Sugar the Pitt Bull Needs A Home! Give This Venice Story A Happy Ending!

March 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Just about one month ago two transients on the Venice Boardwalk were fighting, resulting in the unfortunate murder of one of the men. Billy Young, accused of the murder had a female pitt bull in his possession when he was arrested. The dog seemed happy and healthy, and has been on a mandatory hold for the past month pending regular process and procedure when an animal is taken into Animal Services care in this kind of situation.

Sugar, the year old pitt bull has just been released for adoption. She is sweet, very strong and full of energy. The notes on her intake papers said that she nips, but we hand a handler take her out into a play area and her biggest issue is that she is full of energy, wants to play, and needs to know a few boundaries. Normal behavior for a pup that needs care and instruction.

If you would like to adopt Sugar, she is available at the West LA Animal Services. http://www.ci.la.ca.us/ani/wla…..center.htm

Her record number is: A1191672

11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

888-4LAPET1 or 888-452-7381, FAX 310-207-4965

Help us give Sugar’s story a happy ending. She was living on the street but was loved and well cared for. She’s a pretty girl! Click here for movies too!



Filed Under: Main Slide Show, The Venice Blog

Sale of Eric Clapton’s Venice House To Benefit Japan

March 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

LOS ANGELES, CA — (Marketwire) — 03/29/11 — The only private residence designed by MOCA’s celebrated Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki, will hit the market at $2.5 mil. Sale includes a never released, solo recording Clapton left behind.

The current owner, a volunteer in Sri Lanka after the 2004 Tsunami, will donate funds over the market price to current relief efforts in Japan.

Described in Clapton’s New York Times bestseller, “Clapton: The Autobiography,” the property boasts thirty-foot ceilings with giant triangular skylights and solid teak decks.

Owned by Mr. Clapton for five years until 2003, the three thousand square foot structure along the sands of Venice Beach, CA includes the musician’s sound system and custom furnishings by Getty Museum artisan Ronald Bennett that have been a part of the property since Isozaki built the home in 1987.

Shortly after purchasing the home from Mr. Clapton, the current owner discovered a digital tape Eric had left in the sound system. The twelve-minute solo classical guitar instrumental has never been professionally recorded or released. The owner says the tape, “Stays with the house. It’s part of the home’s history.”

More than a rock star, Eric Clapton is an icon, a living embodiment of the history of rock music. His original “Blackie” was the most expensive guitar ever to be sold at auction. The Fender guitar fetched $959,500 at Christie’s in 2004 from the Los Angeles-based “Guitar Center.”

Educated in Japan, the home’s equally iconic designer, Arata Isozaki, is known for using bold, exaggerated forms and inventive detailing. The award-winning architect is identified with the imaginative, Japanese New Wave movement known as Metabolism. According to Architectural Record, Isozaki’s design of the home complements other esteemed architectural works in Venice by the likes of Frank Gehry and Frederick Fisher.

Cool. How often does the opportunity come along to own a unique piece of history created by the Mozarts of our time… and feel good about doing it?

Information: ClaptonVeniceHouse.com

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1558435

Contact:
Robert Glinert
The Glinert Group
800-270-0722 ext.160
Email Contact

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, The Venice Blog

Crime is up in Venice! Eyes open and report what you see!

March 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In conjunction with LAPD, the LA Times maps crime in our Venice Neighborhood. The news is NOT good, with violent crimes escalating in our area. It is more important than ever to be OBSERVANT in your local area and report what you see. If something doesn’t look right, err on the side of safety and make a report. Call 1-877-ASK-LAPD.

Check out this full list of crimes in Venice for the month of March. Easy to identify the trouble spots…

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, The Venice Blog

Venice 311 Sunday Graffiti Sweep

March 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The never-ending battle ensues. We hit Ocean Front Walk today with sticker remover, paint remover and paint cover for the various signs, poles, fountains, fire hydrants and more! We’d like to give a big thanks to the many neighborhood folks who cheered us on along the way!

Here are some pix of some of what we cleaned up with a few before / after shots!

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Filed Under: Main Slide Show, Shine On Venice

Thank You Venice For Saving 13 Dogs!

