Tensions Flare at Santa Monica Pier: Police Respond to Assault Among Street Performers.

Santa Monica, CA — Police officers were called to the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following an altercation during the daily street performers' lottery drawing. The incident involved a street performer known as "Xpoz," a breakdancer with LAB HITTERS, who claimed he was pushed and headbutted twice by another performer.

Speaking with Santa Monica Closeup, Xpoz described the incident, stating, "It’s been a long summer. This is the second time I've been assaulted at the lottery." He explained that the altercation began after he voiced his concerns about another performer copying their dance moves, which led to a heated exchange. According to Xpoz, the other performer "got really upset" and threatened to confront him at a future dance event.

Xpoz reported that the situation escalated when the other performer "pushed the code enforcement officer out of the way" before pushing and headbutting him. Despite the physical altercation, Xpoz declined to press charges, saying, "I didn't press charges 'cause he got a kid… God bless that kid."

The police investigated the incident and spoke with both parties involved. No charges were filed, and the situation was de-escalated on-site. The lottery resumed as scheduled, with all performers, including those involved in the altercation, allowed to continue participating.

Classic Cars Shines at Santa Monica Pier to Benefit Local Youth Programs

Santa Monica Pier, Sept. 14, 2024 - The Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) is currently hosting the 4th Annual Westside Unity Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier. The event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. today, features over 200 classic cars, with makes and models dating back to the 1930s, on display.

This family-friendly event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. All proceeds from the show will go toward youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. 

Solo Riders and Classic Car Clubs can still register for $60 at the Pier. Roll-in time is strictly enforced between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The event aims to promote unity and highlight the thriving lowriding culture on the Westside of Los Angeles. "At a time when low-income residents of all backgrounds, especially Latino and African American residents, are being pushed out of Westside communities due to gentrification, we feel that unity, awareness, and visibility are needed more than ever," said Oscar de la Torre, Santa Monica City Councilman. "This car show celebrates our region’s cultural diversity, which is at risk of extinction."

For more information, email carshow@picoyouth.org or call (310) 804-3965 or (424) 480-8716. Video clips from previous Santa Monica Classic Car Shows on the Pier are available.

 

Tense Standoff During Venice Beach Cleanup Highlights Challenges Faced by Homeless Community

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A large-scale cleanup operation at Venice Beach on Friday brought to light the complex issues surrounding homelessness in the area. During the effort, a homeless man camping on the beach was approached by Los Angeles Park Rangers and informed that he could not camp on the beach and needed to remove his belongings.

The man, who had a 10x10 pop-up tent, a kayak, a pet dog, and numerous personal items, was given 15 minutes by the rangers to dismantle his encampment. He expressed his intention to tear down the campsite and load his belongings onto his kayak to leave. Despite his efforts, not all of his possessions could fit onto the kayak within the allotted time.

As the deadline passed, sanitation workers began loading the remaining items onto their truck. They informed the man that his belongings would be moved off the beach to a nearby parking lot where he could retrieve them. The man later arrived at the parking lot to collect his items. Sanitation workers advised him that any items left unclaimed by the following day would be removed.

This incident occurred during a broader cleanup initiative led by a multi-agency task force, including Los Angeles Park Rangers, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and the office of Councilwoman Traci Park.

The operation underscores the city's commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion while maintaining public safety and cleanliness. LAHSA was present to offer essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those in need. Notably, no citations for public camping were issued, reflecting a strategy focused on support rather than enforcement.

These weekly cleanups along the Venice Beach Boardwalk aim to tackle the immediate health and safety concerns posed by hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Personnel equipped with protective gear meticulously sorted and disposed of waste to ensure a thorough operation.

Councilwoman Traci Park's office continues to play a pivotal role in balancing community safety with compassionate outreach. The city's approach emphasizes coordinated efforts to address the underlying causes of homelessness while enhancing public health and sanitation.

The decision to refrain from issuing citations highlights the city's preference for supportive measures over punitive actions. These initiatives are a key component of Los Angeles's broader strategy to assist the homeless community while maintaining the integrity of public spaces.

Tension on the Beach: Homeless Items Discarded During Coordinated Cleanup at Venice Beach

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A significant cleanup operation took place Friday at the border of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, an area known locally as "No Man's Land," focusing on homeless encampments that have frequently shifted between the two jurisdictions.

This zone, situated between Venice Beach and Santa Monica, has become a complex terrain for unhoused individuals navigating differing municipal regulations. On the Venice side, Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44 prohibits tents in city parks outside of designated camping areas. Meanwhile, Santa Monica's regulations categorize similar actions differently, resulting in a constant movement of encampments during regular cleanups.

The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including Los Angeles Park Rangers, the Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and Councilwoman Traci Park's office, which oversees Homelessness and Housing coordination.

LAHSA’s presence on-site highlighted the city’s strategy of combining enforcement with support, addressing both the immediate needs and the underlying challenges faced by the homeless population. This effort is part of a broader initiative led by Councilwoman Park’s office, reflecting a commitment to maintaining public spaces while ensuring that outreach and assistance are provided to those affected by these cleanups.

 

Venice Beach Cleanup: Multi-Agency Task Force Leads Effort with Supportive Approach

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A multi-agency task force, led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, conducted a large-scale cleanup at Venice Beach on Friday, focusing on the removal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The effort was supported by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and the office of Councilwoman Traci Park.

The operation reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness through a compassionate lens. LAHSA was present, offering essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those in need. Importantly, no citations for public camping were issued, signaling a strategy centered on support rather than enforcement.

These cleanups, conducted every Friday along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, aim to maintain public safety while addressing the complex challenges associated with homelessness. Personnel from various departments, equipped with protective gear, meticulously sorted and disposed of waste, ensuring both safety and thoroughness.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the City of Los Angeles to enhance public health and sanitation while tackling homelessness. The city emphasizes a coordinated, humane response, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office playing a pivotal role in balancing community safety with compassionate outreach.

