Tag: santa monica pier

SANTA MONICA—On November 14, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) issued a press release requesting public assistance in identifying possible victims of a child predator lurking around the area of the Santa Monica Pier, the Playland Arcade, the Pacific Park, or other areas that would attract children. 

The suspect was properly identified by police as Benjamin Bush. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Inmate Locator, he was arrested on a misdemeanor offense on October 29th, was given a citation, and released on October 30th. His court date is set for January 29, 2025.

The following information came directly from the SMPD press release.

“On September 18, 2024, at 7:05 p.m., 46-year-old suspect Benjamin Bush, went to the Santa Monica Pier. While he was standing outside of Pacific Park, Bush intentionally displayed a nude photograph of himself to three 9-year-old victims.

Bush was also observed displaying the same photograph of himself to an unidentified juvenile victim inside Playland Arcade, prior to the Pacific Park incident.

On October 29, 2024, following an intensive investigation by detectives, Bush was arrested by [the] Santa Monica Police Department for 647.6(a)(1) PC – Child Annoyance and 313.1(a) PC – Distributing Harmful Matter to a Minor.

Bush is a resident of Rosamond, California (Kern County) and a California Department of Corrections employee for the California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi. He has no prior criminal history.

The Santa Monica Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying other similar incidents involving this individual.

Anyone with information about this person or investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Baker at Sean.Baker@santamonica.gov, Detective Sergeant Haro at David.Haro@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.”

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On October 31, the City of Santa Monica announced that the 85-year-old pedestrian bridge that connects Ocean Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier will be replaced in time for the 2028 Olympics.

On November 13, The Malibu Times first reported that in early 2025, once the proper permits are obtained, bids for the job will be accepted by experienced contractors.

The new plans include a 275-foot bridge that widens into four lanes in the area that runs through the Pacific Coast Highway.

Reports indicate that this is a $29 million project that will include the removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the iconic blue Santa Monica Pier sign that has hung above the pier for decades.

The initial announcement was made by the Santa Monica City Councilman, Paul Grisanti is as follows:

“Flanked by the famous blue archway at its entrance, the Pier Bridge is a crucial link from Palisades Park and Colorado Avenue and has welcomed millions of residents and visitors to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.

The new bridge will include seismic safety upgrades, increased functionality, and accessibility, and will feature expanded walkways, new lighting, and railing.

Both the current Trancas and Corral Canyon projects are taking a lot longer than projected and the Trancas project is smaller than the one proposed at Topanga. With regard to, whether the Santa Monica pedestrian bridge and the other projects can all be completed in time for the July 2028 Olympics,” Grisanti concluded.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, November 4, the city of Santa Monica indicated in a press release that they will join U.S. Army for a Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m. on the Santa Monica Pier.

The event will include performances, military demonstrations and a flyover, as well as remarks from senior military leaders and local elected officials. The ceremony will take place on the Pier’s west parking deck and it is free and open to the public.

The event program will include:

-A military convoy led by former NFL players Andrew Whitworth, Cade McNown, and Donnie Edwards with Army vehicles from the California Army National Guard.

-Posting of Colors performed by UCLA ROTC cadets

-A military flyover with Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters from the U.S. Army Reserve

-Demonstration by the West Point Drill Team from the United States Military Academy (sponsored by American Legion Palisades Post 283)

-Performances by the 300th Army Band

-National Anthem and “God Bless America” performances by Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren

-Keynote speech from a top Army 4-star General

-Remarks from Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock

-Remarks from Councilmember Gleam Davis

-Remarks from former NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth

-Future soldier swearing-in ceremony by Major General Dianne Del Rosso

-Free ride tickets for veterans and active military members (courtesy of Pacific Park)

-Free meals for veterans and active military members (courtesy of Meals on Wheels)

-Music and entertainment provided by 95.5 KLOS (courtesy of Meruelo Media)

“On this Veterans Day, and every day, we should strive to honor our veterans not only with words but through our actions,” said Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Sonki Hong, who organized the event.

