Security Guards Break Up Fight on Second Street; Police Investigate Incident

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, security guards from Legion Corporation intervened to break up a fight among three men on the 1400 block of Second Street in downtown Santa Monica. The altercation, described as a family matter, involved a father, his brother, and a friend of the father’s daughter.

After de-escalating the situation, Legion Corporation guards promptly contacted Santa Monica Police officers, who responded to the scene. Both parties involved expressed a desire to press charges for assault, but no arrests were made. Officers filed reports, which are now under review by the City Attorney’s office for potential legal action.

One of the men received ice from the security guards for a minor injury. No serious injuries were reported, and no one was transported to a hospital. The incident attracted attention from bystanders in the busy downtown area, but swift action by the security team and police ensured the situation was quickly brought under control, preventing further disturbance.

The Santa Monica Police Department has not released further information about the individuals involved or the specifics of the dispute. The case remains under investigation, with the City Attorney's office expected to decide whether charges will be filed in the coming days.

Santa Monica Police Respond to Camping Incident at Camera Obscura Building

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers responded to a call from a Downtown Ambassador regarding a person camping at the Santa Monica Camera Obscura building in Palisades Park. Upon arrival, officers requested the individual leave the property. The person complied and relocated to a nearby area within the park, just a few feet away.

Venice Mystery Blaze: Prius Goes Up in Flames, Cause Still Unknown

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hazardous materials specialist was on the scene of a burnt-down Toyota Prius at Rose Court in Venice. The specialist utilized a thermal camera to monitor the temperature of the vehicle's battery, ensuring there were no fluctuations before authorizing the car to be towed. The precaution was necessary because any rise in temperature could have prevented the vehicle from being moved. After approximately an hour, a tow truck arrived, and following a final temperature check, the specialist gave the green light for the car to be loaded onto the flatbed truck.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with both electrical failure and arson being considered. A neighboring resident, who witnessed the incident, spoke with Santa Monica Closeup, providing insight into the events leading up to the fire. 

According to the witness, the car belonged to a tenant who had just moved in the previous day. The resident described how the car’s doors were found open before the fire started and speculated about the possibility of arson, although the battery was reported to be intact. The witness also mentioned that ring camera footage from the area showed an individual walking away from the scene around the time of the fire, but no conclusive evidence has been confirmed.

As the investigation continues, the cause of the fire remains a mystery. The incident has left the new tenant with an unfortunate welcome to the neighborhood.

Building Strength: Hammer Time Starts with Calisthenics

A crew of construction workers was seen performing morning exercises at Ocean View Park in Santa Monica before starting their workday. The team, dressed in safety gear, engaged in a series of stretches and squats to prepare for the day's physical demands. This pre-work routine highlights the importance of fitness and safety in physically demanding jobs, ensuring that workers are ready and alert as they begin their day. Ocean View Park, with its scenic backdrop, provided a motivating environment for the crew to kick off their day on a healthy note.

Shining the End of the Trail: Route 66 Gets a Labor Day Makeover at Santa Monica Pier

Joey, the Santa Monica Pier painter, is hard at work this morning, giving the iconic Route 66 sign a fresh shine in preparation for the Labor Day weekend. This historic 'Mother Road' ends here at the pier, where travelers for decades have marked the final stop on their journey west. As the holiday weekend approaches, Santa Monica is ready to welcome visitors to the end of the trail. 

📷 Photo by Willie, Pier Carpenter

 

Electric Shuttle Breakdown on Ocean Avenue Turns Passengers into Heroes

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, passengers aboard a Circuit electric shuttle were left stranded when their vehicle ran out of power on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. In a display of community effort, the occupants disembarked and pushed the stalled vehicle to safety, averting potential traffic issues.

Circuit, operational since June 2013, offers affordable, eco-friendly transportation solutions across Santa Monica. These all-electric shared vehicles are designed to minimize emissions and alleviate traffic congestion, promoting a sustainable and connected community. Serving popular local destinations such as the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade, Circuit encourages residents and visitors to forego personal vehicles for short trips, supporting the city's environmental goals.

Circuit's business model capitalizes on partnerships with cities, transport entities, and advertisers to keep rides low-cost or even free, challenging the notion that green transportation comes at a premium. With a mission to enhance community sustainability and connectivity, Circuit has provided over 8 million rides since its inception, all without consuming traditional fuel. This initiative underscores Circuit’s commitment to innovative, sustainable community mobility solutions.

 

Barnes & Noble Reopens in Santa Monica: Author Olivie Blake Kicks Off Grand Opening

Barnes & Noble made a highly anticipated return to Santa Monica with the grand opening of its new bookstore on the Third Street Promenade on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by author Olivie Blake, who also signed copies of her books.