The decision to refrain from issuing citations during this cleanup underlines the city’s preference for supportive measures over punitive actions. These weekly efforts are a key component of the city’s strategy to maintain cleanliness and safety while working to address the underlying causes of homelessness.

 

Venice Beach Boardwalk Cleared in Coordinated Operation to Address Homelessness and Public Safety

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A large-scale cleanup effort was conducted at the Venice Beach Boardwalk on Friday by a multi-agency task force led by Los Angeles Park Rangers. The operation, supported by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, focused on removing hazardous and non-hazardous waste from the area.

The cleanup highlights the city's ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion. LAHSA was on-site providing essential services, including food, water, and hygiene kits. Notably, no citations for public camping were issued, reflecting a strategy focused on support rather than punishment. Held every Friday along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, these cleanups aim to maintain public safety while addressing the complexities of homelessness. Personnel from various departments, clad in protective gear, carefully sorted and disposed of waste, ensuring a safe and thorough operation. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the City of Los Angeles to address homelessness while enhancing public health and sanitation. The city’s approach emphasizes coordination and compassion, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office playing a key role in balancing humane responses with public safety.

No citations were issued during this latest cleanup, underscoring the city's preference for supportive measures over punitive actions. These regular cleanups continue to be a vital part of the city's strategy to maintain cleanliness and safety while addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Breaking Barriers: All-Gender Restrooms Coming to Santa Monica Pier

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, Pier maintenance personnel began the process of converting public restroom facilities at the Santa Monica Pier to all-gender restrooms. The crew was seen removing the existing women's restroom signs, which will be replaced with new, inclusive signage allowing both men and women to utilize the restrooms. 

This conversion is part of a larger city-wide initiative to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors. The effort, supported by a $40,000 grant from the office of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath, aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender identity, feels welcome while enjoying the iconic Santa Monica Pier and beaches.

The newly designated all-gender restrooms will also benefit caregivers and parents who need to assist someone of a different gender. "Santa Monica is known around the world as a welcoming place where anyone can be free to be themselves," said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. "As we take this meaningful step, I encourage everyone to take part in enjoying our Pier and beach and spending the day in our beautiful city."

Phase I of the project, which includes installing new door signage, is expected to be completed by the end of August. The following phase will introduce new wayfinding signage throughout the area, set to be finished by spring 2025. 

With this move, Santa Monica continues to lead in fostering equity and inclusion, having already earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for five consecutive years.

Stay tuned for further updates as the project progresses toward its completion.

 

Homeless Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure and Burglary in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA – A 34-year-old man, identified as Anthony Townson, has been arrested following an incident of indecent exposure and residential burglary early on September 7, 2024. Officers from the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of a prowler at approximately 4:10 AM in the 900 block of 7th Street.

According to the police, the victim was asleep in her apartment when she was awakened by the suspect, who was touching her leg while exposing himself. The victim managed to escape and called the police. Responding officers apprehended Townson a short distance from the scene. The investigation revealed that Townson had entered the apartment through an unlocked sliding patio door.

Townson, who is currently homeless, was arraigned on September 10, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed felony charges of residential burglary and indecent exposure during unlawful entry. He remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Townson’s criminal history includes trespassing, loitering on private property, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting and obstructing police, battery on a peace officer, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293, Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931, or the Watch Commander desk at (310) 458-8427. 

For media inquiries, please contact Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at (310) 458-8493 or via email at Erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Teen in Attempted Murder Case

Santa Monica, CA – A 19-year-old suspect from Van Nuys has been arrested following a shooting incident that took place in the early hours of September 8, 2024. The Santa Monica Police Department responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon on the 1900 block of Ocean Avenue at around 1:30 AM.

According to the police, officers arrived within minutes and detained several individuals who were attempting to leave the scene. The victim, a 24-year-old male, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

The suspect, identified as Isaac Santiago Ramos, was found in possession of a concealed handgun and was positively identified by witnesses as the shooter. Witnesses reported that Ramos, along with four other young men, approached two friends of the victim in the 2000 block of the beach, where an argument broke out. Ramos allegedly pulled out a handgun and, when the victim intervened, shot him several times before fleeing the scene.

Ramos was arraigned on September 10 and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, mayhem, carrying a concealed and loaded firearm, and resisting arrest. His bail has been set at $4,105,000.

The Santa Monica Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Reyes, Sergeant Lozano, or the Watch Commander desk, available 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

For media inquiries, please contact Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at (310) 458-8493 or via email at Erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.

 

Erratic Behavior Raises Alarms as Homeless Man Approaches Pedestrians on Second Street

 

A homeless man, known for causing repeated disturbances and exhibiting menacing behavior, was observed walking along Second Street in Santa Monica on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The individual, described as acting erratically, approached passersby in a manner that raised concerns among those in the area. Downtown Santa Monica security officers, who have interacted with the man on several occasions, are reportedly familiar with him due to his ongoing presence in the area.

Witnesses reported the homeless man’s behavior on Second Street as unpredictable, with some stating he appeared agitated and incoherent as he moved through the busy downtown area. Several pedestrians reportedly altered their routes to avoid him, while others contacted local security officers to express their concerns.

Downtown Santa Monica security officials confirmed the individual has been the subject of multiple reports in recent months due to actions that have alarmed both visitors and residents. While familiar with the individual, security officers emphasized that their authority is limited; in many cases, they must rely on law enforcement for interventions beyond issuing warnings or asking the person to leave.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has previously reported an uptick in calls concerning mental health and homelessness in the downtown area, highlighting ongoing challenges for local authorities and community members as they navigate public safety and welfare concerns.