This afternoon at 12:11 PM, the Santa Monica Police Department received a frantic call for help from a grandmother whose 4-year-old granddaughter had been kidnapped from a restaurant in the 1900 block of Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. The first officers were on the scene within minutes of the call being dispatched, gathering video images of the probable kidnapper and child to send to additional units who were on their way. All available field resources, including more than 30 sworn and civilian personnel, flooded the area, searching for the subject, described as a heavyset white female in her 30s. At 12:37 PM, our Downtown Services Unit officers located the suspect and child in a room at the Holiday Motel at 11th Street and Pico Boulevard. Thankfully, the child was unharmed and the suspect was taken into custody.

Our heartfelt best wishes go out to the child and her family as they deal with the shock of this ordeal. We will do everything we can to make sure they are helped through this time and also to make sure no stone is left unturned in the investigation. The suspect will be booked into our jail on kidnapping charges. We will provide updates with the suspect’s name and booking photo within 24 hours. Additional updates will be forthcoming when the case is presented to the District Attorney’s office.

This early in the investigation, we cannot confirm the suspect's criminal history. It appears she has been residing at the Holiday Motel for an extended period of time, but it is too soon to confirm any details other than those shared above.

7/12/2024 8:30PM UPDATE:



Suspect: Shields,Breanna Taylor DOB 1/22/93

Shield was booked for kidnapping (207 PC) and is eligible for a sentencing enhancement (208PC). The penal code sections are below:

207 PC (a) Every person who forcibly, or by any other means of instilling fear, steals or takes, or holds, detains, or arrests any person in this state, and carries the person into another country, state, or county, or into another part of the same county, is guilty of kidnapping.

208 PC (a) Kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 3,5 or 8 years.

(b) If the person kidnapped is under 14 years of age at the time of the commission of the crime, the kidnapping is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 5, 8, or 11 years.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

": A potentially dangerous encounter was defused by Los Angeles Police Officers during a homeless encampment cleanup operation in Venice Beach on Thursday. Officers successfully deescalated a tense situation when they drew their tasers in response to a homeless man who brandished a knife. The incident occurred on Main Street as part of a scheduled cleanup effort.

The man, visibly agitated, eventually complied with officers' commands to put away the knife and departed from the scene without further conflict. No arrest was made, as the potential victim was an armed police officer and there were concerns that the District Attorney might not pursue charges. After resolving the situation, officers continued with the cleanup operation, which included towing an inoperable vehicle with out-of-state plates."

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.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Venice Healer Daisy was released from jail after a week, thanks to the support of family, friends, and the community. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the couple made an announcement at Venice Beach to express their gratitude and outline their future plans."

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.

Netflix's new series Forever has been filming on the santa Monica Pier

A reimagination of the 1975 novel, the upcoming series will follow the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s capital-F Firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on touchstone ’90s YA comedy Moesha.

“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice,” Brock Akil, who serves as executive producer and showrunner, told Netflix when the show was announced. “I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, Forever.”

Regina King (One Night in Miami, A Man in Full) is also coming along for the ride as an executive producer and will direct the first episode.



Lovie Simone (Social Distance, Manhunt) and Michael Cooper Jr. (On the Come Up) have been cast as the show’s leads. Simone will play Keisha Clark, a young confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school. Meanwhile, Cooper Jr. will portray Justin Edwards, a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents. Love will lead him to who he truly is.

The rest of the cast is as follows:

Karen Pittman as Dawn, Justin’s mother. Dawn is a college-educated, top executive in corporate finance. Her easy elegance belies her loving — yet paranoid — parenting style. Dawn may be strict sometimes, but her behavior is always out of love. She’s worked hard to give Justin the things he needs to succeed and wants him to make smart decisions.

Wood Harris as Eric, Justin’s father. Eric is a restaurateur with a high school degree — and one from the school of life. He’s the more lenient parent who always ends up playing referee. Eric knows his son feels immense pressure to go on to higher education and not waste the head start his family has worked so hard to provide. Eric has a good relationship with his son, and though he’s not as intense as his wife, he maintains clear boundaries. In 2018, Dawn and Eric are navigating parenting during a time of heightened awareness around the lack of safety for Black boys in America.

Xosha Roquemore as Shelly, Keisha’s mother. Shelly is no stranger to hard work and hard knocks. She’s never had a lot, but has always prioritized taking care of her family.

