Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a fire inside a parking structure in Pacific Palisades on Sunday, April 21.

The incident was reported at 7:45 a.m. at 17310 W Vereda De La Montura; First arriving companies report a convalescent home (3 residential stories over a parking structure) with light smoke showing due to one automobile on fire in parking structure. The vehicle ablaze was beneath an assisted living facility and was put out within 34 minutes.

One female patient sustained an injury after a fall, while evacuating the building. She was transported by paramedics with the LAFD to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, March 31, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed that a hiker was rescued. The LAFD reported at 8:08 p.m. a hiker was rescued in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The LAFD ground and air responded to an adult male hiker stranded in darkness on a rain-soaked remote section of Temescal Ridge Trail south of Skull Rock in Topanga State Park.

A hovering LAFD Rescue Helicopter found the man and lowered a Flight Paramedic to perform an initial medical assessment. The hiker indicated he was uninjured. He and the LAFD Flight Paramedic were hoisted aboard the hovering helicopter, to shuttle the victim to a safe location beyond the wilderness.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, March 6, the Los Angeles Police Department disclosed that several suspects were arrested by Northeast detectives in connection to a series of burglaries.

The LAPD reported on February 29, detectives tracked the burglary suspects across Los Angeles from the San Fernando Valley to West Los Angeles. Based on the suspects’ actions, detectives realized the group was preparing to commit additional burglaries.

Around 1:30 p.m., authorities observed four suspects preparing to commit a burglary. With the help from LAPD’s West Los Angeles officers, the suspects were apprehended in the area of Castellammare Drive and Sunset Boulevard before they could execute the burglary.

Three adults were taken into custody without incident while still inside their vehicle, and a juvenile was detained after attempting to flee on foot. He discarded his cell phone and changed clothing during the foot pursuit. Officers discovered burglary tools and other potential evidence inside the vehicle, which will be recovered following the execution of a search warrant.

Patricio Lian, 20, has been booked under the booking number 6768393 for one felony count of 459 PC-Burglary, and one felony count of 3056 PC-Parole Violation.

Carlos Antonio Gonzalez-Ravest, 20, was booked under the booking number 6768381. He faces charges including an outstanding felony warrant for 459 PC-Burglary, and an outstanding felony warrant for 487 PC-Grand Theft, alongside the initial charge of 182 (A) PC, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

Joaquin Elias Munoz, 19, was booked under the booking number 6768375 for the charge of 182 (A) PC-Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

The juvenile, a 17-year-old male was booked under the booking number 6768316 for the charge of 602 WIC/182 PC-Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

Anyone with additional details is asked to contact Northeast Division detectives at 323-561-3220. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, March 3, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a two-story fire at a home at 2:02 p.m. at 17606 W Camino De Yatasto.

A total of 31 firefighters took 34 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a fire involving a vehicle and contents within the garage of a 5,288 square foot property. There were no reports of any injury. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by officials.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On February 8, city officials sent out an alert notifying the public of the closure of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail which was closed between Chautauqua Blvd. and Entrada Dr., due to severe storm damage. This portion of the bike trail has collapsed. Please steer clear of this stretch and stay tuned for future updates.

On February 8, the Water Education Foundation posted the following information on their website:

“While this week’s atmospheric river drenched Southern California with record-breaking rainfall, some water managers were busy capturing some of the runoff to save for dry days ahead. Others were busy fending off environmental disasters.

Los Angeles County Public Works captured 2.7 billion gallons of storm water as the rain fell in sheets, public information officer, Liz Vazquez told CNN in an email, enough water for 65,600 residents for a year.

In all, storm water capture facilities across Southern California snagged around 15,000-acre feet or around 4.9 billion gallons for recharge into groundwater since Sunday night [February 4], according to Rebecca Kimitch, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.”

LA County issued a flood advisory on February 6, while EMS systems alerted residents of road closures, and evacuations.

On February 4, Los Angeles County proclaimed a local emergency due to the winter storm. According to their webpage, the county is now, “in the process of assessing damage county wide and supporting residents with their individual recovery efforts.”

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Friday, February 2, at approximately 7:50 p.m. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Los Angeles Community Station officers received a call for a possible burglary in process.

A police chase ensued between police and a confirmed armed burglar The driver made a run through Pacific Palisades and South Bay in West Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and Inglewood.

YouTube video footage depicted the suspect driving in a dark-colored sedan and weaving in and out of traffic on the 10 and 405 before getting off on service streets.

