Santa Monica Police Officer Attacked in Unprovoked Knife Assault Outside Police Station
Mayor Calls for Urgent Action on Public Safety in Social Media Statement
One of the Santa Monica Police Department’s (SMPD) officers was the victim of an unprovoked assault with a knife on Saturday, October 5, according to a press release. The shocking incident occurred around 5:21 p.m. right in front of the police station.
The officer was gathering information from a resident regarding an unrelated call when he was confronted by a man in his 30s at the station’s entrance. According to the police, the officer asked the new arrival to wait while he finished speaking with the resident. Without warning, the man pulled out a knife and attacked the officer, slashing and stabbing him.
The officer immediately retreated, drawing his duty weapon as the assailant continued the attack. The officer moved around the corner of the building, where an officer-involved shooting occurred according to the press statement.
SMPD officers rendered medical aid to the suspect until paramedics from the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived, but the suspect was pronounced dead at
the scene.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is handling the case, and the Santa Monica Police Department is conducting an internal investigation to ensure proper procedures are followed. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will also investigate the incident.
Anyone with information regarding the attack is asked to contact the Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427, who is available 24 hours a day.
The SMPD posted a social media update on Sunday about the officer’s condition, “We are pleased to announce that our officer has been released from the hospital and is now home, focusing on recovery. We are all grateful for his dedication to protecting our community and will do everything we can to help him and his family through the hard work of recovering from this attack.
“This has been a challenging time, but the unwavering support from our residents has reminded us of the strength in unity. Our community thrives when we come together, and your encouragement has been a crucial part of the healing process. As we continue to support each other, we reaffirm our commitment to working hand-in-hand for a safer and stronger neighborhood. Together, we are more than a community—we are a team. Thank you for standing with us.”
Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock also released a statement via video on social media on Sunday, in which he said, “One
of Santa Monica’s finest was placed in an untenable position Saturday afternoon in front of our public safety facility. Our veteran police officer was attacked and stabbed repeatedly in front of the city’s symbol of commitment to our communal safety. Our officer had to defend himself against an attacker who would not heed repeated commands to stop his attack.
My thoughts and prayers go out to our officer, his family, and our entire police department for his speedy recovery.”
Brock added, “This tragic incident
demonstrates the repeated calls by the residents of Santa Monica for an urgent commitment by all city leaders to prioritize the safety of all our residents and visitors, no matter their age. From our children to our seniors, ALL of us deserve safe streets in Santa Monica. We cannot continue to tolerate the lack of lawlessness caused by mental illness, drug abuse, and the lack of penalties in our county that continue to raise justifiable fear among the good residents of our city. This has to STOP, NOW!”
Socalo’s Pork Belly Guacamole Supports Childhood Cancer Fight with Every Bite
A Portion of Proceeds Will Benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Socalo restaurant is extending its support for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) with a limited-time offer on its Pork Belly Guacamole, following this
past weekend’s successful fundraiser with Chef Susan Feniger. Through October 19, patrons can enjoy Socalo’s signature guacamole dish while also contributing to the fight against childhood cancer.
For every Pork Belly Guacamole order, priced at $21.50, Socalo will donate $1 to ALSF. The proceeds will help provide resources to families affected by childhood cancer and support cancer research efforts.
Feniger’s ongoing commitment to ALSF shows Socalo’s dedication to both delicious food and meaningful causes. The Pork Belly Guacamole is available for
a limited time, inviting guests to indulge in a flavorful dish that makes a difference. Located at 1920 Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, the restaurant’s Taco Tuesday menu is also available from 11:30 to 8:30 p.m. weekly.
On social media, Chef Feninger said, “I was with the @socalorestaurant crew yesterday @lalovesalexs helping to raise over 1.7 million in the fight against childhood cancer! A really great day!
If you missed the event you can still support by ordering our Crispy Pork Belly Guacamole at Socalo.”
