Seven More Suspects Arrested in Santa Monica for Burglary During Wildfire Evacuations
Suspects Accused of Targeting Homes, Vehicles
Amid Mandatory Evacuation Zones
The Santa Monica Police Department officers have arrested 7 individuals in connection with a series of burglary and attempted burglary incidents that occurred last week, including multiple violations of evacuation orders and curfews during the ongoing wildfire crisis. The arrests were made in four separate incidents across Santa Monica.
Traffic Stop Leads to Three Arrests
Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 7:50 p.m.
Location: 200 block of 18th Street
Officers responded to a report of a prowler at a residence under construction. They stopped a 2017 Dodge Journey near the scene and arrested three individuals:
• Sergio Antonio Navarro, 28: Drug possession, burglary, and conspiracy.
• Erick Daniel Montoya, 29: Burglary, conspiracy, and an outstanding petty theft warrant.
• David Fabian Alarcon, 27: Drug
paraphernalia possession, burglary, and conspiracy.
Stolen IDs and bank cards found in the vehicle were linked to prior burglaries.
Curfew Violation Yields Four Arrests
Date/Time: Thursday, Jan. 9, Evening
Location: 200 block of Euclid Street
Officers stopped a Toyota Camry violating curfew orders. A search revealed ski masks, airsoft pistols, and burglary
tools. Arrested were:
• David Michael Ortiz, 18: Burglary and conspiracy.
• Jose Alberto Segura, 17: Burglary and conspiracy.
• Yancarlos Jr. Valdez Ponce, 18: Burglary and conspiracy.
• Junior Abades Montesinos, 18: Burglary and conspiracy.
Residents are reminded to secure their
homes and comply with evacuation and curfew orders. The Santa Monica Police Department offers free disaster readiness guides at its headquarters at 4040 Duquesne Avenue.
For additional information, contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
Possible Homeless Man Murdered on Broadway, SMPD Seek Suspect
Authorities
Investigate
Early Morning Shooting, Suspect Still at Large
Santa Monica Police Department spokesperson confirmed that a man was fatally shot early Wednesday morning on the 200 block of Broadway. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Witnesses reported that an unidentified woman had been arguing with the victim, a man believed to be homeless, shortly before the shooting. A male suspect, described as white or Hispanic, then approached the victim and pursued him into the street, where he shot the man in the back.
The suspect was last seen running
northbound in Alley 2 before disappearing from sight.
Officers responded to the scene and performed lifesaving efforts. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet identified the victim.
Detectives are reviewing witness statements and surveillance footage to identify the suspect and others involved in the incident.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Isaac Reyes at (310) 458-4852 or via email at Isaac.Reyes@ santamonica.gov. Detective Sergeant Alfonso Lozano can also be reached at (310) 458-8774 or Alfonso.Lozano@ santamonica.gov. The Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander is available 24/7 at (310) 458-8427.
Driver Arrested in Hitand-Run That Injured Santa Monica Police Department Officer
Malibu Resident Faces Felony Charges After Driving Through Checkpoint
A Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) employee was injured in a hitand-run incident early Saturday morning, prompting an investigation and subsequent arrest of the driver.
Around 6:45 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue after a report of a hitand-run involving a department Traffic Services Officer (TSO). The northbound lanes of California Avenue toward Pacific Coast Highway remain closed to nonemergency vehicles.
Witnesses reported two National Guard vehicles traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Ocean Avenue, followed by a dark green Toyota Highlander. The Toyota reportedly
attempted to access restricted evacuation areas in violation of road closures.
When the TSO approached the vehicle and directed the driver to stop, the individual continued through the checkpoint, driving over the officer’s foot.
Using the department’s Flock camera network, officers located the Toyota in the 2200 block of Pico Boulevard. A traffic stop was conducted, and statements from a passenger confirmed the vehicle’s involvement in the incident.
The driver, identified as Walter William Larkins IV, 37, of Malibu, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing injury and multiple other vehicle code violations.
