MALIBU/PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, January 15, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page updates to trash collection services as a result of the Palisades Fire.

Universal Waste Systems (UWS): Operations have resumed. If you need to modify or adjust your service, please visit: uwscompany.com/malibu.

Waste Management (WM): Regular trash collection services have resumed normal operations.

“Thank you for your patience and resilience as we work together to support recovery efforts,” the city of Malibu stated in the post.

As of 6:30 p.m. on January 15, the Palisades Fire has destroyed 2 3,713 acres and is at 19 percent containment.

CalFire now estimates approximately 5,000 structures damaged or destroyed. 2,191 structures confirmed destroyed in total effected area (Palisades and Malibu). Damage assessments continue to determine how many homes are part of the estimated damaged structures. Around 35 percent of inspections complete. These are approximate numbers, and are subject to change.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 15, the city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that the Beverly Hills Rotary will be hosting a Heart of the Hills donation event this Sunday, January 19, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Individuals can donate items such as NEW children’s, men’s and women’s pajamas, undergarments, and socks as well as toiletries and first aid supplies.  All donations will directly support First Responders and Evacuees from the LA County wildfires.

The event is being held at Fire Station #1 445 N. Rexford Dr. For more details, visit www.bhrotary.org.  To participate in additional donation events or see supporting organizations, visit beverlyhills.org/emergency.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, January 15, the city of Santa Monica indicated on its Facebook page that as a preventative measure and to take advantage of Pacific Coast Highway closure, the city’s Public Works and fire departments have coordinated with the California Department of Transportation and Cal Fire to clear overgrown vegetation on the Palisades bluffs along PCH.

Hand crews assigned to the Palisades Fire have been working all day Tuesday and Wednesday to remove overgrown vegetation to reduce fire risk in the area.

“Many thanks to our Fire Department for advancing the ask for this much-needed work and facilitating this partnership,” the city of Santa Monica stated in the post.

The city is encouraging the public to continue to monitor www.santamonic.gov and social media platforms the updates on the Palisades Fire response and recovery.

By Trevor

LOS FELIZ—On Wednesday, January 15, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that one person was killed after a vehicle crashed into a building.

The incident was reported at 1:38 a.m. at 1826 N Western Avenue. Officials arrived to find one vehicle into a two-story apartment building with a total of three patients.

Two patients were trapped under the vehicle (in the apartment unit) and required extrication: approximately a 50-year-old male patient was determined deceased on scene, 9-year-old male patient transported in serious condition. The name of the victim has not yet been disclosed to the public.

A 34-year-old female patient (driver) was transported with minor injuries. There are a total of seven displaced occupants. Red Cross and Mayor’s Crisis Response Team notified to provide help.

LA Dept of Building and Safety will determine whether the building is safe for occupation. No further details about the incident or the cause has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, January 14, the city of Beverly Hills posted fire prevention tips at construction sites in the region.

The current wildfire activity across LA County raised significant concerns regarding the safety of construction sites, particularly those with unfinished structures, stacks of lumber, and other combustible materials.

The city wants to remind all contractors, workers, and residents about essential fire prevention measures to keep everyone safe.

Here are some key steps to prevent fires on construction sites:

• Secure and Cover Materials: Use fire-resistant covers or enclosed storage for lumber and other combustible materials.
• Clear Flammable Debris: Regularly remove excess debris and flammable waste to keep the site clean and reduce fire hazards.
• Limit Hot Work: Suspend welding, cutting, or grinding activities when possible, or implement strict fire watch procedures.
• Create Fire Breaks: Clear vegetation and other combustibles around the site perimeter.
• Equip for Fire Safety: Ensure fire extinguishers and suppression equipment are readily available on-site.
• Monitor Alerts: Stay updated on local fire conditions and ensure workers know evacuation plans and emergency contacts.
• Follow Parking Plans: Adhere to the approved off-site vehicle parking plan to ensure access for first responders.

For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/PermitCenter and call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News via email that a suspect has been arrested for a hit-and-run incident that injured a Traffic Services Officer.

The SMPD reported on January 13 at about 6:45 a.m. officers responded to the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue in response to a call of a hit-and-run of a department employee. Northbound California toward Pacific Coast Highway is closed to vehicular traffic and only accessible by emergency vehicles.

