MALIBU—On Monday, June 8, the city of Malibu announced that in late May, the city started removing graffiti on fire-damaged properties along Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire area as part of the city’s Graffiti Cleanup Pilot Program.

This voluntary program helps clean up graffiti on private properties within Malibu city limits that were impacted by the Palisades Fire and have graffiti visible from the street. Removing graffiti helps decrease blight, discourage repeat vandalism, improve public safety, and support the community’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The City’s Code Enforcement Division and Public Works Department completed the first round of graffiti abatement last week. A total of 61 eligible properties has been identified, signed consent forms have been received from 29 property owners, 28 additional consent forms are pending, and graffiti has already been removed from 7 properties. Three property owners declined participation.

The program is voluntary and requires property owner permission before work can begin. Malibu staff continue conducting outreach through phone calls, emails, and follow-up communications to encourage participation and answer questions.

The program runs through April 12, 2027. In order to have graffiti removed from an individual’s property through the program, and the homeowner must provide a signed Trespass Authorization to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. To get this process started on one’s fire-impacted home or business, contact Code Enforcement at Code@MalibuCity.org or call City Hall at 310-456-2489.

Graffiti within the public right-of-way continues to be addressed by Caltrans and the City of Malibu Public Works. Individuals can report graffiti to Caltrans at (213) 897-1200 or Public Works at 310-456-2489 ext. 391.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On June 5, the city of Santa Monica announced that visitors can now access the Santa Monica Pier from a new perspective, with the opening of a temporary pedestrian bridge that will serve as the primary entrance to the historic Pier for the remaining duration of the Pier Bridge Replacement Project.

The temporary bridge is located about 30 feet south of the original pedestrian access point and will keep the Pier and its businesses and attractions fully accessible throughout the replacement project, which is slated to conclude in late 2027.

The temporary bridge features eye-catching artwork, wayfinding elements to help visitors explore different parts of the Pier, and spotlights on local businesses and restaurants.

Following the opening of the temporary bridge, crews will close the current entrance facing Ocean Avenue and will begin to prepare the existing bridge for demolition, which is scheduled for mid-June.

Additional Pier access points will remain available from:

-Ocean Front Walk
-The protected walkway along the temporary vehicle ramp in the Pier parking lot
-Stairs near Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Bikes, skateboards and other small vehicles will not be permitted on the temporary pedestrian bridge and are advised to use Seaside Terrace to access the Pier. Detour and wayfinding signage has been installed throughout the construction zone and the temporary pedestrian bridge.

While construction will introduce a new entrance route, the Santa Monica Pier remains fully open and accessible, with all businesses, attractions, dining and entertainment continuing to operate throughout the project.

Construction on the Pier Bridge Replacement Project began in December 2025 and will replace the 87-year-old bridge connecting Ocean Avenue to the Pier. The new bridge will be a seismically sound structure with improved features and will preserve the character and scenic views of the historic route.

Originally constructed in 1939, and the old bridge no longer meets modern structural or seismic standards. To improve long-term safety, access, and mobility, the city is moving forward with a federally funded replacement project that will deliver a new, seismically sound structure with improved features, including a 15-foot-wide sidewalk to enhance the experience for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Construction is underway and is expected to be completed before the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced that starting Wednesday, July 1, the Big Blue Bus will implement fare changes to its Mobility on Demand Every Day (MODE) program.

The fare change marks the second phase in a three-part fare adjustment plan approved by Santa Monica City Council in June 2019. The adjustment is intended to ensure MODE’s long-term operational sustainability and support the program’s growth.

Starting July 1, 2026

Regular

$1.50 (Current Fare)

$2.00 (New Fare)

Low-Income

$0.75 (Current Fare)

$1.00 (New Fare)

Since 2018, Big Blue Bus partnered with Lyft to offer discounted on-demand rides for Santa Monica seniors (age 65 or older) and adults (age 18 or older) with disabilities, using both sedan and wheelchair accessible vehicles. In February, due to an increase in members and demand, the program expanded its service hours and reinstated Sunday service, following service reductions that began during the Coronavirus pandemic. MODE operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MODE currently serves more than 2,500 active MODE members taking over 41,000 trips annually to medical appointments, grocery stores, shopping centers, and social outings.

