SANTA MONICA—On September 15, the Santa Monica Police Department conducted a narcotics operation near a platform at Downtown Santa Monica Station near the intersection of Colorado Avenue and 4th Street. Officers from the Community Impact Team carried out the operation in response to concerns about living conditions in the 1500 block of 4th Street and details about recent drug activity.

Using resources from the Santa Monica Analytical Real-Time Center (SMART Center), officers spotted suspected drug sales and directed uniformed officers to the location. Officers recovered various pills from an individual, along with what is suspected to be fentanyl and methamphetamine. The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing narcotics for sale.

Officers also cited two other individuals for possession of drug paraphernalia and narcotics. The SMPD seeks to address citizens’ concerns about their neighborhoods through targeted law enforcement. The department uses resources from the SMART Center, which enables officers to coordinate field operations.

Canyon News reached out to the SMPD for comment but did not receive a response before publication.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, September 29, the city of Santa Monica announced that it released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Human Services Grants Program (HSGP) to solicit applications for the FY 2027-31 HSGP funding cycle. Santa Monica is providing approximately $10 million to selected agencies to address community needs and gaps in existing services.

The HSGP currently funds 21 programs run by 18 agencies, serving over 30,000 residents annually. HSGP programs aim to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of vulnerable and low-income residents, including children, youth and families, older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness, helping to ensure an effective, strong safety net for Santa Monicans.

The RFP can be viewed on Santa Monica’s OpenGov Procurement Portal.

Qualifying agencies interested in applying for HSGP funding can log into or create an OpenGov Procurement account. All proposals must be submitted through OpenGov.

-October 19, 2026: Deadline for questions
-December 14, 2026: Applications due by 5 p.m.

HSGP funding recommendations will be presented to the Santa Monica City Council in spring 2027. Council will formally approve HSGP funding as part of budget adoption in June 2027. The FY 2027-31 HSGP funding cycle will start July 1, 2027.

For more details visit www.santamonica.gov/human-services-grants-program.

MALIBU—On Tuesday, September 29, the city of Malibu announced that it delayed the warning period for its upcoming speed camera program from late September to November 2026. The additional time allows for necessary installation adjustments to be made and ensures the program is ready to operate as intended.

The city is continuing a traffic study in Eastern Malibu to evaluate existing speed limits in the area, specifically impacting the speed cameras in Carbon Canyon and Tuna Canyon. The study is expected to conclude in November and will be part of the city’s ongoing work to promote safe travel for residents, visitors, pedestrians, and cyclists.

While Malibu prepares for the formal launch of the speed camera program, several cameras are currently operational as part of a testing and data-gathering phase. The cameras are not currently issuing warnings or citations, accessing driver information from the DMV, or taking enforcement action. The cameras are collecting preliminary information on speeding activity to help the city of Malibu assess existing conditions and inform its traffic-safety efforts.

Residents and visitors may see a camera flash when a speeding violation is detected during this testing period; the flash does not result in a warning or citation.

From September 16 through September 24, preliminary testing data recorded approximately 100,000 speeding violations across four speed camera locations with approximately 86 percent occurring in Eastern Malibu. The city will continue to evaluate information as it completes the necessary installation changes and traffic studies. The purpose is to make sure the program is implemented correctly and supports public safety.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—Starting Thursday, October 1, the city of Beverly Hills revealed it will begin implementing a new ordinance that establishes lower speed limits on select streets throughout the city. The change comes after an in-depth assessment by a city-hired consulting firm that analyzed data from streets that are routinely reviewed as part of the State mandated Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS), as well as new legislation regarding setting speed limits.

Under State law, cities previously had to set speed limits based solely on the speed at which most drivers were traveling, which was impacted due to excessive speeding. Enacted in 2022, Assembly Bill (AB) 43 now gives cities the flexibility to consider criteria such as crash history and adjacent land use when setting speed limits.

Cities can reduce default speed limits in ‘Business Activity Districts’ from 25 MPH to 20 MPH. These changes help cities maintain speed limits at levels appropriate for street conditions and operational needs.

“Reducing our speed limits in key corridors throughout Beverly Hills will help ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Craig Corman. “These new, updated limits should lead to fewer vehicle and pedestrian crashes, making our City more enjoyable to walk and travel through.”

Data from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) shows that a person hit by a car traveling at 35 MPH is five times more likely to die than a person hit by a car traveling at 20 MPH and that a 1 MPH reduction in vehicle operating speeds can result in a 17 percent drop in fatal crashes. Speed limits will become enforceable once new signs are posted throughout the next several weeks.

