Local Legend Tom Moore Approaches 3,000 Diamond Head Hikes, Inspiring Fellow Hikers

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz and his nephews hiked the Diamond Head Crater Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii, to mark the first day of autumn. During their ascent, they met 70-year-old Tom Moore, a local hiking legend who has completed nearly 3,000 hikes up the famed trail since 2008, maintaining a rigorous routine of hiking twice a day. Diamond Head Crater Trail, a popular hiking destination on Oahu, is a steep 1.6-mile round trip that leads to panoramic views of Waikīkī, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail, known for its switchbacks, steep stairs, and tunnel sections, rises about 560 feet from the crater floor to the summit. While challenging for many, it remains a must-do for locals and visitors alike, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding sense of accomplishment at the summit. For Moore, the hike has become a daily ritual. Despite battling health issues that required medical implants, he continues his routine, often hiking early in the morning before crowds arrive. “I’ve been to the top about 2,900 times—almost 3,000,” Moore said. “Rain or shine, I just keep going.” Moore’s persistence and fitness have earned him the admiration of fellow hikers. Known for his lighthearted advice, Moore told Lewkowicz and his nephews to start their hike at dawn for the best experience. “Get up at dawn,” he suggested. “It’s less crowded, and the sunrise is worth it.” Diamond Head’s challenging terrain and scenic views attract thousands of hikers every year, but Moore’s unwavering dedication stands out. His nearly 3,000 climbs up the crater serve as a remarkable example of determination and passion, making him a fixture on the trail and an inspiration to all who meet him.

Retail Apocalypse: Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade Faces Mass Store Closures

A recent video by YouTuber Jeremiah Babe, featuring guest Jack Morgan, paints a stark picture of the current state of Santa Monica. The two explore the once-bustling Third Street Promenade, now riddled with vacant storefronts and signs of economic decline. According to the video, half of the stores along the promenade are out of business, with many windows boarded up and a general sense of lifelessness taking over the area. 

Jack Morgan, who lived in the area five years ago, remarked on the stark contrast from his earlier experiences, noting how vibrant the area once was. Now, he observes a sharp downturn, with a growing homeless population and frequent police presence, indicating a rise in crime. Enrique, another guest on the video, commented on how this decline had been occurring for years, predating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group walks through the promenade, observing the once-thriving retail scene now reduced to a shell of itself, with only large corporate stores like Adidas and Zumiez managing to survive. Meanwhile, many small businesses have been forced to shut their doors. Sid, another guest and a security expert, commented on the visible presence of private security and police, a response to increasing crime and mental health issues in the area.

The video concludes with reflections on the broader impacts of the decline, from the loss of tax revenue to the potential for a regional banking crisis as more businesses close. Morgan, who now lives in Florida, notes the contrasting economic boom in his new home state, where businesses are thriving, and the homeless issue is less pronounced.

The video offers a sobering glimpse into the challenges facing Santa Monica, highlighting the ongoing struggles of small businesses and the uncertain future of one of California’s iconic shopping destinations.

Santa Monica's Future: Mayor Phil Brock Highlights Investment, Housing, and Public Safety Initiatives

Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock recently appeared on *California Insider* to address the ongoing concerns surrounding homelessness and public safety in the city. Despite widespread reports of crime and growing homelessness, Mayor Brock reaffirmed that Santa Monica is still thriving, with new investments and housing developments underway. 

During the interview with host Siyamak Khorrami, Mayor Brock acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the city's position at the end of the Route 66 and the Metro rail line, which has become a passageway for homeless individuals from across Los Angeles. "I was at the end of the rail line and saw 47 homeless people exit the train between 12 and 2 a.m.," he said, adding that an estimated 6,000 unhoused individuals pass through Santa Monica annually.

Brock emphasized Santa Monica's "compassionate but accountable" approach, balancing the need to provide support services with enforcing anti-camping laws. The city is allocating over $10 million to homelessness solutions and another $30 million toward police and fire response, aiming to manage the growing concerns. He also noted efforts to build affordable housing and supportive services, while increasing patrols and surveillance to deter criminal activity.

