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Showing posts with label Santa Monica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santa Monica. Show all posts


It looks like one of the surfer looters from last month has been arrested. The mug shot the SMPD released appears to match that of the person who stole a surfboard and other stuff from Patagonia.



Amanda Toyono Van Duyse, 31, of Los Angeles was arrested earlier this month for burglary, grand theft and burglary during an emergency, said Lt. Joseph Cortez, the Santa Monica Police Department spokesman.

Van Duyse's arrest came after police served a search warrant in the City of Los Angeles and "located thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise stolen from Santa Monica businesses," Cortez said.

Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud, who by the way not only did a piss poor job of protecting the city, but also, along with her cronies, has been lying her ass off trying to hide the fact that she did such a bad job, well this poor excuse for a police chief chimed in with this statement: “We are dedicated to bringing those responsible for the crimes committed on May 31 to justice and are working in collaboration with our partner agencies, to locate, arrest and prosecute those who committed acts of violence and theft in our community."

Amanda is being held in jail with a $100,000 bail.

As for the rest of the looted surfboards from Patagonia, most have been returned to the store, according to various posts on Instagram. One of the looters was even called out and identified publicly within minutes of all the videos of him hit Instagram.

@salty_beards has pretty much been the main detective on the stolen surfboards and updating the status on them. Below are a couple of their posts on it:



There's even a video of one of the surfers returning a board back to the Patagonia store on the @salty_beards Instagram page.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE




The two big 4th Of July events in Santa Monica have been cancelled.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and restrictions of large-scale, in-person events, the parade down Main St has been cancelled by the city, and Santa Monica College has cancelled their pre-holiday fireworks show.

"It is particularly disappointing that Celebrate America had to be canceled this year, at a time when we at Santa Monica College would love to gather with our community," Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, SMC Superintendent/President, said in a news release. "We look forward to future occasions, when we may celebrate with confidence, to host events safely. Please take care of yourself. Stay well. Stay strong! Stay connected."

“I can’t predict when events like Celebrate America will be allowed to resume, or when folks will begin to feel comfortable in crowds again,” said Linda Sullivan, SMC Event Producer and Associate Dean of Facilities Programming. “But when they do, they will be greeted with the greatest enthusiasm.”






For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE




Video and text by David Malana

In honor of George Floyd, we paddled out to pay respects in Santa Monica. One thing you notice more than anything is that the surfing community is predominantly white. A sport created by people of color (ancient Polynesians) banned by white colonizers who proclaimed it an act of evil, reintroduced to the world by a Hawaiian, and then taken over again by vast majority white people who now make billions off of a surf industry that uses people and places of color as decoration for events, videos, movies, and photos. It's a bit of an irony that as a Filipino man, I often feel out of place. My challenge to surfers is to practice the concept of equity in their surf lives by sharing our love for the ocean and its waves with people and communities that didn't inherit the wealth you did, didn't have learning to swim or going to the beach as a birthright, and who now are represented by a brave few that paddled out with us that day, as a small somber amidst a crowd of generally jovial surfers enjoying their unintentionally closed communities. If you would like to find a hopeful surfer of color who wants to experience what we so readily enjoy, please let me know and I can help. That is one way we can do our part moving forward. Take the feels you get from these things, and do more to get BIPOCs back in the water where they once so naturally belonged.



The ATF and the Santa Monica Police put up a reward of up to $5,000 for information related to the arrest of those responsible for the arson that occurred May 31 at the Sake House by Hikari, located at 401 Santa Monica Blvd.

Below is the press statement from the ATF:




Anyone with information was asked to call Detective D. Chabot at 310-458-2201 Ext. 6679, Sergeant C. Green at 310-458-8414 or the 24-hour watch commander at 310-458-8427. Don't know how competent these detectives are, hopefully they are not awful at their job as their beloved Chief Renuad is.



The peice of trash wearing the ugly MISBHV legging also looted the REI store as seen in the photo above.



