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The October Locals Night on the Santa Monica with classic cars.


Are you ready for a Kooky Spooky Halloween Costume surf?! Join LA Kooky Surfer Girls on Saturday October 26th in Topanga Bay from 9-11am! They'll have a tent on the beach so come post up or join everyone in the water! 🎃👻

- Costume contest with prizes woo! We are recommending a sea creatures theme but please wear whatever you desire!
- Bring your friends! All are welcome!
- Candy and sweet treats!
- Parking: pch or paid parking in the lot. Walk down stairs and head south to the bay!

See you there 🎃👻

For more onfo, Click Here

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



Ready for a trick-or-treating adventure in Downtown Santa Monica?

Santa Moinica is conjuring up the perfect trick-or-treating roadmap, so make sure you're dressed to impress! Participating businesses will be handing out candy from 3-6PM, until candy runs out.

Halloween Party on the Promenade

On the 1200 Block of Third Street Promenade (between Arizona & Wilshire), join everyone for a Monster Mash for all ages! Dogs are more than welcome to join the fun too (and hopefully wearing costumes of their own...)

The party will include :

Pumpkin decorating
Games
Face painting
Photo ops
Free treats, stickers, and tattoos
And more!

Plus DJ Asha will be spinning all your favorite kids' music 🎃👻

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



On Thursday , October 17th at approximately 11:30pm, Santa Monica Harbor Officers were flagged down near the 1400 Block of the Beach for a vehicle stuck in the sand. Officers located an unconscious female, believed to be homeless, wedged beneath the vehicle. Despite their efforts to reach the victim and provide aid, the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) determined the victim was deceased at the scene. Using SMFD resources, the vehicle was lifted and the victim was extricated.

The SMPD Major Accident Response Team (MART) remain on scene, actively investigating the incident. The LA County Coroner’s Office has been notified and will be responding. As this investigation is ongoing, the victim has not been identified.

The driver, a 21- year-old male operating a 2015 Infiniti SUV, who remained on scene, was reported to be driving in circles at high speeds on the sand when he ran over the victim. Following a DUI investigation, the suspect was arrested and preliminarily charged with the following:

· 23152(a) VC- Driving under the influence

· 23105 VC - Reckless Driving

· 191.5(a) PC – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter

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


On Wednesday, October 16th at approximately 7:00pm, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to the area of 5th Court and Broadway for an individual in need of medical assistance. Upon arrival, officers located a homeless male with a stab wound. The Santa Monica Fire Department responded and transported the individual to a local area hospital for treatment. He remains in serious, but stable condition.

The suspect in this incident is described as male, Black, approximately 20-25 years old with dreadlocks, with a very distinctive “FTP” tattoo on his face.

SMPD Detectives continue to search for surrounding security camera footage of the incident and are asking for the community to contact the Watch Commander (310-458-8426) should you have any information that may assist in identifying the suspect.

Suspect: Male, Black, 20-25 years old, dreadlocks, “FTP” tattoo on his face; Housing status unknown

Victim: Male, Homeless

This incident marks another unacceptable crime in the City of Santa Monica that involves the intersection of complex societal issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and dangerous weapons.


Come celebrate Homecoming at the Pier on Thursday, October 17, at a very special Locals' Night! This free community event will bring together friends, families, and neighbors for an exciting evening filled with school spirit and fun for everyone.

Kick off the night with a lively pep rally featuring performances from SAMOHI, SMC, and St. Monica's athletic teams, cheer squads, and talented musicians. Groove to live music from DJ Devil-Los, Westside Crew, and The Wayback Machine, and don’t miss the Books & Cookies musical story time in the Merry Go-Round building for the little ones!

Car lovers can enjoy the Car Meet-Up on the Pier Deck, and as a special treat, we’re celebrating the opening night of the annual "Save the Pier" play, directed by Tony-Award winner Paul Sand.

It’s a night to come together, enjoy local talent, and be part of the Pier’s unique community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

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



TThe Santa Monica Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the individual shown in the attached video and photos. The suspect is described as male Black or other, approximately 25-35 years old, with bleached blonde hair, and a black beard wearing a dark shirt and shorts with tattoos on his forearms. This individual is wanted in connection with an assault that occurred on September 22nd at approximately 12:35AM near the 1400 block of Alley 5. He was last seen fleeing the area eastbound on Santa Monica Blvd towards 7th Street.



f you recognize this individual or have any information, please contact Detective Sean Baker (sean.baker@santamonica.gov ) or Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin (chad.goodwin@santamonica.gov) at 310-458-8932.


