Anthony Jones pleaded no contest to the sexual assault of two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6, resulting in the death of one woman.

Unfortunitly, LAPD and Council Woman Traci Park feel the need to keep Anthony's mugshot, and detailed information from the public. They have denied access to the court. When Traci Park was asked why, she refused to answer. She has been asked numerous times since the arrest and has avoided answering the questions. This is why the grainy screenshot above is the only images of Jones.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that Anthony Francisco Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and sexual assault of one woman and the sexual assault of another woman in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6.

"Our prosecutors fought hard to serve justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones’ vile actions, including a brutal murder. Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community. The pain and loss experienced by these individuals and their loved ones is horrific, and we extend our deepest empathy and compassion to them during this incredibly difficult time,” District Attorney Gascón said.

For these heinous crimes, Jones pleaded no contest and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 107 years to life in state prison, plus 8 years state prison determinate by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham.

Anthony Francisco Jones (dob 09/12/94) pleaded no contest to one count of murder, two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, and one count of sodomy by use of force.

Jones also admitted to allegations that the defendant kidnapped the victims, committed offenses against more than one victim, and that he inflicted great bodily injury on the victims. He also admitted that the murder of one of the victims occurred while he was engaged in the commission of rape and sodomy.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated professionals in our Sex Crimes Division and the investigating officers from the Los Angeles Police Department. Their tireless efforts and commitment to justice have been instrumental in holding the offender accountable and providing a measure of justice for the victims,” DA Gascón said. “We stand united in our resolve to protect our communities and ensure that such egregious acts are met with the full force of the law."

On April 6 between 10:30-11:30 p.m., Jones physically attacked and sexually assaulted two female victims, both in their mid-40s and mid-50s, as they each were alone outside in the Venice Canal neighborhood. One of the victims succumbed to her injuries on May 20.

The case was prosecuted by LADA’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Scenes from a crack'n day in Santa Methica's Palisades Park at the top of the Pier. From an one-armed women deliberately walking into traffic, to junkie checking for unlock cars, to a couple grooving to the music....

On September 7, 2024, at approximately 4:10 AM, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 900 block of 7th Street for a call of a residential prowler.

Officers located and spoke to a victim who told them she was asleep inside her apartment when she was awakened by the suspect who was touching her leg while his penis was exposed. The victim was able to get away from the suspect and call police.

The suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Anthony Townson (currently homeless), fled from the apartment. Responding officers located him a short distance away and took him into custody. It was determined the suspect entered the apartment via an unlocked patio sliding door.

Townson was arraigned on September 10 and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges of 459 PC (Residential Burglary) and 314(1) PC (Indecent Exposure during Unlawful Entry). He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Townson’s criminal history includes trespassing, loitering on private property, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resist/obstruct police, battery on a peace officer, and carrying a concealed dirk/dagger.

Anyone with information about this individual or incident, please contact Det. Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sgt. Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931 or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

A little after 1:30 AM on September 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to the 1900 block of Ocean Avenue for an assault with a deadly weapon that just occurred. The caller, a friend of the victim, reported that a male suspect shot the victim several times and fled the location. Officers were on scene within minutes of the 911 call and detained several individuals as they attempted to leave. Other officers provided first aid to the 24-year-old victim until paramedics could arrive. The victim, who sustained several gunshot wounds, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is currently in serious but stable condition.

One of those detained, 19-year-old Isaac Santiago Ramos of Van Nuys, was positively identified as the shooter. He was in possession of a concealed handgun. Witnesses told officers that Ramos and four other young male subjects approached two of the victim’s friends while they were sitting in the 2000 block of the beach and an argument ensued. Ramos pulled out a handgun and the victim attempted to intervene. Ramos shot the victim several times before fleeing eastbound.

Ramos was arraigned on September 10th and faces the following charges:

• Count 1: 664-187 PC - Attempt Murder

• Count 2: 205 PC - Mayhem

• Count 3: 25400(a)(2) PC - Carrying a Concealed Firearm

• Count 4: 25850(a) PC - Carrying a Loaded Firearm

• Counts 5-7 – 148(a)(1) PC Resisting Arrest

Bail for Ramos has been set at $4,105,000

Anyone with information about this incident or suspect is asked to contact Detective Reyes at Isaac.Reyes@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

The "Bridge Fire" hits Mt High Ski Resort on Tuesday night.

The ski resort consist of 3 sperate areas in Wrightwood. This is footage from the live camera that on top of Mt High East, the chairlift that gets engulfed in flames is the Discovery Chair (8), it serves the mountain top beginners area. The other chair is the East's main lift, the camera stops we see it's fate.

According to Mt High, "Fire raced through the area yesterday but all the main lifts and buildings survived with little to no damage."

"The Bridge Fire moved through parts of Mountain High Resort overnight, briefly engaging with a few lifts. As of 11 a.m. this morning, reports indicate that base facilities at all 3 Resorts (East, West, & North) remain intact. Los Angeles County Fire Station 130, stationed at the West Resort, has been credited with the incredible work of defending the property. The captain of Engine 130 also confirmed that the building and restaurant at the top of East Resort survived the fire.

“We are grateful beyond words for the swift and courageous actions of Los Angeles County Fire Department Division 5 and all the first responders working tirelessly to protect our resort and community,” said John McColly, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the California Mountain Resort Co. “We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by the Caanf Bridge Fire and other fires burning throughout the State. We are committed to supporting our community and plan to come out of this tragedy stronger than ever.”

The resort is still assessing the situation but anticipates opening on time for the upcoming season. An official opening date has not been set. Opening is weather-dependent but could be anytime after November 1st.

This is still an active fire and the situation could change. Mountain High continues to work closely with the Unified Command, which includes CAL FIRE, Los Angeles County Fire, and the San Bernardino County Fire, among others. The safety of staff, guests, and the surrounding community remains the top priority."

Discover one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles: Ocean Park, Santa Monica. In this neighborhood tour, we'll talk history, prices, and what to know before you buy a house or apartment in Santa Monica. We'll talk about the Dogtown Z Boys, Main St., Pacific Ocean park, the beach, pros and cons, and much more. Did you know Ocean Park Santa Monica is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles? We'll check out the neighborhoods of South Beach, the 3rd street historic district, and Main St.

Santa Monica Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported bluff rescue at the 600 block of Palisades Park, where initial reports indicated that two people and a dog had gone over the bluffs and needed assistance.

Truck 1 was the first to arrive on scene and established Palisades Command. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that there were no human victims present, only a dog in need of rescue.

Battalion 1 arrived shortly thereafter, took over command, and assigned Truck 1 as Rescue Group, with Engine 6 and USAR 2 supporting their efforts. Engine 7 was positioned in staging at the base of the bluffs on PCH. Truck 1, Engine 6, and USAR 2 quickly set up a lowering system. A rescuer was then sent over the bluffs using this system. The operation was executed with precision and efficiency, resulting in the successful rescue of the dog.

There were no reported injuries to fire department personnel or the dog.

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 10, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

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.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· 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.

· Pena Creek at Las Tunas County Beach

100 yards in each direction of the outfall.

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Santa Ynez Storm Drain at Will Rogers State Beach

100 yards in each direction from the outfall.

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

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:

"Officers from the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a man at Ocean Way on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The suspect was reportedly seen spray-painting graffiti at Santa Monica Beach when CIT officers witnessed the activity and approached him. The man attempted to flee, prompting a foot chase that ended a few blocks away, where officers apprehended him.

Paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect and clear him for transport to jail. Once medically cleared, the man was placed in a squad car and taken into custody. He is expected to face charges of vandalism and obstruction."

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.