VENICE, Calif. — On a warm 88-degree day along the Venice shoreline, production officially got underway for the new Baywatch series, just days after the historic Venice Lifeguard Station was dedicated as the show’s new headquarters.
Crews were observed filming multiple beach sequences near the station, with actors dressed in the iconic red lifeguard uniforms moving between the sand and surf while carrying rescue buoys. Several scenes showed performers entering the water and staging lifeguard-style interactions in the shallows, as beachgoers and extras filled the background.
A full production setup was visible on the sand, including a camera vehicle rig, large overhead diffusion and reflector panels, and a boom microphone mounted on an extended pole to capture dialogue amid the ambient ocean noise. Crew members coordinated movements around the set while managing lighting and sound, with dozens of extras positioned along the shoreline to create a busy, authentic beach atmosphere.
Near the lifeguard station, additional filming activity unfolded with performers moving across the elevated deck and stairways, reinforcing the building’s role as the newly designated Baywatch Lifeguard Headquarters.
The production drew attention from beach visitors, many of whom paused to watch as scenes were reset and filmed repeatedly under clear skies and bright coastal light.
Filming follows a recent dedication ceremony that brought together lifeguards, city officials, and production leaders, marking the return of the globally recognized franchise to Los Angeles. The new series is expected to air later this year.
Santa Monica Closeup was on scene documenting the first day of filming as cameras rolled on Venice Beach, capturing the revival of a series long associated with the Southern California coastline.
VENICE, Calif. — Friday, March 13, 2026 — A ceremony at the historic Venice Lifeguard Station formally introduced the building as the new “Baywatch Lifeguard Headquarters,” marking the return of the iconic television franchise to the Los Angeles coastline.
The gathering drew a crowd on the sand and the station’s upper deck, including active-duty and retired lifeguards, Los Angeles Police Department officers, local officials, production staff, and members of the media. Lifeguard rescue boards and signage identifying the building as the Baywatch headquarters were displayed outside the station during the event.
During remarks, Greg Bonann, the original creator of Baywatch and a former Los Angeles County lifeguard, reflected on the building’s long history. The Venice Lifeguard Headquarters opened in November 1969, and Bonann recalled arriving there in April 1970 as one of 15 rookie lifeguard candidates, training on the same beach and waters where the show’s stories would later be inspired.
Bonann said the series was grounded in three core principles taught during his lifeguard training: teamwork, service, and family—values he credited with shaping both the original television show and the new production.
He also acknowledged a wide range of individuals and organizations involved in bringing the project back to Los Angeles, including Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Film Commission, Los Angeles County Fire Department leadership, LA County lifeguards, and Los Angeles officials including Councilmember Traci Park and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Bonann said the production team had worked for about 18 months to bring the show back to California.
Speaking at the ceremony, Matt Nix, the creative lead behind the new series, described the show as a story about first responders and community service rather than simply beach imagery and slow-motion scenes. He said the project reflects the heroism and dedication of those who protect coastal communities.
The event also included a cultural acknowledgment from Christina Connelly, a Tongva tribal representative, who welcomed attendees to the ancestral homeland known as Guasha, part of the broader Tongva region historically stretching from Malibu to Aliso Creek and including nearby Channel Islands. Connelly offered a blessing and shared the Tongva word “Awa Esco,” meaning happiness, encouraging the production team to carry that spirit forward during the project.
Another speaker emphasized the historic relationship between lifeguards and the ocean, noting that the role of lifeguards represents a long tradition of people standing watch over the shoreline to protect others from the dangers of the sea.
Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park told attendees the project represents an investment in local jobs and the regional film industry. She said city and county agencies worked together on permits, site approvals, and coordination with lifeguards and beaches officials to bring the production to Venice Beach.
Park noted that the new production will help keep the iconic Baywatch brand rooted in the place where it originated. The production team also announced filming for the new series was scheduled to begin the following week, with the show expected to air on Fox in September.
Following the ceremony, a Los Angeles County lifeguard rescue boat staged a brief display offshore, spraying a high arc of water into the air as spectators watched from the beach.
The event highlighted both the historic legacy of Venice Beach lifeguards and the cultural impact of the Baywatch franchise, which helped introduce the work of lifeguards along the Los Angeles coastline to audiences around the world. Santa Monica Closeup was on scene documenting the ceremony and the crowd gathered along the sand for the dedication.
VENICE, Calif. — Thursday, March 12, 2026 — Before sunrise Thursday morning, city crews and outreach teams gathered near the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Washington Boulevard along the Del Rey–Venice border for a coordinated Inside Safe operation aimed at relocating individuals from a large encampment into interim housing.
Several outreach workers from the office of Karen Bass were on site alongside representatives from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority to begin engaging with individuals living at the encampment.
The operation prompted temporary traffic controls in the surrounding area. Personnel from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation closed portions of Beach Avenue and Del Rey Avenue in both directions to accommodate buses and service vehicles, while officers with the Los Angeles Police Department were present to provide public-safety support during the operation.