March 27, 2011 By

Yesterday’s ” Tour For Life ” no-kill mobile animal shelter event in conjunction with LA Animal Services resulted in 13 wonderful pups of all ages being placed in loving caring homes. The event featured animals from all of the LA Animal Services area shelters, with a myriad of dogs big and small hoping for new adoptive families. Venice 311 did their part, and adopted a companion pet for one of our dogs who recently had a companion pass away from old age. We welcomed Haisley into our family. He’s 6, which presents a challenge for adoption because many people want a younger animal. Haisley was just perfect for us though and he’s happily taken to his new home, toys and buddy.

The Plaza at Windward by the beach was packed with people and prospective adoptive dogs. All had a great time and the event was a great success!

It isn’t too late to consider adopting a pet! The LA Animal Services shelters are open 7 days! Remember is your pet is lost, or if you find a stray animal you can take them to your local shelter and they will list the animal on the web site so the owners may be located.

 

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, Shine On Venice

Venice Beach Lights Out For Earth Hour

March 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment


At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour.

On Saturday 27 March, Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM (local time). This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

Want to know what else you can do beyond the hour? Click here!

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, The Venice Blog

Adopt and Save a Pet! Largest No-Kill Animal Shelter Mobile Adoption Truck in Venice This Saturday!

March 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tour For Life Mobile Animal Adoption Shelter will take place at Venice Beach Windward Plaza, 1800 Ocean Front Walk at Windward Avenue (near Recreation Center) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As a note: It is ILLEGAL per LAMC 53.15.2(E)(2) and LAMC 53.42(F)(1) to sell or barter dogs, cats, lizards or ANY ANIMAL on Venice Beach without a specific permit ( which this event has ). Illegal sales of pitt bulls and other puppies is dangerous for the animals and the buyers. If you see someone illegally selling animals on Venice Beach or the Boardwalk please call 1-877-ASK-LAPD. PLEASE adopt through your local animal shelter. Everyone at Venice 311 has adopted all of their animals. 15 animals lovingly rescued from shelters and given wonderful homes.

North Shore Animal League America in partnership with Purina One® and City of LA Department of Animal Services arrive in Venice Beach for its annual national cooperative life-saving adoption event, Tour For Life. Two Mobile Adoption Units are traveling simultaneously across the country (one west to east and the other south to north) and are partnering with more than 100 shelter and rescue groups in 37 cities in 20 states. These “shelters on wheels” will cover over 13,000 miles and help save the lives of thousands of animals across the country through humane education and mobile adoption events.

The Venice Beach stop is on Saturday, March 26th 2011 from 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM.

Pet Adoption Tour for Life Comes to Venice Beach

At 12:00 PM (NOON), there will be an appearance by acclaimed actress Carolyn Hennesy and a presentation of Resolution by Councilman Tony Cárdenas.

In attendance will be: Carolyn Hennesy (pictured right), co-star of ABC’s Cougar Town and 2010 Daytime Emmy Award nominee for ABC’s General Hospital, Tony Cárdenas (pictured far right), Los Angeles City Councilmember will present Official Resolution, City of LA Dept. of Animal Services and North Shore Animal League America. There will be over 70 adoptable dogs and cats.

The event will take place at Venice Beach Windward Plaza, 1800 Ocean Front Walk at Windward Avenue (near Recreation Center).

Tour For Life’s presenting sponsors are Purina ONE® brand Dog and Cat Food; the Tour is also supported by The American Mutt-i-grees® Club.

Listen to the event promotion here.

This year NSALA - the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization - is pleased to announce Wynonna Judd as national spokesperson for its 11th annual Tour for Life. The Tour aligns perfectly with the country music icon’s passion for animals, “My pets have always been a very important part of my life. They are loyal, non-judgmental and offer unconditional love. Being the spokesperson for Tour For Life gives me an opportunity to encourage other Americans to share the same happiness.” She adds, “When considering a new family member, please stop by a local shelter and rescue a homeless pet, they will be eternally grateful to you for saving their life.”

Over the past decade, Tour for Life has helped place hundreds of thousands of homeless animals with loving families throughout the country. The month-long national initiative promotes the advantages of adopting shelter animals and the significance of saving a life.

