𝗨𝗞𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘: Hundreds Carry 100-Foot Ukrainian Flag Across Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA — Saturday, August 23, 2025 — Hundreds of members of the American Ukrainian community and supporters gathered along the coast to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day with a symbolic march of solidarity. The demonstration began in Ocean Park, where participants carried a 100-foot Ukrainian flag to the Santa Monica Pier, creating a striking display of unity against the backdrop of the Pacific. Families, children, veterans, and allies joined the procession, many waving Ukrainian and American flags as they walked together. The event was organized by the Stand With Ukraine Foundation and combined a run and walk with speeches, chants, and fundraising efforts. As they moved along the beach path and onto the pier, participants raised their voices in unison, chanting “Russia is a terrorist state,” “Arm Ukraine now,” and “Save Ukrainian children.” At the pier, the large flag was unfurled across the wooden planks, drawing the attention of onlookers and tourists. Mykhailo Lavrys, President of the Stand With Ukraine Foundation, addressed the crowd and emphasized both the symbolic and practical purpose of the march. “We are so proud of you,” Lavrys said. “It’s obvious there is a brutal war of aggression that Russia is waging against Ukraine, and we’re trying to use every possible opportunity to raise awareness and to fundraise. Today we had a run-slash-walk from Venice to Santa Monica, unwrapping the 100-foot Ukrainian flag as a symbol of unity. Ukraine is fighting not only for its own freedom, but for the free democratic world. This is a fight of good against evil, and that is our message today.” Lavrys noted that the foundation is raising funds for tourniquets, calling them “life-essential, life-saving things” that can help Ukrainian defenders survive injuries on the battlefield. He encouraged those wishing to contribute to visit SWUfoundation.org. The march also welcomed international guests, including Sandra Brikaitė, Consul General of Lithuania in Los Angeles; Hanna Kumpusalo-Tyukalov, Finnish Consulate General in Los Angeles; and Dmytro Medvid, a veteran and Captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Their presence underscored the international nature of the event and the broad support Ukraine continues to receive abroad. The Independence Day Freedom Run and March blended cultural celebration with political activism, reflecting both the pride and urgency of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. As the flag stretched the length of the pier and chants echoed above the waves, the demonstration became a vivid reminder of resilience and the global call to stand with Ukraine.

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗠 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗘: Anti-Theft Welded Wing-Gates Installed Along Temescal Canyon Drains to Block Debris, Prevent Flooding

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Tuesday, August 19, 2025 — Crews from United Storm Water, Inc. were at work along Temescal Canyon this week, installing a newly designed stainless steel storm drain gate built to improve both safety and durability. The installation featured the company’s Wing-Gate™ automatic retractable curb inlet screen cover (ARS), an advanced system designed to block trash and debris from entering storm drains during dry conditions while automatically opening under heavy water flow to prevent flooding. Unlike previous bolted-on models, the new gates were welded directly into place — a security measure taken after thefts of earlier stainless steel units, which had been targeted for scrap resale. Technicians custom-fitted and welded the Wing-Gate™ covers directly onto the curb inlets. The stainless steel screens are perforated with three-quarter-inch holes, ensuring pollutants are trapped while water flow continues. Each unit includes a calibrated spring-activated mechanism that allows the gate to open laterally under pressure from stormwater and debris, then automatically return to a closed position as rainfall subsides. The enhanced design reflects a broader effort in storm water management to balance flood prevention with environmental protection. By intercepting litter and debris before they reach the ocean, the Wing-Gate™ helps safeguard marine life, beaches, and public health. Santa Monica Closeup will continue monitoring regional infrastructure improvements as communities adapt to more frequent storm events and the growing challenge of waterway pollution.

𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗗: Santa Monica’s Singing Beach Chairs Get a Fresh Coat and Polished Notes

SANTA MONICA, CA — Friday, August 8, 2025 — Santa Monica Beach maintenance worker Richard spent the day power washing and repainting one of the city’s most beloved public art pieces, the “Singing Beach Chairs.” The freshly restored chair now gleams in its original soft mint color, with the companion chair scheduled to receive its own refresh in Arctic blue next week. Created in 1987 by San Francisco artist Douglas Hollis and commissioned by the City of Santa Monica in partnership with the Santa Monica Arts Foundation, the towering 18-foot chairs are constructed of pastel-painted steel and aluminum. Each features vertical stainless-steel tubes that transform ocean breezes into oboe-like tones, projecting sound as far as 500 feet. Positioned on the sand between Pico Boulevard and the Santa Monica Pier, the pair has become one of the city’s most recognizable interactive artworks, inviting beachgoers to both listen and lounge while the wind provides the music. Santa Monica Closeup will continue to follow restoration work as the second chair gets its fresh coat next week.

𝗘𝗬𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗞𝗬: Drone Demo Highlights Santa Monica Police Public Safety Tech at National Night Out

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday, August 5, 2025 — Santa Monica’s annual National Night Out brought hundreds of residents to City Hall for an evening of community connection, public safety education, and family-friendly activities.

