Griffith Park

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, April 28, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced they rescued a hiker in Griffith Park. Officials were alerted of the hiker needing help at 10:26 a.m. near Hogback Trail.

The LAFD Ground and Air Response with L.A. Park Rangers responded to an adult female hiker with an injured ankle on a remote section of Hogback Trail west of Vista del Valle Drive in Griffith Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who was hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care. The victim was taken to an area hospital for further evaluation via direct air transport. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

HOLLYWOOD HILLS/GRIFFITH PARK—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Sunday, April 21, that they rescued a hiker near the Hollywood sign.

The incident was reported at 8:36 a.m. of 1 female hiker needing assistance near the Hollywood sign. The lone hiker was isolated after suffering from a lower extremity injury in a remote area of the Hollywood Hills.

Rescuers on the ground and LAFD Air Ops coordinated a hoist operation and air transport to a local hospital for the injured hiker. The Los Angeles Fire Department did not have any additional details to report about the incident.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, April 7, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed they rescued an individual in Griffith Park after an accident. The incident was reported at 5:47 a.m. on the northbound 5 freeway.

A solo vehicle with two persons trapped in the vehicle, one of whom (undetermined age/gender) was deceased. The other patient (undetermined age/gender) was disentangled from the wreckage by firefighters and has been taken to a regional trauma center in critical condition. No other injuries were reported. The name of the deceased has not been disclosed to the public.

The vehicle was found by the California Highway Patrol on the right shoulder with heavy damage. There were no reports of any fire. Possible closure of one or more lanes of northbound 5 freeway near the 134 interchange until CHP and Medical Examiner operations are complete.

Motorists were expected to deal with congestion and delay in the region, as authorities completed their investigation.

By Trevor

LOS FELIZ/GRIFFITH PARK—On Monday, April 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated that they rescued a hiker north of Mount Hollywood Tunnel in Griffith Park. The incident was reported at 2:48 p.m.

LAFD Ground and Air responded to a 24-year-old female hiker in fair condition with a fractured ankle. The hiker was hoisted aboard a hovering LAFD helicopter.

They were transported to receive in-flight care during direct transport to regional trauma center for injuries sustained. No additional details about the incident were disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, March 3 it was reported by the Los Angeles Fire Department that a traffic collision transpired at 10:58 p.m. on eastbound 134 freeway at 48 Riverside Drive.

One passenger vehicle fell from the Riverside Drive (sometimes referenced as Victory Boulevard) freeway overpass, striking the concrete center divider of the Ventura Freeway (SR134) below, and catching fire. Two individuals from that vehicle self-extricated prior to the arrival of the LAFD.

A 65 year-old male and a 60 year-old male (unknown affiliation) with unspecified injuries were taken by paramedics to regional trauma centers in serious, but stable condition. No other injuries were reported. Firefighters remained at scene to control the stubborn flames of the still burning vehicle. No escalating or off-site hazard has been identified.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—The Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park begins Friday, September 22 and runs until October 31. Hours for hayrides run from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. with ride times varying each night. The event itself will be held at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive in Los Angeles. The Haunted Hayride is brought by the world-renowned Halloween entertainment company, The Thirteenth Floor.

“Within the foothills of Midnight Falls, the leaves turn brown and the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. The Witch of the Woods has cast her spell to summon the spirits of the underworld to cross over and assimilate into form. The Hayride leads to a thrilling adventure of horrors afflicting the town. Dazed within the spell cast upon them, the Witch commands her army corps and flesh to seek revenge on the people that have cast her out. The spirit of Halloween comes to life surrounding helpless victims brave enough to board The Hayride,” reads the Haunted Hayride website.

Additional details reveal, “The trail leads deep into the woods where hillbillies dare to entertain onlookers with their foolishness and folly. If riders are inclined, they may add the likes of Ax Throwing at the Monte Revolta musical show and comedy event.

Zombies may choose to attend the Zombie Splat Gellyball Shooters adventure. It may be the ultimate water balloon experience, or not. You decide.”

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK— On Thursday, June 1, the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners approved a donation from the non-profit Los Angeles Parks Foundation (LAPF) of 9.71 acres of vacant land to expand Griffith Park. The land – located off of Mount Lee Drive near Mount Chapel Trail and the Hollywood sign – will be “preserved as open space for Los Angelenos to enjoy,” LAPF indicated in a statement. 

“The addition of this property would expand the CITY park system and add additional open space and trail connections for the use of enjoyment of residents and visitors,” the city documents read. 

