Disturbance in Venice: Paramedics and Police Respond to Violent Encounter in Venice

On Friday, September 27, 2024, the Venice Safe Team was called to Gjusta Grocery following reports of a disturbance involving a man who appeared to be homeless and possibly under the influence. The individual, located outside the establishment, was causing a disruption when safety officers arrived at the scene.

Upon engagement, the man reportedly became violent and fell, striking his head on the sidewalk. The Venice Safe Team immediately called for Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, who arrived shortly thereafter. When paramedics attempted to treat the individual, he allegedly turned aggressive, attempting to bite one of the responders. As a result, Los Angeles Police Department officers were called to assist.

Due to the man’s unwillingness to cooperate and potential danger to himself and others, paramedics administered a sedative. He was then safely transported to the hospital by ambulance.

The Venice Safe Team, which operates daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the winter months, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and order of the Venice Beach area. Their efforts, in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services, focus on addressing issues such as public disturbances, vandalism, and compliance with city regulations. This incident underscores the team's broader mission of maintaining peace and security for both residents and visitors in this iconic community.

Attempted Homicide Arrest in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA – On the afternoon of September 19, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault on the 2000 block of the beach. 

Upon arrival, officers found a 28-year-old man from West Hollywood who had been attacked while fishing near the waterline. According to the victim, the attack was unprovoked, and the suspect, who strangled him from behind, was unknown to him. The victim suffered non-life-threatening neck injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived.

Using witness descriptions, officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect, identified as 31-year-old John Broeksmit, a homeless man originally from Illinois. Broeksmit has a history of arrests in California in 2024, including charges for public intoxication, possession of a weapon on school grounds, and tampering with a fire alarm. His most recent arrest by LAPD was on September 15, 2024, for burglary and public intoxication. He has no prior felony convictions.

On September 23, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Broeksmit with one count of attempted murder. His bail was set at $2 million, and he remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The SMPD encourages anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect to contact Detective Peter Zamfirov at peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.

SMPD Weekly Recap: Forensics Honored, Key Arrests, and Homeless Outreach

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) provided a comprehensive overview of the week’s activities, highlighting key incidents and initiatives from September 14 to 20, 2024. During National Forensics Science Week, the department honored its Forensics Unit by showcasing their vital contributions to solving cases and ensuring public safety through detailed analysis and fieldwork. SMPD also celebrated National Police Women’s Day, recognizing the dedication and resilience of women in law enforcement who protect the community and serve as role models for future generations.

The department reported 2,817 calls for service this week, bringing the year-to-date total to 92,789. Of these, 1,801 were citizen-initiated and 1,016 were officer-initiated. Homeless-related incidents accounted for 18% of total calls, while there were 37 encampment calls and 16 calls for mental health-related holds. SMPD made 59 arrests during the week, adding to the 1,993 year-to-date total.

Among notable incidents, officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon on Wilshire Boulevard, where a suspect attacked a victim with a cane and electrical cord. The suspect was arrested without incident. In another case, a 14-year-old boy was assaulted by an adult near Colorado Avenue; the unprovoked attack is under investigation. Officers also arrested a suspect with a No Bail warrant for robbery on 2nd Street, and in a hit-and-run incident on Washington Avenue, a driver who struck a bus stop and fled on foot was apprehended for DUI and hit and run. A separate sexual battery case occurred at the beachfront, where a male suspect was detained for indecent exposure and sexual assault. Additionally, a woman was arrested for arson after setting fire to bushes in front of City Hall, claiming she was trying to scare away rats. An attempted burglary on Palisades Beach Road was foiled when juveniles were caught on surveillance video trying to break into a home under construction. One suspect, a juvenile, was cited and released to a parent.

