The Santa Monica Police Department has an official update about the huge fight on the beach where one person was stabbed.

On June 29, 2024, at 2:21 PM, Santa Monica police officers responded to a 911 call of multiple male subjects fighting north of the Pier near Tower 14. It was reported that one of the people involved in the fight was stabbed. The SMPD drone was first on-scene and confirmed an active fight. Additional responding officers arrived shortly after and intervened.

The fight started when a vendor (identified as Efigenio Tacuba) approached a group of beachgoers and sexually battered several females. Others in the group confronted Tacuba who then requested assistance from fellow vendors. Several vendors armed themselves with umbrella poles, belts, and at least one knife. Officers located a victim suffering from a non-life-threatening stab wound. An additional victim suffered a possible broken ankle during the altercation. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

Four subjects taken into custody were charged by the LA County District Attorney with felony assault and one with multiple counts of sexual battery:



**Tacuba, Efigenio.** DOB: January 1, 1994. 243.4(a) PC (three counts); 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)



**Cruz Murcia, Jorge Luis.** DOB: March 2, 1995. 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)



**Manzanarez Hernandez, Samuel.** DOB: July 19, 1984. 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)



**Hernandez, Oscar Samuel.** DOB: July 2, 1977. 245(a)(1) PC (two counts)

Additional arrests are likely to follow. Anyone with information related to this incident or this individual, particularly cell phone video footage of the incident, is encouraged to contact Detective Holloway at Jacob.Holloway@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

Pacific Coast Highway was closed for sewveral hours in both directions at Carbon Canyon Road in Malibu on Friday morning due to a fatal car crash.

One person died and two others were injured in a Fourth of July car accident on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Two vehicles were involved in the head-on collision just after 11 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, according to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and MyNewsLA.

It happened in the 22000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, west of Carbon Canyon, police said.

A driver in a 2019 Mercedes Benz sedan travelling eastbound on Pacific Coast Highway reportedly crossed into the path of a 2020 Cadillac Escalade. The two vehicles collided head on and the driver from the Cadillac suffered major injuries. Unfortunately, the motorist was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Meanwhile, the passenger in the Cadillac Escalade also had major injuries. Paramedics transported the passenger as well as the driver of the Mercedes Benz with serious injuries to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities closed down all traffic lanes on Pacific Coast Highway in the area due to the crash and investigation.

The roadway did not fully reopen until the next morning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.

The cause of the fatal Malibu car accident over the Fourth of July remains under investigation.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

Santa Monica Close Up talks to John "All Good", Daisy's current Prince and business partner about her arrest:

"John All Good shared a compelling account of the events that unfolded on July 3rd and 4th, when he and Venice Healer Daisy, were arrested following a protest outside the courthouse over Daisy's child custody case. The protest, which aimed to address issues of family conflict resolution and promote messages of love and unity, took a dramatic turn when police confronted the couple.

John detailed how the situation escalated quickly when police mistakenly believed he was carrying a weapon due to a locked container attached to his motorcycle. Despite explaining that it contained no ammunition and he didn’t possess the key, the encounter led to their arrest. He described the police's response as overly aggressive, highlighting that they were equipped with high-precision non-lethal weapons.

While in custody, John expressed admiration for the professionalism of the officers' tactical skills but criticized the misinformation and communication failures that led to the use of force. He recounted how, after being hit with a non-lethal round and taken to the hospital against his will, he was eventually released with minor charges. Daisy, however, faced more severe legal consequences and remains in custody facing significant charges.

Click Here for more Stories about Venice Healer Daisy

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

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From Erika Aklufi, SMPD Lieutenant:

In 2023, the SMPD arrested more than 2500 individuals for misdemeanor and felony violations. Hundreds more were issued citations in the field for misdemeanor offenses per the LA County zero bail policy of Cite and Release (CR). The following numbers reflect those individuals taken into police custody and booked before being released with a citation (BR):

Theft: 366 arrestees. This includes 171 shoplifting arrests, 58 petty thefts, 49 grand thefts, 16 frauds, 14 grand thefts from a person, and 14 organized retail theft arrests, among other crimes.

