INSIDE Santa Monica Gets Temporary Community Development Director smmirror.com
January 3 - January 9, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
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Santa Monica Man Arrested in Fatal Hit-andRun of Vietnam Veteran
Suspect Faces Murder and Felony Charges; Police Recover Evidence By Dolores Quintana
Rod Sharif, a Santa Monica man, was arrested on December 27, as the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run incident that killed a Vietnam veteran on December 22, according to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD). The woman, a Santa Monica resident, was crossing the street on Wilshire southbound and was struck by a Toyota RAV4 heading eastbound. The driver then fled the scene at a high rate of speed as several witnesses watched. The crash was caught on surveillance video. The unidentified woman, a veteran, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The SMPD’s Traffic Unit, along with SWAT officers and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, executed search and arrest warrants at the home of the suspect, identified as Rod Sharif, in Santa Monica Canyon. Authorities recovered several pieces of evidence from the residence, including a white Toyota RAV4 with significant front-end damage consistent with a collision. Sharif was taken into custody and booked on charges of murder and felony hit-and-run. Police revealed that Sharif has a history of prior arrests for driving under the influence and reckless driving. Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to come forward. Those with relevant details can contact Investigator Evan Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@ santamonica.gov, Investigator Lantz Lewis at Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov, or the SMPD non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491. The department’s Watch Commander is also available 24/7 at 310458-8427.
Santa Monica to Unveil Plaque Honoring Lloyd C. Allen, the City’s First Black Rec and Parks Commissioner
Allen Was Instrumental in the Creation of the Park Where the Plaque Will Be Displayed
The city of Santa Monica will host a ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 21, to unveil a plaque honoring Lloyd C. Allen, a trailblazing advocate, entrepreneur, and public servant whose contributions have shaped the community, the city announced. The event will take place at 3 p.m. at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave., near the roundabout entrance by the Thelma Terry building. The public is invited to attend the free ceremony, which will feature remarks from Mayor Lana Negrete and Allen himself, who celebrated his 103rd birthday in August. Light refreshments will be served. “I am thrilled to celebrate one of our most prominent community members,
Lloyd C. Allen,” Mayor Negrete said in a release. “Mr. Allen’s legacy is seen and felt every day in Santa Monica, and it is truly an honor to acknowledge his decades of service and contributions to our community.” The plaque honors Allen’s extensive contributions, including his role as Santa Monica’s first Black Recreation and Parks commissioner. Allen was instrumental in the creation of Virginia Avenue Park, where the plaque will be displayed. The recognition follows a directive by the City Council in early 2024 to formally honor Allen’s legacy. In addition to his public service, Allen was a pioneering Black entrepreneur in the late 1950s, founding multiple businesses that enriched the local community. His ventures included Allen Maintenance, Allen Janitorial Supplies and Equipment, and Allen Vacuum Repairs, all based at 400 Pico Blvd. “My commitment has always been to create spaces and opportunities where everyone, regardless of background, can come together, thrive, and feel a sense of belonging,” Allen said in a release.