The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) continued its efforts with 129 calls for service, addressing six encampments and making three felony arrests. The team also conducted special details near Roosevelt Elementary, where increased homeless activity prompted periodic checks. The Directed Action Response Team (DART) made several notable arrests, including suspects with outstanding warrants for drug offenses and resisting arrest. DART officers patrolled high-traffic areas, focusing on encampments and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

SMPD's Community Affairs Unit engaged with local businesses and residents, conducting safety meetings and providing de-escalation training. Officers also attended neighborhood association meetings to discuss crime statistics and address concerns. Outreach efforts included a presentation on workplace safety and verbal de-escalation to staff at Clare Matrix, and ongoing patrols near the American Motel to address community livability issues. The week’s efforts underscored SMPD’s commitment to keeping Santa Monica safe through proactive policing and community engagement.

Behind the Beans: Green World Coffee Farm Offers Exclusive Tour of Hawaiian Coffee Cultivation

On Tuesday, September 25, Santa Monica Closeup’s photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz was given an exclusive tour of Green World Coffee Farm by Mia, the farm’s coffee ambassador. Nestled on Oahu’s North Shore, the farm is recognized for its dedication to producing premium Hawaiian coffee beans, particularly the Kona Typica and Red Catuai varieties. Mia led the tour through the farm, highlighting each step of the coffee-making process, from the ripening cherries to the roasting of the beans.

As the tour began, Mia pointed out the coffee trees and their cherries in various stages of ripeness. She explained that the cherries are handpicked only when they turn a deep red, ensuring that each one is harvested at the peak of its maturity. “The cherries ripen at different times, so our gardeners handpick them to ensure only the ripest are collected,” she said. This careful selection process ensures that the coffee beans maintain their quality and flavor. Lewkowicz also learned about the farm’s history, which started in 2009 under the direction of owner Howard Green. The land, which was previously used for pineapple cultivation, required significant soil amendment to support coffee growth. Mia explained that after the initial planting, it took three years for the coffee trees to fully mature and produce their first harvest.

Mia then led Lewkowicz to the heart of the farm: the roasting facility. The farm operates two roasting machines, one for smaller batches and another for larger commercial quantities. She explained the intricacies of the roasting process, which involves heating the beans at specific temperatures to achieve different flavor profiles. “We roast everything in-house, ensuring that our coffee is always fresh,” Mia noted. Green World’s signature roast, known for its smooth, low-acid profile, is a popular choice among visitors. The farm’s café serves a variety of coffee blends, and the retail shop offers these blends for purchase, along with other local products.

Throughout the tour, Mia emphasized Green World Coffee Farm’s commitment to offering an authentic farm-to-cup experience. The farm’s beans are grown, harvested, processed, and roasted on-site, providing visitors with a fresh and comprehensive coffee experience. Mia also highlighted the farm’s use of sustainable practices, such as incorporating the outer shell of the coffee cherry into teas, which adds a fruity flavor and additional caffeine. The tour concluded with a visit to the retail store, where Mia showcased some of the farm’s best-selling coffee blends, including the popular Hawaiian Coffee Cake flavor and Kona Typica, a smooth and rich variety with low acidity.

In addition to its coffee production, Green World Coffee Farm serves as an educational destination for visitors. “We love to share our knowledge,” Mia said, pointing to the farm’s dedication to educating guests about the entire coffee-making process. Tours like this one offer visitors a deeper understanding of what goes into every cup, from the initial cherry to the final roast. For Lewkowicz, the experience offered a unique look at the craft and care involved in producing some of Hawaii’s finest coffees.

Green World Coffee Farm stands out as more than just a coffee producer; it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of coffee, learning about the delicate balance of nature, science, and artistry that goes into each cup. For coffee enthusiasts, this farm offers not just a taste, but a complete coffee experience, connecting them to Hawaii’s rich coffee-growing heritage.

