𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗦: Hazmat Crews Called In After E-Bike Ignites Fire Inside Venice Storage Unit

Venice, CA — On Thursday, May 29, 2025, a lithium-ion battery explosion ignited a fire in a storage unit near Market Street and Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived on scene to find smoke in the air and made contact with individuals inside the affected unit, which was being used as a storage room. According to those present, the fire originated from an electric bike battery that exploded while charging. Occupants used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames before the arrival of emergency services. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from Station 63 responded within minutes, deploying a ladder truck to access the roof and entering the building with hoses to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. LAFD Hazardous Materials Unit 95 from Los Angeles International Airport soon arrived to assess chemical hazards, followed by Los Angeles County Health Hazmat teams evaluating any public health risks. The fire was contained without injuries, and no damage to adjacent structures was reported. Portions of Market Street and Speedway were temporarily closed to allow for emergency access. Witnesses compared the noise to a loud bang or crack, powerful enough to cause alarm. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, particularly in dense urban settings where electric bikes and scooters are commonly used.

𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡: Teamsters Rally at City Hall, Call for Fair Contract Ahead of July Deadline

Santa Monica, CA — May 29, 2025 — Dozens of City of Santa Monica employees, represented by Teamsters Local 986, rallied Thursday afternoon outside Santa Monica City Hall, voicing unified demands for a fair contract as labor negotiations continue. Chants of “If we don’t get it, shut it down!” and “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” echoed through City Hall as workers gathered during the lunch hour to pressure city officials. The demonstration follows a breakdown in scheduled negotiations, with city representatives reportedly canceling the day’s session. “We’re here with our membership to let the city know we’re here to fight—and we’re here to fight for what is fair,” said Aaron Garcia, Chief Steward for Teamsters Local 986. “We’re here to fight for a living wage and for our futures.” Organizers criticized city spending priorities, citing a $300,000 art installation as symbolic of misplaced funds that could have contributed to employee raises. “That’s 1% of your raise hanging on the wall,” one speaker declared. Teamsters from across departments—including Public Works, Big Blue Bus, and custodial crews—emphasized their role in keeping the city running. “This city doesn’t function without us. From collecting trash to maintaining restrooms and cleaning up graffiti—we run this city,” a speaker said, drawing cheers from the crowd. Union leaders also addressed concerns over past pension cuts, inflation pressures, and the potential need for labor actions if a new agreement isn’t reached by July 1. “One solid day of action could make the difference,” one representative warned, suggesting a sick-out or strike could be on the table if talks stall. “Teamsters, baby—let’s go!” another rallying cry sounded, as workers were urged to attend upcoming city council meetings, bring their families, and stay mobilized. Organizers called for growing participation at future events: “Next time, bring two or three coworkers. Let’s show them we’re serious.” As the midday protest wound down, one final chant filled the plaza: “We’ll be back! We’ll be back!” No official comment has yet been issued by the City of Santa Monica regarding the demonstration or the status of negotiations.

𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗦: Officers Lead High-Risk Rescue Training at Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, CA — Wednesday, May 28, 2025 — Santa Monica Harbor Patrol officers conducted a comprehensive rescue training exercise off the Santa Monica Pier this week, demonstrating key emergency response techniques designed to protect the public along the city’s coastal waters. Wearing wetsuits and equipped with safety gear, officers leapt from the edge of the pier into the Pacific Ocean to simulate an overboard rescue. Using a life-sized mannequin as a stand-in victim, the team secured the figure into a rescue basket, which was then hoisted from the water using a cable system. The drill also included paddleboard maneuvers, practicing swift-response techniques under simulated emergency conditions. The training is part of the Harbor Patrol’s ongoing commitment to public safety along Santa Monica’s busy coastline. Officers are responsible for patrolling the pier, beach, and surrounding waters by foot, vehicle, or rescue boat. Their duties include responding to ocean rescues, medical emergencies, boat and pier fires, and other critical incidents. Harbor Patrol personnel are cross-trained in SCUBA rescue, search and recovery, fire suppression, and marine operations. They maintain two rescue vessels and operate specialized equipment, including hoists, fire pumps, and salvage gear. Their role also extends to the enforcement of local ordinances, issuing citations for municipal code violations on the pier and beach. In addition to emergency response, officers inspect and maintain navigational buoys, respond to public complaints, issue safety advisories via the pier’s weather station, and assist with maintenance of pier infrastructure. The drill underscores the multi-disciplinary nature of the Harbor Patrol’s work and their readiness to act under high-risk conditions—including the ability to perform rescues in turbulent surf and leap 25 feet from the pier to access victims in the water. As summer crowds return to Santa Monica’s beaches, the Harbor Patrol’s visibility and preparedness play a critical role in ensuring safety for visitors and residents alike. — For continued updates on public safety and coastal operations, follow Santa Monica Closeup.

