Shining the End of the Trail: Route 66 Gets a Labor Day Makeover at Santa Monica Pier

Joey, the Santa Monica Pier painter, is hard at work this morning, giving the iconic Route 66 sign a fresh shine in preparation for the Labor Day weekend. This historic 'Mother Road' ends here at the pier, where travelers for decades have marked the final stop on their journey west. As the holiday weekend approaches, Santa Monica is ready to welcome visitors to the end of the trail. 

📷 Photo by Willie, Pier Carpenter

 

Electric Shuttle Breakdown on Ocean Avenue Turns Passengers into Heroes

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, passengers aboard a Circuit electric shuttle were left stranded when their vehicle ran out of power on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. In a display of community effort, the occupants disembarked and pushed the stalled vehicle to safety, averting potential traffic issues.

Circuit, operational since June 2013, offers affordable, eco-friendly transportation solutions across Santa Monica. These all-electric shared vehicles are designed to minimize emissions and alleviate traffic congestion, promoting a sustainable and connected community. Serving popular local destinations such as the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade, Circuit encourages residents and visitors to forego personal vehicles for short trips, supporting the city's environmental goals.

Circuit's business model capitalizes on partnerships with cities, transport entities, and advertisers to keep rides low-cost or even free, challenging the notion that green transportation comes at a premium. With a mission to enhance community sustainability and connectivity, Circuit has provided over 8 million rides since its inception, all without consuming traditional fuel. This initiative underscores Circuit’s commitment to innovative, sustainable community mobility solutions.

 

Barnes & Noble Reopens in Santa Monica: Author Olivie Blake Kicks Off Grand Opening

Barnes & Noble made a highly anticipated return to Santa Monica with the grand opening of its new bookstore on the Third Street Promenade on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by author Olivie Blake, who also signed copies of her books.

Located at 1318 3rd Street, the new Barnes & Noble marked a significant comeback for the bookseller in this historic location, which was once home to the legendary Midnight Special Bookstore and, more recently, Athleta. This opening represented a broader resurgence in physical bookstores across the nation, as Barnes & Noble continued to expand after years of store closures.

“This building has a rich history as a beautiful bookstore, and we were excited to restore it to its former glory,” said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble. He emphasized that the Santa Monica opening was part of a larger trend, with the company experiencing strong sales and an ambitious expansion plan, including over 50 new stores expected in 2024.

The Santa Monica store was one of four new locations to open in August, joining new stores in New Mexico, Kentucky, and New York. Each of these openings was met with enthusiastic crowds, reflecting a growing interest in physical bookstores.

Store Manager Sarah Abel highlighted the experienced team that transferred from nearby Barnes & Noble locations, bringing a wealth of literary knowledge to the new store. “We believe in the power of a good book and were eager to help our customers find their next great read,” she said.

For more information on upcoming events and store news, customers were encouraged to follow @bnstamonica on social media.

Serial Hate Crime Offender Convicted: 23-Year Sentence for Unprovoked Assaults in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to two alarming incidents of assault with a deadly weapon that resulted in the conviction of 37-year-old Kevin Mumin of Los Angeles, currently homeless. The incidents occurred within days of each other in August 2023, with one taking place on Main Street and the other in Palisades Park.

The first assault, reported on August 20, 2023, involved a Hispanic male victim who suffered significant head injuries after being struck from behind with a wooden stick. Surveillance footage helped in documenting the unprovoked attack. Just two days later, another Hispanic male, a City of Santa Monica Maintenance employee, narrowly escaped injury when Mumin attempted to strike him with a glass bottle in Palisades Park.

SMPD detectives connected these attacks to Mumin, who was also identified in a Los Angeles Police Department bulletin for hate crimes specifically targeting Hispanics. Mumin was apprehended by LAPD on August 23, 2023, under multiple felony assault charges with hate crime allegations.

In a recent trial, Mumin was found guilty of three counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon with enhancements for Great Bodily Injury and Hate Crime, along with a separate felony sexual battery charge from an incident in Los Angeles. On August 21, 2024, he was sentenced to 23 years and 8 months in state prison.