The rectangular piece of land – originally purchased by Hollywood studio magnate Howard Hughes for $20,758 in 1957– was one of the last privately-owned, open spaces within the park.

LAPF eventually purchased the land for $175,000, The Los Angeles Daily News reported. That money was raised through donations, including a $40,000 donation by the office of L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Ramen and other contributions made by Friends of Griffith Park, West Valley Alliance for Optimal Living, The Sikand Foundation and Robert and Joan Young (Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Guggenheim). A recent appraisal of the land determined that it’s now valued at $180,000, according to city documents.  

LAPF is set to pay up to $5,000 in closing costs and the city is expected to close escrow on the property within 90 days.  

Griffith Park – already with over 4,210 acres –  is considered to be one of the biggest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States.

By Lacy

GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, January 8, a 20-year-old man fell around 2898 East Observatory Road in Griffith Park and suffered traumatic injuries. It is unknown what led up to the accident. 

A 9-1-1 call was received around 3:03 p.m. prompting firefighters to be dispatched to the region.

Fire personnel assessed the scene and determined that an air hoist operation was needed due to the terrain and the injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital to be treated. His condition is unknown.

By Christianne

LOS FELIZ—On Friday, December 16, Zohra Fahim, the President and founder of the Los Angeles Alliance for Animals confirmed their findings of animal abuse at the Pony Rides in Griffith Park, which resulted in the death of four ponies.

Stephen Weeks, the owner of the pony ride attracted has reported that the animals did not die of abuse, but of illness, and old age.

Week’s defended himself and the care of the animals.  He told Inside Edition that,

“The last thing I want to do is when I have a sick pony, I don’t want to call the City of LA, I want to call my vet out here 24 hours at night if necessary. According to reports, Weeks is currently in the process of rehoming the ponies.

Canyon News spoke to Fahim who reported she had first-hand knowledge of the abuse and the deaths of the ponies. and spoke of algae in their drinking water. 

Fahim provided video footage of the ponies in extreme temperatures, kicking up dust on carriage rides, and giving little children rides on a turnstile they were chained to. The footage is posted on Fahim’s personal Facebook page.

Fahim provided pictures of the ponies the Alliance for Animals had been fighting to protect. 

The following is a list of what LAAA has documented of geriatric ponies working in hot temperatures over the Summer.

On August 7th geriatric ponies worked at 100 F (rides were not shut down)

On August 7th geriatric ponies worked later in the day at 97 F (rides were not shut down)

On August 12th geriatric ponies working at 93 F (rides were not slowed down)

On August 13 the geriatric ponies worked in 97 F (rides were not shut down)

On August 17th geriatric ponies worked at 91 F (rides were not slowed down)

On August 31st geriatric ponies worked in 96 F (rides were not shut down)

On September 1st geriatric ponies worked in 100 F (rides were not shut down)

On September 2nd geriatric ponies worked in 97 F (rides were not shut down)

On September 25th geriatric ponies worked in 90 F (rides were not slowed down)

On September 27th geriatric ponies worked in 98 F (rides were not shut down)

On September 28th geriatric ponies worked in 95 F (rides were not shut down)

A recent report from the City of Los Angeles veterinarian mentioned that 4 elderly ponies died this year, two in March, one in April, and one in August.

 

 

Canyon News reached out to the number on the Griffith Park website for the Pony Ride attraction, but the voicemail was full.  A statement could not be obtained by the National Park Service in time for print.

By Sharon

 

GRIFFITH PARK—Officials from the Los Angeles Police Department are warning tourists, who are looking to visit the Griffith Park area, of the recent upsurge in car thefts. The department held a press conference regarding the matter on Tuesday, August 23. 

Many of these thefts have been taking place at the Griffith Park Observatory parking lot and around the Greek Theater. According to reports, there have been 121 car break-ins in the area, 63 of them since May of this year. 

Police stated that the suspects are targeting rental vehicles with valuables located within the vehicle in plain sight. The thieves are also targeting vehicles with out-of-state plates. 

“When they see a rental car appear in the park, there’s a greater likelihood that there will be money, credit cards, IDs, possibly passports and or valuables, so those tend to be targeted and hit much more often,” said Detective Michael Ventura.

Officials stated that they believe that the suspects behind the string of thefts originates from the Northern California area. 

“We have been tracking organized theft groups that have been coming from Northern California,” said Detective Michael Ventura of the LAPD. “We can see where the cars were rented, they originate in NorCal, come down here, go to Griffith Park, Hollywood and Venice Beach.”

