BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on April 23, 2026, that multiple suspects connected to a 2025-armed robbery have been arrested.

On August 5, 2025, at approximately 8 p.m., the Beverly Hills Police Department responded to an armed robbery that occurred in the 9700 block of S. Santa Monica Blvd.

During the robbery, a male suspect approached a female victim from behind and used force to remove the victim’s watch from her wrist, while a second suspect displayed a firearm. After removing the victim’s watch, both suspects fled to a nearby white vehicle driven by an additional unidentified suspect.

Detectives with the BHPD immediately launched an intensive investigation. Utilizing department resources, investigative technology, and countless hours of follow-up, detectives identified all three suspects.

Warrants were obtained to confirm their identities and secure their arrest. The investigation determined that all three suspects are residents of Boston, Massachusetts.

With the assistance of the US Marshals and the Randolph Police Department, the three suspects were located in Boston, and subsequently arrested on no-bail warrants.

On February 25, 2026, detectives with the BHPD responded to Boston and apprehended Bobby Peele and Austin Glover.

On April 14, 2026, detectives with the BHPD returned to Boston and apprehended the third suspect, Alex Brazier. All suspects were subsequently transported to Beverly Hills and are currently awaiting trial.

-Alex Brazier, 28 years old; arrested for 211 PC – Robbery, and 236 PC – False Imprisonment

-Bobby Peele, 29 years old; arrested for 211 PC – Robbery, and 236 PC – False Imprisonment

-Austin Glover, 28 years old; arrested for 211 PC – Robbery, and 236 PC – False Imprisonment

“Let this serve as a clear message: anyone considering coming to Beverly Hills to commit a crime should reconsider. Our officers are highly trained, our technology is advanced, and our commitment to public safety is unwavering. If you commit a crime here, you will be identified, apprehended, and held fully accountable under the law,” said Chief of Police Mark G. Stainbrook.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—At 4:22 p.m. on April 21, a post was made on the Facebook page of Friends of Runyon Canyon, a nonprofit group that preserves Runyon Canyon Park, informing people that a wildlife health alert had been issued about sightings of dead squirrels in the park, along with squirrels that look either sick or tired.

Visitors to Runyon Canyon Park should be alert for the bodies of dead squirrels that might be found on park trails. Also to watch out for squirrels displaying unusual behavior or acting tired.

In addition, any visitors to Runyon Canyon Park should “not touch any squirrel, sick or dead, Keep dogs on leash and away from wildlife,” according to the post on the Runyon Canyon Park Facebook page.

Individuals are instructed to wash their hands after leaving the park and to not feed any animals, including squirrels. Anyone who encounters a sick, tired or dead squirrel should call the park ranger at 323-644-6661.

During the call, the park ranger will ask for information about where the sick squirrel was seen and when the squirrel was seen.

It is unknown what is causing the animals to become sick, and it is unclear if their illness is dangerous to humans.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—Shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, several officers from the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at a residence located in the 600 block of Superba Avenue in Venice in response to reports of a suicide.

Inside the residence, they found two bodies from gunshot wounds.  A man, who is believed to be Jeremy Ferguson, a prominent figure in Santa Monica, and the body of a woman, later identified as Mandy Zelinka, 49, his wife, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner indicated.

Ferguson works for Downtown Santa Monica Inc, a local non-profit, as its director of operations, and was also a member of the board of the Santa Monica History Museum.

Before dying, Jeremy Ferguson wrote a suicide note that included directions on how to access the couple’s home. The investigation is ongoing. An exact motive for the shooting has not been released to the public.

The cause of the death for Zelinka has not been released by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

Jeremy was elected mayor of Milwaukie, Oregon, early in his career, serving from 2009 until he resigned in February 2015.

“Our hearts are broken as we process the news of the passing of Jeremy Ferguson,” said Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. CEO Debbie Lee. “Jeremy was a cherished member of our team and a true champion for Downtown Santa Monica. His passion for placemaking and the dedication he brought to his work each day made a lasting impact. He will be deeply missed.”

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—On Wednesday, April 22, the city of Malibu announced that it is hiring a Senior Management Analyst to join its Management Services team.

