𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: Activist Rallies to Reopen Historic Camera Obscura in Palisades Park

SANTA MONICA, CA — Sunday, May 18, 2025 — With a handmade sign in hand and chants echoing through Palisades Park, Greg Ruben staged a solo demonstration outside Santa Monica’s long-shuttered Camera Obscura, demanding the city reopen the historic optical attraction that has remained closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pacing in front of the iconic brown structure near Ocean Avenue, Ruben held a two-sided placard that read “REOPEN THE CAMERA OBSCURA” on one side and “LET THERE BE LIGHT” on the other. His chants, rhythmic and persistent, included lines like “Five years too long!” and “Let there be light!” — words he repeated throughout the morning. “My name is Greg Ruben and I'm here today demanding that the city of Santa Monica reopen the Camera Obscura,” he said. “It closed in 2020 with the COVID pandemic and it's been five years now — it's way too long.” Ruben described the Camera Obscura as a rare and irreplaceable community asset, noting that it is one of only two known functional public camera obscuras in the entire state of California. “It was a special and unique place in the city of Santa Monica and really in all of California,” he said. The Camera Obscura, installed in 1898 and relocated to its current home in 1955, has served generations with real-time projected views of the park and ocean, using simple mirror and lens mechanics. Although the building now functions as a City-run artist studio, the device itself has been closed to the public since 2020. Fabian Lewkowicz, SMCU photojournalist and longtime advocate for community-based visual education, echoed Ruben’s sentiments. “As a former photo workshop instructor, I frequently brought children to the site as part of a summer photography camp,” Lewkowicz said. “One of our highlights was coming here. The kids loved it — it was a great way to teach them about photography and how light works.” As of this report, the City of Santa Monica has not issued any updates on whether public access to the Camera Obscura will be restored. Ruben, however, says he’s prepared to keep showing up. “I'm prepared to be here all day if that's what it takes,” he said.

𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘: Santa Monica Police Explorers Train on Pier in Honor of Fallen Officer Rick Crocker

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday morning on the Santa Monica Pier, passersby observed a disciplined formation of young men and women running in unison, chanting military-style cadences as part of their morning physical training. The group, part of the Santa Monica Police Department’s 87th Explorer Academy, took to the beach and boardwalk to complete calisthenics and running drills under the guidance of uniformed Santa Monica police officers.

The 87th Academy class is held in tribute to Officer Rick Crocker, a U.S. Marine and beloved Santa Monica police officer who was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade during his deployment in Iraq on May 26, 2005. Prior to his military service, Crocker was known for his work with the Police Activities League (PAL), where he championed mentorship programs for local youth.

The Santa Monica Police Explorer program is a career education initiative for young adults aged 14 to 21, offering hands-on experience in law enforcement. Participants engage in a wide array of training and activities including ride-alongs, traffic control, disaster assistance, and community events. To qualify, applicants must meet a range of criteria, including maintaining a minimum “C” grade average, good moral standing, physical fitness, and successful graduation from the South Bay Regional Law Enforcement Explorer Academy.

Saturday’s workout was part of a broader effort to instill discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility in the next generation of law enforcement professionals—while keeping alive the legacy of an officer who believed deeply in youth mentorship.

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📍 Santa Monica Closeup will continue to follow community-based public safety programs and highlight the stories shaping local youth engagement.

𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: SaMo Bridge Offers Santa Monica's Homeless a Choice — Jail or Help

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 15, 2025 — A new chapter in Santa Monica’s public safety and homelessness response began this week with the official opening of SaMo Bridge, a city-run diversion program aimed at offering an alternative to incarceration for individuals struggling with homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health issues.

The site, located in the east parking lot of the shuttered Civic Auditorium at Main Street and Pico Boulevard, quietly launched operations on Monday, May 12. Run by longtime mental health provider Exodus Recovery, Inc., the initiative offers a 24/7 “respite hub” where individuals detained for low-level, non-violent offenses can access services instead of jail.

Qualified individuals referred by Santa Monica Police may now choose to temporarily stay at the SaMo Bridge facility in lieu of traditional booking procedures. There, they can rest, eat, shower, and—critically—meet with on-site case managers who will work with them on a personalized 90-day care coordination plan focused on housing, treatment, and recovery.

Participation in the program can lead to misdemeanor charges being dropped, provided the individual follows through with the care plan. The site has capacity for three to four people at a time and is tightly managed, with 24-hour security, video monitoring by SMPD, and no walk-up access allowed.

The SaMo Bridge program builds upon the city’s previous efforts, including STEP Court and the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program, and is fully funded by an $8 million grant awarded to the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Police and Human Services departments.

