We’ll be publishing on a holiday schedule this week, with a light day on Wednesday. But here’s a quick run down of a couple important upcoming events: Santa Monica Police crack down again on street users, get in the holiday spirit with the Share the Holidays Toy and Gift Drive at Shutters on the Beach, and the City Council will honor its longest-serving member Tuesday.
SMPD Crackdown on Street Users Again
For the third time in two weeks, the Santa Monica Police Department will be on the lookout for reckless road users, whether they be behind the wheel, walking, or on bikes.
The operation, which will take place on Saturday, November 29, will follow the same pattern as the previous two earlier this month, with officers primarily targeting drivers.
“The department has mapped out locations over the past five years where pedestrian and bike collisions are prevalent, along with the violations that led to those collisions. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bike and pedestrian traffic and collisions occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries,” according to a press release issued Monday.
“Special attention will be directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in cross walks and similar dangerous violations,” the release said.
Still, bike riders and pedestrians will also be targeted, according to the release.
“Additionally, enforcement will be taken for observed violations when pedestrians cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way,” officials said. “Bike riders will be stopped and citations issued when they fail to follow the same traffic laws that apply to motorists.”
Be sure to acquaint yourselves with the rules of the road. We recommend SM Spoke’s pocket guide.
Annual Share the Holidays Toy & Gift Drive
To benefit the local kids and families of the Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL), Shutters on the Beach will host the annual Share the Holidays Toy and Gift Drive on December 8.
Just bring a couple of unwrapped toys (or gifts for adolescents) and enjoy a great holiday party in the Grand Salon at Shutters from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. RSVP here or call 310 883-5996.
Santa Monica City Council Bids Adieu to Longest-Serving Member
Councilmember Bob Holbrook will be honored Tuesday at what will be his last City Council meeting as an elected official. The longest-serving member of the City Council will retire from the dais following more than three decades of service on the Council and the School Board.
Holbrook announced in August that he would not seek a record seventh term on the Council in order to spend more time with his family. Before he was elected to City Council, Holbrook served two terms on the School Board.
