CRACKDOWN ON DOG VIOLATIONS: Animal Control, with LAPD Support, Issues Citations at Venice Beach

Venice Beach saw a coordinated enforcement effort on Wednesday, November 20, 2027, as Los Angeles Animal Control officers, accompanied by LAPD officers, issued citations to individuals violating pet-related ordinances. Violations included unlicensed animals, dogs off-leash, and bringing dogs onto the beach, all prohibited under city and state laws. Animal Control Officers play a vital role in enforcing regulations related to the care, treatment, licensing, and impounding of animals. In addition to addressing violations, they are responsible for picking up sick, injured, stray, vicious, or unwanted animals, conducting humane investigations, and performing permit inspections. Officers also issue citations, make arrests, collect fees such as animal licensing costs, and maintain records and reports, which can be used as legal evidence. The enforcement effort focused on key ordinances, including SEC. 53.06.2, which requires dog owners to keep their pets confined to their premises or under control on a leash, and SEC. 17.12.280 and SEC. 17.12.290, which prohibit animals, including dogs and cats, on beaches or in the adjacent waters of the Pacific Ocean. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to ensure public safety, protect the environment, and promote responsible pet ownership at Venice Beach.

Santa Monica Police Apprehend Suspect in September 6th Fatal Stabbing

SANTA MONICA — A 36-year-old Los Angeles resident, identified as Sebastian Emil Gaston, has been arrested in connection with a homicide that occurred on September 6, 2024. The incident took place in an alley off the 1100 Block of 6th Street, where Santa Monica Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program officers initially responded to a report of an individual lying on the ground.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in his 30s with a fatal stab wound to the upper chest. The Criminal Investigations Division promptly launched an investigation, gathering evidence, reviewing video footage, and interviewing witnesses.

Detectives ultimately identified Gaston, a security guard working at a nearby building, as the suspect. Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and Gaston was taken into custody at the Santa Monica police station on November 7. During interrogation, Gaston allegedly confessed to both the homicide and a previous assault in July. He is currently held by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department awaiting trial.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to reach out to Detective Kayondo at lawrence.kayondo@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24/7.

Police Uncover Booby-Trapped Garage After Shots Fired in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Police officers responded to reports of shots fired at a residence on the 3300 block of Exposition Boulevard on Sunday, November 17, 2024, around 5:50 PM. A neighbor reported hearing gunfire along with a male voice threatening violence from the garage.

Upon arrival, officers found two elderly women inside the residence unharmed. Arthur Hideki Tabuchi, 61, was also found safe inside the property. During their search, officers discovered a shotgun shell mounted on a workbench in the garage, rigged with a spring-loaded firing pin attached to the garage door. The setup was designed to discharge the shell when the door was opened.

A second, similarly rigged shell was found near a pedestrian gate on the north side of the house. This device had been modified to act as a sound diversion and had been recently discharged, likely prompting the initial report of shots fired.

The LA County Bomb Squad was called to clear the property, ensuring no additional traps were present. The garage shell was safely dismantled, and a search warrant revealed more unlawfully obtained ammunition.

Tabuchi was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. The District Attorney's office will file felony charges related to maintaining a booby trap under California Penal Code 20110.

Detectives encourage anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427, available 24/7. 

Reviving the Compass Rose: Santa Monica’s Iconic Mural Restored by Pier Painter Joey Alvarez

On Monday, November 18, 2024, Joey Alvarez, known as the "Santa Monica Pier Painter," completed the repainting of the compass rose mural at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier. This marks the third time the mural has been refurbished since its original creation in 2018 by Santa Monica High School student Mimi Gaudet.

Alvarez, reflecting on the project, shared the challenges faced during the process: “It took two weeks, but weather was a big factor. Some mornings, it was too wet to paint, and I even had to go to jury duty one day,” he explained. Despite delays and the coastal elements, Alvarez pushed through. “The Santa Ana winds helped us out, drying the paint faster,” he added.

