WOODLAND HILLS—Former Memphis Grizzlies forward and Gonzaga basketball star Brandon Clarke, 29, passed away in Woodland Hills on May 11, 2026. On Friday, August 7, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office announced the cause of his death from an accidental overdose caused by the combined toxic effects of heroin and cocaine.

STUDIO CITY—A person infected with measles reportedly visited Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26. The individual was in the park for roughly 11 hours, arriving at 10 a.m. and leaving at 9 p.m. The park was not shut down. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a warning asking anyone who was at the park during that window to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms through August 16.

This marks the ninth reported measles case in LA County in 2026. The CDC recorded more than 2,371 measles cases so far this year in the United States, the highest number since 1991. The majority of these cases have been diagnosed in children and teenagers under the age of 19, and about 93 percent of people who contracted the virus were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. California alone reported 54 measles cases since the beginning of 2026.

In March 2026, an infected traveler visited Universal Studios and several other locations across the county. In 2019, an infected teen from New Zealand visited Disneyland, then Universal Studios, the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds, and Santa Monica. Theme parks are considered higher-risk environments for measles exposure because of the large number of people who pass through them each day.

Anyone at Universal Studios Hollywood on July 26 and develops symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash is urged to call a healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility in person, to avoid exposing others. Residents can also contact the LA County Public Health InfoLine at 833-540-0473, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

By Milan Manesh

SANTA MONICA—On August 6, Micah Sykes, the son of baritone opera singer, Jubilant Sykes, 71, was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Sykes was arraigned for the fatal stabbing of his father in Santa Monica in December 2025. Skyes, 31 was charged in case 25CJCF07984 with one felony count of murder with a special allegation that the defendant used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime. It’s alleged he inflicted great bodily injury upon a vulnerable victim 60 years of age or older. “Our community continues to mourn the senseless loss of Jubilant Sykes whose renowned baritone and legacy of music brought joy to the world. This horrific act of violence is a painful reminder of how older adults remain vulnerable to violence, even from those closest to them. Our elders deserve to feel safe and the office’s Elder Abuse Section is committed to holding those who harm them fully accountable,” stated District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. At approximately 9:20 p.m. on December 8, 2025, Micah allegedly murdered his father at home using a dagger, garden shears and barbell. Jubliant’s wife, who is also the defendant’s mother, was home and contacted 911. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. To report physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, call your local law enforcement or the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-877-4R SENIORS (1-877-477-3646). On December 9, 2025, Micah was arrested by the Santa Monica Police Department on felony charges. He was booked into Twin Towers Correctional Facility with no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2026. Jubilant Sykes was an internationally acclaimed opera singer who performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, and Italy’s Arena di Verona. In 2009, he earned a Grammy nomination for his performance in the recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass collaborated with: Josh Groban, Julie Andrews, Carlos Santana, and Brian Wilson. Micah has a criminal history and was arrested on October 27, 2024, on felony charges. He was issued a court date of November 18, 2024, and released on his own recognizance. By Sharon

WOODLAND HILLS—Pierce College, a community college based in Woodland Hills, announced on Tuesday, August 4, it will cancel its football season due to a lack of players. According to an official statement from Pierce College reads:

The announcement came weeks before the team was expected to play its first game. In an interview with the San Fernando Valley Sun, Sims said, “It’s really unfortunate, because there are so many kids that came from out of state. Think about it, how hard is it going to be for those kids to transfer when they’re stuck in a one-year apartment lease?”

Sims disputed the notion that the roster was too small, noting the team had 45 players before the cancellation. He pointed out that when he took over in 2022, the team had only 8 players and he built it up to 32, yet they still played a full season that year.

Sims said he was only made aware of the potential cancellation when one of his players asked him if the rumors were true. Following that exchange, he was pulled into a hallway and told by the athletic director that the season was over. He alleges the athletic director contacted other schools and told everyone else before informing him or the team.

For most players who signed up to be part of the team, it is too late to transfer to another program.

Pierce College is not the only college to cancel its season this year. Orange Coast College indefinitely suspended its program back in April, and a survey conducted by the California Interscholastic Federation found that 11-man high school football participation dropped 4 percent statewide last year.

By Milan Manesh

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The Academy Awards and BAFTA-qualifying Hollyshorts Film Festival returns for its 22nd year. Hollyshorts Film Festival first began in August 2005 at the Space Theatre in Hollywood and is largely recognized as one of the world’s premier showcases for short-form cinema. 

The festival is set to begin next week from August 13 until August 23. Hollyshorts will take place both in-person and online; for those attendees arriving in person, it will be headquartered at TCL Chinese Theatres and venues throughout Ovation Hollywood at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollyshorts has become a strong launchpad for both emerging and established filmmakers from all over the world. The festival provides opportunities for filmmakers to connect with storytellers with leading studios, streamers, brands, and industry executives. 

The film festival will end with the awards gala on August 23, where the top winners and honorees will be revealed for major categories. Some of the major categories at the festival include Best Short, Best Live Action, Best Animation, Best Documentary, and Best Director.

Admission prices to the festival vary based on the specific ticket package. All-access special advance tickets are $500 per person; all-access with panels only are $100; day passes are $90, and day passes with panels only are $60. You can purchase tickets online at https://hollyshorts2026.eventive.org/pass/buy

Hotels close to the location include the Loews Hollywood Hotel, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and the Godfrey Hotel Hollywood. For more details visit www.hollyshorts.com.

