𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞: Santa Monica Officers and PAL Youth Take Part in Annual Community Challenge

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 21, 2026 — Santa Monica police officers teamed up with members of the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) on Thursday afternoon as participants ran along Ocean Front Walk during the “6th Annual Rick Crocker 5K” Run-Walk Challenge honoring fallen Santa Monica Police Officer Ricardo “Rick” Crocker. The annual community challenge was held in partnership with the Santa Monica Pier’s final “Locals’ Night” of the season and benefited PAL youth programs throughout the city. Participants gathered behind the historic Santa Monica Pier Merry Go-Round before beginning the 5K route, which traveled south along Ocean Front Walk to the Bay Street loop before heading north toward the Montana Avenue stairs parking area and returning to the Pier This year’s event also coincided with the start of LA Fleet Week festivities, with Sailors and Marines from the USS Essex and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton participating in recognition of Officer Crocker’s military service and dedication to the community. The event featured a musical performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, along with displays from Santa Monica police and fire personnel, including patrol vehicles and emergency apparatus. Officer Ricardo “Rick” Crocker was a 10-year veteran of the Santa Monica Police Department and a Marine Corps Reserve Major who was killed in Iraq on May 26, 2005, after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade while serving his country. His final assignment with the department was with the Santa Monica Police Activities League, where he mentored vulnerable youth in the community. The Santa Monica Police Activities League provides free after-school enrichment programs, educational activities, leadership development, and recreational opportunities for youth ages 6 to 17, with a mission focused on fostering positive relationships between young people and law enforcement. Santa Monica Closeup documented portions of the event as officers, PAL youth members, military participants, and community supporters moved along the beachfront route during the afternoon run.

𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Santa Monica Celebrates One Year of SaMo Bridge Alternative-to-Jail Program

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Santa Monica officials, law enforcement representatives, service providers, and program graduates gathered Thursday morning at City Hall to celebrate the first full year of the SaMo Bridge diversion program, highlighting its role in connecting vulnerable individuals to housing, treatment, and long-term support instead of jail. Chief Deputy City Attorney Jenna Grigsby opened the ceremony by describing SaMo Bridge as a collaborative effort built to address the gaps between police contact and long-term recovery for people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and behavioral health challenges. “A year and a half ago, these groups came together and asked the hard questions,” Grigsby said. “Where are the gaps? How can we try to help those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse disorder, mental health struggles early before they got lost in the cycle of police contact and jail?” She explained that the city recognized the need for “a place for individuals to go at 2 in the morning that wasn’t jail,” leading to the creation of SaMo Bridge’s 24/7 respite hub located at the Civic Auditorium. The program operates from two trailers and allows Santa Monica police officers to directly refer individuals who have committed low-level offenses and are facing homelessness, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. Participants arriving at the respite hub are offered immediate access to basic needs including food, rest, showers, and direct connection to case managers from Exodus Recovery, Inc.. Many are connected to housing or treatment immediately, while others work through a 90-day care plan. Upon successful completion, the City Attorney’s Office declines to file qualifying misdemeanor charges. Grigsby said the city originally projected 260 referrals during the first year, but the program recorded 462 individuals—nearly double expectations. Of those, 233 participants were directly connected to services, with 81% placed into housing or treatment quickly. Fifty-eight participants completed the full program and graduated, meeting the city’s target graduation rate. “That’s 58 people thanks to their own hard work and the opportunity that SaMo Bridge afforded them that are no longer on the streets of Santa Monica,” she said. Santa Monica Police Captain Francisco Franco, speaking on behalf of Santa Monica Police Department and Police Chief Derrick Jacob, praised graduates for their resilience and described the program as a vital alternative for first responders. “Today’s not about hardship,” Franco said. “Today’s about success, resiliency, being that conduit of change.” Referencing Rocky Balboa, Franco added: “It’s not how hard you get hit, it’s how hard you get hit and keep moving forward. And that’s what you guys did during this program.” Raymond Moreno, program director of SaMo Bridge with Exodus Recovery, Inc., described the mission of the program as helping bridge the gap between crisis and stability. “At SaMo Bridge, our mission is simple — to meet people where they are and to help bridge the gap between crisis and stability,” Moreno said. “At the heart of everything we do is dignity, compassion, and accountability.” He said staff work daily to connect participants to shelter, healthcare, treatment, housing, and long-term support, often helping reunify individuals with family or secure immediate placement into programs. Following the speeches, graduates were presented with certificates recognizing their completion of the program. Several participants shared emotional testimony about how the diversion program changed their lives. One graduate said, “I would still be unhoused if it weren’t for the city and council members at SaMo Bridge and SMPD.” Another participant said police officers introduced him to the program and helped get him off the streets, adding that he is now preparing to move into his own place. The ceremony concluded with city officials emphasizing that SaMo Bridge’s success depends on continued collaboration between law enforcement, housing services, behavioral health providers, and the community. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public programs and community efforts shaping the city’s response to homelessness, public safety, and long-term recovery solutions.

𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗬: Santa Monica Fire Trains New Ambulance Operators for Emergency Response

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday morning, May 12, 2026 — Santa Monica Fire Department personnel conducted ambulance driver training exercises in a public beach parking lot Tuesday morning, using cone courses and maneuvering drills to evaluate new employees preparing for ambulance duty.

The training focused on precision driving, backing, and vehicle handling skills required for emergency medical transport operations. Fire personnel were observed guiding ambulance operators through controlled cone patterns designed to simulate real-world maneuvering challenges while maintaining safety and operational readiness.

According to a Santa Monica Fire captain, this type of driver/operator training begins with new hires during their academy and continues throughout their careers as part of ongoing professional development.

“This specific training ensures that we have eyes on each new employee and that they have passed the driver portion of their academy so that when they work on the ambulance they are well versed,” the captain explained.

The exercise is part of the department’s broader Ambulance Operator (AO) Program, which officially transitioned in-house on February 1, 2026, ending the city’s previous reliance on third-party providers for emergency medical transport.

Under the AO Program, city-employed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), known as Ambulance Operators, operate city-owned ambulances and provide Basic Life Support (BLS) services alongside firefighter-paramedics. Their responsibilities include responding to medical emergencies, assisting with patient assessment and treatment support, and safely transporting patients from the scene to local medical facilities.

The program is designed both to strengthen emergency response capabilities and to serve as a training ground for future firefighters and paramedics, allowing firefighter-paramedics to focus on higher-level advanced care while Ambulance Operators manage transport and support functions. The program operates under the supervision of a Fire Captain.

The Santa Monica Fire Department states that the Ambulance Transportation Program is intended to improve continuity of care, reduce response times, and ensure professional patient transport from the moment crews arrive on scene through hospital transfer.

Emergency Medical Services operations are also supported by McCormick Ambulance, a contracted private ambulance provider that continues to assist with Basic Life Support transport services. This dual-response model helps maintain emergency readiness while keeping fire department resources available for additional urgent calls.

Tuesday’s training reflected that continued emphasis on preparedness, ensuring that new personnel are fully qualified before entering the field and responding to emergencies across Santa Monica.

𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Meals on Wheels West Joins National Initiative to Address Senior Isolation in Santa Monica

Meals on Wheels West volunteers and participating artist Tiger La Flor depart from headquarters in Santa Monica, carrying insulated meal bags for delivery to homebound residents.

Photo credit: Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Meals on Wheels West partnered with national organizations on Friday, May 1, 2026, to highlight the growing issue of social isolation among seniors through a community-based meal delivery initiative in Santa Monica.

The activation began at Meals on Wheels West headquarters on Michigan Avenue, where organizers from the Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK and Artist for Action gathered alongside Executive Director Kaylee Hawkins. Artist Tiger La Flor joined volunteers for the afternoon deliveries, participating in outreach aimed at connecting with homebound residents.

Andrew MacPherson, founder and executive chair of the Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK, said home-delivered meal programs play a critical role beyond nutrition.

“Home-delivered meals are such an important part of addressing social isolation and loneliness, especially amongst our seniors in America,” MacPherson said. He noted that nearly half of Americans report experiencing loneliness, with rates among seniors approaching 48 percent, and that isolation is linked to increased risks of serious health conditions.

Following brief remarks, volunteers loaded insulated meal carriers and departed to nearby residences.

During one stop, the group delivered a meal to Paul, a Santa Monica native who has participated in the program for approximately a decade. Paul said the service has been a consistent source of support during periods of declining health.

Artist Tiger La Flor greets Paul, a Santa Monica native and former vocalist, during a home delivery visit that included time for conversation beyond the meal drop-off.
Photo credit: Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK

“They’ve been there through thick and thin,” he said. “The meals are part of my life—they really help out a lot.”

Paul, who said he has managed epilepsy since birth, described the challenges of maintaining stability with his health and daily routine. He said Meals on Wheels has helped him stay consistent with nutrition while also providing regular interaction with volunteers.

“I look forward to seeing them,” he said, adding that the visits offer both familiarity and connection throughout the week.