According to police it takes as little as 10 seconds to break into a vehicle and get away with valuables. They advise that you keep your valuables hidden out of plain sight if you are going to leave it in your car.

By Christianne

GRIFFITH PARK—On August 9, at approximately 12:30 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call for a fire at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive. Firefighters discovered a body hanging from a tree near the merry-go-round on fire.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department haven’t disclosed details about the victim to the public. Authorities do not suspect foul play and the death has been ruled a suicide.

LAPD Detective Michael Ventura indicated he suspects the condition of wounds to the body self-inflicted.

“It appears to be self-immolation. This is going to be somebody who brought some gasoline, brought some lighters. We have had these, they are rare, but we do have cases where people will self-immolate, or they choose to set themselves on fire,” Detective Ventura said.

Authorities noted the deceased individual may have frequented the park. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact LAPD at 1-877-275-5273 or after hours and on weekends call 1-877-527-3247

For anonymous tips contact LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org or Tipsters at www.lapdonline.org.

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—The section of the roadway going through Griffith Park where Crystal Springs Drive and Griffith Park Drive meet has been closed to thru traffic and used by the public to avoid a stretch of the freeway.

The transition was following a hit and run accident that took place on April 16 on Crystal Springs Drive killing a 77-year-old cyclist named Andrew Jelmert.

Jelmert was reportedly at the end of his 67-mile trek when he was struck from behind by a motorist passing another car. Jairo Martinez, 37, who initially fled the scene of the crime was arrested and taken into custody on April 20 and has been charged with murder.

Drivers attempting to avoid Freeways 5 and 34 drove through the Park Service roads causing undue traffic congestion within Griffith Park for foot traffic, cyclists, and those on horseback.

According to the information found on www.laparks.org website, the Griffith Park Safety and Active Improvement project began on May 24 and could last up to a year. The plan could potentially make a safer environment for parkgoers by putting an end to cut-through traffic, reducing the speed limit within the park, and adding additional parking.

The road will remain open for those who are on foot, on bicycles, or on horseback. A crosswalk for pedestrians and equestrians is also in progress. During renovations, some parking on the roadside has been restricted.

Parking considerations are in the plans with the possibility of 90-degree stalls near the golf course along with off-site parking for the Greek Theater Operations and providing shuttle buses to and from the theater.

Plans are in the short-term phase closing the segment of road between the Travel Town Museum to Hollywood Drive to road-worthy motor vehicles.

Canyon News reached out to Griffith Park Rangers Media Relations Officer, Rose Watson for more information, but did not hear back before print.

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—On March 31, the body of a hiker identified as Oscar Alejandro Hernandez, 29, was discovered. Hernandez was found in a remote area on a hillside on the east side of the park on Fern Canyon Trail near the merry-go-round with his faithful canine companion lying by his side.

Hernandez was airlifted. His dog, “King” was still alive and reunited with the Hernandez family who was on the premises when the body was found. It was said that King, by his emaciated state, appeared to have never left his masters’ side.

It's such a heartbreaking story. "King" was so loyal, he never left Oscar Alejandro Hernandez's side even after an accident on hiking trails took his master's life https://t.co/8ZqGYIYwRc#DoveNews #mansbestfriend #dogstail #GriffithPark #LosAngeles #hikingaccident #loyalty pic.twitter.com/dsKpdK5QaW

— 105.5 The Dove (@1055TheDove) April 3, 2022

On March 22, the Los Angeles Police Department posted a missing person’s report asking for the public’s help locating Hernandez. He was last seen on March 16, at approximately 2:30 p.m. driving a red Ford Explorer with California license plate “7UVP993.” Authorities have not reported a cause of death at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact CrimeStoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—A hiker was rescued in Griffith Park on Sunday, January 2 after getting injured.  Firefighters and Park Rangers located an adult female hiker with a non-life threatening injury at 2899 E Observatory Rd.

LAFD Air Ops utilized a hoist operation and hospital transport for the victim. The initial 9-1-1 call was received at 12:09 p.m.  No further details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

GRIFFITH PARK—LAFD received a call regarding a 40 foot to 50 foot tree that fell in the parking lot of the Greek Theater, damaging 30 parked cars on Wednesday, November 3, at 8:08 p.m.

LA City Park Rangers conducted the first initial search and discovered a female age 35 had sustained an injury to the lower leg. The injured victim was transferred to an area hospital for treatment.

A second search was completed by firefighters, to ensure no one was trapped inside any of the vehicles.

No further details are available currently.

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