The injured officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a soft tissue injury.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Investigator Evan Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@ santamonica.gov, the non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
LIC #:1037437 | (310) 507-9849 | INFO@QUAKESTRONG.COM QUAKESTRONG.COM | 1213 SOUTH LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90019
LIC #:1037437 | (310) 507-9849 | INFO@QUAKESTRONG.COM QUAKESTRONG.COM | 1213 SOUTH LA BREA AVE. LOS ANGELES, CA 90019
To Our Beloved Community,
To Our Beloved Community,
As the winds settle and the fires subside, we find ourselves reflecting on the deep impact this disaster has had on all of us. For those of us who grew up in this city, these streets, neighborhoods, and beaches aren’t just familiar, they are part of who we are. We are friends and neighbors, sharing in both the beauty and the heartache of this place we call our community. When something like this happens, it shakes us to our core.
As the winds settle and the fires subside, we find ourselves reflecting on the deep impact this disaster has had on all of us. For those of us who grew up in this city, these streets, neighborhoods, and beaches aren’t just familiar, they are part of who we are. We are friends and neighbors, sharing in both the beauty and the heartache of this place we call our community. When something like this happens, it shakes us to our core.
Seeing familiar places, homes, local shops, or a favorite spot for a quick meal, destroyed by fire is difficult to process. It’s a loss that feels personal, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. But if there’s one thing that gives us hope, it’s the strength of our shared spirit and our willingness to come together in times of need.
Seeing familiar places, homes, local shops, or a favorite spot for a quick meal, destroyed by fire is difficult to process. It’s a loss that feels personal, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. But if there’s one thing that gives us hope, it’s the strength of our shared spirit and our willingness to come together in times of need.
Our work is centered around helping people where they live. In moments like these, it’s not just what we do, it’s how we can help. As the process of recovery begins, please know that you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we will rebuild not only the physical spaces we’ve lost but also the sense of community that makes this place so special.
Our work is centered around helping people where they live. In moments like these, it’s not just what we do, it’s how we can help. As the process of recovery begins, please know that you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we will rebuild not only the physical spaces we’ve lost but also the sense of community that makes this place so special.
We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the courageous first responders. Your bravery and selflessness in protecting us all is something we will never take for granted. Thank you for your tireless service.
We want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the courageous first responders. Your bravery and selflessness in protecting us all is something we will never take for granted. Thank you for your tireless service.
This is where we belong, and we’re committed to standing with you through this journey of rebuilding and restoring what makes our community truly one of a kind.
This is where we belong, and we’re committed to standing with you through this journey of rebuilding and restoring what makes our community truly one of a kind.
With heartfelt solidarity, Quake Strong, Inc
With heartfelt solidarity, Quake Strong, Inc
(310) 507-9849 | INFO@QUAKESTRONG.COM | QUAKESTRONG.COM
(310) 507-9849 | INFO@QUAKESTRONG.COM | QUAKESTRONG.COM
Los Angeles Restaurants Rally to Feed Fire Victims, First Responders—Now They Need Your Support
Amid Tragedy, Local Restaurants Are Serving the Community While Facing Empty Seats
By Dolores Quintana
The city of Los Angeles has pulled together to help the victims of the Palisades and Eaton Fires in the last week. Donations, of goods and money, have flowed in to help people who have lost everything. The restaurants of Los Angeles, cooks, chefs, bakers, taqueros, baristas, coffee shops, and pizzaiolos, have all leaped into action to feed the evacuees and first responders.
But the sad fact is that while they are working so hard to feed Los Angeles, many restaurants have been empty this week. For the first time, I was able to walk into Helm’s Bakery directly up to the counter without waiting in line.
Lien Tigre, owner of Koreatown’s Here’s Looking at You and the nowclosed All Day Baby, is holding a waffle breakfast this Sunday to raise money for relief for people who lost their homes.
our local economy.