LA County Misprints 78,000 Ballots Addressing SMMUSD Bond Measures
Election Officials Are Addressing an Error That
Mistakenly Placed Two Measures
Intended for Separate Areas of the School District on All Voters for SMMUSD
Los Angeles County election officials are addressing a ballot error that mistakenly placed two school bond measures intended for separate areas of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District on ballots for all district voters. The measures, known as Measure QS and Measure MM, were meant to be voted on only by residents in specific
School Facilities Improvement Districts (SFIDs), but due to an error, they appeared district-wide.
The Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk (RR/CC), Dean C. Logan, acknowledged the mistake, stating, “We take full responsibility for this error. Although we cannot modify the voting materials at this stage, we will ensure that only votes cast by eligible voters within the defined SFID boundaries are reported and certified. The election results will not include votes from outside these specific areas.”
About 78,000 ballots were misprinted by L.A. County misprinted about 78,000 ballots, according to LAist.
Measure QS pertains to voters in the City of Santa Monica, while Measure MM is intended for residents of Malibu and nearby areas. Both measures focus on school facility repairs and improvements specific to their respective regions. The RR/CC is working closely with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) to ensure that the election process maintains its integrity.
SMMUSD created the separate improvement districts in 2018 to address distinct facility needs for schools in
Santa Monica and Malibu. The bond measures were placed on the November 5, 2024 ballot to secure funding for these improvements, but the erroneous inclusion of both measures on ballots for the entire district has caused confusion.
SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair vote, stating, “We are
seeking a clear and clean vote on our two bond measures. The County Registrar is assuring us that votes will count based on the area of eligibility, and we encourage everyone to share this information with neighbors, family, and friends.”
Voters with questions or concerns are being notified and can contact the RR/ CC at (800) 815-2666
Santa Monica Woman Sentenced to 8 Years for Attempted Meth Possession for Distribution
Drug Dealing Plot Stretched from Santa Monica to Wisconsin
A Santa Monica woman was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on August 22 for attempting to possess methamphetamine intended for distribution, according to Timothy M. O’Shea, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. Heather Carter, 50, pleaded guilty to the charge on March 14.
The investigation began in January 2022 when law enforcement officials received information that Carter regularly traveled to California to purchase methamphetamine. She allegedly mailed the drugs back to Wisconsin for distribution.
On September 19, 2022, authorities learned Carter was en route from California to Wisconsin. She stopped at a post office in Washington, Utah, where she mailed a package to her home in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. U.S. Postal Inspectors
intercepted the package, which contained cocaine, fentanyl, and 422 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators, who had obtained a search warrant, removed the drugs and later delivered the package to her Wisconsin address, arresting her upon receipt.
Carter was released pending trial but fled to California in December 2022, prompting a federal arrest warrant. In August 2023, a University of California Los Angeles police officer arrested her for a traffic violation and discovered fake identification documents, multiple license plates, and 800 grams of methamphetamine in her SUV.
At her sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson described Carter as a mid-level dealer involved in distributing dangerous substances. He emphasized that Carter returned to criminal behavior immediately after fleeing from pretrial release.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted the case.
Pacific Park’s Famous Pacific Wheel Just
Got
a Fun (and Educational) New Upgrade
Riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park just got even more enjoyable. Now, along with the incredible views of the Pacific coastline, riders will get fun map installations showing exactly what they’re looking at.
Imagine sitting at the very top of the Pacific Wheel with the city and the coast stretched out below you. As you gaze at the sights you wonder, “What is that island over there? Where is the Hollywood sign? What is that amazing building?”
Pacific Park has created a fun way to answer these questions. As part of a new creative project, the Park has installed specially illustrated, artist-designed maps around the inside rim of each of the Pacific Wheel’s gondolas. Now, all guests can get ride-enhancing information on what they’re looking at once they’re at the top of the Ferris wheel.
Of course, these are not just any old maps. To create something unique and reflect Los Angeles’ colorful creativity, Pacific Park collaborated with Chepe Daniel Báez, a renowned graphic artist based in Mexico City. Daniel Báez gorgeous illustrative ‘maps’ show all the landmarks and points of interest surrounding Pacific Park, including Point Dune, Malibu, Getty Museum, the Hollywood sign, the original Muscle Beach, the Pacific Coast Highway, and of course the Santa Monica Pier.
Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, said his team was thrilled with the collaboration. “Daniel Báez’s award-winning graphic design expertise made him the ideal choice for this unique gondola mapping project. Now, when guests ride the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, they’ll not only enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape but also have reference points to some of Los Angeles’ most iconic and popular landmarks.”
The Pacific Park team came up with the idea for the gondola maps in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the project was put into action. Then, the process for completing the project was meticulous.
Daniel Báez made multiple drafts of the drawings and visited Pacific Park several times. Each time, the design team would print out the drafts, ride the Pacific Wheel, and discuss changes that could be made to enhance guests’ experience. Once the images were completed, large-format print specialists Verve Printing transferred them to durable ‘wraps’ and installed them inside the rim of the gondolas.
Daniel Báez says he wanted to make the images as accurate as possible, but still with a good amount of abstraction. “There are so many historic things you can see from the Pacific Wheel, and the idea was to make them really stand out so visitors can play a little game trying to locate them all.”
The artist spent several months in LA during the Pacific Park project, staying with part of his mother’s family. He says his favorite part of the trip was exploring Santa Monica and all the landmarks he needed to represent. “I had a ton of fun drawing a part of the city that I love walking through and exploring, always with perfect weather.” Recognized as a Latin American Young Talent by the Latin American Design Festival in Lima, Peru, Daniel Báez also loved being able to leave his footprint in such a historic part of California. “Getting to ride the Ferris wheel while honing every iteration was the coolest way to have meetings,” he adds.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is open daily and features 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Visit pacpark.com for more details.
SMC to Present “Six Characters in Search of a Playwright”
The Production Is an Adaptation of Luigi Pirandello’s Classic Play
Santa Monica College (SMC) will stage live performances of “Six Characters in Search of a Playwright” from October 18 through 27 at the Theatre Arts Studio Stage on its main campus. The production is an adaptation of Luigi Pirandello’s classic play and is directed by Terrin Adair.
The story follows a group of actors preparing to rehearse Pirandello’s “Mixing it Up” when six mysterious characters, the abandoned creations of an incomplete play, interrupt the rehearsal and demand that their story be told.
Showtimes include 7:30 p.m. performances on Fridays (Oct. 18 and 25) and Saturdays (Oct. 19 and 26), with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays (Oct. 20 and 27).
Advance tickets are available online starting at $15 for SMC students and staff, with general tickets ranging from $18 to $20. Tickets purchased at the door are $3 higher. Free parking is provided for attendees. They can be purchased online at smc.edu/ tickets.
Recipient of the 2024 Southern California News Group Readers’ Choice Award, The Watermark at Beverly Hills offers boutique-style Assisted Living and inspiring opportunities around every corner. Every day is a new adventure. From extraordinary amenities, award winning adult education, to exciting excursions — the choices are endless.
How will you choose to spend your days? Call 424-512-7129 today to schedule your private tour.
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
In a polarized country or City every vote counts. Regardless of which side of any issue or candidate you support, your viewpoint will not prevail unless enough of you and your supporters actually vote. Voting fortunately is very easy in California.
REGISTRATION
If you are already registered, most likely you will have already received your ballot in the mail by the time you read this. If you are not yet registered, you still have time to meet the registration deadline of Monday, October 21 by going to: https://registertovote.ca.gov/. At that online location or for any in-person registration all you need is
1. Your California Drivers License or California identification card number
2. Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
3. Your date of birth
If you are unsure of your voter registration status go to: https:// voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ to find your current status.
If you are registering or re-registering LESS than 15 days before the November 5 election you will need to complete the Same-Day Voter Registration process and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling locations. See list below for registration and voting locations.
VOTING
In person voting starts Saturday, October 26, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
However on election day Tuesday, November 5 the polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Before dropping off or mailing your ballot
1. Place your voted ballot card inside the official Return envelope
2. Securely seal the Official Return Envelope
3. Sign and date the back of the
Official Return Envelope
There are 3 ways to actually return your completed ballot.