Tour For Life’s presenting sponsors are Purina ONE® brand Dog and Cat Food; the Tour is also supported by The American Mutt-i-grees® Club. For more information on Tour For Life visit www.AnimalLeague.org/TourforLife2011.

Filed Under: The Venice Blog

Venice Pacific Division Neighborhood News

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Pacific Area Neighborhood News
March 2011 Captains Message
During several meetings in the community recently I have been asked questions regarding possible “Hate crimes”. A Hate crime involves threats, harassment, or physical harm and is motivated by prejudice against someone’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical or mental disability. The perpetrators of hate often use explosives, arson, vandalism, physical violence, and verbal threats of violence to instill fear in their victims. These tactics often leave victims feeling vulnerable to more attacks as well as feeling alienated, helpless, suspicious and fearful.
If those who practice hate are not prosecuted, their crimes can often weaken even the strongest communities with the healthiest race relations. Additionally, victims of hate crimes may become frustrated, and often angry, if they believe their community, police, and local government won’t stand up for them and help eliminate the threat.
Pacific Area Community Police Station encourages all to report any crime especially hate related incidents. All perpetrators will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent the law allows.
JON F. PETERS, Captain Commanding Officer Pacific Community Police Station
District News
Note: The crime statistics quoted are taken from a report published weekly by the City Of Los Angeles’ Information Resources Division. These statistics are the most current available and represent the period of February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011.
Basic Car 14A11 Venice Beach District
Senior Lead Officer Theresa Skinner - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3968 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 2 Burglary / Theft from vehicle 8 Robbery 0 Burglary (Residential/Business) 21 Grand Theft Autos 2 Sexual Crime 1 Homicide 1 Theft 20
• During this rating period Homicide has become a problem in the Venice Beach Marina Del Rey Peninsula areas. Victim and suspect where associates, they had a verbal argument that escalated to violence. Suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed victim several times. Victim died from his wounds sustained during the fight. If you have any information regarding this incident contact Pacific Area Homicide Detectives at (310) 482-6346. If you observe any suspicious activities call the police right away.
• Home lighting safety tips:
Position outdoor home lighting carefully. Place lights out of reach so bulbs cannot be easily broken or unscrewed. Aim lights at garage and shed doors, entryways and ground-level windows.
Reminder
• PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Community Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A13 Oakwood District
Senior Lead Officer Theresa Skinner - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3970 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo – (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
•
The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 4 Burglary / Theft from Vehicle 7 Robbery 2 Grand Theft Auto 1 Burglaries (Residential/Business) 8 Sexual Crime 0 Homicide 0 Theft 0
• During this rating period Burglary (Business/Residential) has become a problem in our area. We do not have a suspect description at this time and the suspects are committing their crimes at various times in the afternoon an early morning hours. Most burglary suspects seek easy targets. They want to get in quickly, quietly, and unseen. Common sense and a bit of time and energy can go a lone way in helping protect your home. Alarms, trained guard dogs, regular security measures will help protect your property. Lock and secure your property any time it is not occupied. If you observe any suspicious activities contact the police right away.
Safety Tips
• Burglary safety tips: Keep plants trimmed. Overgrown bushes can cover windows and doorways, giving burglars
a hiding place. Prune trees with limbs that could provide easy access to upper levels.
• PACIFIC HOMELESS OUTREACH MEETING Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. Pacific Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A25 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Marci Garcia - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3973 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 2 Burglary / Theft from vehicle 17 Robbery 4 Burglary (Residential/Business) 17 Grand Theft Auto 4 Homicide 0 Sex 0 Theft 0
During this rating period Basic Car 14A25has experience an increase in Burglary (Residential/Business). Always lock and secure doors and windows even when you are home. Close and secure your garage doors. Install sensor lights around your property, burglary suspects detest light. Deny burglars a place to hide by keeping shrubs and trees trimmed away from doors and windows. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Program it is still the best tool against crime. If you observe any suspicious or criminal activities call the police right away.
Safety Tip
• Home plant safety tips: By planting thorny bushes under your home windows and trees in the yard. This will help
deter burglary suspects from using your landscaping as cover to commit there crimes.
Reminder
• A25 MAR VISTA FAMILY N/W MEETING Tuesday, March 1, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Mar Vista Family Center 5070 Slauson Av., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A27 Palms District
Senior Lead Officer Juan Ceja - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3975 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - (310) 482-6334 Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 1 Burglary / Theft from Vehicle 16 Robbery 8 Burglary (Residential/Business) 6 Grand Theft Auto 10 Sexual Crime 0 Homicide 0 Theft 16
• During this rating period Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) has become a problem in the Westside Village area. Park under a street light or near a busy corner where the suspect will be more likely to be seen committing their crime. Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle; lock your property up inside the truck. Deploy and arm any anti-theft device you may have for your vehicle. Please contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) ASK-LAPD, to report any suspicious activity or 911 to report any crimes in progress.
Safety Tips
• Home security safety tips:
Put away machinery, ladders and tools. Do not leave them where they could be stolen or used to gain entry into your home.
• Westside Village/Palms Area Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday, March 2, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. I.M.A.N. Cultural Center Auditorium 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A45 Marina District
Senior Lead Officer Joe Cruz - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3971 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
•
•
The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 5 Burglary / Theft from vehicle 15 Robbery 3 Burglary (Residential/Business) 11 Grand Theft Auto 3 Homicide 0 Sex Crime 0 Theft 0
