Santa Monica Issues Nighttime Curfew and Emergency Order as Palisades Fire Escalates

 Palisades Fire Prompts Nighttime Curfew and Local Emergency Order in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — In response to the escalating impacts of the Palisades Fire, the city of Santa Monica has issued a local emergency order, including a nighttime curfew in mandatory evacuation zones and other critical measures to support emergency efforts.

City Manager David White signed the order late Wednesday, and the Santa Monica City Council is expected to convene a special session within seven days to officially certify it. The curfew will be in effect from sunset to sunrise in areas under a mandatory evacuation order, aiding law enforcement in safeguarding affected neighborhoods.

“The Palisades Fire has placed nearly 2,500 households in Santa Monica under mandatory evacuation orders, with over 8,000 additional households under a voluntary evacuation warning,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “This emergency order ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect residents, manage the crisis, and support eventual recovery.”

Santa Monica Police, along with mutual aid law enforcement agencies, have been actively assisting in evacuations and protecting property throughout the city. “The local emergency order enhances our ability to secure evacuated areas,” said White. “It helps prevent unauthorized individuals from entering these zones, especially those who may seek to exploit the situation.”

Key provisions of the local emergency order include:

• Temporary school relocation: Impacted schools may operate in non-residential zones.
• Parking enforcement suspension: Preferential parking rules are suspended for residents hosting evacuees.
• Price gouging protection: Emergency and recovery goods and services are protected from price gouging.
• Eviction restrictions: Residential tenants providing temporary shelter to evacuees and their pets are shielded from eviction.
• Construction halt: Non-essential construction in evacuation areas is temporarily prohibited, with extended deadlines granted for ongoing projects.

Residents can stay updated on evacuation orders, available services, and recovery resources by visiting SantaMonica.gov.

𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗠 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗘: Santa Monica Police Fortifies Pier with New High-Tech Barricades

In response to the horrific act of terrorism in New Orleans, the Santa Monica Police Department has increased its security presence across the city and taken proactive steps to ensure public safety.

On January 2, 2024, police officers, in collaboration with Jovani Iraheta, Chief Engineer of Meridian Rapid Defense Group, installed the Archer Beam Gate System at the Santa Monica Pier. This state-of-the-art barricade is designed to enhance public safety by preventing unauthorized vehicles from entering crowded areas, ensuring the protection of pedestrians while slowing vehicles to a safe stop.

In a statement, the Santa Monica Police Department extended their condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and reassured the community of their commitment to safety. Chief Batista emphasized the department’s heightened visible presence in high-traffic areas, continuous monitoring for potential threats, and collaboration with regional and federal law enforcement agencies.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. “Public safety takes all of us,” the department noted, highlighting the importance of community cooperation during these times.

Santa Monica remains united in its dedication to maintaining a secure environment for all

Hanukkah’s Grand Finale: Menorah Lighting Brightens Santa Monica Pier on New Year’s Day

On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the Santa Monica Pier came alive with light and celebration as Rabbi Isaac Levitansky of Chabad in Simcha Monica led the menorah lighting ceremony on the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. The event, organized by the Chabad of Santa Monica, marked the culmination of the Festival of Lights, drawing families and community members together for a moment of unity, reflection, and joy.

The evening began with an energetic welcome, including a message of hope and resilience. Attendees heard an inspiring Hanukkah message originally written by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 1980, emphasizing the festival's themes of triumph, illumination, and the enduring power of light over darkness. Rabbi Levitansky highlighted the spiritual significance of the eighth night, symbolizing the supernatural and encouraging all to persist in spreading goodness and light in the world.

In addition to the menorah lighting, the celebration featured lively music, dancing, doughnuts, chocolate gelt, and the appearance of the beloved Dreidel Mascot. Attendees were reminded to continue the tradition at home by lighting their own menorahs and performing the mitzvah of spreading light in their households and beyond.

The event was not just a celebration of Hanukkah but a call to action, urging everyone to embrace the holiday's lessons of perseverance and faith. Rabbi Levitansky's message underscored the importance of adding positivity to the world, creating a ripple effect of light and peace for all. A special acknowledgment was given to the Santa Monica Police Department at the event.

As the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, the glowing menorah illuminated the pier, serving as a beacon of hope and unity. Attendees shared in the joy of the occasion, marking the end of Hanukkah with blessings, prayers, and heartfelt wishes for a brighter future. The event concluded with an invitation for all to enjoy doughnuts, take photos by the menorah, and continue the celebration at home.

Happy Hanukkah to all!

Chabad Menorah Parade Lights Up Santa Monica on New Year’s Eve

Santa Monica streets shone brightly on New Year's Eve as the Chabad in Simcha Monica Menorah Parade, led by a motor escort, brought the spirit of Hanukkah to life. The dazzling parade featured menorah-topped vehicles spreading a message of light, hope, and joy across the city.

Organized by the Chabad of Santa Monica, the event served as a meaningful celebration of Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, which commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the rededicated Second Temple. With illuminated menorahs adorning cars and streets, the parade captured the holiday’s essence, emphasizing themes of resilience, unity, and faith.

Families, friends, and community members gathered to witness the spectacle, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate together. Attendees described the event as a touching reminder of shared traditions and the power of community.

The parade, guided safely through Santa Monica by a motor escort, concluded with the menorahs lighting up the streets, symbolizing warmth and brightness during the winter season. Chabad’s dedication to organizing the event was widely appreciated, highlighting the enduring significance of Hanukkah in fostering connections and celebrating faith.