1. By Mail (remember no postage is necessary)
2. At any participating 24 hour vote by mail ballot box location. These are accessible, well lit, locations with relatively easy parking/drop off:
• Montana Avenue Library 1704 Montana Avenue
• Santa Monica Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd
• Virginia Avenue Park 2200 Virginia Avenue
• Marine Park 1406 Marine Street
• Ocean View Park 2701 Barnard Way
3. At any LA County vote Center (you can also register in person here)
Open October 26 -November 4, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Nov 5)
• Civic Center parking Structure 2nd floor 330 Olympic Drive
• Oakwood Recreation Center 767 California Ave, Venice
Open November 2-November 4, 10 am to 7:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Nov 5)
• Joslyn Park 633 Kensington
• Lincoln Middle School 1501 California
• Santa Monica College 1900 Pico
• Marine Park 1406 Marine St
• Washington Preschool 2802 4th Street
DEADLINE
All mailed in ballots must be postmarked by NOVEMBER 5 and must be received by the County Registrar/ Recorder within 7 days (November 12) of the election. You can track the progress of your mailed in ballot at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/ There are many other details that may be necessary to vote (replacement ballots, not receiving ballot in the mail, mobility access issues etc.etc.). See https://www.lavote.gov/home/votingelections/current-elections/find-myelection-information for additional help voting.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Everyone should vote for who or what initiative they feel will serve our City the best. Some issues are complex and nuanced and will require additional voter research to become well informed as to what is actually the best choice. Take your time to read or to discuss with your friends or relatives the ones where there is validity on both sides. SM.a.r.t feels that for City Council we recommend the slate of Phil Brock, Oscar De La Torre, John Putnam, and Vivian Roknian. But regardless of how you feel about any candidate or proposal, voting is both a right and privilege so be sure to take
full advantage of it.
S.M.a.r.t Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Thane Roberts, Architect, Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner, Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE Marie Standing. Jack Hillbrand AIA
For previous articles see www. santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
Chef Jason Neroni Bids Farewell to L.A. with Exclusive “Biography” Dinner Series
Renowned Chef to Host Intimate Dinners at Secret Locations
Chef Jason Neroni has announced an intimate and reflective series of farewell dinners, titled “Biography,” celebrating the pivotal dishes and restaurants that have defined his nearly 14-year career in Los Angeles. As a tribute to his culinary journey, Neroni will host these exclusive dinners for three weeks starting October 23.
Neroni is well known for his stellar achievements at Superba Snack Bar in Venice, The Rose in Venice, Best Bet in Culver City, and most recently, Paloma in Venice. His previous post on this dining series name-checked such legendary restaurants and chefs as El Bulli, Alain Ducasse in NYC, Paris and Monaco, Mugaritz, EMP, Blue Hill, Tabla, Lespinasse, Spago, and more.
In a statement about the event, Neroni referenced a line from the character Tony Stark: “The end is part of the journey,” marking this as a fitting conclusion to his time in the Los Angeles food scene. The dinners will be limited to 20 guests per evening, offering an immersive and
personal experience with the chef. Each dinner will be held at a different secret location in Los Angeles, revealed only upon confirmation of your booking.
“These dinners will be my final act in the culinary world here in Los Angeles,” Neroni shared. “My journey here began nearly 14 years ago, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with and meet amazing people, both professionally and personally.”
As he moves on to a new chapter,
Neroni expresses his gratitude to those who have supported his work. “Thank you all so much for giving me the opportunity to cook for you, all of these years,” he said. “This is truly an emotional moment for me, and my next chapter is sure to be just as exciting and challenging.”
Reservations for this exclusive dining series are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested can secure their spot by emailing chefjasonneroni@gmail.com.
Man Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Santa Monica Garage
The Victim Was Able to Step Back and Avoid Being Stabbed
A man was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after attempting to stab a resident in a garage on the 3000 block of 2nd Street, according to Santa Monica
Police.
Officers responded to a call about an assault in a sub-garage on the 200 block of Marine Street. The victim reported that the suspect had been leaning against the entry gate to the victim’s garage when the gate was remotely opened, causing the suspect to stumble. The suspect then followed the victim’s car into the garage and confronted the victim with a knife.