Outreach workers spoke with individuals at the encampment and assisted them as they gathered their belongings and carried them to a nearby charter bus staged for transportation. Some individuals arrived with bicycles, which were secured to racks mounted on the front of the buses. In total, three buses were used to transport participants to interim housing locations. Officials said roughly 20 individuals accepted services and were transported from the encampment to shelter or other temporary housing placements.
Speaking at the scene, Councilwoman Traci Park said the encampment had generated numerous complaints from nearby residents and businesses and that the operation was intended to restore access to the area while offering housing assistance.
“We have had a very large encampment here and a lot of complaints from neighbors and businesses,” Park said. “Today we’ve teamed up with the mayor’s Inside Safe team for a major operation, and we’re excited to return this area safe and accessible for the community.”
Juan Fregoso, district director for Park’s office, said the operation followed several weeks of planning and outreach.
“Planning for Inside Safe takes several weeks of coordination with outreach teams and service providers to make sure all the right departments are here,” Fregoso said. “Today roughly 20 people are going inside and off the streets.”
Fregoso added that the location has been approved as a future enforcement site under LAMC §41.18, with signage expected to be installed in the coming weeks restricting camping and the storage of personal property in the area.
Nick Marcone, a manager with the Inside Safe Field Intervention Team in the mayor’s office, said outreach workers had spent several weeks engaging with individuals at the site before the operation.
“Our field intervention team has been coming to this location, getting to know the individuals that live here and identifying their needs,” Marcone said. “The goal is to make sure everyone at this encampment goes inside to interim housing.”
Marcone said participants placed through the program receive a range of services including case management, meals, healthcare connections, and housing navigation aimed at helping them transition into permanent housing.
Once participants departed the site, sanitation crews began clearing the remaining debris associated with the encampment. The cleanup involved the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Environmental Compliance Inspectors, Clean Harbors Environmental Services, and outreach staff from LAHSA.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors and hazardous-materials specialists sorted through remaining items to identify potentially hazardous materials such as batteries and aerosol containers. Clean Harbors personnel handled the disposal of hazardous waste while Public Works crews removed accumulated trash and bulky debris from the sidewalks and surrounding area.
After the debris was cleared, sanitation workers power-washed the sidewalk and nearby street, restoring the area following the encampment removal.
City officials said the operation marked another deployment of the Inside Safe initiative, which aims to move people from encampments into interim housing while connecting them with supportive services and long-term housing pathways.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including homelessness outreach operations, law enforcement activity, and ongoing efforts to address the region’s housing crisis.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A traveler and clothing maker who goes by the name “Mushroom” spoke with Santa Monica Closeup at Palisades Park while stopping in Santa Monica during a cross-country journey with his dog, Rhapsody.
Mushroom said he began the current trip in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and traveled south through Big Sur before arriving in Santa Monica. He described the journey as an attempt to “circle America” using a motorized bicycle and a large custom-built trailer that serves as both a mobile workshop and living space. He said the route could eventually cover about 12,000 miles and may take roughly a year to complete.
According to Mushroom, he plans to continue east from Santa Monica through Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. He said he expects to remain in Santa Monica through much of March while making clothing, selling garments, and gathering supplies needed for the next leg of the trip, including replacement tires and other equipment.
The trailer, decorated with colorful artwork and “Spunco” branding, was seen set up near the sidewalk at Palisades Park with tie-dye shirts hanging outside for sale. Mushroom said he supports himself on the road by making and selling clothing, including shorts, jackets, hoodies, hats, and tie-dye items. He described his work as upcycled fashion, explaining that he takes apart used garments and rebuilds them into custom pieces. During the interview, he showed a pair of patchwork shorts he said took about 16 hours to make and said he typically sells such pieces for around $300, though prices vary.
Inside the trailer, Mushroom was also seen using a hand-crank sewing machine, which he said he has relied on for custom garment work while traveling. He said the machine allows him to sew more efficiently than working entirely by hand. During the encounter, he was also preparing pizza inside the trailer using a pan on low heat.
Mushroom said the bicycle is powered by a four-stroke, 79cc gas engine and that he built the custom trailer and hitch system himself. He said the setup presents ongoing mechanical challenges, especially with the rear wheel and spokes due to the weight of the trailer, the dog, and rough road conditions. He added that he performs most of the repairs himself.
He identified his dog, Rhapsody, as his travel companion and said the animal accompanies him on the road as he moves from city to city. Throughout the stop at Palisades Park, pedestrians and cyclists passed by while Mushroom worked from the trailer and displayed his clothing.
Mushroom said his work can be found under the name Spunco on YouTube and Instagram. He explained that the name refers to fabric being spun together and serves as the identity for the clothing and project he is building while traveling.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the people, projects, and public-life moments unfolding across Santa Monica.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Santa Monica Closeup joined Meals on Wheels West Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins for a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization prepares and delivers meals to homebound residents across the Westside.