“MODE provides an invaluable service to Santa Monica’s aging and mobility-challenged residents,” said Director of Transportation, Anuj Gupta. “We are thrilled to see the continued growth in MODE memberships and the increasing demand for rides, which reflects the program’s critical role in helping residents stay connected to the places they need to go. This modest fare adjustment will help strengthen and expand the program so we can continue providing affordable, accessible, and convenient transportation for our community now and into the future.”

To learn more about MODE, including eligibility requirements, low-income fare options, and how to apply, visit bigbluebus.com/MODE.

By Danny Jones

TOPANGA CANYON—On Monday, June 8, the Los Angeles Fire Department had to battle a structure fire on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The fire was reported at 9:10 p.m. at 7900 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Canoga Park.

First arriving unit reports a three-story apartment building with smoke showing from the parking garage on the first level. Firefighters operated in the offensive mode.

A total of 42 firefighters achieved full extinguishment in 33 minutes with no injuries reported. The cause of fire is under investigation.

By Danny Jones

 

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, a vendor was arrested by several deputies from the Los Angeles County West Hollywood Station for selling alcohol without a license on Santa Monica Boulevard during the West Hollywood Pride weekend celebration.

Edmundo Ramirez, 48, was arrested and witnesses told The WeHo Times he was selling beer cans and bottles of alcohol, including vodka, from a folding wagon he converted into a mini bar. A loudspeaker was attached to the vehicle, which he used to play music. Witnesses saw the deputies approach Ramirez, confiscate his merchandise, and take him into custody.

He was booked at the Transit Correctional Facility at the West Hollywood Sheriff Station and paid $0 bail. In the city of Los Angeles, serving alcohol without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

Canyon News reached out to the West Hollywood Sheriff Station for comment but did not hear back before publication.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WESTWOOD—On June 3, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, has been charged with violently assaulting five different women at UCLA, four of them students, within the span of one hour. The defendant is not a student and did not have permission to be on campus.

He is charged in case 26ARCF01088 with one felony count of attempted kidnapping to commit a forcible rape, three felony counts of assault with the attempt to commit a forcible rape during the commission of a first-degree burglary and two felony counts of assault likely to produce great bodily injury.

On May 28, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant allegedly attacked a woman on Bruin Walk. During the attack, the defendant fled with her phone.

Minutes later, Akindahunsi slipped behind two women into their secure dorm building and followed them to their room, where he allegedly sexually assaulted one of the women and assaulted the other. Both women managed to escape and the defendant fled.

Shortly after, the defendant entered another dorm building where he allegedly approached a woman walking down the hallway and attempted to kidnap her in order to commit a sexual assault. She broke free and the defendant fled.

Just after midnight on May 29, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the hallway of her dorm. A nearby resident intervened and the defendant fled. He was apprehended by UCLA police officers.

Arraignment was continued to today in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse. If convicted as charged, he faces 32 years to life in state prison. He would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Negin Mostadim of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the UCLA Police Department.

Anyone with details related to the attacks is asked to contact the UCLA Police Department at (310) 825-1491.

By Danny Jones

WOODLAND HILLS—The Los Angeles Fire Department had to battle a trash truck fire on Thursday, June 4. The incident was reported at 2:31 p.m. at 5312 N. Comercio Ln.

First arriving LAFD units will handle a trash truck on fire in a parking structure. Contents have been dumped and it is being treated as a rubbish fire.

Approximately 43 LAFD personnel assigned to the incident. All incoming companies were discontinued. There were no injuries were reported at this time and no exposures.

Officials battled a commercial building fire on June 4 at 11:54 p.m. located at 6325 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. involving a 5-story commercial building with fire showing on the 5th floor.