The delivery extended beyond a brief drop-off, with participants spending time speaking with Paul at his home. He noted that some volunteers have maintained relationships with him over the years, occasionally offering additional support outside of standard deliveries.

“Some of these volunteers really go beyond,” Paul said, recalling instances where volunteers provided extra assistance, including food items and small personal support.

Paul, a former musician and vocalist who has performed in bands since childhood, said creative outlets and social interaction remain important to his well-being.

“Music is a great connector,” he said, describing how performing and engaging with others has helped him maintain a sense of purpose.

Volunteers coordinate meal distribution on-site before heading out to deliver food to residents across Santa Monica.
Photo credit: Foundation for Social Connection ACTION NETWORK

Meals on Wheels West reports that more than 80 percent of its clients live alone, making regular contact with volunteers an important part of the program. In addition to meal delivery, the organization offers services such as a friendly caller program to provide additional social engagement.

Matthew Reich, co-founder of Artist for Action, said the initiative aims to bring awareness to isolation through community presence and creative engagement.

“Social isolation has become a major issue,” Reich said. “What we’re doing here today is connecting with people.”

Meals on Wheels West has served the Santa Monica and Westside community for more than five decades, delivering meals to homebound residents across Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.

Organizers said efforts like this are intended to highlight the importance of community-based support systems as demand for services continues to grow.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events and community programs that impact residents across Santa Monica and the Westside.

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖: Traci Park Spins Up Family Fun at Centennial Park

VENICE, Calif. — Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Families and community members gathered at Centennial Park on Saturday for a day of free activities and entertainment as the Venice Flying Carousel hosted a community celebration alongside the recently reopened Abbot Kinney Venice Public Library. The event took place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Centennial Park, located next to the library at 501 Venice Blvd., drawing children and adults for a full day of art, recreation, and neighborhood connection centered around one of Venice’s longtime community spaces. Free rides on the Venice Flying Carousel served as the centerpiece of the event, while visitors also took part in hands-on art-making, do-it-yourself carousel T-shirt printing, oversized bubble-making stations, and oceanarium-themed activities for children. A Naam yoga session and storybook reading time added to the family-friendly programming throughout the day. Artist Robin Murez, creator of the Venice Flying Carousel, described the project as a community-driven effort built with the help of friends, neighbors, and local experts. “It’s a fabulous community project,” Murez said. “Everybody can come print their own T-shirts and take them home. They’re free and permanent. We’re here celebrating the reopening of the Venice Public Library, and all of the animals of the carousel bring out stories of the history of Venice.” Murez said the carousel and the library share a connection through storytelling, noting that the carousel’s animal figures reflect pieces of Venice history that visitors can further explore inside the library. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park also attended the event and highlighted the transformation of Centennial Park, which she noted had previously been the site of a large encampment several years ago. “We are actively working on this park, and we are excited to see it activated today,” Park said. “It’s wonderful to see so many families out here enjoying it. We have big plans in store for revitalizing Centennial Park.” Park encouraged residents to visit the newly renovated Venice Public Library and emphasized the importance of restoring public spaces for families and neighborhood use. The gathering served both as a celebration of the library’s reopening and as a public showcase for ongoing efforts to reactivate Centennial Park as a family-friendly destination in the heart of Venice. Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public events and community gatherings across Venice and the Westside.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧’𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗘𝗙: Police Officers Meet the Community Over Burgers at Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, April 30, 2026 — The Santa Monica Police Department hosted its “Burgers with Police” community outreach event Thursday afternoon at Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier, inviting residents and visitors to share a meal and informal conversation with officers in a relaxed setting.

The event, promoted by the department as a casual variation of the nationally recognized “Coffee with a Cop” program, offered free hamburgers to attendees while giving the public an opportunity to meet and speak directly with Santa Monica police officers outside of a traditional enforcement setting.

Originally launched in 2011, “Coffee with a Cop” has since expanded to all 50 states and internationally to countries including Canada, Australia, and regions across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The concept is built on simplicity: creating a comfortable, informal environment where officers and residents can connect without the pressure of an emergency call or enforcement contact.

According to the event description shared by the Santa Monica Police Department, the goal was straightforward: “No speeches. No agenda. Just good food and real conversation.” These gatherings are designed to give community members a chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and build familiarity with the officers serving their neighborhoods.

Traditionally, many law enforcement interactions occur during high-stress moments such as emergencies, investigations, or enforcement actions, making it difficult to establish personal trust. Programs like “Coffee with a Cop”—and in this case, “Burgers with Police”—aim to bridge that gap by encouraging conversation in a more approachable setting.

