Santa Monica, November 8, 2024 – The Santa Monica Police Department’s Mounted Unit was actively patrolling Palisades Park on Friday, November 8, 2024, reinforcing the city’s commitment to public safety.
The Mounted Unit is integral to maintaining a visible and effective law enforcement presence in the community. Their expertise in navigating crowded areas makes them essential for managing the bustling beachfront and ensuring rapid responses to emergencies.
Community members greatly appreciate the Mounted Unit, valuing not only their law enforcement efforts but also the sense of security and trust they foster. The presence of mounted officers in Palisades Park highlights Santa Monica’s dedication to creating safe and welcoming public spaces for all residents and visitors.
The Santa Monica Police Department continues to prioritize innovative approaches to public safety, with the Mounted Unit playing a pivotal role in these initiatives.
Santa Monica, November 8, 2024 – The iconic bowling alley at 234 Pico Boulevard has been demolished, making way for a new mixed-use development. According to an article by Steven Sharp in *Urbanize Los Angeles*, Cypress Equity Investments, which acquired the property in 2020, is leading the project that will introduce four- and five-story buildings. The planned development includes 186 residential units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, alongside approximately 11,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The project will also feature a three-level, partially underground parking structure with 346 parking spaces.
The revised project leverages updates to the state density bonus law, which allows for 19 deed-restricted affordable units and grants waivers for height and zoning limitations. KFA Architecture is overseeing the design, which has evolved since its last presentation to the Architectural Review Board in August 2022. The updated plans notably include the retention and reinstallation of the original “BOWL” sign to maintain a connection to the site's history.
Santa Monica’s cherished winter tradition, *Ice at Santa Monica*, has made its grand return, promising an unforgettable holiday season for residents and visitors alike. The seasonal rink, spanning 8,000 square feet at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, opened on Friday, November 8, 2024, and will run through January 20, 2025. Presented by Disney+, the grand opening event featured a special evening of complimentary skating under the stars from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., accompanied by live music from a DJ and performances by skilled on-ice entertainers. Guests flocked to enjoy free skate sessions, with the excitement setting the tone for the months to come.The rink will host themed nights and events throughout the season, including a Taylor Swift-themed skate and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Admission is set at $22 for 60-minute sessions, and a smaller “tot rink” caters to younger skaters.With its festive atmosphere and community-centered activities, *Ice at Santa Monica* is poised to be the city’s holiday highlight. Visitors are encouraged to join in on the winter fun and create lasting memories right in the heart of Santa Monica.
Venice, Los Angeles – Friday, November 8, 2024 — During the weekly Friday cleanup in Venice, Los Angeles Police officers, Park Rangers, and sanitation workers encountered a homeless individual camping under a lifeguard tower at Venice Beach. The Park Rangers informed the man that he had 15 minutes to move his belongings or they would be removed. When the individual did not fully comply, sanitation workers discarded his remaining items, including two bicycles and a mattress.
The operation is part of an ongoing effort to maintain public safety and cleanliness at Venice Beach, extending to the surrounding areas. The coordinated cleanup was led by Los Angeles Park Rangers in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, LA County Beaches and Harbors, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and Clean Harbors Environmental Inc. The initiative focused on clearing encampments and ensuring sanitary conditions along the beach.
Park Rangers and Los Angeles Police officers were on-site to oversee the process and ensure adherence to Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44, which prohibits tents and camping structures in city parks. No citations were issued, highlighting the city’s compassionate approach to managing public spaces and addressing homelessness.
A representative from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office, known for supporting these cleanup efforts, was present during the operation.
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which typically provides vital resources such as food, water, and hygiene kits during these operations, was notably absent.
This weekly cleanup initiative is a critical part of the city’s comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, focusing on supportive rather than punitive measures. By prioritizing public health and safety through regular cleanups, Los Angeles aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for all while approaching homelessness with a balanced and humane perspective.
Santa Monica Place welcomes the holiday spirit with the early installation of its grand Christmas tree at Center Plaza. Though it’s only November 7, the festive landmark sets the stage for the upcoming celebrations and marks the beginning of a season filled with joy and wonder.
Starting November 15, Santa’s winter wonderland will be open to visitors, offering a magical experience for all ages. Santa himself will be present to spread cheer and create memorable moments with photo opportunities. While visiting Santa is free, photo packages will be available for purchase for those who wish to capture the memories.
To book your reservation, check Santa’s schedule, and learn more about the holiday offerings at Santa Monica Place, visit the official site for details. Make this season special by visiting Santa and celebrating the magic of the holidays.
The Venice Safe Team, during one of their regular patrols, encountered a man slumped on a bus bench in Venice. The team promptly pulled over to conduct a wellness check and assess whether the individual required any medical attention. After speaking with him, the man indicated he was fine and did not need medical assistance. To ensure his comfort, the Safe Team provided him with a bottle of water before continuing their patrol.Operating daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the winter months, the Venice Safe Team is a vital presence in the community. Their duties encompass patrolling the area, engaging with residents and visitors, managing potential risks, and responding to various non-emergency situations. In partnership with local law enforcement and emergency services, the team addresses concerns such as trespassing, vandalism, public intoxication, aggressive behavior, and city regulation compliance, all in an effort to maintain safety and order for everyone in Venice Beach.
Venice, Los Angeles – November 7, 2024 — A coordinated cleanup operation was conducted on Mildred Avenue in Venice, spearheaded 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 homeless man camping on the sidewalk with two shopping carts full of belongings and a bicycle. The officers informed the man that he could only retain one shopping cart and up to 60 gallons of personal property. The second shopping cart was surrendered and discarded by sanitation workers, who threw it into the garbage truck. The sanitation crew provided the man with a 60-gallon bag to help store his items.This action was in line with Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11, which regulates the storage of personal property in public spaces. The ordinance allows individuals experiencing homelessness to keep belongings in public areas if they fit within a 60-gallon container and do not create obstructions or hazards. Items exceeding this limit, classified as "bulky items"—including furniture and appliances—are not permitted on public property, with exceptions for essential mobility aids like bicycles, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs.Section 56.11, amended in 2016, was enacted to strike a balance between the public's right to access clean, safe spaces and the needs of those without stable housing to retain essential personal property. While the city may impound unattended or excess property, a 24-hour notice is usually provided. The ordinance limits the seizure of bulky items to cases where they pose a safety or health risk or block public access, following a federal court decision that ruled against blanket size-based seizures as unconstitutional.The operation aimed to clear public areas efficiently, prioritizing public health and sanitation. LAPD officers were present to oversee a smooth and incident-free process. Workers in protective gear carefully sorted hazardous and non-hazardous waste, underscoring 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 initiative is part of an ongoing weekly effort to address homelessness while promoting public safety and cleanliness. The multi-agency task force, which includes the LAPD and the Department of Public Works, remains dedicated to ensuring accessible and safe public spaces for all residents.