Located at 1318 3rd Street, the new Barnes & Noble marked a significant comeback for the bookseller in this historic location, which was once home to the legendary Midnight Special Bookstore and, more recently, Athleta. This opening represented a broader resurgence in physical bookstores across the nation, as Barnes & Noble continued to expand after years of store closures.

“This building has a rich history as a beautiful bookstore, and we were excited to restore it to its former glory,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. He emphasized that the Santa Monica opening was part of a larger trend, with the company experiencing strong sales and an ambitious expansion plan, including over 50 new stores expected in 2024.

The Santa Monica store was one of four new locations to open in August, joining new stores in New Mexico, Kentucky, and New York. Each of these openings was met with enthusiastic crowds, reflecting a growing interest in physical bookstores.

Store Manager Sarah Abel highlighted the experienced team that transferred from nearby Barnes & Noble locations, bringing a wealth of literary knowledge to the new store. “We believe in the power of a good book and were eager to help our customers find their next great read,” she said.

For more information on upcoming events and store news, customers were encouraged to follow @bnstamonica on social media.

Serial Hate Crime Offender Convicted: 23-Year Sentence for Unprovoked Assaults in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to two alarming incidents of assault with a deadly weapon that resulted in the conviction of 37-year-old Kevin Mumin of Los Angeles, currently homeless. The incidents occurred within days of each other in August 2023, with one taking place on Main Street and the other in Palisades Park.

The first assault, reported on August 20, 2023, involved a Hispanic male victim who suffered significant head injuries after being struck from behind with a wooden stick. Surveillance footage helped in documenting the unprovoked attack. Just two days later, another Hispanic male, a City of Santa Monica Maintenance employee, narrowly escaped injury when Mumin attempted to strike him with a glass bottle in Palisades Park.

SMPD detectives connected these attacks to Mumin, who was also identified in a Los Angeles Police Department bulletin for hate crimes specifically targeting Hispanics. Mumin was apprehended by LAPD on August 23, 2023, under multiple felony assault charges with hate crime allegations.

In a recent trial, Mumin was found guilty of three counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with enhancements for Great Bodily Injury and Hate Crime, along with a separate felony sexual battery charge from an incident in Los Angeles. On August 21, 2024, he was sentenced to 23 years and 8 months in state prison.

Mumin's criminal history includes convictions for robbery, assault, burglary, and narcotics sales among other offenses. SMPD and LAPD worked jointly on this case, showcasing the impact of inter-departmental cooperation in addressing hate-related crimes.

For further details or to share information related to these incidents, contact Det. Brian Spencer at (310) 458-8420 or Sgt. Shaun Cooney at (310) 458-8436. Media inquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at Erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.

 

Santa Monica Beach Incident: Police Arrest Suspect Following Sexual Battery Report

On August 27, 2024, an urgent situation unfolded on the sands of Santa Monica Beach when LA County Lifeguards alerted a nearby police officer to a reported sexual battery in the 1300 block. According to the victim, the incident occurred around 1:30 PM while she was sunbathing. She described a harrowing encounter where an unidentified male abruptly climbed on top of her, initiating unwanted physical contact. The victim’s swift response, aided by her sister, allowed them to fend off the assailant who then fled southbound along the beach.

Authorities, aided by descriptions from the victim and her sister, apprehended the suspect a short distance from the scene. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Alonzo Dickson, reportedly homeless, was arrested and charged with felony sexual battery with restraint (243.3 PC). Dickson, who has no prior arrests in California but a pending criminal case in Washington State, is currently held in custody as further investigations are underway.

The Santa Monica Police Department urges anyone with additional information about this incident or the suspect to contact Detective Nicole Murphy at Nicole.Murphy@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427. All media inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at Erika.Aklufi@santamonica.gov.

Homelessness and Faith: Man Found Sleeping on Rose Avenue in Venice Displays Biblical Message

A homeless man was found sleeping on the sidewalk of Rose Avenue in Venice on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Next to him, a sign prominently displayed the message, "JESUS THE WAY THE TRUTH THE LIFE JOHN 14:6." The sign references a verse from the Bible where Jesus declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

This scene highlights the ongoing struggles of the homeless community in Venice, juxtaposing a message of faith with the stark realities of life on the streets. Rose Avenue, a street known for its eclectic mix of trendy establishments and visible homelessness, continues to reflect the complex social issues facing the area.

Efforts to address homelessness in Venice have included various outreach programs, yet the visible presence of those without shelter serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges. The man’s choice to display a religious message suggests a personal connection to faith in the face of adversity, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition amid the urban landscape.