Stabbing Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica: Homeless Man Charged with Assault on Fellow Homeless Individual

Santa Monica, CA – On October 23, 2024, Santa Monica Police arrested Damian Garcia, 23, in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on October 16th. The victim, a recently arrived homeless individual from Kentucky, was found bleeding on the sidewalk at the 500 block of Broadway around 7 p.m. SMPD officers responded promptly to the scene.

Through surveillance video and further investigation, detectives identified Garcia, who is also homeless and recently arrived in Santa Monica from Florida, as the suspect. At his arraignment on October 25th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony charge against Garcia for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Great Bodily Injury.

Garcia is currently being held in custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and faces extradition to Florida for a separate fugitive warrant. His criminal history includes charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Vehicle Theft, Armed Robbery, and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact Detective Ben Jenkins at (310) 458-4884 or Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931.

Reggae Icon Jah Faith Stands Proud Beside Venice’s 'Trolley to Zion' Tribute Mural

Venice, CA – Monday, October 28, 2024 – Musician Jah Faith, 71, was seen today on Rose Avenue in Venice, standing next to a mural that features him prominently. The mural, entitled "Trolley to Zion," was painted by artist Marlee Westmoreland and depicts a trolley with Jah Faith as the driver. The artwork, completed in 2022, is a vibrant homage to Jah Faith's roots in reggae music and his long-standing presence in the Venice community. Jah Faith, originally from Trinidad, has lived in Venice for 23 years. Known for his work as a reggae singer and as the MC at LA's renowned Dub Club, his career has spanned decades. His journey began in Trinidad, where his love for music took shape in the village of Boissiere. Over the years, Jah Faith has opened for reggae legends like ASWAD, performed at major venues like the Hollywood Bowl, and shared the stage with artists such as John Holt and Brigadier Jerry. His contributions to reggae have left an indelible mark on the West Coast music scene. The mural serves as a fitting tribute to Jah Faith’s influence in Venice and the broader reggae community. As he continues to perform and record, this artwork is a reminder of his journey from Trinidad to California and his enduring impact on reggae music.

Ghostly Riders: Venice's Electric Bike Parade Spooks and Sparkles Under a Haunted Moon

Santa Monica, CA – Under the night sky of Santa Monica and Venice, the Venice Electric Bike Parade took center stage on the Ocean Front Walk, on Sunday, October 27, 2024. This vibrant event saw participants on electric bikes, trikes, and various human-powered vehicles, each adorned with bright, twinkling lights and dressed in festive Halloween costumes. Starting at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, the parade made its way along the scenic bike path, showcasing a spectacle of lights and creativity as it passed by notable landmarks like the Venice Skate Park and Muscle Beach in Santa Monica. The parade not only captivated onlookers with its dazzling array of illuminated bikes but also promoted sustainability and eco-friendly transportation. Spectators from all over the region gathered to witness this enchanting display, which has become a cherished tradition in the community. The parade stands as a testament to the area's commitment to innovation in sustainable transport and the enduring spirit of community and celebration. As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and admiration from the crowd, solidifying the Venice Electric Bike Parade as a must-see event and a highlight of the local cultural calendar. This celebration of light, creativity, and community is set to continue inspiring and delighting residents and visitors for many years to come.

Joker's Wild: 'Diablo' Sparks Halloween Frolic at Venice Beach Drum Circle

Amid the vibrant hues of sunset at Venice Beach on October 27, 2024, Eder, an established artist and musician also known as "Diablo," fully embraced the Halloween spirit by attending the weekly Drum Circle dressed as the Joker. This cultural staple of the area pulsed with the rhythm of community and celebration, and Eder's thematic costume added a playful twist to the evening's festivities.

"Venice Beach has always been a cultural hub, something I've been a part of since my teenage years," Eder shared enthusiastically. "The Drum Circle isn't just about music; it's a sanctuary, a reliable gathering place that we know will always be here, no matter what."

Eder highlighted that the Drum Circle is more than a musical event; it's a cultural phenomenon that fosters a sense of community and belonging. "It's never been about escaping through substances; it's about having a place to go, knowing it will be there," he explained. "This circle is a crown, a gathering that welcomes everyone."

The artist also expressed concerns about the local government's understanding of the community. "You've got to see the real Venice Beach, beyond the computer screens. There's a bike run organized by someone known as 'The Captain,' and many other activities that create a sense of community here," Eder said, pointing out the disconnect between the local authorities and the beach community's realities.

