Venice Shooting Near Smart & Final Sparks Lockdown, Road Closures on Lincoln Blvd; One Injured

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a shooting late Wednesday morning at the Smart & Final parking lot near Lincoln Boulevard and Sunset Avenue in Venice. The incident, reported around 11:30 a.m., resulted in the closure of Lincoln Boulevard between Vernon Avenue and Flower Avenue as detectives investigated.

A witness at the scene described the chaotic events: "I seen that black Lexus crashing to the steps over there, and then once it crashed, the two guys got out the car and took off running," he recounted. "A black truck pulled up right behind the car, and the passenger got out, pulled out the gun, and started shooting at the guys that were running away." The witness mentioned that one of the men was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital, adding, "The guys in the truck started walking around the parking lot trying to find him, but when they couldn’t, they left."

As reported by *Westside Current*, the shooting may have stemmed from a traffic collision between a black truck and an Infiniti. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim with a gunshot wound, while two males and one female were detained at the scene. Their involvement in the incident is under investigation, with no further details or potential motives released by LAPD at this time.

The incident also affected local schools. According to *Westside Current*, a parent said the school was on lockdown for about twenty minutes. The parent shared their frustration, noting the helplessness and anger that comes with children experiencing such situations. They commended the school's swift response but criticized the growing, unchecked crime and violence in the community.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to search for answers in this developing story.

Venice Beach Local Jennifer Train Reflects on Her Past, Creative Journey, & Hopes for the Future

On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup's photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz spoke with Jennifer Train, a long-time local of Venice Beach who shared her remarkable life story from within her encampment. Jennifer, originally from Des Moines, Iowa, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, recounted her childhood with warmth. “I had a great childhood,” she said, adding that she pursued higher education at the University of Arizona. “I’m a Wildcat, class of ’93,” she noted with pride. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts, emphasizing scenic design, a field in which she found her creative passion. Jennifer’s artistic pursuits led her to work as an art director in Los Angeles. “I did an Aimee Mann video,” she recalled, referring to the music video for *Voices Carry*. Reflecting on her time in the industry, she said, “It was a very toxic environment. We weren’t doing brain surgery, but the pressure was immense.” One of her last major projects was for the cult film *Leprechaun 6: In the Hood*, which she worked on as a set dresser in downtown Los Angeles. Beyond her work in film, Jennifer has lived an extraordinary life filled with creative endeavors. “I’m an artist, a poet, a musician, and a singer,” she shared. In her younger years, Jennifer was also a skilled skateboarder who once went pro, touring with the Phoenix Vans team at just 15. “Tony Hawk and I have a history,” she revealed, reminiscing about her time with the legendary Dogtown skaters. Despite her many accomplishments, Jennifer’s life has been marked by significant challenges. Now, she is candid about her current circumstances, living at Venice Beach and coping with health issues. “I’m HIV positive,” she said, while emphasizing the care she receives from local clinics. “If I take my medication every day, it keeps the virus non-detectable.” Jennifer shared a glimmer of hope for the future. “I got a house offered to me last night,” she said, with excitement in her voice. The opportunity to live in a house in Venice Beach with a local family marks a pivotal moment in her journey. “I’ll be packing up and moving in today,” she said, determined to make the most of the opportunity. Her story is a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. As she prepares to transition from the Boardwalk to a more stable environment, Jennifer remains optimistic. “I’m getting off the Boardwalk today. I’m ready for what’s next.”

Golden Hour Glide: A Bike Ride Along Santa Monica’s Stunning Sunset Shoreline

Santa Monica Closeup's latest video takes you on a serene bike cruise along the shoreline, framed by tonight’s breathtaking sunset. Experience the warmth of the sky and the rhythmic waves in this peaceful ride captured by SMCU’s own photojournalist. Don’t miss the glow of the day’s end on Santa Monica Beach. #SantaMonica #SunsetVibes #beachlife

Venice's Heroic Stroll: Spider-Man and Son Take the Boardwalk

On a sunlit Tuesday afternoon, Venice Beach's iconic boardwalk saw a unique moment of heroics and fatherhood as Spider-Man, known on Instagram as @qiojo, strolled along with his 7-month-old son securely in tow. The duo added a touch of superhero charm to the bustling boardwalk under the glow of the November sunset, bringing smiles to passersby. A true testament to balancing daily life and hero duties, right in the heart of Venice. #VeniceBeach #Fatherhood #SuperDad #SpiderManSighting

Veterans Day at Santa Monica Pier: Flyovers, Military Displays, and Keynote by Four-Star General

On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, the Santa Monica Pier hosted its fifth annual Veterans Day ceremony, marking the event's most significant year yet. The free, public event, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Army, drew crowds to celebrate and honor the nation’s veterans.

The ceremony commenced at 11 a.m. on the western half of the pier parking deck. Attendees were treated to impressive visual displays, including flyovers by Blackhawks, Chinook helicopters, and the Condor Squadron. A military convoy, led by former NFL stars Andrew Whitworth, Cade McNown, and Nate Boyer, showcased Army vehicles from the California Army National Guard.

The program featured the Posting of Colors by UCLA ROTC cadets and a dynamic drill demonstration by the West Point Drill Team. Music filled the air as the 300th Army Band performed, and Miss USO, Heidi-Marie Ferren, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America.” Military Humvees and LMTVs were on display, adding to the event’s atmosphere of patriotic pride.

One of the day's highlights was the swearing-in ceremony for future soldiers, led by Major General Dianne Del Rosso. Keynote speaker General Andrew Poppas, Commanding General of the United States Army Forces Command, delivered a compelling address. Additional remarks were shared by former NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth, Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock, and Councilmember Gleam Davis.

The event was made lively with music and entertainment provided by 95.5 KLOS, courtesy of Meruelo Media. To further honor service members and their families, complimentary meals and ride tickets were distributed.

This Veterans Day gathering at the Santa Monica Pier showcased the community’s deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel, blending tradition, heartfelt tributes, and memorable performances.

Trump Supporters Parade Through Santa Monica in Post-Election Celebration

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered in a show of celebration along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The event, which featured a procession of vehicles decked out in American flags and pro-Trump signs, marked a symbolic victory lap following the presidential election results. Participants, many honking their car horns in solidarity, created a spectacle of red, white, and blue that made its way from Los Angeles to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The convoy, which commenced from the Los Angeles Zoo at 9:30 a.m., continued its cruise at 11 a.m. and culminated in a "MAGA Swarm" at Santa Monica Pier's Beach Parking Lot 1 North at 1 p.m. The demonstration highlighted the continued fervor among Trump supporters, resonating through waves of patriotism and celebratory enthusiasm along the coastal route.

Republican Donald Trump secured victory in the United States presidential election with 312 electoral votes, surpassing Democrat Kamala Harris, who received 226 electoral votes. Trump successfully won the pivotal states of Georgia (16 electoral votes), North Carolina (16), Arizona (11), Nevada (6), Wisconsin (10), Michigan (15), and Pennsylvania (19). Additionally, Trump achieved a win in the popular vote.

Spreading Hope: Mark Shares Words of Encouragement at Venice Beach Homeless Food Distribution

On November 9, 2024, the Oasis Network continued its vital work on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, distributing groceries to the unhoused community. Now under the leadership of Mark, who has stepped in to oversee operations while founder Dan Hubbard is ill, the nonprofit has maintained its mission of providing nourishment and support.

Mark, who is also homeless, starts his day at 5:30 AM, driving to four markets in the South Bay—three Whole Foods locations and one Vons—to collect donations. “We transfer the food from their red plastic totes into boxes and categorize it to make setup easier,” Mark explained, emphasizing the importance of organization in ensuring a smooth distribution process. He noted that he and fellow volunteer Ruben handle these tasks on both Saturdays and Sundays, describing them as “my two favorite days of the week.”

Beyond coordinating food pickup and distribution, Mark brings a sense of community and spiritual guidance to those waiting in line. Before handing out food, he often leads a prayer, encouraging everyone to open themselves up to gratitude and hope. “I smell some joy in the air today,” Mark said. “Let’s feel the joy of giving and receiving.”

The food distributions are orderly, thanks in part to Mark’s leadership and the cooperation of volunteers. “We try to make sure that people aren’t really jumping in with their hands, and we hand everything out to individuals,” he stated, underscoring the effort to maintain fairness.

Despite challenges, Mark remains committed to growing the organization’s outreach. He mentioned that more donations and support would be welcome to enhance their services. “We’re hoping the line gets bigger and the food gets greater,” Mark said. He also expressed a need for more resources, including a vehicle to help with transportation. “Right now, there’s no 501(c)(3); everything’s out of pocket. But with help, we can really grow.”

Mark’s dedication and positive spirit have made him a pillar within the Oasis Network and the Venice Beach community. “I used to stand in this line. Now I’m fortunate to be on the other side,” he reflected. “Trust me, when you change the frequency, everything changes.”