Santa Monica’s Big Weekend Moves | Venice Beach News

Venice Beach News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 1, 2026 · 1m

LA County lifeguards smashed a record with 1,950 ocean rescues over the weekend—more than six times the norm—so heed the high surf and rip current warnings until 5 PM today. Meanwhile, early campaign finance reports reveal who’s already leading fundraising in four Santa Monica races. The city’s also rolling out a half-million-dollar custom float for the Tournament of Roses Parade to spotlight its pier and landmarks, while repurposing the Palm Motel to expand homeless services and delaying the SaMoShel shelter’s closure. And if you’re craving culture, the free Art on Ocean festival will turn…