As the drums continued to echo into the evening, Eder stood barefoot in the sand, his Joker costume a nod to the Halloween season, embodying both the joy and the depth of Venice Beach's unique culture. "This place is sacred to me. It's about breaking through to the other side of yourself, finding peace and connection in a community that accepts and celebrates every individual," he reflected.

With every beat of the drum, Eder and the Venice Beach community continue to champion a vibrant culture that resonates deeply with both locals and visitors, making the Drum Circle a must-experience event that embodies the spirit of unity and artistic expression.

Safety Slate Marches for Change: Candidates Rally for Safer Streets and Parks in Santa Monica

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the "Women For A Safer Santa Monica" and the Safety Slate candidates marched down Main Street, advocating for public safety reforms and a stronger community focus. The group carried signs and chanted slogans calling for leadership that puts the residents and businesses of Santa Monica first. The march featured speeches from the slate’s candidates, including Mayor Phil Brock, councilmember Oscar de la Torre, business owner John Putnam, and dental implant surgeon Dr. Vivian Roknian. Each candidate voiced their concerns about the current state of public safety and their commitment to addressing these issues. John Putnam, a long-time business owner and candidate for City Council, stressed the need to protect the city’s women. "Thirty-eight percent of our population are single women in Santa Monica," he said. "We need to protect them. They deserve our leadership to help them." Putnam emphasized that the entire community should benefit from leadership that listens to and acts in the interest of all residents. Dr. Vivian Roknian echoed these sentiments, particularly addressing the need for safer public spaces. "We need to take our parks back for our kids, our seniors, our families," Roknian said. "Let’s make our parks and green spaces safer for everyone." She also highlighted the struggles many residents face in accessing public spaces, adding, "Many apartment owners and renters don’t feel safe going to our parks, or even getting into our libraries. We need to clean and open these spaces for everyone." Roknian also pinpointed the growing issues of drugs and homelessness in the city. "The biggest problem we have right now is the drugs coming into our city and the homeless crisis," she stated. "We need to give our police, fire department, and support services what they need to take care of all of us residents. We all deserve to smile again in our city." Oscar de la Torre, councilmember and Safety Slate candidate, highlighted the platform’s focus on public safety and community. "We’ve worked hard to address public safety by hiring more police officers and adding private security for areas like the 3rd Street Promenade," he said. "We’re committed to bringing back safety and community effort in a positive way." The event concluded with the slate’s call to action, rallying supporters with a clear message: a safer and cleaner Santa Monica is within reach, but it requires decisive leadership. As the marchers chanted, “What do we want? Safety! When do we want it? Now!”, the candidates reiterated their pledge to continue advocating for the well-being of all Santa Monica residents. The Safety Slate’s platform includes addressing homelessness, supporting law enforcement, revitalizing commercial districts, protecting rent control, and ensuring clean and safe public spaces. The slate, endorsed by local unions like Teamsters Local 42, aims to foster a stronger, safer Santa Monica for all.

A Sea of Pink Takes Over Palisades Park: Santa Monica Walks to End Breast Cancer

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, thousands of participants gathered along Palisades Park in Santa Monica for the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Santa Monica Vice Mayor Lana Negrete participated in the event, leading a group of 60 walkers. Negrete, who also spoke, delivered an inspiring message of hope and solidarity before cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially start the walk.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the USC Marching Band performed as participants began their 3- to 5-mile walk, energizing the crowd with lively tunes. Clad in pink, participants carried signs with messages like "Simply the Breast" and "Team Ally," walking in support of those affected by breast cancer.

The event, a celebration of courage and determination, united survivors, caregivers, and advocates, raising crucial funds and awareness. With approximately 313,000 individuals expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. this year, events like these play a pivotal role in funding research and patient care through the American Cancer Society’s ongoing efforts.

Santa Methica? Coalition’s Bold Banner Targets Santa Monica City Manager on Third Street Promenade

A controversial banner has appeared on the Third Street Promenade, targeting Santa Monica's City Manager, David White. The banner, displayed on a storefront, depicts White with a red clown nose, alongside the slogan “Santa Methica is Not Safe.” Organized by the Santa Monica Coalition, the sign encourages victims of crime in the area to join a collective lawsuit, as frustrations mount over public safety concerns.

The coalition's campaign draws attention to what they claim is the city's failure to adequately address the rise in crime, calling on residents to share their experiences. The prominent location of the banner on one of Santa Monica’s busiest pedestrian streets highlights the growing public discourse around safety in the city. The coalition has also provided further details through their website and social media platforms, inviting more voices to join their effort for change and accountability.