As the lights of the menorahs shone through Santa Monica, they carried a message of hope into the new year: one of perseverance, community, and shared celebration. Happy Hanukkah to all!

Santa Monica Approves SaMo Bridge Program at Civic Auditorium to Address Homelessness and Root Causes of Criminal Behavior

Santa Monica Approves SaMo Bridge Program at Civic Auditorium Amid Resident Concerns

December 20, 2024 – SANTA MONICA, Calif.

The Santa Monica City Council has approved the SaMo Bridge program, a new initiative to address homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges while offering alternatives to incarceration. Set to launch in the spring, the program will be based in a designated portion of the Civic Auditorium’s east parking lot and aims to break cycles of recidivism by providing a pathway to rehabilitation and stability.

Program Overview

At the heart of SaMo Bridge is a 24-hour “respite hub” to be located on the east side of the Civic Auditorium site. The hub will consist of two temporary trailers with onsite security and video monitoring. Individuals referred by law enforcement for low-level infractions—such as violating camping ordinances or loitering—can access meals, showers, and rest in a secure environment.

Once there, participants will meet with case managers to develop a 90-day personalized care plan. The plans are designed to connect individuals with resources such as mental health treatment, substance abuse programs, temporary housing, and assistance with essential documentation like IDs and benefits applications.

Participants can stay at the hub for a maximum of 72 hours, though most are expected to remain for six to 12 hours before being transitioned to appropriate long-term services. If individuals complete their 90-day care plan and remain connected to services, misdemeanor charges may not be filed, providing an incentive for compliance.

Funding and Additional Support

The program is funded through an $8 million grant awarded to the City Attorney’s Office and will operate alongside existing diversion initiatives, including STEP Court and the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program. Contracts have been awarded to organizations such as Exodus Recovery, Inc., which will manage the program’s day-to-day operations, and WillScot, which will provide the mobile trailers.

Additional services include program evaluation and fiscal audits by Moss Adams and grant consulting by Elizabeth Anderson Consulting. A dedicated analyst will also be hired to oversee data collection and ensure successful grant implementation.

Resident Concerns

While city leaders, including Chief of Police Ramon Batista, highlight the program’s potential to offer individuals a chance at recovery, some residents remain skeptical. Concerns have been raised about the location of the respite hub, with some questioning its proximity to residential neighborhoods and the potential for increased disruption.

Critics have suggested relocating the program to less central areas, such as the Santa Monica Airport, and have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of diversion programs based on past failures. Others have voiced a preference for stricter punitive measures rather than offering rehabilitation alternatives.

City’s Response and Public Engagement

Santa Monica officials emphasize the program’s comprehensive security measures and its focus on reducing crime by addressing its root causes. Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick described SaMo Bridge as “a vital addition to the city’s toolbox for supporting individuals on their path to treatment and stable housing.”

To address public concerns, the city plans to conduct extensive outreach, including regular community meetings and a local advisory committee. The first public meeting will take place on January 22, 2025, during the Human Services Commission meeting, where residents will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions.

The city encourages residents to stay informed and participate in discussions as the program moves forward. For additional information, visit the City of Santa Monica’s website.

Santa Monica Comes Alive: Capoeira Exchange Draws Crowds with Vibrant Performances

Santa Monica Beach was a hub of vibrant energy on Sunday, December 29, 2024, as a dozen Capoeira groups gathered for the much-anticipated Capoeira Exchange 12 event. Participants traveled from as far as San Francisco and Brazil to showcase and celebrate this captivating art form. Enthusiasts flocked to the beach, soaking up the sunshine while witnessing the rich cultural tradition of Capoeira unfold. Known for its fluid acrobatics, rhythmic combat, and musicality, Capoeira seamlessly blends dance, martial arts, and Brazilian heritage into a mesmerizing performance. Traditional Brazilian instruments set the tempo as practitioners engaged in rhythmic movements, creating an energetic and ever-moving display. The Capoeira fellowship was a standout moment, embodying the art form’s spirit of unity and cultural pride against the backdrop of Santa Monica’s golden sands. Spectators and participants alike experienced a mesmerizing event that celebrated Capoeira’s deep roots and boundless creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all who gathered by the shore.

Santa Monica Police Nab Suspect in Deadly Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Incident

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has announced the arrest of Rod Sharif, a 30-year-old Los Angeles resident, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a Vietnam War veteran on December 22, 2024. The incident occurred at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Chelsea Ave., where the victim was fatally struck by a white Toyota Rav4 while crossing southbound on Wilshire.

Eyewitnesses reported the suspect vehicle fleeing eastbound at a high speed immediately after the incident. The victim, a long-standing resident of Santa Monica, was pronounced deceased at the scene. In a determined effort to solve the case, SMPD’s Major Accident Response Team and Traffic Investigations Unit were quick to gather video evidence leading to the identification of Sharif.

On December 27, 2024, SMPD’s Traffic Unit, supported by SWAT and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, executed search and arrest warrants at Sharif's residence in Santa Monica Canyon. Officers recovered several pieces of crucial evidence, including the damaged vehicle involved in the collision. Sharif faces charges of murder and felony hit-and-run, along with previous charges of reckless and impaired driving.

SMPD encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to contact their team. This tragic event has deeply impacted the community, reminding residents of the critical need for road safety awareness​