Homeless Man Receives Services from LAHSA During Venice Beach Cleanup

On Friday, August 30, 2024, during a multi-department task force's homeless encampment cleanup at Venice Beach, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's (LAHSA) Homeless Engagement Team (HET) encountered an individual experiencing homelessness. The team offered the person various services, which were gratefully accepted. The individual provided their contact information and was promptly entered into the system with an assigned case number. LAHSA will follow up to provide information on housing opportunities and other necessary services.

The HET is a critical outreach arm of LAHSA, directly engaging with people experiencing homelessness throughout Los Angeles County. The team builds personal relationships and connects individuals to essential resources, such as shelter referrals and transportation. Working closely with city and county departments, HET members represent LAHSA at community meetings and events, educating the public about available services and support systems. Established in December 1993, LAHSA serves as the lead agency in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care, coordinating federal, state, county, and city funds to provide shelter, housing, and services to the homeless population across Los Angeles City and County. The authority operates with a mission rooted in compassion, equity, and inclusion, striving to create strategic solutions to address homelessness effectively.

Community Engagement: LAPD Officers Trade Badges for Basketballs at Venice Beach

In a show of community engagement, four Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers participated in a friendly basketball game with local residents at the Venice Beach Basketball Courts on Friday, August 30, 2024. The officers showcased their athletic skills in several games of "21," a popular street basketball variation known for its dynamic, individual style of play.

During the game, a resident approached the officers, explaining that his phone had been stolen and tracked to a nearby location. Demonstrating their commitment to the community, the officers quickly agreed to assist, immediately stopped playing basketball, and escorted the resident to the location where the phone was last pinged. Despite a thorough search, the phone could not be found.

The event highlighted the LAPD's ongoing efforts to build positive relationships with the community, blending moments of friendly interaction with a readiness to respond to local needs.

Santa Monica Police Impound Minibike After Pursuit and Driver's Arrest

 

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers arrested a minibike rider at Ocean Front Walk following a reckless driving incident. The rider, who was seen driving erratically on Ocean Avenue, failed to comply with a traffic stop initiated by the officers and attempted to flee. A pursuit ensued, and officers apprehended the suspect a few blocks away near Ocean Front Walk at Santa Monica Beach.

The minibike, which lacked registration and a license plate, was impounded by police. Minibikes, often referred to as pocket bikes or mini-choppers, do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and therefore cannot be registered or operated on public streets due to the absence of necessary safety features and equipment required by law. The rider is likely to face charges of evading police and failure to stop for law enforcement.

Security Guards Break Up Fight on Second Street; Police Investigate Incident

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, security guards from Legion Corporation intervened to break up a fight among three men on the 1400 block of Second Street in downtown Santa Monica. The altercation, described as a family matter, involved a father, his brother, and a friend of the father’s daughter.

After de-escalating the situation, Legion Corporation guards promptly contacted Santa Monica Police officers, who responded to the scene. Both parties involved expressed a desire to press charges for assault, but no arrests were made. Officers filed reports, which are now under review by the City Attorney’s office for potential legal action.

One of the men received ice from the security guards for a minor injury. No serious injuries were reported, and no one was transported to a hospital. The incident attracted attention from bystanders in the busy downtown area, but swift action by the security team and police ensured the situation was quickly brought under control, preventing further disturbance.

The Santa Monica Police Department has not released further information about the individuals involved or the specifics of the dispute. The case remains under investigation, with the City Attorney's office expected to decide whether charges will be filed in the coming days.

Santa Monica Police Respond to Camping Incident at Camera Obscura Building

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Santa Monica Police officers responded to a call from a Downtown Ambassador regarding a person camping at the Santa Monica Camera Obscura building in Palisades Park. Upon arrival, officers requested the individual leave the property. The person complied and relocated to a nearby area within the park, just a few feet away.

Venice Mystery Blaze: Prius Goes Up in Flames, Cause Still Unknown

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hazardous materials specialist was on the scene of a burnt-down Toyota Prius at Rose Court in Venice. The specialist utilized a thermal camera to monitor the temperature of the vehicle's battery, ensuring there were no fluctuations before authorizing the car to be towed. The precaution was necessary because any rise in temperature could have prevented the vehicle from being moved. After approximately an hour, a tow truck arrived, and following a final temperature check, the specialist gave the green light for the car to be loaded onto the flatbed truck.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with both electrical failure and arson being considered. A neighboring resident, who witnessed the incident, spoke with Santa Monica Closeup, providing insight into the events leading up to the fire. 

According to the witness, the car belonged to a tenant who had just moved in the previous day. The resident described how the car’s doors were found open before the fire started and speculated about the possibility of arson, although the battery was reported to be intact. The witness also mentioned that ring camera footage from the area showed an individual walking away from the scene around the time of the fire, but no conclusive evidence has been confirmed.

As the investigation continues, the cause of the fire remains a mystery. The incident has left the new tenant with an unfortunate welcome to the neighborhood.

Building Strength: Hammer Time Starts with Calisthenics

A crew of construction workers was seen performing morning exercises at Ocean View Park in Santa Monica before starting their workday. The team, dressed in safety gear, engaged in a series of stretches and squats to prepare for the day's physical demands. This pre-work routine highlights the importance of fitness and safety in physically demanding jobs, ensuring that workers are ready and alert as they begin their day. Ocean View Park, with its scenic backdrop, provided a motivating environment for the crew to kick off their day on a healthy note.