create large-scale visual storytelling in the sky. The drone show was part of an invite-only kickoff event launching the Michelob ULTRA Pitchside Club, a temporary fan destination created in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup. The opening-night celebration featured appearances and performances by comedian Kevin Hart, rapper Snoop Dogg, DJ Pee .Wee, Disco Lines, soccer legends, and celebrity guests. Following the private launch event, the 21-and-over Pitchside Club will open to the public from June 12 through June 25. The activation will feature live World Cup match broadcasts, DJs, freestyle soccer demonstrations, interactive games, jersey customization stations, soccer-themed challenges, and special appearances tied to tournament events. The Santa Monica Pier activation is one of several World Cup-related events taking place throughout Southern California as the region hosts matches during FIFA World Cup 2026. Organizers selected the iconic Santa Monica Pier as a gathering place for soccer fans from around the world during the tournament. Santa Monica Closeup documented the drone show and the crowds that gathered along Santa Monica Beach to witness the spectacle.

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞: Feral Cat Hunts Squirrel on Palisades Park Bluffs

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday morning, June 4, 2026 — A feral cat living along the Palisades Park bluffs was observed hunting and capturing a juvenile ground squirrel near the edge of the coastal bluff overlooking Pacific Coast Highway. The encounter unfolded in an area where dozens of California ground squirrels live among a network of burrows carved into the hillside. After stalking the young squirrel, the cat successfully captured it and carried it away into the vegetation. The sight serves as a reminder of the complex wildlife dynamics taking place within Palisades Park, where an abundant population of ground squirrels coexists with a small colony of feral cats inhabiting the bluff areas overlooking Pacific Coast Highway. Santa Monica has posted signs throughout the park asking visitors not to feed squirrels or birds, warning that feeding wildlife creates an imbalance in the native ecology and increases animals' dependence on people for food. Despite those warnings, many of the park's squirrels have become accustomed to human interaction and frequently approach visitors in search of food. The squirrel population has become a frequent topic of discussion among residents, visitors, and city officials. Wildlife experts have noted that feeding squirrels can contribute to population growth and encourage the animals to congregate in unusually high numbers. Some residents have also expressed concerns that extensive squirrel burrowing may contribute to erosion along portions of the coastal bluff. The feral cats appear to be supported by volunteers who conduct trap-neuter-return efforts aimed at stabilizing the colony population. Several makeshift shelters constructed from large plastic storage totes were visible Thursday morning on the bluff side of the fence, along with food and water bowls placed nearby. The structures appeared to provide refuge for cats living in the area. Residents remain divided over the issue. Some view the cats as a natural predator helping control the squirrel population, while others raise concerns about the impact free-roaming cats can have on local wildlife. Likewise, opinions differ regarding the large squirrel population, with some residents enjoying their presence and others worried about the effects of thousands of burrows throughout the bluff area. Thursday's encounter illustrated a natural predator-prey interaction within an urban coastal environment where wildlife, human activity, and ongoing management efforts continue to intersect. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the people, wildlife, and changing landscape of Palisades Park.

𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗥: Firefighters Teach Hands-Only CPR on Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Santa Monica firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs gathered at the end of the Santa Monica Pier to teach members of the public how to perform Hands-Only CPR as part of National CPR and AED Awareness Week.

Throughout the day, piergoers stopped to learn the simple lifesaving technique, with emergency personnel providing demonstrations and hands-on practice. Participants were shown how to recognize a sudden cardiac arrest, call 911, and begin chest compressions while awaiting the arrival of first responders.

According to the Santa Monica Fire Department, approximately 350,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Officials emphasized that immediate action by bystanders can make a critical difference in survival outcomes.

"Every minute that goes by without CPR or interventions, your chances of survival decrease by 10 percent," said EMS Battalion Chief Patrick Nulty. "It's super important if somebody has a sudden cardiac arrest event or collapses, a bystander, a family member, a loved one, call 911 immediately and then begin hands-only compressions."

The training focused on Hands-Only CPR, which consists of two basic steps: calling 911 and performing chest compressions in the center of the chest at a rate of approximately 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Participants also learned about the importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and how emergency dispatchers can provide guidance when an AED is available nearby.

Nulty noted that the simplified approach is designed to encourage more members of the public to take action during emergencies.

"We don't teach mouth-to-mouth anymore, so it's super simple," Nulty said. "Call 911, hands-only CPR, and then if there's an AED nearby, dispatchers will help walk you through how to use it."

Educational displays from the American Heart Association highlighted research showing that immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival during cardiac arrest. The materials also noted that many cardiac arrests occur at home, meaning the person needing help is often a family member, friend, or loved one.

The Santa Monica Fire Department scheduled additional community outreach during CPR Week, including a Hands-Only CPR training event at the Santa Monica Farmers Market at Second Street and Arizona Avenue on Wednesday.

More information about Hands-Only CPR and cardiac arrest response is available through the American Heart Association.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public safety, community outreach, and emergency preparedness efforts throughout Santa Monica.

𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧: SMPD Opens New Downtown Substation at Santa Monica Place

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 28, 2026 — The Santa Monica Police Department officially opened its new Downtown Substation at Santa Monica Place during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials, police personnel, business leaders, downtown stakeholders, and community members. Located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 122, the new facility will serve as a public safety command center and community engagement hub, supporting faster coordination with downtown partners, enhanced foot and bike patrol deployment, and direct access for residents, visitors, and businesses. The substation will serve the Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica Pier, and surrounding transit and pedestrian corridors. Speaking during the ceremony, Police Chief Darrick Jacob said the project is part of the city's ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and support downtown revitalization. "We're bringing the police to the place where our business owners need it, where our residents shop, and where our visitors come right here in Santa Monica," Jacob said. He described the opening as a visible sign of what city leaders have called a "rebirth" and "renaissance" for Santa Monica's downtown district. Jacob credited the City Council, city staff, Santa Monica Place, and downtown stakeholders for helping bring the project to fruition. He also recognized the work of the department's officers, Public Services Officers, Community Service Officers, communications personnel, and other staff who support public safety efforts throughout the city. Mayor Caroline Torosis praised the new substation and its role in supporting economic recovery and public safety in Downtown Santa Monica. "If we are going to have economic recovery that works for all of us, we absolutely have to have a presence downtown," Torosis said. She added that the facility demonstrates the city's commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for businesses, residents, and visitors. Torosis described the substation as a "force multiplier" for the downtown area and expressed support for increased police visibility as part of the city's ongoing revitalization efforts. Following the ribbon cutting, Chief Jacob explained that officers assigned to the downtown area will be able to work directly from the substation rather than returning to police headquarters to complete reports, allowing for greater efficiency and a more visible police presence. He said the facility will support rapid responses to incidents, including retail thefts and other quality-of-life concerns, while helping reduce the fear of crime that can discourage people from visiting downtown. The Downtown Substation serves as the operational home of SMPD's Downtown Services Unit and is intended to provide a visible and accessible location for officers, public safety personnel, residents, visitors, and business partners in the heart of Santa Monica's downtown corridor. According to the department, the facility supports the city's broader Realignment Plan, which focuses on four public safety priorities: crime suppression, homelessness response, traffic safety, and community and youth engagement. In a statement released following the ceremony, Chief Jacob said the substation represents "presence, partnership, and accountability," adding that it gives officers and public safety personnel a stronger foothold in one of the city's busiest districts while providing another place for community members to connect directly with the department. The department said the project was made possible through collaboration with PRISM Places, DTSM, Inc., city leadership, and community partners. The Downtown Substation is open daily from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and community members are encouraged to stop by, meet department personnel, and learn more about SMPD's ongoing work downtown. Attendees at the event were also able to view department assets, including police bicycles and drone technology used to support daily operations. Santa Monica Closeup will continue documenting public safety initiatives and developments impacting Downtown Santa Monica.

𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦: Messi, Pulisic and Yamal Tower Over Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 28, 2026 — Three towering inflatable soccer stars drew crowds to the Santa Monica Pier as part of a FOX promotional activation ahead of this summer’s FIFA tournament coverage. The 32-foot-tall inflatables featured some of the sport’s most recognizable names: Christian Pulisic wearing the No. 10 jersey for the United States, Lionel Messi wearing Argentina’s iconic No. 10, and Lamine Yamal wearing Spain’s No. 19 jersey. Positioned on elevated platforms near the pier entrance, the oversized displays could be seen from a distance and quickly became a popular photo backdrop for visitors. Throughout the day, passersby stopped to snap selfies, pose with friends and family, and take in the larger-than-life soccer installation. Branding around the display identified FOX as the official broadcaster, with signage promoting live tournament coverage running from June 11 through July 19. The activation added a World Cup-style atmosphere to the historic landmark, blending international soccer fandom with one of Southern California’s most visited waterfront destinations. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events, attractions, and community happenings along the Santa Monica waterfront.

𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Pacific Park Launches Sweet Rose Creamery During 30th Anniversary Kickoff

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 21, 2026 — Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier celebrated the grand opening of Sweet Rose Creamery on Thursday evening during a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the beginning of the amusement park’s 30th anniversary celebration.

The ceremony, held during the Santa Monica Pier’s season finale of “Locals’ Night,” featured members of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Santa Monica City Councilmember Dan Hall, Pacific Park representatives, and community guests gathered near the new ice cream shop inside the amusement park. According to event organizers, Hall presented Pacific Park with a proclamation recognizing the park’s 30th anniversary milestone.

Guests attending the event were offered complimentary Sweet Rose Creamery ice cream scoops throughout the evening as part of the celebration.

The anniversary kickoff was woven into the larger Locals’ Night festivities across the Pier, which included live music performances, classic car displays, community storytelling events, and the annual Rick Crocker 5K Run honoring the fallen Santa Monica police officer and Marine Corps veteran.

As part of the celebration, Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel displayed a special nighttime lighting tribute reading “Thank You Santa Monica” from sunset through midnight.

Pacific Park opened on the Santa Monica Pier in 1996 and has become one of the Pier’s most recognizable attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually with its rides, midway games, oceanfront views, and iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel.

Organizers described the evening as both a community celebration and a reflection on the Pier’s longstanding role as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Santa Monica Closeup documented the ribbon-cutting ceremony, anniversary festivities, and activity across the Pier as crowds gathered to celebrate Pacific Park’s 30-year milestone and the opening of Sweet Rose Creamery.