𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟: Venice’s Dogtown Super Show Dazzles With Lowriders and Lookers

VENICE BEACH, CA — Car enthusiasts from across Southern California gathered at Windward Plaza on Saturday, July 26, 2025, for the return of the Dogtown Super Show, a free, family-friendly celebration of vintage automotive culture along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. The all-day event, presented by the Dogtown Devils Car Club in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, featured more than 200 classic vehicles, including Lowriders, Kustoms, Street Rods, Rat Rods, pre-1980s Trucks, and Muscle Cars. From meticulously restored classics to creative custom builds, the show offered a vibrant display of craftsmanship and nostalgia that drew a diverse crowd of car lovers, photographers, and curious beachgoers. Festivities kicked off at 9:00 a.m. and continued through the afternoon with community-focused contests and entertainment. A corn-hole tournament sparked friendly competition at noon, followed by a vintage-style Pin-Up Contest at 2:30 p.m. The event concluded with an award ceremony at 3:30 p.m., recognizing standout vehicles in categories such as Best Classic, Best Kustom, Best Lowrider, Best Muscle Car, Best Paint, and Best Chop. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed food vendors, photo booths, and opportunities to interact with car owners, many of whom traveled from far beyond Venice to showcase their vehicles. Organizers emphasized the event’s accessibility and community spirit. “This is a 100% family-friendly event,” read one message from the Dogtown Super Show team. “Come down and experience the most fun you’ve had at the beach all summer.” The Dogtown Super Show continues to serve as a vibrant tribute to Southern California’s enduring car culture, set against the unmistakable backdrop of Venice Beach.

𝗘‑𝗕𝗜𝗞𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡: Santa Monica Police Impound 12 Sur-Ron–Style Bikes at Beach Charging Station

SANTA MONICA, CA — On Saturday, July 26, 2025, a Santa Monica Police Department special task force impounded 12 Sur-Ron-type electric motorcycles from a public charging station at the Santa Monica Beach parking lot on Barnard Way. Officers from both motor and bicycle units responded to the scene, where a group of riders had parked and charged their high-powered e-bikes. No citations were issued, but two flatbed tow trucks arrived to transport the impounded vehicles—each carrying six of the electric bikes.

According to authorities, the operation followed a wave of public complaints and reports of serious accidents involving high-speed e-bikes in the beach area. Sur-Ron-style electric motorcycles, while sometimes mistaken for standard e-bikes, do not meet California’s legal definition of a street-legal electric bicycle. These off-road vehicles often exceed power outputs of 3,000 watts and can reach speeds above 40 miles per hour. In most cases, they also lack operable pedals, disqualifying them from being registered as Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes under state law.

In California, legal electric bicycles must be equipped with functioning pedals and powered by an electric motor of no more than 750 watts. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are limited to speeds of 20 miles per hour, with Class 2 models allowing throttle-assisted propulsion. Class 3 e-bikes permit pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 miles per hour and require helmets for riders under 18, along with other safety provisions. Sur-Ron models, by contrast, are designed exclusively for off-highway use and fall under the category of electric dirt bikes. They are neither eligible for registration as street vehicles nor protected by bicycle exemptions, making their operation on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks illegal.

The seized vehicles can be recovered by their owners upon proof of ownership and payment of towing and storage fees. Police say enforcement efforts will continue as part of a broader push to address unsafe and unregulated e-bike use on the beach and in other public areas.

𝗖𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧: Firefighters, City Leaders Mark 150th Anniversary at Santa Monica State of the City

SANTA MONICA, CA — Thursday, July 17, 2025 — Community members gathered at Christine Emerson Reed Park and the newly reopened Miles Memorial Playhouse for this year’s State of the City event, marking both a civic milestone and the kickoff of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary celebration. Billed as “A Celebration of Resilience and Growth,” the evening featured a fresh format with an opening reception hosted by Mayor Lana Negrete and incoming City Manager Oliver Chi. Held inside the historic Playhouse from 4 to 5 p.m., the reception included refreshments, informational displays, and opportunities for attendees to speak directly with city leadership. Outside in the park, DJ Bukue One provided the musical backdrop as city departments and community partners offered interactive booths, trivia games, and giveaways. The family-friendly event invited residents to bring blankets and picnic gear while enjoying art, food, and live performances. Following welcome remarks by Mayor Negrete and a poem by Santa Monica Poet Laureate Annelyse Carmack, the evening program included performances by youth talent from Downbeat 720, the multimedia ensemble String Theory, and artists from Los Angeles Performance Practice’s “Bridge the Gaps” residency initiative. Docents from the Santa Monica Conservancy led 15-minute guided tours of the Miles Memorial Playhouse throughout the evening, highlighting the venue’s architectural and cultural significance. Food vendors such as Border Grill and Hot Dog on a Stick provided local fare, while a beer garden hosted by Santa Monica Brew Works served guests in the park. The event also served as the official start to Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary campaign, a months-long celebration set to continue through December 2025 with additional community events and tributes to the city’s history. To reduce traffic and promote accessibility, the City offered complimentary Big Blue Bus rides for those attending the event. Bicycle valet services were provided along California Avenue by Santa Monica Spoke, and drop-off zones were designated for rideshare users on Lincoln Boulevard.

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: Santa Monica Protesters Rally for Justice, Immigration Reform, & End to ICE Raids

SANTA MONICA, CA — Dozens of protesters gathered Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Downtown Santa Monica for a march and rally denouncing immigration raids, corporate greed, and U.S. military intervention abroad. The event began at Santa Monica City Hall and concluded with a rally near the Metro Station at Third Street Promenade, drawing activists, organizers, and speakers from a wide range of grassroots coalitions.

Organized by Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace (ICUJP), the “Democracy Not Fascism” demonstration featured chants of “Down with ICE!” and “Immigrants are welcome here!” as marchers made their way through the city’s civic corridor.

Speakers representing CODEPINK, the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), the Peace and Freedom Party, and the National Lawyers Guild addressed the crowd, many condemning recent ICE operations and calling for systemic change.

“We are here today because we believe in a better world,” said Isaac, a community organizer with PSL. “Where ICE Gestapo isn’t terrorizing our neighbors. This system isn’t broken—it’s doing exactly what it was built to do: exploit the many for the profits of the few.”

Mariah Shahiardi, a Santa Monica resident and longtime organizer with CODEPINK, criticized U.S. foreign policy and bipartisan support for military actions abroad. “If you’re against murder, against endless wars, against fascism—Code Pink is the place for you,” she told the crowd. “Activism is not a weekend activity. It’s a 24-hour commitment.”

Jim Lafferty of the National Lawyers Guild warned of what he called a creeping “dual-state fascism,” urging Americans to recognize the broader implications of immigration raids and authoritarian policies. “First they come for the immigrants. If you don’t see what comes next, you’re asleep at the wheel,” he said.

The rally also included collective chants linking immigrant justice to broader global issues, including:

“Free, free Palestine,”

“ICE out of LA,” and

“From Palestine to the Philippines — Stop the U.S. war machine.”

Activists emphasized unity and direct action, encouraging attendees to organize locally and reject what they described as the normalization of war, detention, and economic inequality.

The protest proceeded without incident.

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗨𝗦𝗛: Santa Monica Police Department Unveils JoinSMPD.com to Attract New Recruits

SANTA MONICA, CA — In a move to address record-high staffing vacancies and intensifying competition for top-tier law enforcement candidates, the Santa Monica Police Department has launched a new digital recruitment hub: JoinSMPD.com.

The website, officially launched on June 23, 2025, serves as a central platform for applicants seeking careers as sworn officers or civilian personnel. Designed with a modern and user-centric interface, the site aims to streamline the hiring process and connect with a new generation of public safety professionals.

“Recruitment is one of our greatest challenges,” said Police Chief Ramon Batista during a June 10 City Council meeting. “We must meet today’s talent where they are—online, informed, and engagement-driven.”

Key features of the new site include:

• An integrated application system with guidance on written exams, physical fitness qualifications, oral interviews, background checks, and post-offer testing.

• Day-in-the-life video content and officer testimonials highlighting service within the Santa Monica community.

• Timeline breakdowns and preparation tips covering the full recruitment and onboarding process.

• Separate sections tailored for sworn and civilian roles, reinforcing the department’s commitment to workforce diversity.

According to SMPD, Santa Monica offers competitive compensation, robust training opportunities, and a city-backed wellness program. Chief Batista added, “We’re not just filling vacancies—we’re investing in a future where our department reflects the strength, resilience, and excellence of our city.”

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the site and explore current openings.

For additional information, contact Lt. Lewis Gilmour at (310) 458-8493 or Lewis.Gilmour@santamonica.gov.

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚? Santa Monica Council Backs Great Park Plan Following Civic Rally Outside City Hall

SANTA MONICA, CA — On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Santa Monica City Council voted 6–1 to pursue a park-focused future for the city’s 191-acre airport land, siding with a broad coalition of residents, youth, and civic leaders who had gathered just hours earlier outside City Hall in support of preserving the site for public use. Earlier in the day, the Great Park Coalition hosted a large and spirited rally on the steps of City Hall. The event featured live music, children’s art displays, face painting, and speeches from elected officials and longtime advocates. Community members dressed in green and blue, held signs reading “Let’s Build a Great Park,” and called on city leaders to protect the soon-to-be-closed airport land from future development. Three former Santa Monica mayors—Pam O’Connor, Phil Brock, and Michael Feinstein—joined the rally, each urging the council to embrace the opportunity to turn the land into a lasting green space. O’Connor described the movement as “the largest and broadest coalition around an issue” she had witnessed in four decades of city service. Brock emphasized the importance of remedying Santa Monica’s shortage of field space and fostering community connections: “We don’t want more concrete—we want trees, grass, and places to gather.” Feinstein framed the decision as a generational environmental and social justice issue, urging the council to “rebalance density with open space.” Two current councilmembers—Dan Hall and Ellis Raskin—also spoke at the rally, publicly affirming their support for a Measure LC–compliant park plan. “I’m a renter, and this park is going to be my backyard,” Hall told the crowd. “I support housing—but not here.” Raskin added, “We need to invest in the environment. I’m proud to vote for a park at the airport.” The rally drew support from youth sports teams including the Santa Monica All Stars softball league and AYSO Region 20, whose members and families voiced the urgent need for additional recreational facilities. The event was organized with support from Airport2Park, Greenpeace USA, and other local organizations. Inside Council Chambers, over 140 speakers signed up to address the Council, and more than 1,000 written comments were submitted ahead of the vote. The Council ultimately chose Scenario 1, a plan emphasizing open space, ecological restoration, recreational fields, and adaptive reuse of existing structures—without introducing any new housing. The decision aligned with Measure LC, a voter-approved 2014 law requiring a public vote for any non-park development on airport land. A competing motion by Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya to study a mixed-use scenario that included housing was narrowly defeated, 3–4. Councilmember Jesse Zwick, the lone dissenting vote against the park-only plan, described the exclusion of housing as a missed opportunity to address Santa Monica’s affordability crisis, arguing that public land should be part of the city’s housing solution. Mayor Lana Negrete supported the park vision but cautioned against moving forward without a fully developed fiscal and environmental strategy. “If we rush this without a clear, financially sound, and publicly accountable plan,” she said, “we risk creating another vacant promise.” Meanwhile, a recent voter survey conducted by Goodwin Simon Strategic Research and commissioned by UNITE HERE! Local 11 added complexity to the day’s events. The data showed that 65% of Santa Monica voters support at least some housing on the airport site, with 67% favoring housing for essential workers. However, only 28% supported using the land exclusively for parks, highlighting a broader public divide. Despite the data, Tuesday’s council vote marked a significant step toward the creation of a Great Park. As Santa Monica now begins a multi-year planning process, supporters of the park-only vision framed the outcome as a victory for open space, environmental equity, and the generations to come. “This land doesn’t need to be developed,” one speaker told the crowd. “It needs to be defended.”

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥: Santa Monica Welcomes Pacific Palisades to Fourth of July Parade on Main Street

SANTA MONICA, CA — July 4, 2025 — In a spirited celebration of Independence Day and community resilience, the Ocean Park Association hosted the 19th Annual Fourth of July Parade along Main Street in Santa Monica. This year’s event carried added significance as residents from fire-stricken Pacific Palisades were invited to join the festivities after canceling their own local parade. The procession began at 9:30 a.m. at Pico and Main Street, winding south through Ocean Park and concluding at Barnard Way. Thousands of spectators lined the route to cheer on a vibrant display of floats, marching groups, musical performances, and community spirit. Among the highlights were the Santa Monica High School Marching Band, whose rousing patriotic melodies echoed through the corridor, and the Santa Monica College Cheerleaders, who energized the crowd with dynamic routines. Santa Monica Police Department’s Mounted Unit also participated, drawing applause as officers rode on horseback in ceremonial formation. Elected officials and city leaders made appearances, including Mayor Lana Negrete, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Richard Bloom, Police Chief Ramon Batista, and Fire Chief Matthew Hallock. Classic cars—among them a 100-year-old Model T—added historical flair to the procession, while neighborhood groups, youth organizations, cyclists, and performers contributed to a colorful and inclusive celebration of civic pride. The parade served as both a tribute to American independence and a show of regional solidarity, with Santa Monica welcoming Pacific Palisades participants in the wake of recent wildfire devastation. For many, it was a morning marked by unity, joy, and shared gratitude under clear summer skies.