Despite the challenges, Brock expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the billion-dollar investments coming to downtown Santa Monica, the upcoming World Cup festivities in 2026, and the city’s role as a host for beach volleyball during the 2028 Olympics. The mayor called on residents to remain engaged with local governance and support the community's recovery and revitalization. 

Santa Monica, he emphasized, is "open for business" and remains committed to its residents and visitors alike.

 

Graham Stephan Exposes California's Decline: Homelessness, Crime, and Legislative Failures – Santa Monica at the Epicenter

Popular financial YouTuber, Graham Stephan, known for his rise to millionaire status and insightful commentary, has released a powerful new video titled *"WTF Just Happened to California?!"* In this eye-opening feature, Stephan highlights the growing issues plaguing California, with Santa Monica serving as a prime example of the state's struggles. Throughout the video, key footage from Santa Monica Closeup's (SMCU) photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz captures the ongoing enforcement actions of Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies and Santa Monica police as they confront the homelessness crisis.

The video opens by addressing the alarming rise in crime and homelessness that has swept across California, and particularly Santa Monica. Once a top tourist destination, Santa Monica now finds itself at the center of a broader statewide crisis. Stephan stresses that while Santa Monica is struggling, the issues he documents—crime, theft, homelessness, and substance abuse—are symptomatic of deeper systemic failures across Los Angeles and the entire state.

Fabian Lewkowicz's compelling video clips are woven throughout Stephan’s narrative. The footage captures Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies enforcing anti-camping regulations at the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station, where homeless individuals frequently camp inside the trains. Additionally, Santa Monica police officers are shown engaging with homeless people in public parks, enforcing city ordinances, and making arrests, including one arrest following an assault. These scenes underscore the ongoing challenge local authorities face as they attempt to address the intersection of homelessness and crime.

Stephan also features footage of Los Angeles Police Officers (LAPD) leading encampment cleanups, as well as Los Angeles Park Rangers working to clear homeless encampments in Venice, a neighboring community. The footage provides a firsthand look at the difficult reality of managing homelessness in highly visible areas, like Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

In his analysis, Stephan critiques California’s current policies, focusing on the state's legislative response to crime and homelessness. He highlights recently signed bills by Governor Gavin Newsom that aim to combat shoplifting and retail theft. While Stephan acknowledges the intent behind these new laws, he questions their effectiveness, citing concerns over enforcement. In particular, Stephan points to the existing threshold for theft under $950, which is classified as a misdemeanor, allowing many shoplifters to evade significant consequences. The loophole, he explains, has emboldened criminals, contributing to a surge in petty theft and organized retail crime.

In a key section of the video, Stephan shares an anonymous account from someone with firsthand knowledge of Santa Monica’s inner workings. This source claims that an overwhelming majority—up to 90%—of police calls in Santa Monica involve homeless individuals, many of whom struggle with severe mental illness or substance abuse. Despite efforts to provide services, the root causes of homelessness remain largely unaddressed, and the city’s attempts to manage the crisis are strained by a lack of resources and broader systemic issues.

Santa Monica’s mayor, Phil Brock, makes an appearance in the video, providing his perspective on the city’s challenges. Mayor Brock supports legislative reforms, such as Prop 36, which would roll back the 2014 reclassification of certain thefts and drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. He argues that stricter enforcement is necessary to curb crime, but he also emphasizes the need for more robust mental health and addiction services. In one of the clips, Brock discusses the impact of homeless individuals being transported to Santa Monica from other parts of the state, which has compounded the city’s challenges.

Stephan delves deeper into the state’s handling of homelessness, noting that California has spent billions on homeless services and encampment cleanups, yet the problem continues to worsen. He discusses recent Supreme Court rulings that allow for the removal of homeless encampments that pose safety risks, but he questions whether this approach alone will be enough to solve the underlying issues. The encampment cleanups featured in the video, including those led by LAPD and Park Rangers, highlight the scale of the problem but also underscore the limitations of simply clearing encampments without providing long-term housing solutions.

