LAPD Officers Gather Toys for Kids at the 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive

Venice Beach, CA– On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Venice Beach Recreation Center hosted the 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive, an event dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to children in need across Westside communities, including Venice, Culver City, Santa Monica, Oakwood, Westchester, and Marina del Rey. The drive ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was a resounding success. Organized by Joe Wheatley Productions (JWP) and Icon Muscle in collaboration with **World Gym International**, the event brought together community members who donated new, unwrapped toys valued at $20 or more. The **Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division** collected the toys and delivered them to their “Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive” for distribution later in the week. Santa Claus, accompanied by his cheerful elves, made a grand entrance, escorted by LAPD officers in a decorated sled. Officers assisted with gathering the toys, loading them into police vehicles to ensure timely delivery for Christmas celebrations. The festive event featured holiday photo opportunities, product giveaways from Legendary Foods, and red carpet interviews. A special ceremony at honored the event’s sponsors, with City Councilwoman Traci Park presenting certificates of appreciation. Adding to the excitement, members of the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club arrived on their motorcycles, each bringing toy donations and contributing a monetary gift to support the cause. Event producer Joe Wheatley reflected on the day’s success, saying, “For 17 years, Muscle Beach Venice has partnered with the LAPD Pacific Division to support their Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive. These donations have a direct impact on the lives of children in our local neighborhoods. It’s heartwarming to see the community come together like this.” Limited-edition event T-shirts were sold during the drive, with proceeds going toward the cause. With an abundance of holiday spirit and strong community support, the 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive proved to be a memorable and impactful event for children across the region.

Santa Monica Cracks Down on Overnight Parking with New Warning and Towing Signs

Santa Monica city officials installed a series of new warning signs earlier this week in an effort to enforce overnight parking restrictions at public beach lots. The initiative includes both standard signage detailing fines and towing fees as well as illuminated electronic signs that flash messages such as "VIOLATOR WILL BE TOWED" and "NO OVERNITE PARKING." 

The standard warning signs specify penalties for violators, including a $63 no-parking fine, a $172.45 paperwork fee, and towing costs starting at $272, with daily storage fees beginning at $78. Medium and heavy-duty vehicles face even higher towing fees, which can exceed $500. The electronic signs further emphasize the city’s regulations prohibiting parking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., ensuring that the rules are clearly communicated at all hours.

The crackdown comes amid weeks of tension over overnight parking at Lot 5 near Santa Monica Beach, where RV and bus owners have frequently parked in violation of the rules. The lot has also been a focal point of an ongoing protest led by the Homeless Advocacy for a Constitutional Convention (HACC), which began on October 29, 2024, to advocate for systemic reform and unhoused individuals’ rights to occupy public spaces.

Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz recently spoke with RV and bus residents who had previously parked overnight. Some explained that they preferred paying the $63 fine over relocating to RV campsites, citing the lot’s affordability and safety. However, since the installation of the new signs, there has been a noticeable reduction in overnight parking. Whether this is due to compliance with the regulations or a response to the financial burden of potential towing fees remains unclear.

The Santa Monica Police Department has yet to release a formal statement regarding its enforcement plans or potential actions for repeat violations. City officials, however, have indicated that towing may soon be implemented for vehicles with unpaid fines. The additional signage, especially the illuminated displays, appears to be reinforcing the city’s message and deterring parking violations.

As the situation continues to develop, residents, activists, and city officials remain engaged in addressing the overlapping concerns of parking enforcement, transient vehicle owners, and ongoing protests. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Santa Monica Sleighs the Streets: Santa Cruise Rolls Through Santa Monica and Venice

Hundreds of skaters, bikers, and rollerbladers took to the streets of Santa Monica on Saturday, December 7, 2024, for the 4th Annual "Santa Cruise: A Rolling Holiday Party," hosted by Beyond the Board and Skate Hunnies. The highly anticipated event brought together a diverse community of wheel enthusiasts for a festive six-mile group ride and an evening of holiday-themed fun. Participants gathered at Santa Monica City Hall at 3 PM, decked out in Santa suits, elf costumes, and reindeer antlers, ready to turn the streets into a rolling winter wonderland. At 4 PM, the group embarked on a beginner-friendly route through Santa Monica and Venice, complete with surprise stops featuring games, live entertainment, and seasonal treats. Open to skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters, and more, the Santa Cruise welcomed all who were confident with basic road skills to join in the holiday cheer. The festivities didn’t end with the ride. The celebration continued at Waterfront Venice, where the ticketed Holiday Party Extravaganza ran from 7 PM to 11 PM. The after-party featured live DJs, spectacular performances, an inflatable mini ramp jam, and a costume showcase that highlighted the creativity and holiday spirit of attendees. Guests enjoyed festive food and drink specials, interactive holiday installations, and photo opportunities that captured the magic of the evening. More than just a festive gathering, the Santa Cruise aimed to promote micro-mobility and advocate for safer, more vibrant streets. The event brought the community together to celebrate sustainable transportation and the joy of movement, creating a sense of unity and purpose for participants. Organized by Beyond the Board, an LA-based non-profit that empowers individuals through skateboarding, and Skate Hunnies, a female-founded roller skate community, the Santa Cruise once again demonstrated the power of inclusive, community-driven events to inspire connection and creativity. As the night drew to a close, the 4th Annual Santa Cruise left attendees with lasting memories and a renewed holiday spirit, cementing its place as one of Los Angeles’ most beloved holiday traditions.

