𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗: Fire Debris Piles Up in Pacific Palisades Cleanup

𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: 𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙪𝙢𝙥 𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙀𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙡 On Sunday, February 23, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup toured the temporary recycling and dump site on Temescal Canyon Road, located between Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard. The site, entirely closed to the public, has become a key operational hub in the cleanup efforts following the devastating Palisades Fire.

Lining Temescal Canyon Road, a steady stream of dump trucks waited for entry, each carrying debris from the Pacific Palisades burn zone. The site is organized into two designated areas—one for iron, metal, and steel, and another for concrete. The temporary facility has been established to improve efficiency, significantly reducing travel time for disposal. Rather than taking hours to reach a recycling yard, trucks can arrive at this site in approximately 10 minutes, allowing for faster turnaround in the debris removal process.

To further streamline operations, debris is transported to recycling centers overnight when Los Angeles traffic subsides, enabling crews to move materials more efficiently. This logistical approach is critical to maintaining momentum in the extensive cleanup efforts.

Palisades Fire Recovery Efforts Continue

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, has burned over 23,000 acres, destroying approximately 6,837 structures and displacing more than 105,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Driven by fierce Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the wildfire has claimed at least 12 lives and left several others injured. High winds hampered aerial firefighting efforts, allowing flames to spread rapidly and overwhelming emergency response teams.

The initiation of Phase 2 debris removal marks a crucial step in the recovery process. Crews are actively working to clear hazardous materials and prepare the area for rebuilding. With federal, state, and local agencies collaborating at an accelerated pace, the focus remains on restoring impacted communities and ensuring a pathway forward for those affected by the disaster.

The temporary recycling site on Temescal Canyon Road serves as a vital component of this large-scale effort, optimizing debris management and expediting the transition toward recovery.

𝗙𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗛 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: High-Tech ‘Throne’ Off-Grid Restroom Debuts at Santa Monica Metro Station

In a world where clean and accessible bathrooms remain a luxury for many, Throne Labs is on a mission to change that reality. The company is redefining the traditional public restroom with an innovative approach designed to expand access to clean, welcoming spaces for all. With a focus on both equity and convenience, Throne Labs is committed to providing restrooms that anyone, regardless of background or need, can use with confidence and comfort. A new Throne restroom was installed today, Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Santa Monica Downtown Metro Station. This marks a significant step forward in making clean, secure, and sustainable public bathroom access more widely available. Throne’s sleek, ADA-compliant restrooms come equipped with modern features like NFC-enabled entry cards, ensuring an inclusive and secure experience. To access the restrooms, users simply scan a QR code, which opens the doors, ensuring a streamlined and tech-savvy approach to public bathroom access. Designed to serve a wide range of people—whether parents with children, commuters, tourists, or those with medical needs—Throne’s solution is built to cater to everyone. The company’s bathrooms also offer free menstrual products, addressing the need for menstrual equity, and include baby stations for added convenience. Throne Labs takes sustainability seriously. These innovative restrooms are entirely off-grid, with no plumbing into the city sewer system. They run on solar power, offering an eco-friendly solution that is not only sustainable but also independent of municipal infrastructure. To maintain cleanliness and functionality, a maintenance vehicle visits regularly to drain the wastewater, refill the water supply, and restock essential products, including toiletries and menstrual items. Throne Labs is not just about providing restrooms; it’s about creating spaces where dignity, privacy, and cleanliness are guaranteed. With the installation at Santa Monica’s Downtown Metro Station, Throne continues to set new standards for what it means to expand public bathroom access in urban environments. This innovative model is helping bridge a significant gap in public facilities, ensuring that no one is left without a safe place to go.

𝗦𝗜𝗙𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦: Palisades Couple Finds Hope After Wildfire with Help from Samaritan’s Purse

PACIFIC PALISADES – Paul and Susan Tracey, longtime residents of Pacific Palisades, lost their home of 48 years in the devastating Palisades Fire. As they sifted through the charred remains, they were joined by volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse, a faith-based disaster relief organization assisting wildfire victims across Southern California.

Paul, originally from South Africa and raised in England, is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and performer. A true Renaissance man, he has appeared on Broadway, written songs for The Muppets, and performed internationally, including on The Tonight Show. His work includes contributions to the second season of The Muppet Show, with songs featured in episodes starring Madeline Kahn, Rudolf Nureyev, and Milton Berle. He also co-authored Wait a Minim!, a musical revue that ran internationally for seven years. A lifelong advocate for arts education, Paul has received multiple awards for his contributions, including a lifetime achievement award from the California Alliance for Arts Education.

Paul built and expanded their home over the decades, filling it with irreplaceable artifacts collected during their travels—kudu horns, African instruments, and a collection of masks. Susan, an artist, lost her home studio, including her jewelry-making tools and personal keepsakes.

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, dressed in protective gear, Samaritan’s Purse volunteers carefully sifted through the debris, hoping to recover any remaining belongings. Despite the widespread destruction, they unearthed a few unexpected treasures—a nearly intact Mexican sculpture, silverware, and cherished family cups from a 1994 reunion. One of the most emotional moments came when they discovered Paul’s longtime Scrabble set, which he had used in weekly games with his late best friend.

“This experience is surreal,” Susan shared. “To be sitting in the midst of the ashes of our lives, and to have all these wonderful people giving their time, comfort, and love—it’s incredibly humbling.”

