𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗦: Officers Lead High-Risk Rescue Training at Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, CA — Wednesday, May 28, 2025 — Santa Monica Harbor Patrol officers conducted a comprehensive rescue training exercise off the Santa Monica Pier this week, demonstrating key emergency response techniques designed to protect the public along the city’s coastal waters. Wearing wetsuits and equipped with safety gear, officers leapt from the edge of the pier into the Pacific Ocean to simulate an overboard rescue. Using a life-sized mannequin as a stand-in victim, the team secured the figure into a rescue basket, which was then hoisted from the water using a cable system. The drill also included paddleboard maneuvers, practicing swift-response techniques under simulated emergency conditions. The training is part of the Harbor Patrol’s ongoing commitment to public safety along Santa Monica’s busy coastline. Officers are responsible for patrolling the pier, beach, and surrounding waters by foot, vehicle, or rescue boat. Their duties include responding to ocean rescues, medical emergencies, boat and pier fires, and other critical incidents. Harbor Patrol personnel are cross-trained in SCUBA rescue, search and recovery, fire suppression, and marine operations. They maintain two rescue vessels and operate specialized equipment, including hoists, fire pumps, and salvage gear. Their role also extends to the enforcement of local ordinances, issuing citations for municipal code violations on the pier and beach. In addition to emergency response, officers inspect and maintain navigational buoys, respond to public complaints, issue safety advisories via the pier’s weather station, and assist with maintenance of pier infrastructure. The drill underscores the multi-disciplinary nature of the Harbor Patrol’s work and their readiness to act under high-risk conditions—including the ability to perform rescues in turbulent surf and leap 25 feet from the pier to access victims in the water. As summer crowds return to Santa Monica’s beaches, the Harbor Patrol’s visibility and preparedness play a critical role in ensuring safety for visitors and residents alike. — For continued updates on public safety and coastal operations, follow Santa Monica Closeup.

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗: Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Fully Reopens After Palisades Fire Closures — Cones Gone!

MALIBU — May 23, 2025 — After months of restricted access, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has officially reopened to the public as of 8:00 a.m. Friday. The reopening marks a major milestone in the region’s recovery from the January Palisades Fire and subsequent mudslides.

For much of the year, the 11-mile stretch between Santa Monica and Malibu operated with only one lane in each direction. Access was tightly controlled by National Guard troops, LAPD officers, LA County Sheriff’s deputies, and CHP. Only first responders, credentialed press, authorized personnel, and residents with special permits were allowed through.

As of this morning, those checkpoints are gone. Two lanes are now open in both directions, and the highway is once again accessible to all drivers. Adding to the return to normalcy, traffic signals—previously flashing red and functioning as four-way stops—have now been fully restored and are cycling through green, yellow, and red.

Caltrans has set a reduced speed limit of 25 mph through key segments, and the southbound right lane remains subject to temporary closures for ongoing debris removal and infrastructure work. Crews were seen removing hundreds of cones early Friday morning, signaling the official return of full lane access.

The Pacific Coast Highway served as a critical recovery corridor in the aftermath of the fire, with daily movement of heavy machinery supporting demolition efforts and the restoration of essential utilities including water, power, and communications.

Local officials continue to urge beachgoers to use alternate routes—such as Malibu Canyon Road or Kanan Dume Road—to help reduce congestion along the reopened stretch.

The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, scorched more than 23,000 acres and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures before containment was achieved on January 31. Today’s reopening is more than just a traffic update—it’s a symbol of resilience and progress.