During this rating period Aggravated Assaults has become a problem in our area. A moment of uncontrolled anger can change the course of your life and your family life’s forever. It is almost impossible to resolve problems when you are upset stop and think, take a moment to calm down and relax before you act. Any argument that you feel may result in a physical altercation contact the police. If you observe any suspicious activity or an altercation in progress call the police right away.
Safety Tip
Windows security safety tips:
Install key locks on the window sashes. Make sure standard window locks close properly and firmly attached to the window frame. Make sure everyone can get to the keys in case of an emergency.
Reminder
• LaVILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. N/W WATCH MEETING Tuesday, March 29, 2011 @ 7:30 a.m. Chase Burton Park
Basic Car 14A49 Mar Vista District
Senior Lead Officer Drake Madison - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3972 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - Cell Phone # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
•
The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 3 Burglary / Theft from vehicle 6 Robbery 2 Burglary (Residential/Business) 3 Grand Theft Auto 6 Sex 1 Homicides 1 Theft 5
During this rating period Sexual crime (Rape) has become a problem in our area. In sexual attacks every confrontation is different. The most effective weapon during a confrontation is your own judgement. Stay as calm as possible try to think rationally, without panic. Try to observe as much as you can about your assailant, evaluate the situation and attempt to find a way to escape. If you observe an attack in progress call the police right away and help protect a life from being destroyed.
Safety Tip
• Traffic safety tips:
Drive carefully. This is especially important near intersections, schools, and parking lots. Be prepared to stop at all times, look ahead for children, and expect the unexpected. Do not assume children see you or know your intentions while you are driving.
Reminder
• SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING Wednesday, March 9, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Community Police Station 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Basic Car 14A67 Century Corridor
Senior Lead Officer Ruben Garcia - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3976 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo - # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 1
Burglary / Theft from vehicle 14 Robbery 4 Burglary (Residential/Business) 13 Grand Theft Auto 16 Sexual Crime 2 Homicide 0
• During this rating period Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) and Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has become a problem in our area. Last year a number of automobiles stolen in Los Angeles had the keys left in the ignition and over half had been unlocked at the time of theft. Never leave your vehicle unsecured if it is not occupied. Secure items of value in the truck of your vehicle or at least out of plan sight. Arm and deploy any anti-theft device you may have for your vehicle, no alarm in the world can help protect your property if you do not use it. If you observe any suspicious activity or people loitering in the neighborhood looking into vehicles call the police right away. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Program it is still by far the best tool we have against crime.
Safety Tips
• Drug facts safety tips:
Cocaine can kill any form is dangerous and highly additive. The use of cocaine can result in a coma or death. Marijuana smoke is extremely toxic. The cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke are also found in marijuana smoke, often in greater amounts. For example, marijuana smoke contains two times as much tar as tobacco smoke.
Reminder
• Ladera Civic Center Association Meeting Thursday, March 17, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m. LASO Sub-Station Ladera Shopping Center
Basic Car 14A73 Westchester District
Senior Lead Officer Tony Ramos - Cell Phone # (310) 622-3978 Basic Car Coordinator Sergeant Merlo- # (310) 482-6334
Crime Trends
• The following are the crime statistics representing February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011:
Aggravated Assaults 1 Burglary / Theft from vehicle 14 Robbery 2 Burglary (Residential/Business) 3 Grand Theft Auto 3 Sexual Crime 0
Homicide 0 Theft 14
• During this rating period Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicle (BFMV) has become a problem in our area. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle in plain sight. Lock them in the truck, even when you are driving. Do not transfer valuables to the trunk in a public place, this is a form of advertising to watchful eyes of a burglary suspects. Join your local Neighborhood Watch Group it is still your best tool against crime. Call the police if you observe a crime in progress or for any suspicious activity in your community.
Safety Tip
• Drug use safety tips:
Drugs even in small amounts can create big problems. It is not always possible to predict how a drug will affect the user or the user’s life. Drugs can cause financial hardship, social difficulties, and trouble with the law. The best protection against any of these problems is not to use illegal drugs.
Reminder
• PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles
Pacific Area Upcoming Events 2011
Note: All event and meeting information is subject to change. To confirm dates, times, and locations call your Senior Lead Officer at (310) 202-4587. Events will be added or updated as new information is received.
HOTEL SECURITY DIRECTORS MEETING
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 @ 9:00 a.m. Loc. TBA SLO Garcia
PALMS/ WESTSIDE VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, March 2, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. I.M.A.N. Cultural Center Auditorium 3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles SLO Ceja
PACIFIC BOOSTERS MEETING
Thursday, March 3, 2011 @ 8:30 a.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
SLAUSON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, March 9, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room SLO Garcia
PACIFIC RESERVE MEETING
Thursday, March 10, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
PACIFIC HOMELESS OUTREACH MEETING
Wednesday, March 15, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m. Pacific Station Roll Call Room 12312 Culver Blvd., Los Angeles Officer Newson
GLASGOW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. 7128 Glasgow Av., Los Angeles SLO Garcia
COMMUNITY POLICE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. Playa vista Community Ctr. Marina Del Ray Sgt. Merlo
LADERA CIVIC CENTER ASSOCIATION MEETING
Thursday, March 17, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m. Ladera Sheriff’s Sub-Station SLO Garcia
La VILLA MARINA HOMEOWNERS ASSC. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 @ 7:30 p.m. Chase Burton Park SLO Cruz
READING RANGERS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. 8218 Reading Av., Los Angeles SLO Garcia
Wisdom for the month of March
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, Shine On Venice

