MALIBU—Malibu residents are invited to hear the latest updates on the project to restore Topanga Lagoon, one of Southern California’s remaining coastal wetlands, and share feedback on the project’s next phase. A virtual public meeting will take place on Thursday, October 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

It will be a virtual public meeting, and a Zoom link will be shared when the individual RSVP and available online day-of. Project partners will present updated designs as this important project to restore a piece of critical habitat approaches its 90 percent design milestone – proposed improvements to coastal access and trails, the Pacific Coast Highway bridge, visitor facilities and a living shoreline.

Topanga Lagoon, located within Topanga State Park is one of the last remnants of a coastal wetland in California. Its unique mix of salt and freshwater habitats acts as a natural filtration system to protect water quality. Topanga Lagoon and Creek host some of the rarest fish and wildlife species in the area. Its beach is not only a popular place to sunbathe and pursue outdoor recreation activities but buffers local facilities from storm damage.

Once containing 30 acres of pristine wetlands, Topanga Lagoon has been whittled down to less than 1 acre due to long-term development patterns. By restoring Topanga Lagoon in a coordinated and proactive way, we can preserve this haven of unique biological, cultural and recreational resources, while improving existing public infrastructure. The Topanga Lagoon Restoration project provides an opportunity to enhance coastal access, expand recreation opportunities, and develop buffers for projected sea level rise. The restoration aims to expand vital wildlife habitat and improve water quality.

Questions and public feedback are welcome during the meeting to assist with the future of this special coastal resource. To see project details and RSVP visit: https://www.topangalagoonrestoration.org/.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, October 28, Lt. Gilmour with the Santa Monica Police Department announced that an arrest has been made in connection to a fatal March 2026 shooting. Manuel Reyes, 26, of Adelanto, was arrested in connection with the March 28, fatal shooting near 4th Street and Olympic Drive. Reyes has been charged with murder and attempted murder and remains in custody with bail set at $3 million.

On March 28, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting near the intersection of 4th Street and Olympic Drive. Arriving officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives determined that an altercation between occupants of two vehicles preceded the shooting. After the confrontation, a suspect discharged a firearm, striking the victim, before fleeing the area. Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified Reyes as the suspect.

On October 20, Reyes was arrested in Nayarit, Mexico, through a coordinated effort involving the Santa Monica Police Department, the United States Marshals Service’s Mexico Foreign Field Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Reyes was subsequently extradited to the United States and booked into the Santa Monica Police Department Jail on October 22.

He was arraigned at the Airport Courthouse on one count of murder, in violation of California Penal Code section 187(a), and one count of attempted murder, in violation of California Penal Code sections 664/187.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Lawrence Kayondo with the Santa Monica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (310) 458-8931, or the Watch Commander, available 24 hours a day, at (310) 458-8427.

By Danny Jones

STUDIO CITY—On October 27, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call of an armed man considered to be armed and dangerous who attempted to break into at approximately 6:30 a.m. The individual attempted to enter through a window at the rear of the house and may have slipped through the backyard gate before police arrived on the scene.

The Citizen alert read; “Police with guns drawn at Studio City home after report of armed person person breaking in: Air Support Assisting, suspect at large.”

Police units were searching by patrol and on foot for the suspect. At 9:30 a.m., video posted onto the Citizen users confirmed that K9 officers were on the scene.

At 12:15 p.m. multiple citizen users live at the scene captured video footage of both the K9 officers and a helicopter hovering overhead at 4553 Laurel Canyon Road.

Fox 11 issued an announcement to forewarn the public advising residence living in the vicinity of Beeman Avenue and Sarah Street [Beeman Park] or [“The Flats]” to stay inside.

This case is under investigation. There has been no indication of an arrest made. Residence are urged to stay alert, and keep your homes and valuables secure.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—In preparation for Halloween, the Beverly Hills Police Department is reminding residents and visitors of city ordinances and temporary parking restrictions designed to promote a safe and enjoyable holiday. The proactive measures aim to protect public safety and preserve the quality of life for Beverly Hills residents.

Under Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC) Section 5-6-1311, possession of the following items in public is prohibited from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, through 6 a.m. on Sunday, November 1:

-Aerosol string (commonly known as Silly String)
-Hair removal products
-Shaving cream and/or gel

The ordinance is intended to prevent injuries, skin irritation, slip-and-fall hazards, and property damage associated with the misuse of these products.

