SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, May 18, at approximately 9:30 p.m., The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to a call of assault with a deadly weapon in the 1300 block of the 3rd Street Promenade.

According to a SMPD press release, an after-hours business transaction was taking place between associates when the suspect, whom the business owner knew, entered the business and sprayed the business owner with a chemical irritant.

A struggle ensued, and the victim, who was reportedly in legal possession of a firearm shot the man who sprayed him. First responders from the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) transported the individual suffering from a gunshot wound to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The following information came directly from the SMPD press release, the full text which may be found here. Fatal Shooting During Attempted Robbery PR

“The associate, who coordinated the meeting, Karen Melikyan, was detained at the scene and later arrested in connection with the attempted robbery.

He has since been charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. The victim (store owner) was not injured and is cooperating fully with investigators.

Based on the evidence gathered, detectives believe this was a targeted and isolated incident involving individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information about this incident, is encouraged to contact Det. Jauregui (Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Goodwin (Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.”

By Sharon

MALIBU—On Tuesday, May 20, the city of Malibu provided an update noting that it’s moving forward with its Speed Safety Program with a focus to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers on Pacific Coast Highway.

The program was in response to the four Pepperdine University students killed in October 2024 and other serious collisions on PCH.

Fraser Bohm was charged in a fatal car crash that killed the four students October 17, 2024. Bohm, 22, was charged with four counts of murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. He pled not guilty to all charges at an arraignment in Department 100 of the Van Nuys Courthouse. At arraignment, the previously set bail of $8 million was reduced by the court to $4 million.

On October 17, Bohm was allegedly speeding in the 21600 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu when witnesses saw him lose control of his car causing him to crash into nearby parked vehicles before hitting four pedestrians who were standing on the side of the roadway. All four pedestrians died at the scene. They were identified as: Niamh Rolston, Peyton Steward, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.

As a result of that fatal collision, in addition to others, SB 1297 was signed into law in 2024, authorizing the installation of five speed camera systems along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway.

How It Works:

Speed cameras use radar/laser tech to detect speeding vehicles. Violators may receive a warning or citation.

Penalties After 60-Day Warning Period:

• $50: 11–15 MPH over limit
• $100: 16–25 MPH over limit
• $200: 26+ MPH over limit
• $500: 100+ MPH

Next Steps in the program:

• Draft Use Policy & Impact Report will be posted soon for 30-day public review
• Malibu City Council will vote to adopt the policy
• Cameras can be installed afterward

The public can watch the April 23 virtual meeting via YouTube: https://youtu.be/fBycUr6uoKU.

For more additional details visit: https://malibucity.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1893

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD—The UCLA Police Department reported on Wednesday, May 21, that they made an arrest in connection to weapons discovered inside a vehicle.

The UCLA Police Department indicated that the incident transpired near the Sproul Hall region. During a routine traffic stop on campus, an officer made contact with a driver who voluntarily disclosed the presence of an illegal firearm in the vehicle.

The individual was taken into custody without incident. The name and age of the person has not been disclosed to the public.

Authorities indicated there is no threat to the UCLA campus, and no crime was committed against any community member.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The California Wildlife Center has reported back in March 2025 more than a dozen over a dozen Short-beaked Common Dolphins have beached in LA County recently, the potential result of a harmful algal bloom working its way up the food chain.

CWC responded to several of these incidents, and staff is alerting the community to not perform any interventions on the beach. The best way to help is to keep an eye on the animal from a safe distance and contact professionals ASAP.

The CWC notes that marine mammals breathe air, so when they are sick, interventions involving water can be deadly. They regularly see caring individuals attempt to assist beached marine life back into the ocean; but it is dangerous for those in such close proximity to a powerful animal, it is dangerous for the animal as well.

When sick or injured, animals may lose consciousness in the water or become too weak to fight the surf. Pushing such animals back out to sea can actually lead these normally adept swimmers to drown. Other interventions like pouring water over the animal can also cause them to breathe the fluid in.

The LASD Lost Hills Station posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, May 20 a reminder to the public that beached marine life should be assessed and assisted by professional teams. If an individual spots an animal in distress…

-On the LA county beaches of Malibu, contact California Wildlife Center’s marine program for assistance (310) 924-7256.

-In other regions, call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline (866) 767-6114 for help in your area.

By Danny Jones

STUDIO CITY—On Tuesday, May 20, actor and comedian, George Wendt, better known as, “Norm Peterson” from the 80’s NBC TV sitcom, “Cheers,” has passed away. A family representative first confirmed the actor’s death with ABC, saying, He died peacefully in his sleep while at home.” He was 76.


Wendt starred in 275 episodes of “Cheers” between 1982 and 1993. He won six Emmy nominations for his roles as sort of a bar-fly character who seemingly closed down the bar each night, staggering out the door.


A fun fact is that Norm’s beer was what was called “Near Beer,” and non-alcoholic replica with salt added to it to make it look frothy. While his character appeared to down about 10 beers an episode, in real life, he may have drank less than a glass. The cast indicated that in real life, the beer was terrible and flat.