During a tour of the Santa Monica facility, Hawkins explained how meals are received and organized before volunteers depart on daily delivery routes.
Clients typically receive a hot entrée, a cold side dish, and fruit, along with a frozen meal intended for the following day to help ensure consistent nutrition between deliveries. Meals are delivered three times per week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—with frozen meals provided for the days in between.
Meals on Wheels West also accommodates vegetarian and medically tailored diets, including options designed for individuals managing conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. All meals are approved by a Los Angeles County registered dietitian.
According to Hawkins, the program delivers meals to approximately 400 to 450 clients each day across about 40 delivery routes, with volunteers typically serving around ten clients per route.
The organization has operated in the region for more than 50 years, serving residents across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.
Beyond nutrition, Hawkins said the deliveries also provide an important point of human connection for many clients who live alone.
“More than 80 percent of our clients live completely on their own,” Hawkins said. “We’re not only delivering food—we’re delivering social connection.”
Volunteers also serve as informal wellness checks. If something appears unusual during a visit, Meals on Wheels West staff can connect clients with additional support services through a network of community partners.
Following the facility tour, Santa Monica Closeup accompanied Hawkins on a delivery route where meals were delivered to several local clients.
One Santa Monica resident, who identified herself as “Miss Lulu,” invited the team into her apartment and described how the program helps her manage a limited budget and difficulty getting to the grocery store.
“Meals on Wheels helps me out,” she said. “When you’re choosing between rent and food, it makes a big difference.”
She said she has been receiving the meals for several years and sometimes struggles to travel to the store.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to get out,” she said. “Having the meals has really helped get me through.”
Another recipient visited during the route was Charles, a military veteran recovering from cancer treatment. Charles said the program provided support during a difficult period when he was undergoing chemotherapy and rebuilding his life.
“They were going out of their way to help me out,” he said of Meals on Wheels staff and volunteers. “It was life-saving.”
Charles, who served as a corpsman during the Vietnam War and later worked as a nurse for decades, said the deliveries not only provide food but also emotional support.
“They check on me and keep my spirits up,” he said. “It’s been a great help.”
A third delivery was made to Joseph, a Santa Monica resident who is blind and said the program has been helpful in maintaining regular meals.
“It’s been helpful,” Joseph said of the deliveries.
Joseph said he appreciates the volunteers who bring the meals and encouraged community members to support the program.
“It would be nice if we could get more volunteers,” he said.
For all three residents, the deliveries represent more than just food — they provide consistency, contact, and support during challenging circumstances.
Hawkins said the organization relies heavily on community support to sustain the program. While some funding comes from government sources, much of Meals on Wheels West’s operating budget comes from private donations and community partnerships.
With food costs continuing to rise and demand for services increasing, the organization encourages residents interested in helping to volunteer or donate.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document community programs and local efforts supporting residents across Santa Monica and the Westside.
SANTA MONICA — Saturday, January 18, 2026 — Volunteers with The Bay Foundation took part in a morning planting effort at Santa Monica Beach as the organization continued expanding its coastal dune restoration work along the shoreline.
The volunteer event focused on installing native plants and seeds as part of the foundation’s ongoing Coastal Adaptation Program, which uses nature-based solutions to reduce erosion, improve biodiversity, and increase resilience to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Participants planted California sunflower and California poppy seedlings while also dispersing a native seed mix containing approximately 20 different species expected to emerge over time as conditions allow.
Heather Burdick, Director of Programs for The Bay Foundation, said the effort relies on plant growth to naturally build dunes. As native vegetation establishes itself, wind-driven sand accumulates around the plants, allowing dunes to gradually rise and strengthen without mechanical intervention. Volunteers assisted with planting and site preparation throughout the morning.
The dune restoration approach replaces traditional beach-flattening maintenance practices that remove vegetation and destabilize sand. By allowing dunes to form naturally, the project aims to raise beach elevation, absorb wave energy during storms, and create habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Previous restoration efforts at Santa Monica Beach have been credited with supporting the return of species such as the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover.
The Bay Foundation emphasized the role of community participation in maintaining and expanding the restored areas, noting that volunteers contribute not only labor but long-term stewardship and public awareness. The organization continues to encourage public involvement in future planting and restoration events.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document environmental restoration efforts and public space projects shaping the Westside coastline.
On Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026, a birthday celebration honoring silent-film actress and famed hostess Marion Davies was held at the Marion Davies Guest House at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica.
Presented by the Santa Monica Conservancy, the event drew visitors dressed in vintage attire and period-inspired costumes reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting the era in which Davies became known as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated social figures.
The afternoon program included live music by Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys, along with brief dance demonstrations introducing classic 1920s steps led by James Zimmer and Cynthia Harper, co-founders of the Historical Ballroom Dance Club at University of California, Los Angeles. Guests also viewed a fashion presentation by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, highlighting styles inspired by the interwar period.
