Person who had 3 of electrics bikes stolen out of his garage was able to recover them, with the unwilling help of LAPD. Here is his story he posted:

Three Bikes were stolen out of our garage last night on Strongs. "What follows is a crazy story and then a warning (see picture) to watch out for a RV encampment where we found two of the bikes.

Apparently for garages thieves now can use third party remotes to unlock your doors.

Fortunately, I had Airtags embedded in two of the bikes and using them was able to locate and recover ALL of them this morning.

One was in a garage in The Pearl, the other was at an RV at the corner of Canal and Grand Canal (off North Venice).

After sitting on hold with the non-emergency response for LAPD for an hour, was able to get a dispatch that came to the house. Filed a report and then showed the officers the locations of the bike on “Find My”.

They were very skeptical that they could do anything (they said the Airtags were inaccurate and if it located in an apartment they’d need a warrant which would take ‘three days’.) We urged them to go to the sites anyway.

They called 20 min later at one of the sites where they found one bike in an open garage, but locked up (with the lock and keys attached to my bike that the thief still had). Ran over with a spare key and unlocked my bike — was still in rideable condition. One down.

They drove by the second area and said they couldn’t find my bike, but my wife walked over and saw the tires of one bike under a tarp next to this RV (see picture). She stayed close to there while we got the police to come over to recover. This time they asked for my phone to “ping” the airtag to find the other bike, ID’d it, and we found the third bike under the tarp next to it. The police got those other two bikes.

I asked if they were going to at least knock on the door of the RV to ask questions and they were resistant — basically like “what do you want us to do”? — and given this was a felony (all the stolen bikes were over $1k) I was like “this is felony property theft aren’t you going to at least question the person?”

Anyway long story they finally knocked on the RV where the guy denied everything and that was that. At least we have our bikes back (sans chargers, the thief’s were smart enough to take them).

see the RV where the bikes were recovered, on corner of Canal and Grand Canal. again no “proof” this guy stole my bikes (I mean they could have been placed at his RV under tarps without his knowledge lol) but occam’s razor. Pics of the police recovering these bikes.

Recommendation to put Airtags on your bikes! and secure your garages. Our camera didn’t catch the thief but we just put in another camera this morning as well as enabling a remote sensor to alert if it is opened. We’re obviously on edge after the attacks and rapes in the Canals last weekend.

Stay safe and smart. Crime is out of control. I’m generally on the side of compassion but things have gotten out of balance here. But feeling grateful to have recovered these bikes (my main form of transportation)."

One of the victims of the Venice Canals Assaults on Women is a 54 year old resident of Venice. Her fiend has set up a GoFundMe for her:

"Dear Friends, Family & Community, I’m a dear friend of one of the two victims of a violent attack on the Venice, CA canals on Saturday, April 6th as she was doing her evening walk after work to get in her daily 10,000 steps. She is a 54 yr old single mother, having lived in Venice for years and serves as a full time caregiver to an elderly woman with ALS. Unfortunately, her healthcare insurance (medi-cal) dropped her March 31st and she was in the midst of getting California Coverage but hasn’t heard from them.

During the attack she received at least 8 fractures to her jaw, large laceration to the back of her head, several teeth are bashed out and multiple contusions on her face & neck. She will require many surgeries and is currently getting her jaw wired shut for at least a month. Not to mention she will, in time, need mental health support and guidance along with PT.

All of these funds will go directly to the victim and her medical bills as well as long term physical and mental care.



It’s doubtful she will be able to return to work for at least 6-8 weeks and she’s so worried about losing her small rental in Venice where she and her cat have resided for years. Many may know her for the wonderful sand art she builds in Venice for all the events. No amount is too small and every note is important for her to read support and love from everyone."

To donate, please Click Here

Temporary signals now operating at Tuna Canyon Road and SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) for left turns onto sothbound PCH. This is an alternate route to avoid the closure on Route 27 (Topanga Canyon) from Grand View Dr to PCH due to the still-active landslide.

No information yet, just this post from Thursday morning via @SaveVenice1

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, an individual suspected of committing a robbery at the Louis Vuitton store in Santa Monica Place was apprehended by Santa Monica Police Officers along Ocean Avenue. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, matched the description of the person involved in the theft.

In the course of the operation, the police conducted an investigation, leading to the suspect's arrest on suspicion of grand theft. Before the arrest, Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect's health as a safety measure. Following a medical clearance, the individual was formally arrested.