Another bit of trivia is that Norm’s TV wife, Vera, only ever appeared in one episode, and the actress who portrayed her was his wife, Bernadette Birkett. It was a Thanksgiving episode, and she had a pie in her face. The rest of the time, the audience only ever heard her voice.


Wendt kept a Twitter (Now X) page in years gone by when he’d post where he would be ‘stopping for a beer’, and name the bar then he’d say something to the effect of, “Come by and say hi.”


Funeral arrangements have not been announced. The family asks for privacy at this time.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, May 19, West Hollywood City Manager David Wilson announced his retirement during the regular meeting of the City Council. He will retire in early 2026 with more than 26 years of dedicated service to the West Hollywood community.

According to a news release from the city’s website, Wilson started his tenure as City Manager in West Hollywood in July 2021. During his time in the role, he helped guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery, ensuring continuity of services while prioritizing public health and safety. He led efforts helping the city’s financial position, putting West Hollywood in a solid fiscal position for future investments.

Before becoming City Manager, Wilson served as Assistant City Manager from 2018 to 2021. He served as West Hollywood’s City’s Director of Finance and Technology Services, overseeing General Accounting, Revenue Management, and Information Technology, as well as acting as the City Treasurer and Risk Manager. He also served in various other roles for West Hollywood including Budget and Compensation Manager, Senior Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Department, and Project Development Administrator for the City’s redevelopment and housing functions.

Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy of Industrial Societies from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in Planning from the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California.

He holds management certificates from Harvard University’s Leadership Decision Making Program, the International City/County Management Association’s Leadership ICMA Program, and the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute.

West Hollywood’s City Attorney’s Office and Human Resources Division will lead the recruitment process for the next City Manager, that will be chosen by the West Hollywood City Council.

For more details contact Christine Safriet, West Hollywood Assistant to the City Manager, at (323) 848-6467 or at csafriet@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 Dann Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, May 19, Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News a suspect was arrested in connection to a fatal shooting during an attempted robbery.

The SMPD reported on Sunday, May 18, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded within two minutes to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at a business in the 1300 block of 3rd Street Promenade.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the business owner was conducting a private, after-hours sale with a known associate when a second individual—conspiring with the known associate—entered the closed store and sprayed the victim with a chemical irritant.

A struggle ensued and the victim, who was in legal possession of a firearm, shot the intruder. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from injuries sustained. His identity has not been disclosed pending notification of kin.

The associate, who coordinated the meeting, Karen Melikyan, 41, was detained at the scene and later arrested in connection with the attempted robbery. Melikyan is being charged with Homicide 187(a) PC, Robbery 211 PC & Conspiracy 182(a)(1) PC.

The victim (store owner) was not injured and is cooperating fully with investigators. Based on the evidence gathered, detectives believe this was a targeted and isolated incident involving individuals known to one another. There is no ongoing threat to the community.

Anyone with details about the incident, is asked to contact Det. Jauregui(Martin.Jauregui@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-4852, Detective Sergeant Goodwin (Chad.Goodwin@santamonica.gov) at (310) 458-8774, or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at (310) 458-8427.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is reminding the public that Sunday, June 1 is the mandatory Brush Clearance Deadline. The city of Malibu has noted the following three zones:

• Zone 0 – (0 – 5 feet from the house) Remove anything flammable (plants, mulch, firewood) away from the house

• Zone 1 (5–30 feet) maintain healthy, well-spaced vegetation, trim trees, remove dead plants & debris

• Zone 2 (30–100 feet, or the property line) thin out vegetation and manage larger landscaping features slow the spread of fire

Malibu’s Fire Safety Liaisons offer free exterior property inspections to identify wildfire vulnerabilities. They’ll provide a no-obligation checklist of simple, and at times inexpensive ways to harden one’s home against the millions of flying embers that can cause properties to catch fire during wildfires.

To schedule a Home Wildfire Assessment or get brush clearance advice:

-Call: 310-456-2489, ext. 388
-Email: FireSafety@MalibuCity.org
-Visit: MalibuCity.org/FireSafety

For detailed step-by-step brush clearance guides, diagrams of the brush clearance zones, details on the requirements, safety tips and more, visit the CAL FIRE website https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace and LA County Fire Department’s website https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU/TOPANGA CANYON—On May 15, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Los Hills Station announced on Facebook that the public should be aware of a scam alert about unpaid tolls.

Authorities are warning that if anyone receives a text out of the blue that indicates they have unpaid tolls and include a link that takes them to a page to enter bank or credit card info — but it’s a phishing scam.

Not only is the scammer trying to steal money, but if anyone clicks the link, they could get your personal info (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal one’s identity.

To avoid a text scam like this:

▪️Don’t click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.

▪️Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the state’s tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text.

▪️Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.

To learn more about spotting and avoiding text scams visit www.ftc.gov/textscams.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on May 17 on their Facebook page important deadlines for fire debris removal.

Anyone who did not opt in to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program by the April 15 deadline is now responsible for hiring private contractors to complete debris removal on their property.

-Permits must be pulled by June 1, 2025
-All fire debris must be removed by June 30, 2025

Property owners are strongly encouraged to act immediately to meet these deadlines and help accelerate community recovery.

For more details visit www.MalibuRebuilds.org/Debris-Removal.

By Danny Jones