LAPD Officer Wakes Homeless Man Sleeping on a Sofa as Venice Cleanup Operation Commences

Venice, Los Angeles – November 7, 2024 — A coordinated cleanup operation took place on Main Street in Venice, led by the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works in collaboration with Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. During the operation, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers encountered a man sleeping on a discarded sofa in a public parking lot. Officers informed the man that he could not remain in the area and asked him to leave. The man complied, gathering his belongings and departing. Sanitation workers then disposed of the sofa in a garbage truck. The operation aimed to clear public areas efficiently while prioritizing health and sanitation. LAPD officers were on-site to ensure the process proceeded smoothly and without incident. Workers in protective gear carefully sorted hazardous and non-hazardous waste, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining safe and clean spaces in high-traffic areas. The cleanup adhered to Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits camping and unauthorized use of public spaces. This effort is part of an ongoing weekly initiative addressing homelessness and promoting public safety and cleanliness. The multi-agency task force, which includes the LAPD and the Department of Public Works, remains committed to ensuring accessible and safe public areas for all community members.

Tension Rises: Santa Monica Police Enforce Regulations, Address Street Performer Over Fire Access Violation

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Santa Monica police officers approached a street performer near the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier, citing concerns over public safety regulations. The performer, stationed in a marked fire access zone, was informed that performing in that location was prohibited due to potential obstruction. The performer argued passionately, citing his First Amendment right to perform in public spaces. Officers acknowledged his right to perform but emphasized that compliance with fire access regulations was non-negotiable.

The officers referenced Santa Monica Ordinance 4.55.050, which mandates the maintenance of clear accessways in public areas. The ordinance states: “No person shall block, impede or obstruct, or leave or cause to be left, anything so as to block, impede or obstruct, any beach or park pathway, sidewalk, recreational court or facility, or any entrance, exit or approach to any park building, structure, or recreational court or facility, except as authorized by the City.” This regulation aims to ensure public safety and accessibility, especially in high-traffic areas such as the entrance to the pier.

After a brief but intense exchange, officers warned that continued performance in the restricted zone would result in a citation. Recognizing the need to comply, the street performer ultimately gathered his equipment and shifted a few feet away to a permissible area outside the fire access zone.

The situation drew the attention of onlookers who gathered to observe the interaction, with some expressing support for the street performer’s rights while others showed understanding of the officers’ adherence to public safety protocols. The police presence, comprising several officers, underscored the importance of maintaining clear and accessible routes in busy public spaces.

Witnesses noted that while the dialogue grew heated at moments, it ultimately concluded without further incident. This episode highlights the delicate balance between supporting freedom of expression and enforcing municipal safety regulations in Santa Monica's popular public venues.

LAPD Clears Homeless Belongings from Venice Beach Pergola, Enforces 60-Gallon Ordinance Rule

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Los Angeles Police officers encountered a collection of personal belongings believed to belong to a homeless individual beneath Venice Beach's historic pergola. Items, including a shopping cart filled with various personal effects, prompted the officers to request assistance from the city's Parks and Recreation crew to clear the area. The individual later returned to claim his belongings, and officers informed him of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11, which regulates storage of personal property in public spaces. Under this ordinance, individuals experiencing homelessness are allowed to keep belongings in public areas if they fit within a 60-gallon container and do not obstruct paths or create hazards. Items exceeding this limit, known as "bulky items"—such as furniture or appliances—are prohibited on public property. Exceptions apply only to essential mobility aids like bicycles, walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs. Section 56.11, amended in 2016, was enacted to balance public access to clean, safe public spaces with the needs of those without stable housing to maintain access to essential belongings. The ordinance allows the city to impound unattended property, and in cases of excess property, a 24-hour notice is typically provided. The amendment also restricts the seizure of bulky items unless they pose a health or safety risk or obstruct public access, following a federal court ruling that deemed blanket size-based seizure unconstitutional. The individual at Venice Beach complied, consolidating his belongings within the allowed limit before departing the area.

A Winter Wonderland Awaits: Santa Monica's Tree Lighting Ceremony Brings 'Snow' to Third Street Promenade

Santa Monica is set to launch the holiday season in festive style with its Official Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 21. Hosted in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, this beloved tradition will bring the community together for an evening filled with holiday cheer and free, family-friendly activities.

Attendees will be treated to a special evening on the 1300 Block of Third Street Promenade, where Santa himself will light the official holiday tree, marking the start of the season. Local choirs, including the Lincoln Middle School Madrigals, Samohi High School Choirs, and the SMC Emeritus Concert Band, will perform alongside a featured act by Westside Ballet, showcasing scenes from the Nutcracker.