By Dany Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On September 29, it was reported actor and director Tyler Perry is selling his Beverly Hills estate after news that Perry announced plans to move to Puerto Rico in 2027. The Georgia native explained his move on Today with Jenna and Sheinelle. “It’s time to slow down a bit, enjoy more time with my son, and just take it all in,” Perry stated.

The Beverly Hills Tuscan Villa is a 24,000-square-foot mansion that sits on 22 acres in Beverly Ridge Estates. The property housed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they first came to the U.S. from Kensington Palace in England. The estate is selling for $57 million.

Perry has an extensive real estate portfolio, and he listed his Wyoming property last June. The Jackson Hole property is a custom-made log cabin over 10,000 square feet and sits on 37 acres with a gorgeous view of the Teton Range. The property is selling for $39.5 million. Perry is not selling his Georgia properties or his home on White Bay Cay in The Bahamas.

Tyler Perry Studios is a 330-acre production complex on the site of the old Fort McPherson Army base. The property has a replica of The White House on it, and a dozen sound stages. He owns a Douglasville, Georgia estate as well that sits on 2,100 acres of land. He once told 11 Alive News that the green highway sign on Georgia State Route 166, just past the Sylvan Road exit, where Perry once lived in his car, now reads, “Tyler Perry Studios.”

Perry is famous for his character, ‘Madea’ that has appeared in multiple films and several of Perry’s stage plays. Perry and his ex-girlfriend, Gelila Bekele, have reportedly maintained a friendship and co-parent their son, Aman Tyler Perry, born in 2014. People magazine first reported their joint commitment to keep their son well-grounded and out of the public eye.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is moving forward in expanding its safety precautions in the Rainbow District amidst an increase in fights and violence. New safety measures include additional sheriffs, unarmed private security personnel, and city code enforcement officers specifically patrolling the Rainbow District.

The Rainbow District is a one-mile-long stretch off Santa Monica Boulevard, from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard; the district is filled with popular bars and restaurants for residents and tourists.

The new safety officers patrolling the Rainbow District will be teaming up with the existing Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Entertainment Policing Unit that specializes in policing alcohol related issues in the district. West Hollywood is contracting unarmed “entertainment safety officers” that will take steps to de-escalate violent situations; there is no specification of the exact protocol for de-escalation at this time.

The new safety measures updates were discussed during a Chamber of Commerce First Friday meeting in which Community Safety Director Danny Rivas explained how there are still violent incidents happening in the district regardless of the declining statistics.

The Community Safety Department advances a community-oriented policing approach, coordinates targeted crime prevention and neighborhood livability initiatives, oversees emergency management and disaster preparedness, and collaborates with law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to plan and coordinate public safety operations for major special events using a unified command structure.

“I don’t care what that data says about the crime going down every single weekend,” Block said. “We are having bloody situations on Santa Monica Boulevard,” Rivas said.

As for hiring those additional patrolling officers, the city is looking for candidates with a high level of experience, preferring those with prior law enforcement or military backgrounds. At the meeting, Rivas also mentioned that these officers will be wearing a different uniform so they can be easily distinguished from the existing safety enforcement.

“The city already has a strong community safety foundation,” Rivas said in the meeting. “The latest enhancements build on these existing resources by adding unarmed private security personnel, city code enforcement officers and supplemental LASD support to provide an even more visible and coordinated public safety presence.”

Since June, expanding public safety measures in the Rainbow District have been a topic for city officials. Due to violent incidents such as fist fights on public sidewalks that have transpired in recent months, city officials have planned to complete these new safety developments by October 31, 2026.

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, September 23, the city of Santa Monica announced that the Moomat Ahiko Way on- and off-ramps providing access to and from Pacific Coast Highway are expected to fully close for approximately two months starting as early as Monday, September 28.

Work will be part of the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project and will include demolition activities of the final portion of the old Pier bridge followed by construction of the new bridge columns. This will be the largest portion of the bridge demolished since the start of the project. Crews will use the closed ramps to ensure motorists’ safety and to stage necessary equipment to perform these activities.

Motorists traveling southbound on Pacific Coast Highway will be directed to either exit at the California Incline or continue on eastbound I-10 to Lincoln Boulevard. Motorists wanting to access PCH from Ocean Avenue should continue northbound to the California Incline.

The Santa Monica Pier will remain open throughout the closure, including all restaurants, shops, attractions, businesses and amenities. Visitors can continue to access the Pier by following posted signage directing to alternate routes and parking facilities.

Visitors are asked to plan ahead and allow extra time while traveling to and from the Pier during the temporary closure.

The Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project will replace the nearly 87-year-old bridge that serves as the primary vehicle access to the Pier. The project will improve safety, accessibility and the long-term reliability of this important connection while maintaining access to the Pier throughout construction whenever possible.

