WEST HOLLYWOOD—On April 6, at approximately 4:15 p.m. deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriffi’s Department (LASD) West Hollywood Station responded to a call of a burglary at the Best Buy on La Brea in the Gateway Mall located at 7100 Santa Monica Boulevard. Deputies on scene told reporters that, “It was a robbery. This person walked in grabbed two iPads. Loss prevention tried to stop them. They dropped one, picked it back up, and ran out.” According to reports, the suspect involved included a Black female wearing a white top. According to employees, the suspects first attempted to exit through the back door but were unable to get out. The alarms started to sound, and the suspects began to spray the mace. When heading for the front door, the employee made a grab for the iPad, causing the suspect to drop it, and was hit with mace before the suspect’s exit. No further descriptions were given, and the suspects are at large. One Best Buy employee was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Anyone with information can contact West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850. Next door and Niche report that West Hollywood has a higher crime rate than the national average with property crime being a significant issue. The latest data available indicates that there is a 1 in 15 chances of becoming a victim of a crime in West Hollywood, the report states. Neighborhood Scout gives up-to-date information on crime statistics in the area that include safety tips for this area include: -Being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowds. -Keeping valuables out of sight. -Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in less populated areas. -Report anything suspicious to local law enforcement.   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, April 7, the city of Beverly Hills announced that the Beverly Hills Police Department was implementing the “Drone-in-a-Box” program, a public safety initiative designed to improve emergency response, enhance officer safety, and provide greater situational awareness across the city.

“As part of my Mayoral initiatives, I am proud to advance cutting-edge technology that keeps Beverly Hills safe ahead of the curve,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “Our Police Department is already exceptional, with dedicated men and women protecting our community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drone-in-a-Box adds another powerful tool, delivering critical real-time, life-saving information that strengthens public safety and helps keep our City secure.”

Drone-in-a-Box systems are automated drone platforms housed in secure, weather-resistant docking stations. These systems enable a rapid deployment of drones within 90 seconds, allowing officers and dispatch personnel to quickly assess incidents without delay.

“This program represents a significant advancement in how we respond to emergencies and protect our community,” said Mark G. Stainbrook, Chief of Police. “By leveraging this technology, we can make faster, more informed decisions while prioritizing the safety of both our officers and the public.”

Key Benefits of the Drone-in-a-Box Program include a faster emergency response. Drones can be deployed instantly from fixed locations throughout the city, significantly reducing response times and providing critical, real-time intelligence during high-priority calls.

Live aerial video allows officers to evaluate potential threats before arriving on scene, helping to de-escalate dangerous situations and minimize unnecessary exposure to risk.

Equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging capabilities, drones provide a comprehensive view of incidents. This enhanced perspective supports better coordination and more effective incident management.

With no launch lag, drones can be airborne within moments, ensuring immediate operational support when seconds matter most. Strategically placed docking stations throughout Beverly Hills expands coverage, reduces response times, and allows drones to remain on scene longer during critical incidents.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, April 7 that it is now accepting applications for its Youth Scholarship Program.

The city is awarding $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are making a difference in their community and planning to pursue higher education. The scholarship money can be used for any expense incurred in pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school.

To apply, applicants must:
-Be a West Hollywood resident
-Graduate high school (or receive a GED) in 2026
-Have at least 150 hours of community service
-Be accepted to a college, university, or trade/vocational school

West Hollywood’s Youth Scholarship Program is one of the first municipal government sponsored programs of its kind in the country. The program is funded entirely by donations from the community. To support the program, the city encourages donations from community members, organizations and area businesses.

For more details on West Hollywood’s Youth Scholarship program, contact the City’s Human Services Division at (323) 848-6510 or email HumanServices@weho.org.

Applications are due by May 29, 2026. To learn more details and to apply visit: www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, April 7, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that Christopher Dishlip has been appointed as the new director of the Public Works Department by City Manager Oliver Chi.

Dishlip has been with the city for nearly 17 years and served as assistant director of Public Works since 2022. He previously led both Santa Monica’s Facility Maintenance and Architecture Services divisions and served as the city’s capital program manager. Dishlip will take the helm from Director Rick Valte, who announced his retirement this year after nearly 26 years of service to the city.

“What sets Chris apart is how he leads – with humility, a deep commitment to serving his team and the community, and the kind of quiet determination that inspires everyone around him,” City Manager Oliver Chi said. “As we execute the Realignment Plan, having someone with Chris’ character and capability leading Public Works gives me tremendous confidence in what we’ll accomplish together for Santa Monica.”

Since joining the city, Dishlip led the completion of large-scale projects including the new City Hall East facility, Pico Branch Library, Parking Structure 6, Ishihara Park, Historic Belmar Park, Fire Station 1 and the City Yards Modernization.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Arizona, a Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of Southern California and obtained a Certificate in Executive Management from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a California licensed professional civil engineer, holds an accreditation in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP) and is a Design-Build Professional (DBIA Associate).

“I’m honored to have been asked to lead our talented Public Works team at such a pivotal moment for Santa Monica,” Dishlip said. “The investments we’re making through the Realignment Plan are about more than infrastructure – they’re about restoring the standard of excellence that residents, businesses, and visitors expect from this City, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Dishlip assumed the role on April 6, with an annual salary of $315,684.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS/BENEDICT CANYON—On Tuesday, April 7, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a fire in the Beverly Crest region. The fire was reported at 4:36 p.m. at 351 N. Delfern Drive.