Author Lara Gabrielle spoke with attendees about Davies’ life and legacy, drawing from her biography Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies and recounting stories of the lavish gatherings once hosted at Davies’ beachfront estate.
Throughout the event, Santa Monica Conservancy docents provided guided tours of the Marion Davies Guest House, offering historical context and inviting guests to imagine what daily life was like at the beachfront property during Davies’ residency.
The free, all-ages celebration ran from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and was open to the public, with RSVPs requested. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document local cultural events and community gatherings across Santa Monica.
SANTA MONICA — On Saturday, January 17, 2026, installation artist Kate Mueller presented a temporary, site-specific artwork along the Santa Monica Beach shoreline during low tide, drawing onlookers as afternoon light shifted into a vivid orange sunset.
The interactive installation, titled String of Light That Connects All Things (S.O.L.T.C.A.T.), was installed in the mid-afternoon and removed at dusk, timed to the day’s tidal conditions. As waves moved in and out, beachgoers gathered near the waterline to observe the steel forms, take photographs, and speak with the artist about the work.
According to the artist, this month’s installation consisted of five steel sculptural elements corresponding to the star points of the constellation Capricorn. The arrangement translates the celestial pattern into a physical form placed directly within the coastal environment, reflecting Mueller’s ongoing exploration of the relationship between astronomy, natural cycles, and human presence.
S.O.L.T.C.A.T. is part of an ongoing series of monthly pop-up installations that imagine the California coast through the lens of light and space. Each installation references a constellation visible in that month’s night sky, drawing a parallel between celestial movement and ocean tides, and inviting viewers to consider their place within a shared environmental moment.
During daylight hours, the welded steel forms cast stark linear shadows across the sand, evoking comparisons to ancient time-marking structures. As sunset approached, the pieces became silhouetted against the sky, while wet sand created reflective surfaces that shifted with the viewer’s position. Passing sailboats, birds in flight, footprints, and the advancing tide became part of the installation’s evolving visual field.
Each installation consists of four to seven lightweight steel structures designed to be approachable and interactive without obstructing coastal views. Rather than dominating the landscape, the forms are intended to subtly reframe a familiar shoreline, emphasizing environmental change and the passage of time.
Mueller, an installation artist based in Los Angeles, incorporates welding and woodworking techniques to create large-scale, immersive works that invite physical movement and public engagement. Her practice emphasizes sustainability and frequently employs reclaimed and found materials. Her work explores themes of shared humanity, awareness, and the experience of occupying a specific place at a specific moment.
Raised in Oxnard and influenced by extensive travel and site-specific exploration, Mueller has created interactive installations across Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, and Ventura County. Her ongoing work continues to focus on the relationship between environment, perception, and interconnected systems.
This installation was made possible in part by the City of Santa Monica Art of Recovery grant.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public art, cultural activity, and community moments along the Westside shoreline as they unfold.
SANTA MONICA — Thursday, January 15, 2026 — The Bay Foundation is expanding its coastal dune restoration project at Santa Monica Beach this week, continuing a multi-year effort to transform sections of the shoreline into living, plant-supported dunes designed to reduce erosion, improve biodiversity, and strengthen resilience against sea-level rise and coastal flooding.
The project is part of The Bay Foundation’s Coastal Adaptation Program, which replaces traditional beach-flattening maintenance practices with nature-based solutions. Rather than mechanically raking sand flat — a process that removes plant life and destabilizes dunes — crews are planting native California beach species and allowing sand to accumulate naturally around their roots and branches.
Native species introduced and encouraged in the dunes include California poppy, beach evening primrose, California red sand verbena, and seacliff buckwheat. These plants stabilize sand, create habitat for insects and birds, and support broader coastal ecosystems. Invasive species such as ice plant, European sea rocket, and non-native grasses are removed to allow native communities to recover.
Los Angeles County’s beaches have been heavily modified over decades by seawalls, imported sand, and heavy maintenance equipment. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, California could lose up to 75 percent of its beaches over the next 75 years due to rising sea levels, with Southern California facing particularly significant impacts by the end of the century. Dune restoration is intended to counteract that trend by raising beach elevation naturally and absorbing wave energy during storms and king tides.
The Bay Foundation reports that dunes can grow up to three feet tall within about four years, significantly improving storm protection and erosion resistance. At Santa Monica’s pilot dune site, the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover returned to nest in 2016 — the first documented nesting in the Los Angeles region in nearly 70 years. Today, dozens of plovers can be observed feeding and resting in the restored dune habitat depending on the season.
Volunteers have played a central role in the success of the project, contributing labor, monitoring, and long-term stewardship. The foundation also emphasizes public education as part of the program, encouraging visitors to see beaches not as static landscapes but as living systems that support both wildlife and human communities.
