SANTA MONICA—On December 11, the city of Santa Monica announced that on December 10, during an installation ceremony newly-elected Councilmembers Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell and Natalya Zernitskaya were sworn in by City Clerk Nikima Newsome to begin four-year terms.

The newly installed Santa Monica City Council selected Lana Negrete to serve as mayor for a one-year term, with Caroline Torosis serving as mayor pro tem for 2025 and Jesse Zwick for 2026. Negrete was appointed to the City Council in 2021 and elected in 2022. Torosis and Zwick were elected in 2022.

Negrete was born and raised in Santa Monica and is the owner of the Santa Monica Music Center and Culver City Music Center. She founded Outreach Through the Arts and is an elected Board member of the National Association of Music Merchants.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” said Negrete. “I was born and raised in Santa Monica and as a small business owner, I understand the unique challenges that we face. I’m committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and families can flourish and it is truly an honor to serve as mayor.”

Tuesday’s installation ceremony follows Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan’s certification of the final results for the 2024 General Election on December 3.

The Santa Monica City Council certified the results for the races for Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board, the Santa Monica Rent Control Board and local ballot measures:

-Measure F — updates the city’s business license tax ordinance to improve tax equity and fairness by exempting small businesses from the tax, decreasing tax rates for most retailers and restaurants, raising the corporate headquarters rate, removing auto dealer tax exemptions, and restoring a business license processing fee. The changes are anticipated to generate approximately $3 million annually to fund essential city services such as 911 emergency response, public safety, and addressing homelessness

-Measure K — increases the city’s Parking Facility Tax from 10 percent to 18 percent. The tax applies only to private parking structures and lots and is anticipated to generate about $6.7 million annually to reduce traffic congestion and the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Monica (see Measure PSK below).

-Measure PSK ― an advisory measure that directs the city to allocate at least half of the revenue from Measure K toward addressing public safety and homelessness.

At Tuesday’s ceremony, Newsome administered the oath of office for elected School Board Members Jennifer Smith, Jon Kean and Maria Leon-Vazquez, along with Rent Control Board Members Kay Ambriz and Phillis Dudick.

Community members, regional elected leaders and council colleagues recognized outgoing Mayor Phil Brock and outgoing Councilmembers Gleam Davis, Oscar de la Torre, and Christine Parra for their contributions. Davis served on the City Council for 15 years, and Brock, de la Torre and Parra each served for 4 years.

“It has been the highlight of my life’s work to serve the residents of Santa Monica as their mayor,” said Brock. “And my work is not done. I will always champion the needs of our community and continue to uphold the beautiful spirit of Santa Monica.”

By Trevor

BEL AIR—On Wednesday, December 11, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that at 8:30 p.m. that battled a brush fire located at 820 N Sepulveda Blvd. Officials initially received the call as an auto fire response, it was upgraded to a brush fire response due to fire extension into the vegetation. Estimated at 1/4 of medium brush on the side of the SB 405 Freeway.

By 9:10 p.m., officials reported that the blaze was extinguished. Firefighters worked quickly to get lines in place on the flanks of the fire while additional crews handled the hybrid auto which ignited the brush fire.

No structures were damaged and no injuries reported. Firefighters will continue to address hot spots which may impact the southbound 405 Freeway. No further details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica indicated in a press release on December 10, that Santa Monica City Manager David White announced Tuesday he will be leaving his position in February 2025 after more than three years with the city.

He joined the city of Santa Monica in October 2021. During his tenure as city manager, White worked with the Santa Monica City Council to establish five key priorities: Addressing Homelessness; Clean & Safe; Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality; Justice, Equity & Diversity; and Sustainable & Connected.

During his tenure, White helped with:

-Advanced bold initiatives to strengthen the approach to public safety and broadened the work to address homelessness

-Moved forward infrastructure projects that ensure Santa Monica remains a leader in sustainability and provides for a best-in-class multimodal transportation network

-Adopted new tax measures to sustain and expand services

-Adopted zoning code amendments to support the city’s economic recovery, bringing new stores to the Third Street Promenade, a revitalized hospitality sector and residential development throughout the city

-Began the years-long process for the conversion of the Santa Monica Airport site

He joined the city of Santa Monica after serving as deputy city manager in Berkeley, where he championed reimagining public safety, including a new model of civilian oversight of Berkeley’s Police Department. Before his time in Berkeley, White was the city manager of Fairfield, California and has an extensive background in finance, as well as an investment banker and having served as Fairfield’s finance director. He will be returning to the city of Berkeley to serve as deputy city manager.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page about the Franklin Fire on Wednesday, December 11 at 12 a.m.

