Sunday, October 13, 2024
Santa Monica Police Arrest Man Suspected of Arson in Downtown

Saturday, October 12, 2024
Beachside Injury: Emergency Responders Aid Man Hurt on Santa Monica Bike Path

Friday, October 11, 2024
SMPD and Los Angeles County DA’s Office Bureau of Investigation Arrest Parolee in Palisades Park

Venice Beach Skate Park Cleanup: Homeless Encampment Cleared as Police and Park Rangers Oversee
During the weekly large-scale cleanup at Venice Beach Skate Park, a homeless man was asked by sanitation workers to remove his encampment. He was given 15 minutes to pack his belongings so the cleanup could proceed.
Police officers and Los Angeles Park Rangers were on-site to oversee the process, ensuring compliance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents in city parks to maintain safety and accessibility. No citations were issued.
After the area was cleared, sanitation workers moved on to other encampments in the area. The cleanup was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort involving LAPD, Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., LAHSA, and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
This efficient operation, with workers in protective gear handling hazardous and non-hazardous waste, reflects the city’s commitment to public health and safety while addressing homelessness compassionately. LAHSA provided essential services, such as food, water, and hygiene kits, highlighting the city’s preference for supportive over punitive measures.
These weekly cleanups, part of a broader initiative, are key to addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office ensuring a humane and balanced approach.

Tense Scene as Police Dismantle Homeless Man's Tent During Weekly Cleanup at Venice Beach
Venice, Los Angeles – October 11, 2024* — As part of the ongoing weekly cleanup efforts targeting homeless encampments at Venice Beach, sanitation workers asked a homeless man to remove his belongings from his campsite. The man was given 15 minutes to pack his items so that the cleanup could proceed. When he did not gather his belongings within the allotted time, sanitation workers collected his items, placing some in storage for later retrieval while disposing of others.
Los Angeles Police officers and Park Rangers were present to ensure compliance with local regulations, as outlined by Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits the erection of tents in city parks. This regulation is designed to keep public spaces safe and accessible for all. No citations were issued during the incident.
Once the encampment was cleared, sanitation workers continued their efforts, moving on to other encampments in the area as part of the broader cleanup operation.
This coordinated multi-agency effort was led by Los Angeles Park Rangers and included the LAPD, Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., LAHSA, and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
The operation was executed efficiently, with sanitation workers in protective gear sorting and removing hazardous and non-hazardous waste. This effort underscores the city’s ongoing commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness with compassion and support.
LAHSA provided essential services, including food, water, and hygiene kits, further emphasizing the city’s focus on support rather than punishment. No citations for public camping were issued during the cleanup, highlighting the city’s preference for non-punitive measures in addressing homelessness.
These weekly cleanups are part of a larger city initiative aimed at addressing homelessness while maintaining public safety. Councilwoman Traci Park’s office continues to play a key role in ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these ongoing challenges at Venice Beach.

Venice Beach Cleanup: Park Rangers and Police Supervise Removal of Homeless Encampment
Venice, Los Angeles – October 11, 2024 — As part of the weekly large-scale cleanup operation at Venice Beach, a homeless man camping in the area was asked by sanitation workers to remove his encampment. Los Angeles Police officers and Park Rangers were present to oversee the process, ensuring compliance with city regulations. No citations were issued during the incident, which was carried out in accordance with Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, prohibiting tents in city parks to maintain safety and accessibility for all.
Once the encampment was dismantled and the area cleaned, sanitation workers continued their efforts, moving on to other encampments along the beach.
The operation was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
Workers in protective gear efficiently sorted and removed hazardous and non-hazardous waste, demonstrating the city’s ongoing commitment to public health and safety. LAHSA provided essential services to those affected, including food, water, and hygiene kits, reinforcing the city’s focus on supportive rather than punitive actions. No citations for public camping were issued, in line with the city's compassionate approach to addressing homelessness.
These weekly cleanups are a critical component of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the complexities of homelessness while maintaining public safety. With regular operations every Friday, Councilwoman Traci Park’s office continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring a humane and balanced response to the challenges at Venice Beach.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Stolen Electric Bike Case at the Beach

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Police Detain Teenagers at Santa Monica Pier After Confrontation with Arcade Employees
Santa Monica, CA – On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers detained a group of teenagers at the Santa Monica Pier following an incident at Playland Arcade. The teenagers had been asked to leave the arcade after allegedly displaying rowdy behavior.
According to witnesses, the situation escalated outside the arcade, where the teenagers engaged in a heated verbal confrontation with Playland Arcade employees, reportedly threatening them during the altercation.
Officers responded to the scene, investigated the situation, and ultimately released the teenagers without taking further action. No arrests were made.

