HAPPY YULE: Santa Monica Celebrates Winter Solstice with Festive Gathering at Palisades Park

On Wednesday, December 21, 2024, a crowd gathered at Palisades Park in Santa Monica to experience a captivating natural display coinciding with the winter solstice. Attendees watched the sunset through the iconic wood sculpture "Gestation III," designed by artist Baile Oakes in 1991. This event occurs exclusively during the winter solstice period, from December 20 to 22, where the sun sets perfectly aligned within the sculpture's aperture, offering a stunning view that draws locals and visitors alike.

The winter solstice, occurring annually on December 21 or 22, represents the year's shortest day and longest night, a celestial phenomenon of great significance in various cultures historically and presently. Modern celebrations vary, with many observing through community festivals and private rituals.

"Gestation III" stands as a notable landmark within Palisades Park, particularly celebrated during the solstice for its interactive design and intricate craftsmanship, symbolizing the unity of nature and human creativity. The sculpture's alignment with the sunset on these dates transforms it into a focal point for communal gathering and celebration in Santa Monica, embodying the cycle of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment.

This cherished local tradition not only brings the community together but also highlights the profound impact of art and natural phenomena in enriching human experience and inspiring collective awe and appreciation.

Tensions Flare at Venice Beach Food Distribution, Quickly Resolved by Safe Team

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the weekly food distribution program on the Venice Beach Boardwalk witnessed a tense moment when a former food recipient, now a vendor, confronted Mark, the operator of the program. The altercation escalated, but the Venice Safe Team promptly intervened, defusing the situation and ensuring the food line continued without further disruptions. The food distribution, organized by the nonprofit Oasis Network, has become a critical resource for Venice Beach’s unhoused community. This week’s operation, led by Mark in the absence of founder Dan Hubbard, saw a surge in donations following the holiday season. Volunteers worked tirelessly to collect and prepare groceries from local stores, including Whole Foods and Vons, beginning their efforts at 5:30 a.m. Mark acknowledged the challenges of managing large-scale donations and the occasional tensions they bring but reaffirmed the Oasis Network’s dedication to serving those in need. He called on the public for continued support to enhance the quality and efficiency of the program. The Venice Safe Team, operating daily during the winter from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., plays a crucial role in maintaining safety in the area. Their responsibilities range from patrolling and engaging with the community to managing non-emergency situations, such as Saturday’s altercation. Working in partnership with local law enforcement, the team addresses concerns including trespassing, vandalism, and aggressive behavior, ensuring a safer environment for residents, visitors, and those seeking aid. Despite the challenges, Saturday’s event showcased the resilience and cooperation of the Venice Beach community, ensuring vital services continued uninterrupted.

Navigating the Cones: Santa Monica Police Department Welcomes New Traffic Services Officer

Traffic Officer Training Underway at Santa Monica Beach

On Friday, December 20, 2024, a new Santa Monica Police Department Traffic Officer underwent rigorous training at Santa Monica Beach. The training session involved navigating a cone course and performing various maneuvers, including reversing and precise vehicle control, as part of the preparation for the demanding responsibilities of the role.

Traffic Services Officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and ensuring smooth traffic flow within Santa Monica. Their duties include enforcing parking control laws, issuing citations, and responding to traffic-related incidents. The position offers competitive compensation, with salaries ranging from $59,688 to $73,692 annually, along with comprehensive benefits.

Dynamic Role in Public Safety

The job of a Traffic Services Officer is multifaceted, requiring officers to patrol on foot, bicycle, or in specialized three-wheeled vehicles. They enforce parking regulations, direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and assist law enforcement personnel by reporting illegal activities. Officers also respond to public inquiries, provide assistance during emergencies, and testify in court when necessary.

Skills and Training

Candidates for this role must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with one year of recent, paid, public-facing work experience. Essential skills include effective communication, the ability to follow detailed instructions, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure. Officers are trained to use police radios, operate city vehicles safely, and apply relevant laws and regulations with professionalism.

A Rewarding Career Path

For those who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are committed to public service, joining Santa Monica Police Department’s Traffic Services team offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community. The role is ideal for individuals who enjoy engaging with the public, solving problems, and upholding safety standards.

Aspiring candidates are encouraged to apply and become part of this dedicated team working to keep Santa Monica safe and organized for all residents and visitors.

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.