Santa Monica is replacing the iconic Santa Monica Pier Bridge, which serves as the only vehicular and a key pedestrian connection between Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Pier, one of the city’s most popular destinations.

Originally constructed in 1939, the 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.

The replacement bridge will preserve the character and scenic views of the historic route while addressing critical structural deficiencies. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed before the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

For updates on the project and to signup for construction alerts visit: santamonica.gov/programs/pier-bridge-improvements.

By Danny Jones

WOODLAND HILLS—On September 20, Starbucks Coffee Company announced the closures of 250 Starbucks stores nationwide. Over a dozen of these closures are in California. The following closures may affect Starbucks patrons in or near the Canyon News viewing area. This report is limited to 2025-2026 closures.

According to Starbucks, the Beverly Hills Starbucks located at 428 N. Beverly Drive is being renovated and will not close because it is the company’s “Flagship” store. The renovations include a community lounge layout. Reports indicate the Beverly Glen Starbucks is not closing, and neither is the 3242 Cahuenga Boulevard Hollywood Hills location.

The following Starbucks Stores closed located in late September 2025.

257 S. La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills

2901 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica

1705 Ocean Avenue, nearest the intersection of Olympic and Main St., Santa Monica

216 26th Street and San Vicente Boulevard, Santa Monica

Wilshire and 26th Street in Santa Monica closed in November 2025
The Starbucks location located at 15301 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks permanently closed
The Starbucks located at 6203 Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Erwin in Woodland Hills opened in April 2024 and closed permanently in September 2025.

The West Hollywood location at 8951 Santa Monica Boulevard and Robertson, at the Pavilions Marketplace, closed its Route 66 location on February 19, 2026. The Starbucks at 164 N. Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood remains open.San Francisco closures include, but are not limited to, the Starbucks store in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, located at 49 Jefferson Street, and the Starbucks at 333 Market Street in San Francisco permanently closed on November 28, 2025.

Starbucks at 4094 18th Street in San Francisco’s Castro District, the location at 359 Grant Ave, San Francisco (near the Chinatown Dragon), the location at 9th and Irving, the location at 201 Spear Street, the Starbucks at Levi’s Plaza (1255 Battery St.), 295 California St., 350 Parnassus Avenue and the location at 99 Jackson Street in San Francisco closed in February 2025.

Reports indicate that the closing of approximately 250 Starbucks stores in North America, 400 Nationwide is to cut costs by closing underperforming locations in the U.S. and uplift those that excel with upgrades/remodeling efforts.

MALIBU—On September 16, Music Row announced that Gene Simmons, the musician and co-founder of the 70s Rock and Roll band, Kiss will be honored with the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA’s) Lifetime Achievement Award. He will be presented with the award on October 6, at the IEBA Honors and Awards Ceremony at the Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.

Simmons along with his bandmates; Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. The band sold over 100 million albums worldwide, many of which earned gold and platinum awards. He contributed much to the state of California over his decades of fame and fortune. He was a co-founding member of the Rock and Brews restaurant chain with locations in El Segundo and Redondo Beach. Simmons, Stanley and manager Doc McGhee co-owned the Los Angeles KISS Football League.

Gene and Canadian actress and former Playboy Playmate, Shannon Tweed dated for 28 years before they married on October 1, 2011. They were married at the Beverly Hills Hotel. They have 2 children, Nick and Sophie. The details of their family life were captured on their reality show, “Simmons Family Jewels.” They live in a $25 million mansion in Malibu. Simmons holds dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Israel.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On September 23, the Santa Monica Police Department announced it will conduct safety operations on September 25, from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. It has not disclosed the location. Officers will focus on driver actions that endanger pedestrians and bicyclists. Behaviors include making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists, and not respecting their right-of-way, failing to stop at traffic signals or stop signs. The SMPD reminds drivers that bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights as drivers. A grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds this operation through the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The SMPD issued advice to improve traffic safety in the city. Drivers should not drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol, to drive safely, and to slow down when approaching intersections. They should also stop to let pedestrians pass at intersections or crosswalks and not block the lane when making

When walking, pedestrians should use crosswalks, avoid walking in front of vehicles, and make themselves visible to motorists, including by wearing bright colors. At night or early in the morning, they should take additional precautions, such as wearing reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight.

Bicycle riders should obey traffic laws. They should take precautions by wearing a helmet and using front and rear lights. While traveling, they should ride in the same direction as cars and obey speed limits. Bicyclists should keep a safe distance from parked vehicles. When possible, use bike lanes; exceptions include when passing where right turns are legally allowed or when turning left.

By Daniel Diquinzio