Santa Monica, Calif. – Longtime environmental advocate Paul Scott was spotted holding a bold sign at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Fourth Street in front of the ARCO gas station in Santa Monica. The sign read: “WHEN YOU BUY GAS YOU SUPPORT TRUMP.”
Scott, co-founder of Plug In America and a figure featured in the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?, said his goal is to draw attention to the connection between consumer gas purchases and political contributions from oil companies. Speaking during rush hour, Scott explained that oil industry profits—fueled by consumer gasoline purchases—have historically funded conservative political campaigns, including Donald Trump’s.
“I want to plant a seed of guilt,” Scott said. “When people buy gas, that money flows to oil companies, which in turn spend billions backing Trump and MAGA politicians.”
Scott emphasized that the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for political and environmental change. His goal, he said, is to reduce demand for internal combustion vehicles by urging progressive buyers to go electric—ultimately shrinking the market and forcing a shift in manufacturing.
He aims to continue his protest for four years, standing at the same corner for one hour each weekday to maximize visibility. “I get paid in thumbs up and friendly honks,” he added, noting that even negative reactions serve as confirmation that his message is being noticed.
Scott began this campaign in February and views it as an act of direct advocacy, using himself as a “live-action ad” to push for systemic change in transportation and political funding.
Venice Beach, March 27, 2025 — On Thursday morning, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered a familiar face along the Ocean Front Walk: Pastor Johnny, known in the local community as the “Shepherd of Venice.”
A fixture of the Venice Beach landscape for the past five years, Pastor Johnny shared insight into his daily routine, spiritual mission, and personal journey of faith. “I’ve lived in my car for six years — just me and Jesus,” he said, reflecting on his commitment to street ministry. “I wake up around 1 a.m., shower by 1:30, and begin praying by 2. I try to pray until 8.”
Dressed sharply in a black suit, patterned tie, and a matching black fedora, Johnny offered warm greetings as he emphasized his purpose: to "seek and save the lost,” referencing Jesus’ words. “There’s a lot of people out here who need a doctor — not a physical one, but a spiritual one. That’s why I’m here.”
The self-described former “Guido from Jersey” spoke candidly about his transformation. Raised Catholic, he recalled an early spiritual awakening at age seven, during his first Holy Communion. “The priest said, ‘Do you know why you were created?’ Then he said, ‘Because God loves you.’ And in that moment, everything changed.”
Johnny explained that the experience led to a deep, lasting connection with Jesus. “It wasn’t something I heard with my ears — it was with my spirit. I felt love, real love, for the first time. That’s when I became born again.”
Passionate and driven, Johnny expressed frustration at what he sees as a lack of purpose among many Californians. “Work isn’t work when you love what you do,” he said. “I’m consumed with this calling. I don’t have time for entertainment — I’m here to tell people that God not only loves them but wants to empower them.”
During the impromptu conversation, he also shared a glimpse of his past — including time spent wrestling and boxing in high school — and lightheartedly joked about once being on his school’s chess team. “I was on the sixth board — the last one,” he said, laughing.
As the two parted ways, Johnny offered a final note: “I bully demons,” referencing an inside joke known among locals familiar with his street ministry. “It’s not about hate — it’s about casting out what doesn’t belong.”
For many in Venice Beach, Pastor Johnny remains a constant — a voice of faith on the boardwalk, navigating homelessness, hardship, and hope with unwavering conviction.
Construction activity continued Monday, March 24, 2025, as Doty Bros. Construction Company advanced work on the Pier Electrical Utility Relocation Project adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier Bridge. With the aid of a crane, crews installed electrical PME boxes on the north side of the pier—an essential step in relocating critical power infrastructure ahead of the upcoming bridge replacement.
The PME (Pad-Mounted Equipment) boxes are secure, weatherproof enclosures designed to house medium-voltage electrical components such as power lines, transformers, switchgear, and protective devices. These ground-level systems are part of the underground electrical distribution network that will help ensure uninterrupted service to pier businesses during the bridge's demolition and reconstruction phase.
Jason Hoang, P.E., Santa Monica City Senior Civil Engineer, was on-site to oversee the installation process.
This relocation is a preparatory phase for the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project, scheduled to begin in late 2025. The existing bridge, built in 1939, is the only vehicular access point to the pier and serves as a key pedestrian connection from Palisades Park. The new bridge will be seismically resilient and pedestrian-friendly, with completion targeted before the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
The city contracted Doty Bros. Equipment Company to manage the utility relocation. Construction began on March 3, 2025, and is expected to wrap by September 2025. Early stages of work included setting up staging areas, installing fencing, and potholing existing utility structures within Beach Parking Lot 1N, the future home of the relocated power equipment.
For more information or questions about the project, the public is encouraged to contact Jason Hoang at 310-351-7913 or jason.hoang@santamonica.gov.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, construction crews worked urgently along Castellammare Drive in Pacific Palisades, digging out tons of mud and debris after a hillside home collapsed during a post-fire mudslide. Using heavy equipment, including an excavator, crews focused on clearing the roadway, which remained blocked by the wreckage of the collapsed home and the surrounding hillside.