Millions of residents and visitors now experience these revitalized shoreline areas each year, where native plants, birds, insects, and natural dune formations coexist alongside recreation. The project reflects a growing shift toward climate-adaptive coastal management focused on restoration rather than mechanical control.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document environmental restoration efforts, infrastructure changes, and public space projects shaping the Westside’s coastline and community life.
VENICE, CALIF. — January 11, 2026 — Dozens of demonstrators gathered Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Venice Boulevard to protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amid a wave of nationwide unrest following a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis earlier this month. The event remained peaceful, with participants carrying handmade signs and chanting slogans calling for ICE’s removal and accountability for recent law enforcement use of force.
Protesters held placards with messages including “ICE Get Out,” “Abolish ICE,” and “No Murder Voter,” reflecting local anger over ICE’s tactics and federal immigration enforcement policy. One marcher in a costume of a large frog — a visual element noted by onlookers — was seen among the crowd as people moved through the crosswalk and onto surrounding streets.
The demonstration in Venice occurred in the wake of the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, an incident that has fueled protests across the United States. Good, a U.S. citizen, was killed during a large federal immigration operation when an ICE agent fired shots at her vehicle; federal authorities have defended the shooting as self-defense, while local leaders and eyewitnesses dispute that account and call for independent investigation.
Across the country, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in recent days, including a major rally in Minneapolis and protests in cities such as Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., with demonstrators demanding answers, transparency and changes to immigration enforcement practices. Some local officials have criticized the federal handling of the Minneapolis case and the exclusion of state investigators from evidence, heightening tensions between municipal and federal authorities.
At Sunday’s Venice gathering, no arrests or violent incidents were reported. Participants expressed solidarity with families affected by immigration enforcement actions and called for broader reforms. Organizers encouraged attendees to document the demonstration and share their perspectives on social media and community forums.
Santa Monica Closeup documented the Venice protest with video and on-the-ground observation.
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Wednesday, January 7, 2026 — Exactly one year after the devastating Palisades Fire, residents, fire survivors, and community advocates gathered in Pacific Palisades for a morning rally marking the anniversary of the disaster and calling for accountability, transparency, and long-term reform related to wildfire prevention, emergency response, and recovery.
The January 2025 wildfire burned for several weeks across the Santa Monica Mountains, killing 12 people, destroying nearly 7,000 structures, and causing an estimated $18–$20 billion in damage. One year later, rebuilding efforts remain uneven, litigation is ongoing, and many residents say they continue to face insurance disputes, permitting delays, displacement, and environmental concerns tied to damaged but standing homes.
The demonstration was organized under the banner “They Let Us Burn,” a phrase repeatedly echoed throughout the event by speakers who argued the fire was preventable and that failures at multiple levels of government contributed to the scale of destruction. Organizers emphasized that the protest was nonpartisan, framing it as a demand for operational accountability and improved emergency preparedness rather than a political campaign.
The rally took place in and around Palisades Village and ran from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., spanning the Antioch and Swarthmore corridor toward Via de la Paz. It drew homeowners, business owners, attorneys involved in active litigation, advocates, former and current public officials, and residents from other fire-affected communities including Altadena and Malibu. Yard signs were distributed, and organizers said no money was collected or merchandise sold.
Several speakers described evacuations they said were chaotic or nonexistent, citing a lack of audible warnings, traffic control, or visible emergency coordination during critical hours. Others raised concerns about water infrastructure, alleging key reservoirs were empty at the time of the fire, resulting in low or nonexistent hydrant pressure. Additional criticism focused on brush-management policies in surrounding parklands, with claims that earlier fires were allowed to smolder and later reignite.
Attorneys representing fire survivors said litigation against the City of Los Angeles, the State of California, and related agencies remains active, with a key court hearing scheduled for February 5, 2026, concerning motions to dismiss the case.
Organizer Mariam Engel said residents lost not only their homes but also trust in public institutions, arguing that warnings and established protocols were not adequately addressed prior to the fire. Jeremy Padawer, a Palisades resident and publisher of PacificPalisades.com, outlined a list of “Ten Imperatives” presented by organizers as policy proposals intended to ease rebuilding and recovery. The measures included waiving rebuilding permit fees, providing tax relief during reconstruction, improving evacuation planning, undergrounding electrical lines, enhancing brush-clearing and fire-prevention efforts, increasing budget transparency, establishing a local police presence, and addressing insurance-related challenges.
Among those appearing at the rally was Traci Park, who addressed the crowd and acknowledged what she described as a catastrophic failure, stating that residents were justified in their anger and pledging continued advocacy for affected communities. Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and actress and Palisades resident Heidi Montag were also among the listed speakers and participants.
Earlier in the morning, prior to the rally, a separate white-glove flag presentation and remembrance ceremony was held by the Pacific Palisades Long Term Recovery Group in partnership with Palisades American Legion Post 283, honoring victims and marking the one-year anniversary.
