Santa Monica Close-up

01/11/2025

Smoke from the Brentwood fire blankets Santa Monica Pier this Saturday morning.

01/11/2025

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮: 𝗔𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆

Santa Monica Police Officer Edgar Arana, a dedicated six-year veteran of the department and member of the Downtown Services Unit, was involved in a serious traffic accident in the early hours of January 10th while heading home after his shift. Officer Arana, who had just been working to support the Palisades Fire response and ensure the safety of Santa Monica, sustained severe injuries, including multiple broken bones, internal organ damage, and a head injury.

Officer Arana is not only a trusted Field Training Officer but also a devoted husband and father to two young boys, ages 3 years and 4 months. The family was set to move into their new home this week—a dream now clouded by this unexpected tragedy.

Colleagues and friends from the Santa Monica Police Department have launched a **GoFundMe** campaign to help ease the financial burden of medical bills, ongoing recovery, and everyday expenses during this difficult time.

**Every donation counts** in helping Officer Arana and his family as they navigate this challenging period. Contributions can be made directly via the GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-for-injured-officer-edgar-arana

Let’s come together as a community to support a local hero who has tirelessly worked to keep Santa Monica safe.

Edgar Arana, a Police Officer with the Santa Monica Police Department, was in a tr… Jordon Dorrance needs your support for Aid for Injured Officer Edgar Arana

01/11/2025

Malibu's Iconic Coastline in Ruins: Beachfront Properties Turned to Ashes

On Friday, January 10, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz documented the extensive devastation caused by the Palisades Fire along th...

01/10/2025

National Guard Military Police Deployed in Santa Monica to Assist SMPD Amid Palisades Fire Emergency

01/10/2025

Fiery sunset framed by palms as smoke from the Palisades fire colors the sky.

01/10/2025

Thursday's sunset over Santa Monica Bay burned brighter, as smoke from the Palisades fire painted the sky in fiery hues. A surreal beauty amidst nature’s force.

📷 Fabian Lewkowicz

01/09/2025

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Second Mobile Home Park Reduced to Rubble in Pacific Palisades Fire

On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz revisited the aftermath of the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire and...

01/09/2025

Santa Monica Issues Nighttime Curfew and Emergency Order as Palisades Fire Escalates

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — In response to the escalating impacts of the Palisades Fire, the city of Santa Monica has issued a local emergency order, including a nighttime curfew in mandatory evacuation zones and other critical measures to support emergency efforts.

01/08/2025

AFTERMATH: Mobile Home Park Destroyed in Pacific Palisades Fire, Community Reduced to Ashes

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the once vibrant Tahitian Terrace mobile home community in Pacific Palisades was completely destroyed by the fast-moving wildf...

01/08/2025

A somber sunrise over Santa Monica this Wednesday morning as smoke from the Pacific Palisades fire blankets the sky. A stark reminder of the ongoing battle against the blaze. Thoughts are with those affected.

📷 Joey Alvarez

01/08/2025

A surreal scene at the Santa Monica Pier as tonight’s sunset blends with smoke from the Pacific Palisades fire, casting a haunting and somber backdrop.

01/08/2025

Tonight’s sunset, vivid yet somber, painted by smoke from the Pacific Palisades fire. Thoughts are with those affected.

01/07/2025

Fast-Moving Blaze Engulfs Pacific Palisades Hills, Smoke Blankets Santa Monica Bay

A large wildfire erupted in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday morning, prompting officials to warn nearby residents to be ready for potential evacuations. Thick p...

01/07/2025

Smoke from the Pacific Palisades fire engulfs the sky above Santa Monica Pier as firefighters battle the fast-moving blaze.

01/07/2025

**Fast-Moving Blaze Engulfs Pacific Palisades Hills, Smoke Blankets Santa Monica Bay**

A large wildfire erupted in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday morning, prompting officials to warn nearby residents to be ready for potential evacuations. Thick plumes of smoke have spread across the Santa Monica coastline, casting a haze over the bay.

The fire, initially reported as a vegetation blaze near North Piedra Morada Drive, has rapidly grown in size, reaching approximately 20 acres by late morning. Los Angeles Fire Department crews are actively working to contain the flames, which are being fueled by dry conditions and moderate winds.

Residents in surrounding areas are urged to stay alert and monitor evacuation advisories as fire teams assess the situation. The smoke is clearly visible from Santa Monica, raising concerns about air quality along the coast.

Authorities continue to monitor the wildfire's progress as firefighting helicopters and ground crews engage in containment efforts.

01/07/2025

Monday night glow at Santa Monica Beach 🌅 Tower 26 watches over another stunning sunset.

01/06/2025

𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗛: Santa Monica Beach Maintenance Crew Cleans Up Tire Marks

Santa Monica Beach Maintenance Crew was out early Monday morning, January 6, 2025, pressure-washing Ocean Front Walk after Sunday’s minibike gathering that d...

01/06/2025

Sunday sunset glowing over Santa Monica Pier—weekend perfection.