𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗦 𝗢𝗨𝗧: Nathan Raises Funds After City Removes His Pianos from the Boardwalk

VENICE, CA — Saturday, November 22, 2025 — Three days after city crews destroyed one upright piano and impounded another during a multi-agency cleanup along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, longtime street performer Nathan Pino — “The Venice Piano Man” — was back at his usual spot on Ocean Front Walk, talking with passersby and trying to chart a path forward.

Pino, seated in his wheelchair near the performance zone where he has played for more than two decades, spoke with Santa Monica Closeup on Saturday afternoon about the loss of his instruments, his decades-long history on the boardwalk, and his effort to secure a replacement piano. During the interview, several people stepped forward to press cash into his hand after hearing what had happened.

“People have always been great to me here,” Pino said, noting that word about the piano seizure has quickly spread through the neighborhood and among longtime visitors. “All kinds of people stop and give me goodwill and good faith. It’s really heartwarming.”

The conversation followed a series of recent enforcement actions involving Pino’s pianos:

• On October 31, cleanup crews found two unattended upright pianos during a scheduled boardwalk sweep, initially considering removing them before confirming ownership and leaving them in place with a written warning.

• On November 5, Los Angeles Police officers cited Pino under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 42.15 for having one of the pianos partially outside the marked performance box.

• On November 19, during a coordinated homeless sweep and sanitation pass, city crews again found both pianos unattended. One, heavily damaged by the elements, was discarded directly into a garbage truck; the second was loaded onto a municipal vehicle and taken into city custody. A property-retrieval notice was posted nearby, directing the owner to “The Bin” in downtown Los Angeles, where seized items are held for up to 90 days.

Pino expressed deep skepticism that impounded instruments are truly preserved.

“They say they put it in storage, but they don’t really put it in storage,” he said. “You go to get it and there’s nothing there. You go all the way downtown with a truck and then they tell you to come back another day, knowing what a hardship that is.”

The logistics and cost of reclaiming the boardwalk piano are, he said, out of reach. He estimated that renting a truck and hiring labor to move a full-size upright would cost around $150 to $200 “on a shoestring,” money he does not have.

“It’s not worth it,” he added, saying recent rain and lack of tarp protection had already left the instrument in rough shape.

Instead, Pino is focused on a different path: a donated piano from a supporter in Pasadena.

“Some lady from Pasadena is giving me a piano,” he said. “I just have to go pick it up. That’s why I’m out here trying to collect some money — I’m totally broke.”

He said he intends to store any new piano behind the fenced area at Big Daddy’s, with the owner’s permission, rolling it out to the boardwalk early each day to avoid future impoundments.

“Casey from Big Daddy’s told me I can go behind the fence there and leave it as long as I get it out early,” Pino said. “That’s what I’m going to do.”

Pino also described the $400 citation he recently received for having one of his pianos slightly outside the painted performance box lines before he had fully set up for the day, saying the lines were difficult to see and that he believes he was singled out. He said he plans to contest the ticket.

Beyond the immediate enforcement issues, the Venice musician offered a snapshot of a life spent at the piano. Pino said he has played on the boardwalk for 23 years, often tuning his instrument by ear daily to keep it playable despite constant exposure to salt air and shifting weather.

“You’re not really a musician unless you can tune by ear,” he said, explaining that some days a tune-up takes 15–20 minutes and other days it can stretch to an hour.

Before settling into his role as a Venice Beach fixture, Pino said he worked as a professional musician across the United States and Canada, including touring with the rock band Iron Butterfly and doing session work for multiple record labels. He recalled being brought to Los Angeles in 1970 after a Columbia Records producer sent him $500 — enough at the time, he said, to buy a car, move his Hammond organ, and start a new chapter in Southern California.

Over the years, he has played hotel lounges, restaurants, and clubs, including a long stretch at the Ambassador Hotel before it closed and a two-week stint covering for another pianist at a restaurant on Rodeo Drive. He said he reads music but often relies on memory and feel when performing outside, mixing standards, originals, and improvisation depending on the crowd.

“I love playing here,” Pino said of the boardwalk. “The people are great. I have many, many friends here. A lot of people come to see me — even people from my grammar school.”

He added that he prefers a real acoustic grand piano to digital instruments, saying an expensive digital grand he bought years ago has sat largely unused, because “it’s just not like a real piano.”

Pino also briefly recounted a past dispute involving a Steinway grand he once owned and stored in a private facility, which he believes was mishandled and ultimately lost. That experience, he said, left him wary of storage companies and more inclined to keep his instruments close — even if it means fighting the elements on the boardwalk.

Now, facing mobility challenges and relying on a wheelchair, Pino said playing remains central to his identity and survival.

“If I don’t play, I die,” he said. “The only thing keeping me going in my life is that.”

Despite frustration with enforcement and the loss of his recent instrument, he insisted he intends to be back behind a keyboard or a full-size piano in the coming days, once he can raise enough money to retrieve the donated instrument and arrange transport.

“I’m definitely going to have a piano,” he said. “I’m not going to let this stop me.”

Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public events of local significance across the Westside, including homelessness outreach, law-enforcement activity, infrastructure operations, and cultural stories like Venice Beach’s long-running relationship with street performance and live music.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚: Pier Bridge Replacement Mobilization Underway in Beach Lot 1 North

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saturday, November 22, 2025 — The first signs of pre-construction activity for the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project are now visible in Beach Parking Lot 1 North, where heavy equipment, storage containers, and construction fencing mark the start of staging operations.