Graham Stephan’s video, enhanced by the footage from Santa Monica Closeup and specifically photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz, paints a sobering picture of Santa Monica’s ongoing struggles. The video serves as both an exposé on California’s broader policy failures and a call to action for local governments to rethink their approach to homelessness and crime. Stephan's coverage, combined with the powerful imagery from SMCU, brings much-needed attention to the challenges facing one of California’s most iconic cities. As Stephan continues to raise awareness about these issues, it remains to be seen whether the state will make meaningful changes to reverse the tide.

Santa Monica's Struggles Highlighted in German in Venice Video: Crime, Homelessness, and Business Closures on the Rise

In a recent video by Mike from *German in Venice*, also known as GIV, the YouTuber sheds light on the troubling decline of Santa Monica, California. Once a bustling tourist destination, Santa Monica is now facing a crisis, with rising crime, homelessness, and a wave of business closures. Mike, who has gained popularity for his candid explorations of local issues, walks viewers through the city's iconic spots, revealing a stark contrast to its former glory.

Santa Monica, now deemed one of the most dangerous cities in California, has seen a steady increase in crime, particularly theft and assaults. The video begins by noting that up to 70% of arrests in the city involve homeless individuals, a population that has swelled in recent years. The Santa Monica Metro station has become a central point for homeless individuals traveling from downtown Los Angeles, adding to the strain on local resources. GIV captures how law enforcement, including sheriff deputies, are now tasked with removing homeless individuals camping on the trains, part of a broader effort to manage the situation.

The video covers several alarming incidents of violence, including the stabbing of three German tourists by a homeless man on Fourth Street near the popular Third Street Promenade. Another shocking case involved a jogger being attacked by a homeless individual, who attempted to pull her into a public restroom. These incidents have left both residents and tourists shaken, with safety concerns escalating around popular public areas such as parks, restrooms, and the beach.

Mike also dives into the economic impact on Santa Monica, showing rows of empty storefronts along the once-thriving Third Street Promenade. Many of the city's well-known businesses have closed their doors, unable to keep up with high rent and dwindling foot traffic. Iconic locations like Forever 21, Gap, and various restaurants are now shuttered, leaving prime real estate sitting vacant. Mike reflects on the stark change, recalling a time when the area was full of life, with live music, bustling crowds, and vibrant nightlife.

The homelessness crisis in Santa Monica has compounded these challenges. GIV discusses the high prevalence of mental health and substance abuse issues among the homeless population, a factor that has contributed to a rise in crime and confrontations. Santa Monica's controversial needle exchange program, which provides clean needles in public spaces, has sparked debate about the city's approach to managing the situation.

As GIV walks through the empty streets, he captures not only the closed businesses but the social impact of these closures. Community spaces once filled with locals and tourists are now barren, and Mike notes that even police stations have taken over spaces once occupied by retail stores, highlighting the extent of the city's transformation.

The video also touches on recent brawls and stabbings near the Santa Monica Pier, a landmark that has seen its own share of violence. GIV recounts a fight involving 20 people that resulted in a stabbing, further reinforcing the growing concerns about safety in the city. Despite these challenges, Mike emphasizes that Santa Monica remains a beautiful city with much to offer, urging viewers not to be discouraged from visiting but to remain vigilant.

While the video paints a bleak picture of Santa Monica's current state, Mike remains hopeful that the city can bounce back. He highlights the resilience of certain businesses still trying to make it in the area and encourages people to stay aware of their surroundings. GIV’s exploration of Santa Monica serves as both a warning and a call to action, raising awareness about the city’s struggles and the need for solutions to its pressing issues.

Mike from *German in Venice* continues to document the realities of life in Southern California, offering an unfiltered look at the challenges facing cities like Santa Monica. His video provides viewers around the world with a glimpse of what has become a complicated situation, as one of California’s most famous cities grapples with rising crime, homelessness, and an uncertain future.

Santa Monica's Decline Sparks Outcry in Graham Stephan’s New Video, Featuring Santa Monica Closeup Footage

Popular YouTuber Graham Stephan, known for his financial insights and rise to millionaire status, released a compelling video titled *"WTF Happened to Santa Monica, California?"* that documents the once-thriving city’s downward spiral. Stephan highlights key issues such as rising crime, a growing homeless population, and widespread business closures. Central to his video were powerful clips from Santa Monica Closeup’s photojournalist, Fabian Lewkowicz, whose footage vividly captured the complex and troubling dynamics of homelessness and law enforcement efforts.

