The Santa Monica PoliceDepartment has announced an updated about the oficer who was stabbed multiple times :

We are pleased to announce that our officer has been released from the hospital and is now home, focusing on recovery. We are all grateful for his dedication to protecting our community and will do everything we can to help him and his family through the hard work of recovering from this attack.

This has been a challenging time, but the unwavering support from our residents has reminded us of the strength in unity. Our community thrives when we come together, and your encouragement has been a crucial part of the healing process. As we continue to support each other, we reaffirm our commitment to working hand-in-hand for a safer and stronger neighborhood. Together, we are more than a community—we are a team. Thank you for standing with us.
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Breaking News on Saturday afternoon about an officer getting stabbed and the suspect being shot in Santa Monica near the police station:

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, at approximately 5:21 PM, an officer from the Santa Monica Police Department was the victim of an unprovoked attack.

The officer was on foot at the front of the police station to collect information from a resident about an unrelated call when he was confronted by a male in his 30s at the front doors of the station.

Our officer explained to the individual that he needed to wait while he spoke with the other party. Without warning, the individual attacked the officer while pulling a knife from his clothing. The suspect slashed and stabbed the officer. The officer immediately moved away and armed himself with his duty weapon. The suspect followed the officer continuing the knife attack as the wounded officer retreated around the corner of the building where the officer involved shooting occurred.

Santa Monica officers rendered medical aid to the subject until Santa Monica Fire Department took over life support efforts. The subject was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is responding. Per protocol, the Santa Monica Police Department is conducting an internal investigation to ensure that policy and procedures were followed. Additionally, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will be investigating this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

Boarding For Breast Cancer is thrilled to announce the 17th Annual Skate The Coast October 26 + 27, 2022 in Santa Monica, CA.

Skate the Coast is a 15 mile skate-bike-roll from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach along the iconic Southern California Strand with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop for this mellow cruise.

B4BC welcomes anyone on wheels of all ages and abilities to join this push for prevention as we raise funds for B4BC's education, prevention and survivorship programs. Please help us reach our $75K goal by registering today! Registration includes an event tee shirt, goodie bag and prizes for top fundraisers!



THE DETAILS

OCTOBER 26 | REGISTRATION PARTY
VENICE, CA | 3PM-8PM

Lets kick-off Skate The Coast with a registration party at Firestone Walker Brewery in Venice,CA on October 26! Swing by to sign your waivers, get your event tee + goodie bag and stay for live music, good food and cold drinks, raffles and auctions!

OCTOBER 27 | SKATE THE COAST
9AM-4PM

Skate-bike-roll 15 miles from the Santa Monica Pier to Dive N Surf in Redondo Beach with B4BC and friends! This is a collective push for prevention with three hydration stops along the way.

The morning will start at Veteran's Park in Redondo Beach where we'll load the shuttles to the Santa Monica Pier. From there we'll cruise down the coast to Arbor Venice, Marina Del Rey, Dockweiler State Beach, Hermosa Beach and finishing off at Dive N Surf for awards and celebrations. Our finish line party includes live music, food, adult beverages, raffle prizes and silent auction.



For more details and to register, Click Here ⁠

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"During the weekly homeless encampment cleanup at Venice Beach, a brief standoff occurred between Venice Healer Daisy and Los Angeles Park Rangers, as they requested her to dismantle her "Goddess Temple," a 10x10 pop-up tent she had set up on the beach. Daisy initially refused, standing her ground when asked to take it down.

After discussions with both the Park Rangers and LAPD officers, a peaceful agreement was reached. Daisy agreed to take down her temple voluntarily, allowing the cleanup task force to continue its operation. She dismantled the pop-up tent that serves as her temple, and the task force moved on to address other homeless encampments along Venice Beach."

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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.

New video from Real Skate Stories.

"oin us as we pay tribute to Shogo Kubo, celebrated as the most stylish skateboarder in history. This video features a compilation of his most impressive performances, alongside his 1977 Skateboarder Magazine "Who's Hot" interview that reveals the passion and dedication behind his craft. As a founding member of Dogtown Z-Boyz team, he is one of the greatest skateboarders of the 70's and 80's and was mentioned by Mark Gonzales as his second most influential skater ever. Experience the blend of skill and style that has made Kubo a beloved figure in the skateboarding world, inspiring countless fans and aspiring skaters alike, and cementing his legacy as perhaps the most stylish skateboarder ever."

It’s officially October and the free Marina Movie Nights series has a scary good lineup to get you ready for Halloween!

