𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗗: Police Arrest Trio in Deadly Downtown Santa Monica Stabbing, Charged with Homicide

Santa Monica, CA – Santa Monica police have arrested three suspects in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning in downtown Santa Monica.

Officers responded to a report of a stabbing around 1:50 a.m. on February 15 in the 100 block of Wilshire Boulevard following a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, authorities found two adult male victims suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics provided immediate medical aid before transporting both victims to a local hospital.

One of the victims, identified as 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez of Santa Maria, succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening wounds.

Following a detailed investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on February 17, with a third taken into custody on February 19. The suspects, identified as brothers Alfredo Quinteros, 41, and Ricardo Quintero Jr., 42, of South Gate, along with 32-year-old Rogelio Arenas of Los Angeles, all have extensive criminal histories.

Quinteros and Arenas have been charged with homicide under California Penal Code 187 PC, while Quintero Jr. faces charges as an accessory under Penal Code 32 PC. All three suspects are being held without bail.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information to contact Detective Hilda Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the 24-hour Watch Commander at (310) 458-842

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Volunteers Help Homeowner Recover Safe from Fire-Damaged Property

On Monday, February 17, 2025, volunteers from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) assisted a Pacific Palisades homeowner in sifting through the remnants of her fire-ravaged home. Among the few salvaged belongings, the volunteers helped recover a safe buried in the rubble, a significant find for the homeowner as she begins the difficult process of rebuilding.

The home was one of thousands destroyed in the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. The wildfire scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroying over 12,000 structures and displacing 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Fueled by intense Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the fire claimed at least five lives and injured many others. High winds grounded aerial firefighting support, allowing flames to spread rapidly and overwhelming emergency response efforts.

As one of the largest faith-based disaster response organizations in the nation, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has been actively involved in post-fire recovery efforts. Their teams, known for being among the first to arrive and the last to leave, provide essential aid such as debris removal, food distribution, and emotional support to those affected by disasters. Volunteers, recognizable by their gold hats and shirts, work tirelessly to assist families in recovering valuables, important documents, and sentimental items from the wreckage.

Operating under the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) and a nationwide network of Southern Baptist churches, SBDR has mobilized thousands of volunteers across California, the U.S., and internationally. Their mission extends beyond disaster relief, offering survivors hope and healing while helping communities take steps toward rebuilding.

With over 2,000 Southern Baptist churches in California, SBDR’s work reflects the state’s diversity, providing assistance in 60 languages and dialects. While rooted in faith, their compassion-driven efforts are available to all individuals in need, regardless of background. As the recovery process continues, SBDR remains committed to helping fire survivors rebuild their lives, one step at a time.

Silent Beats, Wild Moves: Ecstatic Dance Takes Over Venice Beach

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 Police Arrest Homicide Suspect in January 15 Broadway Shooting

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.

Fatal Stabbing Outside The Bungalow in Santa Monica Under Investigation

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.

Storm Disrupts Cleanup Efforts: EPA and Army Corps Scale Back Operations in Los Angeles

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 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.