While emotions ran high throughout the multi-hour event, organizers emphasized unity among fire survivors and framed the rally as part of a broader effort to prevent similar disasters in the future. The demonstration unfolded as litigation, policy debates, and recovery efforts related to the Palisades Fire continue across the region, with residents signaling that public scrutiny of officials and agencies remains ongoing.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document fire-recovery efforts, public safety issues, and community responses across the Westside.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Saturday, January 3, 2025 — On a rainy Saturday morning, parishioners from St. Anne’s Catholic Church worked under overcast skies at 2311 Main Street, dismantling their nativity installation as the seasonal run of the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes came to a close.
Volunteers methodically wrapped and boxed life-size figures, straw, backdrops, and signage from “The Nativity,” one of several themed booths that together narrate the Christmas story. Each display is installed and maintained by a different local church or faith group, a model organizers describe as a cooperative community effort.
The Santa Monica Nativity Scenes are among the city’s most enduring holiday traditions, dating back to 1953, when local civic leader Herb Spurgeon partnered with area churches to place nativities in Palisades Park. For decades, the displays occupied prime park space each December and became a hallmark of the city’s seasonal landscape.
That long tradition encountered political and legal challenges in the early 2010s. A number of atheist applicants entered Santa Monica’s lottery for public park display space, an annual process required under the city’s Winter Display ordinance. Some of these applicants received lottery spots alongside traditional Christian scenes, prompting debate over whether religious displays should be permitted on public property and whether the system treated all viewpoints equally.
In 2012, amid growing controversy and competing applications, the City Council voted to repeal the Winter Display exception that had allowed unattended holiday displays in parks, effectively banning all such exhibits in city parks — religious and secular alike. The Santa Monica Nativity Scenes Committee filed a federal lawsuit, arguing the repeal violated free speech rights. Federal courts upheld the city’s action as a neutral regulation of time, place, and manner, bringing an end to the decades-long practice of placing the Nativity Scenes in Palisades Park.
In the years since, organizers and volunteers have worked to preserve the tradition at a new site on Main Street, relying on community support, church partnerships, and donations to keep the project alive. Churches including St. Anne’s, St. Monica, Vintage Church, and the First United Methodist Church have contributed scenes and labor to sustain continuity.
As St. Anne’s volunteers finished dismantling their booth in the morning drizzle, the scene reflected both the seasonal close and the persistence of a tradition carried forward by successive generations of Santa Monica residents.
Organizers say the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes will return for the next holiday season. More information on the project and ways to support it are available through volunteer and donation channels
On Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025, crews from YESCO were seen conducting a structural inspection of the historic Santa Monica Pier sign as part of preparations for its planned removal early next year. The inspection is a preliminary step tied to the larger Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project, a multi-year infrastructure effort aimed at modernizing access to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The inspection focused on evaluating the structural condition of the iconic blue steel sign, which spans the entrance to the pier. According to the project timeline, the original sign is scheduled to be removed in January 2026, restored off-site, and stored until the bridge replacement is completed. Once construction concludes, the refurbished sign will be reinstalled at a higher elevation to improve visibility and clearance.
The Pier Bridge Replacement Project involves replacing the 86-year-old bridge that connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the pier. Built in 1939, the existing structure will be replaced with a new, seismically upgraded bridge designed to meet modern safety standards and provide a projected 75-year service life. Planned improvements include widened sidewalks, improved pedestrian circulation, and enhanced accessibility in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and continue through the end of 2027. During the project, pier businesses, restaurants, parking, and visitor access are expected to remain open. Temporary pedestrian and vehicular access routes will be installed to maintain connectivity, including a pedestrian bridge from Ocean Avenue and a vehicle ramp from the beach parking lot for emergency access, deliveries, and public parking.
Shimmick Construction Company, Inc., a nationally recognized infrastructure contractor, is leading the $35 million project. Approximately 75 percent of the funding is provided through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the remaining costs covered by local transportation funds.
YESCO, the company conducting the sign inspection, is a Salt Lake City–based manufacturer of electric signs founded in 1920. The firm is known for producing and maintaining several high-profile landmarks nationwide, including the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, the Fremont Street Experience, the Reno Arch, and historic theater marquees in Hollywood.
City officials have stated that outreach with pier tenants and community stakeholders will continue throughout construction to minimize disruption and maintain public access during the multi-phase project.
Santa Monica Closeup documents infrastructure projects and civic improvements across the city as they unfold.
Rabbi Isaac Levitansky of Chabad of Santa Monica lit the giant menorah at the Third Street Promenade on Sunday night, December 14, 2025, marking the first night of Hanukkah. The public ceremony brought community members together in downtown Santa Monica as the first candle of the eight-day Festival of Lights was illuminated.
Before the lighting, Rabbi Eli Levitansky addressed recent international events impacting the Jewish community. He referenced a reported attack on members of the Jewish community in Australia that occurred during an early Hanukkah celebration due to time zone differences, emphasizing resilience in the face of antisemitism.
