Venice, CA—Local artist Sergio Maciel (@sergmaciel) was seen hard at work on Windward Avenue, painting a vibrant new mural for Grillo's Pickles. The bold advertisement features the slogan "CHILL OUT EAT A PICKLE" in large white letters against a bright green background, making it a striking addition to the iconic Venice street. The mural showcases Grillo’s signature pickle jars, combining street art with product promotion in a creative and eye-catching way.
Grillo’s Pickles, widely loved for their fresh and flavorful pickles, has taken a unique approach to advertising by collaborating with local artists like Maciel. This mural adds both color and character to the Venice neighborhood, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the refreshing taste of Grillo’s Pickles while taking in the vibrant art scene on Windward Avenue.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Santa Monica Police Officers from the Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) responded to reports of a homeless man behaving erratically at Palisades Park. Joined by a Public Health Clinician from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, officers observed the individual before engaging him. After an initial assessment, the man was handcuffed and taken for a clinical evaluation. No criminal charges are expected to be filed.This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Santa Monica Police Department to address the complexities of homelessness in the city. The Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) plays a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals through relationship building, outreach, and collaboration with various city and county agencies. The goal of the HLP is to prioritize mental health services and alternatives to incarceration, ensuring that those in need receive appropriate care and resources while maintaining public safety.The HLP works closely with the Santa Monica Fire Department, Human Services Division, and City Attorney’s Office to offer a holistic approach to homelessness, aiming to improve community well-being by addressing both individual needs and city regulations.
Santa Monica Police and Firefighters responded to an incident on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and 2nd Street. A vehicle, whose driver misjudged a left-hand turn, drove onto the median. Emergency personnel were on scene to assess the situation, and a tow truck was later called to remove the vehicle from the meridian. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, a Restroom Ambassador was assaulted by an unhoused man near the Venice Beach restrooms on Rose Avenue. The incident occurred when the ambassador was opening a restroom door, and the man unexpectedly punched her in the head. After the assault, the man fled, prompting the ambassador to call the police and follow him as he walked east on Rose Avenue toward Main Street.
During the pursuit, the man yelled and threatened the ambassador. The confrontation escalated when the man turned back toward her on Main Street, leading the ambassador to use pepper spray in self-defense. Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived shortly afterward and interviewed the ambassador, witnesses, and the assailant. The man was arrested for battery and transported to jail for booking.
The Restroom Ambassador is part of the "Vibrant Venice Initiative," a program introduced by Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park to enhance public amenities at Venice Beach. As part of this initiative, restroom ambassadors are stationed at public restrooms to ensure they are safe, accessible, and clean. They monitor entry, prevent large items like shopping carts and luggage from entering, and help maintain the restrooms’ intended use.
Councilwoman Park launched the program to address issues of vandalism and misuse of public restrooms by unhoused individuals, with ambassadors playing a key role in keeping these facilities welcoming and functional for all beachgoers.
Santa Monica, CA — A Santa Monica police officer was severely injured in an unprovoked knife attack outside the Santa Monica Police Department on the evening of October 5, 2024. The officer, who was meeting with residents at approximately 5:21 PM regarding an unrelated case, was suddenly attacked by a man in his 30s.During a press conference, Chief Ramon Batista confirmed that the suspect approached the officer while he was gathering information from another individual. “The subject unexpectedly and without warning attacked the officer, pulling a large knife from his clothing,” Batista stated. The officer, though retreating and arming himself with his service weapon, was pursued around the side of the building by the suspect. The officer eventually discharged his weapon, fatally wounding the assailant.Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics arrived and took over life-saving measures, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unknown at this time whether the suspect was homeless. The injured officer, suffering multiple stab wounds, was transported to the hospital by fellow officers. Chief Batista expressed optimism about the officer’s recovery, stating, “It is my hope that our officer survives these injuries as they were very serious.” Batista also voiced concern over the rise in violent incidents, remarking, "I can't tell you enough how disappointed I am to see that this attack, unprovoked, occurred on our streets in Santa Monica," adding that the department has been dealing with "a series of serious events" in recent months. He reassured the public that the department remains committed to keeping the community safe.The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Coroner’s Office are investigating the incident. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Santa Monica Police Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.For media inquiries, contact Lieutenant Erika Aklufi at erika.aklufi@santamonica.gov or by phone at (310) 458-8493.
