Santa and Mrs. Claus Bring Holiday Cheer to Santa Monica Pier

On Thursday evening, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus swapped their sleigh for a surfboard as they strolled along the Santa Monica Pier, spreading festive vibes and posing for photos with delighted visitors. Sporting a tropical twist to his iconic outfit, Santa joked about the local surf conditions when asked: “A little flat, but much warmer than in the North Pole!” The Claus couple’s presence lit up the pier, reminding everyone that holiday magic can happen anywhere—even by the beach. Visitors were all smiles as they captured this unique California-style Christmas moment.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Piano Teacher for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Student

Santa Monica, CA (December 12, 2024) - On November 19, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department detectives received a report of suspected child abuse of a 14-year-old by her 41-year-old piano teacher.

Youth and Family Services (YSD) detectives immediately started investigating and learned the piano teacher and student were engaged in sexual activities since July 2024, when the student was 13 years old. The incidents took place at the student's home, the teacher's vehicle, and the teacher's studio, the French Conservatory of Music, in Beverly Hills. 

On December 12, 2024, SMPD Detectives, with the assistance of uniformed and undercover officers, served arrest and search warrants and took the teacher into custody in Encino. The teacher has been identified as Hovanes John Jihanyan of Van Nuys. 

Jihanyan was booked for lewd acts on a minor 13 years or younger, continuous sex abuse of a minor 13 years or younger, sexual assault on a minor 13 years or younger with the perpetrator being 10 years older, possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a minor. The case will be filed with the LA County District Attorney's Office on Monday, December 16, 2024. 

Jihanyan remains in the custody of the Santa Monica Police Department. Jihanyan has no prior criminal history. 

If anyone has additional information about this individual or has been the victim of abuse by this teacher, they are asked to contact Det. Lizette Hardgrave at (310) 458-2256, Sgt. David Haro at (310) 458-8952, or the Watch Commander desk 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

Santa Scoots Through Santa Monica, Spreading Cheer and Holiday Vibes

Santa Monica Beachgoers were treated to a festive surprise on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, as Santa Claus rolled along the iconic bike path on an electric scooter. The cheerful scene wasn’t just a holiday miracle—it was actor Chris Sirois donning the Santa suit, spreading smiles and seasonal cheer.

Chris, a local actor based in downtown Los Angeles, revealed he was in Santa Monica after attending a Santa Claus audition in Marina del Rey. “This time of year, because I look the way I do, I just love seeing people smile,” Sirois explained. While he wasn't required to show up in costume for the audition, he took the opportunity to bring some extra joy to the community by cruising along the beach path fully suited as Santa.

Known professionally as “Santa Chris” during the season, Sirois recently starred in a Santa-themed commercial for the brand Parkit. He shared that his festive journeys often include a combination of train and scooter travel, showcasing his commitment to eco-friendly transportation.

As Sirois departed Santa Monica to head back to West Adams via the Metro, he left a trail of smiles and holiday spirit in his wake. Whether in auditions or on the beach, his goal remains simple yet impactful: “I just love making people smile.”

Santa Monica Closeup captured the heartwarming moment, reminding locals and visitors alike of the magic of the season.

Police Arrest Homeless Man at Palisades Park: Elder Abuse Warrant and Suspected Drug Possession Revealed

Santa Monica Police officers arrested a homeless man at Palisades Park on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, during a routine patrol. Officers approached the individual for possession of a shopping cart, classified as misappropriated property under California Penal Code 485 PC if not returned to its rightful owner.

During the encounter, officers discovered the man had an outstanding $100,000 warrant from the Los Angeles Police Department for elder abuse. A subsequent search uncovered a substance suspected to be methamphetamine in his possession.

The man was detained and arrested, with his belongings secured for safekeeping. The arrest highlights the department's ongoing efforts to address both public safety concerns and issues related to homelessness in Santa Monica.

Holiday Cleanup: Cars Commerce Volunteers Bring Festive Cheer to Venice Beach

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, employees from Cars Commerce combined holiday spirit with community service during their annual volunteer day. Wearing Santa hats and equipped with trash bags and grabbers, the team worked together to clean up trash along the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk. The effort not only showcased their commitment to giving back but also doubled as a festive team-building event. “We get a volunteer day once a year, so we decided to mix it with a holiday get-together,” one participant shared. Following the cleanup, the group planned to continue the celebration over wine. The event highlights the growing trend of companies incorporating environmental stewardship into their corporate culture while bringing employees closer during the holiday season.