City officials describe the initiative as a crucial new tool in addressing the root causes of crime—particularly for those caught in a revolving door of citations without ever receiving treatment. “We are working hard to leverage outside resources and find alternate resolutions to end the underlying conditions that result in criminal behavior,” said Chief Deputy City Attorney Jenna Grigsby.

Exodus Recovery, founded in 1989, brings decades of experience in mental health and substance abuse care across Southern California. Their mission centers on promoting dignity and self-determination for clients, with services tailored to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In addition to managing the new respite hub, Exodus also oversees a range of psychiatric urgent care and diversion programs throughout Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

While city leaders such as Police Chief Ramon Batista have praised the program as a vital intervention strategy, some local residents have voiced concerns about its location and possible neighborhood impacts. Proposals to relocate the facility to areas like Santa Monica Airport have been floated, while others argue for stricter enforcement rather than rehabilitation-focused approaches.

In response, the city is ramping up public outreach, including a local advisory committee and regular updates at community meetings. The first such update was held earlier this year on January 22 during the Human Services Commission meeting.

City officials maintain that connecting individuals to help in real time is a more effective long-term strategy than relying solely on the court system. “To have a place to take someone—that isn’t jail—gives people a chance to pursue a different path that leads to housing, treatment, and stability,” said Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick.

Residents can follow the program’s progress and access FAQs at santamonica.gov.

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Reporting by Santa Monica Closeup. For continued coverage of public safety, homelessness initiatives, and community developments in Santa Monica, follow along for more updates.

 

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗧: Pacific Park Installs New Motor on Iconic Santa Monica Pier Coaster

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Pacific Park maintenance crews undertook a major mechanical upgrade to the West Coaster, the iconic roller coaster perched atop the historic Santa Monica Pier. Using a crane, the team carefully hoisted and installed a new drive motor and sprocket — the key components that power the ride’s thrilling launch and propulsion system.

This marks the fourth time in the park’s operational history that the roller coaster has undergone such a significant replacement. The procedure drew attention from visitors and passersby as crews in hard hats and protective gear coordinated the precision lift against a backdrop of ocean views and fluttering American and California flags.

The West Coaster, a signature attraction since Pacific Park opened in 1996, remains a favorite for its oceanfront turns and elevated vistas. Alongside the solar-powered Pacific Wheel — the world’s only Ferris wheel run entirely by solar energy — the coaster defines the skyline of this beloved amusement park over the Pacific.

Pacific Park features 12 rides, midway games, food stands, and retail shops, all operating with no gate fee, continuing its mission to offer family-friendly fun for both locals and tourists.

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Reporting by Santa Monica Closeup. For continued coverage of coastal infrastructure, pier maintenance, and local amusements, follow @SantaMonicaCloseup across platforms.

𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥: Army Corps Commander Leads Will Rogers Debris Site Tour in Palisades Fire Recovery Push

PACIFIC PALISADES — On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Will Rogers State Historic Park Temporary Debris Staging and Reduction (TDSR) site from Col. Jeffrey S. Palazzini, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Field Office for the Palisades Fire.

Col. Palazzini led the walk-through at the high-security site nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, where debris and recyclable material collected from the Palisades Fire burn zone is being processed as part of the federal recovery effort.

The site plays a critical role in Phase Two of the disaster response. Trucks transporting concrete and vegetative waste from destroyed properties in Malibu and Pacific Palisades deliver materials to the TDSR, where concrete is pulverized and green waste is shredded for recycling. The process significantly reduces the number of long-haul trips, slashing emissions and turnaround times.

"Having this TDSR here locally has multiple benefits," said Palazzini. "It cuts truck traffic, lowers fuel use, and helps us clear properties faster."

During the tour, Col. Palazzini demonstrated how the massive concrete crushing machine works in stages to reduce rubble into reusable base material. Adjacent to the crusher, rows of fire-damaged trees—classified as green waste—were staged for chipping. A large industrial chipper breaks down the logs, which are then hauled away to recycling centers.

Air quality remains a top priority. Two monitoring stations at the Will Rogers site continuously sample air for particulate matter and report real-time data to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and LA County Public Health. "If thresholds are exceeded, the site is shut down immediately for evaluation," said Palazzini, noting that no major air quality incidents have occurred to date.

Dust suppression crews remain on constant duty, hosing down debris piles and misting the air to keep particles from escaping. "That’s why our monitors haven’t picked up anything concerning," he added.

Col. Palazzini also highlighted a newly awarded $2.6 million contract that will remove fire debris from Will Rogers State Historic Park itself—including chimneys and charred remains of historic structures lost in the blaze. The cleanup will be conducted under archaeological supervision to preserve the park's cultural heritage.