The city confirmed that crews will use the 1550 Beach Lot for mobilization through the end of the year, preparing the site for the $35 million replacement of the 86-year-old Pier Bridge that links Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier. Work hours are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to the city’s project update, initial activities in November include pre-location of the parking pay booth, trash compactor, and equipment storage. By early December, construction teams will expand the staging area for pier-widening and utility work. Parking availability will gradually be reduced to approximately 1,000 spaces, with dedicated access maintained for Pier visitors and employees.

The replacement bridge—led by Shimmick Construction Company, Inc.—will be seismically upgraded, pedestrian-friendly, and built with a 75-year service life. Construction is slated to continue through late 2027, with the Pier remaining open to the public throughout the process.

City officials note that more than 75 percent of project funding comes from the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the remainder supported by local transportation funds.

As staging ramps up along the beach, the transformation of Santa Monica’s most iconic entryway is shifting from planning to preparation—signaling the true start of the Pier’s long-anticipated rebuild.

Santa Monica Closeup will continue documenting the project’s progress as work expands along the waterfront.

’𝗧𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡: Artist Anthony Schmitt Installs 20-Foot Shopping Cart Tree at California Heritage Museum

SANTA MONICA — Thursday, November 20, 2025 — A long-running Main Street holiday tradition resumed on Thursday as artist Anthony Schmitt continued assembling his signature Shopping Cart Tree on the lawn of the California Heritage Museum. Working with longtime collaborator Scott Frentrop, Schmitt spent the day securing the final tier of the bright red, child-sized shopping carts that form the latest version of the sculpture.

The pair began building the structure on Tuesday and expect to complete the full assembly later today. Lights will be added on Friday, followed by several days of decorating. Schmitt said the tree will be fully finished in time for the Sunday Farmers Market.

This year’s installation marks a relocation for the project. For decades, the Shopping Cart Tree stood in the Edgemar courtyard behind Blue Bottle Coffee and Holy Grail Donuts. After renovations and new restaurant development at that site, the tree has shifted to the museum grounds. “We’re so happy to be here in this new space,” Schmitt said. “It’s good to have the cart tree back on Main Street.”

The 2025 version stands about 20 feet tall and is constructed from 57 red “kitty carts”—children’s grocery carts selected for their scale and affordability. The previous Main Street tree was significantly larger, built from 94 full-size carts and reaching roughly 35 feet.

Schmitt said the red color carries special meaning this year. After researching the symbolism of red trees, he chose “transformation” as the theme — a reflection of the project’s new location, the shift in size, and the spirit of seasonal renewal. “A sense of unity, hope, and transformation feels right,” he said.

Funding for the installation comes from the Main Street Merchants Association, which supports the annual build and welcomes community contributions to sustain the tradition.

The public tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., featuring photos with Santa, a performance by the Santa Monica High School Choir, and holiday activities for families.

Now marking its 31st year on Main Street — and Schmitt’s 37th Shopping Cart Tree overall — the installation continues a tradition that began with a single cart he once noticed sitting alone in a park. Schmitt said shopping carts symbolize a wide range of experiences, from poverty and abundance to childhood independence and play. “There’s a sense of generosity and enjoyment wrapped up in something as simple as a cart,” he said.

---

Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting the city’s seasonal traditions and public art installations throughout the holidays.

𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗣 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗢: Orange “Marty Supreme” Blimp Floats Over Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — November 18, 2025 — An eye-catching burst of orange drifted across the coastal skyline Tuesday as a bright promotional blimp for the upcoming film Marty Supreme made its way over Santa Monica. The airship, emblazoned with the words “MARTY SUPREME”, cruised above the beach and downtown corridor during the afternoon, drawing glances from beachgoers and residents who noticed the unusual sight against a backdrop of towering post-storm clouds. According to the studio’s campaign materials, the flyover is part of a broader Los Angeles promotion for the film, which stars Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser — a fictional 1950s table-tennis prodigy whose rise, rivalry, and ambition form the heart of the story. The blimp’s appearance added a surreal flash of color to an already dramatic sky, marking one of the more distinctive promotional stunts to pass over the Westside this fall. Santa Monica Closeup continues monitoring notable moments in the skies and on the ground across the Westside.

𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡: Dozens of Homers Hit the Promenade for Fortnite’s Simpsons Crossover

Santa Monica, November 17, 2025 — A rainy Monday brought an unexpected spectacle to the Third Street Promenade as roughly 50 life-size Homer Simpson characters filled the pedestrian corridor in a coordinated promotion for Fortnite’s new month-long collaboration with The Simpsons. The procession of Homers greeted shoppers, posed for selfies, and performed a synchronized group dance as onlookers crowded beneath umbrellas to watch the pop-up flash mob unfold. The activation showcased Fortnite’s newly released Simpsons skins and Springfield-themed content now available to players throughout November. Adding to the surprise, Simpsons creator Matt Groening made an appearance at the event. Groening photographed the Homer performers, met with fans along the Promenade, and posed for photos with visitors who recognized him — turning the promotional stunt into a rare public moment that blended gaming culture with animation history. Fortnite’s crossover, which launched November 1 and runs through November 29, introduces a cel-shaded Springfield map, themed weapons, character outfits, and a slate of in-game gags tied to the long-running series. Players can access Homer, Marge, Flanders, Blinky Fishstick, and other Springfield-inspired skins through the Springfield Battle Pass. Disney+ is also rolling out four new Simpsons shorts this month to expand the crossover storyline, offering fans an animated explanation of how Springfield enters the Fortnite universe. Despite steady rain, the Promenade crowd grew as the Homers marched, danced, and interacted with visitors, transforming a gray Monday into a vivid, cartoon-colored street scene. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document notable public moments of community significance across the Westside.