The mural, featuring the updated “Another Day in Paradise” in regular lettering, has undergone several revisions to maintain its vibrant look amid foot traffic and environmental wear. “Everyone comes and stands on it for photos, and when they take out the trash, the wheels wear it down,” Alvarez noted. He emphasized that constant moisture and foot traffic contribute to the need for regular upkeep.

With the project complete, Alvarez is set to move on to painting bathroom doors and maintaining other parts of the pier. “There’s always something to do out here,” he said, embodying the dedication he’s shown throughout his career as the pier’s only painter.

Homicide Investigation: Santa Monica Man Arrested After Fatal Stabbing of Mother

Santa Monica, CA – Early on the morning of November 16, 2024, Santa Monica Police responded to an aggravated assault call at an apartment in the 1100 block of 12th Street. According to reports, a male resident informed dispatchers that his brother had stabbed their mother multiple times.

Upon arrival, officers encountered two adult brothers outside the apartment and found an elderly woman inside with severe stab wounds to her upper body. Immediate medical assistance was provided until paramedics from the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived. Tragically, the victim succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Vernon Jeremiah Harris, resided in the apartment with his mother and two older brothers. Harris, who has no known criminal history and may have physical and developmental disabilities, was apprehended at the scene. The brother who reported the incident, who also serves as a caregiver for Harris and their mother, was awakened by the mother’s cries for help. He discovered Harris standing over their mother holding a knife.

The third brother, who was at work during the incident, arrived at the scene while police were investigating. Both brothers provided statements to detectives.

A search warrant led to the recovery of the weapon used in the attack, and forensic teams processed the scene. Harris will be booked and transported to Los Angeles County Jail, where he will await his first court appearance.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Detective Jauregui at martin.jauregui@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or reach the Watch Commander desk 24/7 at (310) 458-8427.

Santa Monica Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Potential Victims of Indecent Exposure

Santa Monica, CA (November 14, 2024) – The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is asking for the public's help in identifying potential victims of a man who allegedly exposed himself to children near the Santa Monica Pier.

According to SMPD, on September 18th, 2024, 46-year-old Benjamin Bush of Rosamond, California displayed a nude photograph of himself to three separate 9-year-old victims while outside Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Investigators believe there may have been an additional unidentified juvenile victim inside Playland Arcade who also witnessed the inappropriate behavior.

Following an investigation, Bush was arrested on October 29th, 2024, on charges of child annoyance and distributing harmful matter to a minor. While Bush has no prior criminal history, police suspect there may be other incidents involving him.

The SMPD is urging anyone with information about this case or who may have been a victim of similar behavior by Bush to contact Detective Baker (Sean.Baker@santamonica.gov), Detective Sergeant Haro (David.Haro@santamonica.gov), or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427 (24 hours a day).

Freightliner Stranded on Venice Canals Bridge, Rescued Without Incident

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to an incident involving a semi-truck stranded over the Venice Canals on Dell Avenue. The vehicle, identified as a Freightliner, bottomed out and became immobile while attempting to cross a bridge not designed to support such weight. A tow truck from All City Tow arrived at the scene and successfully extricated the semi-truck from the bridge. LAPD officers provided an escort as the truck reversed down Dell Avenue, while intersections at Washington Boulevard and Dell Avenue were temporarily blocked to ensure a safe exit. According to the tow truck driver, the semi-truck operator was following GPS navigation and overlooked a posted sign indicating a weight limit of 6,000 pounds on the bridge. No citations were issued for the incident, and traffic resumed smoothly after the vehicle was removed without further complications.

NGHTMRE Celebrates 10 Years with Surprise Santa Monica Pier Performance and Scholarship Announcement

Santa Monica, CA – Fans at the Santa Monica Pier were in for a double surprise Wednesday night as DJ NGHTMRE, also known as Tyler Marenyi, not only delivered an electrifying sunset set but also marked a major milestone. Celebrating 10 years of his music career, Marenyi took the opportunity to look back on a decade filled with over 1,000 shows and more than one billion streams.

