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
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – March 16, 2025 – As recovery efforts continue following the devastating Palisades Fire, Santa Monica Closeup toured the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades to assess the impact on the community, including billionaire developer Rick Caruso’s Palisades Village. While much of the area sustained significant damage, Caruso’s high-end retail and residential complex largely survived—an outcome he attributes to proactive fire mitigation strategies.
The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, rapidly expanded due to severe drought conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching up to 100 mph. The wildfire burned approximately 23,448 acres and destroyed 6,837 structures, including homes, businesses, and places of worship. Evacuation orders affected over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas. The fire resulted in 12 fatalities and multiple injuries. High winds initially hindered aerial firefighting efforts, complicating containment operations. The fire was fully contained on January 31, 2025.
In the wake of the wildfire, Caruso reportedly hired private firefighters and deployed water tankers to shield Palisades Village from destruction. Additionally, fire retardants were applied to the property, reinforcing its defenses against the encroaching flames.
Caruso, whose real estate empire includes some of the nation’s most lucrative shopping centers, voiced concerns over the city’s response to the wildfire, citing a lack of adequate resources and preparedness. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, he criticized what he described as bureaucratic "excuses" and "negligence" that exacerbated the devastation in surrounding areas.
The use of private firefighters has sparked debate over resource accessibility and class disparities in disaster response. While Caruso’s efforts safeguarded his development, many local residents lost homes and businesses, raising questions about the equity of emergency preparedness across different communities.
Despite sustaining some damage, Palisades Village—one of the nation’s top-grossing shopping centers per square foot—remains largely intact, standing in stark contrast to the scorched landscape around it. Meanwhile, Pacific Palisades residents continue to assess losses and push for improved fire prevention measures as rebuilding efforts get underway.
SANTA MONICA, CA – The Beyond the Board crew rolled into action on Saturday, March 15, 2025, as their “SHRED SLED” made a vibrant appearance during a Vibe Ride LA meet-up. Set against the backdrop of a sunlit beach parking lot, skaters, bikers, and bladers flowed effortlessly around the colorfully painted school bus while a live band performed from its rooftop, blending music and movement into an electrifying display of community energy.
Participants danced on and off their boards, creating a high-energy scene where music, skating, and self-expression collided. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on pavement mixed with the pulse of live beats, offering a unique experience that embodied the essence of Southern California’s skate culture.
The SHRED SLED, a converted school bus, serves as the mobile heart of Beyond the Board, a nonprofit dedicated to unifying and inspiring people through skateboarding and music. Originally painted by San Diego-based Kid Wiseman, the bus features an additional 2023 mural by Singaporean artist and longboarder Tobyato, transforming it into a rolling canvas of creativity. More than just transportation, the bus functions as a hub for skate workshops and community-building efforts, housing team members and carrying around 30 skateboards for outreach events.
Vibe Ride LA, known for its iconic Tuesday night sunset skate sessions in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, has become a cornerstone of the local movement-on-wheels community. Recently featured in the LA Times, the group aims to create inclusive and joyous spaces where people of all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of skating.
As the SHRED SLED continues its journey, its mission remains clear: to foster connection, self-expression, and growth through the universal language of skating. For those eager to experience the magic firsthand, keep an eye out—the bus is always open for a quick hello and a push toward the next great adventure.
📍 Follow Beyond the Board & Vibe Ride LA for updates on upcoming events. #BeyondTheBoard #ShredSled #VibeRideLA #SantaMonicaSkate
A large group of demonstrators gathered at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to protest against Tesla CEO Elon Musk, accusing him of using his wealth and influence to dismantle the U.S. federal government. The protest, organized under the Tesla Takedown movement, called for a boycott of Tesla, urging people to sell their vehicles, divest from Tesla stock, and join the picket lines.
Throughout the demonstration, protesters chanted slogans condemning Musk’s influence and corporate greed. Their voices rang out with calls of “Stop attacking workers now,” “Up, up, up with the workers! Down, down, down with the billionaires,” and “No justice, no peace.” Others shouted, “Elon Musk is a thief,” “Money for jobs and education, not for greedy corporations,” and “All power to the people.” Protesters also decried systemic exploitation, chanting, “No more greedy exploitation” and “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA.”
Several speakers took the microphone, delivering impassioned speeches about the economic and political consequences of Musk’s actions. A representative from the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) addressed the crowd, warning against corporate and government corruption. “Are we going to stand by while Musk and his gang steal our jobs, abandon our children, and leave workers living paycheck to paycheck? No! The politicians have left us behind—we have to fight for ourselves, and we will win because the vast majority of people are with us,” the speaker declared.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with organizers emphasizing their commitment to nonviolent resistance and exercising their First Amendment right to protest. Authorities monitored the event, but no major incidents were reported.
The Santa Monica protest was part of a larger nationwide movement, with similar demonstrations occurring in other cities. Protesters aim to disrupt Tesla’s financial standing as a means of countering Musk’s growing political influence. Neither Elon Musk nor Tesla representatives have issued a formal response to the protest. However, recent statements from Musk and President Donald Trump have characterized the demonstrations as an attack on corporate innovation.
The Tesla Takedown movement remains steadfast in its calls for continued action, urging supporters to boycott Tesla, demand corporate accountability, and challenge economic inequality. Organizers say more demonstrations are planned in the coming weeks as the movement continues to grow.