For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE




The ATF is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the looters who hit Big 5 in Santa Monica last Sunday. The looters stole 29 guns from the store.

Below is the press statement from the ATF:

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced a reward today of up to $10,000 for information related to the arrest of those responsible for the burglary of a federal firearms licensee in Santa Monica.

Around 8 p.m., May 31, a group of unidentified suspects burglarized the store Big 5 Sporting Goods, at 3121 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, California. The unidentified suspects used a crowbar and a sledgehammer to break the windows and utilized bolt cutters to cut the metal roll down gate. They opened the emergency exit door of the business to gain entry to the business. Once inside, the suspects stole 29 firearms from the business. The suspects who used the sledgehammer and bolt cutters were riding in a white BMW four-door sedan.

ATF Los Angeles is offering up to a $5,000 reward, along with up to a $5,000 reward from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the burglary of Big 5 Sporting Goods.

This total reward of $10,000 is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the ATF and NSSF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers. NSSF is the trade association for the firearms industry. ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms.

Anyone with any information about this crime should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), by visiting www.reportit.com or through the mobile “reportit” app, available both on Google Play and the Apple App Store. All calls will be kept confidential.

When reporting information, include as many details as possible, and contact information if seeking a reward. Information eligible for reward must lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the robbery.

This investigation is being conducted jointly by the ATF Los Angeles Field Division and Santa Monica Police Department





For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



Ocean Park's beloved Tower 26 is being replaced today, after it set on fire around 11:00PM the night of the Santa Monica looting.

"The city is replacing it with tower 29 for now, probably swapping them once tower 26 is completing repaired," local surfer Sergio Lira said. "A Good Samaritan saved the tower before the fire engulfed the outside, just the inside was severely damaged."



No graffiti was sprayed on it, so whether or not this was related to the lootings is unclear, could have been triggered by a local meth zombie, but we saw no evidence of that was left at the tower.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



The internet is going after another one, a reporter who faked a photo for her website of herself helping Santa Monica recover from the tragedy.

***UPDATED: The news organization has fired this SAMOHI alumni due to all the backlash received.

You most likely saw the video of a woman who stopped a worker from boarding up a store so she can borrow his power drill and fake like she is helping Santa Monica rebuild for a photo. Here's the original video, in case you missed it:



As seen in the video, she hands the drill back to the worker, thanked him, then laughs about and makes that smug comment, before she gets into a Mercedes SUV with her boyfriend. And the fact that she made sure to pick a Latino worker to pose with didn't go unnoticed.

This happened on Monday morning during the huge clean up effort, where 100's of volunteers came to help clean up and repair Santa Monica. The video went viral and angered everyone. The search to find out who she is took off.

As one post on social media stated: "The problem here is that she's 1) using this terrible situation to promote herself instead of the man who's actually helping and 2) completely insensitive to racial / class tensions."

And soon enough, the internet found her and blasted her info everywhere. She is Fiona Moriarty McLaughlin, a conservative journalist, who has a column called Facts With Fiona and work for some political news site called the Washington Examiner.



Yeah, she is "just chasing the facts". We see the type of facts this BS'ing Washington Examiner is chasing.


We even shared the video of her on our Instagram Story and we almost immediately received DM's from people telling us her name, where she went to school, etc...even from people that know her personally. Saying things like she is a self-centered privileged rich girl.

And that school this poser went to is Santa Monica High School.

Now it's not clear if Fiona the poser was doing this for the news site or for her own struggling "influencer" account. Either way, mocking it the way she did, and laughing about it, it sure pissed off a lot of people. The news organization's social media accounts with comments calling for her to be fired.

And reports are now circulating that the Washington Examiner did indeed cut ties with Fiona. New York Magazine reporter Yashar Ali reported she was fired. Her bio page is now removed as well.

So Fiona now has some free time to actually help those businesses for real.


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE


Image via @santamonicaproblems


The internet is at work busting the garbage that came to loot Santa Monica businesses.