Public Intoxication/Under the Influence of drugs: 330 arrestees

Trespassing: 105 arrestees

Indecent Exposure: 17 arrestees

These arrests combined represent 30% of all arrests made by the SMPD in 2023.

The junior lifegaurds did their pier jump on Friday at the Venice Pier, here some photos from Six12 Media

These are just a few of the 200+ photos from this event. To see all the photos, Click Here













You can find about 200 more photos from this event, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Juniour Lifegaurds Venice Pier Jump Photo Gallery

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From Erika Aklufi, SMPD Lieutenant:

In anticipation of a greater number of visitors and events, SMPD is deploying additional officers throughout the city. The SMPD wants to make sure residents and visitors alike can feel comfortable relaxing in the sand and enjoying our awesome ocean views. A combination of the Directed Action Response Team (DaRT), Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team, Traffic, Public Service Officers, and Patrol Officers, in addition to the Downtown Services Unit have been deployed to assist in ensuring a safe holiday weekend.

Safety Tips for the Weekend

· Keep personal belongings secure and in sight. Lock vehicles and secure homes, especially when away.

· Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

List of Items Prohibited on the Beach

❌ Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal citywide (including those marked safe & sane). If you are found in possession of fireworks you will be cited or arrested.

❌ Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is not allowed on the beach.

❌ Gas-powered generators

❌ Amplified music or instruments: Keep it courteous for fellow beachgoers.

❌ Open flames.

❌ Firearms or other weapons

Important Note Regarding Pets

· Unleashed dogs: are prohibited. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/paved pedestrian path, but not the sand or in the water.

· With summer heat, the pavement can get very hot, burning your dog's paws.

· Leaving a pet in a hot car is dangerous and illegal. Owners who violate these rules will be cited or arrested, and the car may be forced open to remove the animal.

DUI Prevention

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a significant threat to everyone on the road. SMPD motor officers will be conducting safety-focused operations throughout the weekend. We strongly encourage everyone to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation such as rideshare services. Let's work together to prevent tragedies and make this holiday a safe one for all.

As we celebrate Independence Day, the Santa Monica Police Department remains dedicated to the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday. For emergencies, please dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact our dispatch center at 310-458-8491.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police arrested a man on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, on suspicion of assault at Santa Monica Beach. Authorities received a call reporting an individual being assaulted near lifeguard tower 27. Upon arrival, officers detained a suspect matching the provided description. However, the victim, when brought to the scene, stated the suspect was not the assailant, leading to the suspect's release.

Continuing their search, officers located another suspect at a homeless encampment near the Venice-Santa Monica border. Following further investigation, police arrested this individual and took him into custody. The victim received treatment from Santa Monica Fire paramedics at the scene and was subsequently released. The incident is believed to have stemmed from a disagreement over a possibly stolen bike.."

Santa Monica Close Up is a photo blog by Santa Monica based Photojournalist/Press photographer Fabian Lewkowicz. Fabian is the former staff photographer for the Santa Monica Daily Observer Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Corsair.

July 01, 2024

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Trancas Creek at Zuma Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the creek.

· Malibu Pier in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach

The entire swim area.

· Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove

The entire swim area.

· Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach

The entire swim area.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

The entire swim area.

· Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove

100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier

· Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED:

Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards:

· Avalon Beach at Catalina Island, 100 feet west of the pier

· Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

Start at the Pier, finish at the Pier! A fast 5K & 1 Mile Race/Walk. A unique experience with access to fitness expo, sampling from various local shops and eateries by showing your bib at sponsored locations. Enjoy other festivities on the world famous Venice Beach Pier at the finish line celebration party.

All participants will receive a commemorative die-cast VBR 5K or 1 Mile Finisher Medal, premium multi color beach t-shirt, and string bag. Access to the sampling and exhibitor booths.

Race To The Pier 1 Mile is open to youth and adults. This is for those of you who are speed oriented and want to test yourself at this popular distance.

For more info and to register, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.