Santa Monica Police Identify Dog Owner in Fatal Poodle Attack
Authorities released surveillance footage of the man walking the dog and asked the public for assistance
Police have identified the owner of a pit bull that fatally attacked a mini poodle near Main and Strand streets last week, Santa Monica authorities said Tuesday.
The incident occurred Friday evening when the pit bull, which was on a leash, bit the smaller dog during an encounter with its owners, Alyssa Kluge and Christopher Dietrick. According to police, the attack happened while the pit bull’s owner was speaking to someone in a parked vehicle.
Dietrick attempted to intervene and was also bitten.
The pit bull’s owner left the scene before officers arrived. Authorities later released surveillance footage of the man walking the dog and asked the public for assistance in identifying him.
Santa Monica police said the owner has since been located, and the case is being reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office. Investigators will determine whether any municipal or criminal charges apply. Possible violations include failure to control a dangerous animal, leash law violations, or leaving the scene without providing identifying information after a bite — all of which are typically misdemeanors or civil infractions under California law.
“The City Attorney will evaluate whether any municipal or criminal violations apply based on the facts presented,” the Santa Monica Police Department said in a statement.
the investigation
concludes, officers will determine whether citations or other actions are warranted. The dog will also be quarantined for 10 days as required by law.
Woman Arrested After Robbery at Santa Monica Target Store
An injured employee sustained a superficial scratch
A woman was arrested Sunday afternoon following an alleged robbery at a Target store in downtown Santa Monica, authorities said.
Santa Monica police responded at about 12:03 p.m. to reports of an Estes robbery at the store located at 420 Broadway. According to police, a female suspect allegedly stole merchandise and scratched a store employee while attempting to flee the scene.
Officers located a woman matching the suspect’s description a short time later near the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station. She was taken into custody without further incident.
An Estes robbery is classified as a theft that escalates into a robbery due to the use of force or fear, often involving physical resistance against employees or personnel.
The injured employee sustained a superficial scratch and did not require medical treatment, police said.
The suspect’s name and specific charges have not yet been released, pending formal filing by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Additional details are expected as the investigation continues.
Animal Control officers have visited the address linked to the pit bull’s registration but had not yet confirmed it as the owner’s residence. Once
Over $2.4M in Recovery Grants Available for WildfireAffected Restaurants
To qualify, restaurants must have no more than five locations, generate less than $5 million in annual revenue, and be either open or planning to reopen
More than $2.4 million in grants is now available to help independent restaurants in Los Angeles County recover from recent wildfires, the California Restaurant Foundation announced Tuesday. The LA Fire Recovery Grants program, launched by the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation (CRF), will provide $10,000 grants to over 240 restaurants and food trucks that sustained financial losses due to the fires. The application window is open through April 26.
The program is supported by a $2 million donation from American Express and Resy, with additional contributions from Postmates and FireAid. CRF says the funding aims to help restaurants cover essential operating expenses and regain stability.
To qualify, restaurants must have no more than five locations, generate less than $5 million in annual revenue, and be either currently open or planning to reopen by July 1. Only one location per business may apply. Applications are available at restaurantscare.org/resilience-la-fire.
CRF’s relief arm, Restaurants Care, previously distributed $953,000 in emergency aid to 953 restaurant workers affected by the fires, including those who lost housing or employment. According to CRF, 34% of aid recipients have children, and 16% have permanently lost their jobs.
American Express and Resy also launched a consumer fundraising campaign, “Reservations for Recovery,” pledging to donate $0.50 per reservation made and completed on Resy between April 9 and April 23, up to $125,000.
Donations can be made at restaurantscare. org.
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THIS WEEKEND: ‘Rooted in Resilience’ Event to Reconnect Palisades Community
The program will feature live music, wellness activities, local food vendors, and appearances by
local leaders
More than 1,000 people are expected to gather this weekend at Clover Park for “Rooted in Resilience,” a community event aimed at celebrating strength, healing, and togetherness in the wake of the Pacific Palisades wildfire.
Organizers say the event is about more than entertainment — it’s an opportunity for the Palisades community to reconnect and rebuild following months of recovery efforts.
The event will take place Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clover Park, located at 2600 Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica.
The program will feature live music,
wellness activities, local food vendors, and appearances by local leaders and first responders. Opening remarks begin at 11:30 a.m. and will be emceed by Sam Lagana, with scheduled appearances by former honorary mayors of the Palisades, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park, and firefighters from Palisades and Santa Monica.
