Conversations about Culver City often highlight its charm, walkability, and community spirit. It’s a small city in Los Angeles, sometimes referred to as “the Heart of Screenland.” Recently, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi made some interesting claims about the city. During a heated discussion with Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, she suggested that Culver City is a hotspot for crime. This didn’t sit well with locals.
Residents quickly rallied, sharing pictures of their clean streets, beautiful parks, and lively community events. Political commentator Brian Taylor Cohen pointed out that Culver City is “one of the most non-controversially safe” spots in L.A. Comedian Heather Gardner humorously noted, “The worst crime of the century is that this woman has made a mockery of our justice system.”
In response, Kamlager-Dove emphasized that Culver City is known for its breakfast burritos, not crime. Meanwhile, a Justice Department spokesperson could not provide examples of political violence in the area, instead accusing Kamlager-Dove of neglecting public safety.
Despite the ruckus, crime statistics tell a different story. According to the Culver City Police Department, crime decreased by 9.7% in 2024, with a further 6.1% drop in the third quarter of 2025. Notably, murders fell to zero, while violent crime overall saw a slight rise, mainly due to an increase in simple assaults.
The California Department of Justice and FBI noted that statewide crime rates have hit historical lows. Mayor Freddy Puza described Culver City as a thriving community with plenty of job opportunities, from small businesses to giants like TikTok and Apple. He believes that community policing and social services have played a significant role in reducing crime.
However, concerns about potential violence remain. The mayor warned that political polarization is growing, which could lead to unrest. During the House hearing, Bondi faced backlash over her handling of the high-profile Epstein investigation, with some calling for her resignation.
Through all this, locals continue to find humor in the situation. As Gardner joked on TikTok, the most outrageous crime in Culver City might just be the high price of smoothies at Erewhon.
For more information on crime trends, you can check out insights from the California Department of Justice and the FBI.
