Friday, November 1, 2024

Santa Monica Pier Embraces Día de los Muertos with Art, Dance, and Community Altar

Santa Monica, CA — November 1, 2024 The Santa Monica Pier rang in Día de los Muertos on Friday, marking the first of two days dedicated to honoring the traditional Mexican holiday. The celebration, which runs through Saturday, offers a family-friendly experience with a series of vibrant activities held inside the iconic Merry Go-Round building.
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the event welcomed visitors with free face painting, communal altars, and a Pan de Muerto decorating class presented by Northgate Market, where children took home masks and goodie bags. The evening’s entertainment included spirited performances by Ballet Folklórico dancers, showcasing the heritage of the holiday. The crowd gathered to witness Jade Morales and Ballet Folklórico de Santa Monica perform traditional dances that honored the community’s Mexican roots. The building’s decor transformed the 100-year-old carousel into a colorful homage to Día de los Muertos, draped in marigold flowers and papel picado banners. Art installations by local artists Sylvia Sanchez and Yolanda Medina added depth to the tribute, with a large communal altar inviting attendees to contribute personal photographs of loved ones, fostering a sense of community remembrance. Supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and in collaboration with Northgate Market, Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA, and Mariasol, the Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos celebration provided a communal space for reflection and festivity. Soda Jerks, a local favorite, offered cups of hot chocolate, adding a warm touch to the chilly evening. The festivities will continue on Saturday, November 2, with extended hours from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., allowing more visitors the opportunity to engage with this cherished cultural tradition.

Go Dodgers! Pacific Park’s Iconic Ferris Wheel Lights Up Santa Monica Pier to Celebrate LA’s World Series Champions

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier joined the celebration of the Dodgers' stunning 2024 World Series victory, lighting its iconic Ferris wheel in Dodgers blue and white to mark the team’s achievement. As part of a citywide tribute, the 90-foot Ferris wheel beams the LA Dodgers’ colors, complete with a scrolling “Go Dodgers!” message and the familiar “LA” insignia, matching the celebratory spirit seen at landmarks throughout Los Angeles.

The Dodgers clinched their victory in a thrilling 7-6 game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, wrapping up the World Series on Wednesday night. The team’s path to victory began with a 6-3 win in the series opener on October 25, followed by consecutive wins, making this the Dodgers’ eighth World Series title.

Pacific Park’s iconic Ferris wheel, the only solar-powered wheel of its kind, features 174,000 LED lights and is capable of 16.7 million color combinations. The eco-friendly lighting display, which can be programmed to present intricate animations at 24 frames per second, ensures an eye-catching tribute to Southern California’s beloved team.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Woman on Suspicion of Public Intoxication at Muscle Beach

Santa Monica Police Department’s Directed Action Response Team (DART) officers arrested a woman suspected to be homeless on suspicion of public intoxication at Muscle Beach. The woman was reportedly found near an empty vodka bottle, raising concerns over her level of intoxication. Following her arrest, officers gathered her belongings and transported her to jail for booking. The charge of public intoxication in California, classified as a misdemeanor under Penal Code Section 647(f), also known as “drunk in public,” can carry a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 upon conviction. Under this law, individuals found in public under the influence of alcohol or drugs, in a condition unable to ensure their own or others’ safety, may be subject to arrest. The incident underscores ongoing challenges with public intoxication in community spaces, where authorities continue to enforce measures to protect public safety.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

New Digital Kiosk Installed on Ocean Avenue as Santa Monica Expands Interactive Wayfinding Program

Technicians from JB3d installed a new digital kiosk on Ocean Avenue near the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This marks the 20th kiosk installed as part of Santa Monica’s new digital wayfinding and out-of-home advertising program. An additional five kiosks will be installed in this phase, bringing the total to 25. The City has partnered with BIG Outdoor to implement the program, which aims to provide interactive information for residents and visitors, improve public safety through emergency capabilities, share community messaging, and generate revenue through advertising sales. City officials confirm that the program will come at no cost to the city, with Santa Monica set to receive 50% of the adjusted gross revenue from the kiosks once they are activated. A minimum annual revenue of $5 million will be guaranteed when all 25 kiosks are fully operational, along with a one-time $4 million signing bonus.

In addition to the financial benefits, the kiosk program will provide several community advantages. It will help residents and visitors navigate local destinations, support small businesses, and offer free public Wi-Fi, which is particularly useful for international tourists who may not have data plans. The kiosks will display announcements for local events, public art exhibits, and community services. They will also offer real-time transit information and shared mobility options, helping people get around more easily. The kiosks are designed to be inclusive, with information available in multiple languages and features for those who are hearing or vision impaired. Public safety will be enhanced through the inclusion of emergency blue phones, emergency alerts, and optional surveillance in crisis situations. The kiosks will also provide access to Santa Monica’s 3-1-1 customer service portal. All maintenance, repairs, and replacements will be handled by BIG Outdoor, which has a dedicated team available seven days a week. The 20-year franchise agreement is expected to generate at least $5 million annually to support community services and priorities.


 

Quick Action by Santa Monica Officers Recovers Stolen Items from Beach Thief

Santa Monica Police responded to a call regarding a series of petty thefts at Santa Monica Beach on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. According to reports, a woman was seen walking through the beach parking lots, stealing items from parked cars. One incident involved a man loading his surfboard into his vehicle when the woman grabbed his keys from the front passenger seat. Officers swiftly located the suspect nearby and placed her under arrest. Authorities confirmed that the woman had stolen from a total of three victims. The stolen items were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Glide into the Holidays: Ice at Santa Monica Returns for a Frosty Season

Santa Monica’s beloved seasonal ice rink is back, and it's bigger than ever. From November 8, 2024, to January 20, 2025, Ice at Santa Monica invites locals and visitors to lace up their skates and glide into the holiday season. Located at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, the 8,000-square-foot rink promises winter fun for all ages, with special events and community gatherings set to light up the season.


The Grand Opening, presented by Disney+, kicks off on Friday, November 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring an enchanting evening of free skating under the stars. Guests can enjoy complimentary skate sessions on a first-come, first-served basis, alongside live DJ performances and on-ice entertainers adding a magical touch to the celebration.

Throughout the season, the ice rink will host a variety of special events, including a night dedicated to Taylor Swift tunes and a family-friendly New Year's Eve bash. Skaters of all ages can enjoy 60-minute sessions for $22, with a smaller "tot rink" available for younger visitors.

Whether you're looking for a festive night out or a fun family activity, Ice at Santa Monica is set to be the heart of the city's holiday celebrations. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience winter magic in the heart of Southern California!

Monday, October 28, 2024

Stabbing Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica: Homeless Man Charged with Assault on Fellow Homeless Individual

Santa Monica, CA – On October 23, 2024, Santa Monica Police arrested Damian Garcia, 23, in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on October 16th. The victim, a recently arrived homeless individual from Kentucky, was found bleeding on the sidewalk at the 500 block of Broadway around 7 p.m. SMPD officers responded promptly to the scene.

Through surveillance video and further investigation, detectives identified Garcia, who is also homeless and recently arrived in Santa Monica from Florida, as the suspect. At his arraignment on October 25th, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony charge against Garcia for Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Great Bodily Injury.

Garcia is currently being held in custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and faces extradition to Florida for a separate fugitive warrant. His criminal history includes charges of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Vehicle Theft, Armed Robbery, and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact Detective Ben Jenkins at (310) 458-4884 or Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 458-8931.