By Ryley Metten

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Eliot Preschutti, 52, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities allege a dispute between Preschutti and another individual escalated into a physical altercation, during which Preschutti struck the individual with a shovel. The altercation reportedly occurred on Holloway Drive between Hancock and Westmount in West Hollywood, the WeHo Times first reported.

Preschutti was arrested by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s West Hollywood Station on Tuesday, August 4. He was booked on a felony allegation of attempted murder under California Penal Code Section 187(a). His bail is currently set at $2 million, and he remains in custody.

Preschutti is the founder of the Improv Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has appeared in projects including The All Nighter Hour, The Gentleman Don La Mancha, and Banshee.

Preschutti has faced criminal charges involving alleged violence in the past. In 2008, while working as a drama instructor at Penn State, he was charged with felony aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, and criminal mischief, following a report that he assaulted a former girlfriend.

In August 2009, he was charged with four counts of victim intimidation and one count of retaliation against a victim. He pleaded guilty to those charges and was sentenced to time served, along with a small fine and one day of community service.

If convicted as currently charged, Preschutti faces a range of 5-9 years in state prison if prosecutors do not allege the attack was premeditated. If a judge or jury finds the attack was willful, deliberate, and premeditated, he could instead face a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

By Milan Manesh

PACIFIC PALISADES—Following the Palisades Fire in January 2025, Palisades Village was forced to close amidst the destruction and heavy smoke damage. Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m. will mark the grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an event-packed day.

Palisades Village is a walkable and open-air luxurious spot with shopping and dining options, and its return has been anticipated. The village is home to over 40 uniquely curated boutiques, entertainment, and fresh-food experiences.  

The grand opening event and ribbon-cutting ceremony are both open to the public and will feature various daytime festivities, shop openings, restaurant openings, as well as a special event finale. Palisades Village is located at 15225 Palisades Village Lane.

Daytime festivities are set to take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the special event finale set to begin at 8 p.m. Shops will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Attendees can anticipate special grand opening offers from Palisades Village restaurants and boutiques including A.L.C Bar’s free gift with purchase for the first few guests, Diptyque offers personalized canvas totes, elysewalker offers “Palisades Forever” tote bags, champagne, DJ and photos, and Isabel Marant will feature specialty cocktails.

Denim brand PAIGE is offering multiple goodies including custom patches and embroidery by Rumi Lane and limited-edition Palisades merch with proceeds benefiting SteadFast LA, plus an exclusive Palisades Village tote bag. 

Popular clothing brand Reformation will give out farmers market totes and mini Erewhon green juices. Admission is free, and parking is complimentary. The parking garage opens at 9 a.m., while valet parking opens at 11 a.m.

By Ryley Metten

WESTWOOD—A suspicious package was found on the UCLA School of Law campus on Wednesday, August 5. The UCLA Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene, and a corridor inside one of the law buildings was evacuated as a safety precaution.

Law enforcement indicated the package was isolated and that there is currently no threat to the public. The contents of the package and who it belonged to remain unknown at this stage. The investigation is ongoing.

This is not the first time a suspicious package has been reported on UCLA’s campus. In previous cases, similar incidents were resolved within 90 minutes to 150 minutes, after the Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad determined the items were harmless.

The public was asked to avoid the location until authorities gave the clear. Updates on the investigation are expected to be shared through UCLA’s Bruin ALERT system and Bruins Safe Online.

By Milan Manesh

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Starting Friday, August 7, the city of West Hollywood announced individuals using dockless e-Bikes and e-Scooters in West Hollywood will be required to park devices in designated virtual parking locations throughout the region. These locations may be identified by users within the Lime app.

The changes are being implemented to encourage proper parking of e-Scooters and e-Bikes deployed by Lime, as well as improve accessibility for everyone and support better experiences for riders, businesses, pedestrians, and the broader community.

Dockless mobility devices, including those operated by Lime, provide convenient transportation options and support first-mile/last-mile connections to transit. To help ensure the devices remain vital to the community, riders will now be required to end trips using designated virtual parking locations identified for users within the Lime app. Trips cannot be completed unless a device is parked in one of these approved locations.

The designated virtual parking locations have been carefully selected based on available sidewalk space to accommodate both parked devices and pedestrian access. Riders should always park devices upright, out of the public right of way, and in a manner that does not block sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, transit stops or building entrances.

West Hollywood and Lime are partnering on a public awareness effort encouraging safe and responsible use and parking for dockless mobility devices. Information will be shared through public service announcements displayed on the city’s digital transit shelters and pedestrian kiosks, which are located throughout West Hollywood.

West Hollywood will launch a high-visibility enforcement program focused on proper parking and safe operation of dockless mobility devices.

The city’s Transportation and Mobility Division is continuously evaluating the program and is seeking to identify additional parking locations. Current and prospective Lime riders may submit requests for additional parking locations using the city’s Engage WeHo portal. Submissions will be reviewed by city staff for impacts to accessibility and, where applicable, a designated zone will be added, which will be viewable to users on the Lime app.

Community members may use West Hollywood’s Service Requests webpage to report an issue involving a dockless e-bike or e-scooter, including an improperly parked or abandoned device. Visit www.weho.org/servicerequest or download the Official City of West Hollywood App on iPhone or Android.

By Danny Jones