The victim was able to step back and avoid being stabbed. Officers later detained the suspect at Main Street and
Marine Street, where he was positively identified by the victim. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
FILM REVIEW THE PLATFORM 2
By Dolores Quintana
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s follow up to his surprise hit of 2020, The Platform 2, is ready to shock audiences once again. The Spanish writer and director has made two films this year, the theatrical release Rich Flu and this second entry in The Platform series. Urrutia’s films are frequently called anti-capitalist, but I believe his films to truly be prohumanist at heart.
You can watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/KFMYWNatQM?si= dcQfj7EF4_8obbQx
The Platform introduced us to a dystopian future where a “Vertical Self-Management Center” is a place that criminals are sentenced to and volunteers enter for their own reasons. It is “El Hoyo” or “The Hole”, a tower with 333 levels. It is perhaps telling that the Spanish title is much more grim than the English title.
Every day, the chosen food items of each inmate are prepared by a staff of fine dining chefs, cooks, and bakers and sent down to each level, while musicians play to inspire them. Those at the lower levels frequently starve because others on the higher levels selfishly gorge themselves on other people’s meals, thinking only of themselves. The first film exposed the greed of our current society, where those who are fortunate enough to be “on top” take all they want, and leave those at the bottom to die. Are the film’s themes subtle, no, but at this point in human history, the species may require the message to be shouted at them.
In The Platform 2, a mysterious leader imposes his law in a brutal system of vertical cells, a new arrival battles against a dubious food distribution method. Milena Smit, Hovik Keuchkerian Natalia Tena, Óscar Jaenada, Iván Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, and Antonia San Juan star in this equally violent and savage deconstruction of our society.
Rather than making a second version of The Platform, Urrutia has taken on another aspect of human violence against itself. First, there is the glory of the revolution, but then, often, follows the brutal revenge of the oppressed. One of the characters is derisively called Robespierre, and that is no accident. Maximilien Robespierre, the architect of The Reign of Terror and leader in the French Revolution was an exceptionally cruel man who caused 300,000 French citizens to be arrested; 17,000 to be executed, and about 10,000 to die in prison without trial. All in the name of the purity of the revolution.
Another point is that rather than fighting the system, what the prisoners of The Platform are fighting is each other. The system that created this terror is
untouched. While people set themselves up as the ultimate authorities with control over everyone, with the penalty of pain and death to enforce their rule, they are no different than the system itself. Anyone who breaks their arbitrary rules must be punished and frequently in the most merciless way possible.
The performances of the actors are at the same high standard as the first film, in particular, Milena Smit, Hovik Keuchkerian, Natalia Tena, and Zorion Eguileor. You feel the pain that they feel physically and emotionally and the subtleties of their performances, as the film frequently focuses, in close-ups, on their faces, pull you into the narrative.
The score by Aitor Etxebarria has a dark grandeur that is used at the proper times. It is at turns somber, soaring, plaintive, propulsive, and gentle with angelic choral voices, driving synthbased rhythms. Many of the themes seem to echo the symbolic pit at the center of the film.
The cinematography by Jon Sangroniz uses the difference between light and shadow wonderfully even on the actors’ faces. The image is crystal clear when called for, even in total red lighting, and subtly unfocused when required.
Urrutia’s work as a director harnesses all of the elements of the filmmaking process to serve the themes and plot. Even the aspect of what are hallucinations shows the effect of hunger, both physical and psychological, on the characters. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite
The Platform 2 is an unflinchingly ugly and beautiful depiction of humanity at its best and worst, showing our capacity for rage and violence as well as our potential for love, forgiveness, and understanding. Will the better angels of our species win? Will following the rules remain more important than human lives and compassion? Will we continue to allow our contempt and scorn to kill off the innocent and the disadvantaged? Will that be our doom or will we finally learn that we have to find a way to live together?
Will we ever stop brutalizing each other because we are afraid?
filmmakers and since Pablo Larraín, the acclaimed Chilean director, was one of the producers on Rich Flu, I am not the only one.
