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

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica will be hosting a Compost Giveaway on Sunday, April 25. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2500 Michigan Avenue.

The Resource Recovery and Recycling Compost giveaway is a first come first served while supplies last. Individuals are advised to come early to the event.

For those picking up compost bring gloves and containers. This is a self-service event.
Santa Monica is giving away free food scrap pails to make collecting food scraps at home seamless.

The event is open to Santa Monica residents, who must bring proof of residency. For additional questions, call customer service at (866) 311-7266 or visit: www.santamonica.gov.

By Danny Jones

BENEDICT CANYON/BEL AIR—On Tuesday, April 21, the LAFD reported a fire at a home in the Beverly Crest region. The fire was reported at 4:33 a.m. at 10225 W. Scenario Lane.

E99 initial size-up, of a 2-story single family dwelling with an exterior fire exposing the 1st and 2nd floor. A 2nd Floor balcony burnt out, and the IC requested an additional 1 Task Force. By 5:09 a.m. the fire was extinguished.

No details on the cause of the fire have been disclosed to the public. There were no reports of any injuries.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU — On April 15, the California Transportation department (CALTRANS) announced the upcoming Agoura Road Closure as construction will continue the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing. The road closure is scheduled to begin July first and will take place M-F from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. No-through traffic of any kind, including motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, or pedestrians will be permitted between Rondell Street and Hyde Park Drive during construction times. CALTRANS indicated that while road work may continue some Saturdays and Sundays, there are no scheduled road closures on the weekends. Caltrans reminds drivers to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Slow for the Cone Zone.” The detour will reroute motorists to use U.S. Route 101 between Chesebro Road and Liberty Canyon Road. Bus and Shuttle Service are as follows: SHUTTLE SERVICE Free shuttle service will be available for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate around the closed section of Agoura Road. Shuttles will operate every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the scheduled closure dates. Eastbound: The eastbound shuttle pick-up location will be at Dorothy Drive and Chesebro Road. The drop-off location will be at Liberty Canyon and Agoura Road. Westbound: The westbound shuttle pick-up location will be at Liberty Canyon and Agoura Road. The drop-off location will be Dorothy Drive and Chesebro Road. BUS STOP RELOCATIONS Bus stops within the closure limits will be temporarily relocated during the full closure. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, April 20, the LAFD battled a fire inside a high-rise building in Beverly Crest. The fire was reported at 6:49 p.m. at 321 S. San Vicente Blvd.

LF61 on scene of a 13-story residential high rise building under construction with scaffolding. Fire was showing from the second floor and smoke showing from the Charlie side of the building. San Vicente IC requesting 2 additional taskforces. Rapid Intervention Group established and building and safety were notified.

The fire was extinguished at 7:15 p.m. Approximately 66 LAFD personnel were on scene to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no reports of any injuries.

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD—On Monday, April 20, the LAFD battled an apartment fire in Westwood. The fire was reported at 4:01 p.m. at 1250 S Midvale Avenue. TF37 on scene reported a 4-story apartment building over 1 sub-floor parking with smoke showing. Fire attack teams confirmed a surface fire on the roof. Approximately 40 LAFD personnel were on scene.

Knockdown of the fire transpired at 4:19 p.m. Fire attack teams confirmed a surface fire on the roof and quickly used a drop bag operation to get hose lines in place for control and extinguishment of the fire. There were no reported injuries during the blaze. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that they are holding a municipal election on June 2, 2026, to fill three City Council seats and the position of City Treasurer.

A number of community groups hold forums to educate voters on the candidates. The forums are provided to the community as educational forums and are meant to be transparent and impartial. City funds cannot be used to support any campaign activity.

The following forums will be held in the Beverly Hills City Council Chambers and livestreamed on Beverly Hills Television (BHTV 10) and at beverlyhills.org/live:

The Municipal League of Beverly Hills on Thursday, April 30, from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Southwest Beverly Hills Homeowners Association on Wednesday, May 6, from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
For more information, contact kgoldman@kaglegal.com

The listed candidates have accepted Beverly Hills Voluntary Campaign Expenditure Limits.

The name of the order based on Randomized Alphabet Drawing by the California Secretary of State. This will be the order of the candidates listed on the June ballot.

Roger Tanenbaum
Rebecca Pynoos
Jonathan Mariande
Andy Licht
Ariel Rofeim
Lester Friedman
Sharona R. Nazarian, PsyD
Russell Stuart
Clayton M. Saunders
Barry Axelrod
Andrew Kole

City Treasurer Election:

Howard S. Fisher – Accepted Campaign Contribution Limits
Requirements: all required documents must be returned and nomination requirements met for the candidate to qualify for the ballot.

All forums will be periodically re-broadcast on BHTV 10 leading up to Election Day and available on demand anytime at beverlyhills.org/elections. To learn about the candidates, visit: https://beverlyhills.org/1757/Meet-the-June-2026-Candidates.

By Danny Jones

STUDIO CITY/HOLLYWOOD HILLS—The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued two hikers over the weekend on April 18 and April 19 in Studio City and Hollywood Hills.

The first hiker rescued was on Saturday, April 18 at 7:53 p.m. in the Hollywood Hills West region. After an approximately 25-minute search, LAFD air resources located a hiker in medical distress and lowered a rescuer to assess the patient, a 46-year-old male. Due to inaccessible ground terrain, the patient was hoisted from his position and transported directly to a local hospital via air ambulance.

The second hiker was rescued on Sunday, April 19 at 12:01 p.m. at Mendips Ridge Road. A total of 36 minutes into the incident, the patient was located and hoisting operation via LAFD Airship was initiated. Patient is currently being transported to a local area hospital via Air Ambulance.

Initial report was for an approximately a 70-year-old male with reported injuries off the Betty Dearing trail. No additional details about either incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Danny Jones