BHPD personnel will be present to educate the public and encourage voluntary compliance. Individuals under 21 found in possession of prohibited items may receive an infraction citation, and the items may be confiscated. Disposal bins will also be available for individuals to voluntarily discard prohibited items.

In anticipation of increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic near West Hollywood during Halloween celebrations, Chief of Police Max Subin authorized temporary Special Event Parking Restrictions pursuant to BHMC Section 7-1-58.

The restrictions will apply to designated residential streets bordering West Hollywood during the following period: Saturday, October 31, at 4 p.m. through Sunday, November 1, at 2:30 a.m.

Temporary parking signs will be posted along affected streets. Residents and their authorized guests with valid parking permits will be exempt from these restrictions. Motorists are asked to review posted signage and plan accordingly.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) is celebrating its Super Troopers softball team, which completed its season with a 15-10 championship victory over the FSLA Doheny Legends on October 8.

After finishing last season with a 0-10 record against experienced recreational softball teams, the Super Troopers returned in 2026 to compete in a co-ed league alongside teams representing several Beverly Hills hotels. The team steadily improved over the season, building momentum and earning its way to the championship game.

“Last year, we didn’t win a single game, and this year, we’re champions,” said team captain Sergeant Eric Bender. “What makes this team special is that everyone contributed, supported each other, and never gave up. We were down 7-1 in the championship game, but we kept fighting and found a way to win.”

The Super Troopers bring together sworn and civilian personnel from different bureaus and units throughout the Police Department, with members ranging from two to more than 25 years of service with the city. What started as an opportunity to bring coworkers together outside of work has grown into something much more, strengthening friendships and camaraderie across the Department.

“I’m incredibly proud of this team, not just for winning the championship, but for the relationships they’ve built along the way,” said Chief of Police Max Subin. “Bringing our personnel together from different areas of the Department strengthens the teamwork and trust that are so important to the work we do every day serving our community.”

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, October 27, the city of Malibu announced that lane closures for Construction on Pacific Coast Highway, Topanga Canyon Boulevard & Latigo Canyon Road in Malibu. Motorists should expect delays, plan ahead and choose alternate routes, slow down and watch for workers and work vehicles, and remember fines may be doubled in construction zones.

PCH paving project: October 27 through winter 2029/2030
• Malibu Lagoon to Ventura County Line: Weekday work, 6 a.m.–3 p.m., with at least one lane open each direction. Work includes pavement, curb ramps, guardrails, signage, lighting, signals and striping. Noise and vibrations possible. Weather permitting.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard: October 27–30
• Half a mile north of PCH: 15 MPH work zone.
• 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Tues–Fri: Intermittent one-lane closures with flaggers directing alternating traffic for trucks entering and exiting the work zone.

Latigo Canyon Road: Overnight October 29–30
• Latigo Canyon Road closed to through traffic at .3 miles north of PCH starting at 11 p.m. Thursday, October 29, until 4 a.m. Friday, October 30 for SCE crane work to replace a utility pole.

All drivers should can check traffic conditions BEFORE getting on the road at https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On October 27, at approximately 7:00 a.m., federal agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) raided billionaire and former gubernatorial candidate, Stephen Cloobeck’s mansion located near Benedict Canyon Drive on Roxbury Drive. This raid was executed in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation of former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).

Cloobeck, a wealthy developer, and founder of Diamond Resorts International, was a longtime financial supporter of Eric Swalwell’s political campaign. At one time, the developer allowed Swalwell to stay at his Beverly Hills estate.

In April, Cloobeck made a public statement regarding his relationship with Swalwell. “I am no longer associated with that man…,” Cloobeck stated.

On August 15, Federal agents seized Swalwell’s electronic devices at the San Francisco International Airport. On Sunday, August 16, Federal Agents executed a search warrant at Swalwell’s Washington D.C. home.

These actions are part of a federal probe into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual assault and rape against former California Rep. Swalwell.

The former Congressman is under investigation in both New York and California. According to reports, a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexual assault at a charity gala they attended in New York City in 2019.

New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg launched an investigation into the allegations, urging additional survivors/victims/witnesses to contact New York’s Special Victim’s Division.

In addition, model and fashion software company owner, Lonna Drewes publicly accused Swalwell of drugging her and assaulting her in a California hotel room in 2018.

Multiple reports indicate that the former Rep. faces allegations from at least four to six women, some of whom accused him of sexual abuse during times when the victim(s) was too intoxicated to consent.

