INSIDE Olympic Gold Medalist on Why Santa Monica Is “The Place to Train” smmirror.com
August 16 - August 22, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
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Man Who Bear-Sprayed Protestors in Santa Monica Sentenced for Role in Jan. 6 Riot: Report Prosecutors described Dempsey as spraying bear repellent on a crowd of His Sentence one of the most violent rioters, detailing political protesters at the Santa Monica his aggressive actions during the Pier. Ranks Among the attack. He was seen stomping on police On Oct. 19, 2019, officers working the officers’ heads and using flagpoles, Pier observed a fight between two groups Longest Issued metal crutches, and pieces of furniture of protestors. One of the protestors, later as makeshift weapons. Dempsey identified as David Dempsy, dispersed a to Defendants for reportedly climbed on other rioters, canister of bear repellent into the crowd, using them as “human scaffolding” affecting numerous protestors and nonRoles in the Capitol to reach officers guarding a tunnel involved pier patrons. As seen in a entrance. His attacks injured multiple YouTube video, Dempsey was wearing Insurrection police officers, including a Metropolitan a red “Make America Great Again” hat. burglary, theft, and assault. Assistant David Nicholas Dempsey, a 37-yearold man with a history of political violence including a 2019 incident where he used bear spray against peaceful protesters at the Santa Monica Pier, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Friday for his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, according to several reports. His sentence ranks among the longest issued to defendants for their roles in the Capitol insurrection, according to the Associated Press.
Police Department detective and a sergeant, according to the Los Angeles Times. Dempsey pleaded guilty in January to two counts of assaulting law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon. In a statement before his sentencing, he called his actions “reprehensible” and apologized to the officers he assaulted. “You were performing your duties, and I responded with hostility and violence,” he stated, as reported by Patch.com. His sentencing comes nearly five years after Dempsey was charged with
Trump supporters and anti-Trump protestors exchanged insults for around 10 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Times, before shoving one another and yelling obscenities. That’s when Dempsey pulled out the bear repellent, video showed. Police cornered Dempsey soon after the incident and detained him near the police substation on the Pier. In addition to using bear spray against peaceful protesters at the Santa Monica Pier, Dempsey’s extensive criminal record includes multiple charges of
U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher characterized him as “political violence personified.”, according to Patch.com Since the January 6 attack, over 1,488 individuals have been charged with crimes related to the Capitol breach, with nearly 550 facing assault charges against law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing, and the case has drawn attention amid discussions of potential pardons for rioters by former President Trump.
North America’s Biggest Dog Festival to Return to Santa Monica Attendees Can Participate in a 100-Foot Pool Party, Dog Races, a Foam Party for Pups and a Dog Surfing Wave Machine
The Day of the Dog, North America’s largest festival dedicated to dogs, is returning to Main Street in Santa Monica on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 12pm to 5pm. This free event will benefit the Just Love Animals Society, a nonprofit focused on community outreach and animal welfare. The festival is expected to attract over
10,000 attendees and features more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest dog products and trends, according to a release from organizers. Attendees can participate in a variety of canine-themed activities, including a 100-foot pool party, dog races, a foam party for pups, and a dog surfing wave machine. “We’re the biggest cultural movement honoring today’s modern-day family,” said festival co-producer Leo Powell in the release. “With pet ownership rising by more than 40% since the pandemic, Santa Monica is the perfect location for our festival.” Among the highlights is the “Size Does Matter” parade of wiener dogs, which will feature special guest judges, as well as interactive activities such as a superhero-themed photo booth and various pop-up photo studios. For those looking to pamper their pets, food vendors will offer dog-friendly options, including a Puppuccino Bar and brunch for dogs. The Day of the Dog will take place
on two full city blocks of Main Street, where streets will be closed for the event. Public parking is available at
Santa Monica Beach Parking Lot 5. For more information, visit www. thedayofthedog.com.