SANTA MONICA—On June 8, officials with the city of Santa Monica issued a request to those visiting area parks to not feed rodents, specifically, squirrels. According to reports, Palisades Park is experiencing the largest uptick in the squirrel population.  Officials reported that the squirrels in that area have become a nuisance and are bold and aggressive.

Rodents depend on the handouts, creating an unnatural food supply, and are pursuing those visiting the park for snacks.  Squirrels like other rodents’ nest near their food source and breed twice annually once around February and during the summer (June-August). Squirrels can birth anywhere from 2 to 9 kits.

According to Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation specialist, Marcia Rybak, the local squirrel population is no longer leaning on their own instincts to forage for food. Rybak told KCBS that, “The problem is, it’s always the food supply.  Everything is shelter and food with wildlife, or all animals, really.”

Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation is a volunteer run organization that rescues orphaned wildlife in the area, primarily baby squirrels. According to the Coast and Canyon website, their team of volunteers “cared for over 1,100 orphaned, injured, or displaced wild animals in Los Angeles County. We pride ourselves in never turning away an animal in need and never letting the cost of animal care determine its future.”

City officials started posting signs advising the public not to feed the rodents.  Rybak noted if people stop feeding the squirrels, they will move on.

Santa Monica does not use poisons to thin the population due to the threat of harming other wildlife.  Wildlife experts encourage the city to stop the public feeding of the squirrels, and “Let nature take over,” to protect the local ecosystem and the structural integrity of the Palisades Bluffs, which reports indicate that the squirrels burrowing habits have begun to take over.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On June 8, the city of Malibu announced hazardous beach conditions expected between June 8 and June 11. The National Weather Service Surf Forecast for the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches reporting surf heights from four to six feet high. Large breaking waves, dangerous rip currents have been reported. Beach goers are advised to stay off the rocks and jetties for their own safety. Strong rip currents have the capability of pulling swimmers and surfers under the water. The waves can knock people over in the water, and wash people off the beaches, increasing the risk of drowning and could capsize small boats, rafts, and watercrafts. In addition to the hazardous surf warnings, there are also high bacteria levels warnings in effect. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for the following Los Angeles County beaches. “These warnings are issued because recent water samples showed bacteria that exceed the state health standards, which may increase the risk of illness,” the LACDPH reported. The bacteria warnings apply to the entire swimming area of the following beaches: -Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach -Escondido Creek and Escondido State Beach -Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, -Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey, -Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, -100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain at; -Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach in Malibu, -Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Lagoon, -100 yards up and down the coast of Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach, and 100 yards up and down the coast from the Club’s border fence. Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower 18, has been cleared. For updated beach warnings check the LACDPH website. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, June 28, the city of Beverly Hills will host a free shredding, e-waste and compost event to securely shred sensitive documents, recycle old electronics, and pick up some free compost for your garden.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until the truck is full at Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street.

E-waste disposal will also be available at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market. There will be no e-waste collection on July 5.

Event Information and Tips:

-Contactless drop-off event, staff will assist with unloading
-Bag or box your paper material to be shredded
-Remove all paper clips, binding clips, rubber bands, and staples when boxing your paper.

Items accepted include Paper material only, medical records, financial records, utility bills, tax documents, pay stubs, all sensitive paper documents.

Items not accepted include Hard drives, books, e-waste, books, binders, cardboard, x-rays, cd’s, tapes, VHS, hanging folders.

Limit: Maximum of 50 pounds of paper material to shred per person. If you have more than the maximum amount contact askBH.

For more details on the event and Beverly Hills’ ongoing sustainability efforts, visit www.beverlyhills.org/shred or call (310) 285-1000.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is asking for community feedback regarding the future of Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Following the Palisades Fire that burned over 8,000 acres in Topanga State Park and impacted Will Rogers State Historic Park, California State Parks launched a public recovery planning process to guide the long-term restoration and resilience of these treasured public historic and natural spaces.

The process will help determine how the parks are rebuilt, how historic and natural resources are preserved, and how the parks can best serve future generations.

Community members are invited to participate by sharing memories, photos, ideas, and feedback that will help shape recovery priorities and the parks’ future. Throughout 2026, California State Parks will host workshops, stakeholder meetings, surveys, and other opportunities for public input.

“Our recovery work is focused on restoring access safely, protecting sensitive resources, and fostering long-term resilience. We are committed to a transparent planning process that includes community input at every stage. Thank you for being part of this effort and helping shape the future of these parks,” said Richard Fink II, Angeles District Superintendent.

To learn more visit: https://www.myinput.com/topanga-will-rogers.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is seeking to hire an Assistant City Manager. The rare opportunity helps to shape policy, lead strategic initiatives, strengthen regional partnerships, and advance Malibu City Council priorities. The salary for the position is between $235,976-$307,895 with a competitive benefits package.

The city seeks a strategic, collaborative leader with a passion for public service and a proven ability to navigate complex issues in local government. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor, skilled communicator, and consensus builder with experience in municipal leadership, public policy, intergovernmental relations, and managing high-priority initiatives who is committed to transparency and exceptional public service.

Apply by June 30, 2026, all interviews will be held in person on July 15, 2026. A qualified candidate will typically possess a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, public policy, urban planning, or a related field, and at least eight years of increasingly responsible municipal government or public sector leadership experience, including five years of management experience.

Experience in city management, intergovernmental relations, legislative affairs, major projects, community engagement, or strategic policy implementation is highly desirable. A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, business administration, urban planning, or a related field is desirable.

To view the complete job description, qualifications, and apply visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/malibucity.

By Danny Jones

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