Mumin's criminal history includes convictions for robbery, assault, burglary, and narcotics sales among other offenses. SMPD and LAPD worked jointly on this case, showcasing the impact of inter-departmental cooperation in addressing hate-related crimes.

For further details or to share information related to these incidents, contact Det. Brian Spencer at (310) 458-8420 or Sgt. Shaun Cooney at (310) 458-8436. Media inquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at Erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov.

 

Santa Monica Beach Incident: Police Arrest Suspect Following Sexual Battery Report

On August 27, 2024, an urgent situation unfolded on the sands of Santa Monica Beach when LA County Lifeguards alerted a nearby police officer to a reported sexual battery in the 1300 block. According to the victim, the incident occurred around 1:30 PM while she was sunbathing. She described a harrowing encounter where an unidentified male abruptly climbed on top of her, initiating unwanted physical contact. The victim’s swift response, aided by her sister, allowed them to fend off the assailant who then fled southbound along the beach.

Authorities, aided by descriptions from the victim and her sister, apprehended the suspect a short distance from the scene. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Alonzo Dickson, reportedly homeless, was arrested and charged with felony sexual battery with restraint (243.3 PC). Dickson, who has no prior arrests in California but a pending criminal case in Washington State, is currently held in custody as further investigations are underway.

The Santa Monica Police Department urges anyone with additional information about this incident or the suspect to contact Detective Nicole Murphy at Nicole.Murphy@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427. All media inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at Erika.Aklufi@santamonica.gov.

Homelessness and Faith: Man Found Sleeping on Rose Avenue in Venice Displays Biblical Message

A homeless man was found sleeping on the sidewalk of Rose Avenue in Venice on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Next to him, a sign prominently displayed the message, "JESUS THE WAY THE TRUTH THE LIFE JOHN 14:6." The sign references a verse from the Bible where Jesus declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

This scene highlights the ongoing struggles of the homeless community in Venice, juxtaposing a message of faith with the stark realities of life on the streets. Rose Avenue, a street known for its eclectic mix of trendy establishments and visible homelessness, continues to reflect the complex social issues facing the area.

Efforts to address homelessness in Venice have included various outreach programs, yet the visible presence of those without shelter serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges. The man’s choice to display a religious message suggests a personal connection to faith in the face of adversity, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition amid the urban landscape.

 

Sky-High Healing: Daisy and John Allgood Elevate Spirits with Aerial Yoga at Venice Beach

On Tuesday, August 27, 2027, Daisy, known as the Venice Healer, hosted a unique aerial yoga session at her healing arts dojo on Venice Beach. The session, which included John Allgood and the Reverend White, was not just about physical wellness but also incorporated elements of hypnosis and spiritual dialogue.

The day's activities kicked off with Daisy teaching John Allgood the intricacies of aerial yoga, emphasizing the importance of balance, trust, and proper technique. As they maneuvered through the yoga poses, Daisy guided them on how to enhance their stretches using the body's natural forces.

Post-yoga, the session transitioned into a more spiritual and reflective phase. Daisy attempted to hypnotize Reverend White, aiming to instill a sense of deep relaxation and openness. John Allgood also participated in this hypnotic exercise, both administering and receiving the hypnotic suggestions. The interactions were lighthearted yet profound, touching on personal growth, spiritual awakening, and the power of silence and reflection.

The conversations also veered towards community service and personal responsibilities. Daisy spoke about a food drive initiative, sharing frustrations and anecdotes about the challenges she faced, including a van donated for the cause that was mishandled. The discourse highlighted her commitment to helping those in need, despite the obstacles.

Reverend White shared his thoughts on the importance of maintaining a calm and focused demeanor when serving the community, especially when distributing food and sharing the word of God. His reflections were introspective, emphasizing the need to prioritize the welfare of others over personal beliefs or actions.

The session encapsulated a blend of physical wellness practices with deeper spiritual and community-focused discussions. Daisy and John's efforts to bring peace and healing to themselves and their community were evident, showcasing their dedication to bettering the environment around them on Venice Beach.