Come celebrate Homecoming at the Pier on Thursday, October 17, at a very special Locals' Night! This free community event will bring together friends, families, and neighbors for an exciting evening filled with school spirit and fun for everyone.

Kick off the night with a lively pep rally featuring performances from SAMOHI, SMC, and St. Monica's athletic teams, cheer squads, and talented musicians. Groove to live music from DJ Devil-Los, Westside Crew, and The Wayback Machine, and don’t miss the Books & Cookies musical story time in the Merry Go-Round building for the little ones!

Car lovers can enjoy the Car Meet-Up on the Pier Deck, and as a special treat, we’re celebrating the opening night of the annual "Save the Pier" play, directed by Tony-Award winner Paul Sand.

It’s a night to come together, enjoy local talent, and be part of the Pier’s unique community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!

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

TThe Santa Monica Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the individual shown in the attached video and photos. The suspect is described as male Black or other, approximately 25-35 years old, with bleached blonde hair, and a black beard wearing a dark shirt and shorts with tattoos on his forearms. This individual is wanted in connection with an assault that occurred on September 22nd at approximately 12:35AM near the 1400 block of Alley 5. He was last seen fleeing the area eastbound on Santa Monica Blvd towards 7th Street.

Seeking Community Assistance

The Santa Monica Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the individual shown in the attached video and photos. The suspect is described as male Black or other, approximately 25-35 years old, with bleached blonde hair,… pic.twitter.com/9ozj6z1vIw

— Santa Monica Police (@SantaMonicaPD) October 16, 2024

f you recognize this individual or have any information, please contact Detective Sean Baker (sean.baker@santamonica.gov ) or Detective Sergeant Chad Goodwin (chad.goodwin@santamonica.gov) at 310-458-8932.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has confirmed that a Santa Monica College (SMC) Custodial Operations Manager was critically injured following a shooting that occurred at the SMC Center for Media & Design (CMD), 1660 Stewart Street, at approximately 9:50 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Acknowledging the impact of this incident on the students and SMC personnel, Santa Monica College Police Department (SMCPD) Chief Johnnie Adams stated, “As we try to make sense of this horrific act of workplace violence, the safety of our community is our primary focus. We are deeply grateful to SMCPD personnel and all our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspect.”

“To help our community through this very difficult time, SMC will be providing…counseling and mental/emotional support,” said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery in an October 15 message to the community. “At this heartbreaking time, I urge us all to come together in kindness and compassion as we navigate this unspeakable tragedy.”

On the evening of the shooting, SMPD, SMCPD, and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived quickly to render aid and secure the campus. The suspect fled immediately after the shooting and remained at large overnight. The victim was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

After a swift and thorough investigation, SMPD Detectives identified Davon Durell Dean (D.O.B. 01/08/1985), an SMC employee, as the suspected shooter. Dean has a history of arrests including for attempt murder in 2011 and an assault with a deadly weapon, a firearm, in 2019. His only convictions were for misdemeanor property crimes.

Today, October 15th, at approximately 3:00 pm, officers with the Hawthorne Police Department, located the suspect’s vehicle near El Segundo Blvd. and Aviation Blvd. After a short pursuit, a pursuit intervention technique was used to stop the suspect's vehicle. Despite the efforts of the Hawthorne Police Department’s Crisis Negotiations Team, Dean was found deceased inside his vehicle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Los Angeles County Coroner will be responding.

The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the full sequence of events leading to this tragedy. There are no known additional suspects involved and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“I am so proud of our detectives who worked tirelessly throughout the night in collaboration with our partners at the Santa Monica College Police Department to identify and locate the suspect in this tragic incident. Our officers’ commitment to the safety of the Santa Monica community is evident and remains paramount.” – Chief Batista

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"Santa Monica Police officers responded to a report of an assault at Santa Monica College on Monday, October 14, 2024. According to witnesses, a student walking near the intersection of Pico Boulevard and 17th Street after class was struck in the head with a skateboard. The victim was able to call 911 for assistance."

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.

On Monday evening, just before 10 p.m., a Santa Monica College employee was shot at the Center for Media and Design, a Santa Monica College satellite campus on Stewart Street in the City of Santa Monica. The individual was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition and the suspect got away. This was a workplace violence incident, not a random act.

On Tuesday, a standoff with the suspect took place in Hawthorne on Aviation Boulevard just north of El Segundo Boulevard.

Hawthorne SWAT officers surrounded a vehicle facing the wrong way on the street. A deceased person could be seen in the driver's seat. Officers were seen carefully removing a weapon from the vehicle using a long tool and remaining in defensive posture inside the SWAT vehicle.

Santa Monica police were at the scene and confirmed the individual is the suspect in the college shooting. They also said they believe the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Santa Monica Police Department is leading the criminal investigation, with assistance from the Santa Monica College Police Department and Santa Monica College. The College is fully cooperating with authorities, and all Santa Monica College campuses were closed on Tuesday to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.

Santa Monica College remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all employees and students. The College has a Workplace Violence Prevention Program, which offers resources and support.

The Ghetto Beach Boyz & Bay Street Boards team up next week to bring you "Westside Wednesday,” a night of food, games, music & more 🌭🍻🎤🏈

Stay tuned for special guest announcements and a super exclusive clothing drop!

Pull up Wednesday October 23rd, 5-9PM!

For more info, Click Here

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

Raw surf clips of full sets rolling into Malibu from April 17th, from Brad Jacobson.

From Santa Monica Close Up:

"On Monday, October 14, 2024, Venice Healer Daisy updated the community from her Healing Arts Dojo in Venice Beach regarding her ongoing efforts to support a 14-year-old boy currently in her care. According to Daisy, the youth, who has experienced difficulties with the foster care system and recently left a group home, has temporarily found shelter at her temple.

Daisy explained that she has made this arrangement fully transparent to local authorities, ensuring that all parties, including LAPD and other relevant departments, are aware of the situation. Daisy asserts that authorities have acknowledged the close bond that has formed between her and the boy, which, she says, has led her to provide him with daily meals and arrange hygiene care with the help of the community."

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.

Big Blue Bus is hosting a grand opening celebration of Little Blue Dog Run, a new off-leash dog run open to the public!

This project aims to transform an underutilized landscape alongside Big Blue Bus's headquarters into a vibrant open green space for our community. Little Blue Dog Run amenities include fenced exercise areas for dogs of all sizes, drinking fountains, trees, and a picnic area with seating.

Join the fun on November 9, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Big Blue Bus headquarters located at 1660 7th St., Santa Monica, CA.

Guests will enjoy music, food trucks, a blue ribbon cutting, pet training demonstrations, pet adoptions, and enter your pup in the Doggie Fall Fashion Show and walk the run(way) to win amazing prizes


For more info and to register for the doggie fashion show, Click Here

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