BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will celebrate Public Works Day on Sunday, May 17.
The event will transpire from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market.

The family-friendly day has activities that include:

-Big trucks for kids to explore
-Petting zoo/pony rides
-Fun games for all ages
-Free bike repairs and used bicycle collection
-Pick up your kitchen organic bins

For more details, visit www.beverlyhills.org/publicworks or call the askBH Hotline at 310-285-1000.

By Danny Jones

 

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced there will be a community recycling event in Santa Monica on Saturday, May 16. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2500 Michigan Avenue.

The city is hosting a FREE recycling event, for Santa Monica residents only. Make sure to bring proof of residency.

Bring your used mattresses, box springs, electronic waste, and up to five boxes of paper for shredding. Shredding will happen on-site, and the paper will be recycled.

Items accepted include paper, up to 5 banker boxes, phones, laptops and tablets, radio and stereo equipment, TVs and monitors, printers (remove ink cartridge), mattresses and box springs, batteries, as well as DVD and VHS players.

Items outside of this list will not be accepted and must be disposed of properly outside of the event. For questions, call customer service at (866) 311-7266.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, May 12, businessman Stephen J. Cloobec, who founded the timeshare company Diamond Resorts International and was a candidate in the Democratic Primary for Governor of California, surrendered to the LASD West Hollywood Station. He was released on May 13 on a $300,000 bail.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office charged him in April 2026 with several felony counts, including one count of making annoying phone calls and three counts of attempting to dissuade witnesses, allegedly to hinder testimony against the influencer Adva Lavie, also known as Mia Ventura.

If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison. The investigation into Cloobec was conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.

Lavie has been accused of using dating apps to connect with older, wealthier men in Southern California, then seducing them and stealing from them. She faces six felony charges, including two counts of unauthorized use of personal identifying information, two counts of grand theft, and two counts of first-degree residential burglary. Her trial is upcoming.

If convicted, she could spend up to 11 years and 8 months in a California prison. Cloobec was romantically involved with Lavie, and was engaged to her but the exact nature of their relationship is unclear. He was previously married to Chantal Leduc, a Canadian model, until they divorced in 2018.

In 2020, Cloobec was briefly involved with OnlyFans star Stefanie Gurzanski. After they broke up, he sued her, alleging she defrauded him by falsely claiming to be a model and a con artist. He claimed he was unaware she was an OnlyFans model or that she was shooting in their residence while they were together. He tried to return expensive gifts he purchased her during their relationship. Gurzanski obtained a restraining order against him.

In November 2025, Cloobec announced he was seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2026 California gubernatorial election. By the end of that month, he dropped out of the race and announced he would support former Congressman Eric Salwell. Cloobec later withdrew his support after Salwell was accused of sexual misconduct.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On May 12, the Santa Monica College Campus Police released a community safety update revealing that a student was attacked off campus around 8:25 a.m. The unprovoked assault occurred as the student was crossing the intersection of 26th Street and Olympic Boulevard, near the Santa Monica College Center for Media and Design.

Officers from the Santa Monica Fire Department and the Santa Monica Police Department were dispatched to the scene, and the student was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The SMPD is seeking the suspect, believed to be a homeless person.

The suspect approached the student and struck him in the shoulder which caused him to fall to the pavement, ABC 7 Los Angeles first reported. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details about the suspect has been released. Anyone with information about the assault should contact the SMPD at (310) 456-8495.

The Santa Monica College Police Department advised students and staff to take steps to protect themselves by staying aware of their environment, reporting suspicious activity to the proper authorities and to not leave building doors open, and make sure windows and office doors are locked and closed. Avoid empty areas of the city, and if an emergency occurs, call 9-1-1. Police can also be contacted via the Corsair Alert Safety App or by calling the campus police at (310) 434-4300.

Canyon News reached out to the Santa Monica Police Department for comment put did not hear back before publication.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Sunday, May 10 at approximately 12 a.m., a fist fight broke out between two female hot dog vendors vying over retail space on the corner of Santa Monica and San Vicente Boulevards. According to reports, the incident began with a verbal altercation that escalated quickly. The two women were beating one another over who got the optimal space at the corner. Bystanders captured the incident on cell phone video that was first published on Instagram by the WeHo Times. The hot dog venders fell to the ground during the brawl. They were close to the crosswalk and oncoming traffic. Multiple reports indicate the hot dog vendors in the region have gotten increasingly aggressive over time. Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station were on the scene with the teen vendors reportedly recording every move they make. Security on site, tries to keep underaged youth from entering the night clubs and attempts to resolve problems before they escalate. The State of California Department of Industrial Relations website contains a booklet of information online that lists the conditions that must be met to hire a child under the age of 18. A work permit is required. School attendance and hours worked are also considered. According to the state guidelines, working at midnight on a school night is not permissible for teenagers under 18. Witnesses explained to reporters that this is the nightlife. Vendors are well versed in their rights. No one gets arrested and charged for the disturbances they cause. Reports indicate that some of the vendors are children themselves, some as young as 14. By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department is currently accepting applications for a Police Records Technician. Individuals can apply for the position of a specialized clerical and technical duties that support police officers and investigators.

Duties of the position include:

-Performs a variety of specialized law enforcement clerical and technical duties. Provides technical support to police officers and investigators. Responds to public requests for information or services.

-Works under the general supervision of professional and technical supervisory positions (sworn and non-sworn), including, but not limited to the Police Records Supervisor, who outlines work assignments and periodically reviews work in progress and upon completion. No supervision is exercised.

Assembles and distributes crime reports, citations and related documents for investigation and/or prosecution.

Responds to inquiries and provides assistance to the public, City and department personnel, other law enforcement agencies, and court personnel in a courteous and tactful manner, both in person and by telephone.