Musical performances will include the Pali High Band, Outer Reef, and the group 1969.
Food trucks from local favorites such as Gracias Señor Taqueria, Flour Pizzeria, McConnell’s Ice Cream, John Que’s Smokeout, and The Tropic Truck will be on site throughout the day.
Wellness activities, presented by SuperBloom, will include yoga sessions, creative storytelling, and live piano meditation. An interactive community art project will be led by Katie O’Neill Fine Art Studio in partnership with the Bruce Lurie Gallery.
Children’s programming, hosted by St. Matthew’s Day Camp and Sandy Days, will offer activities such as tie-dye, face painting, dodgeball, and a gaga ball pit.
A City for Everyone
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Santa Monica dazzles with its ocean views, sunshine, and laid-back charm. But beyond the postcard image lies a more complicated reality—one where the city’s infrastructure often falls short of supporting the people who live there. From obstructed traffic views caused by misplaced signage to uncomfortable, exposed bus stops, daily life can be surprisingly difficult. For seniors, these challenges aren’t just inconveniences— they’re barriers to independence and wellbeing.
As the population ages, issues like mobility, visibility, and response time become more pressing. Designing a city that supports older adults—with safe crossings, shaded seating, and quieter streets—creates a better, more inclusive urban experience for everyone.
While Santa Monica has made commendable progress in offering services for seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities, the city’s physical environment tells a different story. Its infrastructure—the sidewalks, signs, transportation hubs, and public spaces— often contradicts its image as a haven of health and wellness. The very elements that should support daily life are too often sources of friction, frustration, or risk.
Consider the simple act of waiting for a bus. In a city bathed in sun, many stops offer no shelter or seating. Elderly riders must choose between standing in the heat or sitting wherever they can find support, and scarce seating is often unclean or occupied by dirty, abandoned possessions. Crosswalks, frequently obscured by traffic signs or poorly timed lights, leave seniors rushing across busy intersections they cannot navigate safely. The constant noise of buses, motorcycles, and traffic only adds to the stress, especially for those with hearing or cognitive challenges.
Contrast this with what an age-friendly Santa Monica could be: streets lined with trees that offer shade and beauty, benches thoughtfully placed for rest and connection, and a soundscape that soothes rather than overwhelms. These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for an aging population. And they benefit everyone.
Cities across Europe are already embracing this vision. The World Health Organization has outlined clear, practical criteria for agefriendly urban design—from clear signage and noise regulation to accessible transit and affordable, well-located housing. Many cities are going further. In Helsinki, planners use sensor data to determine ideal bench locations and lighting conditions. In Spain, digital route planners help seniors navigate their cities confidently. Dutch cities are reimagining housing to promote intergenerational connection, not isolation. Meanwhile, Santa Monica’s infrastructure remains piecemeal—well-intentioned but
fragmented. The city could take a major step forward by joining the WHO’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. With a dedicated planner and a tailored checklist of design standards, Santa Monica could begin systematically aligning its public spaces with the needs of all its residents.
Zoning reforms could allow aging residents to remain in their neighborhoods by converting outdated “dingbat” apartment buildings into small-scale assisted living facilities. Enforcing noise and smoking laws—especially at bus stops and in dense areas—would improve public health and comfort. Upgrades to bus stops with shaded seating and raising or relocating signs that currently block drivers’ views are simple fixes with outsized impacts.
Santa Monica has the natural beauty and the community spirit to lead by example. But to truly live up to its promise, the city must bridge the gap between appearance and experience. By focusing not just on how the city looks, but how it functions for those who need it most, Santa Monica can become not just a beautiful place—but a livable one.
Daniel Jansenson, Architect, Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow: Robert H. Taylor AIA; Dan Jansenson; Thane Roberts; Mario FondaBonardi AIA; Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE; Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect & Landmarks Commissioner
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Long Beach Replaces Santa Monica as Site of LA28 Olympic Beach Volleyball
Santa Monica’s withdrawal follows a public study session held by the City Council
Beach volleyball at the 2028 Summer Olympics will now take place in Long Beach, marking a significant shift in plans that originally placed the sport in its historic birthplace of Santa Monica.