Santa Monica, which Stephan remembers as a vibrant community, is now facing a crisis. He returned to the city’s iconic Third Street Promenade, where he walked viewers through streets filled with empty storefronts. According to Stephan, 40% of the retail space along the Promenade is now vacant, a stark indicator of the city’s economic struggles. Rent prices in the area have skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for smaller businesses to survive, with some locations asking as much as $30,000 a month.

Stephan’s video delved deeply into Santa Monica’s homelessness crisis, with Lewkowicz’s video clips playing a critical role in showing the extent of the issue. The footage depicted homeless individuals at the Downtown Metro Station, where sheriff deputies were seen enforcing policies against camping in trains. These powerful visuals highlighted the ongoing tension between law enforcement and the homeless community, a recurring theme throughout the city as officials attempt to manage a growing crisis.

Lewkowicz’s videos also captured scenes of police engaging with homeless individuals in local parks, showcasing the daily interactions between law enforcement and those living on the streets. In some cases, the footage showed police making arrests, adding a sobering layer to the video’s exploration of how Santa Monica is handling its homelessness problem. Stephan’s narration paired with these clips underscored the strain this issue has placed on both law enforcement and the city’s resources.

"Santa Monica is struggling in ways that are hard to believe," Stephan remarked as he walked past vacant buildings and graffiti-covered walls. He recalled a time when the streets were filled with people shopping, eating, and enjoying street performances. Now, with high vacancy rates and few performers left, the streets felt eerily empty. 

Stephan also addressed the rising crime rates, an issue that has made many residents and business owners feel unsafe. Petty theft has surged under California’s Proposition 47, which reclassified thefts under $950 as misdemeanors. Stephan pointed out that many businesses are no longer reporting crimes, fearing either a lack of police response or a rise in insurance premiums. Lewkowicz’s video showed police arresting homeless individuals, capturing the human side of these interactions and the complexities of law enforcement’s role in managing crime and homelessness.

The pandemic, according to Stephan, further accelerated Santa Monica’s decline. Many businesses were forced to close, unable to survive the financial strain of lockdowns and decreased foot traffic. While high-end retailers and national chains have been able to hold on, smaller businesses have struggled to stay afloat. Lewkowicz’s footage underscored the economic devastation, showing the impact of these closures on the local landscape.

As Stephan’s video explored the ongoing efforts to solve the homelessness crisis, Lewkowicz’s footage of sheriff deputies enforcing regulations at the Metro Station and police arresting homeless individuals in parks gave viewers a firsthand look at the situation. California has spent billions on housing initiatives, but Stephan questioned the effectiveness of these projects, noting that some units built for the homeless cost upwards of $1 million each. Lewkowicz’s videos offered a ground-level perspective of these efforts, as law enforcement continues to grapple with managing the growing number of homeless individuals throughout the city.

Despite the grim realities presented in the video, Stephan concluded with a call to action. He acknowledged that while Santa Monica’s challenges are significant, the city still has the potential to recover. Addressing homelessness, rising crime, and the economic fallout from the pandemic will require coordinated efforts from local leaders, law enforcement, and the community.

The inclusion of Lewkowicz’s video clips from Santa Monica Closeup added depth and context to Stephan’s analysis, providing viewers with a stark visual representation of the issues at hand. The combination of Stephan’s personal reflections, economic insights, and Lewkowicz’s visual storytelling created a comprehensive portrayal of Santa Monica’s decline and the difficult road ahead.

Santa Monica, a city once synonymous with prosperity and beauty, now finds itself at a crossroads. Stephan’s video, with the help of Lewkowicz’s compelling footage, has sparked an important conversation about the future of this iconic coastal community.

Santa Monica City Council Candidates Debate Key Issues at 2024 Forum

On September 8, 2024, the Santa Monica City Council Candidates Forum brought together all ten qualified candidates in a lively, two-hour debate, giving residents a unique opportunity to hear directly from those vying for a seat on the City Council. The event was held at the Lincoln Middle School Auditorium and was organized and sponsored by the North of Montana Neighborhood Association (NOMA), alongside other prominent neighborhood groups, including Friends of Sunset Park, Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors, Northeast Neighbors, Pico Neighborhood Association, and the Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition.

