INSIDE Water Recycling Facility Captures Over 50 Million Gallons, Wins National Awards smmirror.com
November 15 - November 21, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 6
Santa Monica Pier Bridge to be Replaced in $29M Project The Updated Design Includes Expanded Walkways, Modern Lighting, and New Railings
Santa Monica has finalized the design for a new Pier Bridge, set to replace the 85-year-old structure that connects Palisades Park and Colorado Avenue to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the City announced. The city will seek experienced bridge contractors and construction management professionals in spring 2025 to begin this long-awaited upgrade. The $29 million project will enhance the bridge’s seismic safety, accessibility, and functionality. The updated design includes expanded walkways, modern lighting, and new railings. A key feature of the project is the careful removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the historic blue “Santa Monica Pier” sign. An architectural historian and neon conservator will oversee the sign’s preservation, while a smaller
replica will be temporarily placed on the pier during construction. Over the next few months, the city will complete the permitting process before issuing a Request for Bids in spring 2025. This offers an exciting opportunity for contractors with bridge construction
expertise to contribute to a landmark that welcomes millions each year. Construction is expected to start in late 2025. To maintain access to the pier, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed before the demolition of the existing structure. Santa Monica Pier
will remain open to residents and tourists throughout the project. Detailed bid information will be posted on the city’s website, where contractors can set up accounts to access project updates. For specific questions, Selim Eren can be reached at Selim.Eren@santamonica.gov.
Santa Monica Stabbing Suspect Held on Florida Fugitive Warrant Detectives Apprehended the Suspect, Who Is Homeless and Recently Arrived in Santa Monica
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 16 in Santa Monica, where police responded to a call reporting a bleeding man on the sidewalk in the 500 block of Broadway, SMPD announced. Upon arrival around 7 p.m., officers found the victim, a recently arrived homeless man from Kentucky, suffering from stab wounds. The victim provided a general description of the suspect and a possible first name. Following a review of surveillance footage and further investigation, SMPD detectives identified
and apprehended the suspect, 23-year-old Damian Garcia, who is also homeless and recently arrived in Santa Monica from Florida. Garcia was arrested on Oct. 23 and arraigned on October 25, where the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury. Garcia is also being held on a fugitive warrant from Florida and will face extradition following his current charges. He remains in custody with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Garcia’s criminal history includes previous charges of assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, vehicle theft, armed robbery, and resisting arrest with violence, according to SMPD. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Ben Jenkins at (310) 458-4884, Sergeant Chad Goodwin at (310) 4588931, or the Watch Commander desk, which is available 24/7, at (310) 458-8427.