Homeless Man's Beach Cleanup Efforts: Gaeo Pushes Makeshift Cart Along Santa Monica Bike Path

In the early hours of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, a homeless man identified as Gaeo was spotted maneuvering a makeshift cart along the Santa Monica Bike Path at around 6:45 a.m. The cart, ingeniously constructed from two city trash bins turned on their sides, was piled high with his belongings. Gaeo uses a repurposed contraption made from discarded car radiators to rake through the sand, collecting debris such as syringes and other trash. He mentioned to a Santa Monica Beach Maintenance worker that he planned to head to the Venice Skate Park to clean the surrounding area and assured them that he would return the city trash cans when finished.

Heartbreak at Venice Beach: Homeless Woman's Emotional Support Dog Stolen

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, a homeless woman at Venice Beach spoke with Santa Monica Closeup about the recent theft of her emotional support dog. The woman, visibly distraught, shared that the dog was stolen from her tent during the night a few days prior while she slept. She described her dog as a nine-month-old Labrador mix with distinctive brown spots on his face, wearing a black collar with colorful spikes and a red service animal leash.

According to the woman, she reported the theft to the police and has been actively searching for her dog, named Kan. She noted that she had been hearing barking in the distance that she believes might be her dog, but every time she approached, loud music was played, making it difficult for her to locate him. Witnesses reportedly saw a person matching her fiancé’s description walking away with the dog. The woman expressed deep emotional attachment to her dog, having cared for him since he was just four weeks old. She mentioned that others in the area, including individuals working on missing person cases, have offered to help search for the dog. Santa Monica Closeup continues to follow the situation and has offered to share the dog’s photo once the woman is able to provide it. Anyone with information about the missing dog is encouraged to contact local authorities.

 

Assault at Venice Beach: Daisy and Teen Runaway Targeted in Violent Predawn Attack

In a distressing event reported at Venice Beach, Daisy, known as the Venice Healer, and a 14-year-old runaway named Billy were violently attacked in their tent at around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Daisy recounted the ordeal, stating that two men and two women stormed their shelter, aggressively searching for a phone they accused Billy of stealing. "They came threateningly and shook the tent, threw water everywhere, and soaked Billy's blankets," Daisy explained. The assailants did not spare her either; they physically assaulted her by pulling at her and kicking her as she lay. "I was asleep, under my ribbons, when they started kicking and hitting me," she said, describing the shock of being woken violently. Daisy also highlighted the ferocity of the attack and its impact on Billy, emphasizing his vulnerability as a child. "Billy got the brunt of it. These are grown adults, and he is just a kid," she expressed, deeply concerned for his safety. Despite the chaos, she managed to keep her composure, driven by her commitment to helping those in need at the beach. According to Daisy, the attackers rummaged through their belongings but left without finding the phone. In the aftermath, Billy, traumatized by the experience, fled the scene. "Billy ran away, really traumatized. There was no phone here," Daisy added, underlining the senselessness of the violence. The police were notified the following morning, as Daisy decided to report the incident despite her reservations about the timely response of law enforcement. "I don't snitch, but I'm going to tell the police what happened because Billy is in danger now," she declared, indicating the severity of the attack. This violent incident underscores the ongoing dangers faced by homeless individuals and particularly vulnerable youth like Billy at Venice Beach. The community and local authorities are now more alert to the safety needs of those like Daisy and Billy, who seek refuge in the relative sanctuary of the beach.

Venice Beach Robbery: Man Held at Knifepoint, Police Search for Suspects After Skateboard Theft

On Wednesday morning, October 23, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., musician and artist Yng Univerze was robbed at knifepoint near the Venice Beach restrooms. Yng Univerze stated that a group of men approached him, one of whom brandished a knife, and forcibly took his skateboard. The situation escalated briefly, but Yng Univerze was able to recover his skateboard after confronting the group. He also mentioned that one of the individuals asked him for meth, which he does not use. Shaken by the incident, Yng Univerze left the scene. The Venice Safe Team witnessed part of the altercation and contacted the LAPD, but the suspects fled before officers arrived. Police are actively searching for the individuals involved.

Santa Monica Police Crack Down on Homeless Encampments, Conduct Compliance Checks & Issue Citations

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Santa Monica Police Department's Directed Action Response Team (DART) officers were actively enforcing regulations related to homeless encampments along Santa Monica Beach. The team was seen issuing advisals and citations as part of their proactive patrol efforts. Officers moved from one encampment to another, engaging with individuals and addressing compliance issues. During their patrol, officers encountered individuals under post-release community supervision (PRCS), prompting a compliance check. PRCS is designed to assist in the reintegration of lower-level felons into society while still being monitored by law enforcement. This system is distinct from felony probation, as it applies to felons after their release from state prison, with supervision managed by county agencies rather than the state parole board.

Santa Monica Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Suspect in September Assault

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is seeking the public's help to identify a suspect involved in an assault that took place on September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:35 a.m. The incident occurred near the 1400 block of Alley 5 (5th Court). The suspect is described as a male, possibly Black or of another race, aged between 25 and 35, with bleached blonde hair, a black beard, and tattoos on his arms. Authorities do not believe he is homeless.

A video of the suspect can be viewed here, and community members are encouraged to review it for any potential leads. The suspect was last seen fleeing eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard, heading toward 7th Street. SMPD detectives have pursued various leads but have yet to identify the individual.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Sean Baker via email at sean.baker@santamonica.gov, or by calling the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427. Authorities emphasize that any information, no matter how minor, could prove vital in apprehending the suspect and ensuring justice for the victim.

UNDER THE CLOAK OF DARKNESS: Venice Beach Homeless Encampments Cleared in Overnight Cleanup Under Police Watch

Venice, Los Angeles – Tuesday, October 18, 2024 — A coordinated, multi-agency task force conducted a routine overnight cleanup operation at Venice Beach as part of the city's ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and cleanliness. The task force included the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Police Department, and St. Joseph's Center Homeless Outreach Team.

The operation began at 2 a.m. at Windward Plaza, with crews heading north to the Rose Street Parking Lot, where they cleaned around the lot and in the restrooms. The team then moved south along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, stopping at restroom facilities along the way. Inside the restrooms, workers asked individuals experiencing homelessness to exit so the areas could be cleaned. The team also removed unattended items, including tents, as part of the cleanup. 

One notable find was an abandoned grand piano missing its legs, believed to belong to "Nathan the Piano Man," a well-known Venice Beach figure. It required the entire crew to lift the piano onto a truck for disposal.

The cleanup continued with the removal of homeless encampments around the Venice Beach handball courts before the team headed south to the Venice Beach Fishing Pier, where they cleared the pier area. The operation concluded at 5 a.m.

Throughout the operation, St. Joseph’s Center Homeless Outreach Team provided food, water, and clothing to those experiencing homelessness. 

Los Angeles Police officers were present to ensure compliance with Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents in city parks. No citations were issued during the cleanup, reflecting the city's focus on compassionate, non-punitive measures to address homelessness.

Workers in protective gear carefully sorted hazardous and non-hazardous waste, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public health and sanitation. These bi-weekly, overnight cleanups are part of Los Angeles’s broader strategy to address homelessness while maintaining safe and accessible public spaces.

The absence of citations highlights the city's preference for supportive solutions over enforcement.