Local Briefs

US, LGBTQ Flags Stolen from City Hall

Someone has vandalized the flag in front of Santa Monica City Hall. Both the US Flag and the LGBTQ flag are missing.

"The US flag and pride flag were raised in front of City Hall for the month of July," said an unnamed source at City Hall. "However, about 1½ weeks ago, staff found the pole hardware vandalized and both the US flag and pride flag missing. A work order has been placed for pole repair. The flag will be raised as soon as the pole is repaired and a new flag has been ordered."

"The LGBT pride flag, also known as the gay pride flag, LGBT+ pride flag, LGBTQ pride flag, or simply the rainbow flag is a rainbow flag that is used as a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pride and LGBTQ social movements," says Wikipedia. "Other older uses of rainbow flags include a symbol of peace."

Courts Require Vaccination

The LA Superior Court has announced that it will require its 4500 employees be vaccinated in order to work.

Employees will be required to submit their vaccine verification through a portal. The information will be kept confidential, said the Court in a press release.

"Although judicial officers are independently elected officials and, thus, not subject to "employee" policies and procedures, judges will be provided a portal to facilitate submission of their vaccination certificates," continued the press release.

Armed Confrontation at Venice Homeless Encampment

A 25-second video depicting heavily armed Los Angeles Police officers surrounding tents Venice Beach on July 25 went viral on TikTok, where it was originally posted, and Twitter.

The video shows at least two officers holding guns and several people sitting on the ground outside of tents covered with blue tarps.

Officers responded to a radio call warning of an assault with a deadly weapon, LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman said. The suspect was described as a white male in a blue tent who threatened to shoot people with his gun.

The LAPD said the suspect, whose name remains unknown, alleged that a woman attempted to steal his bike, which led him to pull out his pellet gun in defense. Though the suspect was temporarily detained, carrying a pellet gun is not illegal and he was eventually let go, according to the LAPD. There were no reported injuries.

Telecommunications Facility

In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility at 415 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-898-4866 regarding site LAC615-01.

8/2, 8/9/21

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SANTA MONICA OBSERVER