According to witnesses, two National Guard vehicles were traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Ocean Avenue heading down California Ave toward Pacific Coast Highway. Witnesses saw a dark green Toyota Highlander follow the National Guard vehicles on the wrong side of the road and attempt to gain access to evacuation areas in violation of the shutdown.

A SMPD Traffic Services Officer (TSO) approached the Toyota and signaled it needed to stop. The TSO approached the vehicle and attempted to explain to the driver he was not authorized to pass through the checkpoint. The driver of the vehicle did not follow the order and instead continued through the barrier, driving over the TSO’s foot as he left.

Officers monitoring the broadcast of the vehicle description utilized the department’s network of Flock cameras to locate the vehicle in the 2200 Block of Pico Boulevard. The officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and confirmed through statements from the passenger it was the striking vehicle in the hit-and-run. The driver was identified as Walter William Larkins IV, 37.

Larkins, of Malibu, was arrested for Felony Hit and Run (hit-and-run resulting in injury to a person) and several additional violations of vehicle code. The TSO was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for a soft tissue injury.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with details related to the incident are asked to contact Investigator Raleigh at Evan.Raleigh@santamonica.gov, our non-emergency dispatch line at 310-458-8491, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On January 15, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a call of a shooting between a white or Hispanic (Caucasian) male in his 20s and a black male in his 30s in the 200 block of Broadway (at Alley 2).

According to a January 15 SMPD press release provided by Lieutenant Erika Aklufi, an unidentified female was arguing with the victim, who was believed to be homeless.

The suspect, a Caucasian male, chased the suspect into the street and fatally shot him in the back. The suspect fled on foot. He was last seen running northbound in Alley 2.

Responding officers attempted lifesaving techniques until paramedics arrived at the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

SMPD is seeking more information, and any surveillance footage available to help identify both the deceased and the suspect. The following information came directly from the SMPD press release:

“Anyone with information about this incident, please contact Det. Reyes (Isaac.Reyes@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Lozano (Alfonso.Lozano@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.”

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Monday, January 13, many students in the Los Angeles County Unified School District (LAUSD) previously evacuated, returned to school. LAUSD has close to 430,000 students enrolled in school, some of whom come from schools with significant fire damage and will not be returning to school anytime soon.

LAUSD Superintendent, Alberto M. Carvalho made the following statement in a January 13 press release. The full text may be found on the LAUSD website.

“It was poignant seeing many of our students and employees return to school. The resilience of our students, families, and employees has been inspiring. While we continue to address the impact of wildfires our focus remains on providing a safe and supporting learning environment. We deeply appreciate our dedicated employees, including our classified and certificated substitutes, for your unwavering commitment to students under these extraordinary circumstances.”

The following schools remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders; Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, Roscomare Road Elementary, Community Magnet Charter, and Paul Revere Middle School. Updates may also be found on the District/School websites.

In addition, the district will have additional resources to aid students and teachers as they transition back to school. Due to a shortage of teachers, Substitute teachers are encouraged to fill in where they are needed most.

“As Los Angeles Unified moves forward, plans for rebuilding Palisades Charter Elementary and Marquez Charter Elementary Schools, and addressing long-term recovery are underway. The district is committed to keeping families and communities informed throughout the process.”- LAUSD Super Intendent, Alberto Carvalho

The following information came directly from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

“All Santa Monica schools will reopen Tuesday, January 14, 2025. We will be prepared to implement our inclement weather schedule if air quality changes.”

More information on the air quality response may be found on the SMMUSD website.

“Malibu schools will remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14th and 15th due to ongoing safety concerns of the Palisades Fire along with road closures and power and gas outages in some neighborhoods.”

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Monday, January 13, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office disclosed that charges were filed against 10 individuals in four crimes committed during the devastating wildfires. Nine people are facing felony charges in connection to residential burglaries in the cities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and a separate defendant has been charged with arson for intentionally starting a fire in the city of Azusa.

The felony charges were the result of a multi-agency collaboration that underscores the strength of local, state, and federal partnerships. Law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles Police Department; Los Angeles County Fire Arson Unit; U.S. Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborated closely with the District Attorney’s Office to bring these suspects to justice.