“We can support them, advocate for their needs, and ensure that they feel valued in our communities. Each veteran carries a unique story, filled with bravery and sacrifice, and it is our duty to listen to those stories and recognize their impact on our lives. We should also acknowledge the families of our veterans, who stand by them through challenges and triumphs. Their support is vital and deserves our deepest gratitude.”

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On July 8, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) announced that the bacteria warnings for Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower 18 and the Malibu Pier in Malibu have been cleared. There are at least 13 other swimming areas and beaches that remain closed due to active bacteria warnings issued by the LACDPH.

LACDPH advises beachgoers to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in the contaminated ocean waters in the following areas. Please be mindful of your children, the elderly, and even pets frolicking in the bacteria-infested waters.

Know before you go. If you are unsure if the beach you plan to attend has met state standards for public safety, call the Los Angeles County Beach Closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662 or visit the LACDPH website.

July 8 reports indicate that bacteria was found in water samples from the following areas. Water quality levels are not within State standards.

The entire swim area at Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, and 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

The entire swimming area at Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach and 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restroom areas.

The Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, and 100 yards in each direction up and down from the pier

Zuma Beach and 100 yards to and from Trancas Canyon Creek

The entire swimming area at the Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach, including the entire swimming area

The entire swimming area at Walnut Creek at Paradise CoveSolstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, and the entire swimming area

Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach, and 100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps

The entire swimming area at Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swimming area at Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove, and 100 yards to and from the Paradise Cove Pier

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On March 14, Santa Monica Amusements announced the sale of the Santa Monica Pier located at 200 Santa Monica Pier to SC Holdings LLC investment firm.

According to reports, SC Holdings who also invests in LeBron James’ Springhill entertainment company, have indicated that they will be investing $10 million into the attraction over the next five years. SC Holdings has also been invested in one of the nation’s newest sports, pickle-ball.

The ownership has changed hands, but according to the Vice President and General Manager of Santa Monica Amusements, Jeff Klocke, day-to-day operations will still be handled by Santa Monica Amusements.

Adrian Williams who is one of the partners at SC Holdings made the following statement about their most recent investment:

“We’re honored to support the Park’s growth through investments in its programs and operations. The Pier and Park are such iconic parts of Southern California’s coastline, and we want to make sure they stay a welcoming place where visitors and locals can come have fun and relax.”

The Santa Monica Pier opened in 1909. The Looff Hippodrome carousel was built in 1922. It has 44 hand-carved horses on it and is still in operation today. The park features a dozen rides in all including the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, and the Route 66 roller coaster.

Multiple movies including one of Tom Hank’s greatest movies, Forest Gump, used the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier as their backdrop for some of their scenes. The 70s sitcom, Three’s Company, also had photo shoots at the Pier.

The park has remained an admission-free attraction that reportedly hosts over 10 million guests each year.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that they arrested a suspect who made bomb threats on the Santa Monica Pier on Monday, October 9.

The SMPD reported at about 2:35 p.m. they received a radio call of a distraught male subject climbing the Ferris wheel in Pacific Park on the Pier. A witness told officers that the man claimed to have a bomb in his backpack.

Officers found the subject, later identified as Juan Gonzalez, 37, of Garden Grove, approximately two-thirds of the way up the Ferris wheel in the steel supports. There were approximately 10 riders on the wheel, which was stopped with Gonzalez in the support structure.

The Santa Monica Fire Department worked to rescue the riders in the wheel’s gondolas while members of the SMPD Crisis Negotiation Team contacted Gonzalez and started talking him down to the Pier Deck. During the negotiations, Gonzalez was agitated and upset and continued to make bomb threats to the officers negotiating with him. The incident lasted for more than an hour before Gonzalez climbed down low enough for officers to take him into custody. He was not in possession of an explosive device or any other weapons.