A yellow SMPD outreach tent marked with “Join SMPD” branding was set up nearby, where visitors could pick up department swag, recruitment materials, and information about public safety programs. Families, tourists, and local residents stopped by throughout the midday event, with many taking the opportunity to ask questions, introduce themselves, and engage with officers in a more personal setting.

Inside Pier Burger, officers and guests shared tables over burgers and fries, while outside, police personnel mingled with the public under clear skies and steady foot traffic on the pier.

The continued success of these events reflects a broader community-policing effort focused on strengthening trust, improving communication, and allowing residents to see the officers behind the badge in everyday settings rather than only during moments of crisis.

Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting public events of local significance across the city, including the everyday moments where community connection takes place beyond the headlines.

𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘: Three Rehabilitated Pups Return to the Ocean at Venice Beach

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday morning, April 28, 2026 — Three rehabilitated California sea lion pups were released back into the Pacific Ocean at Venice Beach after several weeks of treatment and recovery through the Marine Mammal Care Center. The public release event drew a crowd of beachgoers, volunteers, photographers, wildlife supporters, and local officials as staff carefully transported the young sea lions from their carriers to the sand before guiding them back toward the shoreline. The Marine Mammal Care Center, based in San Pedro, is the only NOAA-authorized year-round marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility serving Los Angeles County, covering more than 70 miles of coastline from Malibu to Long Beach, including Catalina Island. Since opening in 1992, the nonprofit has treated thousands of stranded sea lions, seals, and other marine mammals, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and returning healthy animals to the wild. John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, said the event represented more than a simple animal release. “Today is about more than just a patient release,” Warner told the crowd. “It’s a reminder of what can happen when we all come together on behalf of something bigger than ourselves—when care and science and compassion all intersect to give these animals a second chance at life.” Warner described each release as a symbol of resilience for both the animals and the coastline they depend on, adding that “our ocean needs advocates” and thanking supporters, volunteers, lifeguard partners, and community members for helping protect marine life. Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park also attended the event and highlighted the broader environmental issues affecting marine life along the coast, including pollution, runoff, domoic acid exposure, and offshore drilling concerns. “We’re not simply releasing three sea lion pups, but we’re witnessing the full arc of rescue, rehabilitation, and return to the wild,” Park said. She noted that many animals treated by the center suffer from toxic algae blooms, pollution, entanglement, and the long-term effects of human activity on coastal waters. Park also referenced the impact of the recent Palisades Fire, noting that ash, debris, and runoff entered storm drains and eventually reached the ocean. “That pollution doesn’t simply vanish,” she said. “It shows up in the ecosystem and often in the animals the Marine Mammal Care Center is working to save.” The three patients—Mogul, Bronze, and Missouri—had each been rescued earlier this spring after being found malnourished, underweight, and too young to survive on their own. Mogul, a male California sea lion pup rescued near the Windward Yacht Center in Marina del Rey on March 14, had been repeatedly pushed off a dock and was observed without his mother. Marine Mammal Care Center volunteers noted he was underweight and too young to survive independently. After six weeks of care, including tube feeding and nutritional rehabilitation, Mogul regained strength and was cleared for release. Bronze, rescued near the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach on March 15, was also found severely underweight and too young to be without maternal care. Initially tube-fed a fish mixture, Bronze later transitioned to whole fish and more than doubled in size during rehabilitation before being approved for release. Missouri, rescued from a jetty in Marina del Rey on March 24, was described as severely emaciated, with ribs and shoulder blades visibly pronounced beneath his fur. Following weeks of treatment and feeding support, Missouri regained his strength and was deemed healthy enough to return to the wild. Dr. Michelle Ravard, Director of Animal Health and Conservation at the center, said the pups were all less than 30 pounds when they were rescued and had each more than doubled their body weight during rehabilitation. “They were separated from their moms a little bit too early before they knew how to forage on their own,” she explained. “They’ve easily doubled their body weight and are ready to get released back into the ocean.” Marine Mammal Care Center staff coordinated the release with volunteers and safety personnel, creating a protected viewing area for the public while ensuring the animals had a clear path back to the ocean. As the gates opened and the pups made their way across the sand, spectators watched quietly as the three sea lions returned to the water—marking the final step in their rehabilitation journey. Park closed her remarks with a simple message to the returning animals: “To these three sea lions—welcome home.” Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public events of local significance across the Westside, including wildlife conservation efforts along the Southern California coastline.