Santa Monica's Heroes: Police and Firefighters Bring Holiday Magic with Annual Candy Cane Drive

Santa Monica's streets came alive with holiday spirit on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as the city marked its 32nd annual Candy Cane Drive, a cherished tradition organized by the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association. The event featured a special early visit from Santa Claus, who toured the city in festive style, escorted by local firefighters and police officers. In a vibrant display of community spirit, Santa, accompanied by the lights and sirens of a firetruck, stopped at several key locations, including Douglas Park, Reed Park, Virginia Avenue Park, and Clover Park. Families from across Santa Monica gathered at each stop, eager to greet Santa and receive candy canes. The event served as a joyful reminder of the vital contributions of first responders to the community. Children and families lined the streets, their excitement palpable as Santa and his escorts made their way through the city. For over three decades, the Candy Cane Drive has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica's holiday traditions, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents. It reflects the season's values of generosity and togetherness, bringing the community closer each year. The enduring commitment of the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association to this beloved event underscores their dedication to community engagement and support. The Candy Cane Drive is not only a festive celebration but also a testament to the role of first responders in creating a safe and joyous environment for families during the holidays.

Venice Beach Chaos: Iconic Sunglass Store Ransacked in Bold Smash-and-Grab"

Venice Beach Boardwalk, Saturday, November 30, 2024 — Crews were busy cleaning up after a dramatic smash-and-grab robbery at the iconic Good See Co. eyewear store early this morning. At approximately 4 a.m., a vehicle rammed through the store's security gates and wall, causing substantial damage to the building. 

Good See Co., known for its extensive selection of designer sunglasses and optical frames, was the target of the heist. An eyewitness account from a local homeless individual, identified as "Dragon," revealed that two vehicles were involved in the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department responded swiftly, including deploying a helicopter to assist in the investigation.

Good See Co. has been a Venice Beach staple for over 35 years, offering one of the most comprehensive selections of eyewear in the country. The store boasts over 100,000 items in stock, featuring 200 unique brands, custom lenses, and on-site optical services. Its oceanfront location has made it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

While repairs to the damage are underway, the community remains on edge as LAPD investigates the incident. The smash-and-grab serves as a stark reminder of rising concerns about crime on the boardwalk.

Black Friday Boycott: Pro-Palestine Protesters Rally in Downtown Santa Monica

On Friday, November 29, 2024, protests broke out in Downtown Santa Monica during Black Friday, coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Demonstrators gathered to call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and urged a boycott of holiday shopping to draw attention to their cause. Protesters blocked traffic along Broadway Avenue near Santa Monica Place Mall, chanting slogans in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Chants such as "Free, free, Palestine" and "The people united will never be defeated" resonated through the streets as the group marched from Tongva Park to the downtown shopping district. The protests temporarily shut down traffic on Broadway between 2nd and 4th Streets as activists rallied in front of the bustling mall, calling for consumers to join the boycott and stand in solidarity with Palestine. Organizers emphasized the connection between consumer activism and global advocacy, urging participants to resist economic systems they believe perpetuate conflict. Similar demonstrations were reported in cities worldwide as part of a broader movement aligning with the start of the holiday shopping season to amplify calls for justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Thanksgiving Block Party Brings Hope to Venice's Homeless Community

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Lost Angels Organization hosted its 12th annual block party on Rose Avenue in Venice, providing vital support and holiday cheer to the homeless community. The event, held between Hampton Drive and Main Street, transformed the area into a haven of generosity and community connection.

Founder Tina Marie Wright expressed her passion for giving back during the event. "Hi guys, my name is Tina Wright. I'm the founder of Los Angeles Nonprofit Organization. This is our 12th year doing our event in Venice Beach. We give back to a less fortunate community, the homeless. We mainly give out hot, warm plates of Thanksgiving and Christmas food, brand-new shoes, and toiletries."

Tina's sister Linda, who plays a key role in organizing the event, elaborated on the program's thoughtful structure. "We have a hot food station where participants get to pick their warm dishes, brand-new fitted shoes, and we also pair them up with a volunteer in a buddy system. The volunteers guide them throughout the event, ensuring they feel cared for, loved, and reminded that the community is here for them."

Attendees enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings, while also receiving clothing, shoes, and essential toiletries. Volunteers embodied the organization's motto, "No one ever gets left behind," as they worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere of kindness and hope.

Lost Angels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, relies entirely on donations and volunteer support to make such events possible. "If you want to join us for Christmas," Tina added, "please follow us on Instagram at @LosAngelsOrg and check out our website at LostAngelsLA.org."

With its mission of uplifting the less fortunate and creating meaningful community connections, Lost Angels continues to demonstrate how small acts of kindness can make a monumental difference. This Thanksgiving, they once again proved that compassion and collaboration can transform lives.