The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, scorched over 23,000 acres, destroying thousands of structures and displacing more than 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Fueled by intense Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the fire overwhelmed emergency response efforts and left widespread devastation in its wake.

Samaritan’s Purse, led by Franklin Graham, has been providing disaster relief across the United States since 1998. The organization is known for being among the first to arrive and the last to leave, offering not just physical assistance, but also emotional and spiritual support to those in need.

While Paul and Susan remain uncertain about whether they will rebuild, they expressed immense gratitude for the kindness of strangers. “We may have lost our home,” Paul said, “but we’ve gained an entire community of people who care.”

For those in need of assistance or looking to volunteer, Samaritan’s Purse continues to provide aid in wildfire-affected areas. More information can be found at SamaritansPurse.org.

𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗗: Police Arrest Trio in Deadly Downtown Santa Monica Stabbing, Charged with Homicide

Santa Monica, CA – Santa Monica police have arrested three suspects in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred early Saturday morning in downtown Santa Monica.

Officers responded to a report of a stabbing around 1:50 a.m. on February 15 in the 100 block of Wilshire Boulevard following a verbal altercation. Upon arrival, authorities found two adult male victims suffering from stab wounds. Paramedics provided immediate medical aid before transporting both victims to a local hospital.

One of the victims, identified as 31-year-old Oscar Alfredo Gonzalez of Santa Maria, succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The second victim was treated for non-life-threatening wounds.

Following a detailed investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects on February 17, with a third taken into custody on February 19. The suspects, identified as brothers Alfredo Quinteros, 41, and Ricardo Quintero Jr., 42, of South Gate, along with 32-year-old Rogelio Arenas of Los Angeles, all have extensive criminal histories.

Quinteros and Arenas have been charged with homicide under California Penal Code 187 PC, while Quintero Jr. faces charges as an accessory under Penal Code 32 PC. All three suspects are being held without bail.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information to contact Detective Hilda Lucero at hilda.lucero@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at alfonso.lozano@santamonica.gov, or the 24-hour Watch Commander at (310) 458-842

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Volunteers Help Homeowner Recover Safe from Fire-Damaged Property

On Monday, February 17, 2025, volunteers from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) assisted a Pacific Palisades homeowner in sifting through the remnants of her fire-ravaged home. Among the few salvaged belongings, the volunteers helped recover a safe buried in the rubble, a significant find for the homeowner as she begins the difficult process of rebuilding.

The home was one of thousands destroyed in the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. The wildfire scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroying over 12,000 structures and displacing 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley. Fueled by intense Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, the fire claimed at least five lives and injured many others. High winds grounded aerial firefighting support, allowing flames to spread rapidly and overwhelming emergency response efforts.

As one of the largest faith-based disaster response organizations in the nation, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief has been actively involved in post-fire recovery efforts. Their teams, known for being among the first to arrive and the last to leave, provide essential aid such as debris removal, food distribution, and emotional support to those affected by disasters. Volunteers, recognizable by their gold hats and shirts, work tirelessly to assist families in recovering valuables, important documents, and sentimental items from the wreckage.

Operating under the California Southern Baptist Convention (CSBC) and a nationwide network of Southern Baptist churches, SBDR has mobilized thousands of volunteers across California, the U.S., and internationally. Their mission extends beyond disaster relief, offering survivors hope and healing while helping communities take steps toward rebuilding.

With over 2,000 Southern Baptist churches in California, SBDR’s work reflects the state’s diversity, providing assistance in 60 languages and dialects. While rooted in faith, their compassion-driven efforts are available to all individuals in need, regardless of background. As the recovery process continues, SBDR remains committed to helping fire survivors rebuild their lives, one step at a time.

Silent Beats, Wild Moves: Ecstatic Dance Takes Over Venice Beach

VENICE BEACH, CA – On a bright and sunny Sunday, February 16, 2025, the sands of Venice Beach became a silent but rhythmic dance floor as participants moved freely to music transmitted through wireless headphones. Hosted by Ecstatic Dance LA, the event combined movement, mindfulness, and community connection in a substance-free, all-ages environment.

Atasiea, co-founder of Ecstatic Dance LA, emphasized the group’s mission of bringing this unique practice to the greater Los Angeles and global community. “We dance on Sundays, and today, we’re also out here doing a beach cleanup,” he said. “We love creating a family-friendly, drug-and-alcohol-free space for health and well-being.”

Ecstatic Dance is an international movement that encourages self-expression through freeform dance, immersive sound journeys, and deep community connection. Participants follow simple guidelines: no talking, no phones, no intoxicants, and full presence in the moment.

With music curated by world-class DJs, the gathering provides a space for attendees of all backgrounds to move without judgment, transcend personal and cultural barriers, and embrace a sense of freedom and belonging.

For those interested in joining, Ecstatic Dance LA hosts regular events every Sunday and invites the community to follow their journey on social media @EcstaticDanceLA.

Santa Monica Police Arrest Homicide Suspect in January 15 Broadway Shooting

SANTA MONICA – Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that took place in the early hours of January 15, 2025, in the 200 block of Broadway.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Fabian Mendez of Inglewood, allegedly pursued the victim into the middle of the street before shooting him in the back. Officers responded to the scene at approximately 1:30 a.m. and attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim did not survive.

Following an extensive investigation, SMPD officers took Mendez into custody on February 11. He has been charged with homicide under Penal Code 187, with bail set at $3 million.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at (310) 458-8774, or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.