As of this week, more than 2,600 properties have been cleared under the Army Corps’ direction, with an estimated 4,400 Right of Entry (ROE) forms expected in total. Over 400 USACE personnel are currently deployed in the region, supported by thousands of contractors.

"We’re proud to be here helping this community recover," said Palazzini. "This site is helping us move fast and do it safely."

The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and burned over 23,000 acres before being fully contained on January 31. Recovery remains ongoing across Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and surrounding areas.

𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗬 𝗥𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗢 (𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟮–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱): A Candid Interview with the Wrestling Legend

SANTA MONICA — In a heartfelt interview filmed in October 2023, wrestling icon Tony Rocco opened his home—and his history—to Santa Monica Closeup. Now shared for the first time following his passing in 2025, the footage captures a living legend reflecting on his roots, his career, and his love for Muscle Beach.

Born in Foggia, Italy, Rocco’s journey began in the coal mines of England before stepping into the squared circle at age 21. “I worked five years in a coal mine,” he recalled. “Then I started wrestling… they saw I was pumped up and said, ‘We need you in the ring.’” That call led to a 30-year international wrestling career under names like Tony Stone, Don Corleone, and Super Gladiator.

From England to Mexico, Japan to Alaska, Rocco performed for promotions such as NWA and WWF, gaining a reputation for his strength, agility, and endurance. “In Japan, they wanted you big,” he said, recalling bulking up to 228 pounds for matches. “They treated me good there. Same with Mexico—people wore masks, and the fans loved it.”

Tony wrestled in over 900 matches, often battling injuries without medical support. “If you get hurt on the road, good luck,” he said with a grin. “You just keep going.”

Outside the ring, Rocco was a fixture at Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach. Even in his 80s, he continued to train—stretching under the sun and inspiring passersby. “I don’t make millions,” he said humbly, “but I made a living doing what I loved.”

Rocco’s reflections extend beyond the sport, touching on his time running a London coffee shop, traveling the world, and raising a family in Southern California. “I told my kids, keep the memories,” he said, motioning to old posters and photos on his wall. “If you don’t want them, give them to someone who will.”

Tony Rocco passed away in 2025 at the age of 82. This interview serves as both an intimate conversation and a public record of a remarkable life lived with grit, grace, and unrelenting strength.

Rest in power, Tony. You’ll always be a legend—on and off the mat.

𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛: USC Researchers Test Coastal Microbes After Palisades Fire

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On the morning of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, graduate students from the University of Southern California (USC) were seen collecting ocean water samples from the Santa Monica Pier as part of a field study investigating how marine microorganisms have been affected by the recent wildfire runoff into the Pacific. Using a bucket and rope, the students retrieved water from just below the surface. “Hi, my name is Mia. I'm here with Bradley and my lab partner Kelsey,” Mia explained. “We're here to look at marine microorganisms and their response to the fires and the subsequent rainfalls that L.A. has been experiencing.” The team’s research directly connects to the environmental aftermath of the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, amid severe drought and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. The wildfire scorched 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas. Twelve people lost their lives in the blaze, which was fully contained on January 31 after weeks of intense firefighting. Now, with heavy winter rains having followed the fire, scientists are studying how ash, debris, and nutrient-rich runoff may be altering coastal microbial ecosystems. “We just collected our water samples,” Mia added. “We’ll take them back to the lab to filter and analyze for any microbial shifts.” — Reporting by Santa Monica Closeup. Stay tuned for continued coverage of post-fire recovery and environmental impact research.

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗦: Hart Built Construction Clears Sunset Blvd Commercial Properties After Fire

PACIFIC PALISADES — April 28, 2025 — Hart Built Construction was hard at work Monday, demolishing and clearing four commercial properties on the 15000 block of Sunset Boulevard in downtown Pacific Palisades.

The properties, owned by the Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, were among the many structures heavily damaged by the devastating Palisades Fire earlier this year.

Chuck Hart, longtime Palisades resident and owner of Hart Built Construction, was on site personally overseeing the demolition. Hart Built Construction, based in Pacific Palisades, has been serving the community since 2001 and is known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, professionalism, and strict adherence to building codes.

The Community United Methodist Church, founded in 1922, was one of the town’s first structures. For over a century, its campus at 801 Via de la Paz served not only as a church and preschool but also as a vital gathering space for baptisms, weddings, funerals, plays, dances, volleyball games, and community events.

The historic building was destroyed in a matter of hours during the Palisades Fire on January 8, 2025.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, rapidly expanded under severe drought conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds. Burning approximately 23,448 acres and destroying nearly 7,000 structures, the fire led to widespread evacuations across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and neighboring communities before it was fully contained on January 31.

Today, as downtown Pacific Palisades rebuilds, local contractors like Hart Built Construction are playing a critical role in clearing the way for renewal.

𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧: Property Owner Urges Mayor Bass to Step Down

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A large, controversial banner displayed along the Third Street Promenade calling for the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has sparked strong reactions from passersby and city officials alike. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup spoke directly with John Alle, the property owner responsible for displaying the sign.

Alle, a longtime property and business owner in Santa Monica, said the banner was independently funded and conceived by a group of local stakeholders, though he clarified that it does not represent the formal stance of the Santa Monica Coalition, which he co-founded. “This is my building,” Alle stated, “and the banner was authorized and funded by myself and a group of 15 to 20 individuals who do business in Santa Monica. It’s not officially part of our Santa Monica Coalition agenda.”

The banner features a family photo of Mayor Bass and poses the question: "Do you think she cares about yours?" According to Alle, the display is intended to highlight what he views as failed leadership in both Los Angeles and Santa Monica, particularly in response to the recent Palisades Fire and ongoing public safety issues downtown.

Alle, who manages and owns properties in neighborhoods across Los Angeles including Skid Row, MacArthur Park, and Pico Union, said he personally warned Mayor Bass about the risks of traveling internationally just days before the wildfire. “I told her there were going to be serious winds,” he recalled, pointing to a conversation just before she departed for Ghana. “I said, 'If those fires get out of hand, we could lose the commercial core of LA.'”

He further criticized the city's emergency preparedness, citing failures related to water pressure, empty reservoirs, and inactive fire hydrants. “The lack of coordination and inadequate infrastructure response contributed to unnecessary loss,” Alle claimed, citing conversations with visiting firefighters and LA-based emergency personnel.

The banner, he said, is a continuation of similar public messaging campaigns, including earlier signs criticizing public officials such as former Mayor Sue Himmelrich, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and County Health Director Barbara Ferrer. Those campaigns, Alle asserted, helped force resignations and changes in leadership.

Much of Alle’s frustration centers on the perceived disconnect between elected leaders and the lived realities of taxpayers and property owners. He expressed concern over rising crime, the city’s approach to homelessness, underfunded police patrols, and what he describes as poor transparency and accounting in both LA and Santa Monica governance. “The homeless count is being misrepresented,” he said. “We volunteered for the count. It started at 8:00 a.m., but most encampments settle after midnight and break up before sunrise.”

Alle also questioned the occupancy of Getty House, the official residence of LA’s mayor. “Taxpayers didn’t elect a family to live there. They elected a mayor.”

Looking forward, Alle emphasized the group’s intention to hold public officials accountable through continued advocacy, audits, and further displays. “This is a call to action. Fires are year-round now. Winds are constant. Leadership must reflect that urgency.”

Alle confirmed that additional banners are planned in the coming weeks, as his group continues to spotlight what they view as systemic failures across city and county agencies. For now, the banner stands as a public expression of frustration—part protest, part plea for urgent reform.

𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗗𝗢𝗟𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛: Father and Son Discover Marine Tragedy on Venice Shore During National Work Day

VENICE BEACH — April 23, 2025 — What began as a lesson in public service turned into a hands-on wildlife response for one Los Angeles County employee and his young son during this year’s National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Jon Rubin, a grounds maintenance worker with Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors, brought his 9-year-old son Dylan to Venice Beach on Wednesday as part of the annual workplace tradition. The father-son duo started the day by collecting trash along the sand and parking lots. But the morning quickly turned into something unexpected.

While making their rounds, the two came across three sick sea lions along the shoreline. Acting quickly, Rubin placed cones around the animals to keep beachgoers at a safe distance and contacted the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC). When MMCC responders arrived, both Jon and Dylan assisted in carefully securing one of the sea lions and helping load it onto the rescue truck for transport to the rehabilitation facility.

In addition to the marine mammal rescue, the pair also retrieved a dead pelican from the beach and delivered it to the city yard for proper disposal. Later, they encountered four deceased dolphins along the sand and placed safety cones around the area to prevent public interference until crews could respond.

Their efforts took place one day ahead of the national observance of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, which is formally recognized on the fourth Thursday of April. This year, the official date is April 24, 2025.

The program encourages parents and guardians across the U.S. to bring children into the workplace, offering young people exposure to professional environments and real-world challenges. While it is typically a chance to observe office duties or tour facilities, Dylan Rubin’s experience highlighted an unexpected but meaningful example of public service and environmental responsibility.

The County of Los Angeles participates annually, inviting employees to showcase their work and help spark early interest in civic careers. According to the Museum of Women’s History, more than 37 million people worldwide have participated in the program since its inception, with events taking place in at least 92 countries, including India and China.

For young Dylan, the day offered more than just insight — it was an opportunity to assist in a genuine marine wildlife rescue, and a chance to witness first-hand the environmental challenges facing Southern California’s coastline.