The event is sold out, but Tigre posted this plea for help for restaurants and restaurant workers today, “Restaurant workers can’t afford to have their hours
(née bad). These are workers who are volunteering by day and clocking in for their restaurant shift by night to attempt to behave okay (again if they haven’t been cut).”
“So if you can, will you help fill our seats? Will you help keep us all together, no matter how flimsy it all feels right now?
Trust me, “business as usual” right now is difficult for all of us.
But together, we can stop the negative ripple effect. Together, we can power a good ripple effect.”
She closed the post by saying, “So if it is safe for you to do so, please go and support your Los Angeles workers. And if I may highlight, please support your Los Angeles restaurant workers especially those employed by small independent operators. Out there living out the word “community” right now and always. Unsurprisingly, my peers amaze me.”
When we are overwhelmed with all
$12M Relief Fund Established for LA Artists Affected by Wildfires
The Initiative Is Spearheaded by the J. Paul Getty Trust, With Backing From the Mohn Art Collective, East West Bank, the Mellon Foundation, and Several Other National and International Organizations
A group of prominent arts organizations and philanthropists have launched a $12 million emergency relief fund to assist artists and arts workers in Los Angeles who have been devastated by the ongoing wildfires.
The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund aims to support those who have
lost their homes, studios, or livelihoods due to the fires that have ravaged parts of the city.
The initiative is spearheaded by the J. Paul Getty Trust, with backing from the Mohn Art Collective, East West Bank, the Mellon Foundation, and several other national and international organizations. The fund will be administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, a nonprofit that provides advocacy and financial support for individuals in the arts.
As wildfires continue to scorch the region, thousands of artists and cultural professionals have been impacted, losing valuable works, archives, and places of employment. The relief fund will provide rapid assistance to individuals affected by the fires, with a focus on distributing funds quickly to those in urgent need.
The fund’s donors include major cultural and philanthropic institutions such as the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Qatar Museums, and the Ford Foundation, along with prominent individuals like Karyn Kohl and Steven Spielberg. The fund is expected to grow as more contributions pour in.
“Los Angeles is a global hub for the
arts, and this crisis is a devastating blow to the creative community that drives the city’s cultural economy,” said Katherine E. Fleming, president and CEO of the Getty Trust. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from across the world.”
Starting January 20, affected artists and workers can apply for emergency grants through the Center for Cultural Innovation’s website. The fund will prioritize those with immediate needs, though future allocations may address longer-term recovery efforts.
Westside Businesses Transform Into Distribution Hubs and Shelters Amid Devastating Fire
Local businesses and volunteers transform spaces into shelters, donation hubs, and meal services, stepping up to support evacuees and frontline workers during the devastating Palisades Fire.
By Zach Armstrong
Soon after Savannah Aubinoe walked out of her beachfront home to see a billow of smoke miles away, she knew, being the owner of a local interactive event and community space, she had a duty to fill.
Within days, moss, a coworking and wellness space in Venice founded by Aubinoe, transformed into a full-fledged donation center and shelter for evacuees of the devastating Palisades Fire. The building abounds with volunteers who coordinate with walkie talkies and a Slack channel to accept donations, distribute goods, assist evacuees and direct traffic outside. One of its meditation spaces, along with three units from an adjacent building, became bedrooms. Its computer room is now a dispatch center. The main area, usually a community and event area for moss members, is wall-to-wall with cardboard boxes of shoes, backpacks, clothing, prepackaged food and anything else donors provide.
“It’s quite an operation, but every single person working there is so positive, eager and willing to help,” said Aubinoe.
As thousands of West L.A. residents scramble to find shelter, food, and other resources, a slew of local businesses have heeded the call to convert their spaces into much-needed distribution centers and shelters; working in conjunction with nonprofit organizations and volunteers to store and distribute goods to those in need. Through word of mouth and social media posts, in addition to online spreadsheets, awareness has grown among evacuees who have fled to such businesses in droves.