Other allegations involve unsolicited explicit messages; pornographic images sent to them. Some allegations included sexual harassment and nonconsensual touching.

Swalwell suspended his campaign last April. On April 12, Swalwell posted the following message on his X account.

“I am suspending my campaign for Governor. To my family, staff, friends and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made, but that’s my fight, not my campaign’s. “

Swalwell has maintained that he is innocence throughout the investigations. He was under scrutiny before the sexual allegations against him surfaced. Prior to that, it was Swalwell’s connection to and relationship with an alleged Chinese spy, Christine Fang, aka, “Fang-Fang.” At the time, this relationship was considered a national security threat.

According to reports, Swalwell and Christine Fang initially met in 2012, when Swalwell was on the Dublin City Council, and running for his first term in congress.

Reports indicate that then young Swalwell was referred to Fang as he sought political donations from Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) group. Fang then assisted with fundraising for Swalwell’s 2014 political campaign. In her role, Fang hired an intern for Swalwell. He reportedly ended his association with Fang following an alert by federal investigators.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—The city of Malibu announced that wildfire recovery resources are available via SBA loan assistance in Pacific Palisades from October 26 thru October 30.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery will be on-site at The Pali Hub in Pacific Palisades October 26–30, and at The Collaboratory in Altadena November 2–6 to help Palisades and Eaton Fire survivors with existing SBA disaster loans.

SBA Case Managers, Loan Officers & Loss Verifiers will be available to answer questions and provide assistance with loan applications and recovery needs. Survivors who have questions about their SBA disaster loan applications can also contact the SBA National Support Network Center at (866) SBA-HELP or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The Pali Hub connects wildfire survivors with recovery resources, including disaster case management, rebuilding guidance, financial assistance resources, insurance and legal guidance, and other community support. To learn more visit: https://thepalihub.org/.

Pacific Palisades
October 26-30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Pali Hub located at 15239 La Cruz Drive.

Altadena
November 2–6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Collaboratory located at 540 W. Woodbury Rd.

Property owners with approved nonconforming Woolsey Fire rebuild projects must obtain a building permit by Monday, November 9. Those unable to meet the deadline due to circumstances beyond their control may request an extension from the Planning Commission. For assistance, contact Senior Management Analyst Rebecca Evans at REvans@malibucity.org.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood’s Human Services Division will host a Community Providers Open House on Saturday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged at www.go.weho.org/providersopenhouse.

There will be a free food distribution, available while supplies last; attendees are asked to bring a reusable shopping bag. A Community Providers Open House will follow at 10 a.m., with a Community Conversation on Homelessness beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The Open House will showcase the wide range of social services programs available to the West Hollywood community. The event is open to people who live, work, or attend school in West Hollywood, as well as community members dealing with homelessness. Attendees can meet with city-funded service providers, ask questions, and take-home information about available resources.

Service providers will share resources in the following areas: childcare and early education; food and nutrition; health and behavioral health; housing and homelessness; legal and financial assistance; older adults and disability services; substance use recovery and harm reduction; transportation; and workforce development. A list of city-funded agencies and programs is available in the city’s “Human Services Funded Agencies & Programs” brochure available as a PDF download at www.go.weho.org/resources.

During the Community Conversation on Homelessness, city staff will describe how the West Hollywood’s Coordinated Response Framework (CRF) brings outreach teams, healthcare providers, and County partners together to help people experiencing homelessness with complex health and service needs. Staff will share the various city progress and next steps, explain how community members can help connect people experiencing homelessness with services, and answer questions from attendees.

To learn more about the about the city’s work under the Coordinated Response Framework visit www.go.weho.org/crf. Information about the City’s Human Services Division, including programs, services, and resources are available at www.weho.org/humanservices.

For information about the Community Providers Open House contact West Hollywood’s Human Services Division at (323) 848-6510 or humanservices@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 Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Sunday, October 25, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station conducted a traffic stop that led to a drug bust as deputies discovered four bags suspected of containing ketamine in the vehicle. After searching the driver, the deputies found two additional bags suspected of containing ketamine and cash believed to have been used in drug sales. The driver was arrested for suspected possession of ketamine for sale.

Over the past two weeks, deputies in West Hollywood have responded to three incidents in which people overdosed on ketamine.  No further information has been released to the public, including the suspect’s name.

By Daniel Diquinzio