SHERMAN OAKS—On Wednesday, March 25, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Valley and Van Nuys Division, responded to a call of a reported shooting in the 15000 block of Riverside Drive.  Officers arriving at the scene discovered robbery at the Westfield Fashion Square inside Macy’s Department Store. Macy’s surveillance showed three suspects wearing blue jeans, black and gray shirts, and masks, smashing the glass display cases with their sledgehammers. The thieves grabbed the jewelry, watches, and other items and fled the mall.  They were last seen heading eastbound on Riverside Drive, in a White Lexus, and are still at large. Customers were sheltering in place inside the other stores with the security gates pulled down. Authorities gave clearance for bystanders to leave at approximately 8 p.m. There were no reported injuries. The estimated value of the items taken has yet to be determined. Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to contact LAPD Valley Van Nuys Division or to remain anonymous call LA County Regional Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). According to LAPD Southwest Division thefts are up by five percent compared to this time last year. California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has reportedly recovered over 33,000 stolen items statewide during January and February 2026.   By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—On March 26, the Friends of Griffith Park announced after nearly a decade, the Griffith Park pool will reopen, with an upgrade.  Reports indicate that city officials approved a $40 million budget to rebuild the pool area.

While the pool may be smaller than the old facility, the new one will include a training area, and a splash pad.  Reports indicate there will be an entire swimming complex, and the pool will be suitable for competitive swimming groups/teams to utilize.

The Griffith Park pool, “The Plunge,” is currently closed, and has been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.  Historical records indicate the first time the pool opened was in 1927.

Construction is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2026, with an estimated completion to be in early 2029.

 

By Sharon

STUDIO CITY—On March 26, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Valley Bureau responded to a call regarding a hiker in distress at 3501 Alta Mesa Drive. LAFD Air Units located the injured individual who was described as a female approximately 70 years-old with minor injuries. She fell from Fryman Canyon Trail. LAFD Air Units initiated a hoist operation to get the hiker to solid grown where she could be evaluated and transported to an area hospital for treatment. Several LAFD first responders assisted in getting the stranded and injured hiker to safety. There is no further information at this time.   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, March 26, the city of Beverly Hills announced that Stephanie Harris, currently the City’s Director of Community Services, was chosen as the next Assistant City Manager (ACM) for the city. She will join incoming City Manager Ryan Gohlich and Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling in the City Manager’s office this July upon the retirement of City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey.

Harris currently oversees the Community Services Department which includes the Administrative Support, Library, Arts & Culture, and Recreation & Parks divisions.

“I am very pleased to welcome Stephanie to the role of Assistant City Manager,” said Gohlich.  “During her 12 years with Beverly Hills, Stephanie has elevated our programs, built collaborative relationships, and demonstrated versatility and sound leadership. I look forward to her partnership in the years ahead.”

Harris will assist in the daily management of city operations, provide oversight of select departments and work closely with the Beverly Hills City Council.

“I am thankful to Ryan for the privilege of serving as the next Assistant City Manager,” said Harris. “I am proud to work with dedicated and talented colleagues and look forward to supporting the City Council and Ryan while serving this outstanding community in the years ahead.”

Harris joined Beverly Hill in 2014 as a Management Analyst in the Community Services Department, later promoting to Senior Management Analyst and Community Services Manager before joining the City Manager’s Office in 2022 as Community Outreach
Manager.  She later returned to Community Services as Interim Director in 2023 and was later named permanent Director.  Harris previously worked for the city of Rosemead’s Parks & Recreation Department for 11 years.

 

By Danny Jones

HOLLYWOOD—On March 24, 2026, the Los Angeles Police Department revealed that on March 19 the Commercial Crimes Division – Real Estate Fraud Unit, in partnership with the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force—which includes agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and Glendale Police Department—carried out Operation Hard Money, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects involved in a complex mortgage fraud scheme.

The LAPD started the investigation in 2022, stemming from a $5.7 million fraudulent loan in which the suspects stole the victim’s personal information, created fraudulent accounts in the victim’s name, fabricated documents, impersonated the victim, and forged the victim’s signature. Investigators later identified two additional victims of the same mortgage fraud scheme and uncovered additional mortgage loans totaling $17 million linked to the same group of suspects.

