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

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were at Venice Beach to enforce Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits the erection of tents in city parks. Officers issued advisals to homeless individuals camping in tents along the beach, ensuring these public spaces remain safe and accessible to all visitors. In addition to the advisals, LAPD officers facilitated support for the unhoused by contacting the CIRCLE (Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement) team. The team was expected to arrive within the hour to offer services and assistance to those camping at the beach. CIRCLE is a 24/7 alternative response program designed to handle non-urgent 9-1-1 calls related to unhoused individuals. The program deploys trained crisis response teams, including licensed mental health clinicians and outreach workers with lived experience, to engage with individuals in need and provide access to essential services. The goal of CIRCLE is to improve interactions with unhoused Angelenos and allow LAPD to focus on traditional law enforcement efforts. Since its pilot launch in January 2022, the CIRCLE program has expanded beyond Hollywood and Venice to other parts of Los Angeles, with teams conducting proactive outreach and responding to calls for assistance. Their work is supplemented by outreach teams operating in areas of high need, offering resources such as water, snacks, and Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses.

The People’s Concern: Homeless Outreach Team Engages with Santa Monica Beach Campers

A homeless outreach team from The People Concern was spotted at Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, engaging with individuals camping along the shoreline. The team, equipped with an all-terrain vehicle, approached the encampments offering services and assistance to those in need. The People's Concern, a trusted service provider in Los Angeles, has been working for over 60 years to provide comprehensive care to homeless individuals, offering solutions like interim housing, mental and medical health care, and substance abuse services. The team continues to support the homeless population with the goal of helping them rebuild their lives. 

Officer Involved Shooting Update: Suspect in Stabbing Identified, Possible Robbery Connection

Santa Monica, CA — The Santa Monica Police Department has provided an update regarding the officer-involved stabbing incident that occurred on October 5, 2024. The officer, who was the victim of an unprovoked attack in front of the police station, was stabbed multiple times by a male suspect before discharging his weapon. The suspect died at the scene.

The suspect has been identified as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, born on March 3, 1996, and a resident of New York State. His current housing status is unknown, and there are no prior records of criminal history or contacts with the Santa Monica Police Department in California.

New information suggests that Halaibeh was involved in a robbery at the Target store on 420 Broadway just minutes before the attack. According to store security, a male suspect had pushed an employee to the ground and stolen a box of kitchen knives, one of which was later used in the assault on the officer. The 8-inch chef's knife, taken from the box, was recovered at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking any additional information about the suspect or the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov or Detective Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov. The public can also reach the Watch Commander at any time by calling (310) 458-8427.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

For media inquiries, contact Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.

CHILL OUT, EAT A PICKLE: Artist Sergio Maciel Paints New Mural for Grillo's Pickles on Windward Avenue in Venice

Venice, CA—Local artist Sergio Maciel (@sergmaciel) was seen hard at work on Windward Avenue, painting a vibrant new mural for Grillo's Pickles. The bold advertisement features the slogan "CHILL OUT EAT A PICKLE" in large white letters against a bright green background, making it a striking addition to the iconic Venice street. The mural showcases Grillo’s signature pickle jars, combining street art with product promotion in a creative and eye-catching way.

Grillo’s Pickles, widely loved for their fresh and flavorful pickles, has taken a unique approach to advertising by collaborating with local artists like Maciel. This mural adds both color and character to the Venice neighborhood, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the refreshing taste of Grillo’s Pickles while taking in the vibrant art scene on Windward Avenue.

TIS THE SEASON: The Grinch Spotted Promoting Christmas Lights in Santa Monica

The holiday season is kicking off early in Santa Monica, as the Grinch, the iconic character from Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" was spotted this morning dressed as Santa Claus at Ocean Avenue. Holding a sign that read, "We Hang CHRISTMAS LIGHTS (888)896-4933," the Grinch added a festive touch to the Autumn morning on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, hinting at the upcoming Christmas season. The sign promoted **We Hang Christmas Lights**, a company founded in 1997 that has grown into a nationwide network of decorators specializing in residential and commercial Christmas light installations. Offering services that include seasonal displays, Christmas décor, pole-mounted banners, animated Christmas displays, and holiday lighting, the company provides a wide array of options to make homes and businesses shine during the holidays. What sets **We Hang Christmas Lights** apart is their commitment to high-quality service, as they handle all installations with their own professional team rather than subcontracting, ensuring a seamless and reliable experience for customers. For those looking to eliminate the stress of climbing ladders and untangling holiday lights, **We Hang Christmas Lights** offers “worry-free” installation, maintenance throughout the season, and removal once the holidays are over. The company is known for transforming homes and businesses into winter wonderlands, making the holiday season brighter for all. With free, no-obligation bids and competitive pricing, they invite customers to compare their services with others, confident that their offerings will exceed expectations. As the Grinch's appearance playfully signaled, the magic of the holiday season is on its way, and with professional Christmas light installers like **We Hang Christmas Lights**, it’s easier than ever to create a festive and joyful atmosphere without the hassle.