The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has confirmed that a Santa Monica College (SMC) Custodial Operations Manager was critically injured following a shooting that occurred at the SMC Center for Media & Design (CMD), 1660 Stewart Street, at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Acknowledging the impact of this incident on the students and SMC personnel, Santa Monica College Police Department (SMCPD) Chief Johnnie Adams stated, “As we try to make sense of this horrific act of workplace violence, the safety of our community is our primary focus. We are deeply grateful to SMCPD personnel and all our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspect.”

“To help our community through this very difficult time, SMC will be providing…counseling and mental/emotional support,” said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery in an October 15 message to the community. “At this heartbreaking time, I urge us all to come together in kindness and compassion as we navigate this unspeakable tragedy.”

On the evening of the shooting, SMPD, SMCPD, and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived quickly to render aid and secure the campus. The suspect fled immediately after the shooting and remained at large overnight. The victim was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

After a swift and thorough investigation, SMPD Detectives identified Davon Durell Dean (D.O.B. 01/08/1985), an SMC employee, as the suspected shooter. Dean has a history of arrests including for attempt murder in 2011 and an assault with a deadly weapon, a firearm, in 2019. His only convictions were for misdemeanor property crimes.

Today, October 15th, at approximately 3:00 pm, officers with the Hawthorne Police Department, located the suspect’s vehicle near El Segundo Blvd. and Aviation Blvd. After a short pursuit, a pursuit intervention technique was used to stop the suspect's vehicle. Despite the efforts of the Hawthorne Police Department’s Crisis Negotiations Team, Dean was found deceased inside his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Los Angeles County Coroner will be responding.

The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the full sequence of events leading to this tragedy. There are no known additional suspects involved and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“I am so proud of our detectives who worked tirelessly throughout the night in collaboration with our partners at the Santa Monica College Police Department to identify and locate the suspect in this tragic incident. Our officers’ commitment to the safety of the Santa Monica community is evident and remains paramount.” – Chief Batista


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police officers responded to a report of an assault at Santa Monica College on Monday, October 14, 2024. According to witnesses, a student walking near the intersection of Pico Boulevard and 17th Street after class was struck in the head with a skateboard. The victim was able to call 911 for assistance."

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.


On Monday evening, just before 10 p.m., a Santa Monica College employee was shot at the Center for Media and Design, a Santa Monica College satellite campus on Stewart Street in the City of Santa Monica. The individual was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition and the suspect got away. This was a workplace violence incident, not a random act.

On Tuesday, a standoff with the suspect took place in Hawthorne on Aviation Boulevard just north of El Segundo Boulevard.

Hawthorne SWAT officers surrounded a vehicle facing the wrong way on the street. A deceased person could be seen in the driver's seat. Officers were seen carefully removing a weapon from the vehicle using a long tool and remaining in defensive posture inside the SWAT vehicle.

Santa Monica police were at the scene and confirmed the individual is the suspect in the college shooting. They also said they believe the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Santa Monica Police Department is leading the criminal investigation, with assistance from the Santa Monica College Police Department and Santa Monica College. The College is fully cooperating with authorities, and all Santa Monica College campuses were closed on Tuesday to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.

Santa Monica College remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all employees and students. The College has a Workplace Violence Prevention Program, which offers resources and support.



The Ghetto Beach Boyz & Bay Street Boards team up next week to bring you "Westside Wednesday,” a night of food, games, music & more 🌭🍻🎤🏈

Stay tuned for special guest announcements and a super exclusive clothing drop!

Pull up Wednesday October 23rd, 5-9PM!

For more info, Click Here

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


Raw surf clips of full sets rolling into Malibu from April 17th, from Brad Jacobson.


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Monday, October 14, 2024, Venice Healer Daisy updated the community from her Healing Arts Dojo in Venice Beach regarding her ongoing efforts to support a 14-year-old boy currently in her care. According to Daisy, the youth, who has experienced difficulties with the foster care system and recently left a group home, has temporarily found shelter at her temple.