On February 5, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office obtained a 15-count federal indictment on charges that include wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, leading to Operation Hard Money and the arrests of:

· Nazaret Chakrian, 65, of Hollywood

· Arnold Moradians, 57, of Hollywood

· Avetis Hekimyan, 38, of North Hollywood

· Marine Sarkisian, 49, of Hollywood

· Victor Lossi, 43, of Thousand Oaks

· Cynthia Borjas, 51, of Koreatown

· Armen Vardevaryan, 55, of North Hollywood

· Ross Tarkhan, 32, of Glendale

· Craig Higson, 66, of Naples, Florida

· Helen Spangler, 62, of Oakdale

· Tigran Hovanesian, 56, of Glendale

Common elements of the fraud scheme include victims who are all over 70 years old, own multiple properties outright with no mortgages, debts, liens, or encumbrances.

The Real Estate Fraud Unit believes there may be additional victims of this scheme and are asking anyone with details regarding this investigation to call Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-6620 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced on Wednesday, March 25 that the Santa Monica Police Department is seeing a decrease in its crime rates.

The city released detailed public safety results showing substantial improvement across all major categories, reflecting the impact of the Realignment Plan adopted by the Santa Monica City Council in October 2025 and updated this week.

With Police Chief Darrick Jacob, the SMPD shifted in 2025 toward a proactive, prevention-focused policing model emphasizing visible patrol, early intervention, and consistent presence in areas generating repeated calls for service.

2025 Year-End Results:

Part I crime, which includes violent offenses and burglary, declined 12.5 percent, with 599 fewer crimes reported in 2025 compared to 2024. Total calls for service decreased 3.1 percent, while total arrests increased 22.9 percent and traffic citations increased 102 percent.

Officer-initiated activity also rose significantly, increasing from around 40 percent in 2024 to 51-53 percent during the first quarter of 2026. All of the data reflects a measurable shift from reactive response to proactive enforcement in Santa Monica, with the end result being a safer region.

Post-Deployment Acceleration (December 2025-February 2026):

Following full implementation of the Realignment deployment model in December 2025, results accelerated further. Monthly traffic citations averaged 1,200—a 400 percent increase over 2024 levels. Drug-related investigations doubled across every month measured. Weekly arrests climbed steadily from 81 per week in December to 104 per week in February.

A major organizational milestone was achieved as the Police Department reached full sworn staffing for the first time in over 20 years. With the City Council’s approval of 10 over-hire positions, the department has stabilized staffing across patrol and specialized units, with 23 background investigations currently open and 391 new applications received since January.

The City Attorney’s Criminal Unit, which added a Legal Assistant and Senior Legal Analyst under the City Council adopted Realignment Plan, saw a 40 percent increase in case submissions in the last quarter of 2025 and is now filing on nearly 90 percent of all legally fileable cases, up from roughly 65-70 percent previously.

“When the City Council adopted the Realignment Plan, we made a promise to Santa Monica residents: we would do the hard work to make this city safer,” said Mayor Caroline Torosis. “Today’s results, including 12.5 percent less crime, full police staffing for the first time in 20 years, and a prosecution rate approaching 90 percent, show that promise is being kept. We will not let up.”

On Tuesday, March 24, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved the Realignment Plan Update, which includes additional investments to sustain these gains. Among the adjustments adopted include the approval of a new Police Captain to oversee the Real-Time Crime Center and Dispatch operations, additional dispatchers, and authorization for a Memorandum of Understanding with Metro to enable SMPD enforcement on train platforms within the City.

For more details regarding the Santa Monica Realignment Plan, visit www.santamonica.gov.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 24, the city of West Hollywood announced that the City Hall will be closed on Monday, March 30.

According to the post made at 5:25 p.m., traffic regulations for street sweeping, towing cars during peak traffic hours, time limits for vehicles parked on the street, and parking meter limits will not be enforced.