“A lot of people who donate want to do good things, but on an operational level they’re gridlocked and it creates an
overwhelming amount of goods coming in that don’t go to the right places,” said Jonathan Chia, founder of Reality Center, a Santa Monica-based wellness center which, by working with nonprofits, is delivering around 2,000 meals a day.
“We’re able to quarterback and work with volunteers and nonprofits to make sure things get to the right places.”
All of Reality Center’s staff, even though some have lost their homes and are sheltered in the office, grind around the clock to accept donated items in its 2nd Street storefront just outside the Promenade–wheelchairs, gas cards, etc.– and deliver them with ‘no questions asked’, said Chia, noting that operations get so frantic that some items are intercepted from the offload to be delivered immediately.
“It’s almost overwhelming,” said Chia. “All of us basically have two phones in our hands fielding calls and assessing different things throughout the day.”
Some establishments are concurrently
utilizing their ingenuity and services to address problems brought on by the fires beyond the demand for shelter and donations.
The KINN, a Venice-based accelerator network and collaborative workspace for “conscious” entrepreneurs, started as a shelter/distribution spot soon after the fire ignited, then evolved into a hot meal service in conjunction with No Res Gourmet (501c3) whereby professional chefs on-site prepare meals to be sent to firefighters and frontline workers.
One of its members, Stanley Bishop, an AI scientist affiliated with Stanford Medicine, is working to build makeshift air purifiers for the classrooms of Los Angeles schools to reduce the air’s toxicity in light of wildfires, according to KINN’s co-founder and CEO Oliver Evans.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 14, over 5,300 structures have been destroyed with 12,000 threatened by the Palisades Fire, which has already charred 23,713 acres
and numerous landmarks and beloved establishments such as Will Rogers Historic Ranch, Palisades Charter High School and Topanga Ranch Motel. The fire, at the time of this writing, is at 14% containment, up from 11% early Sunday. More than 150,000 people throughout Los Angeles County have been forced to evacuate, some piecing together how to rebuild from here, some still unaware whether their homes still stand.
Amid the turmoil brought on by what is officially the most destructive fire in L.A.’s history, business owners of the city’s Westside stand ready to provide and serve until the smoke clears.
“The most amazing feeling I can never explain to anybody is when we’re riding out the gate for a mission and better cause, and you’re the one spearheading it.” said Chia, a combat infantry veteran of the Iraq War. “When things like this happen, I get that feeling back again. Our team gets to jump on our horses and go save the day.”
A New Path Ahead
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
The recent Palisades Fire is profoundly impacting the people of Los Angeles, displacing families, destroying property, and creating an enduring sense of loss and vulnerability. As the community comes together to heal, it is also a time to reflect on and evaluate how this disaster underscores the critical importance of robust infrastructure in the face of mounting environmental and urban challenges.
While devastating emotionally and economically and one of the most significant disasters and crises Los Angeles has endured, the fires also present an opportunity for policymakers, planners, and residents to reevaluate and modernize water and electricity systems to meet current and future demands, especially those arising from planned development.
Challenges Highlighted by the Fire
1. Water Infrastructure Under Strain
The fire revealed vulnerabilities in the existing water delivery systems, particularly regarding firefighting
capabilities. High demand during emergencies often stretches water pressure and availability, exposing gaps in capacity. With mandated planned housing developments expected to increase population density significantly, these demands will only intensify.
2. Electrical Grid Reliability
Fires frequently cause power outages or reveal vulnerabilities in grid resilience. The aging infrastructure, combined with the increased risks of wildfires ignited by utility equipment, makes it essential to explore upgrades that reduce these hazards while meeting future energy demands.
Future Housing and Infrastructure Demands
State and local housing mandates require the addition of thousands of new homes to address and meet the housing shortage. These developments will increase the demand for water and electricity, exacerbating the current strain on resources. Without proactive investment in infrastructure, communities will most likely experience inadequate supply, reliability issues, and heightened risks during emergencies. Here are some suggestions to consider and possibly mandate in response to this tragic disaster!