𝗩𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗘: Santa Monica Honors Service Members with Flyover, Awards, and Future Soldier Oath at the Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — November 11, 2025 — The Santa Monica Pier transformed into a stage of remembrance and pride on Tuesday as civic leaders, military officials, and residents gathered for the city’s sixth annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The event brought heartfelt tributes, solemn reflection, and patriotic celebration beneath an overcast coastal sky.

The ceremony, hosted in partnership with the U.S. Army, featured remarks from Councilmember Dan Hall, Mayor Lana Negrete, and General Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, who delivered the keynote address.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice

Councilmember Dan Hall, a West Point graduate and Army veteran, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day and his own experiences at the U.S. Military Academy. “Standing here on the Santa Monica Pier, we gather in a place where people come to feel restored,” Hall said. “It is the perfect place to honor the men and women who carried that truth with them into service.”

A Message of Gratitude from the Mayor

Mayor Lana Negrete expressed deep appreciation for veterans and active-duty service members, including her own family members who have served in the Army. “It takes a very courageous, generous, selfless, and disciplined person to respond to the call to fight for the greater good,” Negrete said. “While we may have this Veterans Day celebration once a year, you have our gratitude and respect every day.”

Negrete also acknowledged the city’s Palisades Fire recovery heroes, presenting official commendations to organizations and agencies that played key roles in the region’s recovery efforts. Honorees included the American Legion Post 283, Coulson Aviation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California National Guard.

General Fenton’s Keynote Address

General Bryan P. Fenton, who recently concluded his tenure as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, spoke passionately about the enduring legacy of military service.

“Veterans Day is a sacred day — a day when we pause as a nation to recognize veterans, past and present, who have served in defense of our freedoms,” Fenton said. He saluted wounded warriors, Gold Star families, and service members missing in action, calling them “the best of humanity.”

Fenton also highlighted ongoing challenges veterans face, including homelessness, unemployment, and suicide, urging continued public support: “By working together, we can ensure that those who gave so much receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve — honoring our veterans year-round.”

Awards for Fire Recovery Heroes

Following his address, Mayor Negrete presented awards of commendation recognizing the tireless work of emergency responders and partner agencies during the January 2025 Palisades Fire.

• American Legion Post 283 was honored for transforming its facility into a disaster relief center.

• Coulson Aviation received recognition for its precision aerial firefighting missions, including more than 3 million gallons of water dropped during the wildfire emergency.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was commended for cutting debris removal timelines in half through military efficiency and compassion.

• The California National Guard was recognized for securing burned areas and supporting displaced families during recovery.

Future Soldiers Sworn In

In a moving conclusion, General Fenton administered the Oath of Enlistment to a formation of new recruits, who raised their right hands and pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. The crowd stood in applause as the future soldiers completed the oath, symbolizing the continuation of service and sacrifice across generations.

The ceremony also included a Chinook helicopter flyover from Coulson Aviation, a National Anthem performance by Master Sergeant Keith Beyer, and “God Bless America” sung by Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren.

Music and post-ceremony festivities followed, featuring DJs from 95.5 KLOS and Power106, while veterans and active military members received free meals and ride passes courtesy of Meals on Wheels and Pacific Park.

The event, organized by Sonki Hong, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, underscored Santa Monica’s ongoing commitment to honoring its veterans and those who continue to serve.

“Every veteran carries within them a story of honor and resilience,” Hong said. “Through their service, they have written the very definition of patriotism.”

𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞: Agencies Conduct Necropsy on Beached Whale in Santa Monica

On Monday, November 10, 2025, a team of veterinarians and marine biologists carried out a necropsy on a Cuvier’s beaked whale on Santa Monica Beach to help determine condition, cause of death, and any contributing factors. The animal — an adult male weighing more than 4,000 pounds and approximately 20 feet long — had originally washed up alive in Malibu on Friday before later coming ashore in Santa Monica.

The operation involved multiple agencies working side-by-side on the sand, including the California Wildlife Center, Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and Santa Monica entities such as Beaches and Harbors, maintenance crews, police, fire, and lifeguards.

California Wildlife Center Marine Program Manager Heather Henderson said the effort aims to preserve as much of the skeleton as possible for scientific study, noting that findings from rare species like this can offer insight into broader ocean health.

Santa Monica Closeup reports this as part of ongoing documentation of coastal events.

𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗: Remains Wash Ashore on Santa Monica Beach

A deceased whale drew public attention on the sand in Santa Monica on Monday, November 10, 2025, after the animal washed ashore and was later moved farther up the beach by city crews. The carcass — estimated at roughly 20 feet in length — showed clear signs of advanced decomposition. According to observers at the scene, the whale appeared to have been dead for some time before surf and tide carried it in. Crews repositioned the remains away from the waterline to secure the area and prevent the carcass from drifting back into the surf. Members of the public stopped to look, take photographs, and discuss the sighting while keeping a cautious distance. Specialized wildlife personnel are expected to conduct a necropsy — the animal-science equivalent of an autopsy — to help determine species, condition, and any contributing factors in the whale’s death. Santa Monica Closeup reports this as part of ongoing documentation of coastal events.

𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗩𝗘: Thousands Turn Out for “Run Travis Run” 5K on Foggy Santa Monica Morning

Thousands of runners moved up the center lanes of Ocean Avenue on a foggy Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, as the Run Travis Run 5K brought out a high-energy crowd along Santa Monica’s shoreline. The event — led by drummer Travis Barker — blended wellness culture with Barker’s familiar brand aesthetic, drawing participants across age groups and fitness levels. Many runners wore official race bibs and Run Travis Run apparel as they pushed through the coastal haze toward the finish. Organizers positioned the 5K as more than a timed run, framing it as a lifestyle experience rooted in health, recovery and pop culture. After crossing the line, participants entered a branded post-run activation zone offering sponsor engagements, wellness tie-ins and social-media friendly moments. The high turnout filled Ocean Avenue from curb to curb, underscoring strong community interest in themed fitness events and celebrity-connected runs along the Westside. Santa Monica Closeup documented the scene.

𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗦: Dogtown Car Club Draws Crowds at Venice Pier Block Party

Classic cars line Washington Boulevard at the Venice Pier during the Venice Block Party on Saturday afternoon, November 8, 2025 — turning the waterfront corridor into a nostalgic display of craftsmanship and chrome. Visitors stopped to admire the gleaming vehicles, snapping photos and selfies beside the restored rides that stretched toward the pier entrance.

Dogtown Car Club members stood by their vehicles, fielding questions, sharing restoration stories, and revealing the engines that power their decades-old machines. The relaxed, street-level setup fostered conversation between builders and bystanders alike, blending Venice’s neighborhood energy with Southern California’s long-running car culture.

Local artists, food vendors, and pop-up makers added to the scene, transforming the block into a community gathering that celebrated both creativity and heritage.

Santa Monica Closeup captured the atmosphere of the day as locals and visitors united around one of Venice’s enduring traditions — cars, community, and California sunshine.

𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗦: SMPD Announces Passing of Patrol Horse ‘Laredo’ After Lengthy Medical Battle

Santa Monica Police reported the passing of mounted patrol horse “Laredo,” who died Monday, November 2, 2025, following a seven-month battle with rotational laminitis in his left front hoof. He was 18.

Laredo, originally from Wyoming, joined the department’s Mounted Unit in 2017. He served as a steady partner to mounted officers during routine patrols, protests, and high-activity crowd environments. He was also a regular presence at school demonstrations and public-safety outreach events, where his calm demeanor often resonated with children and families.

In February 2019, Laredo drew wider attention during what officers later referred to as a “hoof pursuit,” when he assisted in tracking a stolen-vehicle suspect in Downtown Santa Monica — a short chase that was captured on Los Angeles television news.

Santa Monica Closeup extends condolences to the Santa Monica Police Mounted Unit. Laredo’s years of service in the downtown and beachside corridors left a visible imprint on the city’s public-safety landscape, and his presence was familiar to countless residents, visitors, and officers alike.

Rest in peace.

𝗚𝗨𝗡𝗦 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗪𝗡: Police Hold Two at Gunpoint After License-Plate Alert in Santa Monica

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, at around 5 p.m., approximately a dozen Santa Monica Police officers initiated a high-risk traffic stop on Marine Street near Neilsen Way after receiving an automated alert from the city’s camera network regarding a vehicle reportedly wanted for further investigation. Officers conducted the stop with weapons drawn and ordered two occupants out of the vehicle. The individuals were then placed in handcuffs and temporarily detained while officers verified information connected to the alert. According to officers at the scene, the vehicle matched a plate associated with a notice flag — however it was later confirmed to be a rental. After documentation checks and verification, the two individuals were released. Police indicated they would contact the rental company for follow-up regarding the alert originating from the vehicle’s registration. Santa Monica Closeup continues monitoring public safety activity across the Westside.

𝗛𝗜𝗧-𝗔𝗡𝗗-𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧: Suspect Extradited to Santa Monica in Fatal Wilshire Boulevard Collision

SANTA MONICA — The Santa Monica Police Department confirmed it has arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal hit-and-run collision that killed two pedestrians and critically injured two others on October 24, 2025, along the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard.

According to SMPD, the Major Accident Response Team led the initial investigation, with detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division later joining due to the severity of the case and the suspect’s alleged efforts to evade capture.

Investigators identified the alleged driver as 38-year-old Alex Kristopher Earl Kirksey. Prosecutors with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office have charged him with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of felony hit-and-run causing injury, and one count of reckless driving.

Detectives said the vehicle involved in the collision had been rented through an online platform, and that Kirksey traveled out of state in the days following the crash in an apparent attempt to avoid law enforcement. Investigators also determined that the individual who rented the vehicle allegedly arrived at the crash scene after the collision to ask questions about the incident, and later helped the suspect leave California. The extent of that person’s involvement remains under review by the District Attorney.

Search warrants executed during the investigation led detectives to additional electronic records and contact information, which helped determine Kirksey’s location outside the state.

Working with law enforcement partners in the Midwest, SMPD detectives tracked Kirksey to Chicago. With assistance from the Chicago Police Department, he was taken into custody at or near a transit center, where authorities say he appeared to be preparing to leave the area. He has since been extradited to Santa Monica and is now in SMPD custody.

Interim Police Chief Darrick Jacob said this development marks an important milestone in the case, noting that investigators “worked tirelessly to identify and locate those responsible for this senseless act.”

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman also issued a statement, saying his office remains committed to justice on behalf of the two victims killed — 61-year-old Maura Cohen and 61-year-old Brad Lipshy — as well as the two other victims who remain seriously injured.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the collision to contact Traffic Investigator Lantz Lewis at (310) 458-2201 ext. 5311 or the SMPD Watch Commander’s Office at (310) 458-8427.