Permit parking will be enforced while City Hall is closed. Visitor parking permits can be purchased either at the Kings Road garage or online.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 23, actress and Oscar nominee, Valerie Perrine died. According to her friend and filmmaker, Stacey Souther, Perrine died peacefully at home. She was 82. “It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away. She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining. She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest, and what a magnificent life it was. The world feels less beautiful without her in it,” said Souther on Facebook. A GoFundMe was launched to provide a proper burial that read: “Help us give Valerie Perrine the Farewell she deserves. In loving memory of Valerie Ritchie Perrine September 3, 1943-March 23, 2026. The actress portrayed Miss Eve Teschmacher, who had a relationship with Lex Luther in Richard Donner’s “Superman II.” “After more than 15 years waging a quiet, courageous battle against both Parkinson’s disease and debilitating central tremors, this luminous, vivacious woman finally rested. Her passing leaves a void in Hollywood history and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. This fundraiser is created with the full support and blessing of her brother, Ken Perrine, who himself continues to battle this devastating disease. Vallerie’s journey to the screen was as unlikely and dazzling as any script she ever brought to life. A celebrated Vegas showgirl, she never set out to be an actress. Hollywood found her. And when it did, she dazzled everyone…Valerie’s final wish was simple and deeply meaningful: to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.” A total of $40,560 of $65K has been raised. Perrine was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 1974 film “Lenny” directed by Bob Frosse.   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The woman who was arrested for shooting at the Beverly Hills property owned by singer Rihanna earlier this month, entered a plea of not guilty in court on Wednesday, March 25.

Ivanna Lisette Oritz, 35, from Orlando, Florida, was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office with attempted murder. The defendant is being represented by a public defender. Her bond was previously set at over $1.875 million and a request to reduce it was rejected by the court. Ortiz previously entered a not guilty plea when in court on March 11, but it was later withdrawn.

Ortiz has posted numerous videos on social media where she talked about Rihanna. The incident transpired on March 8 after the Los Angeles Police Department reported they received 911 calls at 1:21 p.m. Ortiz drove to Rihanna’s home located in Beverly Hills in a White Tesla. She fired several shots into the property with one round hitting a wall inside the home. After firing shots, the suspect fled the scene. The suspect was tracking by police to a parking lot in Sherman Oaks where she was later arrested.

The home is located on the 9500 block of Heather Road. A motive for the shooting has not been disclosed to the public.

Rihanna was home during the incident, as well as her partner A$AP Rocky, her mother, her three children and other house staffers. There were no injuries reported.

On March 10, Ortiz, was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in case 26CJCF01519 with one count of attempted murder, 10 felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and three felony counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling or camper.

In March 2023, the singer had a fan travel from South Carolina to her home in Beverly Hills hoping to meet her. In 2018, Eduardo Leon was arrested after he allegedly broke into the Grammy winner’s Hollywood Hills home and waited for over 12 hours. Leon, 27, at the time, hopped a fence, entered the singer’s home, and stayed overnight.

Rihanna is a singer who has earned 9 Grammy Awards and is known for her hits, “S.O.S.,” “Umbrella,” “Take a Bow,” “Rude Boy” and “Only Girl (in the World).” She has sold over 250 million records worldwide. She has appeared in the films “Battleship,” “Ocean’s 8” and performed voice work in the latest animated “Smurfs” film in 2025.

If convicted as charged, Ortiz faces up to life in state prison. The case is being prosecuted by Alexander Bott of the Major Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On March 23, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued new beach warnings for Los Angeles County Beaches. Beach closures include those in Santa Monica and Malibu. The LACDPH advises the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in Topanga Canyon beach to include 100 yards of the public restroom up and down the coast from Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach. The Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach is under a Water Quality Warning due to high bacteria levels. According to reports, the beach remains open, but water contact is highly discouraged. The Santa Monica Pier, Wilshire Boulevard storm-drain on Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica North Tower 12. While the ocean area remains under a water warning due to elevated bacteria levels, the pier structure and the businesses that operate there remain open. Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach includes the south-facing sandy beach East of Point Dume in Malibu. Reports indicate that as of February 2026, the cliffside was closed due to hazardous conditions making the trek to reach the sand unsafe. There was no current update on this section. Storm damage to the stairway there at Escondido Beach was in need of repair. Waters in Escondido Creek and Beach are not clean enough to swim. The bacteria warning remains in effect for this area and 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek is included in the warning. “Recent water samples showed bacteria levels exceeding health standards, which may increase risk of illness,” states the LACDPH. Warnings have been lifted for beaches at Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Tower 20. LACDPH notes recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-525-5662.   By Sharon