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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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