The Santa Monica Fire Department held its annual September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Ceremony on September 11, 2024, at Fire Station #1, in line with protocols recommended by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The ceremony, attended by firefighters, police officers, community members, and local officials, was part of a city-wide effort involving Fire Stations 1, 2, and 3.
At 8:46 AM, a moment of silence was observed to mark the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 2001. The ceremony featured the traditional ringing of a bell, a sign of respect for the 343 FDNY firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 EMT/paramedics who lost their lives in the attacks. In total, the 2001 attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, including five individuals with connections to Santa Monica.
- At 6:59 AM, a city-wide alert was issued to all fire stations, followed by three alert tones, signaling all Santa Monica units to stand by for the 9/11 detail.
- At 7:01 AM, additional alert tones were sounded, and a moment of complete silence was observed.
The ceremony concluded with a reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made by first responders.
The Santa Monica Fire Department’s remembrance ceremony served as a solemn tribute to the lives lost and as a reaffirmation of the community's commitment to never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve to protect. #WeWillNeverForget
Santa Monica, CA — Officers from the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a man at Ocean Way on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The suspect was reportedly seen spray-painting graffiti at Santa Monica Beach when CIT officers witnessed the activity and approached him. The man attempted to flee, prompting a foot chase that ended a few blocks away, where officers apprehended him.
Paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect and clear him for transport to jail. Once medically cleared, the man was placed in a squad car and taken into custody. He is expected to face charges of vandalism and obstruction.
The Crime Impact Team is a specialized unit within the Santa Monica Police Department, consisting of four officers and a sergeant. The team focuses on crime suppression and targets specific hotspots throughout the city. Unlike regular patrol units, the CIT is not assigned routine radio calls, allowing them to concentrate on proactive crime-fighting strategies. These efforts include targeted enforcement, surveillance, and community outreach, with a focus on preventing crime through visibility and engagement with the community. The CIT aims to reduce crime rates and enhance safety across Santa Monica.
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, a Santa Monica Police Officer and a Los Angeles Police Officer responded to reports of a possible stolen military Hummer at a Santa Monica Beach parking lot. The vehicle, which was missing license plates, appeared to be abandoned, prompting concern among local authorities. After verifying the identities of the individuals on the scene, it was determined that the vehicle belonged to what appeared to be a local military base. The people present, who were identified as military personnel, were authorized to recover the vehicle and took it back to the station, resolving the matter without further incident.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (September 10, 2024) – After a week of education and warnings, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) began issuing citations today to riders who failed to comply with the TAP-to-Exit Program at the downtown Santa Monica E Line station. The new program, launched last week, aims to enhance security, reduce fare evasion, and improve safety for all transit users. On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Metro security issued several $75 fines to riders who did not properly tap their cards to ride on the Metro.
For the past seven days, Metro security had focused on educating riders about the new requirement, giving out warnings to those who failed to tap their cards upon exiting. However, as of today, enforcement is now fully underway, with citations being issued to ensure compliance. This measure is a part of Metro's broader efforts to promote fare compliance and deter unauthorized use of the transit system.
The TAP-to-Exit Program was initially tested at the North Hollywood station, where it successfully reduced incidents such as fights, drug use, and graffiti by 40%. Following this success, the program expanded to Santa Monica as a collaborative effort between the city, Los Angeles County, and Metro to improve public safety and address the challenges posed by unauthorized train riders in the downtown area. Santa Monica Vice Mayor Lana Negrete was on-site last week to observe the program's launch, where she engaged with deputies and joined them during their sweeps through the trains, reminding riders that they had reached the end of the line and needed to exit.
To support the new initiative, Metro has deployed a range of personnel, including Metro Ambassadors, the Metro Outreach Team, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET). These teams have been present at the station to provide outreach, assistance, and support to passengers. The LASD MET, which includes a deputy sheriff and a licensed mental health clinician, specializes in crisis assessment, intervention, and targeted case management, reducing the use of force, minimizing unnecessary hospitalizations, and avoiding the incarceration of severely mentally ill individuals.
During the recent sweeps, Sheriff's Deputies, along with a K9 unit trained to detect explosives, conducted searches to further enhance security at the station. The K9, capable of identifying explosives and concealed firearms from a distance of around 50 yards, adds another layer of safety to Metro's efforts.
Metro Ambassadors continue to play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment by connecting riders to resources, reporting maintenance and safety concerns, and supporting overall public safety efforts. Metro's Homeless Outreach Teams also engage with unhoused riders, linking them to necessary resources and services.
The TAP-to-Exit program is a key part of Metro's strategy to deter criminal activity, reassure commuters, and restore confidence in the transit system. "Metro programs like TAP-to-Exit, combined with the efforts of our officers, are crucial for achieving a safer community," stated Santa Monica Police Chief RamΓ³n Batista.
As Metro fully implements the TAP-to-Exit program, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Armed Security will continue to conduct comprehensive sweeps of the station, ensuring fare compliance, maintaining public safety, and providing outreach to passengers. Los Angeles County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Expanding the TAP-to-Exit program to the Downtown Santa Monica E Line Station is an additional way Metro is improving customer experience and safety. We encourage everyone to use public transit and benefit from these enhancements.”
Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any security concerns through Metro’s Transit Watch app or by contacting Metro security at 888.950.7233. In emergencies, passengers should dial 9-1-1.
