From Santa Monica Close Up:

"In an unusual spectacle, Venice Beach witnesses were treated to the sight of three individuals dressed as gorillas on horseback on April 22, 2024. The striking display is part of a promotional event for the upcoming film "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," the latest entry in the iconic "Planet of the Apes" franchise, set to premiere on May 10, 2024."

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.

Click Here for more Stories about the Venice Safe Team

This is the Pup Cup division of the Skate Contest from the Venice Beach Games.

Check out the photos from this contest, Click Here

Venice's Glen Walsh is thrilled to announce the documentary ‘Out in the Lineup’ is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a screening at the Dana Point Film Festival on Saturday, May 4 at 1pm!

"Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I music supervised and co produced this ground breaking documentary about LGBTQ surfers. So much progress has been made , of course we will have a ways to go towards equality and acceptance! Come see the film that launched a movement! Would love to see you all there with Riley Herman and mysel are doing a Q&A after! Or we will just surf!"

Time: Sat, May 4th, 1:00 PM @
Location: Dana Point Women's Club

For more info, and to get tickets, Click Here.


Originally released in 2014, and featured in film festivals around the world, ‘Out in the Lineup’ is a documentary following two gay surfers as they travel the world and learn why gay men and women surfers find it impossible to get sponsorships, or find acceptance in a sport which is supposed to be renown for it's laid back, free-spirited culture.



Join David and Thomas from the east coast of Australia to Hawaii, California, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands as they meet and surf with people from all corners of the surfing community. There’s some amazing stories, and beautiful surfing – contradicting a comment from a pro surf spectator that “gays just aren’t strong enough to paddle a surfboard”. There’s an openly gay three-time world champion, an award winning big wave rider, and former US Congressman and his surfer husband, along with everyday surfers, gay and straight coming together to help build acceptance. The story even inspired a current national champion surfer to come out and share his story – an amazing finale to the film.

Throughout their travels David and Thomas hear stories of fear, isolation and self-doubt, but are also inspired by tales of hope, self-empowerment and transformation. They witness the conflicts created by the marketing image of surfers (straight white males and women in tiny bikinis), and how it inhibits personal expression in a sport that’s supposed to be so free. Numerous attempts to get comments from the professional surfing associations, or the mega-corporations that sell billions of dollars of merchandise built on the surfing stereotypes were unsuccessful, as the film documents.



Why are homophobic slurs so common in the lineup? When homosexuality is now being accepted in pro sports including basketball, football and soccer – why is the surf industry unwilling to make any comment at all? How do gay surfers reconcile their identities as athletes when role models are invisible?

These topics and others are revealed as the journey of David and Thomas unfolds. They, along with the 5,000+ members of GaySurfers.net, their friends, families and communities hope this film can help create change in surf culture, looking to the surfing’s grassroots values of freedom of spirit, open-mindedness and love for the ocean.



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

Some updated info on the Marina del Rey rooftop Shooter that was in a standoff Saturday night with SWAT:

Victoryloc Nguyen was smiling today (Tuesday) in court as he was charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder of a peace officer. If convicted as charged, Nguyen will face life in prison.

So looks like there will be an open vendor spot at the Mar Vista Famrers' Market. That's where he ran a food booth called Good Morning Vietnam.

Here is the official statement from the District Attorney:

Victoryloc Nguyen is charged with carrying out an unprovoked shooting rampage throughout a multi-building Marina del Rey Apartment complex

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Victoryloc Nguyen for carrying out an unprovoked shooting rampage throughout the grounds of a multi-building apartment complex in Marina del Rey on April 13.

“I am deeply outraged by the senseless shooting rampage carried out by Mr. Nguyen and I am thankful that no one was injured,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Innocent civilians and law enforcement officers were callously targeted without provocation. Our Office’s Bureau of Victim Services remains readily available to assist anyone who was impacted by this horrific act. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers who responded to this call, helped protect the public, and de-escalated the situation which resulted in Mr. Nguyen’s surrender – all without firing a single shot.”

“This individual jeopardized many lives and terrorized an apartment community,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Central Patrol Division Chief Bobby Wyche. “Our deputy personnel, along with other local law enforcement agencies, were able to quickly respond, locate, and arrest the suspect without firing a single shot. We are extremely grateful that nobody was injured during this incident and that he will be held accountable for his reckless actions.”

Victoryloc Vinh Nguyen (dob 08/29/82) is charged withtwo counts of willful, deliberate, attempted murder of a peace officer; one count of attempted murder – willful, deliberate and premediated on a civilian; 10 counts of assault with a machine gun or assault weapon upon a peace officer; four counts of assault with a machine gun or assault weapon upon a civilian; one count of shooting at an inhabited dwelling; and one count of first-degree residential burglary.

Nguyen pleaded not guilty to all charges today. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled May 13 in Dept. 31 at the Airport Courthouse.