Parolee Arrested at Santa Monica Beach After Smoking Violation Leads to Parole Breach Discovery
Santa Monica, CA – On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department’s Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a man at Santa Monica Beach following a stop for a municipal code violation. The individual was initially approached for smoking in a prohibited area, but upon further investigation, officers discovered the man was in violation of his parole and subsequently took him into custody.
The arrest stemmed from a violation of Santa Monica’s Smoking Ordinance, Section 4.44.020(a) of the Municipal Code, which prohibits smoking in public parks and other designated areas. Violators face fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense. The law also extends to vaping and marijuana use, with penalties increasing under specific conditions. Exceptions exist for designated smoking areas and some private residences.
The Crime Impact Team, a specialized unit of four officers and one sergeant, plays a proactive role in enhancing public safety in Santa Monica. Unlike routine patrol units, CIT members focus on targeted enforcement, surveillance, and community outreach. Their primary objective is to address crime hotspots across the city and implement strategies to reduce crime rates.

Santa Monica Police Issue Citations to Homeless Campers at Santa Monica Beach
On the morning of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers from the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) issued citations to two homeless individuals found camping in a tent at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot. The camping activity violated Santa Monica Municipal Code 4.08.095, which prohibits camping in public areas, including beaches, streets, parks, and government properties. The code strictly forbids such activities to maintain public safety and preserve these spaces for public use.
After receiving the citations, the campers asked if they could have some time to dismantle the tent and gather their belongings. The officers granted their request, allowing them additional time and indicating they would return in an hour to check on the situation.
This incident highlights the Santa Monica Police Department's ongoing efforts to address the complexities of homelessness in the city. The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals through outreach, relationship-building, and collaboration with various city and county agencies. HLP's focus is on prioritizing mental health services and offering alternatives to incarceration, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and resources.
The program works closely with the Santa Monica Fire Department, Human Services Division, and the City Attorney’s Office to provide a holistic approach to homelessness, aiming to improve community well-being while upholding city regulations designed to maintain public safety and shared spaces.

Venice Beach Crackdown: LAPD Enforces Tent Ban, CIRCLE Team Assists Homeless

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Officer Involved Shooting Update: Suspect in Stabbing Identified, Possible Robbery Connection

Santa Monica Officers and Mental Health Clinician Respond to Homeless Crisis, No Charges Filed in Park Incident

Sunday, October 6, 2024
Police Officers Arrest Unhoused Man After Assault on Restroom Ambassador in Venice

Friday, October 4, 2024
Venice Safe Team Patrols Boardwalk, Clears Homeless Camps in Early Morning Operation

Venice Beach Cleanup Sees Homeless Man Comply with Tent Removal at Skateboard Park
After the tent was removed, sanitation workers continued their cleanup efforts, moving on to address other encampments in the area.
This operation was part of a coordinated multi-agency effort led by Los Angeles Park Rangers. The task force included the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, LA County Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and a representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office.
The operation was conducted efficiently, with workers in protective gear sorting and removing both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. This ongoing cleanup highlights the city’s commitment to improving public health and safety while addressing homelessness in a compassionate and supportive manner.
LAHSA provided essential services, including food, water, and hygiene kits to those affected by the cleanup, underscoring the city's focus on support over punishment. No citations for public camping were issued during the cleanup, reinforcing the city’s preference for compassionate, non-punitive measures.
These weekly cleanups are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the complexities of homelessness while maintaining public safety. With regular operations every Friday, Councilwoman Traci Park’s office plays a vital role in ensuring a balanced and humane approach to these ongoing challenges at Venice Beach.

Tensions Rise as Homeless Man Dismantles Tent Under Police Supervision During Cleanup

Venice Beach Cleanup Escalates as Police Escort Homeless Woman from Encampment

Daisy Standoffs with Officers During Venice Beach Cleanup Over Pop-Up "Goddess Temple"

Tensions Rise as Officers Confront Homeless Artist During Venice Beach Cleanup