Accesses state and national law enforcement telecommunications systems to enter and retrieve investigative information; makes automated notifications to Department of Justice on state mandated programs and manages local supporting files; assists Agency CLETS Coordinator in enforcing system compliance laws and carrying out validation and audit responsibilities.

Conducts source document research on Santa Monica arrest and bench warrants; enters results in county and state warrant data bases. Maintains department warrant service files.

Prepares an archival record of law enforcement documents on optical imaging system; assists in maintaining original document files, off-site storage and ensuring compliance with records retention and destruction schedules.

Analyzes, classifies and transcribes reports; enters data into an automated records management data base; retrieves and compiles information from department data bases, using a variety of routine and complex retrieval procedures. Reviews reports and citations for errors and sends correction notifications to officers; assists officers in resolving errors to ensure reports are complete and accurate. Reviews Department of Justice record control forms and electronically generated statistical reports for accuracy and completeness.

Understands and applies laws governing criminal justice records dissemination; responds to public records act requests online, in person, by phone or mail; provides information to other law enforcement agencies.

Handles cash and operates a cash register; balances large daily cash intake for fees, services and bail deposits; responds to bail inquiries.

Verifies accuracy of bills for contract services; prepares appropriate payment forms for manager approval. Researches impounded vehicle records to determine eligibility for release; collects and processes applicable fees in accordance with department procedures.

The individual for this position may train new employees as needed. To become a part of a dynamic team dedicated to maintaining public safety and making a difference. Annual salary for the position is $63,356.80 – $78,208. Final date to submit an application is Tuesday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m. PST.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, May 11, the city of Malibu announced on its Facebook page that the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is advising homeowners whose properties were impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires that they may be eligible for relief from penalties and interest on late property tax payments.

Starting May 1, homeowners impacted by the fires who are unable to pay their property taxes on time may submit a Penalty Cancellation Request through the Los Angeles County Treasurer & Tax Collector’s Office.

Under state law, qualifying residents may be eligible to have penalties and interest waived on delayed property tax payments due to wildfire-related impacts. In some cases, payments can be deferred for up to 4 years, potentially until 2030, without penalties.

For more details on the Penalty Cancellation Request, visit:

Penalty Cancellation Request

You can watch the Wildfire Penalty Cancellation Request How-To Video here:

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, May 12, Caltrans announced that the 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and just south of Grand View Drive is now open, with traffic restrictions, 24 hours a day. The area remains an active work zone for Palisades Fire recovery work.

The following traffic control measures are in place along this stretch of SR-27:

-Postmiles 2.5 to 2.8, south of Topanga town center: Crews continue retaining wall work behind k-rail. The speed limit in this work zone is 15 mph.

-From PCH to postmile 1.8: One-lane traffic control with flagging where crews are working between PCH and postmile 1.8 for Verizon utility work, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays.

Southern California Edison has one-lane traffic control with flagging from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. on weekdays north of Caltrans’ work zone, from roughly Old Topanga Canyon Road to just south of Happy Trail.

Future work to complete repairs from the 2025 fire and rainstorms may require additional closures and restrictions. Caltrans will provide notice in advance of this work and specific schedules when available.

For details about recovery work visit the Caltrans SR-27 Emergency Project website. Weekly road closures are posted on the Palisades Fire Emergency Repairs website.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is currently in the process of hiring a building inspector to help protect public safety and support a community. Candidates will be allowed to work in a beautiful setting while playing a key role in ensuring homes and businesses are built safely and to code.

The salary ranges between $93,384 – $121,844 annually, plus a generous benefits package including retirement, health coverage, paid leave, and opportunities for professional growth.

Join a collaborative Community Development team and work alongside residents, contractors, and design professionals to shape Malibu’s future. This is a chance to serve the community, make a visible impact, and build a rewarding public service career in one of California’s most iconic locations. Open until filled—apply early.

“The ideal candidate will possess integrity; adaptability and a solution-oriented focus; the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; strong communication skills; an ability to relate well to the public, management, and other City employees. Exemplify an enthusiastic and effective customer service attitude by providing high level customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone,” states the city of Malibu.

To view complete job description and qualifications, and apply at visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/…/520…/building-inspector

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—In August 1969, criminal Charles Manson and two members of his cult, known as the Manson Family, killed actress and model Sharon Tate, along with her unborn son, in a house at 10050 Cielo Drive, along with Tate’s ex-boyfriend Jay Sebring, as well as Abigail Folger, the heiress to the fortune made by the Folgers coffee company, 18-year-old Steven Parent, and polish actor Wojciech Frykowski.  The house was destroyed in 1994 by Alvin Weintraub, its owner.  A new house was built to replace the house and the guest house, and it is now available for rent.

The property is located in Benedict Canyon located in Beverly Crest, a neighborhood in the Santa Monica Mountains that borders Beverly Hills. According to multiple reports, it can be rented for $247,500 a month, and the property spans 3.6 acres. The house spans 21,000 square feet and has 18 bathrooms and 9 bedrooms.

When construction was completed on the property, it was called Via Bella but later changed to Villa Andalusia. The current owner is screenwriter and producer Jeff Franklin.  He is the creator of the 1990s sitcom “Full House” and its spinoff, “Fuller House,” which aired on Netflix from 2016 to 2020.  He also created the sitcom “Hanging with Mister Cooper” and served as its executive producer.  Franklin worked as a writer and producer on the sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” a spin-off of “Happy Days,” and on the 80s sitcom “Bosom Buddies” that starred Tom Hanks.

According to multiple reports, Franklin purchased the land on which Villa Andalusia is located several decades ago, while it was still under construction, and hired the architect Richard Landy to rebuild the house. Franklin attempted to sell the property for $50 million in April 2025, according to reports, and later listed the property for rent.

By Daniel Diquinzio