On April 13 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Nguyen allegedly went on a shooting rampage throughout a Marina del Rey apartment complex where he lives. Nguyen was wearing a tactical vest and was armed with two assault weapons and a handgun. He also carried multiple loaded magazines for the various weapons.

Nguyen allegedly fired more than 90 rounds at Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies and residents, from numerous locations throughout the complex over a three-hour period.

No one was injured during the shootings.

The court has set bail at $5.275 million. If convicted as charged, Nguyen will face life in prison.

In this episode of We Are Venice, we get to know Toke (@potlord). Surfer, Youtuber, livestreamer, and much more....

We Are Venice showcases the people and culture of Venice Beach, California and will inspire you to be the best version of yourself. This is a series of premium documentary profile pieces on Venice’s most important and influential individuals.

Some info gathered from various sources on the person who brutally assault 2 women in the Venice Canals a week ago:

His full name is Anthony Francisco Jones, 29 years old and his last address is listed as Las Vegas, NV. It appears they are not willing to release his mugshot.







Booking info from LASD:




Here is the DA's statement:

Anthony Francisco Jones is charged with allegedly sexually assaulting two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood "Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Anthony Francisco Jones for allegedly sexually assaulting two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6.

“We are deeply outraged and appalled by these incomprehensible brutal sexual assaults committed against these two innocent survivors,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Such despicable acts have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Our office is fully committed to prosecuting the individual accountable for these crimes with the utmost vigor and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.”

“Sexual assault and sex crimes in any form are abhorrent and intolerable, and I commend the swift and diligent efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department and District Attorney Gascon’s office in expeditiously investigating this matter and bringing forth charges,” said Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “Our hearts go out to the survivors of these egregious acts, whose lives have been forever altered by the trauma they endured.”

“I am proud of the hard work and dedication to public safety displayed by the officers and specialized detectives involved in this case as well as the expedient filing by the District Attorney,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi. “I am also thankful for the Venice community and their participation in ridding our streets from this predator.”

Anthony Francisco Jones (dob 09/12/94) is charged with two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, one count of attempted murder, and one count of sodomy by use of force.

It also is alleged that Jones committed the sexual assaults during the course of a kidnapping, against multiple victims, and that he inflicted great bodily injury on the victims.

Jones is scheduled to be arraigned today in Dept. 30 at the Airport Courthouse.

On April 6 between 10:30-11:30 p.m., Jones allegedly 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.

The People are recommending that Jones be held on no bail.

If convicted as charged, Jones will face life in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department."

More info to be posted as it is discovered....

Lena Adams is known as “Sheepish Skater” at the Venice Beach skate park she frequents, but she also demonstrates the grit, openness and curiosity of someone yearning to find community in a place that can be as unsupportive as Los Angeles. The film follows Lena as she describes surviving in transitional housing, living and working as a voice-over artist in her truck “studio,” and searching for somewhere that feels like home.

On April 11, the LAPD apprehended the suspect, 29-year-old Anthony Jones, who had fled to the San Diego area. He was booked for two counts of attempted murder with bail set at $3,250,000 (booking number 6791008).

LAPD is not releasing any information on him other than his name Anthony Jones and that he is a 29 year old black man that is about 6'1" 200lbs. (see update below video for latest)

UPDATE Friday Night: Clearer screen shot of the suspect added.

UPDATE: LAPD did not mention in their big press event that Anthony Jones, 29, is a homeless man. Also did not mention if he had priors or where he is from.



UPDATE

Since the assault, detectives from Pacific Area, as well as investigators from Operations-West Bureau Special Assault Section, dedicated countless hours to identifying this perpetrator. Within hours after identifying the suspect, on April 11, 2024, the LAPD located and swiftly apprehended the suspect, who had fled to the San Diego area. The suspect, 29-year-old Anthony Jones, was arrested and booked into LAPD’s Metropolitan Detention Center on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder. Bail was set at $3,250,000 and his booking number is 6791008.

This investigation is still ongoing, and both victims are continuing to recover from the serious injuries they sustained. At this point in the case, investigators are not ruling out the likelihood that the women may have been sexually assaulted.

LAPD Chief Dominic Choi stated, “I am proud of the tireless work and dedication to public safety demonstrated by all involved in this case, especially our specialized detectives. I thank Councilwoman Park for her unwavering support, continually working together to ensure the safety of our communities. The people of Los Angeles are safer today because this predator is in custody.”

With the community’s help and the amazing work of the men and women with the LAPD, a dangerous and violent suspect has been taken off of the streets of Los Angeles.

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

Venice Healer Daisy preforms on top of some trash cans during the Solar Eclipse on the Venice Boardwalk.



Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

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

Photos via @VeniceIntel.

Checking out the solar eclipse at Venice Beach with Oscar from Hecho En Venice.

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.

Part of the Venice Beach Canals that people don't like to see.

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

Tour Venice Beach Boardwalk and then the Santa Monica Friday Evening Classic Car with Tonan Ruiz.