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.
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, 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.
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.
Santa Monica Animal Control Officers, police, and firefighters responded to a dog bite incident on the 1200 block of Lincoln Boulevard on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. According to witnesses, an elderly woman was walking on the sidewalk when a pit bull, off-leash, approached her, jumped, and bit her multiple times on both arms.
Witnesses at the scene described the chaotic moments that followed. One witness, who heard the commotion from a nearby alley, recalled, "I was taking out my trash and heard people yelling, 'They're going to put the dog down!' The dog was barking, and people were screaming, so I walked over." Another witness, who saw the attack unfold, added, "The lady was just walking down the street when the dog came out of nowhere, running and jumping on her. People tried to stop the dog—it was just terrible."
The dog's owner reportedly left the scene, getting into an Uber without providing any information. "I saw the owner grab the dog and leave," another witness stated. "She kept saying her dog was on a leash the whole time, but it wasn't."
Paramedics treated the injured woman on-site, applying bandages before transporting her to a nearby hospital for further care. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are seeking information about the dog and its owner.
The Santa Monica Fire Department held its annual September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Ceremony on September 11, 2024, at Fire Station #1, in line with protocols recommended by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The ceremony, attended by firefighters, police officers, community members, and local officials, was part of a city-wide effort involving Fire Stations 1, 2, and 3.
At 8:46 AM, a moment of silence was observed to mark the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 2001. The ceremony featured the traditional ringing of a bell, a sign of respect for the 343 FDNY firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 EMT/paramedics who lost their lives in the attacks. In total, the 2001 attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, including five individuals with connections to Santa Monica.
- At 6:59 AM, a city-wide alert was issued to all fire stations, followed by three alert tones, signaling all Santa Monica units to stand by for the 9/11 detail.
- At 7:01 AM, additional alert tones were sounded, and a moment of complete silence was observed.
The ceremony concluded with a reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made by first responders.
The Santa Monica Fire Department’s remembrance ceremony served as a solemn tribute to the lives lost and as a reaffirmation of the community's commitment to never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve to protect. #WeWillNeverForget
Santa Monica, CA — Officers from the Santa Monica Police Department's Crime Impact Team (CIT) arrested a man at Ocean Way on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The suspect was reportedly seen spray-painting graffiti at Santa Monica Beach when CIT officers witnessed the activity and approached him. The man attempted to flee, prompting a foot chase that ended a few blocks away, where officers apprehended him.
Paramedics were called to the scene to evaluate the suspect and clear him for transport to jail. Once medically cleared, the man was placed in a squad car and taken into custody. He is expected to face charges of vandalism and obstruction.
The Crime Impact Team is a specialized unit within the Santa Monica Police Department, consisting of four officers and a sergeant. The team focuses on crime suppression and targets specific hotspots throughout the city. Unlike regular patrol units, the CIT is not assigned routine radio calls, allowing them to concentrate on proactive crime-fighting strategies. These efforts include targeted enforcement, surveillance, and community outreach, with a focus on preventing crime through visibility and engagement with the community. The CIT aims to reduce crime rates and enhance safety across Santa Monica.
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, a Santa Monica Police Officer and a Los Angeles Police Officer responded to reports of a possible stolen military Hummer at a Santa Monica Beach parking lot. The vehicle, which was missing license plates, appeared to be abandoned, prompting concern among local authorities. After verifying the identities of the individuals on the scene, it was determined that the vehicle belonged to what appeared to be a local military base. The people present, who were identified as military personnel, were authorized to recover the vehicle and took it back to the station, resolving the matter without further incident.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (September 10, 2024) – After a week of education and warnings, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) began issuing citations today to riders who failed to comply with the TAP-to-Exit Program at the downtown Santa Monica E Line station. The new program, launched last week, aims to enhance security, reduce fare evasion, and improve safety for all transit users. On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Metro security issued several $75 fines to riders who did not properly tap their cards to ride on the Metro.
For the past seven days, Metro security had focused on educating riders about the new requirement, giving out warnings to those who failed to tap their cards upon exiting. However, as of today, enforcement is now fully underway, with citations being issued to ensure compliance. This measure is a part of Metro's broader efforts to promote fare compliance and deter unauthorized use of the transit system.
The TAP-to-Exit Program was initially tested at the North Hollywood station, where it successfully reduced incidents such as fights, drug use, and graffiti by 40%. Following this success, the program expanded to Santa Monica as a collaborative effort between the city, Los Angeles County, and Metro to improve public safety and address the challenges posed by unauthorized train riders in the downtown area. Santa Monica Vice Mayor Lana Negrete was on-site last week to observe the program's launch, where she engaged with deputies and joined them during their sweeps through the trains, reminding riders that they had reached the end of the line and needed to exit.
To support the new initiative, Metro has deployed a range of personnel, including Metro Ambassadors, the Metro Outreach Team, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET). These teams have been present at the station to provide outreach, assistance, and support to passengers. The LASD MET, which includes a deputy sheriff and a licensed mental health clinician, specializes in crisis assessment, intervention, and targeted case management, reducing the use of force, minimizing unnecessary hospitalizations, and avoiding the incarceration of severely mentally ill individuals.
During the recent sweeps, Sheriff's Deputies, along with a K9 unit trained to detect explosives, conducted searches to further enhance security at the station. The K9, capable of identifying explosives and concealed firearms from a distance of around 50 yards, adds another layer of safety to Metro's efforts.
Metro Ambassadors continue to play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment by connecting riders to resources, reporting maintenance and safety concerns, and supporting overall public safety efforts. Metro's Homeless Outreach Teams also engage with unhoused riders, linking them to necessary resources and services.
The TAP-to-Exit program is a key part of Metro's strategy to deter criminal activity, reassure commuters, and restore confidence in the transit system. "Metro programs like TAP-to-Exit, combined with the efforts of our officers, are crucial for achieving a safer community," stated Santa Monica Police Chief RamΓ³n Batista.
As Metro fully implements the TAP-to-Exit program, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Armed Security will continue to conduct comprehensive sweeps of the station, ensuring fare compliance, maintaining public safety, and providing outreach to passengers. Los Angeles County Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Expanding the TAP-to-Exit program to the Downtown Santa Monica E Line Station is an additional way Metro is improving customer experience and safety. We encourage everyone to use public transit and benefit from these enhancements.”
Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any security concerns through Metro’s Transit Watch app or by contacting Metro security at 888.950.7233. In emergencies, passengers should dial 9-1-1.
The continued enforcement of the TAP-to-Exit Program, alongside the presence of Metro Ambassadors, outreach teams, and increased law enforcement, reflects Metro's commitment to providing a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all transit users while promoting sustainable public transportation options in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Pier painter Joey Alvarez removed graffiti from the ocean-themed mural by the late artist David Legaspi beneath the Santa Monica Pier on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The mural, a tribute to marine life, is one of many created by Legaspi, who painted hundreds of murals throughout the Southland, including works for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the City of Santa Monica, and various public and private schools in the San Fernando Valley and South Bay. His artistic contributions also extended to churches and nonprofits such as the State PTA, and numerous private commissions.
