Venice Beach was buzzing with excitement today, Monday, August 12, 2024, as Fortnite’s iconic Peely characters made a surprise appearance to promote the upcoming crossover game with the Marvel Universe. The costumed characters were seen interacting with beachgoers, walking along the shoreline, and visiting popular spots like the Venice Skate Park and the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Fortnite, a popular online video game, has teamed up with Marvel Universe, the fictional shared universe that hosts the stories of many beloved comic book titles and media published by Marvel Comics, for this much-anticipated crossover event.

Hundreds of participants gathered along Ocean Front Walk in Santa Monica on Sunday, August 11, 2024, for the Hot Girl Walk® event, an empowering initiative that combines physical activity with personal reflection. The event, centered around a 4-mile walk, encourages participants to focus on three key aspects of their lives: gratitude, goal-setting, and self-confidence. By reflecting on what they are grateful for, considering their goals and how to achieve them, and embracing their self-worth, participants are guided to clear their minds and boost their confidence. The Hot Girl Walk® is more than just a fitness activity; it is a movement designed to promote mental and physical wellness through community support in an inclusive and accessible environment, uniting women from all backgrounds in a shared journey of empowerment and well-being. For more information, follow the official account @hotgirlwalk.

Venice Beach Olympic Viewing Party

Venice Beach, CA - August 9, 2024

Crowds gathered at Windward Plaza today as the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, in partnership with PlayLA, hosted the first in a series of citywide watch parties celebrating the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event, held at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, streamed live coverage of men's soccer, women's volleyball, and break dancing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The series of viewing parties, announced by the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks, aims to bring the excitement of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games to communities across Los Angeles. Through the PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Programs, the initiative also seeks to inspire local youth by providing access to quality sports programs at neighborhood recreation centers. PlayLA, California’s largest youth sports development commitment, serves as a legacy initiative leading up to and following the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Mayor Karen Bass expressed her hope that these events will build excitement as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games for the third time in history. Mayor Bass, who will make history as the first Black woman to receive the official Olympic flag during the Paris Games Closing Ceremony, emphasized the importance of ensuring the Games benefit all Angelenos, particularly by supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and promoting lasting improvements throughout the city.

In anticipation of the 2028 Games, the PlayLA program is designed to engage youth of all abilities in a wide range of sports activities, including adaptive sports, with the goal of eliminating economic barriers and fostering inclusivity. Registration for youth aged 5-17 is just $10, thanks to an investment from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee.

As the world turns its eyes to Paris, the spirit of the Olympics has already begun to touch the hearts of young Angelenos, starting today at Venice Beach.

In a grand display of community pride, the Ocean Park Association presented the 17th Annual Fourth of July Parade on Main Street, held on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Amidst cheers and applause, former Mayor Judy Abdo served as the Grand Marshall, adding honor and significance to the festivities.

The eagerly anticipated event attracted families, musicians, civic groups, and individuals celebrating the spirit of American pride. Among the highlights was the Santa Monica High School Marching Band, whose spirited rendition of patriotic tunes resonated through the streets. The Santa Monica College Cheerleaders also showcased vibrant routines, adding excitement to the event.

Santa Monica Police Mounted officers, riding gracefully atop their horses, symbolized their commitment to public safety. Their presence reminded attendees of the professionalism and dedication of Santa Monica's finest.

Notable personalities in attendance included Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock, California Senator Ben Allen, Tony Vazquez from the California Board of Equalization, Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista, Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock, and former Santa Monica Mayor Nathaniel Trives.

Classic cars, including a 100-year-old Model T, infused the celebration with nostalgia and charm. An eclectic mix of participants, including neighbors, children, cycling enthusiasts, imaginative teams, marching bands, and civic groups, united in a spirited march down Main Street, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and community spirit.

Santa Monica once again demonstrated its commitment to unity, creativity, and the celebration of American pride, making the 17th Annual Fourth of July Parade an unforgettable experience for all who attended. The memories created during this joyous occasion will endure in the hearts of Santa Monica's residents for years to come.

The Third Street Promenade was lively today as Pride on the Promenade commenced. Part of the month-long SaMo Pride celebration, the event featured musical performances by OUTLOUD, games, giveaways, and a retail pop-up marketplace showcasing local LGBTQ+ businesses. Local service providers and community groups offered support and resources. This year's event was sponsored by LA County Supervisor, 3rd District, Lindsey Horvath. The city of Santa Monica is marking Pride month with City Hall illuminated in rainbow colors and a series of events throughout June. #SaMoPride #PrideOnThePromenade #SantaMonica

Santa Monica, May 31, 2024: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Armed Security conducted a comprehensive sweep of the Metro train system today, with a special focus on the downtown Santa Monica Station. This daily operation aims to ensure the welfare of passengers and uphold public safety standards.

At the downtown Santa Monica Station, Metro Ambassadors, the Metro Outreach Team, and The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team (LASD MET) were present, offering outreach and assistance to riders.

The LASD MET provides crisis assessment, intervention, and targeted case management services to diffuse potentially violent situations. They prepare documentation to assist in the placement of persons with mental illness in acute inpatient psychiatric facilities or to link them to outpatient mental health services or appropriate community resources. Each team consists of a deputy sheriff and a DMH licensed mental health clinician who is Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS) designated to initiate involuntary acute psychiatric hospitalization, in accordance with the Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC), section 5150 or 5585. The goal of this co-response model is to reduce incidents involving use of force, reduce hospitalizations, and avoid unnecessary incarcerations of severely mentally ill citizens. LASD MET also provides in-service training for de-escalation, crisis negotiations, and reducing incarceration of mentally ill consumers.