Based on the multiple threats made to witnesses as well as the continued bomb threats articulated by Gonzalez to the officers, he was placed under arrest for criminal threats (a felony), making a false bomb threat to authorities, and resisting arrest. He was evaluated by the SMFD on-scene and transported to the Santa Monica Jail for booking. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing on the threats charges.

Lt. Aklufi informed Canyon News that there were no injuries during the incident and the Department is unaware of any prior criminal record with the suspect. Lt. Aklufi told Canyon News on Wednesday, October 11, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges for felony criminal threats (422 PC), felony resisting arrest (69 PC), false imprisonment (236 PC) and making a false bomb report (148.1 PC).

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Ocean water use warnings issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continue to impact beaches this week, including areas near the Santa Monica Pier. They listed six beach areas where bacterial levels in the water exceeded health standards on Monday, June 26. 

Officials caution members of the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters of the following beach regions in LA County:

• Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu. 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. The entire swim area.
• Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach. 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.
• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey. The entire swim area.
• Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica. 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.
• Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach. 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

The Department of Public Health recommends beachgoers check the department’s Beach Water Quality website before visiting a beach to see if there are any beach water quality warnings in effect.

Routine water quality testing is conducted throughout the week, and each location must meet state health standards before the warning can be lifted. 

“Rain flushes contaminants and pollution from city streets into storm drains, creeks, and rivers. Contaminants such as trash, fertilizer, and pet waste may increase the levels of harmful microorganisms called “pathogenic bacteria” in the ocean to potentially unsafe levels,” LA County Department of Health told Canyon News. 

“The pathogenic bacteria can be present at or near the site where contaminants enter the water.”

Swimming in water contaminated by pathogenic bacteria can cause illness and skin infections. People most likely to develop illnesses or infections are children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. 

Gastroenteritis is the most common illness contracted from pathogenic bacteria in the ocean, which typically enters a person’s system through bacteria-contaminated water swallowed while swimming, according to the Department of Public Health. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, or fever. 

Other common illnesses from bacteria-contaminated water include ear, eye, nose, and throat or skin infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more serious diseases.

“Fortunately, while swimming-related illnesses are unpleasant, they are usually not very serious,” said LA County Public Health. “They typically require little or no treatment or get better quickly upon treatment and are not expected to have any long-term health effects.”

By Paige Strickland

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica City Council’s approved an environmental impact report at a regular meeting on June 13 that will allow the Pier Bridge replacement project to continue.

According to Omeed Pour, a civil engineer and project manager for the city of Santa Monica, the Pier Bridge is an “important asset” for pedestrians to access the Santa Monica Pier. 

“The bridge attracts something around 10 million people every year to our pier, and 95% of them, so 9.5 million people, use the Pier Bridge to get down to the Pier,” said Pour.

In an environmental report, Pour detailed the viable design options to replace the 84-year-old Pier Bridge, which shows signs of wear.

The bridge’s structure is inspected annually by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to ensure safety. In a recent inspection conducted on March 14, 2022, the bridge was rated at 8.2 out of 100 in terms of seismic sufficiency. The deck and the superstructure have also been rated poorly. 

Images in the environmental report showed visible cracking cement under the bridge. According to Pour, all viable design options for the bridge’s replacement will have a “75-year design life” which will be structurally sound and ensure safe access for people visiting the pier. 

Restoring the bridge has been a decades-long effort. Santa Monica began trying to replace the bridge in the 1990s, but the project failed when federal funding fell through. The project was picked back up in 2006 as a rehabilitation project, but Caltrans decided that completely replacing the bridge would be a more appropriate way to use funding due to the bridge’s aged condition. 

The official replacement project began in 2010, and eight possible alternatives have been researched since.

In August 2010, the cost of building a new Pier Bridge was an estimated $8 million. By 2021, the cost escalated to $27,225,000.