The incident occurred last week on Posetano Road, where a home that had survived the Palisades Fire slid down the slope onto Stretto Way, damaging another residence and cutting off access to the narrow street. The collapse followed a series of rainstorms that saturated the hillside and may have been worsened by a ruptured water main linked to the damaged property.
Neighbors report that the second home, already structurally compromised, was split in half by the impact. Cleanup and recovery efforts have since intensified, with crews working to restore access and assess further risks in the area.
On the same day, Santa Monica Closeup toured the Castellammare neighborhood, documenting the visible toll of the fire and subsequent mudslide. Charred foundations, collapsed rooftops, and scorched terrain tell a sobering story of destruction, as residents face the slow and complicated process of recovery.
The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and led to mass evacuations across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding communities. Propelled by extreme drought and Santa Ana winds reaching up to 100 mph, the fire claimed 12 lives and caused widespread devastation before it was fully contained on January 31.
This latest mudslide highlights the persistent vulnerability of hillside neighborhoods like Castellammare, where weakened terrain and aging infrastructure continue to pose serious challenges months after the flames were extinguished.
Santa Monica, CA – March 22, 2025 — Several hundred people marched through the streets of Santa Monica on Saturday during the March for Humanity, a landmark event organized by the Mexican American Policy and Advocacy Alliance (MAPAA) in collaboration with regional allies, immigration advocates, and West Los Angeles leaders.
The event, which ran from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, began at Santa Monica College, proceeded down Pico Boulevard, cut through Tongva Park, and concluded at the Santa Monica Pier. The march brought together immigrant rights stakeholders, community leaders, and Westside influencers to call for dignity, safety, and respect for immigrant families.
The day featured a peaceful march, a rally with speakers and performances, and a resource fair offering support services and educational materials. Organizers described the event as a platform to amplify voices advocating for immigrant rights while fostering cross-cultural unity and understanding.
“We are at a critical moment for our people and our nation,” said Daniel Alonzo, MAPAA Co-Founder and originator of the March for Humanity. “The March for Humanity is more than an event—it’s a movement to reclaim the narrative around immigration and to build bridges of understanding and compassion across cultures. We are calling on all who believe in pursuing justice, restoring dignity, and reclaiming our humanity as people, as a Nation, and as a species.”
The march marked a significant moment for immigration advocacy on the Westside, with participants emphasizing the need for policy reform and renewed focus on compassion and equity in the national dialogue.
Pacific Palisades, March 18, 2025 – In the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire, relief efforts continue at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), providing critical support to wildfire survivors. The event, hosted at American Legion Palisades Post 283, located at 15247 La Cruz Dr, Pacific Palisades, runs through Saturday, March 22, with services available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The MARC brings together multiple disaster relief organizations, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, and local nonprofits, to ensure that affected residents receive financial aid, housing assistance, food, medical care, mental health support, and essential supplies.
Mimi Teller of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event, stating, "We have what's called a MARC, a Multi-Agency Resource Center. While the Red Cross is hosting it, all the people participating are from our partners throughout the Los Angeles area. We have the Small Business Administration, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, World Central Kitchen, and so many more partners that help us bring relief, support, and hope to the communities who have been affected." Teller encouraged residents to check their notifications if they were directly impacted by the wildfires and advised that those in need of assistance could visit redcross.org for more information.
Residents impacted by the wildfires can access immediate relief at the MARC, which offers financial assistance, grants, insurance claim support, temporary housing resources, home repair guidance, food distribution, medical and mental health care, mobile clinics, stress relief support, debris removal guidance, cleanup kits, tools, protective gear, and air purifiers. The MARC is a vital resource for those rebuilding their lives after the fire that burned more than 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and resulted in 12 fatalities, forcing the evacuation of over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas.
Representatives from ToolBank Disaster Services were on-site providing free disaster cleanup buckets filled with essential tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and gloves, to assist residents recovering their properties. Art Garciacano, West Coast Territory Manager for ToolBank, encouraged residents to take advantage of their tool-lending program, which provides resources for asset recovery and property restoration.
The Salvation Army has been actively providing financial assistance, non-perishable goods, and air purifiers to families affected by the fires. Captain Becky Helms of the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle emphasized the organization's commitment to long-term recovery efforts and urged those in need to visit socal.salvationarmy.org for additional resources, donations, or volunteer opportunities. Captain James Fleming of the Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps highlighted the emotional and spiritual support available for survivors, stating, "We're here to pray with them, give them encouragement, and provide whatever support they need."
Local chapters of Hope Worldwide have also stepped up to assist in relief efforts. Volunteers have been helping survivors navigate available resources, transport supplies, and provide on-site support. Ingrid Levine, Chapter Relations Manager for Hope Worldwide, emphasized the importance of community-driven recovery efforts and thanked volunteers for their dedication.