Local Legend Tom Moore Approaches 3,000 Diamond Head Hikes, Inspiring Fellow Hikers

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz and his nephews hiked the Diamond Head Crater Trail in Honolulu, Hawaii, to mark the first day of autumn. During their ascent, they met 70-year-old Tom Moore, a local hiking legend who has completed nearly 3,000 hikes up the famed trail since 2008, maintaining a rigorous routine of hiking twice a day. Diamond Head Crater Trail, a popular hiking destination on Oahu, is a steep 1.6-mile round trip that leads to panoramic views of Waikīkī, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail, known for its switchbacks, steep stairs, and tunnel sections, rises about 560 feet from the crater floor to the summit. While challenging for many, it remains a must-do for locals and visitors alike, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding sense of accomplishment at the summit. For Moore, the hike has become a daily ritual. Despite battling health issues that required medical implants, he continues his routine, often hiking early in the morning before crowds arrive. “I’ve been to the top about 2,900 times—almost 3,000,” Moore said. “Rain or shine, I just keep going.” Moore’s persistence and fitness have earned him the admiration of fellow hikers. Known for his lighthearted advice, Moore told Lewkowicz and his nephews to start their hike at dawn for the best experience. “Get up at dawn,” he suggested. “It’s less crowded, and the sunrise is worth it.” Diamond Head’s challenging terrain and scenic views attract thousands of hikers every year, but Moore’s unwavering dedication stands out. His nearly 3,000 climbs up the crater serve as a remarkable example of determination and passion, making him a fixture on the trail and an inspiration to all who meet him.

Retail Apocalypse: Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade Faces Mass Store Closures

A recent video by YouTuber Jeremiah Babe, featuring guest Jack Morgan, paints a stark picture of the current state of Santa Monica. The two explore the once-bustling Third Street Promenade, now riddled with vacant storefronts and signs of economic decline. According to the video, half of the stores along the promenade are out of business, with many windows boarded up and a general sense of lifelessness taking over the area. 

Jack Morgan, who lived in the area five years ago, remarked on the stark contrast from his earlier experiences, noting how vibrant the area once was. Now, he observes a sharp downturn, with a growing homeless population and frequent police presence, indicating a rise in crime. Enrique, another guest on the video, commented on how this decline had been occurring for years, predating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group walks through the promenade, observing the once-thriving retail scene now reduced to a shell of itself, with only large corporate stores like Adidas and Zumiez managing to survive. Meanwhile, many small businesses have been forced to shut their doors. Sid, another guest and a security expert, commented on the visible presence of private security and police, a response to increasing crime and mental health issues in the area.

The video concludes with reflections on the broader impacts of the decline, from the loss of tax revenue to the potential for a regional banking crisis as more businesses close. Morgan, who now lives in Florida, notes the contrasting economic boom in his new home state, where businesses are thriving, and the homeless issue is less pronounced.

The video offers a sobering glimpse into the challenges facing Santa Monica, highlighting the ongoing struggles of small businesses and the uncertain future of one of California’s iconic shopping destinations.

Santa Monica's Future: Mayor Phil Brock Highlights Investment, Housing, and Public Safety Initiatives

Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock recently appeared on *California Insider* to address the ongoing concerns surrounding homelessness and public safety in the city. Despite widespread reports of crime and growing homelessness, Mayor Brock reaffirmed that Santa Monica is still thriving, with new investments and housing developments underway. 

During the interview with host Siyamak Khorrami, Mayor Brock acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the city's position at the end of the Route 66 and the Metro rail line, which has become a passageway for homeless individuals from across Los Angeles. "I was at the end of the rail line and saw 47 homeless people exit the train between 12 and 2 a.m.," he said, adding that an estimated 6,000 unhoused individuals pass through Santa Monica annually.

Brock emphasized Santa Monica's "compassionate but accountable" approach, balancing the need to provide support services with enforcing anti-camping laws. The city is allocating over $10 million to homelessness solutions and another $30 million toward police and fire response, aiming to manage the growing concerns. He also noted efforts to build affordable housing and supportive services, while increasing patrols and surveillance to deter criminal activity.

Despite the challenges, Brock expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the billion-dollar investments coming to downtown Santa Monica, the upcoming World Cup festivities in 2026, and the city’s role as a host for beach volleyball during the 2028 Olympics. The mayor called on residents to remain engaged with local governance and support the community's recovery and revitalization. 

Santa Monica, he emphasized, is "open for business" and remains committed to its residents and visitors alike.