Metro Ambassadors support riders on Metro buses, trains, and stations, connect them to resources, and report maintenance and safety concerns. They are part of a multilayer plan to improve public safety, which includes security and law enforcement, homeless and mental health outreach workers, and cleaning crews.

Metro Homeless Outreach Teams engage with unhoused riders on buses, trains, and stations, connecting them to resources. These teams are also part of the multilayer safety improvement plan.

Metro Security also checked passengers' tap cards as they exited to verify fare payment. Those who did not pay the fare were issued citations.

The downtown Santa Monica Station serves as the terminal stop for the Metro line, making it a crucial point for authorities to ensure that all passengers exit the train upon reaching its final destination and re-tap to continue on the train. This measure is particularly significant due to reports of some unhoused individuals utilizing the train as a makeshift shelter, remaining on board for extended periods and even sleeping onboard.

Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Security stationed at the downtown Santa Monica Station have a multifaceted role, combining security duties with passenger welfare checks. Their responsibilities include monitoring trains and platforms, enforcing the code of conduct, tackling fare evasion, and upholding the rule of law to ensure safety and security for all passengers.

The increased law enforcement presence at the station is part of a broader effort to address concerns related to criminal activity, instill a sense of safety among commuters, and ultimately restore confidence in the Metro system. This proactive approach is designed to deter criminal behavior and encourage ridership without fear.

Authorities urge passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe situations promptly. In emergencies, passengers should dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency security concerns, passengers can reach security personnel at 888.950.7233. Additionally, passengers can use the train intercom or station intercoms, marked by red signs on station platforms, to alert Metro staff to any incidents.

The heightened security measures underscore the commitment of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for all Metro passengers, with a renewed focus on the downtown Santa Monica Station as a key point in the transit system.

Santa Monica residents gathered on Thursday, May 30th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Virginia Avenue Park for the Santa Monica Job & Resource Fair. The event, hosted by the Los Angeles County Probation Department, featured over 60 community-based organizations and companies offering a range of services and employment information. Attendees were provided with free haircuts, clothing, and access to various essential services, including job placement, substance abuse counseling, housing and homeless services, mental health services, and family care.

Stacey Ford, President of Local 685, LA County Probation Officers Union, commented, "When you think about probation officers, most people think about locking up people, but we do more than lock up people. We provide services to the community and because we're part of the community. This event is about giving out food, water, clothes, and other resources. We are glad to be here and thank you for having me."

Earl Estell, Director of LA County Probation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are here at the Santa Monica Community Job Resource Fair, glad to be serving the community. We're giving out free haircuts, clothes, and vaccinations because we realize it's about the community. We are happy to be here."

Deputy Director Richard Giron welcomed attendees, saying, "On behalf of the L.A. County Probation Department, I want to welcome everyone. We are here to serve the community, with our staff and CPOs providing valuable resources. This is one of many events that we host in L.A. County Probation. Thank you and welcome to all."

The fair offered a wealth of resources and information, fostering connections within the community. The event was highlighted with the hashtags #LACProbation and #InTheCommunity.

In a proactive move to bolster safety and security, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a passenger on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, for allegedly being in possession of illegal paraphernalia. The man was escorted off the train in handcuffs at the downtown Santa Monica Station, where deputies processed him, took his fingerprints and booking photos, and issued a citation. He was booked, cited, and released on site.

This incident occurred during a comprehensive sweep of the Metro train system by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Armed Security, with a special focus on the downtown Santa Monica Station. These daily operations aim to ensure the welfare of passengers and uphold public safety standards, with a notable increase in security presence in recent weeks.

The downtown Santa Monica Station, serving as the terminal stop for the Metro line, is a critical point where authorities ensure all passengers exit the train upon reaching its final destination. This measure addresses concerns about some unhoused individuals using the train as a makeshift shelter, remaining on board for extended periods and even sleeping onboard.

Sheriff's Deputies and Metro Security at the downtown Santa Monica Station have a multifaceted role, combining security duties with passenger welfare checks. The Sheriff's Deputies are organized into two teams: one team of three, consisting of one sergeant and two deputies, stays at the station and sweeps each train as it arrives. The other team, consisting of four deputies, rides the trains through several lines, enforcing the code of conduct. They address issues such as the use of drugs and alcohol, eating and drinking, playing loud music, and occupying more than one seat.

The increased law enforcement presence at the station is part of a broader effort to address concerns related to criminal activity, instill a sense of safety among commuters, and ultimately restore confidence in the Metro system. This proactive approach is designed to deter criminal behavior and encourage ridership without fear.

Authorities urge passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unsafe situations promptly. In emergencies, passengers should dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency security concerns, passengers can reach security personnel at 888.950.7233. Additionally, passengers can use the train intercom or station intercoms, marked by red signs on station platforms, to alert Metro staff to any incidents.

The heightened security measures underscore the commitment of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputies to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for all Metro passengers, with a renewed focus on the downtown Santa Monica Station as a key point in the transit system.