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📍 Santa Monica Closeup remains on the ground documenting the fire zone’s long road to recovery. Subscribe for ongoing coverage of Malibu and the Southern California coast.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣: Mosquito Surveillance Crew Patrols Boardwalk for Standing Water

VENICE, CA — Thursday, May 22, 2025 — A convoy of three Los Angeles County West Vector Control District trucks rolled down the Venice Beach Boardwalk as part of a mosquito surveillance operation aimed at reducing vector-borne disease risks. The operation involved crews stopping periodically to inspect manholes along the path for stagnant water, a known breeding ground for mosquitoes. During the portion of the patrol observed by Santa Monica Closeup, no standing water was seen. If water had been present, crews would have treated it with larvicides—targeted insecticides used to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults. The surveillance is part of the District’s year-round effort to mitigate health risks associated with mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests such as ticks, Africanized honey bees, and red imported fire ants. Priority targets include mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, and St. Louis Encephalitis—all of which have posed recurring threats in Los Angeles County. Vector control teams employ an integrated management strategy involving public outreach, biological controls like mosquitofish, and systematic monitoring. While full eradication is not feasible, regular patrols help keep mosquito populations in check and minimize public health risks. As summer approaches, the operation at Venice Beach highlights the importance of proactive vector surveillance in high-traffic recreational areas.

𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗭𝗢𝗡𝗘: Santa Monica Police Chief and Officers Prepare for Changes as Open-Container Policy Approaches

SANTA MONICA, CA — Tuesday, May 20, 2025 — Shortly after participating in the city’s “Coffee with a Cop” community outreach event, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista led a walking tour through the Third Street Promenade with fellow officers and local photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz of Santa Monica Closeup. The informal inspection came amid ongoing public debate over the city’s newly approved “Entertainment Zone” open-container policy set to begin in June. While walking the Promenade, Chief Batista spoke candidly about concerns tied to the upcoming open-air alcohol program and the department’s readiness to manage its implementation. He emphasized that the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is working closely with city staff and the City Attorney’s Office to ensure all rules and safeguards are enforced effectively. Increased patrol presence, especially during key hours Friday through Sunday, will be part of the response plan. The chief noted that while the official entertainment zone will operate from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., SMPD’s targeted enforcement focus will be during business hours when outdoor consumption is expected to peak — roughly from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additional measures include the installation of new surveillance infrastructure and the launch of a real-time crime and information center, anticipated to be operational by late summer or early fall. The department views these upgrades as essential to improving response capabilities in downtown Santa Monica. Chief Batista also addressed broader public safety and staffing issues. He confirmed that five additional officers are being onboarded, two of whom will be assigned specifically to traffic enforcement. These roles are part of a strategic initiative to curb traffic-related incidents and maintain high-visibility policing. Staffing levels, Batista reported, are at an all-time high, with 232 sworn officers currently serving — and room to grow. Recruitment is strong, and SMPD recently pinned four new officers, with 11 more currently in the academy pipeline. The department is also rolling out a new recruitment website and developing a podcast, Studio 66, as part of its strategic communications plan. Underlying all efforts, Batista said, is the department’s long-term roadmap leading up to the 2028 Olympics. The SMPD’s strategic plan focuses on four pillars: crime and public safety, officer wellness and resilience, advanced technology integration, and strengthened community relationships. While some residents and business owners have expressed concern that the new open-container ordinance could exacerbate issues such as crime and homelessness, the department appears committed to a proactive and responsive enforcement strategy aimed at preserving safety and restoring public confidence in the Promenade.

𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: Robbery Attempt at Sole & Laces Ends in Suspect’s Death on Santa Monica Promenade