Marvin Lawrence Winans III as Jaden, Justin’s younger brother. Although he can be annoying, Jaden idolizes his big brother and enjoys any chance he gets to spend time with him.

Barry Shabaka Henley as George, Keisha’s grandfather. George is laid-back and looks out for his granddaughter. He acts as her surrogate father and protector — so George is ready to give Keisha advice and take an active interest in her life.

Ali Gallo as Chloe, Keisha’s best friend and confidant. Chloe is self-assured, outgoing, and can sometimes be in her own self-involved, naïve bubble. Still, she always has Keisha’s best interest at heart. Chloe is a popular girl who comes from wealth.

Niles Fitch as Darius, Justin’s best friend. He is athletic, charming, assertive, and focused on girls. Darius loves to offer what he thinks is sage advice to a more tentative and less confident Justin. Still, loyal Daris’ ultimate goal is to help Justin come out of his shell.

Paigion Walker as Tiffany, one of Keisha’s older cousins. She is a new mom and loves her new role. But beautiful and stylish Tiffany still clings onto her old life as much as possible — even if that means leaving for the bathroom to pump during a girls night out.

E’myri Crutchfield as Tammy, Keisha’s rival on their high school track team. Tammy is confident, cute, and athletic. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to regain the No. 1 spot that Keisha now holds.

Don't miss the FREE Summer Soulstice celebration happening on July 13th!

Join us on Main Street, Santa Monica for live music, outdoor art displays and free activities for all ages.

• The EdgeMar Courtyard:
This centrally located satellite bar features a DJ spinning summer beats with delicious food and drink specials all day long. Don't miss this hidden gem during the Summer Soulstice!

• Pop-Up Art Gallery:
For the first time at the Summer Soulstice, art enthusiasts can explore a visual display of work from over 50 visual artists. This project was made possible in part with support from Art of Recovery, an initiative of the City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs.

• Pet Zone by Offleash'd & VCA:
Bring your furry friend for a day of fun! Enjoy pet giveaways, meet vendors from past Main Street dog events, and celebrate your four-legged community.

• Skate Popup at Alfalfa:
Join Beyond the Board and LA Skate Hunnies for a rolling good time with skateboarding and roller skating fun, including an inflatable skate ramp!

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, July 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers, while on patrol, identified an individual matching the description of a man on parole at Santa Monica Beach. The officers stopped the man and subsequently arrested him."

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.

Announcing the inaugural Venice Soulstice on July 20 at the First Baptist Church of Venice—a cornerstone for the community of Oakwood, a historically Black and Brown neighborhood in the heart of Venice Beach.

A celebration of Black expression in the heart of Venice Beach, including music, dance, art, food, and story-telling. Experience live performances by Mofaya & Friends, Olokun Cultural Group, Wadada Khufu, and Just Satyan alongside stunning art and live painting by Gakwaya. Explore the cultural history and progress of Black communities on LA’s Westside with author and historian Alison Rose Jefferson. Enjoy savory Jamaican food from Ozi's Kitchen, artisanal ice cream by All Chill, and cold brew coffee and teas by Boketto.

Venice Soulstice is a not-for-profit organization that aims to create opportunity for independent artists by bridging communities through the power of expression. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT GO DIRECTLY TO THE ARTISTS, KNOWLEDGE PRODUCERS, AND CONTRIBUTORS, AND WILL FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PROJECTS IN OAKWOOD. This is not a religious event, but we ask that all guests please respect the strict rule of NO alcohol, smoking, or drugs on the First Baptist Church property.

Sat, Jul 20th, 2024,
12:00 - 7:00 PM
Oakwood First Baptist Church Lot,
Venice, CA For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

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

This just released interview with Daisy the Venice Healer was recorded prior to her hospitalization and her arrest last week.

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Roller Skate in Santa Monica

Roll @ Santa Monica is more than just a rink – it's a summer celebration!



From August 10 to October 14, our vibrant rink will transform downtown Santa Monica into a lively hub of excitement and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, Roll @ Santa Monica offers an unforgettable experience for all ages and skill levels.

Picture this: gliding under the sunny California sky, surrounded by the energy of fellow skaters and the iconic sights of Santa Monica. It’s the perfect backdrop for creating memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.



Just the Facts

Located at 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Opens Thursday, August 10, 2024 through October 14, 2024

Hours of operation are Sundays through Thursdays 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Admission including skate rental: $15

Lockers, socks and party tent available to rent/purchase.

Private Party (Buyout) Available!

For more info and to buy tickets, Click Here.

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