 

𝗗𝗜́𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡: Aztec Dancers Lead Ceremonial Blessing at Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday, November 1, 2025 — The Santa Monica Pier hosted a solemn and culturally significant moment on Saturday as members of the Indigenous community led a Día de los Muertos blessing and procession, marking the start of a two-day program honoring tradition, remembrance, and collective memory. The procession began at the west end of the Pier, where Danza Azteca Kalpoli Atlachinoli dancers — dressed in traditional regalia — offered ceremonial movements before guiding participants toward the historic Merry Go-Round building. The dancers emphasized that this was not a performance, but a ceremony — a sacred act of honoring ancestors and memory — reaffirming the spiritual nature of their presence at the Pier. Inside the Merry Go-Round, visitors moved through an immersive installation featuring marigolds, papel picado, and community-created ofrendas honoring loved ones. Local artistic contributions added personal narratives and reflections connected to Santa Monica’s cultural history. The two-day Día de los Muertos activation at the Pier included free activities and opportunities for public participation, inviting families, residents, and visitors to engage with the holiday’s traditions while reflecting on the meaning of remembrance within the community. Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public events of cultural significance.

𝗗𝗜́𝗔 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗦 𝗠𝗨𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪: Classic Car Lineup Draws Spectators at Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday, November 1, 2025 — Several classic cars — including gleaming Chevy Impalas and vintage Ford models — rolled onto the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday afternoon as part of the 6th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration, turning the boardwalk into a temporary open-air exhibition of Southern California car-culture heritage. Spectators paused along the Pier’s parking lot to photograph polished chrome, custom paint, and low-slung profiles that reflected the cultural traditions long intertwined with Chicano and Mexican-American communities. The classic lineup became one of the most visually striking elements of the two-day program. The Día de los Muertos activation — held November 1 and November 2 — once again invited the public inside the historic Merry Go-Round to view and contribute to ofrendas honoring loved ones. The community-focused installation is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture. Saturday’s programming included a traditional Aztec blessing at the west end of the Pier, followed by a parade to the Merry Go-Round building, Ballet Folklorico performances, multiple live music sets, and family-friendly activities throughout the evening. The classic cars remained on display as dancers, families, and visitors moved between performances, blending automotive pride into a cultural celebration rooted in memory, art, and tradition.

𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗬: Costumed Crowd Packs Third Street Promenade for First-Ever Family Celebration

SANTA MONICA, CA — Friday, October 31, 2025 — Downtown Santa Monica hosted its first-ever Halloween Block Party on the 1300 block of Third Street Promenade on Friday afternoon, offering a family-friendly lineup of trick-or-treat activities, live performances, and costumed entertainment. Many families arrived dressed in elaborate Halloween outfits — children, adults, and even dogs appeared in full costume — adding to the visual spectacle as attendees moved between participating storefronts between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., where local businesses handed out candy and small giveaways while supplies lasted. Event organizers also offered a mini pumpkin patch where attendees could pick out free pumpkins on a first-come basis, along with pumpkin decorating stations, arts and crafts, face painting, games, photo opportunities, and other themed activity zones. A cappella group The Scarolers — performing in Victorian zombie attire — delivered Halloween songs and parody “scarodies” of familiar tunes, drawing steady crowds throughout the afternoon and into early evening as the block party continued. The gathering marked the first Halloween community block event of this scale to be staged along Third Street Promenade. Organizers described the block party as an all-ages celebration aimed at activating the downtown corridor and drawing families, residents, and tourists into the district for seasonal programming and safe trick-or-treating. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public happenings of local significance in the city’s public spaces.

𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗘𝗗: Sheriff's Deputies Recover Firearm and Suspected Narcotics from Van at Venice Beach

VENICE, Calif. — Tuesday, October 28, 2025 — Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives executed a search warrant Tuesday morning at a storefront along the Venice Beach Boardwalk as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Deputies were seen searching through the business before circling the block to a nearby van, which was also included in the warrant. Investigators removed several items from the vehicle, including what appeared to be firearms, a scale, and suspected narcotics, carefully documenting and securing the evidence. A white bag believed to contain narcotics was recovered and booked into evidence, according to authorities. The substances will undergo laboratory testing to confirm their nature. Approximately a dozen deputies participated in the operation, which concluded with one individual taken into custody, according to authorities. As the scene unfolded, several passersby could be heard asking, “Is that ICE?” — reflecting confusion among onlookers as heavily armed deputies in tactical gear conducted the search. Some deputies’ faces have been blurred at their request for operational safety. Santa Monica Closeup maintains full editorial independence and documents all law enforcement activity as it occurs.

𝗦𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧: Boarders Roll from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Skaters, boarders, and cyclists hit the pavement Sunday, October 26, 2025, for the 18th Annual Skate the Coast event, an 18-mile ride from the Santa Monica Pier to the Redondo Beach Pier in support of breast cancer awareness.

Dressed head to toe in shades of pink — from helmets and jerseys to boards wrapped in ribbons — participants filled the Santa Monica Bike Path with color and energy. Many adorned their gear with slogans of hope and support, transforming the coastal route into a rolling sea of solidarity.

The annual event, organized by Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) — a nonprofit founded in 1996 — brings together participants of all ages to promote early detection and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle as a means of breast cancer prevention.

B4BC’s mission centers on empowering young people with education about early breast cancer detection while advocating for movement and wellness as key elements of prevention. Beyond awareness, the organization provides ongoing support for those affected by the disease, with programs focused on three pillars: Educational Outreach, Prevention and Awareness Events, and Survivorship Support.

Sunday’s event served as a vibrant display of community spirit and advocacy, blending athleticism and compassion to drive social impact. Riders coasted the scenic shoreline under clear skies — demonstrating how sport and solidarity can come together for a meaningful cause.

𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗: Traci Park and Families Celebrate Venice Beach Rebuild

VENICE, CA — Saturday, October 25, 2025 — Councilwoman Traci Park joined residents, city staff, and families on Saturday morning for a ceremonial groundbreaking at Venice Beach, celebrating the start of construction on a new children’s playground near the Windward Avenue Police Substation. The new play space replaces the former Windward Plaza Children’s Playground, which was removed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in late 2024 after officials cited structural deterioration. The demolition caught some residents by surprise, prompting concerns over safety communication and the loss of a popular family gathering spot. Saturday’s groundbreaking marked the long-awaited beginning of its replacement — a Baywatch-themed playground designed in partnership with the Department of Recreation and Parks. Renderings displayed at the site show a bright, ocean-inspired design featuring a red lifeguard rescue boat, turquoise sailboat slide, surfboard climbing walls, and a pink octopus sculpture surrounded by blue wave-patterned play surfacing. “My team and I have worked very, very hard with the community and Rec and Parks to put together a design,” Park said. “We expect to have this park finished by the spring.” Families joined Park and her staff in shoveling the first mounds of sand, celebrating the project’s launch and the return of a long-missed playground to the heart of Venice Beach.

𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦: Santa Monica Police Join Dodgers Fans at Promenade World Series Pep Rally

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, October 23, 2025 — Downtown Santa Monica transformed into a sea of Dodger blue Thursday evening as hundreds of fans filled the 1300 block of the Third Street Promenade for the city’s first-ever “Catch the Blue Wave” Pep Rally — a high-spirited celebration cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers as they head to the World Series. The event, hosted by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. and the City of Santa Monica, brought together community members, first responders, and baseball legends in a show of civic pride and hometown energy. Former Dodgers Adrián González, Eric Karros, and Steve Garvey signed autographs, posed for selfies, and chatted with fans young and old — each representing a different chapter in the Dodgers’ storied history. Adding to the festive atmosphere, members of the Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica Fire Department joined in the celebration, proudly wearing blue Dodgers baseball caps. Officers and firefighters mingled with the crowd, taking photos with attendees and showing support for the team alongside the fans they serve. The Dodgers Bobble mascot was also a crowd favorite — dancing, posing for photos, and bringing smiles to fans throughout the evening. Children eagerly lined up for pictures, while families waved Dodger towels and joined in chants that echoed across the Promenade. At the heart of the rally stood an eight-foot-tall, 200-pound baseball, rolled into place earlier that day by Downtown Santa Monica crews. The massive baseball became a living monument to fan enthusiasm — covered in signatures, team slogans, and heartfelt messages wishing the Dodgers good luck in the World Series. Mayor Lana Negrete opened the rally by welcoming fans and thanking the Dodgers organization for inspiring unity across Los Angeles County. The event also featured live music, giveaways, a 360° photo booth, and a beer garden activation by Quickserve Entertainment. As twilight fell, the Santa Monica Pier illuminated in Dodger blue, symbolizing the city’s solidarity with the team’s championship run. The night ended with a final chorus of “Let’s Go Dodgers!” — a perfect close to an evening that blended nostalgia, community, and hope for another title in Los Angeles.

𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗩𝗘: Crews Roll 8-Foot Dodgers Baseball Down Promenade Ahead of Pep Rally

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, October 23, 2025 — Downtown Santa Monica crews were spotted rolling an eight-foot-tall, 200-pound baseball down the Third Street Promenade this afternoon, setting the stage for tonight’s “Catch the Blue Wave” Pep Rally in support of the Los Angeles Dodgers heading to the World Series. The oversized baseball, part of the official Dodgers Ball installation, will serve as a centerpiece for fans to sign and snap photos with during the two-hour celebration. The rally, hosted by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. and the City of Santa Monica, runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on the 1300 block of the Promenade. Former Dodgers players Adrian Gonzalez, Eric Karros, and Steve Garvey are scheduled to make special appearances, signing autographs and taking photos with fans. The event will also feature the Dodgers Bobble mascot, live entertainment, giveaways, and a 360° fan photo booth to capture the “Blue Wave” spirit. The celebration marks the first time the Promenade has hosted a Dodgers-themed pep rally, transforming the heart of Santa Monica into a sea of blue ahead of the World Series opener.

𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡: 2,000 Drones Light Up Santa Monica Sky in WNBA–Tissot Celebration

SANTA MONICA — Monday, October 20, 2025 — The skies above Santa Monica Beach illuminated in a dazzling display Monday night as 2,000 drones took flight in celebration of the new WNBA Shot Clock by Swiss watchmaker Tissot.

The choreographed drone show, produced by Sky Elements Drone Shows, transformed the night sky into a digital canvas above the Santa Monica Pier, featuring vivid animations and synchronized formations that paid tribute to basketball’s iconic countdown timer.

Tissot, the official timekeeper of the NBA since 2015 and the official watch of the WNBA, unveiled its latest precision innovation in partnership with the league. The event drew spectators along the beach and pier, many capturing the light show on phones as the drones formed symbols of the NBA and Tissot logos high above the Pacific.

The shot clock—introduced to the NBA in 1954 to curb stalling tactics and boost scoring—has become a defining feature of modern basketball. Today, the 24-second timer governs gameplay across professional and amateur leagues worldwide, serving as both a strategic element and a visual centerpiece of the sport.

Monday’s show not only celebrated the evolution of timekeeping in basketball but also highlighted the fusion of sports, technology, and artistry through aerial innovation.

𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡: Union Members March from City Hall to Pier, Demand Rehire Rights for Rusty’s Workers

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, October 17, 2025 — Dozens of hospitality workers, community allies, and clergy rallied outside Santa Monica City Hall, calling on city leaders to pass a Right of Recall Ordinance aimed at reinstating laid-off employees from the former Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier.