The continued enforcement of the TAP-to-Exit Program, alongside the presence of Metro Ambassadors, outreach teams, and increased law enforcement, reflects Metro's commitment to providing a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all transit users while promoting sustainable public transportation options in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Pier painter Joey Alvarez removed graffiti from the ocean-themed mural by the late artist David Legaspi beneath the Santa Monica Pier on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The mural, a tribute to marine life, is one of many created by Legaspi, who painted hundreds of murals throughout the Southland, including works for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the City of Santa Monica, and various public and private schools in the San Fernando Valley and South Bay. His artistic contributions also extended to churches and nonprofits such as the State PTA, and numerous private commissions.
On Monday, September 9, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers were flagged down by bystanders at the Santa Monica Pier following an unprovoked assault. Witnesses reported that a man, who appeared to be homeless, had thrown a rock at a group without any apparent cause, striking one individual in the face.The suspect, who was found to be on probation, was detained by officers at the scene while an investigation was conducted. He was subsequently arrested on assault charges. The victim was not harmed. The rock, recovered by officers, will be used as evidence in the case.
On Monday morning, September 9, 2024, Chip Monk, a local homeless resident of Venice Beach, awoke to find that his bicycle had been stolen while he slept beside it. Concerned and frustrated, Chip approached a member of Santa Monica Closeup, Fabian, asking if there were any surveillance cameras in the area that could help identify the thief. Unfortunately, Fabian was not aware of any nearby cameras that could provide footage.
Chip expressed his thoughts on the situation, highlighting the growing issue of theft in the area. "It's a nice morning to wake up and discover your bike's gone," he said. "It's pretty rampant out here... the whole bike situation. I don't know what needs to happen, but it's getting out of hand."
He went on to describe the challenges of living in an environment where theft has become a frequent occurrence, comparing it to stricter laws in other countries. "I mean, in some places, like Muslim countries with Sharia law, theft is dealt with severely, like taking a hand for stealing," Chip remarked. "I understand it because otherwise, you're going to have a bunch of people waiting until you go to sleep and then just robbing you blind."
Chip expressed a mix of frustration and a desire for some form of justice or consequence for the thief. "If I could find some kind of footage of when it got taken... there's so many cameras out here, you'd think there'd be a way to see," he said, pondering the possibility of locating video evidence to identify the culprit.
He shared his sentiment about the changes he’s noticed in the community over the years, recalling a time when he felt safer. "It used to not be like this here. This was a nice community where I remember not having to watch my stuff every five seconds," he reflected.
Chip also suggested that the thief might be someone familiar to him. "It's not random strangers walking by... it's somebody that knows you and is operating around you, smiling in your face."
Despite his frustration, Chip maintained a somewhat positive outlook, recognizing the need for consequences but also showing an understanding of his own situation. "Maybe I could use this jog a little bit," he mused, referring to the challenges of getting around without his bicycle.
Chip's bike, described as a big frame, seven-speed bike, was painted in a unique style to deter theft. As he continues to seek answers, Chip hopes that cameras in the area might provide a lead on who took his bicycle. Until then, he advises others to "keep your bike close and your hammer closer," to avoid becoming victims of similar incidents.
Venice Beach, CA – Under a burning sun, Dolor tore through Venice Beach on Sunday, September 8, 2024, with a visceral performance that felt like a sonic exorcism. The psychedelic deathcore band unleashed a wave of raw energy, rattling the boardwalk with bone-crushing riffs and guttural screams that ignited a frenzy in the crowd.
The air was thick with aggression as fans threw themselves into the chaos, slam dancing and colliding with reckless abandon, heads banging in unison to the relentless blast beats. Dolor's sound, a punishing fusion of metalcore brutality and the nihilistic depth of death metal, felt like a call to arms for the disenchanted.
With every crushing breakdown and distorted wail, Dolor carved their name into the heart of Venice Beach, delivering a performance that was as brutal as it was unforgettable — a dark symphony for those who live on the edge.
On Sunday, September 8, 2024, Venice Beach's "The Venice Healer," Daisy, captivated locals with "The Daisy Dukes Puppet Show." Utilizing puppets, Daisy explored themes of love, conflict resolution, and personal growth, engaging the audience with each character's journey.
More than mere entertainment, the puppet show served as a medium for Daisy to convey insights on emotional intelligence and forgiveness. Through various puppet-led scenarios, she addressed complex topics such as anger management and effective communication in relationships.
The performance not only entertained but also imparted significant life lessons, concluding with a powerful message on community responsibility and self-improvement. This inventive fusion of puppetry and educational content underscored Daisy's role as a creative force within the Venice Beach community.
On Sunday, September 9, 2024, a homeless man was seen shouting on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, drawing the attention of bystanders and a passing police patrol car. The man approached the vehicle and began delivering a rambling and disjointed statement, claiming that he was the victim of an ongoing campaign of harassment.
According to a transcript of the video footage, the man alleged that a Hollywood actor named "Brian" had been "gangstalking" him for six years, purportedly backed by the FBI. He described losing significant weight due to what he believed to be targeted harassment and claimed that the actor had been "stealing from him every night."
The man further accused the Hollywood actor of serious crimes, including the murder of a child and being responsible for multiple deaths. He also mentioned that his mother, whom he named as "Shar Tate," had been murdered in the Hollywood Hills, though the claims were not corroborated by any evidence on the scene.
The man’s statements became increasingly erratic as he spoke of “sonar guns,” mind control, and poisoning, alluding to a broader conspiracy involving the FBI and Hollywood elites. The situation was monitored by police officers, but it remains unclear if any further action was taken.
This incident highlights the complex challenges faced by law enforcement when responding to mental health crises on the streets. No further information about the man’s condition or identity was released at this time.