Opportunities for Upgrades
1. Smart Water Systems Modernizing water infrastructure
with innovative technology can improve pressure management, detect leaks, and ensure better allocation during crises. Expanding storage capacity through reservoirs or underground systems will bolster firefighting capabilities and future residential needs.
2. Resilient Electrical Systems
Transitioning to underground electrical lines in high-risk fire zones can mitigate the risk of fire ignition. Investing in renewable energy sources, microgrids, and battery storage systems can decentralize power generation, enhance reliability, and help achieve sustainability goals.
3. Integrated Emergency Planning
Coordinated planning between water and electricity providers is crucial to ensuring resources are available during emergencies. Planners can better align infrastructure improvements with community needs by modeling future scenarios with increased population and climate risks.
4. Green Building Mandates
Requiring new housing developments to include water-efficient systems and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can reduce strain on existing infrastructure while promoting sustainability.
Community Engagement and Funding Community support and innovative
funding mechanisms will be key to achieving these upgrades. Public-private partnerships, state and federal grants, and bonds can help finance infrastructure projects. Transparent communication about the necessity of these investments and their long-term benefits can also garner public support.
New Path Forward
The Palisades Fire is a glaring lesson and an urgent reminder that the need for forward-thinking infrastructure planning cannot be ignored. By leveraging this moment to address vulnerabilities and anticipate future demands, policymakers can create a more resilient, sustainable, and safe community for generations to come. As situations develop, we will have more to say regarding this and other alternatives in the following articles.
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and FireLife Safety Commission, Michael Jolly, AIRCRE; Marie Standing, Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
Bay Area Fish House Makes L.A. Debut in Santa Monica
Pacific Catch Brings
Sustainable Seafood and Pacific Rim
Flavors to Santa Monica in Its First LA-Area Location
Pacific Catch West Coast Fish House has officially opened its doors in Santa Monica, marking its first location in the Los Angeles metro area.
The restaurant, known for its sustainable seafood and Pacific Rim-inspired menu, debuted Monday, December 23, at the corner of 2nd Street and Wilshire Boulevard, just a short distance from the Pier. The 5,600-square-foot space features a northwest-facing patio, an open-air dining room, and a wine and cocktail bar, accommodating more than 200 guests.
The menu at Pacific Catch Santa Monica includes signature dishes such as poke, ceviche, and tacos, alongside offerings like the Hawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl and Miso Black Cod. The restaurant also features a
beverage program with tiki cocktails and zero-proof options. Its happy hour, running from 3 to 6 p.m., highlights $10 poke and ceviche dishes, $10 cocktails, and other beverages.
Sustainability remains a core commitment for Pacific Catch, which has partnered with organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and the Surfrider Foundation to source environmentally responsible seafood. The restaurant touts usage of 100% compostable take-out packaging and its recognition as a James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader.
Founded in San Francisco in 2003 by Cox and Aaron Noveshen, the restaurant has become a staple in the Bay Area with its diverse offerings, ranging from sushi and ceviche to tacos and Fresh Catch plates. The Santa Monica location continues the brand’s blending West Coast, Baja, Japanese, Korean, and Hawaiian influences.
The opening follows two other Southern California locations—one in La Jolla and another in Tustin—and is part of a broader expansion plan for the region. Two additional Orange County locations were reported to open by late 2024.
Former SWAT Officer Who Braved Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Loses Everything in Palisades Fire
Jeff Garris, a retired Pittsburgh SWAT officer celebrated for his heroism during the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, faces a new battle after losing his home and cherished belongings in the devastating Palisades fire
By Zach Armstrong
It happened again: Jeff Garris found himself making a valiant effort in the heat of a tragedy that would make headlines around the world.
Soon after receiving an evacuation order, he rushed to his new home at Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates to gather whatever belongings he could, then drove to his sister-in-law’s nearby home. Her neighbor, a bedridden 99-year-old woman, needed to be placed in a wheelchair and moved across the street to prepare for evacuation. While assisting the woman, Garris received messages and images from neighbors showing blazes erupting and firefighters on the scene.