Martrell Peoples, 22, and Damari Bell, 21, are each charged with one count of first-degree residential burglary and looting during an emergency or evacuation: grand theft. It is further alleged that Peoples committed the offense while on state prison parole and Bell committed the offense while on felony probation. Allegations include they took property exceeding $200,000. Bell is also charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. The LADA Office recommended a $1,110,000 bail amount for Peoples and $310,000 bail for Bell. If convicted as charged, Peoples faces life in prison and Bell faces 22 years, eight months in prison.

Travon Coleman, 27, is charged with one count of felony hit-and run. It is further alleged that Coleman inflicted great bodily harm on a victim and committed the offense as a convicted felon. The People have recommended a $1,080,000 bail amount. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison.

Between the late evening hours of January 8 and the early morning of January 9, Peoples and Bell are accused in a burglary at a residence located in the Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles. At approximately 2:20 p.m. on January 9, during the ongoing investigation into the earlier burglary, Coleman is accused of attempting to evade police and crashing in the intersection of Figueroa and 5th St., hitting a car and injuring the driver. After the crash, Coleman allegedly fled on foot but was ultimately detained. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Jose Gerardo Escobar, 39, is charged with one count each of felony arson; arson during a state of emergency; and attempted arson. He is being held on $20,000 bail. Escobar’s arraignment is set for today in Dept. 4 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, West Covina Branch. If convicted as charged, he faces nine years in state prison.

On January 10 at approximately 11:30 p.m., Escobar is accused of attempting to light a large tree on fire that had fallen to the ground at Pioneer Park 1360 N. Dalton Avenue, Azusa. The case was investigated by the Azusa Police Department.

Rudy Salazar, 19, and Lucia Jilrara Perez, 36, are charged with two counts each of first-degree residential burglary in case 25PDCF00020. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on January 10. Their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for January 29, Dept. D of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Pasadena Branch.

On January 8 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the defendants are accused of entering two homes during the Eaton fire in Altadena and stealing property. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Roy Sims, 18; Ryan Sims, 19; Naquan Dewey Reddix, 22; and Pierie Obannon, 19, are charged with one count each of first-degree residential burglary in case 5PDCF00019. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on January 10. Their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for January 28, Dept. D of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pasadena Branch. Bail for Roy Sims and Ryan Sims has been set for $50,000 each. If convicted as charged, each faces up to six years in state prison. Reddix and Obannon have posted bail and were released.

On January 8, at approximately 5 p.m., the defendants are accused of entering a home during the Eaton fire in Altadena and stealing property. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“These curfews are in place to protect residents and ensure public safety. Anyone who violates them will face serious consequences,” said LADA Nathan Hochman. “Our office is fully committed to getting these criminals off the streets and putting them on alert: We will not tolerate this kind of lawlessness.”

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu discussed on its Facebook page on January 13 that safety tips as the region battles wildfires. Individuals should be aware, if they are asked to evacuate to do so immediately.

-Close all windows and doors.
-Move flammable items away from your home.
-Leave doors unlocked for firefighter access.

NOTICE: Returning to evacuated areas is not permitted. At this time, there are no updates on residents returning to evacuated areas. DO NOT return to evacuated areas. These areas have active hazards and are only available to public safety officials.

These Notify Me alerts will provide subscribers with updates on the Palisades Fire response, evacuations, recovery and rebuilding efforts via text message or email.

T-Mobile: 8 towers are operational and 4 are under assessment. Full coverage in West Malibu. Charging stations have been set up at Bluffs Park, Pavilions and Malibu Equestrian Park.
AT&T: Satellite units and generators are stationed at Zuma Beach and Will Rogers State Park (emergency personnel only).
Verizon: Generators are operational at cell towers at Civic Center and Zuma Beach to maintain service.

Extreme Weather Preparedness Tips:

• Secure items that could blow away in high winds.
• Avoid activities that may spark a flame.
• Charge your devices and have your emergency kit ready.

For evacuation zone statuses and official updates, visit www.MalibuCity.org/PalisadesFire.

By Trevor