This idiot posted a video bragging about all the stuff he stole, it went viral, the internet tracked him down and posted all his info online.

And LAPD actually took note of it.

@santamonicaproblems was the first to share this scumbag's video:



The internet then went to work, and soon enough, all his info was posted:



@santamonicaproblems, along with a FOX 11 News reporter, of all people, then called out the Santa Monica Police to step up and do something about. Good to see not all big station news reporters are inconsideration clowns. Big bravo to you, Bill Melugin!

All his info was found, including his address. Even what part of his house all the merchandise he stole was in.

And since Bill Melugin has a blue check mark on twitter, it caught the attention of the LAPD:



And that forced SMPD to step up:



Unfortunately, SMPD doesn't know how to use twitter.



We will post an update if we hear of anything happens, probably will have to wait and see if SMPD figures out how to use their email account first.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE


Photos by Six12 Media

A paddle out in honor of George Floyd was held on Friday evening at the historic Inkwell Beach which is the Bay Street Surf Break in Santa Monica.

Hosted by California Mermaid Photography, she wanted "to let others know we care and want this violence to stop. The Ink Well is one of the first beaches in California to allow African Americans beach access."

"Thank you, Surf community. This is us coming together for justice. Over 100 of you paddled out to form this beautiful circle to honor George Floyd; he’d be proud."










You can find higher resolution versions of these and a few more in this photo gallery:

George Floyd Paddle Out Photo Gallery


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE


Image via @santamonicaproblems


The Santa Monica Police Department was made aware of looting that was going to take place in Santa Monica.

They were sent info about the planned attack from several sources, and even admitted in replies (as the above image shows) to people that they knew about it. Some sources state they inform the police about Sunday's attack as early as Friday.

Yet, the police did not alert any businesses or residents. A few places were already boarded up due to the Coronavirus closures, and a few others were alerted by individuals who found out about the plan to attack the city.

And when the riots started, many are agreeing that they were not prepared. Looters had free reign over the downtown area for almost two hours.

Calculated organized planned hits of targeted stores. Store owners left to defend themselves. Citizens bravely protecting businesses and getting attacked for it.

As seen world-wide in videos via social media, stores such as REI, Vans, Vons, and Patagonia, were hit hard, as well as smaller stores like the jewelry store and a stamp shop.

Then looters were casually strolling the area with all there stolen merchandise right in front of police, who did absolutely nothing about it. Loading up get away cars, trying on clothing, etc...

Not only that, but now SMPD is now in PR damage control mode, making social media posts and statements about the good job they claim Police Chief Cynthia Renaud did. And making the false statements that there were "no loss of life and no serious injuries."



The audacity he and other city council members have to make false statements like that.



People were seriously injured. There was the guy with the hockey stick that got beat up by a crowd of looters in the street, the Amazon truck driver that they attack, and one person who is currently hospitalized after a looters stolen get away car slammed into her.

No wonder residents are calling for the police chief to be fire. City needs a police chief to protect the city, not to make Tik-Tok videos.

Click the link below to read the view the full petition:
Recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud Petition


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



Hundreds of people from all over Los Angeles came together this morning for clean up of Downtown Santa Monica. It was organized by DownTownSantaMonica.com.

By noon, most of the city was cleaned up.





Photos: Tim Harter


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



A petition has been started to recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud.

"After seeing the widespread looting and vandalism of our city and local businesses, we can do better. After seeing our brave law enforcement officers stand by without strong leadership or overarching strategy to protect themselves, our city, and its citizens, we have to do better. After seeing SMPD Chief Cynthia Renaud conduct a blundering press conference that was completely misaligned with the current realities, we must do better."

Click the link below to read the view the full petition:
Recall Santa Monica Police Chief Cynthia Renaud Petition


For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



In light of recent event in Santa Monica, Heal the Bay Knowledge Drop- Nick Gabaldon Day has moved to Thursday

Honor Nick Gabaldón Day and Nick's legacy as LA's early surfer of color!

