Santa Monica Police Step Up Enforcement on Overnight Bus and RV Violations at Beach Parking Lots

Santa Monica Police traffic officers were seen inventorying RVs and buses parked overnight at Lot 4 and 5 near Santa Monica Beach on Tuesday, November 11, 2024, in preparation for issuing citations. Parking regulations at the lot prohibit vehicles from staying between sundown and sunrise, yet enforcement has become a growing challenge as the lot has turned into a hub for RV and bus owners, including participants in an ongoing protest. The protest, organized by Emory Rodgers, founder of the Homeless Advocacy for a Constitutional Convention (HACC), began on October 29, 2024. Rodgers, who previously ran for U.S. Senate in California, has received multiple citations for his bus, which he parks overnight in the lot despite city regulations. Rodgers frames the protest as a constitutional exercise of First Amendment rights and a stand against systemic inequities that he says marginalize unhoused individuals and perpetuate societal injustice. In addition to protest-related activity, other RV and bus owners using the lot have explained their reasons for parking overnight. Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz spoke with a couple residing in a bus who shared their perspective. They said they prefer to pay the $63 parking fine rather than move to an RV campsite, citing the lot’s affordability and safety compared to other options. Many of the RV and bus owners are remote workers traveling across the country and using the lot as a temporary base. While most drivers reportedly pay their fines promptly, city officials have indicated they may escalate enforcement efforts, including towing vehicles for repeat violations or unpaid citations. Residents have expressed frustration over the use of the lot for overnight parking, particularly as it has become a focal point for the HACC protest. Some community members have taken to social media to urge stricter enforcement, while others criticize the lack of immediate action. Rodgers, who has parked his bus overnight as part of the protest, remains undeterred. "We are not enemies of the police or anyone else—we’re simply trying to create a more just and cooperative society," he said, emphasizing that the protest highlights deeper systemic issues beyond the parking violations themselves. The Santa Monica Police Department has yet to release a statement regarding its enforcement plans for public parking at the beach lots As tensions persist, the city faces increasing pressure to address the situation while balancing the concerns of residents, activists, and transient RV and bus owners.

Santa Monica Police Crack Down on Protest Bus as Activist Pushes for Social Reform

Santa Monica Police officers issued parking tickets to a bus parked at Lot 5 near Santa Monica Beach on Monday, November 25, 2024. This enforcement action is part of an ongoing protest organized by Emory Rodgers, founder of the Homeless Advocacy for a Constitutional Convention (HACC). The protest, which began on October 29, 2024, highlights what organizers call the "unalienable rights" of unhoused individuals to occupy public property for shelter.

Rodgers, who has received multiple parking tickets daily since the protest started, has been keeping his bus parked overnight in Lot 5, in violation of city regulations. The parking lot closes at sunset, and vehicles are not permitted to remain overnight. Despite these restrictions, Rodgers and HACC maintain their presence, asserting their constitutional right to assemble and redress grievances.

Rodgers, who previously ran for U.S. Senate in California inspired by Bernie Sanders’ progressive platform, emphasized the systemic issues at the heart of the protest. His Senate campaign focused on advocating for education reform, public healthcare, and removing corporate influence from politics. Speaking with Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz, Rodgers described the protest as a stand against broader societal inequities and a challenge to a system that he claims perpetuates economic disparity and social oppression.

"The system itself is corrupted; it’s not about individual blame," Rodgers said. "This is not just about homelessness; it’s about challenging a system that marginalizes people across all walks of life."

Residents have expressed frustration over the situation, with many describing the lot as a growing encampment. Some community members have taken to social media, urging others to report the overnight parking and camping activity to the Santa Monica Police Department. Critics have also speculated that enforcement of anti-camping bans in neighboring cities like Malibu and Pacific Palisades may be pushing unhoused populations toward Santa Monica.

Monday's enforcement marked one of the most visible actions by authorities since the protest began. Police have suggested that further measures, including towing vehicles, could follow. However, Rodgers, who has secured legal representation, remains undeterred. "We are not enemies of the police or anyone else—we’re simply trying to create a more just and cooperative society," he said.

The Santa Monica Police Department has not released an official statement regarding the protest or its enforcement strategy. Both community members and activists are closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to unfold.

Community Tip Leads to Arrest in Brutal Santa Monica Assault Case

Santa Monica, CA – A collaborative effort between the community and law enforcement resulted in the arrest of a suspect in a brutal assault that occurred in September, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

On September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of an assault in the 1400 block of Alley 5. They discovered a 25-year-old woman, new to the area and experiencing homelessness, who had suffered severe facial injuries and signs of strangulation. Witnesses reported that the suspect had viciously attacked the victim, punching and kicking her repeatedly as she lay on the ground. The assault, captured on surveillance footage, showed the attacker fleeing the scene.

Despite initial efforts to identify the suspect, investigators released the surveillance footage to the public on October 16. This led to a critical tip on November 3, identifying the suspect as Oscar Benn, a 27-year-old resident of Altadena, CA. Benn was apprehended by detectives on November 14 near the VA facility in West Los Angeles and was charged with attempted murder under California Penal Code 664/187(a).

Benn, who has a history of prior arrests for aggravated assault and burglary, is now in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“This case underscores the importance of community partnership in keeping our city safe,” said SMPD officials, thanking residents for their assistance in the investigation.

For additional information, contact Detective Sean Baker at (310) 458-8932 or Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931.