The Franklin Fire has burned 3,049 acres and remains at 0 percent containment. Preliminary reports indicate that seven structures were destroyed, and eight have been damaged.

Evacuations

Mandatory Evacuation Order:

-Areas east of Latigo Canyon, west of Topanga Beach Driveway, and south of Baller Motorway, including the Big Rock and Las Flores Communities.

Evacuation Warning:

-Areas east of Trancas, south of Hidden Highlands Road, and west of Crestline Drive. Residents in these areas should remain ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Shelters Open and Active

-Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), 2802 4th Street, Santa Monica (crated small animals accepted).

-Calabasas Community Center. (27040 Malibu Hills Rd.)

For Animals 

Small animals: Agoura Animal Shelter (29525 Agoura Rd.)

Large animals: Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave.)

Road Closures

Soft Closure: Las Virgenes and Lost Hills Road (residents only).

Hard Closures:

-Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Kanan Dume Road and Topanga Canyon.

-Topanga Canyon Road is open to residents only.

-Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway.

Over 1,500 firefighters and 13 federal, state, and local agencies are actively responding to this incident. Their efforts are critical to protecting our community, and we thank them for their tireless bravery and dedication.

The public should tune into local radio stations like 99.1 FM KBUU for updates and visit www.malibucity.org and lacounty.gov/emergency for emergency information. Use the Watch Duty App for real-time fire tracking.

Check the Genasys Evacuation Map for the latest evacuation zones: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14

The public is urged to follow evacuation orders and warnings, and prepare to act quickly if conditions change.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On Monday, December 9, the UCLA Police Department announced on its Facebook page that a vehicle accidentally drove down the steps at Bruin Walk over the weekend.

Authorities indicated no one was injured, but this is a critical reminder always to be aware of surroundings.

Tips to Stay Safe:

-Avoid wearing headphones that completely block out ambient noise.

-Stay off your phone or other distractions while walking.

-Always look around and remain aware, especially in busy areas like Bruin Walk.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On December 9, a fire began in the Hills of Malibu. By December 10, 2,200 acres were consumed with fire forcing the people of Malibu to leave their homes. Mandatory evacuations are in place east of Malibu Canyon Road, South Plum Road, and Serra Retreat. Many residents were forced to evacuate including some celebrities such as Dick Van Dyke, and his wife, Arlene, Cher, Barbara Streisand, Julia Roberts, Beyonce’, and Jay-z among others.

By December 11, reports confirmed more than 3,000 acres in this area burned.

The talented actor and comedian, Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 years old on Friday, December 13, checked in on his Facebook account to let his friends and fans know he and his wife evacuated safely.

“Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be OK and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”

Multiple news reports indicate that Cher has also evacuated safely with her pets who are all with her at the area hotel of her choice. There is currently no information readily available on the evacuation status of the other stars living in the area.

Serra Retreat is a Catholic Retreat Center, but also a gated community of luxury homes nestled in the hills of Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The following came directly from the Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce webpage.

“In 1942, the Franciscan Friars purchased the 26-acre property with an abandoned hilltop mansion and began hosting Catholic men’s retreats. In the 1970’s they began hosting women’s retreats. The Franciscan Friars continue the tradition, welcoming groups, and personal retreats, as well as meetings, conferences, and workshops. Serra Retreat provides a superb opportunity for church groups, schools, and non-profit and profit organizations, to reflect, plan, and set new goals.

Canyon News reached out to the Franciscans at the Serra Retreat Center to check on them but did not hear back in time for print.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On December 4, Pennsylvania police arrested Luigi Mangione, 26, in connection with the murder of Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of United Healthcare. In their investigation police learned that Mangione lived in Hawaii, San Francisco, and Santa Monica.

Preliminary reports indicate that Mangione had ties to Stanford University.  University personnel confirmed that Luigi Mangione was employed as a head counselor from May to September 2019, in Stanford’s pre-collegiate studies program.

In addition, Mangione reportedly worked at TrueCar on Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. Mangione’s mother filed a missing persons report on Luigi Mangione in the last year indicating she believed he lived in San Francisco at the time. It is not clear if he ever did.

Mangione was arrested outside a McDonald’s fast food restaurant in Altoona Pennsylvania, after an employee recognized him and reported it to police. When he was arrested, Mangione was found in possession of a ghost gun officers believed was used in the attack along with writings with hate speech about corporate America on it.

Upon entering Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, November 9, Mangione reportedly let his attorney know that he would be fighting an extradition to New York, where the crime took place. Mangione then shouted the following message to reporters:

“It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and the lived experience!”

Before the suspect was arrested, police reported that it was believed the assassin used a gun made from a 3D printer.

The following request came directly from a Facebook post by Pennsylvania State Police:

“Law enforcement continues to seek the public’s help in gathering information on Luigi Mangione’s travel and recent whereabouts in Pennsylvania. We ask anyone with information to call [1-800-4PA-TIPS 1-800-577-8477]”

The booking photo of Mangione was posted on the Altoona Police Department’s Facebook page.

Both of the above posts garnered a wide variety of responses. Many were in support of Mangione.

Harley Ertwine posted, “Don’t forget United Healthcare is the same people who denied a child nausea medication. The child had cancer and was going through chemo. So who’s really wrong? Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear orange.”

Reports indicate that Mangione attended a charter school in Baltimore Maryland during his high school years later earning both his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees in Pennsylvania.

By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 9, the city of West Hollywood disclosed that on Sunday, December 15 there will be a special celebration of our 40th Anniversary with a free Winter Sounds outdoor concert.

Corbin Jones Big Band will present a 90-minute “Holiday Extravaganza,” featuring renditions holiday classics.

“With a 22-piece ensemble of Grammy winners and rising stars, it will be an amazing afternoon filled with holiday spirit,” the city of West Hollywood stated on its Facebook page.

The event is free and open to all ages Seating is limited—early arrival is recommended. To RSVP and learn more visit: go.weho.org/4ijbgE4.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, December 9, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that starting Monday through November 2025 (weather permitting), there will be a major roadway rehabilitation project along:

-Coldwater Cañon Drive (Canyon Drive) – from Beverly Drive to Monte Cielo Drive

-Monte Cielo Drive – from Coldwater Cañon Drive (Canyon Drive) to La Fontaine Court

Lane reductions will be in place. Drivers are informed to use alternate routes. Work Hours are expected to transpire Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (excluding holidays).

For more details or questions contact askBH at 310-285-1000.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, December 9, the city of West Hollywood indicated in a news release that they are spreading the word about end-of-year trash and recycling information.

The city’s solid waste hauler, Athens Services, will have no pickup of trash on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, or on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Services will be provided one day later than the regularly scheduled pickup day.

Holiday trees are 100 percent recyclable. Athens Services will collect holiday trees on regular pickup days beginning Thursday, December 26, 2024 through Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Tips to ensure collection of your holiday tree: remove stands, ornaments, lights and tinsel; place holiday trees at the curb; trees over six feet in length must be cut in half; trees with flocking or fire retardants will not be accepted; and please do not leave the tree in a plastic bag as the bag gets caught in the chipper blades. Trees not picked up during the recycle window must be cut up and placed in yard waste containers.

Remember that gift boxes, wrapping paper, and other paper packaging can be recycled with regular paper and cardboard recycling.

During the holidays, people will be replacing old electronics. Residents should take old electronics to a collection center such as the UCLA S.A.F.E. Drop-Off Center (call 1-800-773-2489 for more information) or may schedule an e-waste pickup with Athens Services. For details, visit West Hollywood’s website Trash and Recycling page: www.weho.org/city-government/city-departments/public-works/environmental-services/trash-and-recycling.

Bulky or large items, such as refrigerators, carpet, and wood, can be picked up at no charge to residents, limited to a maximum of two items. Call Athens Services directly at (888) 336-6100 for details and to arrange pickup.

Anyon generating a larger amount of trash than usual and your trash and recycling bins are full or cannot accommodate the additional trash – please DO NOT place extra trash and recycling on the ground with bins or carts. Please contact Athens Services to schedule extra services to accommodate your extra trash and recycling.

For more details, or to arrange for extra trash and recycling services, please contact Athens Services’ Customer Service Office at (888) 336-6100. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

By Trevor