SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced on Monday, May 18 that a suspect has been arrested after a kidnapping incident that led to an officer-involved shooting.

The SMPD reported that at approximately 3:15 a.m., they located a suspect in Los Angeles who was wanted in connection with an ongoing kidnapping investigation involving an adult victim that originated in Santa Monica.

The suspect fled in a vehicle, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit stopped in the area of 937 W. 85th Street in Los Angeles, where an officer involved shooting occurred. The suspect was not injured during the shooting.

The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. No officers were injured, and no gunshot injuries were reported. The name of the suspect has not been disclosed to the public.

Lt. Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department indicated the department is working with investigators to release additional details soon.

Lt. Gilmour added that the victim and suspect knew each other. The victim was located by police and was not with the suspect when the pursuit took place.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is getting the word out about the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, June 2.

Registered voters in Beverly Hills should have received their mail-in ballots already. Every eligible voter has a right to vote by mail or vote in person.

There are two vote centers available for residents:

-Beverly Hills City Hall – Municipal Gallery Saturday, May 23 – Tuesday, June 2
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. I 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on (Election Day)

Saturday, May 30 – Tuesday, June 2

-Roxbury Park Community Center – Clubhouse located at La Cienega Tennis Center – Rodeo Room
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. I 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on (Election Day)

Vote by Mail Drop Boxes are available at two locations:

-Beverly Hills City (Across from the Fire Station)
-Roxbury Park Community Center

For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/elections. Contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 285-2400 with additional questions.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On May 15, the city of Malibu announced on its Facebook page that the Legacy Park Art Walk is taking place for several Sundays starting May 17. Other events include on June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13.

Coordinated by the Malibu Arts Association and hosted by the city of Malibu Arts Commission, the free monthly events feature local artists showcasing and selling original artwork and prints inspired by Malibu’s natural beauty.

The event is in partnership with the Malibu Art Association, Malibu Arts Commission, and City of Malibu – Government. For more details, visit www.MalibuArtsCommission.org.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, May 15, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that the Annenberg Community Beach House returns with community events, new activations including Sand & Sea Room Fun crafts and games and a World Cup Fun & Watch Party, and many opportunities.

The slate of summer programming starts Saturday, June 6, from 5-8 p.m. with internet radio station dublab returning for Ocean of Sound (age 18+), a curated evening of artists providing restorative listening above and below the water. RSVP early to reserve a place for this free event.

The 14th annual all-ages Cardboard Yacht Regatta returns on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with two-person teams racing colorful themed cardboard and duct tape yachts across the historic pool. Spectators can attend for free to cheer on the participants. Regatta participants must pre-register, and the fee is $20 per team.

The Beach House historic heated pool will open for daily recreational swimming on Sunday, June 14, through Labor Day, Sept. 7. Pool hours are:

-Monday through Thursday, Noon-6 p.m.
-Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
-Labor Day holiday hours for Sept. 7 are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrating SaMo Pride in June, sees the return of PRIDE Sunset Swim (age 18+), a queer, judgement free space for every and all bodies, with crafts by Lavendar Art Club, pool floaties, and s’mores on Friday, June 26 from 6-9 p.m.

A World Cup Fun & Watch Party on Thursday, June 25, from 6-9 p.m. will offer a mix of soccer-inspired activities and World Cup-themed arts, crafts, and games for all ages, plus livestreaming of the Türkiye vs. USA and Paraguay vs. Australia matches.

All ages Sunset Picnics in the courtyard offer friends, family, or individuals to settle into a shared space all about connection, community, and savoring summer evenings. June 18 starts off with a special Route 66 edition, celebrating the Mother Road with trivia, crafts, and tunes. Additional Sunset Picnics are July 16 and August 13 with s’mores and live musical duos. Sunset Picnics are from 5-8 p.m. and are free, but RSVPs are encouraged.

Before heading to the Sunset Picnics, drop by the new Sand & Sea Room Fun for crafts and games for all ages. This new activation takes place from 3-5 p.m. on Sunset Picnic Thursdays (June 18, July 16, Aug. 13).

July and August events include Sunset Swims, evening swims (age 18+) with chill vibes, pool floaties and s’mores on July 10 and 24 and Aug. 7 and 21 from 6-9 p.m.

Queer Surf’s 2nd Annual Art Splash: An Evening of Art + Water takes place Sunday, July 26, from 5-8:30 p.m. with a popup mixed media visual art show “the Queer Sea” examining + expressing queer relationship to water plus a night swim from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is a free event for all ages. Pool rules apply.

The annual Community Picnic on Thursday, July 30, from 5-8 p.m. offers games, crafts, a “pie” walk, and epic tug-of-war for summertime fun. All are invited to pack a dinner and grab some pals or join a solo-friendly communal table to enjoy this free event, with s’mores.

Santa Monice Public Library at the Beach, Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library, will feature a no-library-card-needed book sign out from the beach reads collection, a relaxing Surfside Lounge, games and a Seaside Storytime on Friday, August 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. All ages are welcome.