Organizers of the LA28 Games announced Monday a revised venue plan that includes relocating beach volleyball to Alamitos Beach in Long Beach. The update comes just days after Santa Monica officials confirmed the city had formally withdrawn from hosting duties following failed negotiations with LA28 over operational logistics, community benefits, and financial guarantees.
Santa Monica, widely considered the birthplace of modern beach volleyball,
had been in discussions with the Olympic organizing committee since Los Angeles launched its initial bid in 2016. But after nearly two years of talks, the two sides could not reach an agreement that satisfied both parties.
“There is no better place to host the Olympic beach volleyball competition than Santa Monica, where the sport was born,” Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete said in a statement last week. “While we’re disappointed that an agreement was not realized, we remain eager to share in the Olympic spirit and will be proud regional partners.”
Long Beach, already set to host several Olympic events in 2028, including coastal rowing and open water swimming, will now add beach volleyball to its lineup. The matches will take place at Alamitos Beach, just blocks from other Olympic competition zones, including a temporary sport climbing wall and indoor target shooting venue at the Long Beach Convention Center.
“Every venue selected for the 2028 Games will provide athletes and fans the best possible experience,” said LA28 CEO
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Reynold Hoover in a statement. “This updated plan reflects our commitment to using iconic and accessible locations throughout the region.”
Santa Monica’s withdrawal follows a public study session held by the City Council in October 2024, during which members pushed for stronger protections for local residents and businesses, particularly those near the Santa Monica Pier. LA28 declined to revise its proposal, leading to the end of negotiations.
Despite stepping back as a venue, Santa Monica plans to support the Games as part of its CELEBRATE28 initiative, which includes efforts in sustainability, tourism, transportation, and community programming. The city is exploring the possibility of hosting watch parties, training sessions, and hospitality houses throughout the Olympic period.
The LA28 Games will be held July 14–30, 2028, with events staged across Southern California—from downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley to the coastlines of Venice, Long Beach, and San Clemente.
‘Bleak Week’ Film Festival Goes Global, Expanding to 8 Cities Including London
American Cinematheque’s Celebration of Despair in Cinema Draws Big-Name Guests
American Cinematheque’s popular film festival Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair is expanding far beyond its Los Angeles roots this year, with screenings scheduled in seven U.S. cities and for the first time internationally in London.
Founded in 2022, the festival—known for showcasing deeply emotional and thematically dark films—will maintain its presence in Los Angeles at the Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, and Los Feliz 3. In June, it will also debut in theaters across Portland, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis,
New York, Boston, and London, bringing its unique brand of cinematic melancholy to new audiences.
“‘Bleak Week’ has deeply resonated with both audiences and filmmakers alike, who have discovered they are not alone in their desire to explore challenging and often sad and uncomfortable truths,” said Grant Moninger, American Cinematheque’s Artistic Director. “We’re thrilled to partner with these iconic theaters to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking film experience.”
Participating venues include the Hollywood Theatre (Portland), Music Box Theatre (Chicago), Texas Theatre (Dallas), Trylon Cinema (Minneapolis), Paris Theater (New York), Coolidge Corner Theatre (Boston), and Prince Charles Cinema (London). Each location will host screenings from June 1 through June 21, with programming tailored to the local audience. The event will kick off in Los Angeles and Chicago (June 1–7), continue in Portland and Minneapolis (June 6–12),
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move to New York, Boston, and Dallas (June 8–14), and wrap up in London (June 15–21).
In conjunction with the festival, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will air a themed programming block on Monday, June 2.
The curated lineup includes Make Way for Tomorrow, Man of the West, Cries and Whispers, Breaking the Waves, and The Seventh Victim. TCM host Dave Karger will introduce the first three titles live on air.
Past iterations of Bleak Week have featured an impressive slate of special guests, including Béla Tarr, Lynne Ramsay, Charlie Kaufman, Isabella Rossellini, Ari Aster, and Al Pacino. This year, directors
Robert Eggers and Todd Solondz are confirmed to appear at London’s Prince Charles Cinema and New York’s Paris Theater, respectively. Additional guests and the full festival lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Paul Vickery, Head of Programming for the Prince Charles Cinema, expressed his excitement at joining forces with the Cinematheque. “This is a programmer’s dream come true,” he said. “We can’t wait to bring a little piece of what the incredible team at the AC do on a daily basis to our screen in London. You are in for a truly misery-inducing treat!”
For more information, visit americancinematheque.com.
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