 

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

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers from the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) responded to reports of a homeless man behaving erratically at Palisades Park. Joined by a Public Health Clinician from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, officers observed the individual before engaging him. After an initial assessment, the man was handcuffed and taken for a clinical evaluation. No criminal charges are expected to be filed. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Santa Monica Police Department to address the complexities of homelessness in the city. The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals through relationship building, outreach, and collaboration with various city and county agencies. The goal of the HLP is to prioritize mental health services and alternatives to incarceration, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and resources while maintaining public safety. The HLP works closely with the Santa Monica Fire Department, Human Services Division, and City Attorney’s Office to offer a holistic approach to homelessness, aiming to improve community well-being by addressing both individual needs and city regulations.

Venice Beach Boardwalk: A Foggy Day Tour from End to End

Santa Monica Closeup takes you on a video tour of the Venice Beach Boardwalk from one end to the other. Watch as the iconic boardwalk comes alive, even on a foggy day, with its unique blend of shops, street vendors, and people braving the mist. A must-see glimpse of Venice in all its atmospheric charm! #VeniceBeach #FoggyDay #BoardwalkTour #SM©U

Police and Firefighters Respond to Car Stuck on Median at Colorado Avenue

Santa Monica Police and Firefighters responded to an incident on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and 2nd Street. A vehicle, whose driver misjudged a left-hand turn, drove onto the median. Emergency personnel were on scene to assess the situation, and a tow truck was later called to remove the vehicle from the meridian. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

Police Officers Arrest Unhoused Man After Assault on Restroom Ambassador in Venice

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, a Restroom Ambassador was assaulted by an unhoused man near the Venice Beach restrooms on Rose Avenue. The incident occurred when the ambassador was opening a restroom door, and the man unexpectedly punched her in the head. After the assault, the man fled, prompting the ambassador to call the police and follow him as he walked east on Rose Avenue toward Main Street. During the pursuit, the man yelled and threatened the ambassador. The confrontation escalated when the man turned back toward her on Main Street, leading the ambassador to use pepper spray in self-defense. Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived shortly afterward and interviewed the ambassador, witnesses, and the assailant. The man was arrested for battery and transported to jail for booking. The Restroom Ambassador is part of the "Vibrant Venice Initiative," a program introduced by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park to enhance public amenities at Venice Beach. As part of this initiative, restroom ambassadors are stationed at public restrooms to ensure they are safe, accessible, and clean. They monitor entry, prevent large items like shopping carts and luggage from entering, and help maintain the restrooms’ intended use. Councilwoman Park launched the program to address issues of vandalism and misuse of public restrooms by unhoused individuals, with ambassadors playing a key role in keeping these facilities welcoming and functional for all beachgoers.

Santa Monica Officer Stabbed in Unprovoked Attack, Suspect Killed in Response

Santa Monica, CA — A Santa Monica police officer was severely injured in an unprovoked knife attack outside the Santa Monica Police Department on the evening of October 5, 2024. The officer, who was meeting with residents at approximately 5:21 PM regarding an unrelated case, was suddenly attacked by a man in his 30s. During a press conference, Chief Ramon Batista confirmed that the suspect approached the officer while he was gathering information from another individual. “The subject unexpectedly and without warning attacked the officer, pulling a large knife from his clothing,” Batista stated. The officer, though retreating and arming himself with his service weapon, was pursued around the side of the building by the suspect. The officer eventually discharged his weapon, fatally wounding the assailant. Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics arrived and took over life-saving measures, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unknown at this time whether the suspect was homeless. The injured officer, suffering multiple stab wounds, was transported to the hospital by fellow officers. Chief Batista expressed optimism about the officer’s recovery, stating, “It is my hope that our officer survives these injuries as they were very serious.” Batista also voiced concern over the rise in violent incidents, remarking, "I can't tell you enough how disappointed I am to see that this attack, unprovoked, occurred on our streets in Santa Monica," adding that the department has been dealing with "a series of serious events" in recent months. He reassured the public that the department remains committed to keeping the community safe. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Coroner’s Office are investigating the incident. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Santa Monica Police Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427. For media inquiries, contact Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov or by phone at (310) 458-8493.