The suspect faces potential charges under California Penal Code [CPC] §§487(a) – (d) for Grand Theft, which is applicable when property or services valued over $950 are stolen. Additionally, the individual may be charged with Estes Robbery, as defined by 211 PC, which involves the felonious acquisition of personal property through force or intimidation."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

Locals' Night returns on April 18. The Santa Monica Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more! You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica.

Prepare for a visual feast as several prominent Westside car clubs, including The WestSide Crew and the WestSide Volkswagen Club, make a triumphant return for Locals' Night. The Pier deck will transform into a showcase of automotive artistry as these enthusiasts bring their meticulously maintained and stunning vehicles to the event. From classic cruisers to customized Volkswagens, attendees will have the chance to gaze in awe at the diverse array of automobiles that these passionate clubs proudly present. It's not just a night of dancing and music; it's an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into keeping these wheels rolling in style. So, gear up for a night of not only rhythm and beats but also the visual spectacle of Westside's finest automobiles.

And much, much, more..... Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) personnel were dispatched to the scene of an incident where a fire hydrant had been struck by a vehicle on Bay Street, resulting in water jetting high into the air. The team, demonstrating prompt and efficient action, successfully located and closed the valve, halting the uncontrolled flow of water.

The driver involved in the incident remained on-site, awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officers to document the occurrence. Captain Johnny Maccini of the SMFD provided insights into the event, noting the swift response of the firefighters in managing to isolate and shut down the water main. Captain Maccini expressed optimism for a quick repair of the damaged infrastructure by city services, highlighting the effective coordination between emergency responders and municipal agencies in addressing such unforeseen disruptions."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

A Lyft driver was assrested last week and charged for sexual assault on a Santa Monica resident back in September.

On September 7, 2023, Santa Monica police responded to the 2900 block of Pennsylvania Ave regarding a sexual assault. A woman reported that a Lyft driver picked her up from a restaurant in West Hollywood and sexually assaulted her during the ride home.

The victim, a Santa Monica resident, fell asleep in the car and woke up to inappropriate touching. The suspect then offered to walk her to her door, which she refused. Once home, she realized several hours had passed since she was picked up.

Santa Monica detectives investigated and identified the driver as Fernando Macias Morales, a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident. They arrested him on April 5, 2024, in the San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Morales with felony counts of:

Kidnapping to commit a sexual act (California Penal Code 209(b)(1))
Sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation (California Penal Code 289(e))
Oral copulation of a person intoxicated person or under sedation (California Penal Code 287(i))

His bail is set at $500,000.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Stephanie Davis at 310-458-2201 x4400, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at 310-458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

Photos via @VeniceIntel.

The Los Angeles Police Department Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section is investigating two incidents that occurred in the Venice Canal community on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Investigators believe that the same suspect assaulted two separate victims.

At approximately 2230 hours, a woman was walking in the 2700 block of Strong Drive when the suspect approached her from behind and struck her with a hard object, rendering her unconscious. Approximately hour later, the same suspect similarly attacked another woman walking nearby on Sherman Canal. Both victims sustained significant injuries.

The suspect fled the scene, leaving evidence behind. Residents in the area located the second victim and immediately contacted police. Pacific Patrol Division units responded to the scene and began the investigation. The suspect is described as a male Black or male Hispanic with medium to dark skin. He is between 5'10" and 6' tall and weighs 180-200 pounds with short hair that appears to be trimmed around the ears.

The Los Angeles Police Department is alerting the Venice community to these crimes to emphasize the importance of personal safety. Residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and notify the police of any suspicious activity or persons loitering in this area. As detectives work to identify and arrest this suspect, the LAPD will be increasing patrols in the Venice community. Residents will see additional black and white police vehicles and uniformed officers in the neighborhood. This deployment is being implemented as a precautionary measure.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Tracy Park stated, "I am horrified and furious to learn of these violent and abhorrent assaults on two women in Venice over the weekend. As your councilwoman, and as a resident of this community, I am calling on LAPD to devote every resource necessary to investigate these crimes. I have been working directly with Chief Choi and Captain Applegate and remain focused on ensuring that this criminal is apprehended, charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This behavior will not be tolerated, and violent criminals will be held accountable."

Anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the suspect, additional victims or witnesses should contact Special Assault Detectives at 213-473-0447. During off hours or on weekends, call 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on the, "Get Involved-Crime Stoppers" menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the "P-3 Tips" mobile app and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

On April 8, 2024, at approximately 11:00am, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of the Beach for an individual threatening a lifeguard with a metallic rod. The suspect, later identified as Michael Vincent Parrett, a 38-year-old homeless male, jumped from the roof of Lifeguard Tower 12 and approached the victim with the rod, thrusting it towards him several times. The victim was able to dodge out of the way and was not injured.