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗: Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Fully Reopens After Palisades Fire Closures — Cones Gone!

MALIBU — May 23, 2025 — After months of restricted access, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has officially reopened to the public as of 8:00 a.m. Friday. The reopening marks a major milestone in the region’s recovery from the January Palisades Fire and subsequent mudslides.

For much of the year, the 11-mile stretch between Santa Monica and Malibu operated with only one lane in each direction. Access was tightly controlled by National Guard troops, LAPD officers, LA County Sheriff’s deputies, and CHP. Only first responders, credentialed press, authorized personnel, and residents with special permits were allowed through.

As of this morning, those checkpoints are gone. Two lanes are now open in both directions, and the highway is once again accessible to all drivers. Adding to the return to normalcy, traffic signals—previously flashing red and functioning as four-way stops—have now been fully restored and are cycling through green, yellow, and red.

Caltrans has set a reduced speed limit of 25 mph through key segments, and the southbound right lane remains subject to temporary closures for ongoing debris removal and infrastructure work. Crews were seen removing hundreds of cones early Friday morning, signaling the official return of full lane access.

The Pacific Coast Highway served as a critical recovery corridor in the aftermath of the fire, with daily movement of heavy machinery supporting demolition efforts and the restoration of essential utilities including water, power, and communications.

Local officials continue to urge beachgoers to use alternate routes—such as Malibu Canyon Road or Kanan Dume Road—to help reduce congestion along the reopened stretch.

The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, scorched more than 23,000 acres and destroyed nearly 7,000 structures before containment was achieved on January 31. Today’s reopening is more than just a traffic update—it’s a symbol of resilience and progress.

—

📍 Santa Monica Closeup remains on the ground documenting the fire zone’s long road to recovery. Subscribe for ongoing coverage of Malibu and the Southern California coast.

𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗩𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣: Mosquito Surveillance Crew Patrols Boardwalk for Standing Water

VENICE, CA — Thursday, May 22, 2025 — A convoy of three Los Angeles County West Vector Control District trucks rolled down the Venice Beach Boardwalk as part of a mosquito surveillance operation aimed at reducing vector-borne disease risks. The operation involved crews stopping periodically to inspect manholes along the path for stagnant water, a known breeding ground for mosquitoes. During the portion of the patrol observed by Santa Monica Closeup, no standing water was seen. If water had been present, crews would have treated it with larvicides—targeted insecticides used to prevent mosquito larvae from developing into adults. The surveillance is part of the District’s year-round effort to mitigate health risks associated with mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests such as ticks, Africanized honey bees, and red imported fire ants. Priority targets include mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, and St. Louis Encephalitis—all of which have posed recurring threats in Los Angeles County. Vector control teams employ an integrated management strategy involving public outreach, biological controls like mosquitofish, and systematic monitoring. While full eradication is not feasible, regular patrols help keep mosquito populations in check and minimize public health risks. As summer approaches, the operation at Venice Beach highlights the importance of proactive vector surveillance in high-traffic recreational areas.

𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗭𝗢𝗡𝗘: Santa Monica Police Chief and Officers Prepare for Changes as Open-Container Policy Approaches