The City of the Christmas Story’: Nativity Scenes Unveiled on Main Street

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — The cherished Santa Monica Nativity Scenes officially reopened at their new location on Sunday, December 8, 2024, bringing a sense of holiday nostalgia to the community. The event, hosted at 2311 Main Street, featured live music, refreshments, and a warm celebration of the 70-year-old tradition that has become synonymous with the city’s holiday season. Five of the eleven booths were on display, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship and community effort behind the iconic scenes. This year’s event highlighted the history of the Nativity Scenes, which date back to 1953, when Herb Spurgeon, a local businessman and civic leader, collaborated with Santa Monica churches to create the original displays. The booths, initially situated at Palisades Park, became a symbol of Santa Monica’s identity as “The City of the Christmas Story.” A variety of community leaders and churches, including St. Monica, Vintage Church, and the First United Methodist Church, have supported the tradition over the decades. The displays, originally featuring detailed dioramas and contributions such as Santa Monica College’s “Singing Cross,” reflect the spirit of unity and faith among residents. The displays were relocated to Main Street following logistical challenges and rising costs in recent years. Organizers have emphasized the importance of continued community support to refurbish and preserve the booths. Donations can be made at santamonicanativityscenes.org to ensure the longevity of this all-volunteer effort. The Nativity Scene remains open to visitors throughout the holiday season, continuing to spread joy and the story of Christmas to locals and tourists alike. Visit the Santa Monica Nativity Scenes to learn more at: santamonicanativityscenes.org.

LAPD Officers Gather Toys for Kids at the 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive

Venice Beach, CA– On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Venice Beach Recreation Center hosted the 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive, an event dedicated to spreading holiday cheer to children in need across Westside communities, including Venice, Culver City, Santa Monica, Oakwood, Westchester, and Marina del Rey. The drive ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was a resounding success. Organized by Joe Wheatley Productions (JWP) and Icon Muscle in collaboration with **World Gym International**, the event brought together community members who donated new, unwrapped toys valued at $20 or more. The **Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division** collected the toys and delivered them to their “Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive” for distribution later in the week. Santa Claus, accompanied by his cheerful elves, made a grand entrance, escorted by LAPD officers in a decorated sled. Officers assisted with gathering the toys, loading them into police vehicles to ensure timely delivery for Christmas celebrations. The festive event featured holiday photo opportunities, product giveaways from Legendary Foods, and red carpet interviews. A special ceremony at honored the event’s sponsors, with City Councilwoman Traci Park presenting certificates of appreciation. Adding to the excitement, members of the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club arrived on their motorcycles, each bringing toy donations and contributing a monetary gift to support the cause. Event producer Joe Wheatley reflected on the day’s success, saying, “For 17 years, Muscle Beach Venice has partnered with the LAPD Pacific Division to support their Winter Wonderland Distribution Drive. These donations have a direct impact on the lives of children in our local neighborhoods. It’s heartwarming to see the community come together like this.” Limited-edition event T-shirts were sold during the drive, with proceeds going toward the cause. With an abundance of holiday spirit and strong community support, the 17th Annual Muscle Beach Toy Drive proved to be a memorable and impactful event for children across the region.

Santa Monica Cracks Down on Overnight Parking with New Warning and Towing Signs

Santa Monica city officials installed a series of new warning signs earlier this week in an effort to enforce overnight parking restrictions at public beach lots. The initiative includes both standard signage detailing fines and towing fees as well as illuminated electronic signs that flash messages such as "VIOLATOR WILL BE TOWED" and "NO OVERNITE PARKING." 

The standard warning signs specify penalties for violators, including a $63 no-parking fine, a $172.45 paperwork fee, and towing costs starting at $272, with daily storage fees beginning at $78. Medium and heavy-duty vehicles face even higher towing fees, which can exceed $500. The electronic signs further emphasize the city’s regulations prohibiting parking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., ensuring that the rules are clearly communicated at all hours.