Organized by UNITE HERE Local 11, participants gathered on the City Hall steps dressed in red union T-shirts and holding picket signs that read “Rusty’s Workers Deserve a Homecoming.” The demonstration began at 4 p.m. with a petition delivery to city officials, including City Manager Oliver Chi, before the group marched through downtown Santa Monica toward the Pier.

By late afternoon, supporters picketed near the shuttered Rusty’s location as the city hosted its “Homecoming” festivities, urging officials to ensure that future businesses operating on public land give priority rehiring opportunities to former workers.

Organizers said the proposed ordinance would mirror similar Right of Recall measures already adopted in Los Angeles and Pasadena to protect hospitality workers from displacement following business closures.

UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents more than 32,000 hospitality workers across Southern California and Arizona, stated that Santa Monica’s “Homecoming” celebration would not be complete without welcoming back the longtime Rusty’s employees who helped define the Pier’s legacy.

Santa Monica Closeup documented the rally, march, and picket line as part of its ongoing coverage of community events, public demonstrations, and local government action across the Westside.

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘 𝟲𝟲: Ford Model A Drivers Conclude the Mother Road at the Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Monday, October 13, 2025 — Eight vintage Ford Model A cars rolled onto the Santa Monica Pier, marking the completion of a three-week cross-country road trip along the historic Route 66 — known as “The Mother Road.” Spectators gathered along the Pier to admire the gleaming classics, snap photos and selfies, and chat with the proud drivers who had navigated the 2,448-mile route from Chicago to the Pacific.

The Ford Model A, produced between 1927 and 1931, represented the second major success for the Ford Motor Company following the legendary Model T. The vehicles featured an improved engine, modern controls, and a variety of body styles that helped usher in a new era of American automotive design.

The coast-to-coast convoy was chronicled in a dedicated travel blog, Route 66 Model A 2025, which documents the cars’ journey through eight states, showcasing small-town Americana, roadside diners, and iconic landmarks along the way.

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧: Bocce League Brings Life Back to the Palisades After Devastating Fire

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Thursday, October 9, 2025 — On a warm, sunlit afternoon, the courts at Veterans Gardens once again came alive as members of the Palisades Bocce Club gathered for a spirited evening of friendly competition and laughter. The sound of rolling bocce balls and cheers from teammates marked a moment of joy and renewal in a town still healing from the devastation of the Palisades Fire earlier this year.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, rapidly expanded amid extreme drought and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. The blaze scorched 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and displaced over 100,000 residents before firefighters finally contained it on January 31, 2025. The disaster left deep physical and emotional scars across the community — including the loss of much of the Palisades Village, once the heart of local life.

Nine months later, scenes like Thursday’s gathering at Veterans Gardens signal a return of the human spirit. With the sun setting behind the Santa Monica Mountains and the ocean breeze drifting inland, dozens of players — from their twenties to their seventies — competed, laughed, and reconnected in the park’s welcoming atmosphere.

“This has everything to do with creating belonging and creating community,” said Jimmy Dunne, co-founder of the Palisades Bocce Club. “When this town needs it more than ever, it’s about buddies getting together — the Sweet Peas, the Killer Peas, the Chai Rollers, the Sunset Patriots — they love to come out, play, and celebrate being Palisadians.”

Once a neglected section of Palisades Park, Veterans Gardens was reborn through community effort and local donations, transforming a barren patch of ground into a lush gathering space. Conceived by residents including Dunne and Bill McGregor, the Gardens symbolize the Palisades’ enduring commitment to unity and resilience.

Since its founding, nearly a thousand residents have participated in the bocce leagues, which now feature multiple divisions such as the Dolphin League on Tuesday mornings and the Sunset League on Wednesday evenings. The games have sparked friendships that stretch far beyond the courts — from neighborhood dinners to Palm Springs getaways.

“The beauty of it,” Dunne added, “is that many of these teams started as strangers. Now they’re cheering for each other, going out to eat, celebrating birthdays, and traveling together. That’s what belonging looks like.”

Beyond the competition, Veterans Gardens has become a central gathering place for the community — hosting picnics, family celebrations, and quiet afternoons under the shade of newly planted trees. Dunne calls it “a garden that is a mirror of who we were, who we are, and who we dream to become.”

For many in the Palisades, the revival of activity at Veterans Gardens represents more than just recreation. It’s a sign of renewal — proof that after tragedy, the bonds of community continue to grow stronger.

Residents interested in joining future bocce leagues or learning more about Veterans Gardens can visit www.veteransgardens.com.

𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔: Santa Monica Installs Temporary Landmark Ahead of $35M Bridge Project

