INSIDE Santa Monica Classic Adjusts Amid Heatwave, Draws Thousands to Scenic 5K smmirror.com
September 13 - September 19, 2024 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 8
Man Found Fatally Stabbed Near Santa Monica Park, Suspect Still at Large Search for Suspect After Man Found Dead in Alley Near Reed Park
Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers are searching for a suspect after a man was discovered dead in an alley near a park in Santa Monica. While there have been social media reports of a second body, that is untrue per the Santa Monica Police Department spokesperson Erika Aklufi. There was an overdose at Bergamont Station on Thursday, but it is unrelated to the stabbing near Reed Park. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the man was discovered around 6:30 a.m. dead from an apparent stab wound in the alley near the 1100 block of 6th Street, close to Wilshire Boulevard, which is only a block away from Christine Emerson Reed Park. SMPD believes the man was homeless.
In a social media press statement SMPD stated, “At this time, no suspect is in custody, and we are seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating the individual(s) responsible. If you have any information that may assist in this investigation, please contact us at 310-458-8491.”
In a statement, police assured the community that they are maintaining a strong presence in the area as the investigation continues. “We recognize that our community has recently been impacted by several violent crimes and understand the heightened concern these incidents
cause. We want to reassure the community that the safety and wellbeing of our residents remain our highest priorities. Our team is working diligently to identify the suspect(s), and a strong police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues.”
essential services, such as work, medical appointments, and educational institutions. An advisory committee will
be established to ensure the enforcement is handled compassionately, with personnel receiving proper training.
Big Blue Bus Gets a Boost in Safety Measures SB 1417 Is Part of a Series of Initiatives Aimed at Bolstering Rider Confidence
A new law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to enhance the safety and security of Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus service, as detailed in a recent City blog post. Senate Bill 1417, sponsored by the City of Santa Monica in partnership with Senator Ben Allen, will allow the city’s Department of Transportation to issue prohibition orders to individuals consistently violating Big Blue Bus policies. The measure, which takes effect in January 2025, will permit bans ranging from 30 days to a year for
offenses that compromise the safety and comfort of riders and employees. SB 1417 is part of a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering rider confidence. In March 2024, the Big Blue Bus launched its Transit Safety Officer Program, which deployed unarmed safety officers to high-traffic routes and select bus stops. The officers, easily identifiable by their black uniforms, assist riders with fare navigation, address safety concerns, and enforce the Code of Conduct. “The use of prohibition orders gives us another tool to improve the safety and security of our customers and operators,” said Anuj Gupta, Director of the Santa Monica Department of Transportation. “This is part of our broader customer experience plan aimed at enhancing Big Blue Bus safety, convenience, and attractiveness.” The legislation includes safeguards to ensure that individuals facing prohibition orders can still access