𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥: Crews Relocate Electrical Utilities Ahead of Bridge Replacement

Construction crews were spotted Friday afternoon, March 7, 2025, actively working with heavy equipment as part of the Pier Electrical Utility Relocation Project beneath the Santa Monica Pier Bridge. Doty Bros. Construction Company is leading the effort, which involves digging for an electrical power box and relocating critical electrical infrastructure ahead of the bridge’s demolition and reconstruction.

The project aims to shift electrical equipment—currently housed in a utility room under the bridge—to a new permanent location in Beach Parking Lot 1N. This relocation is a necessary step before the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, set to begin in late 2025, ensuring continued electrical service for businesses on the pier.

The city contracted Doty Bros. Equipment Company to handle the relocation, with construction officially starting on March 3, 2025. The project is scheduled for completion by September 2025. Work during the first week includes staging area setup, fencing installation, and potholing of utility structures in the parking lot.

The Santa Monica Pier Bridge, originally built in 1939, serves as the only vehicular access route to the pier and a vital pedestrian connection from Palisades Park. The upcoming bridge replacement is designed to improve seismic safety and pedestrian accessibility ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

For inquiries regarding the project, residents and businesses can contact Jason Hoang at 310-351-7913 or jason.hoang@santamonica.gov.

𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗧: Police and Crews Dismantle Homeless Encampment in Venice

On Thursday, March 6, 2025, a multi-agency task force carried out a homeless encampment cleanup at public parking lots on Main Street and Rose Avenue in Venice. Several individuals were camping in the parking lot in violation of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11. Agencies involved included the Los Angeles Police Department, Public Works, and environmental specialists from Clean Harbors Environmental Inc.

Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11 regulates the storage of personal property in public spaces, allowing individuals experiencing homelessness to retain essential items within a 60-gallon container, provided they do not create hazards or obstruct public access.

During the operation, homeless individuals in the parking lot were given 15 minutes to gather their belongings and vacate or risk having their possessions discarded. Sanitation crews then cleared debris, ensuring public health and safety. Workers, equipped with protective gear, safely disposed of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

Under the ordinance, "bulky items" such as furniture and appliances are prohibited on public property, except for essential mobility aids like bicycles, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs. Originally amended in 2016, Section 56.11 seeks to balance the public’s right to clean and accessible spaces with the needs of unhoused individuals to maintain essential personal items.

No citations were issued during the cleanup.

This effort underscores the city's ongoing initiatives to maintain public spaces while addressing the complex challenges of homelessness in Los Angeles.

𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗛: Charred Debris and Mud Cover Will Rogers State Beach

PACIFIC PALISADES – Cleanup efforts continue at Will Rogers State Beach as Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors crews work to clear mud and debris from the bike path and shoreline in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire. On a rainy Wednesday morning, teams were seen shoveling and sweeping thick layers of mud from the beachside path, while others gathered large piles of charred debris that had washed ashore. The collected material—likely transported from wildfire burn areas by heavy rains—was being consolidated into a designated pile for later removal. Due to ongoing wildfire recovery efforts, several parking lots at Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach remain closed to the public, and federal response teams have restricted access to portions of the sandy beach and bicycle path near the Will Rogers parking lots at Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH) is closely monitoring coastal conditions following recent wildfires and subsequent storms, which have raised concerns about debris and ash washing up on public beaches from Malibu to San Pedro. Strong winds and heavy rains carried wildfire remnants into rivers and streams, eventually depositing them into the Pacific Ocean. As waves bring this material back to shore, county officials, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Departments of Public Health and Public Works, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other agencies, are conducting sediment and water quality testing to assess potential health risks.

Preliminary testing conducted after the Jan. 26 storm indicates that dark, silty sediment appearing on several beaches, including Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga Beach, does not pose a hazardous threat to human health or the environment. Lab results from L.A. County Public Works show that levels of metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, and asbestos are below the thresholds that would classify the debris as hazardous waste. Additional testing took place the week of Feb. 24, with results pending. Officials have no plans to remove the sediment at this time, citing potential environmental risks. Disturbing the material could harm marine ecosystems, erode the shoreline, and disrupt natural sand layers. Instead, tides and weather conditions are expected to gradually clear the sediment.

Beyond ash and fine sediment, larger charred debris from the wildfires has been discovered on beaches as far south as Redondo Beach, some of which contain nails, sharp edges, or unstable fragments that pose a safety risk to beachgoers. The Department of Beaches and Harbors has deployed crews to remove large debris as it washes ashore, and if specialized removal is required, caution tape or barriers will be placed around the debris to ensure public safety. Officials urge visitors to avoid these areas and remain cautious when walking near coastal creeks, lagoons, and outfall sites.