No reports on injuries at this time and unknown cause. Approximately 110 LAFD personnel ass to the incident. Units e route cancelled. The Department of Transportation and Department of Building and Safety were requested.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On June 5, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced that a Santa Monica resident pleaded guilty to doxing and harassing an individual who works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a lawyer. Gregory John Curcio, 68, faces one count of violating the protection of individuals who are performing official duties.

Doxing is the exposure of private information, such as a phone number, address, or place of employment, that can identify a person online.  Swatting is harassment, where someone reports to law enforcement, claiming the target of the swatting is violating the law, and gives the target’s location to cause the target harassment or arrest.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in February 2025, Curcio allegedly posted the home address of the ICE lawyer on Facebook, made similar posts on another social media site, and used those posts to instruct people to swat her.  The victim claims he never met her.  She claims Curcio harassed her mother for several years and has harassed her and her family since January 2024.

Curcio will appear in court on August 21, 2026, for a sentencing hearing and faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison. District Judge Michelle Williams Court will oversee the hearing.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility, with Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Restrepo of the National Security Division serving as the prosecutor.

Canyon News reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for comment and was told that it had no comment beyond what was in the press release and court documents.

By Daniel Diquinzio

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—A hiker had to be rescued on Saturday, June 6 by the Los Angeles Fire Department on Wattles Drive. The incident was reported at 6:42 p.m. at 1900 Wattles Drive. Approximately 26 LAFD personnel were assigned to the incident

By 7:07 p.m., the reported hiker approximately 50- to 60-year-old male was listed in grave medical condition. At this time, no known cause of medical condition or possible injury. The LAFD lowered a rescuer to the patient and medical treatment is being administered.

LAFD Air Operations lowered a rescuer to the patient and medical treatment was administered. Park rangers and LAPD will secure the scene. WATTLES IC requesting LAPD and Park Rangers. The LAPD Inc#3789. Department of Fish and Wildlife were also on the scene of the incident. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, June 4th, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle postponed the arraignment of Micah Sykes. Authorities accused Micah Sykes of killing his father, the late opera singer Jubilant Sykes, at his Santa Monica residence in the 1770 block of Delaware Avenue on December 8th, 2025.

According to myNewsLA.com, this occurred despite the objections of the deputy district attorney overseeing the case, and the new arraignment date is August 6, 2026. Skye’s arraignment has not been postponed for the first time. When he appeared in court in December, the court delayed his arraignment until Wednesday, February 11th. They moved the date to April 6th and then again to June 4th.

Micah Sykes is in jail without bail because he has schizophrenia, but was not taking the medication his doctor prescribed when he was arrested.

He has been charged with homicide for the alleged killing of his father.  This also includes allegations that a deadly weapon was used and the inflicted grievous harm on an elderly person.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, detectives from the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested him on December 8th on suspicion of murder after responding to an ongoing assault at his parents’ residence and finding him inside the house. They also found his injured father. When officers from the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived, they examined the older man who had suffered multiple stab wounds and declared him dead.  Officers recovered a weapon from the house. 

On October 24th, 2024, he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division for grand larceny.  However, he was not charged.  A day later, he was released from jail on his own recognizance.

When he first appeared in court on December 11th, Deputy District Attorney Ceasar Rodriquez stated that the defendant’s mother, Cecilia, was a witness to the attack on Jubilant Sykes.

Jubilant Sykes was 71 when he died. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sykes was a professional opera and gospel singer with a baritone voice and performed African American spiritual songs. Starting in 1978, he worked in the music ministry of Grace Community Church.

He released 4 albums and worked with many groups, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition, he performed at the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Apollo Theater, and in 1990, he appeared in a production of Porgy and Bess by the Houston Grand Opera. In 2008, he appeared in a production of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass as the main character, Celebrant, and received a Grammy Award nomination for this role.

His wife, Cecilia, and his three sons, including Micah, continue to live after him.

Canyon News reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for comment and for clarification about the charges that Micah Sykes is facing, but had not heard back by the time of publication.

By Daniel Diquinzio