WESTWOOD—On Thursday, March 13, the UCLA Police Department announced that UCLA PD arrested a suspect for grand theft auto after they stole a UCLA student’s electric bike.

The victim spotted the suspect with their stolen bike and confronted them. When the suspect tried to flee, the victim stopped them and kept them in the area until officers arrived.

The age and name of the suspect has not yet been disclosed to the public. On the same day, authorities reported officers attempted to stop a cyclist riding off campus near La Grange and Bundy without proper lighting.

The individual refused to stop, leading to physical resistance during the arrest. Two officers and a sergeant sustained minor injuries. All officers have recovered and are back to work. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, March 14, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that applications for our 2025 Spring Civic Leadership Academy are now open.

“The Civic Leadership Academy is a unique multi-session program that empowers participants to advance community priorities and shape the future of local governance,” the city of WeHo stated on its Facebook page.

Community members can expect to gain an in-depth understanding of West Hollywood’s civic processes and day-to-day operations.

The WeHo Civic Leadership Academy is a unique multi-session program that provides community members with an in-depth understanding of how their municipal government operates and delivers services while empowering them to advance community priorities and shape the future of local governance.

Each week, attendees will interact with leaders within the WeHo government and our community service partners, while working closely with and learning from like-minded peers. There will be 11 sessions held on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an additional Saturday morning trip. Participants may be residents, employees, appointed officials, city staff, or other community members.

Each cohort will host approximately 25 participants. Attendees who participate in at least eight of the sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion, acknowledging their dedication to civic involvement in West Hollywood.

To apply and more, go to www.engage.weho.org/leadershipacademy.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Friday, March 14, the LASD Lost Hills Station announced that Pacific Coast Highway has been cleared of the earlier rockslide and deemed safe to pass through.

Effective immediately:

-Las Flores Canyon Road – Back to Resident Only Closure (Emergency Vehicles, Public Utility Vehicles, Residents and Pass Holders)

-Tuna Canyon – Remains a Hard Closure (Emergency Vehicles Only) at the 3400 block (southbound)

-Pacific Coast Highway – Back to Resident Only Closure (Emergency Vehicles, Public Utility Vehicles, Residents and Pass Holders)

Recent mudslides because of storms last week impacted road closures in the region. Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades burn area was under a temporary FULL CLOSURE until Caltrans can assess slopes near Big Rock Drive experiencing mudslides.

Only emergency workers are allowed on the route. Utilize alternate routes including US-101.

The LASD is informing the public that motorists should pre-plan their drive and use alternate routes. Road closures and reopening are subject to change as we continue to monitor road conditions.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, March 14, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that Westside Repair Café will be making fixes to items such as toasters on Saturday, March 22.

Bring your items that are in need of repair to the Westside Repair Café at the Marine Park Auditorium from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. located at 1406 Marine St.

There will be repairers for bikes, clothing, small appliances, electronics and much more.
The Repair Café will stop taking new repair requests for small appliances, electronics and clothing around 3 p.m. to ensure earlier requests can be filled.

Be prepared to wait for volunteer availability on repairs. For more information on the repair/other services being provided see below:

-Bikes, tricycles, scooters, and skateboards
-Clothing
-Electronics (phones, computers, etc.)
-Small appliances (toasters, lamps, fans, etc.)
-Gluing – to repair wood and ceramics
-Hair trimming
-Jewelry
-Knife sharpening
-Energy healing

-Gardening advice – Advice for sad plants. Participants can bring leaf samples or pests in sealed bags to help with diagnosis.

-Art Recovery LA – Bring questions about how to maintain your artwork, artifacts and precious objects to prevent UV exposure, water, smoke and other damage and get them answered by a professional art conservator. More disaster recovery resources available at culturalheritage.org.

Find more information at: santamonica.gov. This event is open to anyone – not just Santa Monica residents.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Sunday, March 10, the US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 3.9 earthquake, 6 miles WNW of Malibu at 8:17 p.m.

Minor earthquakes are a strong preparedness reminder: check emergency supplies and review emergency plans.

Check the expiration dates of food, water, batteries and medication in one’s emergency supplies. Review earthquake insurance as well. Individuals are informed that if they feel an earthquake, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON.

For earthquake preparedness information specific to Malibu, see the City’s Emergency Survival Guide: www.MalibuCity.org/survivalguide.

See USGS earthquake info: https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map. There were no reports of any significant damage or injuries in the region as a result of the earthquake.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that Eat + Drink West Hollywood is returning. Eat + Drink West Hollywood, features restaurants, lounges, and clubs throughout the region this March. It celebrates culinary artistry, innovation, and the diverse flavors that have long defined West Hollywood as a premier food and beverage destination and those newly emerging to make their impact.