Marenyi expressed his gratitude to fans on Facebook, reflecting on a decade of NGHTMRE filled with over 1,000 performances and surpassing one billion streams. He noted how quickly the time had passed and emphasized that none of these achievements would have been possible without the support of his fans.

In honor of the anniversary, NGHTMRE announced a new partnership with Icon Collective Los Angeles to launch the Hero’s Journey Scholarship, which will grant three full-ride scholarships for 2025. Aspiring music creators can find details on how to apply through the link on his social media.

The unexpected pop-up event added a festive atmosphere to the pier, where fans danced against the backdrop of a stunning California sunset, celebrating not only the artist’s achievements but also his commitment to giving back to the music community.

Venice Shooting Near Smart & Final Sparks Lockdown, Road Closures on Lincoln Blvd; One Injured

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a shooting late Wednesday morning at the Smart & Final parking lot near Lincoln Boulevard and Sunset Avenue in Venice. The incident, reported around 11:30 a.m., resulted in the closure of Lincoln Boulevard between Vernon Avenue and Flower Avenue as detectives investigated.

A witness at the scene described the chaotic events: "I seen that black Lexus crashing to the steps over there, and then once it crashed, the two guys got out the car and took off running," he recounted. "A black truck pulled up right behind the car, and the passenger got out, pulled out the gun, and started shooting at the guys that were running away." The witness mentioned that one of the men was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital, adding, "The guys in the truck started walking around the parking lot trying to find him, but when they couldn’t, they left."

As reported by *Westside Current*, the shooting may have stemmed from a traffic collision between a black truck and an Infiniti. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim with a gunshot wound, while two males and one female were detained at the scene. Their involvement in the incident is under investigation, with no further details or potential motives released by LAPD at this time.

The incident also affected local schools. According to *Westside Current*, a parent said the school was on lockdown for about twenty minutes. The parent shared their frustration, noting the helplessness and anger that comes with children experiencing such situations. They commended the school's swift response but criticized the growing, unchecked crime and violence in the community.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to search for answers in this developing story.

Venice Beach Local Jennifer Train Reflects on Her Past, Creative Journey, & Hopes for the Future

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz spoke with Jennifer Train, a long-time local of Venice Beach who shared her remarkable life story from within her encampment. Jennifer, originally from Des Moines, Iowa, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, recounted her childhood with warmth. “I had a great childhood,” she said, adding that she pursued higher education at the University of Arizona. “I’m a Wildcat, class of ’93,” she noted with pride. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts, emphasizing scenic design, a field in which she found her creative passion. Jennifer’s artistic pursuits led her to work as an art director in Los Angeles. “I did an Aimee Mann video,” she recalled, referring to the music video for *Voices Carry*. Reflecting on her time in the industry, she said, “It was a very toxic environment. We weren’t doing brain surgery, but the pressure was immense.” One of her last major projects was for the cult film *Leprechaun 6: In the Hood*, which she worked on as a set dresser in downtown Los Angeles. Beyond her work in film, Jennifer has lived an extraordinary life filled with creative endeavors. “I’m an artist, a poet, a musician, and a singer,” she shared. In her younger years, Jennifer was also a skilled skateboarder who once went pro, touring with the Phoenix Vans team at just 15. “Tony Hawk and I have a history,” she revealed, reminiscing about her time with the legendary Dogtown skaters. Despite her many accomplishments, Jennifer’s life has been marked by significant challenges. Now, she is candid about her current circumstances, living at Venice Beach and coping with health issues. “I’m HIV positive,” she said, while emphasizing the care she receives from local clinics. “If I take my medication every day, it keeps the virus non-detectable.” Jennifer shared a glimmer of hope for the future. “I got a house offered to me last night,” she said, with excitement in her voice. The opportunity to live in a house in Venice Beach with a local family marks a pivotal moment in her journey. “I’ll be packing up and moving in today,” she said, determined to make the most of the opportunity. Her story is a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. As she prepares to transition from the Boardwalk to a more stable environment, Jennifer remains optimistic. “I’m getting off the Boardwalk today. I’m ready for what’s next.”