The Santa Monica Police Department has made three arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing that occurred over the weekend.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 1:50 AM, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Wilshire Blvd after a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, officers located two male victims suffering stab wounds. Personnel from the Santa Monica Police Department and Fire Department provided immediate medical aid. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel then transported both victims to a local hospital.

One victim, 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez from Santa Maria, sustained critical injuries and, despite life-saving efforts, later succumbed to his wounds. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on Monday, February 17, 2025 and a third on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The suspects, all with extensive criminal histories, were identified as 41-year-old Alfredo Quinteros and 42-year-old Ricardo Quintero, brothers from South Gate; and Rogelio Arenas, 32-years-old of Los Angeles.

Charges & Bail:



· Alfredo Quinteros (DOB: 12-15-1983); 187 PC – Homicide; No Bail



· Ricardo Quintero Jr. (DOB: 08-30-1982); 32 PC – Accessory; No Bail



· Rogelio Arenas (DOB: 08-27-1992) 187 PC – Homicide; Bail Amount Pending

This remains an active investigation, and detectives are continuing to gather evidence. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 20, 2025

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:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS (NON-FIRE RELATED):

· Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

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

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

· Ashland Ave. storm drain in Santa Monica. Santa Monica South Tower 28

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

· Windward storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Culver Blvd Storm Drain

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

· Dockweiler State Beach. Westchester Storm Drain

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

· Puerco Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

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

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

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

· Rose Avenue 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.

· Wilshire Bl. storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica North Tower 12

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

· Strand Street extension at Santa Monica Beach

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

· Brooks Avenue storm drain at Venice Beach

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

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

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

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Touring the businesses that where destroyed by the fire in Pacific Palisades as they enter "Phase 2" of the clean up.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

The County of Los Angeles Public Healthhas announced that the dark sediment washing up on the beaches is NOT hazardous:

"Dark, silty sediment has been washing up on local beaches, and experts are testing it for fire-related substances and health risks. If the sediment spreads to other beaches, testing will continue, and new locations will be added.

Early results from Will Rogers and Topanga beaches after the Jan. 26 storm show that the sediment is not hazardous—it does not threaten the environment or human health.

Since the sediment is not dangerous, there are no plans to remove it. In fact, removing it could harm the ecosystem by disturbing rocks, sand layers, and marine habitats. It could also erode the shoreline, potentially causing long-term environmental damage. Instead, natural tides and weather will gradually clear it away."

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Offhand Wine Bar Takes Over Locals' Night – Thursday, Feb. 20

In honor of Black History Month, Offhand Wine Bar and Westside Winos—Black-owned Santa Monica gems—are curating a night of music, bites, art, and community at the historic carousel building on the Santa Monica Pier. A portion of proceeds will support Restaurants Care, providing aid to food and beverage workers affected by the LA wildfires.

Come early, stay late, and enjoy an evening of community, culture, and celebration at the Pier. Free and open to all (21+ to drink)!

For more info, Click Here

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

Get ready to spread love and good vibes at the Venice Love Fest 2025 - a celebration of all things love in the heart of the Westside!.

Celebrate love, community, and creativity at Venice Love Fest on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM on Venice Blvd in Downtown Mar Vista, CA!

This free community festival brings together an incredible lineup of live music, delicious food trucks, over 400 locally made brands and artists, beer gardens, games, and family-friendly activities.

12257 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

For more info, Click Here

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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

February 18, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is providing the following updates on Los Angeles County Beaches.

RAIN ADVISORY:

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been lifted for all Los Angeles County Beaches. Some ocean water quality testing results are not yet available following the rain advisory. Beach users continue to be advised to avoid water contact near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. This includes any runoff that has flown onto or ponded on the beach sand.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

The ocean water advisory due to fire impacts from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from visible fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Pacific Coast Highway will continue to remain FULLY CLOSED in both directions between Chautauqua Blvd. & Carbon Beach Terrace (ONLY open to emergency responders, contractors, utilities). Due to continuing cleanup and heavy equipment, the general public cannot enter. No estimated of opening.

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

On January 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30 AM, a shooting occurred in the 200 Block of Broadway in Santa Monica. The suspect, Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, approached the victim and pursued him into the middle of the street, where he shot the victim in the back. Despite lifesaving efforts by responding officers, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after an extensive and thorough investigation, Mendez was taken into custody by the Santa Monica Police Department. He is charged with homicide under Penal Code 187, with bail set at $3,000,000.

Anyone with information about this incident, please contact Det. Reyes (Isaac.Reyes@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Lozano (Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.