The chase eventually ended in the Torrance area around Artesia and Kornblum when the suspect made it through an electric gate and ran into an apartment in the apartment complex.

Reports indicate the suspect, whose name has not been released at this time, gave himself up within an hour of barricading himself in the apartment.  

It is not clear who resided in the apartment the suspect barricaded himself in.

Those with more information on the incident are encouraged to call LAPD West Los Angeles Police Station at 310-444-0702 (Voice) or 310-575-8719 TDD/TTY

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—Actor Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom “Friends” died on Saturday, October 28 at his home. TMZ first reported the news indicating that Perry’s death may have been an accidental drowning, but no official cause of death has been disclosed.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated on Sunday, October 29, that the cause of death had been “deferred.” That means the autopsy has been completed, but more time is needed with the investigation of the death.

Perry was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi shortly a 4 p.m. on Saturday. The actor had returned home after playing pickle ball and asked his assistant to run a few errands which included picking up the new iPhone 15 for Perry. The assistant returned to the home and found Perry unresponsive and contacted 911.

His mother, Suzanne Morrison and his father, John Bennett Perry arrived at the home Saturday night after learning about the passing of Perry. Also at the home was his stepfather, Keith Morrison.

Authorities indicated no illegal drugs were found at the home, but other prescriptions were discovered. Perry acknowledge in his memoir from 2022, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” that he struggled with addiction from alcohol and drugs, in particular pain medication like Vicodin, after a skiing accident in 1997.

He spent several stints in rehab as he fought to kick his addiction. He noted during an interview with Diane Sawyer as he promoted his memoir, he didn’t recall filming several seasons of “Friends” as he battled his addiction.

The official “Friends” Instagram page released the following statement on October 29 after learning about Perry’s death:

“We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans.”

Perry portrayed Chandler Bing on “Friends” for 10 seasons, where the main cast put up a united front with their contracts during the ninth and tenth seasons where they earned $1 million per episode. His character was known for his sarcasm and funny one-liners. His roommate was Joey (Matt LeBlanc). They were neighbors who lived across the hall from Monica (Courteney Cox) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). Monica and Chandler ultimately became a couple on the series before getting married. His other co-stars on the comedy included Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer.

Perry also appeared on the TV series “Growing Pains,” “Silver Spoons,” “Ally McBeal,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and “The Odd Couple.” He also starred in a string of movies including “The Whole Nine Yards,” “Fools Rush In” and “17 Again” alongside Zac Efron.

He opened the Perry House in 2013 at his former Malibu mansion to help those dealing with addition. He dated actress Julia Roberts in the 90s and actress Lizzy Caplan from 2006 to 2012. Perry did not have any children, but was once engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz in 2020, but the engagement ended in 2021.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On August 20, Deadline first reported that the Gladstones’ restaurant and venue, located along the Pacific Coast Highway is ending its 50-year run, and closing its doors.

Gladstones opened in 1972 and was seen as a tourist attraction and favorite of locals from both Malibu and Santa Monica.

In 2016, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor member, Sheila Kuehl attempted to end a 20-year lease with former owner, Richard Riordan. Kuehl publicly referred to the property as “deteriorated and outdated.” She was reportedly seeking a new, 40-year-lease lease agreement with renovations to potentially rebuild the venue.

Riordan was the 39th Mayor of Los Angeles. He passed away in April 2023. An old slogan for the establishment read: “Gladstones, Where the Sunset Meets the Sea.”

According to reports, master chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and Frank Gehry may have plans to renovate the property with their own architectural design. If the business venture transpires, it would reportedly be on a 50-year lease.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—Heal the Bay, an environmental advocacy group based in Santa Monica, is set to host a “Bay’s Nothin’ But Sand” event on Saturday, July 15 at Will Rogers Beach.

The free event centers around beach cleanup, removing plastic from the shoreline, and educating the public on “how you can disrupt human plastic dependency & its harmful impact on the planet through composting practices, recycling, and plastic alternatives,” according to the event’s flier. 

Attendees will meet at Tower 7 at Will Rogers Beach, located at 17000 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades 90272. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. 

Heal the Bay is tasked with making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. In 2022 Heal the Bay volunteers removed more than 14,000 pounds of trash from Los Angeles County Beaches. 

This year’s event will help the organization identify how much compostable waste, trash, and microplastics have ended up on the beach.

Participants in the cleanup have the chance to win raffle prizes, take part in games, and receive a free compost bin while supplies last. 

Each person attending the cleanup must register and sign a waiver. Cleanup supplies are provided to the first 300 people who are registered. For more information and access to waiver and registration forms, visit the event’s listing on Eventbrite.