Summer-inspired recreation classes include stand-up paddleboard, floating fitness workout and yoga. Youth can enjoy volleyball camps, swimming lessons, Bounce presents classes and Camp Bounce.

The Annenberg Community Beach House, on the former seaside estate of silent film actress Marion Davies, features public amenities such as a playground, splashpad and courtyard. Located just off Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, the Annenberg Community Beach House is open to all, accessible, and ready to host residents and visitors alike.

For more details, visit www.annenbergbeachhouse.com.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Saturday, May 16, the Santa Monica Police Department reported they are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus that occurred Friday afternoon at Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard.

On May 15 at approximately 2 p.m., officers and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded to the area of Main Street and Ocean Park Boulevard regarding a collision involving a pedestrian and a Metro bus. The pedestrian, an adult female, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators located security video from a nearby business, which provided a clearer view of the circumstances leading up to the collision. Preliminary investigation indicates the Metro bus was stopped when the pedestrian moved underneath the bus. As the bus pulled away from the stop, the pedestrian was struck and sustained fatal injuries.

There is no indication of impairment or distraction on the part of the operator in the early stages of the investigation.

A Big Blue Bus vehicle that arrived at the stop moments after the incident was temporarily held for documentation and released as soon as practical.

Main Street was closed between Ocean Park Boulevard and Hollister Avenue during the investigation. Traffic on westbound Ocean Park Boulevard toward Main Street was impacted. Details about the victim’s name and age has not been disclosed to the public.

Anyone with details related to the incident is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department Sergeant Jason Olson at 310-458-8367, Jason.Olson@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

By Danny Jones

GRIFFITH PARK—On Saturday, May 16, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a brush fire in Griffith Park. The fire was reported at 10:18 a.m. at 2652 N. Commonwealth Rd.

LAFD units arrived on scene of a brush fire. Park rangers and LAFD Air Operations are also on scene. Initial reports are that it a 100′ by 100′ fire, no wind and in light grass. Approximately 70 LAFD personnel attached to the incident.

Forward progress stopped on the brush fire was declared at 10:53 a.m. 1/4-acre fire in light grass to medium brush. The LAFD placed a wet line around the parameter of the fire and will remain on scene to make sure all hot spots are out. There were no injuries reported and no structures or exposures damaged during the incident.

By Danny Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—Around 5:30 a.m. on May 7, officers of the Santa Monica Police Department were summoned to an intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and 4th Street after a woman on a bicycle struck a vehicle.  She was arrested for suspicion of cycling under the influence.

NBC 4 Los Angeles reported, the cyclist hit a Honda Civic, causing only minimal damage to the vehicle.  After the collision, instead of giving the driver her insurance she took off on her bicycle. Officers found the woman near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Pico Boulevard.  She appeared to be intoxicated and could not safely operate her bicycle and was arrested. Under California law, cycling under the influence is a misdemeanor offense.

While not punishable by jail time, it carries a fine of up to $250 and, for those under 21, and can result in license suspension.

The SMPD has not released any additional information about the cyclist or the incident.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

WOODLAND HILLS—On May 14, at approximately 1 a.m., deputies with the Los Angeles Police Department observed an individual officers referred to as “a parolee-at-large,” walking in the 22000 block of Hatteras Street.

Deputy Chief Mark Mellyn indicated that the parolee appeared to be, “under the influence.”  While officers were watching from a distance, the parolee walked in the front door of a home.  Police were not aware if he was welcome there or not. Deputy Chief Mellyn and his team requested the LAPD airship after the suspect entered the home.  After a long wait, the suspect came out of the property willingly. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment of a pre-existing medical condition known to police.

The parolee, who has yet to be publicly identified, was wanted by police for a parole violation after leaving the scene of a hit-and-run car accident.  Officers working the recent hit-and-run found multiple firearms in the suspects’ vehicle.

Mellyn indicated that the suspect will remain in custody on the parole violation while the case is investigated.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will celebrate Public Works Day on Sunday, May 17.
The event will transpire from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market.

The family-friendly day has activities that include:

-Big trucks for kids to explore
-Petting zoo/pony rides
-Fun games for all ages
-Free bike repairs and used bicycle collection
-Pick up your kitchen organic bins

For more details, visit www.beverlyhills.org/publicworks or call the askBH Hotline at 310-285-1000.

By Danny Jones

 

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced there will be a community recycling event in Santa Monica on Saturday, May 16. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2500 Michigan Avenue.

The city is hosting a FREE recycling event, for Santa Monica residents only. Make sure to bring proof of residency.

Bring your used mattresses, box springs, electronic waste, and up to five boxes of paper for shredding. Shredding will happen on-site, and the paper will be recycled.

Items accepted include paper, up to 5 banker boxes, phones, laptops and tablets, radio and stereo equipment, TVs and monitors, printers (remove ink cartridge), mattresses and box springs, batteries, as well as DVD and VHS players.

Items outside of this list will not be accepted and must be disposed of properly outside of the event. For questions, call customer service at (866) 311-7266.

By Danny Jones