“When these tragedies occur, they are done to create fear,” Rabbi Eli Levitansky said. “Our response needs to be the opposite. We need to come out even stronger, even prouder, to show our Jewish pride.”
The gathering paused to light 16 memorial candles in honor of those who lost their lives in the reported attack. Attendees were invited to join in singing Ani Ma’amin, a song rooted in Jewish faith and perseverance.
“It is not a song of despair, but rather a song of hope,” Rabbi Eli Levitansky told the crowd. “Even in the darkest moments, the Jewish people believed their future still lay ahead—and that we are here to stay.”
Gratitude was also extended to local law enforcement, with organizers thanking the Santa Monica Police Department for providing security during the event and offering a blessing for their safety.
Prior to the menorah lighting, a letter written in 1980 by the Lubavitcher Rebbe was read aloud. The message described Hanukkah as a reminder of the victory of spiritual strength over oppression and emphasized the symbolic power of light in confronting darkness.
“Our sages said, ‘A little light expels a lot of darkness,’” the letter read. “Illumination begins at home, but it does not stop there.”
Following the remarks, Rabbi Isaac Levitansky led the menorah lighting as prayers were recited and songs were sung. The evening concluded with community activities, including hot chocolate, latkes, children’s arts and crafts, and a photo area near the large dreidel display.
Additional nightly menorah lightings and Hanukkah festivities are scheduled to continue throughout the week at the Third Street Promenade, hosted by Chabad of Santa Monica.
Santa Monica — On Thursday evening, December 11, 2025, community leaders, labor advocates, clergy, and local workers held a seasonal posada procession through Santa Monica, calling for expanded worker housing, immigrant protections, and stronger job opportunities as the region prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A posada is a traditional Christmas-season procession that reenacts the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they seek shelter, often marked by singing, candlelight, and stops along a route where participants symbolically ask for lodging. In this case, organizers used the tradition’s theme of seeking shelter to highlight modern-day housing insecurity and economic challenges facing working families.
The demonstration began at the cannon monument on the Santa Monica Pier, where participants gathered with candles, signs, and traditional visuals including two ponies and volunteers dressed as Mary, Joseph, and angels. The procession’s first stop took place outside the shuttered Rusty’s Surf Ranch, where speakers urged the city to ensure that former workers have a pathway to return to their jobs once the venue reopens.
Organizers centered the march on a broader push for below-market housing to be developed on the current Santa Monica Airport property, which is slated to close in 2028. Groups including UNITE HERE Local 11, Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE), and the Fair Games Coalition have advocated for years for the land to be repurposed into housing that would serve low- and moderate-income families. The coalition reiterated its call for 50,000 units of worker housing across the Los Angeles region, citing an acute housing shortage expected to worsen following recent wildfire disasters.
As the procession moved through the city toward its final stop at St. Augustine By-The-Sea Church, participants sang traditional posada songs while clergy and community members highlighted ongoing challenges faced by working families. Along the route, speakers emphasized the need for stable employment, fair wages, and immigration protections.
The Fair Games Coalition includes more than 75 unions, immigrant-rights groups, community organizations, and housing advocates. UNITE HERE Local 11 represents over 32,000 hospitality workers across Southern California and Arizona. CLUE continues its interfaith advocacy work by mobilizing clergy and lay leaders to support workers and immigrant communities across the region.
— Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance for the community.
VENICE BEACH, CA — Tuesday, December 9, 2025 — A full-scale television production unfolded along the Venice shoreline Tuesday evening as host and executive producer Heidi Klum returned to Southern California to film an episode of Germany’s Next Topmodel during golden hour near the water.
A temporary beach set was constructed just north of the Venice Pier, complete with lighting towers, camera cranes, production tents, and a raised judging platform set against the Pacific Ocean backdrop. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, contestants—dressed in coordinated beachwear and runway attire—were staged for a sunset photoshoot and elimination sequence.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and sunset watchers gathered along the perimeter to observe the behind-the-scenes production. Many stopped to film and photograph the scene as contestants lined up before Klum and the judging panel, while camera crews captured multiple angles of the beachfront runway setup.
The episode appeared to feature a high-pressure seaside challenge, consistent with the show’s format of combining fashion performance with dramatic visual environments. Overhead boom lifts and studio lighting were used to maintain consistent exposure as daylight faded, while large reflector panels framed the judging area.
Germany’s Next Topmodel, now in its twentieth season, follows aspiring models through a series of elimination challenges testing runway skill, photo performance, brand presence, and adaptability. The Venice Beach shoot marks one of several international locations featured during the current season’s production cycle.
Filming concluded shortly after sunset as crews began dismantling equipment and beach traffic returned to normal. No road closures were reported, and public access to the surrounding beach remained open throughout the production.
Santa Monica Closeup documents public events of local significance and on-scene activity across the Westside.