SANTA MONICA, CA — Sunday night, May 18, 2025 — A suspected attempted robbery at a sneaker boutique on the 1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade ended in a fatal shooting, prompting renewed concerns about public safety and retail crime in the city’s core shopping district. Santa Monica Police responded around 9:30 p.m. to a call for an assault with a deadly weapon at Sole & Laces, a boutique shoe store located at 1331 3rd Street Promenade. Officers arrived within minutes. According to the preliminary investigation, the store owner had agreed to conduct a private, after-hours sale with a known associate. During the meeting, a second man—allegedly conspiring with the associate—entered the store through the back and sprayed the owner with a chemical irritant. The owner, who was in legal possession of a firearm, fired at the intruder in what investigators describe as self-defense. The suspect was struck and later died at a local hospital. The associate, identified as 41-year-old Karen Melikyan of Los Angeles, was detained at the scene and has since been charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. Though Melikyan did not pull the trigger, the homicide charge reflects California’s felony murder rule, which holds accomplices liable when a death occurs during the commission of a violent felony such as robbery. On Monday, the day after the incident, Santa Monica Closeup toured the store with John Alle, the property owner and longtime advocate for revitalizing the Promenade. “I feel very lucky to have a tenant who came here from San Francisco, having already experienced rampant theft and crime,” Alle said. “But he’s been disappointed. He’s dealing with walk-in thefts several times a week. Clothing is wired down. Shoes are locked up. His staff won’t stay past sundown.” Alle confirmed that the robbery suspect entered through the store’s rear entrance, a design vulnerability shared by many Promenade tenants. “They stormed in wearing masks and using mace,” he explained. “My tenant responded in self-defense. He aimed for the leg but struck the suspect in the backside. Tragically, that suspect later died.” Still visible at the scene Monday were bloodstains on the concrete and remnants of forensic tape. “This alley has become one of the most dangerous in the area since they removed access to Parking Garage 3,” Alle added. Alle noted that many storefronts have suffered repeated break-ins, and businesses are struggling to stay afloat amid persistent theft, homelessness, and safety concerns. “We’re seeing unreported crime skyrocket,” he said. “By the time police arrive, the suspect is gone. Many incidents go unreported to avoid insurance hikes that could put businesses out entirely.” According to Alle, the store’s owner sometimes sleeps in the building to guard his merchandise, which includes thousands of dollars in footwear and apparel. “He came to Santa Monica expecting it to be safer than San Francisco,” Alle said. “Now he believes the opposite.” The incident adds to broader concerns from tenants, workers, and landlords in the area. “Staff from restaurants and retail stores are afraid to walk to their cars after dark. Needles, defecation, harassment—this is the environment they’re facing,” Alle said. “We need leadership from city officials and police. Residents and businesses deserve better.” SMPD detectives emphasized that the shooting appears to have been a targeted crime among individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the general public. The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Martin Jauregui at (310) 458-4852 or Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8774 or Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.

𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧: Activist Rallies to Reopen Historic Camera Obscura in Palisades Park

SANTA MONICA, CA — Sunday, May 18, 2025 — With a handmade sign in hand and chants echoing through Palisades Park, Greg Ruben staged a solo demonstration outside Santa Monica’s long-shuttered Camera Obscura, demanding the city reopen the historic optical attraction that has remained closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pacing in front of the iconic brown structure near Ocean Avenue, Ruben held a two-sided placard that read “REOPEN THE CAMERA OBSCURA” on one side and “LET THERE BE LIGHT” on the other. His chants, rhythmic and persistent, included lines like “Five years too long!” and “Let there be light!” — words he repeated throughout the morning. “My name is Greg Ruben and I'm here today demanding that the city of Santa Monica reopen the Camera Obscura,” he said. “It closed in 2020 with the COVID pandemic and it's been five years now — it's way too long.” Ruben described the Camera Obscura as a rare and irreplaceable community asset, noting that it is one of only two known functional public camera obscuras in the entire state of California. “It was a special and unique place in the city of Santa Monica and really in all of California,” he said. The Camera Obscura, installed in 1898 and relocated to its current home in 1955, has served generations with real-time projected views of the park and ocean, using simple mirror and lens mechanics. Although the building now functions as a City-run artist studio, the device itself has been closed to the public since 2020. Fabian Lewkowicz, SMCU photojournalist and longtime advocate for community-based visual education, echoed Ruben’s sentiments. “As a former photo workshop instructor, I frequently brought children to the site as part of a summer photography camp,” Lewkowicz said. “One of our highlights was coming here. The kids loved it — it was a great way to teach them about photography and how light works.” As of this report, the City of Santa Monica has not issued any updates on whether public access to the Camera Obscura will be restored. Ruben, however, says he’s prepared to keep showing up. “I'm prepared to be here all day if that's what it takes,” he said.

𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘: Santa Monica Police Explorers Train on Pier in Honor of Fallen Officer Rick Crocker

SANTA MONICA, CA — Saturday morning on the Santa Monica Pier, passersby observed a disciplined formation of young men and women running in unison, chanting military-style cadences as part of their morning physical training. The group, part of the Santa Monica Police Department’s 87th Explorer Academy, took to the beach and boardwalk to complete calisthenics and running drills under the guidance of uniformed Santa Monica police officers.

The 87th Academy class is held in tribute to Officer Rick Crocker, a U.S. Marine and beloved Santa Monica police officer who was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade during his deployment in Iraq on May 26, 2005. Prior to his military service, Crocker was known for his work with the Police Activities League (PAL), where he championed mentorship programs for local youth.

The Santa Monica Police Explorer program is a career education initiative for young adults aged 14 to 21, offering hands-on experience in law enforcement. Participants engage in a wide array of training and activities including ride-alongs, traffic control, disaster assistance, and community events. To qualify, applicants must meet a range of criteria, including maintaining a minimum “C” grade average, good moral standing, physical fitness, and successful graduation from the South Bay Regional Law Enforcement Explorer Academy.

Saturday’s workout was part of a broader effort to instill discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility in the next generation of law enforcement professionals—while keeping alive the legacy of an officer who believed deeply in youth mentorship.

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📍 Santa Monica Closeup will continue to follow community-based public safety programs and highlight the stories shaping local youth engagement.

𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: SaMo Bridge Offers Santa Monica's Homeless a Choice — Jail or Help

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 15, 2025 — A new chapter in Santa Monica’s public safety and homelessness response began this week with the official opening of SaMo Bridge, a city-run diversion program aimed at offering an alternative to incarceration for individuals struggling with homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health issues.

The site, located in the east parking lot of the shuttered Civic Auditorium at Main Street and Pico Boulevard, quietly launched operations on Monday, May 12. Run by longtime mental health provider Exodus Recovery, Inc., the initiative offers a 24/7 “respite hub” where individuals detained for low-level, non-violent offenses can access services instead of jail.

Qualified individuals referred by Santa Monica Police may now choose to temporarily stay at the SaMo Bridge facility in lieu of traditional booking procedures. There, they can rest, eat, shower, and—critically—meet with on-site case managers who will work with them on a personalized 90-day care coordination plan focused on housing, treatment, and recovery.

Participation in the program can lead to misdemeanor charges being dropped, provided the individual follows through with the care plan. The site has capacity for three to four people at a time and is tightly managed, with 24-hour security, video monitoring by SMPD, and no walk-up access allowed.

The SaMo Bridge program builds upon the city’s previous efforts, including STEP Court and the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program, and is fully funded by an $8 million grant awarded to the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Police and Human Services departments.

City officials describe the initiative as a crucial new tool in addressing the root causes of crime—particularly for those caught in a revolving door of citations without ever receiving treatment. “We are working hard to leverage outside resources and find alternate resolutions to end the underlying conditions that result in criminal behavior,” said Chief Deputy City Attorney Jenna Grigsby.

Exodus Recovery, founded in 1989, brings decades of experience in mental health and substance abuse care across Southern California. Their mission centers on promoting dignity and self-determination for clients, with services tailored to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In addition to managing the new respite hub, Exodus also oversees a range of psychiatric urgent care and diversion programs throughout Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

While city leaders such as Police Chief Ramon Batista have praised the program as a vital intervention strategy, some local residents have voiced concerns about its location and possible neighborhood impacts. Proposals to relocate the facility to areas like Santa Monica Airport have been floated, while others argue for stricter enforcement rather than rehabilitation-focused approaches.

In response, the city is ramping up public outreach, including a local advisory committee and regular updates at community meetings. The first such update was held earlier this year on January 22 during the Human Services Commission meeting.

City officials maintain that connecting individuals to help in real time is a more effective long-term strategy than relying solely on the court system. “To have a place to take someone—that isn’t jail—gives people a chance to pursue a different path that leads to housing, treatment, and stability,” said Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick.