Daisy explained that she has made this arrangement fully transparent to local authorities, ensuring that all parties, including LAPD and other relevant departments, are aware of the situation. Daisy asserts that authorities have acknowledged the close bond that has formed between her and the boy, which, she says, has led her to provide him with daily meals and arrange hygiene care with the help of the community."

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.


Big Blue Bus is hosting a grand opening celebration of Little Blue Dog Run, a new off-leash dog run open to the public!

This project aims to transform an underutilized landscape alongside Big Blue Bus's headquarters into a vibrant open green space for our community. Little Blue Dog Run amenities include fenced exercise areas for dogs of all sizes, drinking fountains, trees, and a picnic area with seating.

Join the fun on November 9, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Big Blue Bus headquarters located at 1660 7th St., Santa Monica, CA.

Guests will enjoy music, food trucks, a blue ribbon cutting, pet training demonstrations, pet adoptions, and enter your pup in the Doggie Fall Fashion Show and walk the run(way) to win amazing prizes


For more info and to register for the doggie fashion show, Click Here

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


From Santa Monica Close Up:

"The incident unfolded after a surfer, who had ridden his electric bike to Venice Beach earlier in the day, discovered it was missing when he returned from the ocean. Luckily, the bike was equipped with an Apple AirTag tracking device, which allowed the owner to trace it to Santa Monica. He promptly contacted local authorities for assistance.

Santa Monica officers responded quickly, using the tracking data to pinpoint the bike’s location. Upon arrival, they detained a man near the stolen bike while conducting their investigation. The bike's owner confirmed the electric bike was his, and it was returned in the same condition as when it was taken.



While the suspect did not confess to the theft, officers discovered he had an outstanding warrant. The man was arrested and transported to Santa Monica Jail. The police are continuing their investigation into the bike theft and possible additional charges."




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.


Join us behind the scenes of the Gondola Project on the iconic Pacific Wheel! In this exclusive footage, get an insider's look at the transformation of this beloved ride, now featuring brand-new maps inside each gondola. These maps give tourists and guests valuable information on the stunning views they’ll see from the top of the Ferris Wheel. Watch as our team brings new life to one of the park’s most popular attractions, enhancing your experience from every angle!


Don’t miss the annual "Save the Pier" Play, directed by Tony Award Winner Paul Sand! This 1-hour live show recounts the grassroots fight to save the Santa Monica Pier

Oct 17-20
7:30pm
West End of Santa Monica Pier
FREE

For more info, Click Here

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


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

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, at approximately 5:21 PM, one of our officers was the victim of an unprovoked attack in front of the police station. A male in his 30s stabbed the officer several times before being shot by the officer. The subject died at the scene.

While the investigation into this incident is still ongoing, the identity of the subject has been confirmed as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, DOB: 03/03/1996, a resident of New York State. Halaibeh’s current housing status is unknown. He has no criminal history in California and no prior contacts with the Santa Monica Police Department. In New York, there was a domestic violence case against him on January 4, 2024.

Halaibeh is suspected of committing a robbery at the Target store at 420 Broadway in the city minutes before the attack at the police station. At approximately 5:16 PM, a SMPD Downtown Services Unit officer was flagged down by store security about a robbery that just occurred. An employee of the store was pushed to the ground and a box of kitchen knives taken by a male subject who fled the area. The box was later found abandoned with one knife missing. This knife, an 8” chef’s knife, was used by the subject when he accosted the officer.



Anyone with information about this individual or incident is asked to contact Detective Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

Additional updates will be issued as soon as they are available.


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:

October 07, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

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.

· Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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:

• Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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.




The Santa Monica Police Department released this list of notable incidentsthat occurred September 28- October 4, 2024:

Grand Theft – 1200 Block of Princeton Street. The victim, an elderly male, parked his vehicle along the curb and walked onto the curb to pay the meter. The suspect drove alongside the victim and asked him for directions. The suspect exited his vehicle, telling the victim he wanted to thank him for his help. When he was close enough, the suspect handed the victim some worthless jewelry and placed a necklace around his neck. The suspect then quickly got back into his vehicle and drove away. It was then that the victim realized the credit card he was holding in his hand was missing as well as his necklace.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon / Robbery – 2000 Block of the Beach Path. The victim was assaulted, stabbed, and robbed by a group of young males. The victim suffered two non-life-threatening wounds to his back. The suspected fled on foot. The victim could not provide any other information about the suspects.