October Movie Lineup:
10/5 | Haunted Mansion (2023) (PG-13)
10/12 | Get Out (R)
10/19 | Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13)
10/26 | Hocus Pocus (PG)

For more info, Click Here

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

Following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of SB 1297 into law, the City of Malibu is taking swift action to implement speed cameras along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in order to reduce speeding and enhance road safety. This critical step is part of the City's comprehensive efforts to protect residents, visitors, and all who travel through Malibu.

The City has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a Speed Safety System Use Policy and a Speed Safety System Impact Report, which are essential first steps in implementing the speed camera system. These measures will ensure the program is rolled out responsibly and in accordance with the state statute outlined in the bill. Proposals must be electronically submitted to Susan Duenas, Public Safety Director, at SDuenas@malibucity.org no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024

"We are committed to moving forward with the speed camera program as quickly as possible, while adhering to all state guidelines," said Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. "This is an important tool in our ongoing efforts to improve safety on PCH, and we will continue to keep the community informed as we progress."

The City’s Public Works Department has already identified the locations where speed cameras will be placed based on the highest rates of speed-related collisions and fatalities.

The speed cameras will be installed in the following high-risk areas along PCH:

Decker Canyon

Between Guernsey Avenue & Morning View

Latigo Canyon

Between Carbon Beach Terrace & Carbon Canyon

Tuna Canyon

The law goes into effect in January 2025, and the City is focused on moving swiftly while ensuring that all necessary regulatory processes are followed. Malibu remains dedicated to an "all of the above" approach to road safety, combining enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements. The speed cameras will complement these ongoing efforts to reduce dangerous speeding and protect lives.

Another glimpse into the real-life troubling issues the beachside city of Santa Monica has on a daily basis. Some of these scenes may be disturbing or gross to some viewers, therefor viewer discretion is advised.

The Santa Monica City Council will hold a study session Tuesday, Oct. 8, to discuss the proposed Games Agreement to host beach volleyball on Santa Monica State Beach, the birthplace of the modern sport, for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

The first of four formal agreements with the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, or LA28, the Games Agreement would secure Santa Monica as a venue city and provide a framework for future, more detailed, agreements.

The discussion is the result of more than a year of negotiations between Santa Monica city staff and LA28 and is an opportunity for the City Council and the public to weigh in on the proposed deal points and the potential costs and benefits of moving forward.

One huge concern is that the agreement prohibits public and private events from being hosted citywide unless approved by or in coordination with LA28. Which mean any type of event in the city must be approve by the Olympic committee. The current agreement does not state whether or not the Pier will be allowed to stay open

“Santa Monica is an iconic destination known worldwide. And as the birthplace of the modern sport of beach volleyball, there is no better place to host the competition for the 2028 Summer Olympics,” City Manager David White said. “The city team has worked hard to negotiate a deal that works for Santa Monica, and the study session is a critical opportunity for the City Council and the public to provide input on what’s best for our unique community.”

If the council gives direction to move forward, a finalized Games Agreement would come back for a final vote at a future meeting. Exact terms, conditions, costs, and operational details would be negotiated in three additional future agreements.

A person freom Michigan was found guilty of murdering a man at the beach in Santa Monica

On November 2, 2022, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to Lot 1 North, the beach parking lot just north of the Pier, for a suspicious circumstances call. A parking attendant noticed a male subject lying motionless in the driver seat and possibly bleeding.

Officers located the vehicle in the west end of the parking lot, facing the beach. The individual inside the vehicle was clearly grievously injured in a knife attack and was confirmed deceased by responding firefighters. Initially, the victim was listed as a John Doe. Forensics Specialists responded to the scene, collecting hundreds of DNA swabs and latent fingerprints along with over a thousand photos. SMPD detectives quickly learned the victim was a resident of Dearborn, Michigan, who recently purchased the vehicle from a private party in Southern California.

Using evidence collected from the vehicle and other investigative tools, the murder suspect was identified as Dearborn resident Mohamed Abou-Arabi (DOB: 01/22/2000). The LA County District Attorney’s Office filed a single count of murder with an enhancement for utilizing a knife to commit the fatal attack. A warrant was then issued for Abou-Arabi’s arrest.

With crucial assistance from the Dearborn Police Department, SMPD was able to pinpoint Abou-Arabi’s movements from California back to Michigan following the attack. In January 2023, SMPD Detectives flew to Michigan and arrested Abou-Arabi for murder. He was booked into the Santa Monica Jail on January 18, 2023, and has been in the custody of LA County since that time.

At trial in September of 2024, Abou-Arabi was found guilty of First-Degree Murder. His sentencing will be in December.