On Tuesday morning, December 9, 2025, the Santa Monica Fire Department’s Advanced Provider Unit (APU) responded to a medical call near the public restrooms at Santa Monica Beach.
The two-person team—comprised of a firefighter/paramedic and a nurse practitioner—evaluated an unhoused young adult woman at the scene. After a medical assessment, the team provided the woman with a list of community-based resources intended to assist with follow-up care and support services.
The Advanced Provider Unit is part of a newly launched emergency medical services expansion within the Santa Monica Fire Department. The program deploys a firefighter/paramedic and a nurse practitioner together to respond to complex medical calls, provide advanced on-scene treatment, and coordinate follow-up care for high-risk patients. The initiative is designed to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, limit repeat 9-1-1 calls, and decrease reliance on private-sector ambulance services while improving patient outcomes through proactive, field-based care.
The department is also recruiting experienced nurse practitioners for part-time, contracted roles within the program, offering opportunities to work directly in the field alongside first responders in an evolving model of community-centered emergency medicine.
Santa Monica Closeup continues to document the people, programs, and public safety efforts shaping life along the coastline.
SANTA MONICA, CA — December 9, 2025 — A 31-year-old man was taken into custody Monday night following a fatal stabbing inside a residence in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.
Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible assault in progress at approximately 9:20 p.m. on December 8. Upon arrival, officers contacted the reporting party, who directed them inside the home. Inside the residence, officers located a 71-year-old man suffering from critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
The suspect, identified as the victim’s son, was located inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. Detectives from the department’s Criminal Investigations Division secured the scene and obtained a search warrant. Forensic specialists are now processing physical evidence, including a weapon recovered at the location.
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under active investigation. The suspect is expected to be booked on suspicion of homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Police emphasized that the incident appears to be isolated and occurred within a private residence. There is no ongoing threat to the community, though officers maintained a presence in the area throughout the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov at (310) 458-8451 or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.
VENICE BEACH, CA — Monday, December 8, 2025 — Under clear blue skies and warm winter sunshine, Santa Monica Closeup documented a full-length walking tour of the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, capturing a calm yet active stretch of the oceanfront as locals and visitors enjoyed the morning along the Pacific.
Pedestrians moved steadily along the wide concrete promenade, with light to moderate foot traffic spread across the boardwalk as shoppers browsed small storefronts, visitors paused for refreshments, and walkers took in the palm-lined scenery. While not heavily crowded, the atmosphere reflected a relaxed and open public space that now feels accessible, orderly, and safe for everyone.
In recent years, the Venice Beach Boardwalk experienced a prolonged period of disruption following the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders. During that time, the area saw a sharp increase in encampments and public safety concerns, significantly altering the visitor experience. City-led cleanup operations, outreach efforts, and renewed public safety presence have since reshaped the corridor.
Today, the boardwalk presents a markedly different scene—clean, open, and welcoming. Vendors, artists, retailers, and food spots now operate alongside families, tourists, and residents who have returned to enjoy the attractions that made Venice internationally known. From beachfront dining and casual shopping to people-watching and ocean views, the boardwalk has re-established itself as a safe and inviting gathering place.
Venice Beach now stands as a revitalized destination for both locals and visitors, offering a walkable, scenic, and food-rich experience along the Pacific shoreline. As the video tour reflects, the boardwalk is once again open for business—and open for exploring.
Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public spaces and community life across the Westside.
VENICE BEACH, CA — Sunday, December 7, 2025 — The Venice Beach Recreation Center hosted the 18th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive on Sunday, drawing steady community participation from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Ocean Front Walk. The holiday charity event focused on collecting new, unwrapped toys for children across Westside communities, including Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City, Oakwood, Westchester, and Marina del Rey.
Presented by Icon Muscle and produced by Joe Wheatley Productions in collaboration with World Gym International, the event was hosted by MusclePharm and coordinated in conjunction with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Uniformed officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division collected donated toys throughout the day for delivery to the division’s annual Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive. Donations filled multiple police vehicles as officers assisted with on-site collection and logistics.
Santa Claus arrived on the boardwalk accompanied by his elves, creating a focal point for family photo opportunities. A scheduled boardwalk performance by Santa & His Elvettes took place in the early afternoon, adding a lively entertainment element to the day’s activities.
Among those in attendance was Traci Park, who joined officers and organizers in supporting the toy collection effort. The event also drew participation from local motorcycle groups, including members of the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club, who arrived with toy donations and additional financial contributions.
Event producer Joe Wheatley noted that the toy drive has partnered with the Pacific Division for nearly two decades to support its holiday distribution efforts, emphasizing the impact the annual collection has on local families.
Limited-edition event T-shirts were distributed during the drive, with proceeds directed back into the program. By the end of the afternoon, organizers reported a strong turnout and substantial volume of donated toys.
Santa Monica Closeup will continue documenting community-based events and public service efforts across the Westside.