Adding to the magic, "snow" will fall on the Promenade, bringing a wintry touch to Santa Monica. Guests can take advantage of free photos with Santa, participate in holiday-themed crafts, sip hot cocoa, and dance the night away as a DJ spins holiday hits. All activities are free and open to attendees of all ages.

Special Performances By:

• Westside Ballet
• Lincoln Middle School Madrigals
• Samohi High School Choirs
• SMC Emeritus Concert Band

Holiday Activities Include:

• FREE photos with Santa
• “Snowfall” on the Promenade
• Holiday crafts for all ages
• Hot cocoa
• Holiday dance party

The festivities begin on Third Street Promenade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue. Join Santa Monica in celebrating the joy of the season with an unforgettable evening of holiday spirit.

Santa Monica Pier Painter Joey Alvarez Refreshes Beloved Compass Rose Mural at Pier’s Edge

On a sunny Monday morning, November 4, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz met up with Joey Alvarez, the "Santa Monica Pier Painter," as he worked on refurbishing the compass rose mural at the west end of the Santa Monica Pier. Originally painted in 2018 by Santa Monica High School student Mimi Gaudet, the mural has been freshened up several times due to heavy foot traffic and the elements.

"This thing wears down pretty fast," Alvarez explained, attributing the fading to constant moisture from the ocean and the pier’s popularity as a photo spot. "I’ve sanded it down and wiped it clean; now, I'm working on the white outlining.” He’ll be joined later by Beach Maintenance’s Richard, who specializes in lettering, to complete the mural’s intricate interior.

A Santa Monica native and 12-year veteran of pier maintenance, Alvarez was recently recognized as "Employee of the Year." Beyond his role as the pier’s painter, Alvarez has spent nearly 30 years as a Little League coach, guiding young players through the fundamentals and spirit of the game. "I've watched a lot of these kids grow up through baseball," he shared. "It's incredible to see them go from kids on the field to adults giving back to the community."

From touching up the compass rose to coaching on the diamond, Alvarez’s dedication to Santa Monica remains a constant, weaving a deep community connection into every brushstroke and game.

Reverend White Reflects on Homelessness, Healing, and America’s Future at Venice Beach

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz encountered Reverend White at Venice Beach, where the reverend shared his perspective on Venice's unique challenges and America's broader issues. Standing against the backdrop of the beach’s eclectic community, Reverend White reflected on the term "homeless," proposing instead the notion of "beachless" for those seeking refuge on Venice's sands. He noted that the beach serves as a haven for many, including figures like "Daisy the Healer," whose presence embodies a journey of healing and resilience despite personal trauma.

Reverend White discussed the necessity of forgiveness and the personal path of healing, asserting that no individual could impart it upon another. He turned to broader themes, condemning America's moral lapses and raising concerns about the unchecked potential of artificial intelligence. Describing AI as a "dangerous weapon," White argued for its regulation, drawing comparisons to nuclear technology in its potential impact on society.

Looking toward the future, he advocated for political reforms and hinted at his involvement in a new initiative to support at-risk young women. Emphasizing love and unity, Reverend White invited the public to join him for a press gathering in Los Angeles, aiming to foster dialogue on America’s path forward.

Santa Monica Pier Honors Día de los Muertos with Indigenous Blessing and Procession

Santa Monica, CA — November 2, 2024 — The Santa Monica Pier resonated with cultural reverence on Saturday as members of the indigenous community came together to offer a profound blessing, leading a Día de los Muertos procession in a celebration of life and memory. The event, part of a two-day series of activities, honored the holiday's deep significance with family-friendly events and art installations paying tribute to loved ones and memories cherished by the Santa Monica community. Clad in vibrant traditional dress, the Danza Azteca Kalpoli Atlachinoli dancers mesmerized onlookers as they gracefully led the procession from the pier’s west end to the historic Merry Go-Round building. Their ceremonial movements and authentic attire brought the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life, captivating attendees with a display of cultural heritage and respect. The procession concluded at the Merry Go-Round building, where visitors experienced an art installation adorned with marigolds, papel picado, and community-created altars, each honoring the essence of Día de los Muertos. This immersive space invited attendees to celebrate and remember loved ones, while installations by local artists highlighted personal connections to Santa Monica’s stories and traditions. With free performances and activities, the Santa Monica Pier’s Día de los Muertos celebration fostered a sense of unity, offering an opportunity for families, residents, and visitors to come together in honoring and preserving the beauty of cultural heritage.