The Senior Management Analyst is a key member of the city’s administrative team and performs high-level professional, analytical, and administrative work in support of departmental and city-wide initiatives. This is an advanced journey-level position with significant independent responsibility and highly responsible for independently managing complex projects, conducting in-depth research and analysis, preparing reports and recommendations, and supporting strategic planning, budgeting, grant administration, contract management, and policy development.

Under minimal supervision, the Senior Management Analyst exercises a high degree of independent judgment and discretion in carrying out responsibilities. Assignments are diverse and often require coordination across departments and with external stakeholders, including commissions, consultants, and community organizations.

A results-driven public sector professional who excels at leading people, managing complex administrative functions, and conducting in-depth organizational and financial analysis. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of strategic thinking and attention to detail and should be comfortable in overseeing teams, coordinating across departments, and engaging with external stakeholders.

The individual is expected to have a strong grasp of public administration principles and a proven ability to manage programs, budgets, staff, and contracts with minimal supervision. A skilled communicator, both written and verbal, and can effectively represent the department and the city in a variety of settings, while bringing a collaborative spirit and a commitment to delivering exceptional public service.

The position offers a competitive salary of $113,508–$148,103 annually, benefits, and the opportunity to serve a beautiful coastal community. The application deadline is May 4, 2026. To see the complete job description and qualifications and apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/…/senior-management-analyst.

 

By Danny Jones

SHERMAN OAKS—On Tuesday, April 21, at approximately 1:30 a.m., police were called to a home on Noble Avenue for an attempted burglary. Reports indicate that burglars shattered the back window and fled the scene once they realized that someone was home. In this case, the residents were not harmed. In other recent cases, the residents were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. Recent burglaries have occurred in Westwood, Woodland Hills, Hollywood Hills, and Sherman Oaks. This is the latest in the residential smash and grab robberies. Burglars are targeting high-end homes in the community. Multiple reports indicate that these burglaries are very specific. Thieves are targeting homes in affluent areas, breaking glass at homes that appear empty. The thieves are stealing luxury items that are easily carried such as watches, jewelries, the items one keeps in a safe, cash, name brand purses, and weapons, sunglasses, and other sought-after items. California officials recently noted the decrease in crime. The uptick in residential smash-and-grab burglaries has not lessened the retail theft. According to police, on Wednesday, March 25, at approximately 7:10 p.m., two men wearing ski masks, black jackets, and blue jeans used sledgehammers to burglarized Macy’s Department Store at the Westfield Fashion Square in the 14000 block of Riverside Drive. The thieves were last seen exiting the store and fleeing the scene in a white Lexus. ADT and other security companies have recommended homeowners to use high-powered motion activated sprinklers in their yards. Motion lighting, surveillance cameras, and trimming bushes low enough that intruders cannot use them as a hiding place were also suggested for those living in burglary-ridden areas. By Sharon

WOODLAND HILLS—One person was killed after a collision on the 101 Freeway on Wednesday, April 22.

The crash which involved two cars, closed all northbound lanes of the 101 Freeway for several hours. The incident was reported after 1:30 a.m. at Valley Circle Boulevard.

The cause of the crash has not been disclosed, but it was reported that one individual who was trapped inside a vehicle, had to be removed via the roof from firefighters. One victim was transported to a local hospital by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The name of the victim has not yet been disclosed to the public. The freeway reopened after 5 a.m. via a SigAlert issued by the California Highway Patrol.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, April 21, the city of Malibu announced that it is hiring a Development and Operations Manager.

The city is looking for a dynamic, service-driven leader to serve as Development and Operations Manager in the Community Development Department. This key role oversees development services, including permitting, public engagement, and operational strategy, helping deliver efficient and transparent service to the community.

The position offers a competitive salary of $131,400–$171,447 annually, great benefits, and the opportunity to work in a beautiful coastal community while shaping Malibu’s future.

The application deadline is April 24, 2026.

To see the complete job description, qualifications, and to apply, visit:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/malibucity/jobs/5271939/development-and-operations-manager?fbclid=IwY2xjawRVmdZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBNalVPejRqdHRHejc4bXk2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqjBo9RpsQBnUgesRm6lKm5i4KU7UGZKue9LBqS6cOIxV8wuxeKnllJvSOrl_aem_l673plTp_jOorPHuA6kq5w

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, April 16, the Beverly Hills Police Department released its preliminary National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) crime statistics for the first quarter of 2026. The results show a decline in several major property crime categories compared to the same period in 2025.

From January through March 2026, the city of Beverly Hills experienced reductions in burglary, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft.

• Burglary decreased by 50 percent, with 30 reported incidents in early 2026 compared to 60 during the same period in 2025.

• Larceny/Theft declined by 25.96 percent, dropping from 208 incidents in 2025 to 154 in 2026.

• Motor Vehicle Theft saw the most significant reduction, falling 71.43 percent from 28 incidents in 2025, to just 8 in 2026.

Monthly breakdowns show consistent improvements across all three months.

In January 2025, burglaries were 28, compared to 7 in January 2026. Larceny/Theft in January 2025 was 73 compared to 52 in January 2026. Motor Vehicle Theft in January 2025 was 8, compared to 3 in January 2026.

In February 2025, burglaries were 19, compared to 6 in February 2026. Larceny/Theft in February 2025 was 66, compared to 45 burglaries in February 2026. When it comes to Motor Vehicle Thefts in February 2025 there was a total of 12, compared to 2 in February2026.

In March 2025, a total of 13 burglaries transpired compared to 14 in March 2026. Larceny/Theft in March 2025 were 69, compared to 57 in March 2026. For Motor Vehicle Thefts there was a total of 8 in March 2025, compared to 3 in March 2026. There was an increase of 1 burglary from March 2025 compared to March 2026.

“The Beverly Hills Police Department attributes these decreases to targeted enforcement efforts, increased patrol visibility, stronger prosecution by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and our continued collaboration with residents, businesses, and our law enforcement partners,” said Chief Mark G. Stainbrook.

The BHPD is asking the community to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activity. For more details, contact the Beverly Hills Police Department Media Relations Unit.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On April 20, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LACDPH) released its most recent Ocean Water Use Warning for Los Angeles County Beaches. LACDPH advises the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters in the following areas. Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, and 100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon. Pico-Kenter storm Drain at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain. The entire swim area of Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. The entire swimming area of Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey. The Santa Monica Pier, and 100 yards up/down the coast from the pier in Santa Monica LACDPH warnings are due to high bacteria levels found in recent water samples that exceed public health standards, which may increase the risk of illness to those who may be otherwise enjoying the beach. Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower 18, is now cleared for all beach activities. Know before you go. Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the County’s beach hotline: 1-800-525-5662. To View map of impacted locations and learn more, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On April 20, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) published the monthly restaurant closures due to health violations. Four restaurants have been sited in our coverage area including the following. The Roof Garden, located at 9882 S. Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills, was closed on April 18, due to a violation of California health and safety code section 114259.1, Vermin infestation. The restaurant reportedly seats 61-150 people and is listed as “High Risk.” The Rooftop violations are as follows: Adequate handwashing facilities; supplied & accessible 2.0 MINOR Hot and cold water available 2.0 MAJOR No insects, rodents, birds or animals present 11.0 MAJOR Floors, walls and ceilings properly built, maintained and clean 1.0 GRP (Good Retail Practices) Permit suspended, revoked, modified, or closed for no permit 0.0 GRP The Roof Top Garden remains closed as of the publication of this report. Capitol Seafood was closed due to major violations in food temperatures, the condition of the food, the cleanliness of flat surfaces, and the presence of vermin. Capitol Seafood, located at 50 N. La Cienega Boulevard in Beverly Hills, was closed on April 7th. This restaurant has since reopened on April 13th. Dan Tana’s, located at 9071 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, was closed on April 15th due to a major violation of the California Health and Safety Code due to the presence of Vermin and the lack of cleanliness of flat surfaces. Dan Tana’s remains closed as of the publication of this report. La Maison De Crème, located at 265 S. Robertson Boulevard #2 in Beverly Hills was closed on April 3, and remains closed because they were operating with out a public health permit. The Samosa House, located at 2301 Main Street in Santa Monica, was closed on March 24 due to sewage and wastewater backing up into the kitchen, and unsanitary conditions/food contact surfaces. The Samosa House reopened on April 14th. The information from this report came directly from the LACDPH website and can be found under Facility Closures.  Explanations of report jargon may be found at the link below. RBF-Inspections-Intro By Sharon