That PPBME home was what Garris had planned to make his permanent and final residence. Upon returning days later, he found it had been reduced to a heap of melted aluminum and twisted metal, dust and ash–mounds of rubble that were once his most precious possessions: the piggy bank his grandfather lent him, mountain bikes he had just built for himself and his son, a photo album of his childhood, heirlooms passed down from his wife’s grandmother, and so on. Almost everything had vaporized in a matter of hours.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Garris, who hadn’t yet purchased home or renter’s insurance in the short time since moving to Los Angeles. “I know it’s going to be a rough time, but we’ll figure it out and get through it,”
Garris moved to Pacific Palisades less than two months before the disastrous fire ignited on Jan. 7, which has charred more than 23,000 acres and destroyed 1,280 structures. Now, he joins the thousands of members of his new community who are displaced from their homes, piecing
together plans for what direction to take while processing the devastation.
One relic that perished in flames was an honor for his most significant act of bravery during three decades with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police: the Courage Under Hostile Fire Award, recognizing his response to the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.
On the morning of Oct. 27, 2018, Garris was eating his weekly pancake breakfast with his son when he received an active shooter alert. He jumped into action, breaking several traffic laws on his way to the scene. Inside the synagogue, carnage awaited: blood-covered bodies filled the space. The shooter had positioned himself on a floor with narrow, winding hallways. Garris was in the center of a team of SWAT operators slowly advancing on the assailant when gunfire erupted.
“He obviously staged the room to provide the best ambush situation possible,” Garris said of Robert Gregory Bowers, the shooter, who ultimately surrendered and was arrested. “His aim was to murder as many cops as he could.”
Six years later, after a long career in public service—including roles as a beat cop, river rescue pilot and SWAT
operator—Garris decided it was time for a fresh start. He, his wife Debbie, and their 17-year-old son Tristan moved to Pacific Palisades just before Thanksgiving to be closer to their other son, Markus.
In the weeks leading up to the fire, plans were in motion for Tristan to start at James J. McBride Special Education Center, and for Garris to finalize the purchase of the PPBME home—a residence that had belonged to his wife’s siblings, where Garris and his wife had already been staying for almost two months.
Now, Garris, his wife, and Tristan are using a credit offered by Airbnb to stay in a residence a few blocks away from James McBride, where Tristan is set to soon resume school. Once their youngest is back in the classroom, it will give them some needed breathing room to coordinate a recovery plan.
To help get them back on their feet, GoFundMe donations are pouring in. At the time of this writing, a campaign launched for Garris has exceeded its $35,000 goal, currently standing at $52,856.
“You don’t need to personally know someone to help them with disaster relief,” Garris said. “A lot of people don’t have a strong network of support. If people have
the means, it’s something good to do for your fellow man.”
Donations for Garris can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/retiredpittsburgh-swat-officer-recover-fromca-wildfire?attribution_id=sl:831c97c5f2ea-45a4-a832-82ec0e11e61b&utm_ campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_ medium=customer&utm_source=copy_ link
Social & Digital Strategist at Rubin Postaer & Assoc. to plan social & digital mktg strtgy & comm. Reqs Bachelors in mktg, comm., digit. comm. & media, or rltd + 3 yrs exp in job ofrd or as social media (s.m.) community mgr or rltd in s.m. mgmt in agency setting. Exp must incl s.m. mktg incl srch eng optimzatn, user-gen. cntnt, brand voice; s.m. mgmt & listening tech: Meltwtr, Sprout Social, Sprinklr, Brndwatch, NetBase; social creative frmts, pltfrm specs & audience demgrphcs; digit. metrics for multiple s.m. pltfrms; auto indstry mktg incl KPIs; brand-bldg; brand & mktg strtgy frmwrks. Wrk site: Santa Monica CA. Some WFH permitted-must wrk onsite as reqd. Wage $70000-$87000/yr. Email resume: peopleoperations@rpa.com & ref job title.