To ensure public health, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Department of Public Health are conducting regular water sampling. Ocean advisories and closures are issued as needed. Currently, beachgoers from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach are advised to avoid visible fire debris and stay out of ocean water during posted advisories. Additional, non-fire-related advisories may also be in effect. Up-to-date information is available through the Department of Public Health’s ocean water hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or online at publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.

In response to ongoing concerns, the Department of Public Health has launched a Post-Fire Assessment Plan, tracking air, soil, and water testing efforts across L.A. County. Data from these assessments will be publicly shared as it becomes available. Some parking lots in burn-affected areas remain closed due to wildfire recovery efforts, while others are accessible only to residents or businesses with valid passes for impacted sections of the Pacific Coast Highway. Officials continue to monitor coastal conditions and will provide updates as additional test results become available. Beachgoers are urged to heed closures and exercise caution around cleanup areas.

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘: Metro Bus Rolls Through Fire-Ravaged PCH to Malibu

MALIBU, CA – Santa Monica Closeup traveled aboard a Metro Bus on Line 134 from the Santa Monica Pier to Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu on Monday, March 3, 2025, documenting ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Palisades Fire. The highway, still closed to the public, serves as a crucial operations hub for rebuilding fire-damaged areas. The elevated view from the bus provided a unique perspective of the devastation. LA Metro has partially resumed service on Line 134, reconnecting Malibu and Santa Monica for the first time since the fire shut down the route nearly two months ago. The limited service, which began on February 28, offers a vital transportation link for residents, workers, and commuters navigating the recovery process. Metro Line 134 now serves stops at the Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way, and Malibu Canyon Road, extending to Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu and into Santa Monica, where it connects with the E Line Station and Ocean Avenue. However, buses will not stop along a 10-mile work zone between PCH/Temescal Canyon Road and PCH/Rambla Vista to ensure passenger and worker safety. “Resuming service on Line 134 is a crucial step toward supporting the residents and commuters who depend on this route,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We are committed to restoring connectivity as quickly as recovery conditions allow.” Public access to PCH remains heavily restricted, with only one lane open in each direction and a 25-mph speed limit enforced. National Guard Military Police continue to staff checkpoints, allowing entry only to first responders, authorized personnel, and select press. Residents and contractors must obtain special entry passes. Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn emphasized the urgency of restoring transit access, stating, “It is important that as we recover from these fires, we get this service back up and running as soon as possible for our riders.” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart added, “This modified service balances safety with ensuring that residents, workers, and businesses have reliable transportation. We are grateful for LA Metro’s partnership.” Delays are expected due to ongoing lane restrictions, and Metro has stated that schedules may be adjusted as conditions evolve. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins underscored the significance of the restoration, stating, “January’s wildfires devastated the region, making this partial service restoration an important step in recovery.” The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Strong Santa Ana winds and extreme drought conditions fueled its rapid spread, overwhelming emergency response efforts. The disaster resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, leaving lasting impacts on the region. As recovery continues, Metro’s partial service restoration represents progress in reconnecting affected communities and supporting those impacted by the disaster.

𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗: LA Metro Resumes Limited Bus Service on Fire-Damaged PCH Between Malibu and Santa Monica

𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗨, 𝗖𝗔 – Santa Monica Closeup traveled along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from the Malibu Pier to Venice Beach on a very windy Sunday, March 2, 2025, documenting ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Palisades Fire. The highway, still closed to the public, now serves as a critical operations hub for rebuilding and securing fire-damaged areas. Santa Monica Closeup also rode on the bike path to Venice Beach.

During the ride from Malibu towards Santa Monica, Metro Bus 134 was observed stopping at PCH at the Malibu Pier to pick up and drop off passengers.

LA Metro has partially resumed service on Line 134, reconnecting Malibu and Santa Monica for the first time since the Palisades Fire forced a shutdown nearly two months ago. The closed-door service, which began operating on Friday, February 28, provides a critical transportation link for residents, workers, and commuters navigating the ongoing recovery efforts.

Metro Line 134, which runs along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), now serves stops at the Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, Civic Center Way, and Malibu Canyon Road, extending to Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu and into Santa Monica, where it connects with the E Line Station and Ocean Avenue. However, buses will not open doors along a 10-mile work zone between PCH/Temescal Canyon Road and PCH/Rambla Vista near the Carbon Beach Terrace checkpoint, ensuring the safety of passengers and recovery crews working in fire-damaged areas.

