A Winter Wonderland Awaits: Santa Monica's Tree Lighting Ceremony Brings 'Snow' to Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica is set to launch the holiday season in festive style with its Official Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 21. Hosted in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, this beloved tradition will bring the community together for an evening filled with holiday cheer and free, family-friendly activities.

Attendees will be treated to a special evening on the 1300 Block of Third Street Promenade, where Santa himself will light the official holiday tree, marking the start of the season. Local choirs, including the Lincoln Middle School Madrigals, Samohi High School Choirs, and the SMC Emeritus Concert Band, will perform alongside a featured act by Westside Ballet, showcasing scenes from the Nutcracker.

Adding to the magic, "snow" will fall on the Promenade, bringing a wintry touch to Santa Monica. Guests can take advantage of free photos with Santa, participate in holiday-themed crafts, sip hot cocoa, and dance the night away as a DJ spins holiday hits. All activities are free and open to attendees of all ages.

Special Performances By:

• Westside Ballet
• Lincoln Middle School Madrigals
• Samohi High School Choirs
• SMC Emeritus Concert Band

Holiday Activities Include:

• FREE photos with Santa
• “Snowfall” on the Promenade
• Holiday crafts for all ages
• Hot cocoa
• Holiday dance party

The festivities begin on Third Street Promenade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue. Join Santa Monica in celebrating the joy of the season with an unforgettable evening of holiday spirit.

Santa Monica Pier Painter Joey Alvarez Refreshes Beloved Compass Rose Mural at Pier’s Edge

On a sunny Monday morning, November 4, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz met up with Joey Alvarez, the "Santa Monica Pier Painter," as he worked on refurbishing the compass rose mural at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier. Originally painted in 2018 by Santa Monica High School student Mimi Gaudet, the mural has been freshened up several times due to heavy foot traffic and the elements.

"This thing wears down pretty fast," Alvarez explained, attributing the fading to constant moisture from the ocean and the pier’s popularity as a photo spot. "I’ve sanded it down and wiped it clean; now, I'm working on the white outlining.” He’ll be joined later by Beach Maintenance’s Richard, who specializes in lettering, to complete the mural’s intricate interior.

A Santa Monica native and 12-year veteran of pier maintenance, Alvarez was recently recognized as "Employee of the Year." Beyond his role as the pier’s painter, Alvarez has spent nearly 30 years as a Little League coach, guiding young players through the fundamentals and spirit of the game. "I've watched a lot of these kids grow up through baseball," he shared. "It's incredible to see them go from kids on the field to adults giving back to the community."

From touching up the compass rose to coaching on the diamond, Alvarez’s dedication to Santa Monica remains a constant, weaving a deep community connection into every brushstroke and game.

Reverend White Reflects on Homelessness, Healing, and America’s Future at Venice Beach

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered Reverend White at Venice Beach, where the reverend shared his perspective on Venice's unique challenges and America's broader issues. Standing against the backdrop of the beach’s eclectic community, Reverend White reflected on the term "homeless," proposing instead the notion of "beachless" for those seeking refuge on Venice's sands. He noted that the beach serves as a haven for many, including figures like "Daisy the Healer," whose presence embodies a journey of healing and resilience despite personal trauma.

Reverend White discussed the necessity of forgiveness and the personal path of healing, asserting that no individual could impart it upon another. He turned to broader themes, condemning America's moral lapses and raising concerns about the unchecked potential of artificial intelligence. Describing AI as a "dangerous weapon," White argued for its regulation, drawing comparisons to nuclear technology in its potential impact on society.

Looking toward the future, he advocated for political reforms and hinted at his involvement in a new initiative to support at-risk young women. Emphasizing love and unity, Reverend White invited the public to join him for a press gathering in Los Angeles, aiming to foster dialogue on America’s path forward.