In 2025, Eat + Drink West Hollywood has been extended from one week to more than three weeks. It kicked off on March 7 and will run through Monday, March 31. Participants can expect creative cuisines and innovative craft cocktails to delight foodie tastebuds. All participating restaurants and bars are within the municipal boundaries of West Hollywood.

Locals and visitors are encouraged to dine in West Hollywood through March to support hospitality workers hard hit by the LA wildfires. Visit West Hollywood will donate $1 to Restaurants Care for any dine-in reservation made in the city during the celebration in March (up to $10,000) to provide aid for food and beverage workers affected by recent wildfires.

From the Sunset Strip to Santa Monica Boulevard to the Design District, West Hollywood is home to Michelin-rated hot spots, bars offering world-class mixology, and various other hidden gems.

During Eat + Drink West Hollywood businesses will provide unique culinary creations and libations.

Due to the popularity of Eat + Drink West Hollywood, reservations are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome but are not guaranteed. Find out more and make reservations by visiting eatdrinkweho.com.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Business Development Division at (323) 848-6429 or at business@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, March 11, the Santa Monica Police Department announced on Facebook that they are hiring for Traffic Services. The PD is seeking Traffic Services Officers to join the team. Applications are now being accepted through March 20, 2025.

Key Responsibilities:

-Monitor parking regulations in designated areas
-Issue parking citations when necessary
-Assist in maintaining traffic flow and public safety
-Engage with the community in a friendly, professional manner

What We Offer:

-Competitive salary and benefits
-Training and career growth opportunities
-A dynamic, team-oriented work environment

Requirements:

-Strong attention to detail
-Excellent communication skills
-Ability to work independently and as part of a team
-One year of working in an area of heavy public contact

Valid driver’s license

Individuals can apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/…/traffic-services

Applicants will be responsible for enforcing parking control laws and ordinances, issuing parking warnings and citations, and performing traffic control duties to maintain safe flow of traffic while enjoying competitive pay and benefits.

As a Traffic Services Officer, individuals have the opportunity to work both independently and collaboratively with law enforcement personnel to report illegal activities and provide help when needed. Whether you’re patrolling the city on foot, bicycle, or in a three-wheeled vehicle, and will be making a meaningful impact by enforcing parking regulations and addressing public inquiries with professionalism.

By Trevor

SHERMAN OAKS—Around March 9, former ‘Simpsons’ producer, Rick Polizzi demolished a tree house that had become an icon for the Boney Island neighborhood in Sherman Oaks. For over two decades, families brought their children to see the cackling skeletons for Halloween. The City of Los Angeles insisted that Polizzi permit and ensure it as a single-family dwelling to keep it on the property.

The above snapshot is of Polizzi in his tree house from when he shared his story in an interview that was held in his tree house just before tearing it down, and posted on X, Instagram, and Facebook. 

The beloved tree house was originally built for his two daughters as a gift, 24 years ago. The TV producer indicated that he intended to keep it up, forever.

Polizzi spent over $40,000 to keep the tree house for the enjoyment of all. The City of LA was relentless with permitting and zoning requests. So, alas, he paid to have it torn down.

Multiple reports indicate that the California Historical Society wanted the tree house to stay. The initial complaint(s) from the neighborhood to the city over the crowds the tree house drew to the neighborhood led to more demands from the City of LA than Polizzi was willing to make. The treehouse is now nothing more than a memory.

By Sharon

WOODLAND HILLS—An armed intruder was fatally shot by a homeowner on Tuesday, March 11. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are assisting Arcadia Police Department with a shooting death investigation. The incident was reported at approximately 6:26 p.m., on the 50 block of Woodland Lane, Arcadia, 91006.

Officers from the Arcadia Police Department responded to the 50 block of Woodland Lane in Arcadia regarding a report of a male intruder and a gunshot victim at the location.  Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, who resided at the location, suffering from a gunshot wound.  The Arcadia Fire Department responded and transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation is ongoing, and currently, there’s no additional information available at this time. Anyone with details about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

To provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use a smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Tuesday, March 11, the city of Malibu indicated that roads in the region will be closed because of upcoming storms in the area.

Due to safety concerns from the incoming storm, Los Angeles County Public Works will restrict access to the following roads in Malibu beginning Wednesday, March 12:

-Las Flores Canyon Road: Closed to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 12 p.m. Will reopen when PCH reopens (TBD).

-Malibu Canyon Rd: Closed from Francisco Ranch Road (1.5 miles north of PCH) to Piuma Road to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 6 p.m. Tentative reopening planned for Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m., depending on conditions.

Caltrans HQ will implement a full closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu due to safety concerns from the incoming storm beginning Wednesday, March 12 at noon.

Only emergency vehicles and US Army Corps of Engineers’ debris-hauling contractors will be allowed through the closure. Residents and businesses in burn scar areas are not permitted. Those with burn area access passes will not be accepted.

By Trevor