The challenges for the project continue. A total of $27 million comes from Federal Highway Bridge Program funding. This means every part of the project must be approved by Caltrans.

The bridge is also surrounded by historic and cultural resources as well as scenic corridors including the Palisades Park, the pier sign, the Hippodrome building, Carousel Park, and the Pier deck. Preserving these areas limits design options.

Some of the original eight alternatives would’ve included an elevator, but it was found that it may have adverse effects on the Hippodrome located adjacent to the Pier. Due to environmental impacts, the number of possible alternatives for the bridge has dwindled down to two.

Both alternatives feature a design similar to the current bridge with a wider sidewalk to increase efficiency. In Alternative #1, the bridge would feature a 15-foot sidewalk on the North side, as opposed to the current 9.5-foot sidewalk. 

The preferred Alternative #2 would feature a 15-foot sidewalk on the South side to give more visibility to businesses and reduce the “conflict of pedestrians and vehicles.” It would also include shifting the Pier’s sign 10 feet to the North and raising it 3 feet to reduce the risk of cars hitting the sign.  

The Santa Monica City Council motioned to unanimously approve the Environmental Quality Act report.

June will mark the beginning of the finalized bridge design. The bridge is predicted to begin construction in 2025 and be completed by 2027 in time for the 2028 Olympics.  

By Paige Strickland

SANTA MONICA—The beach area located under the Santa Monica Pier was the dirtiest beach in California last year according to an annual water quality report released on Wednesday, June 14.   

For over 30 years, Heal the Bay, a non-profit environmental research group has assessed the water quality of 700 beaches from Washington state to Tijuana, Mexico, releasing an annual summary of the results. The 2022 to 2023 report covered over 500 California beaches. 

The beaches are assigned an A-to-F letter grade based on levels of fecal-indicator bacterial pollution in the ocean measured by County health agencies. According to Heal the Bay, people who come in contact with water with a C grade or lower are at a greater risk of contracting illnesses such as stomach flu, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and rashes.

In 2022, the beach under the Santa Monica Pier received an F, making it the lowest-graded beach in California. The site is monitored by The City of Los Angeles Environmental Monitoring Division.

The dirtiest California beaches in 2022 were:

1. Santa Monica Pier (Los Angeles County)
2. Linda Mar Beach (San Mateo County)
3. Marlin Park (San Mateo County)
4. Erckenbrack Park (San Mateo County)
5. Tijuana River Mouth (San Diego County)
6. Pillar Point Harbor at Capistrano Avenue (San Mateo County)
7. Marina del Rey Mother’s Beach (Los Angeles County)
8. Poche Beach (Orange County)
9. Gull Park (San Mateo County)

California’s wet winter in 2022 contributed to worse water quality; a higher amount of rainfall increases the number of pollutants that flow through storm drains and rivers into the ocean. Heavy rainfall can also cause sewage lines to overflow and spill over.  

According to Heal the Bay’s report, in 2022, 45 million gallons of sewage were spilled, contaminating beaches across the state. Heal the Bay urges local officials to upgrade sewage infrastructure and public notification protocols to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

“As climate change continues to bring weather whiplash, our water woes will swing from scarcity to pollution. This year, record precipitation produced major impacts on water quality across Coastal California,” said Tracy Quinn, President and CEO of Heal the Bay in a statement. 

“Now more than ever, we must prioritize multi-benefit projects to manage stormwater as both a water quality and supply solution, all while ensuring that the public is kept informed of risks to public health.”

The Heal the Bay annual report provides a list of “Honor Roll” beaches that are monitored weekly over the course of the year, receiving an A+ cleanliness score during all seasons. This year only two of the 500 California beaches monitored made the list: Point Loma Lighthouse Beach in San Diego and Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County. In comparison, 51 beaches made the list last year. 

The public can view the updated water quality reports of local California beaches at beachreportcard.org or by downloading the app. 

By Paige Strickland