Santa Monica Pier Honors Día de los Muertos with Indigenous Blessing and Procession

Santa Monica, CA — November 2, 2024 — The Santa Monica Pier resonated with cultural reverence on Saturday as members of the indigenous community came together to offer a profound blessing, leading a Día de los Muertos procession in a celebration of life and memory. The event, part of a two-day series of activities, honored the holiday's deep significance with family-friendly events and art installations paying tribute to loved ones and memories cherished by the Santa Monica community. Clad in vibrant traditional dress, the Danza Azteca Kalpoli Atlachinoli dancers mesmerized onlookers as they gracefully led the procession from the pier’s west end to the historic Merry Go-Round building. Their ceremonial movements and authentic attire brought the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life, captivating attendees with a display of cultural heritage and respect. The procession concluded at the Merry Go-Round building, where visitors experienced an art installation adorned with marigolds, papel picado, and community-created altars, each honoring the essence of Día de los Muertos. This immersive space invited attendees to celebrate and remember loved ones, while installations by local artists highlighted personal connections to Santa Monica’s stories and traditions. With free performances and activities, the Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos celebration fostered a sense of unity, offering an opportunity for families, residents, and visitors to come together in honoring and preserving the beauty of cultural heritage.

Santa Monica Pier Embraces Día de los Muertos with Art, Dance, and Community Altar

Santa Monica, CA — November 1, 2024 The Santa Monica Pier rang in Día de los Muertos on Friday, marking the first of two days dedicated to honoring the traditional Mexican holiday. The celebration, which runs through Saturday, offers a family-friendly experience with a series of vibrant activities held inside the iconic Merry Go-Round building.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the event welcomed visitors with free face painting, communal altars, and a Pan de Muerto decorating class presented by Northgate Market, where children took home masks and goodie bags. The evening’s entertainment included spirited performances by Ballet Folklórico dancers, showcasing the heritage of the holiday. The crowd gathered to witness Jade Morales and Ballet Folklórico de Santa Monica perform traditional dances that honored the community’s Mexican roots. The building’s decor transformed the 100-year-old carousel into a colorful homage to Día de los Muertos, draped in marigold flowers and papel picado banners. Art installations by local artists Sylvia Sanchez and Yolanda Medina added depth to the tribute, with a large communal altar inviting attendees to contribute personal photographs of loved ones, fostering a sense of community remembrance. Supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and in collaboration with Northgate Market, Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, and Mariasol, the Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos celebration provided a communal space for reflection and festivity. Soda Jerks, a local favorite, offered cups of hot chocolate, adding a warm touch to the chilly evening. The festivities will continue on Saturday, November 2, with extended hours from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing more visitors the opportunity to engage with this cherished cultural tradition.

Go Dodgers! Pacific Park’s Iconic Ferris Wheel Lights Up Santa Monica Pier to Celebrate LA’s World Series Champions

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier joined the celebration of the Dodgers' stunning 2024 World Series victory, lighting its iconic Ferris wheel in Dodgers blue and white to mark the team’s achievement. As part of a citywide tribute, the 90-foot Ferris wheel beams the LA Dodgers’ colors, complete with a scrolling “Go Dodgers!” message and the familiar “LA” insignia, matching the celebratory spirit seen at landmarks throughout Los Angeles.

The Dodgers clinched their victory in a thrilling 7-6 game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, wrapping up the World Series on Wednesday night. The team’s path to victory began with a 6-3 win in the series opener on October 25, followed by consecutive wins, making this the Dodgers’ eighth World Series title.

Pacific Park’s iconic Ferris wheel, the only solar-powered wheel of its kind, features 174,000 LED lights and is capable of 16.7 million color combinations. The eco-friendly lighting display, which can be programmed to present intricate animations at 24 frames per second, ensures an eye-catching tribute to Southern California’s beloved team.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Woman on Suspicion of Public Intoxication at Muscle Beach

Santa Monica Police Department’s Directed Action Response Team (DART) officers arrested a woman suspected to be homeless on suspicion of public intoxication at Muscle Beach. The woman was reportedly found near an empty vodka bottle, raising concerns over her level of intoxication. Following her arrest, officers gathered her belongings and transported her to jail for booking. The charge of public intoxication in California, classified as a misdemeanor under Penal Code Section 647(f), also known as “drunk in public,” can carry a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 upon conviction. Under this law, individuals found in public under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in a condition unable to ensure their own or others’ safety, may be subject to arrest. The incident underscores ongoing challenges with public intoxication in community spaces, where authorities continue to enforce measures to protect public safety.