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, October 2, 2025 — Crews from Front Signs have spent the past three days installing a half-scale replica of the iconic Santa Monica Pier Harbor sign, ensuring visitors can continue to capture the classic photo opportunity even as major changes loom for the Pier’s historic entryway. Santa Monica Pier Executive Director Jim Harris said the installation preserves an essential part of the visitor experience. He explained that the original sign will soon be taken down and placed into storage for a complete refurbishment while the aging Pier Bridge is demolished and rebuilt. “We don’t want people to lose that chance to have their photo under the Pier sign,” Harris said, noting that the temporary replica has been placed in the central plaza of the Pier near Pier Burger and Pacific Park so it remains easily accessible to the public. The replica sign marks the first visible step in the long-anticipated replacement of the 86-year-old Pier Bridge. Built in 1939, the bridge connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier and is slated for a $35 million overhaul led by Shimmick Construction Company, Inc., a nationally recognized infrastructure contractor. The new bridge will be seismically upgraded, more accessible, and designed to last 75 years. Construction is expected to begin in November 2025 and conclude by December 2027, well ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. City officials have emphasized that the Pier will remain open throughout the process. Restaurants, shops, and attractions will continue to welcome visitors while temporary pedestrian and vehicle access routes are put in place. A comprehensive wayfinding program will guide guests during the bridge demolition and rebuilding phases. Under the current schedule, the original Pier sign will be removed in early 2026, refurbished over the following 18 months, and reinstalled in September 2027, elevated for improved visibility. The bridge demolition is planned for summer 2026, with full construction running into late 2027. More than three-quarters of the project’s cost is being funded through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the balance supported by local transportation funds. City outreach has included more than 30 meetings with Pier businesses and stakeholders to minimize disruptions during the two-year construction period. For now, visitors will enjoy a rare sight: two Pier signs standing side by side — one a temporary replica, the other awaiting its careful restoration — as Santa Monica readies a new gateway to its world-famous pier.

𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡: Police Arrest Man Near Samohi After Gun Report

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Monday, September 29, 2025 — Santa Monica High School was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution this afternoon after police received a report of a man believed to be armed near the campus.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:20 p.m. and quickly located the individual. The weapon was determined to be a BB gun.

Initial reports state the suspect had been waving the item and pointing it toward passersby before officers intervened. Officers physically subdued the man, who was then transported by ambulance as a routine precaution.

The suspect was taken into custody and the lockdown was lifted soon after. Police emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the community.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department’s Daily Arrest Log, the man was booked on multiple charges, including:

• 11364(a): Controlled Substance – Possess Paraphernalia

• 30305(a)(1): Prohibited Person Own/Possess Ammunition

• 626.10 PC: Possession of a Weapon While on School Grounds

• Bench Warrant: Santa Monica

In a statement, SMPD thanked community members for their vigilance, noting that public reports play a vital role in maintaining safety: “If you see something, say something.”

No further details about the suspect have been released.

𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗙𝗧 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧: Santa Monica Police Take Suspect Into Custody After Downtown Store Theft

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Monday, September 29, 2025 — Santa Monica police officers responded to a theft report at the TJ Maxx in Downtown Santa Monica. Officers arrived within minutes and located a man matching the suspect’s description just two blocks from the store.

A search of the individual turned up the alleged stolen merchandise along with suspected drug paraphernalia. He was taken into custody without incident.

The Santa Monica Police Department Daily Arrest Log listed the charge as 459.5(a) — Shoplifting Under $950.

Santa Monica Closeup will continue to follow the case as further details become available.

𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗥: Contestants Test Their Endurance at Santa Monica Oktoberfest

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saturday, September 27, 2025 — The Third Street Promenade transformed into a lively Bavarian celebration as men and women faced off in an Oktoberfest Beer Stein Holding Contest, challenging competitors to keep their one-liter mugs extended at arm’s length for as long as possible. Cheers and laughter echoed across the promenade as onlookers cheered contestants through every second of the endurance test. The family-friendly festival brought the spirit of Germany’s iconic Oktoberfest to downtown Santa Monica with live music, festive games, and a dedicated kids zone. Visitors enjoyed the Entertainment Zone’s open-air beer garden and received free commemorative steins with beverage purchases, marking the first official event under the city’s new Entertainment Zone program. Organizers said the celebration aims to unite locals and visitors in a shared toast to community, culture, and friendly competition. From traditional music to frosty mugs, the promenade delivered a taste of Bavaria along the Pacific. Santa Monica Closeup will continue to cover community celebrations as the city’s fall event season unfolds.

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘: Volunteers Join Forces to Plant Trees and Capture Stormwater in Venice

VENICE, CA — Saturday, September 27, 2025 — Volunteers from UCLA and members of the Verdant Venice Group (VVG) fanned out across Sunset Avenue, Hampton Drive, and 3rd Street on Saturday morning to plant a variety of native and drought-tolerant trees as part of an ambitious effort to green the neighborhood and support local wildlife.

Janin Paine, a VVG member wearing an “I Speak for the Trees” T-shirt, explained that the day’s work was part of a larger “pollinator corridor” project coordinated with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, the CD11 Foundation, and the Venice BID. “We’ve planted probably over 600 trees in Venice in the last six years, mostly with volunteer groups,” Paine said. “Today we’re planting Coast Live Oak, cassia, and chitalpa to create a continuous corridor for pollinators.”

The project included a process known as “depaving,” in which cement is removed to open soil for tree planting. “This area had wide parkways but a lot of unused cement,” Paine noted. “We got permits, removed the concrete, and secured urban forestry approvals for the new trees.” A busload of UCLA students joined local volunteers for the morning effort, part of VVG’s regular Saturday plantings and tree-care sessions held from 8 to 10 a.m. throughout Venice.

In addition to the tree planting, Paine highlighted a new community initiative funded by a grant from the county’s Safe Clean Water Program. VVG has developed watershed maps showing how stormwater flows through Venice and will host a workshop on October 8 to gather resident input on water-capture ideas. Suggestions range from small swales and tree wells to imaginative concepts such as restoring a natural river along Rose Avenue. “Because we’re so close to the ocean, unfiltered runoff is a big issue,” Paine said, noting the group’s interest in capturing both stormwater and underground “dewatering” flows from construction sites.

Saturday’s plantings add another link in Verdant Venice Group’s growing network of urban habitat. By combining native trees, pollinator pathways, and community engagement, the volunteers aim to reduce runoff, improve air quality, and create a healthier urban ecosystem for people and wildlife alike.