Join Heal the Bay's Ines Ware in conversation with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and filmmaker Rhasaan Nichols. They will discuss the legacy of Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay, through their work — Alison’s book, "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" and Rhasaan’s film "Walking on Water".

Thu, Jun 4, 2020 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
Register Here

Heal the Bay is responding with a new interactive science education series “Knowledge Drops”, where our team of scientists, experts, and advocates explores the water world and offers fun lessons about the marine environment. Each session is about 1-hour long and includes a live presentation, Q&A, polls, and videos. Our new webinar series is generally geared for 3rd – 8th grade students, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!



A clean up of Downtown Santa Monica has been organized by DownTownSantaMonica.com:

Bring your brooms, garbage bags, gloves and face masks to help us clean up our downtown after yesterday’s tragic lootings. We will meet at the top of the Santa Monica Pier at 9:00am. Let’s help our businesses get up & running again.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



Looting is going on in Downtown Santa Monica. This was not part of the peaceful protest that was happening on Montana and Ocean Aves.

The mall and several promenade stores, such as Vans, were looted.

Live coverage has been posted to our Instagram Stories.

For more of our coverage of the protests and looting in our beach communities, CLICK HERE



Honor Nick Gabaldón Day and Nick's legacy as LA's early surfer of color!

Join Heal the Bay's Ines Ware in conversation with historian Alison Rose Jefferson and filmmaker Rhasaan Nichols. They will discuss the legacy of Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of color in the Santa Monica Bay, through their work — Alison’s book, "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" and Rhasaan’s film "Walking on Water".

Mon, Jun 1, 2020 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
Register Here

Heal the Bay is responding with a new interactive science education series “Knowledge Drops”, where our team of scientists, experts, and advocates explores the water world and offers fun lessons about the marine environment. Each session is about 1-hour long and includes a live presentation, Q&A, polls, and videos. Our new webinar series is generally geared for 3rd – 8th grade students, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Local surf photographer California Mermaid is hosting a paddle out in honor of George Floyd.

"In honor of George Floyd, a paddle out will be held in protest of his and countless other horrifying murders," she stated on her Instagram, "Please use your voice to make it STOP. We are one community in support of each other."

They are meeting at 6:00PM on Friday at The Inkwell, Bat Street Surf Spot, and plan to paddle out at 7:00PM.

Take note that the parking lots all along Santa Monica are still closed, and the street parking restrictions will be in place along Bay St between Ocean Front Walk and Neilson Way and on Ocean Blvd. between Bay St. and Hollister Ave. The image below shows where NO PARKING signs are placed:



So while it may seem like the lots are open, and people are still parking on the restricted streets, you are risking getting a ticket if you do.

California Mermaid Photography
The thieves are back at it, targeting surfers' vehicles along PCH.

We got word that a vehicle at at Sunset got hit midweek at 12:30 in the afternoon. And another at Topanga around 2:00pm.

Don't just hide your keys around your car, theives are lurking and watching, waiting for their opportunity. .

Members of the surf community are doing our best to keep on the lookout, and warning other surfers not to just hide their keys under the fender.

And then, some individuals are not happy that surfers are being warned about the car burglaries, watch the video below:



"People who drive down to the beach to surf are sometimes getting their cars burglarized while out having fun. Some of us beach~boy elders are now watching out for these thieves. And we are doing a decent job, you might say. This woman in this video is verrry mad at me for trying to stop beach~side theft. I'll quote her: "That's not yo' problem"..." - Shot by R Wright


So take your key with you, or try using a lockbox, like the ones featured here:



Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Santa Monica Pier 360 event has been cancelled.

"While this is disappointing news, the safety of our team and athletes is our top priority. If you’re already registered, your fee will be refunded automatically. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!"




For more of our coverage of the Coronavirus lockdown, closures, and how our local surf community and businesses are doing, CLICK HERE



Jacks Surfboards is hiring for all locations.

Apply online @ Jacks Surfboards Job Application


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