Abou-Arabi has no prior arrests or convictions in California. He has two prior arrests for misdemeanor weapons offenses in Michigan. Abou-Arabi refused to provide a motive during the investigation and trial.

The Venice Afterburn is a daytime art and music festival in Venice Beach, California, and it's an official Regional Burning Man event. Artists are invited to bring their art cars, theme camps, burner bikes, interactive installations and other playa art for two days of magic by the beach. The event is FREE before 6:00pm and family friendly, and runs each day until 10pm. We strongly encourage to show up early, to ensure full engagement and participation.



The event will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day and is free to attend before 6:30 p.m. After that, a $10 entry fee applies, with no entry allowed after 9 p.m.

For more info, Click Here

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

3rd Annual Santa MoniCARES Volley-Ween Tournament and Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. Enjoy games, entertainment, food, a friendly volleyball tournament and a Halloween costume contest at Perry’s Beach Cafe & Rentals. Register for just $35 to attend and/or play either on your own or with a volleyball team of 2, 4 or 6 players. All proceeds will go towards Santa MoniCARES and its charities.

For more info, Click Here

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

The VHM Film Festival returns on Sunday, October 20th, 7:00 PM, for our third annual night of films and fun in support of the museum!

Featuring a curated selection of shorts that highlight the people and places of Venice across eras.

Enjoy an Outdoor Screening under the stars & food from Zavela's Pizza and Davy Jones Liquor Locker!

Cost: Admission is $20P

For more info, Click Here

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

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Los Angeles Police officers, with the assistance of an overhead helicopter, pursued suspects in a stolen Cadillac Escalade through multiple neighborhoods, ending the chase in Santa Monica. The incident began in Pacific Palisades, near Sunset Avenue, when officers ran the plates of the SUV and discovered it had been reported stolen.

When police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the suspects fled, prompting a high-speed pursuit that drew aerial support from an LAPD helicopter. The chase continued through several areas before concluding on Barnard Way in Santa Monica, where officers performed a PIT maneuver, forcing the SUV to a stop.

Two suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot into nearby condominiums. Officers, aided by the helicopter, quickly located and arrested the suspects after a brief foot chase.

Following standard protocol, Santa Monica Fire Paramedics were called to the scene due to the collision caused by the PIT maneuver. Both suspects were transported to a hospital for evaluation before being booked.

LAPD noted that the stolen Cadillac is part of a recent string of black SUV thefts linked to home burglaries in the area. The vehicle was towed as part of the ongoing investigation."

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.

In Malibu, one northbound lane (#2 lane) on Pacific Coast Highway will be closed after 9PM Monday thru Friday nights till late October for cleanup work being done by Caltrans in the Big Rock area.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

The Department of Beaches & Harbors presents Marina SPOOKTACULAR... Halloween by the Harbor! There’s fun and scares for all ages during this two-day festival.

Dates and Hours:
• Saturday, October 26 | 4:00–10:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 27 | 4:00–10:00 p.m.

Location: Burton Chace Park – 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Ages: Activities for all ages & scare levels!

Cost: Admission is FREE with RSVP

For more info, Click Here

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

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

September 30, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

• Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

• Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

• Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

• Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

• Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Ballona Creek at Dockweiler State Beach. Near Dockweiler Tower 40

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek. · Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

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.

In Malibu, one northbound lane (#2 lane) on Pacific Coast Highway will be closed after 9PM Monday thru Friday nights till late October for cleanup work being done by Caltrans in the Big Rock area.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

Thursday, October 5th at 7:30 p.m. is the free Venice Beach Street premiere of The Sound of Paint. Happening at 9 Dudley Ave, near the Rose Ave parking lot.

The Sound of Paint chronicles 14 years of the journey of street artist Vincent DiGaetano, as shot by film maker Joshua Enoch Williams.

Trailer:

For over 20 years Vincent Digaetano relentlessly painted his way through the streets of Venice Beach. For the past 15 years of Vinny's journey as a Venice street artist I shadowed him, hoping my camera and curiosity could tell a part of his story.

Our encounters were never scheduled, unpredictable to say the least. Some days he remained silent while immersed in his craft. Other days he transformed into a jovial, chatty, painted jester. Interviews throughout the years with Vinny and other street denizens of the Venice Beach community offered up rare insights into his complex world. My lens was merely a sensor reflecting Vincnet's struggles and triumphs of homelessness as a street artist.


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LAPD refuese to do anything as an unstable, aggressive individual wearing only a hospital gown is roaming Venice Beach yelling at people, challenging some to fight and threatening others.