VENICE BEACH, CA – On a bright and sunny Sunday, February 16, 2025, the sands of Venice Beach became a silent but rhythmic dance floor as participants moved freely to music transmitted through wireless headphones. Hosted by Ecstatic Dance LA, the event combined movement, mindfulness, and community connection in a substance-free, all-ages environment.
Atasiea, co-founder of Ecstatic Dance LA, emphasized the group’s mission of bringing this unique practice to the greater Los Angeles and global community. “We dance on Sundays, and today, we’re also out here doing a beach cleanup,” he said. “We love creating a family-friendly, drug-and-alcohol-free space for health and well-being.”
Ecstatic Dance is an international movement that encourages self-expression through freeform dance, immersive sound journeys, and deep community connection. Participants follow simple guidelines: no talking, no phones, no intoxicants, and full presence in the moment.
With music curated by world-class DJs, the gathering provides a space for attendees of all backgrounds to move without judgment, transcend personal and cultural barriers, and embrace a sense of freedom and belonging.
For those interested in joining, Ecstatic Dance LA hosts regular events every Sunday and invites the community to follow their journey on social media @EcstaticDanceLA.
SANTA MONICA – Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in the early hours of January 15, 2025, in the 200 block of Broadway.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, allegedly pursued the victim into the middle of the street before shooting him in the back. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. and attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim did not survive.
Following an extensive investigation, SMPD officers took Mendez into custody on February 11. He has been charged with homicide under Penal Code 187, with bail set at $3 million.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at (310) 458-8774, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.
Santa Monica police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning outside The Bungalow at 101 Wilshire Blvd.
Officers responded to reports of a stabbing at approximately 1:50 a.m. and arrived to find two adult male victims suffering from stab wounds. Santa Monica Fire Department paramedics provided medical aid and transported both men to a nearby hospital.
One of the victims, a 31-year-old man from Anaheim, later succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The second victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and remains under medical care.
According to detectives, the incident took place outside the hotel in the 100 block of Wilshire Boulevard. Authorities believe it was an isolated altercation rather than a random act of violence.
No arrests have been made at this time. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Santa Monica Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact Detective Hilda Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Shaun Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
LOS ANGELES – Cleanup operations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were scaled back on Thursday, Feb. 13, as crews braced for inclement weather across Los Angeles County.
EPA debris removal teams halted field operations, while the Army Corps reduced its debris removal efforts in response to the conditions.
“We have been working closely with the U.S. EPA and Corps of Engineers to ensure the safety of all work crews and the community,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Curtis Brown. “We are committed to completing this mission as quickly and safely as possible and will continue our work as soon as conditions allow.”
Despite the temporary pause, the EPA and Army Corps maintain a significant presence, with over 2,000 personnel engaged in wildfire recovery efforts. The agency remains on track to meet its cleanup timeline, with crews using the weather delay to focus on training and readiness for rapid reactivation once conditions improve.
Operations will resume in fire-affected areas as soon as safety monitors determine it is safe to proceed.
Santa Monica Police Arrest Suspect in Citywide Arson Spree
Santa Monica, CA – A 36-year-old man was arrested Saturday in connection with a series of arson fires set across Santa Monica, authorities announced.
Between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on February 8, Santa Monica police and fire personnel responded to four separate fires at multiple locations, where discarded items, a parked vehicle, and public property were intentionally set ablaze.
The suspect, identified as Marco Antonio Rubio, was apprehended following a coordinated response by law enforcement, which included the use of aerial drone technology. At the time of his arrest, Rubio was found in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can.
The fires occurred at:
1000 block of Colorado Avenue – A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.
16th Street & Michigan Avenue – A discarded mattress was set on fire.
Memorial Park – Netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire.
1500 block of 18th Street – A parked vehicle was set on fire.
According to police, Rubio has a history of arrests in both California and Texas, including charges for resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault-related offenses, though no prior arson-related charges are on record.
“This swift and coordinated response underscores our commitment to public safety,” said Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista. “Through teamwork and advanced technology, we were able to quickly identify and apprehend the suspect before more harm was done.”
Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the National Guard concluded its month-long deployment in Pacific Palisades, packing up its base at Will Rogers State Beach Parking Lot. After weeks of securing the fire-stricken region, military personnel are now transitioning to Malibu to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Palisades Fire.
Since their arrival, National Guard Military Police played a critical role in maintaining order and reinforcing local law enforcement efforts. Stationed at key entry points between Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, they monitored evacuation zones, enforced security perimeters, and worked alongside mutual aid teams to ensure the safety of residents and first responders. Their presence helped deter trespassers, looters, and unauthorized access to fire-damaged neighborhoods, allowing recovery operations to proceed without disruption.
The Palisades Fire ignited on January 7, 2025, and quickly escalated due to powerful Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions. The wildfire consumed more than 23,000 acres, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents from Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. At least five lives were lost, and many others were injured.
In the aftermath, the National Guard provided essential support to local agencies by securing roadblocks, assisting with logistics, and coordinating emergency response efforts. Their departure marks a significant transition in the recovery phase as authorities shift their focus to rebuilding infrastructure, clearing hazardous debris, and restoring essential services.
As operations continue in Malibu, local, state, and federal agencies remain committed to ensuring the affected communities receive the necessary resources to recover and rebuild.
Pacific Palisades, CA – February 11, 2025 – Federal, state, and local officials gathered in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday to mark the launch of the fastest large-scale wildfire debris removal effort in California history. Led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in coordination with FEMA, Cal OES, and local agencies, the initiative is expediting cleanup efforts following the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Speaking at the press conference, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Cal OES Director Nancy Ward, FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton, Major General Jason Kelly of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Colonel Eric Swenson of the Army Corps’ recovery field office emphasized the urgency and scale of the operation. Officials highlighted that private property debris removal is beginning just 35 days after the fires ignited, making this the fastest wildfire cleanup effort in the state’s history—nearly twice as fast as previous recovery operations.
Colonel Swenson detailed the removal process, explaining that teams will clear fire ash, debris, foundations, and hazardous trees from affected properties while ensuring safe transport to permitted disposal sites. He stressed that this operation moves the community from an uncontrolled environment to a controlled one, reducing fire hazards and improving public safety. Mayor Bass praised the coordinated response, noting that all levels of government had mobilized rapidly to help residents return home as quickly as possible. “We stand with the people of Pacific Palisades, and we will be here until every resident can return home,” Bass said. “This is government working at its best—federal, state, and local agencies moving at lightning speed to restore this community.”
Supervisor Horvath reported significant progress in collecting Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms, which allow crews to access properties for debris removal. Over 8,000 forms have been submitted, with 99% of residents opting into the public cleanup process. She noted that widespread participation ensures an efficient, coordinated recovery. Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed hazardous waste removal, clearing the way for this next phase. Officials also assured residents that erosion control measures and stormwater protections are in place to prevent environmental contamination.
To manage logistics, authorities are finalizing a traffic management plan in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and other agencies. The plan aims to minimize disruptions as trucks transport debris from the affected areas. As cleanup efforts continue, residents can expect an increased presence of debris removal crews in the coming weeks. Officials urged those who have not yet submitted their ROE forms to do so by March 31 at recovery.lacounty.gov.
A One-Stop Center will open this week to assist residents in navigating the rebuilding process, including permit applications for new construction. Major General Jason Kelly of the Army Corps of Engineers reaffirmed the commitment to swift action, stating, “This is about restoring communities, rebuilding lives, and ensuring safety. We are sparing no effort to get this done as fast as possible.” Residents seeking federal debris removal assistance can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or sign up online at ca.gov/LAFires.
