Santa Monica's Heroes: Police and Firefighters Bring Holiday Magic with Annual Candy Cane Drive

Santa Monica's streets came alive with holiday spirit on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as the city marked its 32nd annual Candy Cane Drive, a cherished tradition organized by the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association. The event featured a special early visit from Santa Claus, who toured the city in festive style, escorted by local firefighters and police officers. In a vibrant display of community spirit, Santa, accompanied by the lights and sirens of a firetruck, stopped at several key locations, including Douglas Park, Reed Park, Virginia Avenue Park, and Clover Park. Families from across Santa Monica gathered at each stop, eager to greet Santa and receive candy canes. The event served as a joyful reminder of the vital contributions of first responders to the community. Children and families lined the streets, their excitement palpable as Santa and his escorts made their way through the city. For over three decades, the Candy Cane Drive has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica's holiday traditions, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents. It reflects the season's values of generosity and togetherness, bringing the community closer each year. The enduring commitment of the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association to this beloved event underscores their dedication to community engagement and support. The Candy Cane Drive is not only a festive celebration but also a testament to the role of first responders in creating a safe and joyous environment for families during the holidays.

Venice Beach Chaos: Iconic Sunglass Store Ransacked in Bold Smash-and-Grab"

Venice Beach Boardwalk, Saturday, November 30, 2024 — Crews were busy cleaning up after a dramatic smash-and-grab robbery at the iconic Good See Co. eyewear store early this morning. At approximately 4 a.m., a vehicle rammed through the store's security gates and wall, causing substantial damage to the building. 

Good See Co., known for its extensive selection of designer sunglasses and optical frames, was the target of the heist. An eyewitness account from a local homeless individual, identified as "Dragon," revealed that two vehicles were involved in the incident. The Los Angeles Police Department responded swiftly, including deploying a helicopter to assist in the investigation.

Good See Co. has been a Venice Beach staple for over 35 years, offering one of the most comprehensive selections of eyewear in the country. The store boasts over 100,000 items in stock, featuring 200 unique brands, custom lenses, and on-site optical services. Its oceanfront location has made it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

While repairs to the damage are underway, the community remains on edge as LAPD investigates the incident. The smash-and-grab serves as a stark reminder of rising concerns about crime on the boardwalk.

Black Friday Boycott: Pro-Palestine Protesters Rally in Downtown Santa Monica

On Friday, November 29, 2024, protests broke out in Downtown Santa Monica during Black Friday, coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Demonstrators gathered to call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and urged a boycott of holiday shopping to draw attention to their cause. Protesters blocked traffic along Broadway Avenue near Santa Monica Place Mall, chanting slogans in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Chants such as "Free, free, Palestine" and "The people united will never be defeated" resonated through the streets as the group marched from Tongva Park to the downtown shopping district. The protests temporarily shut down traffic on Broadway between 2nd and 4th Streets as activists rallied in front of the bustling mall, calling for consumers to join the boycott and stand in solidarity with Palestine. Organizers emphasized the connection between consumer activism and global advocacy, urging participants to resist economic systems they believe perpetuate conflict. Similar demonstrations were reported in cities worldwide as part of a broader movement aligning with the start of the holiday shopping season to amplify calls for justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Thanksgiving Block Party Brings Hope to Venice's Homeless Community

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Lost Angels Organization hosted its 12th annual block party on Rose Avenue in Venice, providing vital support and holiday cheer to the homeless community. The event, held between Hampton Drive and Main Street, transformed the area into a haven of generosity and community connection.

Founder Tina Marie Wright expressed her passion for giving back during the event. "Hi guys, my name is Tina Wright. I'm the founder of Los Angeles Nonprofit Organization. This is our 12th year doing our event in Venice Beach. We give back to a less fortunate community, the homeless. We mainly give out hot, warm plates of Thanksgiving and Christmas food, brand-new shoes, and toiletries."

Tina's sister Linda, who plays a key role in organizing the event, elaborated on the program's thoughtful structure. "We have a hot food station where participants get to pick their warm dishes, brand-new fitted shoes, and we also pair them up with a volunteer in a buddy system. The volunteers guide them throughout the event, ensuring they feel cared for, loved, and reminded that the community is here for them."

Attendees enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings, while also receiving clothing, shoes, and essential toiletries. Volunteers embodied the organization's motto, "No one ever gets left behind," as they worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere of kindness and hope.

Lost Angels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, relies entirely on donations and volunteer support to make such events possible. "If you want to join us for Christmas," Tina added, "please follow us on Instagram at @LosAngelsOrg and check out our website at LostAngelsLA.org."

With its mission of uplifting the less fortunate and creating meaningful community connections, Lost Angels continues to demonstrate how small acts of kindness can make a monumental difference. This Thanksgiving, they once again proved that compassion and collaboration can transform lives.

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.