Brentwood

BRENTWOOD—On Saturday, April 13, Vice President, Kamala Harris traveled back to her home state of California via Air Force Two for a series of events. The Patch notified the public of road traffic delays and road closures upon her arrival and departure. The southbound 405 Freeway in Brentwood on April 16, as the Harris Motorcade with her security detail prepared for her departure at the Los Angeles International Airport for a flight to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Harris and First Husband, Doug Emhoff first attended a fundraising event at the home of Family Guy creator, Seth MacFarlane’s home. The event was attended by two to three dozen people including Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass. Fundraising efforts reportedly brought in approximately $1.5 million to Biden’s Victory Fund.  The Second Couple keeps a home in nearby Brentwood.

On April 13, Harris made a surprise appearance at the Power, Leadership & Influence of the Black Woman event held at the Fairmont Century Plaza from 10:30-2:00 p.m.

The Power in Leadership event, entitled, “An Intimate Conversation with Laphonza Butler,” featured; Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA), co-founder of Black Lives Matter, Malina Abdullah, President and CEO of Brotherhood Crusade, Charisse Bremond Weaver, L.A. County Supervisor, Holly Mitchell, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Yvonne Wheeler, and Producer, actress, and singer, Marla Gibbs

According to the verbiage of Vice President Harris was introduced as a champion of abortion. She touched on the age-old debate that the overturning of Roe v. Wade denies a woman who may have been a victim of incest or rape, “the right to an abortion.” Scientific data proves otherwise as the actual percentage of women seeking an abortion who could qualify for that exemption is reportedly less than one percent.

Reports indicate that Harris attended a meeting of President Biden’s Nation Security team via secure internet. President Biden was at a separate campaign event in Scranton, Pennsylvania at the time.


By Sharon

BRENTWOOD—On Saturday, February 24, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported via an alert at 7 p.m. a hazardous condition near 1445 N Bundy Dr. LAFD received a 9-1-1 call due to concern a hillside near homes may be slipping/moving.

Firefighters were in close communication with residents in the immediate area (approximately five homes in the vicinity). There is currently no evacuation order. There is no widespread or escalating hazard.

Fire crews left the incident after investigating. Building and Safety performed an initial assessment and will be sending out a specialist within two days for an additional slope assessment.

Responders on scene were in close communication with residents, explaining the situation and findings. No official evacuation order was given. No reported injuries. Additional questions are referred to LA Department of Building and Safety. There are no additional details to report at this time, noted LAFD Spokesperson Nicholas Prange.

By Trevor

BRENTWOOD—On February 8, Los Angeles County officials notified the that public post-storm recovery efforts had begun. EMS officials are currently surveying the damages caused by the storm.  City workers are on the streets cleaning up debris from the storms.

Reports indicate that at least 59,000 people in Los Angeles County lost power during the torrential rains. In addition, there were 475 reported mudslides, at least a dozen fires, and close to 400 fallen trees. This is only what was reported to city officials.

On February 6, road crews assisted in the removal of a eucalyptus tree that fell on a house on Bundy Drive taking the power lines with it.

On February 7, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health notified the public to stay off of area beaches due to an 8 million gallon raw sewage spill in the area of the Dominguez Channel.

On February 17, Dr. Katherine Pease is leading a beach clean-up effort at Cabrillo Beach. More information may be found on her website.

The following statement is by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Lindsay Horvath:

“As we begin the recovery process, Los Angeles County is here to support the renters, homeowners, and businesses impacted by the storm.”

In expectation of the storm, Horvath had made a separate statement at the time of the city’s proclamation:

“Los Angeles County is taking action to protect our communities during the storm and to recover from any impacts that may result. This emergency declaration allows us to move quickly to deploy resources, and it aligns with Governor Newsom’s order issued today. The State, County, and the 88 cities of Los Angeles County are working together to keep everyone informed, prepared, and safe. Thank you for staying inside and off the roads.”

By Sharon

BRENTWOOD—On October 17, Vice President Harris traveled home to her Brentwood estate causing a halt in traffic on the 405 freeway as she traveled to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Journalist and former reporter for KNBC4 News, Rosa Valle-Lopez tweeted:

“We’re stuck on the 405 Freeway near the Getty. KNX Radio reporting VP Kamala Harris is in town. Making her way to LAX. Avoid the 405!”

Second Husband, Doug Emhoff may have traveled with Harris, who posted a photo of the second couple on her X page and tweeted: “Happy Birthday, Dougie. There’s no one I’d rather be with on this journey called life,” four days ago.

According to his White House webpage, Emhoff is noted as visiting 32 states, two native nations, and seven countries.

Vice President Harris traveled into Flagstaff, Arizona for the Fight for our Freedoms College Tour at Northern Arizona University (NAU). Staffers announced delays at the onset of the tour due to a 30-minute power outage. The Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, and Arizona Attorney General, Kris Mayes were also in attendance for the tour.

A June 2023 NBC poll indicated 49 percent of voters disapproved of Harris compared with 32 percent with a positive perception of the Vice President. While the Vice President’s approval ratings continue to decline in the rest of the United States, Harris has a following in her home state of California.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently appointed Harris supporter, Laphonza Butler to serve in the recently vacated Senator Dianne Feinstein’s position until the November 2024 election. Newsom is a friend to the VP and Second Husband. Reports indicate that Butler may have let some of her own staff go, while spending millions in support of VP Harris.

By Sharon

BRENTWOOD—On Monday, May 8 residents of the 25 floor Barrington Plaza high rise apartment building were given a 120-day notice to vacate their properties.

“According to the property manager Douglas Emmett, the real estate investment plans to implement $300 million worth of safety upgrades to the old buildings over the next several years such as a fire sprinkler system,” CBS news stated.

The property was built in 1961. New properties requiring mandatory fire safety sprinklers has been in place since 1974.

French student Jeremy Bru, 19, was killed in a fire at the Barrington Plaza in January 2020. The fire also injured 11 people.

The city said Barrington Plaza is one of 55 residential high-rise buildings in Los Angeles lacking fire sprinkler systems.

“The timing couldn’t be worse and I am certainly sensitive to where we are with the housing crisis,” stated Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park.

“Yesterday, I got all these papers and I said Oh my god, I had no idea that this was happening” 94 year old Emma Schmole told CBS news.

“We were literally planning to stay there until we died if need be, given that it was rent stabilized” Andrew Rahm stated to ABC7.

Residents will need to vacate their properties by September 5. A total of 578 units were issued letters to leave their properties. The plaza contains three high rise buildings and 712 apartments.

Officials stated tenants can meet with relocation services and are eligible for relocation compensation.

By Rob

BRENTWOOD—Angela Lansbury’s Brentwood Spanish style home at 635 North Bonhill sold on April 24. Lansbury purchased the home with husband Peter Shaw in 1985 for $925,000. It was the primary residence of the actress and her husband since she purchased the property. The home was listed for $4.495 million in early April.

“The approximately 3,700 sq. ft. home offers 4 bedrooms and 4 baths and is set on just under half-an-acre. The natural tones of the terracotta roof continue throughout the home with terracotta tile floors and vaulted wood ceilings. Skylights and large windows throughout the home provide an abundance of natural light to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere,” stated partridgeestates.com in the homes listing.

Angela Lansbury, who is a native of London, is best known for playing amateur detective Jessica Fletcher in the murder mystery series “Murder, She Wrote.” The show ran for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996 and had a total of 264 episodes. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series four times. The show won the Golden Globe Award For Best Television Drama Series twice.

Lansbury starred in plays and films prior to appearing in “Murder She Wrote.” In 1991, she voiced Mrs. Potts in the Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast.”

Her husband, actor and producer Peter Shaw died as a result of a heart attack in 2003. He was 84.

“Neither she nor my father came from money, and they appreciated everything they had,” Lansbury’s daughter Deidre Shaw told the Wall Street Journal. “A lot of big stars these days, they forget. But they never did,” Shaw added.

Lansbury passed away in the home in October 2022 five days before her 97th birthday.

By Rob

BRENTWOOD—It was reported on Monday, April 24 that actor Jim Carrey’s reduced the price of his Brentwood property from $28.9 million to $26.5 million.

The 61 year-old Canadian’s home is 12,700 square feet and has 6 bedrooms. The home has formal living and dining rooms near the center hall entry, with fireplaces.

There is an Art Deco movie theatre with distinct sofas and a burl wood snack area. The property includes a gym, home office, gourmet kitchen and family room. There is also a barbecue in the kitchen.

Carrey first moved to Hollywood in 1983 and started performing at the comedy club. He appeared on the FOX comedy sketch series “In Living Color” alongside Keenan Ivory Wayans and Daman Wayans. He starred alongside Cameron Diaz in “The Mask” in 1994. That same year, he starred alongside Jeff Daniels in the comedy “Dumb And Dumber.”

“The Truman Show” and “Man on the Moon” in the late 90s demonstrated Carrey’s ability to act in dramas. “Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond,” a 2017 documentary showcased Carrey’s method acting process while playing Andy Kaufman in “Man on The Moon.”

Carrey’s latest release, “Sonic The Hedgehog 2” was released in 2022, and is currently streaming on Paramount Plus.

By Rob

BRENTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 11, images appeared online confirming that actress Betty White’s former home has been demolished. The property was sold for $10.678 million in June 2022.

According to the Wall Street Journal, White purchased the home with her then husband Allen Ludden in 1968. She lived there for more than 50 years. She passed away on December 31, 2021, before her 100th birthday. The home had 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms and was a total of 3000 square feet.

White appeared on various talks shows and game shows in the 1960s. She made regular appearances on miniseries, TV movies and appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in the 1970s.

From 1985 to 1992, White played Rose Nylund in the TV series “The Golden Girls.” The sitcom ran for 7 seasons and followed four elderly women as they navigated life together. In the 1980s, White became the first woman to win a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Gameshow Host for the show “Just Men.”

She was a reoccurring guest star in a number of TV series and soap operas in the 1990s. Including “The Bold And the Beautiful” and “Suddenly Susan.” White also co-starred in the comedy “The Proposal” alongside Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock in 2009.

From 1945-1981, White was married three times. Her final marriage was to actor and gameshow host Ludden. The couple were married from 1963 until Ludden’s death in 1981. Ludden had three children from a previous marriage.

By Rob

BRENTWOOD—The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call regarding a 19-year-old, mountain bike hiker who was stranded at 3387 Mandeville Canyon Rd., at 1:23 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6.

LAFD Air Ops arrived on the scene and located the hiker. His wounds were assessed by medics and diagnosed with non-life-threatening injuries.

Special rescue equipment was utilized to initiate a hoist operation, which was handled via airlift in a helicopter. The hiker was then transported to an area hospital for treatment.

No further information has been disclosed to the public.

By Anita

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills indicated in a press release that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) will issue a new Health Officer Order that requires customers to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination prior to entering indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs and lounges.

Under the modified Order, employees and customers are required to have at least one vaccine dose by October 7 and both doses by November 4.

The New Health Officer Order will require workers and attendees at outdoor mega events (consisting of crowds over 10,000 people) to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before working or attending the event.

Attendees at indoor mega events are already required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test prior to entry. These requirements will also apply to theme parks within the county.

While not required, LACDPH also recommends vaccine verification at indoor portions of restaurants to reduce transmission risk.

This announcement impacts businesses in the City of Beverly Hills. When available, theupdated Health Officer Order can be viewed at beverlyhills.org/coronavirus.

To find the nearest vaccination site, visit VaccinateLACounty.com or beverlyhills.org/covidvaccine. For questions about business impacts from the new Health Office Order, email businessrecovery@beverlyhills.org.

To stay updated on the latest COVID-19 news, visit beverlyhills.org/coronavirus or call the City’s COVID-19 Hotline Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. at 310-550-4680.

By Donald

BRENTWOOD—A homeless man was taken into custody by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for allegedly stabbing another homeless man to death after trying to stop a domestic assault between the suspect and his girlfriend on Wednesday, September 15. The incident transpired at a homeless encampment located in the 11600 blocks of San Vicente near the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center around 6:40 a.m.

According to the LASD, when authorities arrived on the scene they found the victim, and discovered he suffered at least one stab wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The name of the victim has not yet been disclosed to the public.

There were no reports of any additional injuries. The suspect was transported to a hospital for a medical assessment before he was booked into custody by the LASD. Authorities did not report any weapon at the scene of the crime.

The name of the suspect has not been disclosed to the public.

By Anita

BRENTWOOD—The Los Angeles Fire Rescue Team Air Ops Division responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding two uninjured hikers stranded on 1501 Umeo Road Saturday, September 4 at 7:32 p.m.

When the Air Rescue Unit arrived at the location, both hikers were incapable of moving through the terrain, due to limited visibility.

The rescue team used special equipment for a hoist operation then proceeded with a land transfer with the assistance of ground units to transport the hikers back to their car.

No further details are available currently.

By Anita

BRENTWOOD—A two-car accident occurred on the 405 freeway on Wednesday, September 1 at 2:32 p.m. involving a pool cleansing vehicle on the northbound on-ramp at The Skirball Cultural Center, near the Getty Center.

The pool cleaning vehicle lost roughly 30 gallons of chlorine powder and acid. To limit the amount of hazardous waste spreading throughout the air, an absorbent substance was distributed across the highway where the spill occurred. No production of hazardous gas fumes were detected, which can transpire during a chemical spill.

The LAFD HazMat Team was dispatched to the location to manage protocols concerning the chemical spill and assuring no hazards. There were no reports of any injuries during the incident.

The California Highway Patrol remained at the scene to direct issues involving traffic.

BRENTWOOD—On Saturday, July 31, at approximately 8:27 a.m., firefighters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the 2600 block of North Westridge Road in Brentwood for a mountain biker rescue.

“A 37-year-old male mountain biker sustained traumatic injuries in a remote area of Mandeville Canyon,” LAFD spokesman Nicholas Prange said in an official announcement.

LAFD Air Ops lowered a firefighter-paramedic rescuer to provide treatment and prepared the patient for a hoist operation. The LAFD air ambulance transported the patient to a local trauma center for further care.

The condition of the patient was not immediately known at the time of transport.

By Danielle

BRENTWOOD—On Tuesday, August 3, at approximately 1:27 p.m., firefighters with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the 16200 block of West Mulholland Drive about a reported brush fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-quarter acre of heavy brush burning, with a light wind.

“Twenty-four LAFD firefighters held the fire burning in heavy brush to one-quarter acre in 25 minutes, protecting nearby schools, a church, and homes,” said LAFD Spokesman Nicholas Prange in an official announcement.

LAFD volunteer firefighters continued to improve containment lines around the perimeter of the extinguished fire’s footprint. Crews remained on the scene to make sure there were no hot spots remaining. There were no reported injuries or structure damage and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

By Danielle

BRENTWOOD–On Friday, February 5, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Navid Vahedi, 41, of Brentwood, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and payment of illegal remunerations. Vahedi also entered a guilty plea to the offense on behalf of his business, Fusion Rx Compounding Pharmacy.

Fusion Rx was a provider of compounded drugs, which are products doctors may prescribe when the FDA-approved alternative does not meet the needs of a patient. In their plea agreements, Vahedi and Fusion Rx admitted routing millions of dollars in kickback payments through the businesses of two marketers to steer prescriptions for compounded drugs to Fusion Rx.

Vahedi and the two marketers provided physicians with preprinted prescription script pads that offered “check-the-box” options on the form to maximize the amount of insurance reimbursement for the compounded drugs. From May 2014 to February 2016, Fusion Rx received approximately $14 million in reimbursements on its claims for compounded drug prescriptions.

Fusion Rx was obligated to collect co-payments from patients as part of contracts with various insurance networks. According to court documents, Fusion Rx did not collect co-payments with any regularity and, in other instances, it provided gift cards to patients to offset the amount of the copayments. Vahedi directed Fusion Rx funds to be used to purchase American Express gift cards, which were then used to make copayments for certain prescriptions without the patients’ knowledge after an audit raised concerns that Fusion Rx’s failure to collect copayments would be discovered. Fusion Rx later submitted claims on these prescriptions falsely representing that patients had paid the required copayments.

Vahedi and Fusion Rx have agreed to pay restitution related to the copayment reimbursement part of the scheme, which is estimated to be $4,405,926. Vahedi also agreed to forfeit $1,338,511 in addition to his obligation under the plea agreement.

Fusion Rx has also agreed to pay a fine sufficient to divest itself of all its remaining assets and Vahedi has agreed to have his pharmacist license revoked. Both Fusion Rx and Vahedi will be excluded from federal health care programs such as Medicaid and Medicare going forward.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 28, in which Vahedi will face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

By Danielle

BRENTWOOD— On Saturday, January 9, 2021, A 37-year-old Brentwood man died from multiple stab wounds at his home on Dainty Avenue. Brian A. Bickman died in his house at 800 block on Dainty Avenue shortly around 9:43 a.m.

His son, a minor, was the suspect of the crime. An altercation between the two ultimately resulted in the death of the father. The father was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect fled the scene by foot, but was detained by police a short distance away. The suspect is in juvenile hall in Martinez and charged with murder. Because of his age, his name can not be released.

The Brentwood Police Department (BPD) released a statement saying, “The son was ultimately arrested and charged with murder. The weapon used during the incident was recovered.” According to Fire Marshal Steve Aubert, Bickman suffered multiple stab wounds to the torso, resulting in excessive blood loss. Bickman was sent to the emergency department at Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch.

The BPD also stated, “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends impacted by the victim’s untimely death.” Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to contact Detective Jordan Sares at 925-809-7733.

By janette Fu

BRENTWOOD—NBA player Blake Griffin, who currently plays for the Detroit Pistons has purchased a mansion in Brentwood for about $5.9 million. The 31-year-old Oklahoma native bought the property from Jordana Leigh, the represented seller working with Rodeo Realty, while Ron Smith and David Berg from Smith & Berg Partners at Compass represented Griffin in the transaction.

The home has 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and is 5,893 square feet and sites on a 0.53 acre lot. It is 155.59 percent more expensive than other properties in the region, with the median price being $2,299,000. The single family home was built in 1936 and costs $997 per square foot.

The home has a  kitchen furnished with Brazilian granite, custom cabinets, a Viking range, Bosch dishwashers, and a family room with a fireplace and tall windows. Off the living room are media and billiard rooms. Additionally, there is a private terrace and covered seating with another fireplace.

The pool has a waterfall along with a spa. The guest suite has its own patio overlooking the area, and the upstairs has a grand master bedroom with another fireplace and three walk-in closets. Other amenities include a gym, a place to play pool, and wine cellar.

Griffin started playing in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009. He was signed to the Detroit Pistons in 2018. Some most notable achievements include the John R. Wooden Award (2009), the NBA Rookie of the Year Award (2011), the NBA All Rookie Team (2011), and Best Breakthrough Athlete in 2011 at the ESPY Awards.

By Janette Fu