Gang Graffiti - 2900 Pico Boulevard. Gang graffiti was located by officers. A report was taken, and a request was made to Public Works for removal.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 2500 Block of 28th Street. Officers responded to a residence regarding a stabbing and discovered two brothers had been fighting. One of the suspects used a pair of small grooming scissors to stab the victim twice on the shin. The victim had two small puncture wounds and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Grand Theft – 1300 Block of Wilshire Boulevard. The victim had just parked in the lot for a business on Wilshire when the suspect approached her door and accused the victim of hitting her car. When the victim exited her car to look for damage, the suspect took the victim’s purse from the front passenger seat and fled.

Burglary – 1500 Block of Street. Officers responded to a call of a burglary at a church. The reporting party stated he heard noises coming from the main room and saw a subject exiting the building. The suspect was seen leaving in an older white sedan. A walk through of the building revealed a missing piano and a bass. The suspect made entry through a window.

Traffic Collision with Injuries - 1500 block Pico Boulevard. An adult male was riding a bicycle without a helmet westbound on Pico. The bicyclist performed a lane change and was struck by a vehicle from behind. The vehicle and driver remained on-scene. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery for a head injury. Driver determined to not be under the influence and released.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 2500 Block of Main Street. Officers responded to a call of a stabbing. The suspect and victim were last seen running southbound on Main Street. Officers arrived and located a crime scene. An area check was negative for the suspect victim and suspect were in a verbal altercation when the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim, possibly in the arm. Local hospitals were advised, and the scene was processed by forensics.

Vandalism - City Hall. Unknown suspect(s) smashed a window to the City Clerk’s Office. It did not appear that entry was made to the location.

Residential Burglary (HOTPROWL) – 400 Block of 24th Street. Suspects cut the rear screen to a sliding door, entered the location, and were startled by resident who was returning home. The suspects fled the location and possibly left in a vehicle described as a white mid-sized 4-door sedan.

Threats – 2400 Block of 16th Street. Officers responded to a report regarding a student who was planning on taking a gun to school. The information was sent through text messages and FaceTime. The Department’s Youth Services Division contacted the school district and took the lead in tracking down the student and ensuring no violence would occur on campus. Traffic Collision – Palisades Park / Wilshire Boulevard. SMPD officers responded to a single vehicle traffic collision into the cement bluff barrier in Palisades Park at the Ocean Avenue/Wilshire Blvd intersection. Both adult occupants were out of the vehicle prior to police arrival. The driver sustained a very minor injury, and the passenger was unharmed. The cement barrier stopped the vehicle from falling down the bluff, onto Pacific Coast Highway. The driver was deemed not to be driving under the influence.

Traffic Collision / DUI - 1500 Block Pacific Coast Highway. In the early morning hours, a solo vehicle rollover occurred in the southbound lanes of 1500 Block of Pacific Coast Highway. The vehicle came to rest on its rooftop, blocking the entrance to the McClure Tunnel - E/B I-10 Fwy. Due to the road closure an SM Alert was issued. SMPD and CHP Units responded and contacted the driver (sole occupant) of the vehicle and performed Field Sobriety Tests. The driver, who was not injured, was arrested for DUI.

Petty Theft / Resisting Arrest - 1406 Marine Street (Marine Park). A reporting party from the 1300 Block of Ashland Avenue called about a homeless male trespassing on their property. As the officer arrived, the subject was seen walking away holding items from the residence. When officers attempted to detain the suspect, he forcibly resisted arrest, causing minor injuries to two officers. The suspect was cited out and taken to a local medical center on a mental health hold.

Traffic Collision with Injuries – 2200 Block of Olympic Boulevard. Officers responded to the 2200 block of Olympic Boulevard for a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on a motorized scooter. The victim, a female in her late 40s, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of severe injuries. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. No DUI was involved.

 Traffic Collision with Injuries / City Property Involved - 1800 blk Ocean Ave. Two vehicle collision, resulting in damage to city property (center median electrical pole and foliage) causing debris field that shut down Ocean Ave (Olympic to Pico) for several hours. Non-life-threatening injuries to both parties.
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