The fire suppression efforts continued in defensive mode on the home, firefighters worked to protect nearby exposed structures. One LAFD firefighter in fair-to-serious condition was transported from scene with a medical issue.

With 3 hours and 45 minutes on the incident clock, IC strategically reinitiated offensive mode where it is safe, in order to allow better access to any remaining fire in the structure. One additional LAFD firefighter was treated on scene for signs of heat exhaustion.

By 5:50 p.m., the fire was extinguished after 4 hours and 5 minutes. Firefighters continued to cool hotspots particularly in the composition roof tiles. Extended overhaul operations are expected to last several hours. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Tuesday, April 7, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a fire at The Magic Castle. The fire was reported at 5:28 p.m. at 7001 W. Franklin Avenue. The three-story Victorian home, doing business as The Magic Castle, had a fire in the attic.

First-arriving companies were in offensive mode, coordinating roof ventilation, fire suppression, and salvage operations on the third floor. No injuries were reported, but paramedics assessed several people on scene.

By 6:09 p.m., roof work on the structure was identified as a possible cause of this fire. The building cleared of all occupants and no injuries were reported. The fire was extinguished in 41 minutes with 68 firefighters working on scene.

Firefighters continued operations for salvage and smoke removal and remained on scene for full overhaul of the fire damage.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On April 7, the Santa Monica Animal Shelter announced on social media that the animal shelter is currently at capacity and unable to accept any owner-surrendered animals at this time. The Santa Monica Animal Shelter aids dogs and cats, and sometimes Guinea pigs and other small house pets are available. Immediate needs are for animal lovers to adopt, foster, and spread the word. The Santa Monica Shelter Foundation has a list of approximately 14 dogs and several cats posted on their website. The dogs listed are either a German Shepherd mix or pit bull mix, and larger breed dogs. There was one French Bulldog mix posted. One of the dogs resembled the Target Store’s mascot. Another likened the black and white dogs that often play in pre-school sing-a-long television shows. Some may recall the lyrics, …and “Bingo was his name-o!” Canyon News reached out for more information but did not hear back before print. Those interested are asked to stop by to see all of the animals available. Hours of operation are from Tuesday through Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Dog food, puppy food, cat food, cat litter, and toys may be donated to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter located at 1640 9th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Monetary donations are also accepted.   By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Alexander William Schecter, 26, of Santa Monica was charged with kidnapping a female UCLA student in March 2026 and the rape of another woman in October 2025 in Culver City.

Schecter is charged in case 26ARCF00673 with one felony count of kidnapping to commit another crime; one felony count of first-degree residential robbery; two felony counts of forcible oral copulation; and one felony count of forcible rape. It is further alleged that offenses related to the October 2025 crime involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness. It also is alleged that all victims were particularly vulnerable.

Schecter’s arraignment and bail review hearing was continued to May 4, 2026, in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse. Bail remains set at $700,000. The prosecution will ask the Court to set bail at $1.4 million.

On October 12, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Schecter allegedly sexually assaulted and raped a woman in Culver City.

On March 8, 2026, at approximately 3 a.m., he allegedly kidnapped a female UCLA student in the 500 block of Landfair Avenue. Schecter was allegedly dropping off the student in the area when he allegedly prevented her from exiting his vehicle and threatened violence. The student was able to exit the vehicle approximately half a mile away on the 400 block of Gayley Avenue.

On March 12, 2026, UCLA Police arrested Schecter after identifying him as the suspect in the March kidnapping incident. During the investigation, Schecter was identified as the suspect in the October sexual assault and rape. If convicted as charged, he faces 37 years to life in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Matthew Bunnett of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the University of California, Los Angeles Police Department.

Anyone who may have been a victim or has additional information regarding Alexander Schecter is asked to contact the Investigations Division at the University of California, Los Angeles Police Department at (310) 825-9371.

Those wanting to remain anonymous can call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800 222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On April 6, the city of Malibu announced that its Mass Evacuation Plan Community Workshop is scheduled for April 28. The workshop will help residents of Malibu be better prepared for evacuations.

The workshop will take place from 6 pm. to 8 p.m. at Malibu City Hall Council Chamber located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.

During the workshop individuals will learn:

-Find your evacuation zone
-Learn how evacuation decisions are made
-Know what to expect during an evacuation
-Share your feedback on the City’s draft Mass Evacuation Plan

Registration for the event is not required. All individuals are welcome to attend.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced on Saturday, April 4, a bomb threat was made at the Santa Monica Pier.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, the SMPD received a report involving a potential bomb threat directed at the Santa Monica Pier.

​SMPD personnel arrived on the scene immediately to assess the situation. In coordination with specialized units, officers conducted a thorough sweep of the area. Following the investigation, it was determined that the threat was not credible.

​The Santa Monica Pier remained open throughout the assessment, and no injuries were reported. Out of an abundance of caution, the public will notice an increased police presence in the area. All operations at the SM Pier have returned to normal.

​The safety of residents and visitors is the Police Department’s top priority. The SMPD is asking the public to remain aware of their surroundings and follow the principle of “See Something, Say Something.”

 

By Danny Jones