Residents can follow the program’s progress and access FAQs at santamonica.gov.

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Reporting by Santa Monica Closeup. For continued coverage of public safety, homelessness initiatives, and community developments in Santa Monica, follow along for more updates.

 

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗧: Pacific Park Installs New Motor on Iconic Santa Monica Pier Coaster

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Pacific Park maintenance crews undertook a major mechanical upgrade to the West Coaster, the iconic roller coaster perched atop the historic Santa Monica Pier. Using a crane, the team carefully hoisted and installed a new drive motor and sprocket — the key components that power the ride’s thrilling launch and propulsion system.

This marks the fourth time in the park’s operational history that the roller coaster has undergone such a significant replacement. The procedure drew attention from visitors and passersby as crews in hard hats and protective gear coordinated the precision lift against a backdrop of ocean views and fluttering American and California flags.

The West Coaster, a signature attraction since Pacific Park opened in 1996, remains a favorite for its oceanfront turns and elevated vistas. Alongside the solar-powered Pacific Wheel — the world’s only Ferris wheel run entirely by solar energy — the coaster defines the skyline of this beloved amusement park over the Pacific.

Pacific Park features 12 rides, midway games, food stands, and retail shops, all operating with no gate fee, continuing its mission to offer family-friendly fun for both locals and tourists.

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Reporting by Santa Monica Closeup. For continued coverage of coastal infrastructure, pier maintenance, and local amusements, follow @SantaMonicaCloseup across platforms.

𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥: Army Corps Commander Leads Will Rogers Debris Site Tour in Palisades Fire Recovery Push

PACIFIC PALISADES — On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Will Rogers State Historic Park Temporary Debris Staging and Reduction (TDSR) site from Col. Jeffrey S. Palazzini, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Field Office for the Palisades Fire.

Col. Palazzini led the walk-through at the high-security site nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, where debris and recyclable material collected from the Palisades Fire burn zone is being processed as part of the federal recovery effort.

The site plays a critical role in Phase Two of the disaster response. Trucks transporting concrete and vegetative waste from destroyed properties in Malibu and Pacific Palisades deliver materials to the TDSR, where concrete is pulverized and green waste is shredded for recycling. The process significantly reduces the number of long-haul trips, slashing emissions and turnaround times.

"Having this TDSR here locally has multiple benefits," said Palazzini. "It cuts truck traffic, lowers fuel use, and helps us clear properties faster."

During the tour, Col. Palazzini demonstrated how the massive concrete crushing machine works in stages to reduce rubble into reusable base material. Adjacent to the crusher, rows of fire-damaged trees—classified as green waste—were staged for chipping. A large industrial chipper breaks down the logs, which are then hauled away to recycling centers.

Air quality remains a top priority. Two monitoring stations at the Will Rogers site continuously sample air for particulate matter and report real-time data to the South Coast Air Quality Management District and LA County Public Health. "If thresholds are exceeded, the site is shut down immediately for evaluation," said Palazzini, noting that no major air quality incidents have occurred to date.

Dust suppression crews remain on constant duty, hosing down debris piles and misting the air to keep particles from escaping. "That’s why our monitors haven’t picked up anything concerning," he added.

Col. Palazzini also highlighted a newly awarded $2.6 million contract that will remove fire debris from Will Rogers State Historic Park itself—including chimneys and charred remains of historic structures lost in the blaze. The cleanup will be conducted under archaeological supervision to preserve the park's cultural heritage.

As of this week, more than 2,600 properties have been cleared under the Army Corps’ direction, with an estimated 4,400 Right of Entry (ROE) forms expected in total. Over 400 USACE personnel are currently deployed in the region, supported by thousands of contractors.

"We’re proud to be here helping this community recover," said Palazzini. "This site is helping us move fast and do it safely."

The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and burned over 23,000 acres before being fully contained on January 31. Recovery remains ongoing across Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and surrounding areas.