One of the evening’s highlights was a live drone demonstration by the Santa Monica Police Department, drawing a large crowd as officers showcased the department’s aerial surveillance technology. The demonstration was part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency and modernize public safety tools.

In attendance were Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista, and Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock, all engaging with the community throughout the event.

Families explored public safety vehicles, played games, and spoke with first responders while children received free helmets and fire hats. The event also featured music, food, and outreach booths under the theme “Santa Monica All Stars.”

Hosted annually, National Night Out is a nationwide initiative designed to strengthen police-community partnerships and encourage neighborhood camaraderie.

𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Festival of the Chariots Brings Dance and Spirit to the Beach

VENICE BEACH, Calif. — Sunday, August 3, 2025 — Following a vibrant morning parade through Santa Monica’s Main Street, the 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots continued its celebration at Windward Plaza, where thousands gathered to experience a colorful convergence of spiritual culture, live music, and community fellowship. Hosted by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the festival’s second half transformed the Venice Beach Boardwalk into a dynamic open-air celebration of devotion and heritage. At the heart of the gathering stood a large stage where a steady rotation of live performers—including traditional Indian dancers, kirtan singers, and international musical acts—kept the atmosphere energized and inclusive. Surrounding the plaza, attendees explored an expansive exhibition space featuring spiritual literature, interactive booths, yoga and meditation outreach, and artisan crafts. The event also offered a free vegetarian feast, or prasadam, which drew long lines as families and beachgoers sampled a variety of flavorful Indian dishes prepared in accordance with Vedic tradition. Children participated in face painting and games while visitors of all backgrounds engaged with volunteers eager to explain the significance of the chariots, the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahā-mantra, and the deep cultural roots of Ratha Yatra, a tradition with origins in Jagannatha Puri, India, dating back over 5,000 years. As waves crashed nearby and the scent of incense lingered in the ocean breeze, the Venice Beach portion of the festival offered a more immersive and reflective environment than the morning’s energetic procession—inviting participants to slow down, connect, and celebrate a shared sense of spiritual community. The event remains one of Southern California’s most distinctive cultural offerings, blending timeless tradition with contemporary celebration—right at the edge of the Pacific.

𝗝𝗢𝗬𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬: Krishna Devotees Bring Smiles, Fans, and Chanting to Chariot Parade

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On Sunday, August 3, 2025, the 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots, organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), transformed Main Street into a jubilant procession route as devotees hand‑pulled three ornately decorated chariots—each reaching approximately 40 feet in height—in a vibrant display of spiritual celebration. The annual parade began at the Santa Monica Civic Center, where a sea of participants gathered to chant the Vaishnava Mahā‑mantra—“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare”—while dancing and singing to the rhythm of traditional Indian instruments. The chariots, representing deities Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, glided south along Main Street, drawing crowds who lined the route to witness the spectacle. Upon arriving at Windward Plaza in Venice Beach, the celebration expanded into a full cultural and spiritual festival. Live kirtan filled the air as classical Indian dancers performed on a central stage. Visitors were offered a free vegetarian feast, prepared as prasadam, and explored an array of exhibits, booths, and gift shops featuring devotional literature, handcrafted goods, and arts from the Indian spiritual tradition. Children participated in interactive activities while others attended workshops focused on meditation, spiritual philosophy, and chanting. The event, entirely free to the public, served as a welcoming space for cultural exchange, spiritual reflection, and community connection. Rooted in the sacred Ratha Yatra tradition of Jagannatha Puri, India—a festival with origins dating back over 5,000 years—the Los Angeles edition has been held annually since 1976, save for a brief pause during the pandemic. It remains one of the largest and most enduring Hare Krishna parades in the Western Hemisphere. The celebration continues this afternoon at Windward Plaza, where the sounds of chanting, drums, and dancing fill the air. With cultural performances, free vegetarian feasts, and spiritual exhibits still drawing crowds, the 49th Annual Festival of the Chariots remains in full swing along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡' 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗘: Santa Monica Hosts First-Ever Classic Car Show on Third Street Promenade

SANTA MONICA, CA — For the first time ever, the iconic 3rd Street Promenade was transformed into a boulevard of chrome and culture as classic car enthusiasts gathered for the inaugural Classic Car Show, held Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event was co-hosted by Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), Downtown Santa Monica, and @310RidersCarClub, and stretched from Broadway to Wilshire, drawing in families, collectors, and car lovers of all ages. Organizers emphasized the event as a celebration of unity, community, and culture, offering a moment of positivity during challenging times.

The street filled with polished classics, lowriders, and custom builds as DJ Jason Gnarlee provided the soundtrack for a festive day that also featured games, a 50/50 raffle, and food and drink discounts at local restaurants. Entry was free to the public, though vehicle registration was coordinated through organizer Anthony Quinn.

“Bringing this show to the Promenade isn’t just about the cars — it’s about creating space for togetherness and celebrating Santa Monica’s diverse spirit,” said organizers in a joint statement.

With limited spots for vehicles and strong turnout from the community, the event marked what many hope will become a new annual tradition on the Westside.