Encounter with Assault Suspect Results in Officer-Involved Shooting

March 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

First reported in real time via Twitter by Venice 311

Los Angeles: An encounter between Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Division officers and an armed suspect who was threatening the life of a female companion and endangering two small children has resulted in an officer-involved shooting.

On March 17, 2011, at around 8:40 p.m., LAPD Pacific Division officers responded to a call at a Wendy’s restaurant at Culver and Venice Boulevards to investigate an armed assault suspect. Sergeant Andre Belotto (22 years, five months with the Department), the first officer to arrive at the location, saw 38-year-old suspect Augustine Olmedo walking from the restaurant with a female companion and two small children. After placing the children in the rear seat of his vehicle, he remained in the parking lot with the female, later identified as his wife. At this point, the officer got out of his car, and when Olmedo saw him, he immediately grabbed his wife and produced a handgun. At first, he pointed it at the officer but then placed the gun to his wife’s head.

Sergeant Belotto then retrieved his shotgun and attempted to communicate with Olmedo. Moments later, the suspect and his wife fell to the ground and his weapon discharged. Believing Olmedo’s wife had been shot, the sergeant advanced toward the suspect, and an officer-involved shooting occurred as the suspect tried to run away. As other officers arrived, they heard shots being fired and observed the officer pursuing Olmedo on foot. Another officer joined the pursuit, Officer Money Scott (17 years, five months with the Department) and then a second officer-involved shooting occurred when Olmedo reached for his waistband while running away. He continued running but was soon taken into custody without incident.

The suspect’s 9 mm, semiautomatic pistol was recovered. No officers were injured during the incident, but Olmedo sustained a graze wound to his head. He was later treated and released from a local hospital.

LAPD’s Force Investigation Division (FID) personnel responded and are investigating the officer-involved shooting. The FID’s Criminal Apprehension Team is investigating the crimes against the officers and the victim.

Sidenote: During this crime which happened on St. Patricks Day, and intoxicated driver drove at a high rate of speed right through the crime scene, going past police car blocks and through flares set up to divert traffic. The suspect was apprehended several blocks away and was booked on a DUI charge.

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, The Venice Blog, Venice Crime Blotter

Venice Beach Boardwalk Vendors Lose Free Speech Petition in Court

March 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A contentious issue in Venice, Boardwalk vendors have initiated costly litigation against the City of Los Angeles on numerous issues. Some concern the vending of “commercial” items and the parameters of free speech. One of the two most vocal vendors on these issues, Matthew Dowd and Michael Hunt recently won a partial victory in removing the lottery system for assigning vending spaces, and allowing amplified music in any space. Tuesday however, they lost a bit to protect the sale of certain items in spaces under the guise of “Free Speech”.

Click here for a PDF of the entire 9th Circuit Court Ruling

By Tim Hull of the Courthouse News Service

Sales pitches from vendors along Los Angeles’ famed Venice Beach boardwalk are not protected by the First Amendment, the 9th Circuit ruled Tuesday, finding that a city ordinance properly limits the expression of the hawkers, performers and artists who crowd the colorful walkway.
After being arrested for illegal vending, Michael Hunt and Matthew Dowd challenged the city’s ordinances requiring Venice Beach peddlers to hold a “public expression participant permit” and to confine their sales to “merchandise constituting, carrying or making a religious, political, philosophical or ideological message or statement which is inextricably intertwined with the merchandise,” according to the ruling.
Hunt told passers-by that homemade shea butter he sold on the boardwalk had healing properties, and Dowd sold homemade incense and incense holders engraved with various religious and cultural symbols.
U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson found that the city’s 2004 incarnation of the ordinance was unconstitutionally vague, but that a 2006 version clearly spelled out what a legal vendor could and could not sell on the boardwalk.
The judge ruled in the city’s favor on the challenge to the 2006 ordinance, finding that Hunt and Dowd had failed to show that they were engaged in the kind of speech that it protected.
A three-judge appellate panel in Pasadena agreed on Tuesday.
“Hunt and Dowd could easily sell their wares without reference to any religious, philosophical, and/or ideological element, and they could also express any noncommercial message without selling these wares,” U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright wrote for the 9th Circuit. Seabright was sitting on the panel by designation from the District Court of Hawaii. “Considering all of the evidence, there is simply no meaningful nexus between the products sold (the commercial speech) and the information provided (the noncommercial speech) that would support a determination that the two are inextricably intertwined.” (Parentheses in original.)
The panel found that the 2006 ordinance clearly bans the sale of products that have a “common and dominant non-expressive purpose,” such as “housewares, appliances, articles of clothing, sunglasses, auto parts, oils, incense, perfume, lotions, candles, jewelry, toys, and stuffed animals,” according to the ordinance as quoted in the ruling.
Seabright added that the plaintiffs, even with their claims of the healing power and religious significance of their products, are “simply explaining the use and meaning of their products in an attempt to convince passers-by to purchase them.”
“Plaintiffs’ products on their own do not have any inherently communicative elements that make their sale constitute expressive activity, and nothing prevents plaintiffs from espousing their beliefs without selling these products,” he wrote. “To accept that plaintiffs’ incorporation of spiritual elements into their sales pitch and products transforms their proposal of a commercial transaction into fully protected speech would recast a broad range of vendors’ sales pitches as protected speech. Viewing their conduct as a whole, however, confirms that the focus of plaintiffs’ speech is to sell their products as opposed to communicate a particular message to the public.”
The panel upheld the District Court’s rulings on the ordinances, but remanded the case because the court failed to address the plaintiffs’ challenge to a separate ordinance that prohibits various activities in city-owned parks and property controlled by the Harbor Department.
The panel also ruled that the city had failed to properly appeal a jury’s award of $264,286 in attorney’s fees to Hunt.

Filed Under: Main Slide Show, The Venice Blog
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