At the American Legion Post 283, Joe Ramirez, Commander of the American Legion Post 283, underscored the Legion’s role in disaster response, reminding veterans that additional resources and services are available through the post. He encouraged both wildfire survivors and veterans in need of assistance to visit alpost283.com for more information.
Residents seeking assistance should visit the Multi-Agency Resource Center at American Legion Palisades Post 283 and bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, along with proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or insurance claim. Those unable to attend can visit redcross.org or socal.salvationarmy.org to access resources remotely.
Community members looking to support relief efforts can help by donating to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Hope Worldwide, volunteering at resource centers, or spreading awareness about available aid. For updates on relief efforts, visit redcross.org, socal.salvationarmy.org, or alpost283.com.
Participating Organizations and Their Services
Several organizations are working together at the MARC to provide vital recovery services:
🔹 ENLA Emotional/Spiritual Care – Counseling and faith-based support
🔹 CARE – Mental health services
🔹 CHIRLA – PPE distribution, financial assistance
🔹 The Salvation Army – Air purifiers, clean-up kits, emotional & spiritual care, financial aid
🔹 Global Empowerment Mission – Pet food, PPE, financial assistance
🔹 ToolBank USA, Disaster Services – Clean-up kits and tools
🔹 Los Angeles Regional Food Bank – Food boxes/items
Venice Beach, CA – March 17, 2025 – A distressed sea lion was rescued from Venice Beach on Monday, March 17, 2025, after being found along the shoreline exhibiting symptoms of illness. Personnel from the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) responded to the scene, securing the animal and transporting it for urgent treatment. A Los Angeles County Lifeguard assisted in loading the sick sea lion onto the rescue truck, ensuring its safe transport to MMCC’s rehabilitation facility.
According to Jules, a Marine Mammal responder with the MMCC, this rescue is part of a larger, alarming trend. “We're responding to the harmful algal bloom that's affecting a lot of Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California right now,” Jules explained. “Animals like this out here are being affected by toxic algae.”
Rescue personnel suspect the sea lion is suffering from domoic acid toxicosis, a condition caused by harmful algal blooms off the California coast. These blooms, triggered by the microscopic algae Pseudo-nitzschia australis, produce the neurotoxin domoic acid, which accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies—a primary food source for sea lions. When consumed in large quantities, this toxin attacks the brain and heart, leading to seizures, neurological impairment, and heart failure.
“It works its way up from plankton, the algae, into the fish, then eventually, as the sea lions eat the fish, then it gets ingested into their tissues,” Jules elaborated. “It can affect certain organ systems, particularly their heart and their brain, leading to all kinds of neurological problems.”
The MMCC flyer distributed along the beach warns of common neurological symptoms in sea lions with domoic acid toxicosis, including head extended backward, foaming at the mouth, side-to-side head movement, and seizures.
If left untreated, domoic acid poisoning can result in permanent brain damage, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term neurological issues. While there is no direct cure, MMCC veterinarians employ supportive treatments to help affected sea lions recover. Because the toxin is water-soluble, hydration therapy is used to flush it from their system. The animals are also provided with fish that is free of domoic acid, while veterinarians administer anti-seizure medications, similar to those used for humans, to control symptoms. MMCC’s veterinary team is actively researching new therapies aimed at reducing brain inflammation and minimizing long-term damage. Recovery time varies based on the severity of exposure, but if treated early, the sea lions have a strong chance of rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.
Authorities have reported a sharp increase in sick and stranded sea lions along Los Angeles County’s coastline, raising concerns among marine conservationists and beachgoers. “It's affecting so many animals right now,” Jules stated. “We're getting hundreds of calls. So many animals are washing up on the beach, including dolphins as well. We're just overwhelmed, and we thank everyone for their patience, and we appreciate everyone's support.”
The public is urged to report any sightings of distressed marine mammals to MMCC’s hotline at 1-800-39-WHALE and to keep a safe distance of at least 50 feet from the animals. Experts warn that approaching, touching, or feeding affected sea lions can be dangerous, as the animals may be disoriented or aggressive due to neurological distress. Keeping pets leashed and notifying lifeguards about stranded marine life can also help ensure the safety of both the animals and the community.
The increase in sea lion strandings highlights a growing environmental crisis affecting marine life along the West Coast. Toxic algal blooms are becoming more frequent, with domoic acid poisoning now considered a significant threat to California’s marine mammal population. MMCC continues to lead the response to this crisis, working year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and release affected animals. Since its establishment in 1992, the center has cared for over 8,000 stranded marine mammals and remains one of the busiest marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the country.
The Venice Beach sea lion rescue serves as yet another reminder of the environmental challenges facing marine wildlife. As toxic algal blooms continue to impact coastal ecosystems, public awareness, conservation efforts, and support for rehabilitation programs like MMCC remain essential to protecting California’s vulnerable marine species.
Contact:
Marine Mammal Care Center
1-800-39-WHALE
marinemammalcare.org