For video of the October 16 community appeal, click here.

Breakfast Blaze: Homeless Cooking Fire Extinguished by Santa Monica Firefighters

On Sunday, November 24, 2024, Santa Monica Police Community Service Officers quickly responded to a fire at the Santa Monica Beach parking lot. Using fire extinguishers, the officers managed to control the flames before Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived to fully extinguish the fire by dousing it with water. The fire reportedly originated from a cooking setup involving charcoal briquettes, used by a homeless individual preparing breakfast. Several burnt pans were found at the scene, and the fire appeared to have grown out of control. Police detained an individual for further investigation. No injuries were reported, and the incident remains under review.

Private Security Engages with Street Resident Outside Apple Store in Downtown Santa Monica

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, private security personnel engaged with a homeless individual, referred to as a "Street Resident" (S.R.), outside the Apple Store on the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. The individual, known to the security team, was approached after standing in front of the storefront. Following a brief conversation, the individual moved on without further incident.

The interaction was handled by Legion Corporation, a private security company contracted by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. to provide supplemental safety services in the area. Legion's safety team operates daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., responding to non-emergency calls related to:

• Anti-social behavior
• Aggressive panhandling
• Sleeping or lying on streets, sidewalks, or alleys
• Disturbing the peace
• Suspicious activity

These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, businesses, and residents in Downtown Santa Monica.

Deadly Confrontation: Santa Monica Police Release Video of Officer Stabbing and Fatal Shooting

 Santa Monica Police Release Video Detailing Violent Attack on Officer

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has released a Critical Incident Video documenting the October 5, 2024, attack on an officer and subsequent officer-involved shooting. The video provides a comprehensive overview of the events that unfolded in front of the department's headquarters, showcasing the dangerous split-second decisions officers face.

Key Events Leading to the Attack

The incident began at approximately 5:07 PM when the suspect, later identified as Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, entered a Target store on Broadway and stole a set of kitchen knives after assaulting an employee. Surveillance footage shows the suspect fleeing the scene with one knife concealed under his jacket.

Minutes later, Halaibeh arrived at the Santa Monica Police Station, where he summoned an officer by ringing the call button. Body-worn camera footage captured the officer’s attempt to de-escalate the situation before being violently attacked with the stolen 8-inch knife. Despite the officer’s efforts to evade, he was stabbed multiple times in the neck and shoulder before using his firearm to neutralize the threat.

Aftermath and Investigation

Responding officers and Santa Monica Harbor Guards provided immediate medical aid, but the suspect succumbed to his injuries. The wounded officer was rushed to a trauma center for treatment of severe injuries, and forensic evidence later revealed the extent of the attack, including damage to the officer’s protective vest from additional knife strikes.

Investigations are ongoing, with two parallel reviews underway:

1. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review to assess the legality of the officer’s use of deadly force.
2. The SMPD’s Internal Affairs Division is performing a thorough administrative review to ensure departmental policies and procedures were followed.

Authorities are also examining the suspect’s background, including his mental health history and potential motives for targeting law enforcement.

Transparency and Community Engagement

The SMPD emphasized the need for transparency, releasing graphic footage and forensic evidence to provide context for the incident. Viewer discretion is strongly advised due to the violent nature of the content.

For more information, contact the SMPD or visit their official website. Updates will be shared as investigations continue. Anyone with additional details about the suspect or the events leading up to the attack is encouraged to reach out to SMPD detectives.

Live and In Style: Outlandish Unveils the Future of Shopping on the Promenade

Santa Monica, Calif. – Outlandish, a trailblazer in live shopping and social commerce, unveiled its first U.S. flagship store today on Santa Monica's bustling Third Street Promenade. The grand opening marked a pivotal moment in retail innovation, blending the tactile experience of traditional shopping with the interactivity of live-streamed social media commerce.

The store features cutting-edge live-streaming studios, enabling influencers to host real-time shopping events directly from the floor. Customers can interact with influencers in person or virtually through the Outlandish platform, which is already a certified TikTok partner.

“When I founded Outlandish, my vision was to combine the excitement of live, interactive shopping with the personal connection of in-store visits,” said William August, CEO of Outlandish. “This flagship store bridges those worlds, letting customers experience the best of both.”

Outlandish has quickly become a disruptor in the retail space, driving at least 10% of partner brands’ revenues through live shopping sales. Since its founding in 2018, the company has partnered with major global brands, leveraging platforms like TikTok to captivate audiences worldwide.

The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by company leadership, local officials, and influencers, followed by a guided tour of the state-of-the-art space. Attendees witnessed live-streamed events featuring popular products, connecting local shoppers with global audiences.

“We’re thrilled to bring this innovative hybrid model to the U.S.,” said Michael Dodo, CEO of the Dodo Group. “This initiative redefines the retail experience by merging immersive, in-person shopping with the dynamic reach of digital technology.”

In addition to revolutionizing retail, the Santa Monica location will serve as a hub for education. Outlandish plans to host classes designed to empower creators, focusing on live shopping, social media marketing, and content creation.

Looking ahead, Outlandish aims to expand globally, with locations in Mexico and Spain slated for 2025 and beyond.

With its groundbreaking approach, Outlandish is setting a bold new standard for the future of commerce, merging tradition with technology to create a seamless, interactive shopping experience.

For more information about Outlandish, visit outlandishdigital.us.