Parrett was located by officers in the 400 block of Palisades Beach Road. He ignored the officers’ commands and began running on the sidewalk, approaching multiple bystanders, while still holding the rod. When the officers intervened, the subject ran into the bluffs overlooking PCH. Due to the risk of the suspect falling onto PCH and into traffic, CHP assisted in closing northbound and southbound traffic.

The suspect made multiple statements threating that he would not give up without a fight resulting in the Crisis Negotiations Team responding to the location. Dialogue with Parrett continued for over an hour and half with no impact. Parrett made statements indicating that officers would need to shoot him before he would give up. Officers attempted to use less than lethal means to have the suspect drop the rod and surrender. He continued to maintain control of the weapon, refusing to drop it. Ultimately, Parrett was taken into custody with the assistance of a department K9.

Parrett was taken to a local area hospital for evaluation before being transported to the Santa Monica Jail. He was booked for 245 (a) 1 PC – Assault with a deadly weapon with the intent to inflict great bodily injury.

A homeless man with a weapon shuts down PCH in Santa Monica pic.twitter.com/duTyP9L9sT

— WCoastSanta Monica (@WCoast_) April 8, 2024

Pacific Coast Highway was shut down in both directions in Santa Monica on Monday as police were in a stand off with a homeless man.

Witnesses said he threatened a lifeguard with a screwdriver, then fled across PCHand up into the bluffs just south of Patrick's Roadhouse. Police, along with the SWAT, K9-units, and the Fire Department, tried to get him to come out. Witnesses said he was threatening to jump, but looking at where he was in the video, there's nothing to jump from. Police eventually apprehended him as seen in the video. He was taken a medical facility for evaluation.

Join us on 4/12 on the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade to watch High School Musical 1 and relive this classic with the best sing-along of your life!

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

A McLaren loses control and nearly hits a motorcycle police officer, then wrecks into 3 cars that are parked next to the cliff overlooking the ocean on Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, California. This happen as vehicles were leaving a supercar show being held in the Gladstone's parking lot on Sunday morning.

Bay Street Boards in Santa Monica was broken into again. They posted these photos late Saturday morning, earlier in the morning they were hosting a surfboard demo day down at the beach. More info on this will be posted when it becomes avaliable.

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 8:00 am, Monday, April 8, 2024. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.
Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Authorities in Los Angeles are taking steps to enforce municipal regulations concerning the presence of pets on Venice Beach. On the morning of April 4, 2024, Los Angeles Recreation and Parks employees, supported by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, installed new signage along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The signage communicates a clear message: "NO DOGS ON BEACH 17.12.290 LACC VIOLATORS WILL BE CITED."

The installation of these signs follows the stipulations of the Los Angeles County Code, specifically section 17.12.290, which explicitly bans dogs and cats on beaches. Non-compliance with this ordinance carries a graduated penalty system. Beaches & Harbors detail that the initial violation of Los Angeles County Ordinance 17.12.290 will result in a $100 citation. A second infraction will escalate to a $200 fine, with a third offense incurring a $500 penalty."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair

Two years ago, LAPD's Pacific Division Lieutenant Ensley was making anti-drunk driving tweets, this week he was arrested for causing an accident with injuries while he was driving drunk.

"An off-duty Los Angeles Police Department lieutenant who has posted anti-drunk-driving messages online was charged with felony DUI on Wednesday in connection with a crash on the 605 Freeway in Santa Fe Springs that injured at least one person over the weekend.

Matthew Ensley was arrested at the scene late Sunday by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of felony driving under the influence. His blood alcohol level was .20, more than twice the legal limit, according to a report by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office."

Lieutenant Ensley had transfered out of Pacific Division and most recent assignment was to the Transit Division. The Pacific Division serves the communities of Del Rey, Manchester Square, Mar Vista, Oakwood, Palms, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice and Westchester.

One of his anit-drunk driving social media post:



Once he was released from custody, he deleted his Twitter account. But here are more of his old posts that people have screencapped and saved:

On Wednesday, recuers responded to a report of a vehicle that went approximately 150 feet over the side Malibu Canyon Road resulting in a fatality. This happened around 5:30 p.m. a few miles north of Pacific Coast Highway.

Tracy Vancura, 63, of Camarillo in Ventura County, died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. The cuase of the accident is still unknown.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Wednesday, a tiny home located on the 700 block of Marr Street in Venice, belonging to an individual experiencing homelessness, was demolished. The resident of the tiny home was absent during the operation.

This action is part of a coordinated initiative by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., underlining the city's dedicated efforts to address homelessness while maintaining high standards of public cleanliness and health. "

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair