CRACKDOWN AT WESTMINSTER DOG PARK: Park Rangers Detain Homeless Man, Tow Vehicle Amid Parking Violations

On Friday, December 20, 2024, Los Angeles Park Rangers conducted an enforcement operation at Westminster Dog Park in Venice. A homeless man was detained and his vehicle was towed for violating Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 86.03, which limits parking in public park lots to two hours. The vehicle in question had been parked in the lot for an extended period and was found with three flat tires. Rangers allowed the man 15 minutes to remove his personal belongings before towing the car. In addition to the tow, Park Rangers issued multiple citations to other vehicles that had exceeded the two-hour parking limit. Many of these vehicles also had expired registration tags. Under LAMC 86.03, parking restrictions are implemented to ensure public safety and the reasonable enjoyment of parks by all visitors. Signs in park lots clearly indicate the two-hour limit, and violations are subject to enforcement. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by park officials to maintain accessibility and proper use of public spaces in Los Angeles.

Police Officers Arrest RV Owner for Stealing Electricity From City During Weekly Venice Cleanup

During a routine homeless encampment cleanup on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers discovered an electric cable extending from a parked RV on Fourth Street in Venice, unlawfully tapping into city electrical infrastructure on the sidewalk.

Following their investigation, officers arrested the individual residing in the RV for violating California Penal Code (PC) 498(b), which prohibits the theft of utility services. The person was cited and released on-site, meaning they were not transported to jail but instead issued a citation with a promise to appear in court at a later date.

Under California's “cite and release” procedure, law enforcement provides a citation for suspected unlawful conduct without formally booking the accused into custody. The process allows the individual to remain free, provided they sign an agreement to attend a future court hearing.

Understanding Penal Code 498(b)

California PC 498(b) criminalizes the theft of utility services, including electricity, gas, and water. This includes:

• Diverting utility services without payment
• Tampering with utility meters or property
• Making unauthorized utility connections
• Using utility services without consent

Depending on the value of the stolen services and the offender’s criminal history, this violation may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. Consequences can include fines, custody time, and collateral effects such as immigration consequences or the suspension of professional licenses.

The Venice cleanup and subsequent arrest underscore the ongoing challenges posed by utility theft in areas impacted by homelessness.

1,000 Drones Illuminate Santa Monica Sky for ‘Beast Games’ Premiere

The Santa Monica Pier came alive with a dazzling display of light and technology on Thursday night as 1,000 drones lit up the night sky in celebration of the highly anticipated premiere of *Beast Games* on Amazon’s Prime Video. The synchronized drone show captivated onlookers, setting the tone for the record-breaking reality competition series created by YouTube sensation MrBeast. The aerial spectacle was executed by the renowned drone performance troupe, Pixis Drones, whose illustrious career spans over three decades of global entertainment events. Their innovative performance served as the grand opening act for the official launch festivities, held at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The celebration was a fitting prologue to *Beast Games*, a series that promises to redefine reality competition with its groundbreaking $5 million prize—the largest single prize in the history of television and streaming. Featuring 1,000 contestants and challenges that test physical strength, social strategy, and mental resolve, the series premieres globally on Prime Video on December 19, 2024, streaming in over 240 countries and territories. The mesmerizing drone show not only celebrated the launch of *Beast Games* but also highlighted Santa Monica as a backdrop for some of the most ambitious entertainment events of the year. With its countdown officially complete, the series is poised to make history on the streaming platform.

INVASION OF PRIVACY: Police Arrest Alleged Peeping Tom for Filming in Gender-Neutral Restroom at Pier

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Santa Monica police arrested a man for allegedly using a recording device to film a woman in a gender-neutral public restroom. Officers responded to a disturbance call and discovered that the individual had been involved in an altercation. Upon investigation, authorities determined the man had violated California Penal Code Section 647(j), which prohibits the unlawful invasion of privacy.

Under PC 647(j), it is illegal to use a device to record or view someone in a private setting without their consent. A conviction for this misdemeanor carries penalties of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

According to the police sergeant, the suspect, who was apprehended at the scene, also had an outstanding $50,000 warrant for a similar offense in another jurisdiction. The incident occurred when the suspect allegedly used a stall to record another person, who noticed the intrusion and reported it to authorities. Officers were able to locate and arrest the suspect before he fled the area.

This case highlights California’s strict enforcement of privacy laws aimed at protecting individuals from "peeping tom" crimes.

METRO UPDATE: Security Enhancements Lead to Noticeable Improvements on Trains

Santa Monica, CA — December 18, 2024. Six months after the last documentation of the Metro system's challenges with unhoused individuals sleeping and camping on trains, noticeable improvements were observed today. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies and Metro Armed Security have ramped up efforts to address these issues, with a comprehensive daily sweep focused on the downtown Santa Monica Station. As the final stop on the Metro line, the downtown Santa Monica Station is pivotal in ensuring passengers disembark and comply with re-tapping requirements for continued travel. Authorities report that enforcing these measures has helped address concerns of individuals using the train as temporary shelter. The Sheriff’s Deputies and Metro Security teams have adopted a dual role of enforcement and passenger welfare. Their duties include monitoring trains and platforms, addressing fare evasion, and upholding public safety standards. These efforts aim to mitigate criminal activity and provide a secure environment for commuters. The increased law enforcement presence has been part of a broader initiative to restore confidence in the Metro system. By deterring disruptive behavior and ensuring a safer transit experience, officials hope to encourage ridership while addressing concerns related to public safety. Passengers are encouraged to remain alert and report any unsafe situations. In emergencies, they should call 911, while non-emergency concerns can be directed to security personnel at 888.950.7233. Red intercom signs on station platforms also provide a direct line to Metro staff. Today’s improved conditions mark progress in addressing the challenges documented earlier this year, reflecting the continued commitment of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies to ensuring safety and security for all Metro passengers.

COUNTDOWN BEGINS: MrBeast’s ‘Beast Games’ Promotion Takes Over Santa Monica Pier

COUNTDOWN BEGINS: MrBeast’s ‘Beast Games’ Promotion Takes Over Santa Monica Pier

An eye-catching installation to promote Beast Games has been activated at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. The striking setup features a large glass vault filled with $5 million in faux cash, guarded by masked figures, and a digital countdown timer ticking toward the highly anticipated world premiere.

What You Need to Know:

• Series Release Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
• Number of Episodes: 10

The reality competition series is created by YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast. Dubbed the biggest competition show in streaming and television history, Beast Games brings together 1,000 contestants to face physical challenges, social strategy, and mental tests for a groundbreaking $5 million cash prize—the largest single prize ever offered in the medium.

Filmed over a year, the production reportedly shattered 40 world records and is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Prime Video confirmed the weekly release schedule, starting with the global debut on December 19th, streaming in over 240 countries and territories.

The teaser for Beast Games, shared on X by MrBeast, has already fueled excitement for what promises to be the biggest showdown in reality competition history.

Stay tuned—Santa Monica is now ground zero for the ultimate countdown!

Santa Monica Police Arrest Man for Alleged Nordstrom Theft with Robbery Charge

Santa Monica police arrested a man on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at a Colorado Avenue venue adjacent to Santa Monica Place after he allegedly stole a jacket from Nordstrom. Officers located a suspect matching the description provided by witnesses and detained him for identification. A witness was brought to the scene in a police vehicle and confirmed the suspect as the individual involved in the theft. The suspect was arrested and is expected to be charged with 211 PC, commonly known as Estes Robbery. Under California law, Estes Robbery occurs when theft escalates to robbery due to the use of force or fear to retain stolen property or resist apprehension. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released about the suspect.