SANTA MONICA, CA — Tuesday, May 20, 2025 — Shortly after participating in the city’s “Coffee with a Cop” community outreach event, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista led a walking tour through the Third Street Promenade with fellow officers and local photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz of Santa Monica Closeup. The informal inspection came amid ongoing public debate over the city’s newly approved “Entertainment Zone” open-container policy set to begin in June. While walking the Promenade, Chief Batista spoke candidly about concerns tied to the upcoming open-air alcohol program and the department’s readiness to manage its implementation. He emphasized that the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is working closely with city staff and the City Attorney’s Office to ensure all rules and safeguards are enforced effectively. Increased patrol presence, especially during key hours Friday through Sunday, will be part of the response plan. The chief noted that while the official entertainment zone will operate from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., SMPD’s targeted enforcement focus will be during business hours when outdoor consumption is expected to peak — roughly from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additional measures include the installation of new surveillance infrastructure and the launch of a real-time crime and information center, anticipated to be operational by late summer or early fall. The department views these upgrades as essential to improving response capabilities in downtown Santa Monica. Chief Batista also addressed broader public safety and staffing issues. He confirmed that five additional officers are being onboarded, two of whom will be assigned specifically to traffic enforcement. These roles are part of a strategic initiative to curb traffic-related incidents and maintain high-visibility policing. Staffing levels, Batista reported, are at an all-time high, with 232 sworn officers currently serving — and room to grow. Recruitment is strong, and SMPD recently pinned four new officers, with 11 more currently in the academy pipeline. The department is also rolling out a new recruitment website and developing a podcast, Studio 66, as part of its strategic communications plan. Underlying all efforts, Batista said, is the department’s long-term roadmap leading up to the 2028 Olympics. The SMPD’s strategic plan focuses on four pillars: crime and public safety, officer wellness and resilience, advanced technology integration, and strengthened community relationships. While some residents and business owners have expressed concern that the new open-container ordinance could exacerbate issues such as crime and homelessness, the department appears committed to a proactive and responsive enforcement strategy aimed at preserving safety and restoring public confidence in the Promenade.

𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: Robbery Attempt at Sole & Laces Ends in Suspect’s Death on Santa Monica Promenade

SANTA MONICA, CA — Sunday night, May 18, 2025 — A suspected attempted robbery at a sneaker boutique on the 1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade ended in a fatal shooting, prompting renewed concerns about public safety and retail crime in the city’s core shopping district. Santa Monica Police responded around 9:30 p.m. to a call for an assault with a deadly weapon at Sole & Laces, a boutique shoe store located at 1331 3rd Street Promenade. Officers arrived within minutes. According to the preliminary investigation, the store owner had agreed to conduct a private, after-hours sale with a known associate. During the meeting, a second man—allegedly conspiring with the associate—entered the store through the back and sprayed the owner with a chemical irritant. The owner, who was in legal possession of a firearm, fired at the intruder in what investigators describe as self-defense. The suspect was struck and later died at a local hospital. The associate, identified as 41-year-old Karen Melikyan of Los Angeles, was detained at the scene and has since been charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. Though Melikyan did not pull the trigger, the homicide charge reflects California’s felony murder rule, which holds accomplices liable when a death occurs during the commission of a violent felony such as robbery. On Monday, the day after the incident, Santa Monica Closeup toured the store with John Alle, the property owner and longtime advocate for revitalizing the Promenade. “I feel very lucky to have a tenant who came here from San Francisco, having already experienced rampant theft and crime,” Alle said. “But he’s been disappointed. He’s dealing with walk-in thefts several times a week. Clothing is wired down. Shoes are locked up. His staff won’t stay past sundown.” Alle confirmed that the robbery suspect entered through the store’s rear entrance, a design vulnerability shared by many Promenade tenants. “They stormed in wearing masks and using mace,” he explained. “My tenant responded in self-defense. He aimed for the leg but struck the suspect in the backside. Tragically, that suspect later died.” Still visible at the scene Monday were bloodstains on the concrete and remnants of forensic tape. “This alley has become one of the most dangerous in the area since they removed access to Parking Garage 3,” Alle added. Alle noted that many storefronts have suffered repeated break-ins, and businesses are struggling to stay afloat amid persistent theft, homelessness, and safety concerns. “We’re seeing unreported crime skyrocket,” he said. “By the time police arrive, the suspect is gone. Many incidents go unreported to avoid insurance hikes that could put businesses out entirely.” According to Alle, the store’s owner sometimes sleeps in the building to guard his merchandise, which includes thousands of dollars in footwear and apparel. “He came to Santa Monica expecting it to be safer than San Francisco,” Alle said. “Now he believes the opposite.” The incident adds to broader concerns from tenants, workers, and landlords in the area. “Staff from restaurants and retail stores are afraid to walk to their cars after dark. Needles, defecation, harassment—this is the environment they’re facing,” Alle said. “We need leadership from city officials and police. Residents and businesses deserve better.” SMPD detectives emphasized that the shooting appears to have been a targeted crime among individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the general public. The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Martin Jauregui at (310) 458-4852 or Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8774 or Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.