“Resuming service on Line 134 is a crucial step toward supporting the residents and commuters who depend on this route from Malibu to Santa Monica,” said Metro Board Member and LA County Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “While there are still challenges ahead, we know how critical reliable transit service is to our communities. We are doing everything we can to safely serve this critical need; however, this is not yet operations as usual. We are committed to restoring essential connectivity and getting back to normal service as quickly as recovery conditions allow.”

Public access to PCH remains heavily restricted, with only one lane open in each direction and a 25-mph speed limit enforced through the affected area. National Guard Military Police continue to staff checkpoints, allowing passage only to first responders, authorized personnel, and select press. Residents and contractors must obtain special entry passes to access impacted areas.

Metro Board Chair and LA County Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the importance of the restoration, stating, “Across the county, hundreds of thousands of people count on Metro to get to work, to school, to family, and everything in between. It is important that as we recover from these fires that we get this service back up and running as soon as possible for our riders that need it.”

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart also praised the initiative, highlighting the service’s role in easing congestion and aiding in the city’s recovery. “Restoring public transportation access to Malibu is a critical step in our community’s recovery,” Stewart said. “This modified service strikes a careful balance of safety and ensuring residents, workers, and business patrons have a safe and reliable way to travel through the area. We are grateful for LA Metro’s partnership. While the impact of the Palisades Fire remains, this marks an important milestone in reconnecting our city and supporting those who depend on public transit.”

Delays are anticipated due to ongoing lane restrictions, and Metro has stated that schedules may be adjusted as conditions evolve. Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins underscored the significance of the restoration, noting, “January’s wildfires devastated the L.A. area and disrupted the connectivity of communities in and around the fire zones, which makes this partial restoration of service an important part of the recovery.”

The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, scorched over 23,000 acres, destroying more than 12,000 structures and displacing approximately 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Strong Santa Ana winds and extreme drought conditions fueled the inferno, overwhelming emergency response efforts and grounding aerial firefighting teams. The disaster resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

As rebuilding efforts continue, Metro’s partial service restoration offers a sign of progress, providing much-needed connectivity and support for those affected by the disaster.

𝐇𝐎𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐆! Wienermobile Rolls into Santa Monica Beach, Bringing ‘Buns of Fun’ to the Coast

Santa Monica Beach, March 1, 2025 – The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made a splash along Santa Monica Beach on Saturday afternoon, turning heads and adding a whimsical twist to the weekend scene. The 27-foot-long hot dog-shaped vehicle, a rolling symbol of American nostalgia, has been delighting fans across the country since 1936. Drivers and brand ambassadors, known as "Hotdoggers," greeted beachgoers with enthusiasm. "Hey everyone, I’m Sizzling Steven and I’m Relishing Riley, and we’re on tour with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!" the duo announced. "We’re here in Los Angeles for the week, sparking smiles, having ‘buns of fun.’ Come check us out at Santa Monica Beach or around L.A. this weekend—we can’t wait to "meat" you!" Beyond simply driving the Wienermobile, Hotdoggers serve as brand representatives, handling public relations, vehicle upkeep, and social media engagement. The full-time position offers a salary of $35,600 annually, alongside benefits including a $150 weekly stipend, 18 days of paid time off, comprehensive health coverage, and fully covered hotel accommodations. Candidates must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and hold a bachelor's degree—preferably in public relations, communications, journalism, or marketing. Since its debut in 1936, the Wienermobile has undergone numerous redesigns, cementing its place as an enduring pop culture icon. Saturday’s sighting in Santa Monica is a testament to the vehicle’s lasting charm, proving that even in 2025, America still loves a good hot dog on wheels. #KeepItOscar

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘: Santa Monica Police and Superheroes Team Up at Pacific Park’s ‘Heroes Day’

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica Police Department participated in Heroes Day at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, an event that celebrated local heroes and promoted safety awareness on Saturday, March 1. Families and visitors gathered for an afternoon of community engagement, emergency preparedness activities, and superhero fun. The free event featured family-friendly entertainment, including face painting and interactive demonstrations focused on safety. Guests also had the chance to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Ghost-Spider, who posed for photos and interacted with attendees, adding to the excitement of the day. As part of the activities, the Santa Monica Police Department hosted ‘Coffee with a Cop’ from 3-5 p.m. in front of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Community members met local officers, asked questions, and discussed public safety concerns over refreshments. In partnership with the American Red Cross, officers helped distribute free emergency preparedness kits at a booth in the park. The kits provided essential supplies and information to help families stay prepared for potential emergencies. Heroes Day served as a valuable opportunity for the community to connect with first responders and law enforcement while enjoying a lively afternoon at one of Santa Monica’s most popular destinations.