The North of Montana Neighborhood Association (NOMA), founded in 1998 and revived in 2012 after a brief period of inactivity, represents approximately 5,200 homes located between Montana Avenue, Ocean Avenue, the northern city limits, and 26th Street. NOMA is a volunteer-led organization committed to improving the quality of life for its residents and the broader Santa Monica community. The group plays an active role in preserving the character of the neighborhood by fostering open dialogue between residents and local government, facilitating public forums on key issues, and advocating for responsible development, traffic control, public safety, and environmental sustainability. NOMA prides itself on being an unbiased platform that educates the community on various issues but refrains from endorsing political candidates or taking pre-established stances without majority resident approval.

The forum, co-sponsored by other neighborhood groups, aimed to provide voters with a comprehensive look at where each candidate stands on issues that matter most to Santa Monicans. Topics ranged from housing affordability, homelessness, and economic development, to public safety, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

In his welcoming remarks, Bruce Leddy, Chair of NOMA, emphasized the importance of civic engagement and neighborhood involvement in the city’s future. “City Council decisions impact all of us, and it's critical to be informed,” Leddy stated, urging attendees to participate actively in their neighborhood associations to stay updated on local developments and policies.

The evening’s format included six segments, starting with candidate introductions, followed by a series of major topic questions chosen at random, and a rapid-fire "lightning round." Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond to direct questions on topics such as homelessness, public safety, and the need for smart, sustainable development. The lightning round, in particular, offered a fast-paced overview of where each candidate stood on controversial issues such as whether to expand police funding, restrict the distribution of needles in local parks, or support new zoning policies to encourage affordable housing development.

Throughout the forum, the candidates reflected on Santa Monica’s growth and challenges over the last four years, debating the effectiveness of current policies and offering their visions for the future. Housing affordability was a recurring theme, with several candidates discussing the city’s struggle to balance development with the preservation of neighborhood character. Many also addressed the homelessness crisis, offering varied solutions, ranging from increasing mental health and addiction services to expanding affordable housing options and enforcing stricter public space regulations.

Public safety also dominated much of the conversation, as candidates were asked whether they would support expanding the police force, enhancing mental health services, and investing in new technologies such as drones to assist law enforcement. Some candidates argued for a more progressive, holistic approach to crime prevention, focusing on addressing the root causes of homelessness and economic inequality. Others emphasized the need for immediate safety improvements, including increasing police presence in areas like Downtown Santa Monica, where crime rates have been a growing concern for residents and businesses alike.

One of the event’s highlights was the discussion around city finances, with candidates weighing in on Santa Monica's ongoing budget challenges. Some advocated for seeking new revenue sources, while others pushed for a more restrained approach to spending, suggesting that the city’s focus should be on essential services like public safety and affordable housing. The debate also touched on state housing mandates and the controversial “Builder's Remedy,” which has resulted in a wave of development projects across the city. Candidates voiced differing views on how to balance the state’s housing requirements with local control over land use and development.

The final segment gave each candidate a chance to make closing statements, summarizing their platforms and underscoring their commitments to the community. Many expressed a deep personal connection to Santa Monica, while others focused on the need for fresh leadership to tackle the city’s pressing issues with new ideas and perspectives.

The 2024 Santa Monica City Council Candidates Forum was not only an informative event but also a demonstration of the power of civic engagement at the local level. NOMA, along with its co-sponsoring neighborhood associations, played a key role in fostering this dialogue, highlighting the importance of neighborhood organizations in shaping the future of Santa Monica.

The event was recorded and will be posted online in its entirety for those who could not attend. NOMA and the other neighborhood groups encourage all residents to get involved by joining their local associations, participating in community meetings, and staying informed about key issues impacting their neighborhoods and the city at large.

As NOMA continues its mission to enhance the quality of life in Santa Monica, the organization remains committed to providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns, stay engaged, and work together to ensure the city’s long-term sustainability and success. Residents interested in getting involved or learning more about NOMA can visit the organization's website or contact the board via email.