Community members gathered on Thursday, February 7, to celebrate the unveiling by the City of Santa Monica of a monument marking a section of beach near Bay Street that was once referred to as the “Ink Well” – a restricted area of the beach available for African-Americans. Racial restrictions were eliminated on California’s beaches in 1927, but many African-Americans from Santa Monica and Venice felt more comfortable on this stretch of beach long after that time. Nicolas Gabaldon, a 1940s graduate of Santa Monica High School and the first documented African-American surfer, taught himself to surf there. The plaque is engraved with the words: “The Ink Well: A Place of Celebration and Pain,” and gives a brief history.
You might be interested in …
Lugya'h by Ponchos Tlayudas at the Maydan Market. Photo Credit: Jon Endow.
Michelin Guide 2026: Seline Awarded a Michelin Star and Four More L.A. Restaurants Win Michelin Distinctions
The Michelin Guide announced its restaurant selections for 2026 in San Diego on Wednesday night. Los Angeles restaurants were awarded Michelin stars, promoted with additional stars, and added to the Bib Gourmand List
Getty
Road Repairs to Begin Tuesday in Palisades
Officials confirmed that Phase 1 starts on streets identified as priority areas. Road repair work in the community will begin Tuesday as part of ongoing recovery efforts, city officials announced. The Bureau of Street Services […]
Toy Story 5, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Greta Lee. Photo Credit: Pixar
Film Review: Toy Story 5
FILM REVIEWTOY STORY 5 Rated PG102 MinutesReleased June 19th The Toy Story films look at life from a child’s eyes, and Toy Story 5 is no exception. We make a grave mistake if we think that […]
Jonathan Rinderknecht’s mugshot photo. Photo Credit: U.S. Attorney.
Palisades Fire suspect to remain behind bars after federal jury deadlocks
A federal judge dismissed the panel against former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht. Jurors deadlocked heavily in favor of acquittal, forcing a federal judge to declare a mistrial Friday in the case against a former Uber […]
Santa Monica State of City Event to Feature Performances and Updates on the Realignment Plan
Mayor Torosis will deliver the address, outlining accomplishments from the past year and discussing priorities for 2027. Santa Monica will hold its annual State of the City event on July 23 with an open-street gathering […]
LAFD photo of the destruction after the Pacific Palisades Fire. Photo Credit: LA County.
Undercover sting catches fraudulent rebuilding schemes operating in Pacific Palisades
Six unlicensed suspects face prison time after bidding on fake home construction projects in fire-damaged neighborhoods. Six unlicensed contractors face felony charges for allegedly trying to solicit more than $1 million in fraudulent rebuilding bids […]
Los Angeles chefs and bakeries launch Westside food events for Venezuelan earthquake relief
Local spots like The Arepa Stand, Petitgrain Boulangerie, and Chainsaw organize menu specials to fund medicine and food. By Dolores...
Read more
CHP launches Fourth of July crackdown with 100 undercover patrols
State troopers deploy low-profile vehicles to target holiday speeders. The California Highway Patrol will initiate its maximum enforcement period beginning at 6...
Read more