Any questions or concerns about the event can be directed to Beach Programs Manager Stephanie Gebhardt Rath at sgebhardtrath@healthebay.org.

By Paige Strickland

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, July 9, at approximately 1:19 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call of an injured hiker. 

“Pacific Palisades: LAFD Air Ops located the 64yo male hiker with a non-life-threatening injury and due to the location (approx. 2-mile hike by ground firefighters) will conduct a hoist operation to retrieve the patient and transport to the hospital,” the LAFD stated on its website in a press release.

According to reports, the location of the trail the hiker was trekking was due north of Will Rogers State Park.  The hiker’s name has not been released to the public.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, April 22, a 64 year old man suffering from an ankle injury was airlifted out of a remote portion of Josepho Spur Trail near Pacific Palisades.

Emergency personnel received a 911 call Saturday morning and dispatched an LAFD helicopter to the location. After a short search they were able to find the man on the trail west of Murphy Ranch Stables.

Fire officials lowered a paramedic to the injured man and rendered aid. He was later transported to a nearby hospital.

It is unknown if the hiker was by himself when fire fighters arrived on the scene.

Hiking, backpacking, and camping come with risks. In 2017, 117 people died from hiking, camping, or backpacking accidents in the United States. There are numerous reports of people dying during hiking trips in the Santa Monica Mountains which is where Josepho Spur Trail is located.

In 2020, a 41 year old woman died of heat exhaustion while hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains during a heat wave where temperatures were ranging up to 110 degrees.

The woman was hiking with a friend and began to feel sick, so the pair turned around and headed back toward the car, according to preliminary reports from the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Her friend called paramedics after the woman collapsed. She was later pronounced dead at 2 p.m. that day.

Many hikers may not realize how long or difficult a particular trail is until it’s too late. It is advised that hikers take hikes around the mornings or late afternoons and stick to trails that are less difficult if you are a less experienced hiker.

The Santa Monica Mountains are home to one of the most diverse and unique ecosystems in the world, a Mediterranean-type environment characterized by warm dry summers and wet winters. This geologically active region is marked by alternating canyons and peaks, which characterize many of the trails in the area. The Woolsey Fire burnt vast swaths of the Santa Monica Mountains, with many areas robbed completely of their tree cover and shade which can also pose a danger to hikers.

The National Park Service advises hikers to plan ahead and follow basic safety precautions and are encouraged to recognize and adhere to their own personal limitations. Extra water, food, sun protection, flashlight, map and compass, multipurpose tool, warm clothes, waterproof matches, emergency blanket, and first-aid kit are all essential items hikers should carry with them according to NPS.

By Christianne

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, April 15, officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the 148000 block of W. Pacific Coast Highway shortly before 9 p.m. about a car crash. The incident occurred near Will Rogers State Park.

Los Angeles Fire Department Spokeswoman Margaret Steward stated five vehicles were involved in the incident.

The incident left two people with critical injuries. Two others were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Three others were also involved in the crash.

No information on the gender or ages of victims have been released to the public. Officials state the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

By Rob

PACIFIC PALISADES—A neighborhood squabble on Monday, April 10, at approximately 11 a.m. ended in a barricade situation with the Los Angeles Police Department on April 11.

On April 11, KCAL reported that officers responded to a 911 call in the 17200 block of Sunset Boulevard near Pacific Palisades. The caller indicated a man tore the door off his neighbor’s home. Officers arrived arriving at the scene with the suspect barricading himself against police inside his home.

Video from the scene depicted a shirtless man wrapped in an American flag being hoisted onto and handcuffed to a gurney. First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported the individual to an area hospital. The names of the individuals involved have not been released to the public.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—Officials have identified the victim who died in a crash on Saturday, April 8, on Pacific Coast Highway. 

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as Ashleigh Lawrence, 32, of Los Angeles. 

On the day of the accident, firefighters were called to the 17400 block of West Sunset Boulevard at Palisades Drive at 12:45 a.m. Officials discovered Lawrence and pronounced her dead at the scene. 

Los Angeles Fire Department Spokesman Nicholas Prange explained that a 21-year-old driver was traveling south on PCH Saturday morning when he slammed into a group of pedestrians and vehicles parked on the shoulder overlooking the beach near Palisades Drive.

The collision sent two of the three vehicles into the rocks, hitting Lawrence. Another person was transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Five others involved were in fair to moderate condition. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.  The name of the driver has not been disclosed to the public.
By Cristianne

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