𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧: Driver Arrested on Suspicion of DUI After High-Speed Crash in West LA

WEST LOS ANGELES — On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a traffic collision in the 11000 block of La Grange Avenue after reports of a vehicle traveling at high speed through a residential neighborhood. According to eyewitnesses, the driver was swerving and narrowly avoided multiple vehicles before crashing into a parked car. Despite the impact, the suspect reportedly continued driving for several blocks before stopping and exiting the vehicle. Witnesses described the driver as carrying a beer in his back pocket as he walked away from the scene. Both the suspect’s vehicle and the parked car sustained significant damage and are believed to be total losses. Responding LAPD officers detained the driver and conducted a series of field sobriety tests, including a breathalyzer. The driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). His vehicle was subsequently impounded and towed. No injuries or additional incidents were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.

𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗘: Man Accused of Attempting to Sexually Assault 84-Year-Old Woman in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA – A 39-year-old Long Beach man is in custody following an attempted sexual assault involving an elderly woman in Santa Monica earlier this month, according to police.

The incident occurred on the night of Thursday, June 5, 2025, around 9:30 p.m., near 6th Street and Wilshire Boulevard. Officers responded to reports of a woman screaming for help and located an 84-year-old Santa Monica resident who was visibly distressed. She told officers that she had been grabbed from behind by a man who dragged her into a nearby alley and attempted to sexually assault her.

Multiple witnesses corroborated the woman’s account and directed officers to the suspect, who was spotted fleeing northbound from the scene. Santa Monica Police located and detained the man near 5th Street and California Avenue shortly after.

The suspect, identified as Pape Tall, 39, of Long Beach, was arrested at the scene. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has since filed felony charges, including kidnapping with intent to commit rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and violation of probation. Tall remains in custody at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 9, 2025.

Santa Monica Police urge anyone with further information related to the case to contact Detective Maricela Orta at (310) 458-2293 or by email at maricela.orta@santamonica.gov. Tips can also be submitted via the SMPD Watch Commander’s desk at (310) 458-8427, available 24/7.

𝗔𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗛𝗢𝗟 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗗: Santa Monica Launches Open-Container Zone Downtown

SANTA MONICA, CA – The City of Santa Monica has unveiled a new initiative aimed at revitalizing its downtown corridor with the soft launch of an "Entertainment Zone" on the Third Street Promenade, marking the first of its kind in Southern California.

Mayor Lana Negrete, speaking from the Promenade in a city-produced video, announced that the zone allows patrons 21 and older to carry alcoholic beverages outdoors within a designated area stretching from Broadway to Wilshire Boulevard. The program operates Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., overlapping with peak police and private security staffing.

“This is a unique opportunity for businesses to extend their hospitality,” said Mayor Negrete. “We see this as an outdoor patio experience—an extension of the outdoor dining that already exists on the Promenade.”

Santa Monica Police Sergeant Rick Verbeck emphasized the department’s visible presence during operational hours. “You’re going to see us on foot, on bike, and in cars,” he said, noting that safety for visitors and residents remains the department’s top priority.

Officials say the pilot zone is designed to encourage local shopping, dining, and tourism while offering a safer, more vibrant downtown experience. Participating establishments will provide special wristbands to patrons over 21, and full guidelines are available at santamonica.gov.

The Entertainment Zone soft launch is part of a broader effort by the city to reenergize the Third Street Promenade and support local businesses with creative economic strategies.

𝗡𝗢 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬: Thousands Rally in Santa Monica for Nationwide Day of Protest

Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Palisades Park in Santa Monica on Saturday, June 14, 2025, joining a nationwide protest known as “No Kings Day.” The local event, held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. near Ocean and Montana avenues, echoed similar demonstrations across the country calling attention to concerns over growing authoritarianism. In Washington, D.C., the protest coincided with a military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers of the “No Kings” campaign—coordinated by the 50501 Movement and supported by groups such as the ACLU and Indivisible—framed the protests as a contrast to what they described as increasing consolidation of political and economic power. Locally, Santa Monica officials implemented temporary street closures and deployed law enforcement to ensure the event remained peaceful. Authorities reported no major incidents, and traffic had returned to normal by early afternoon. Nationwide, protests were held in more than 2,000 U.S. cities, including large turnouts in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago. In San Diego alone, organizers estimated a crowd of 60,000. Demonstrators carried American flags and signs reading “Democracy, Not Dynasty,” voicing opposition to what they described as threats to free speech, civil rights, and judicial independence. While the majority of protests remained nonviolent, some cities saw heightened security. In Los Angeles, National Guard and U.S. Marines were deployed following a federal ruling blocking the federalization of California’s guard units. Organizers emphasized peaceful demonstration and urged participants to de-escalate any potential conflicts. In Santa Monica, the tone remained civil throughout the day. Many participants echoed a recurring slogan heard across the event: “The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.”

𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: June Peralta Marks 100 Years of Life and 24 Years of Volunteer Service at Santa Monica's Assistance League

SANTA MONICA, CA – Thursday, June 12, 2025 – June Peralta, beloved greeter and longtime volunteer at the Assistance League of Santa Monica, turned 100 and was celebrated with a heartfelt surprise party organized by her coworkers and friends at the resale shop she’s served for 24 years.

Clad in a white blouse, pearls, and a sash that read "100 Years Loved," Peralta stood at her usual post by the front counter—still doing what she’s known best for: warmly greeting customers and sharing sale information. As the festivities unfolded, guests sang “Happy Birthday,” sipped champagne, and toasted a century of resilience, humor, and service. Balloons, cupcakes, chocolate, and flowers completed the jubilant scene.

During an exclusive interview with Santa Monica Closeup, Peralta reflected on her extraordinary life, her longevity, and her enduring love for the community.

“I thank all of you so much,” she told the crowd. “It’s just unreal—all of this—and I appreciate it so much. I hope you get the same celebration when you reach 100.”

Peralta, who still drives herself to work from her longtime Mar Vista home, credits her active lifestyle, healthy diet, and sense of humor for her vitality. Her routine includes Zumba on Mondays, balance class on Tuesdays, and regular treadmill walks at home. She also enjoys Jeopardy, fiction novels, and a glass of wine with dinner.

Born in Stockton in 1925, Peralta moved to Southern California during childhood and has lived in the same home for 76 years. She began her volunteer work after retiring from a 23-year career as Director of Human Relations for an industrial lubricant firm. A chance modeling gig for the Goodwill introduced her to the Assistance League, where she’s remained a fixture ever since.

“All the money we raise here goes toward scholarships,” she explained. “We send about 70 kids to camp each summer with sleeping bags and backpacks full of school supplies.”

With two Emmy-winning sons in the entertainment industry and a passion for cruise travel—34 Princess Cruises and counting—Peralta’s life is as vibrant as ever. Asked about her plans for the future, she smiled and declared, “I hope to work until I’m 102.”

As one colleague noted, “She’s still working, still cracking jokes, and still everyone’s favorite part of this store.”

𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦: Tenants Rally to Save Rent-Controlled Homes in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — June 10, 2025 — More than a dozen tenants rallied outside Santa Monica City Hall on Tuesday evening ahead of the City Council meeting, urging local officials to prevent the potential demolition of their rent-controlled apartment building on Virginia Avenue. Carrying signs that read “Rehab, Not Demo,” “Rent Control Saves Lives,” and “Keep Families Together,” the residents expressed concern over the fate of their homes. The group said that Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), which purchased the building in January 2020, had initially promised to rehabilitate the aging property while allowing all current tenants to stay. Now, after years of failed efforts to secure funding for those improvements, tenants fear demolition is back on the table — a move that would displace more than 100 residents, many of whom have lived there for generations. “This isn’t just about a building — it’s about preserving a community,” said a spokesperson for Keep Santa Monica Local, the grassroots coalition supporting the tenants. “We’re workers, seniors, students. We’ve built our lives here.” The Virginia Avenue complex houses 103 residents across 36 units, with 34 designated as low-income housing. The community includes senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with children — 85% of whom work in Santa Monica. On February 25, 2025, the group requested a $10 million loan from the City Council to fund the rehabilitation. Councilmembers expressed interest but said a review of the city’s budget was necessary. With the budget process now underway, tenants are renewing their call for the city to follow through on its commitment. Supporters are encouraged to sign the petition, follow the campaign on social media, and write letters to the City Council in support of preserving the Virginia Avenue community. More information is available at www.keepsmlocal.org.

𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: LAFD & SMFD Knock Down RV Fire Before It Jumps the Block in Venice

VENICE, CA — Saturday, June 8, 2025 — Firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department and Santa Monica Fire Department worked in coordination early Saturday morning to extinguish a burning Jamboree motorhome on the 100 block of Pacific Avenue in Venice. The incident was reported at approximately 8:30 a.m. Responding units quickly arrived to find the RV fully engulfed in flames near a commercial building. The primary concern, officials said, was preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Several adjacent palm trees were scorched, but firefighters successfully contained the flames before the commercial property sustained damage. The owner of the RV was not present at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Traffic control officers from both jurisdictions coordinated closures around the incident. Santa Monica personnel closed the north side of Pacific Avenue at Marine Street, while Los Angeles crews shut down access from the south at Navy Street. Santa Monica Fire Department’s Truck 2 and Los Angeles Fire Department’s Truck 63 worked side-by-side to suppress the fire. After the incident was brought under control, firefighters from both departments took a moment to exchange tactics and discuss equipment—highlighting the strong inter-agency bond between crews. The scene was declared clear by 9:24 a.m.