The crackdown comes amid weeks of tension over overnight parking at Lot 5 near Santa Monica Beach, where RV and bus owners have frequently parked in violation of the rules. The lot has also been a focal point of an ongoing protest led by the Homeless Advocacy for a Constitutional Convention (HACC), which began on October 29, 2024, to advocate for systemic reform and unhoused individuals’ rights to occupy public spaces.

Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz recently spoke with RV and bus residents who had previously parked overnight. Some explained that they preferred paying the $63 fine over relocating to RV campsites, citing the lot’s affordability and safety. However, since the installation of the new signs, there has been a noticeable reduction in overnight parking. Whether this is due to compliance with the regulations or a response to the financial burden of potential towing fees remains unclear.

The Santa Monica Police Department has yet to release a formal statement regarding its enforcement plans or potential actions for repeat violations. City officials, however, have indicated that towing may soon be implemented for vehicles with unpaid fines. The additional signage, especially the illuminated displays, appears to be reinforcing the city’s message and deterring parking violations.

As the situation continues to develop, residents, activists, and city officials remain engaged in addressing the overlapping concerns of parking enforcement, transient vehicle owners, and ongoing protests. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Santa Monica Sleighs the Streets: Santa Cruise Rolls Through Santa Monica and Venice

Hundreds of skaters, bikers, and rollerbladers took to the streets of Santa Monica on Saturday, December 7, 2024, for the 4th Annual "Santa Cruise: A Rolling Holiday Party," hosted by Beyond the Board and Skate Hunnies. The highly anticipated event brought together a diverse community of wheel enthusiasts for a festive six-mile group ride and an evening of holiday-themed fun. Participants gathered at Santa Monica City Hall at 3 PM, decked out in Santa suits, elf costumes, and reindeer antlers, ready to turn the streets into a rolling winter wonderland. At 4 PM, the group embarked on a beginner-friendly route through Santa Monica and Venice, complete with surprise stops featuring games, live entertainment, and seasonal treats. Open to skateboards, rollerblades, bikes, scooters, and more, the Santa Cruise welcomed all who were confident with basic road skills to join in the holiday cheer. The festivities didn’t end with the ride. The celebration continued at Waterfront Venice, where the ticketed Holiday Party Extravaganza ran from 7 PM to 11 PM. The after-party featured live DJs, spectacular performances, an inflatable mini ramp jam, and a costume showcase that highlighted the creativity and holiday spirit of attendees. Guests enjoyed festive food and drink specials, interactive holiday installations, and photo opportunities that captured the magic of the evening. More than just a festive gathering, the Santa Cruise aimed to promote micro-mobility and advocate for safer, more vibrant streets. The event brought the community together to celebrate sustainable transportation and the joy of movement, creating a sense of unity and purpose for participants. Organized by Beyond the Board, an LA-based non-profit that empowers individuals through skateboarding, and Skate Hunnies, a female-founded roller skate community, the Santa Cruise once again demonstrated the power of inclusive, community-driven events to inspire connection and creativity. As the night drew to a close, the 4th Annual Santa Cruise left attendees with lasting memories and a renewed holiday spirit, cementing its place as one of Los Angeles’ most beloved holiday traditions.

Santa Monica's Heroes: Police and Firefighters Bring Holiday Magic with Annual Candy Cane Drive

Santa Monica's streets came alive with holiday spirit on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as the city marked its 32nd annual Candy Cane Drive, a cherished tradition organized by the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association. The event featured a special early visit from Santa Claus, who toured the city in festive style, escorted by local firefighters and police officers. In a vibrant display of community spirit, Santa, accompanied by the lights and sirens of a firetruck, stopped at several key locations, including Douglas Park, Reed Park, Virginia Avenue Park, and Clover Park. Families from across Santa Monica gathered at each stop, eager to greet Santa and receive candy canes. The event served as a joyful reminder of the vital contributions of first responders to the community. Children and families lined the streets, their excitement palpable as Santa and his escorts made their way through the city. For over three decades, the Candy Cane Drive has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica's holiday traditions, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents. It reflects the season's values of generosity and togetherness, bringing the community closer each year. The enduring commitment of the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association to this beloved event underscores their dedication to community engagement and support. The Candy Cane Drive is not only a festive celebration but also a testament to the role of first responders in creating a safe and joyous environment for families during the holidays.