WEST HOLLYWOOD—On June 12, deputies from the Los Angeles County West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station announced a suspect was arrested in connection with a robbery that occurred at 1 p.m. at a bank in the 8600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard.

According to WeHo online, it the U.S. Bank branch at 8631 Santa Monica Boulevard in the Rainbow District.  A man entered with a weapon and a note, which he showed to a teller, left on foot with money wearing a white shirt under a dark blue jacket, a dark baseball hat, and black glasses. The suspect was apprehended near Holloway Drive and La Cienega Blvd. with a weapon in his possession.

A deputy assigned to the Real-Time Watch Center used a DFR (Drone as First Responder) to track the suspect and a live camera feed to locate him.

According to the booking logs, the suspect was identified as Akira Toriyama, 35, who is unemployed.  He is being held at the station without bail for violating section 211 of the California Penal Code, which prohibits robbery of personal property by force or fear.

According to the West Hollywood Sheriff station, the investigation is being conducted by Detective Luna of the Major Crimes Bureau.

The stolen funds were recovered, and no additional details have been released. Anyone with information about the incident should call the station at 310-855-8850.  Those wanting to remain anonymous can instead send a tip to Crimestoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S).

By Daniel Diquinzio

PACIFIC PALISADES/GRIFFITH PARK—The Los Angeles Fire Department had to rescue several hikers on Saturday, June 13 in the Pacific Palisades and Griffith Park. The first incident was reported at 11:42 a.m. on 2900 N. Vermont Canyon Road in Griffith Park. Officials responded to a reported hiker rescue near the Bird Sanctuary. Park Rangers on scene assisted the LAFD.

One patient fell approximately 50 feet from the trail. LAFD Air Operations performed a ‘Capture’ operation and rescued the patient. Patient was evaluated medically and transported to a local hospital.

At 12:34 p.m. on Sullivan Fire Road in Pacific Palisades, firefighters responding to a report of a injured mountain biker on a hiking trail.

Air Operations was on the ground, and LAFD paramedics assisted the injured biker. Air Operations performed an Air Ambulance operation. The patient was treated and transported to a local hospital. No additional details were reported.

Three hikers had to also be rescued from Runyan Canyon Road on June 13 at 10:57 a.m. in the Hollywood Hills West area. 1 of the 3 individuals received medical treatment during the incident. There is nothing further to report the LAFD stated.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On June 11, it was reported that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s brother Kenneth and his wife, Cindy have joined a class action lawsuit suing the city for property loss and damages incurred due to the loss of their Malibu home in the Palisades Fire in January 2026. Kenneth Bass, 78, and his wife filed their lawsuit on May 18, 2026. The legal complaint was filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming damages due to smoke inhalation, emotional distress, and mental anguish over the loss of their home located at 3045 Rambla Pacifico. They are requesting a trial by jury, and names the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in the lawsuit. The lawsuit contends that in January 2025, there was not enough water/water pressure to put out the fires that burnt down homes, and displaced families. The 117-million-gallon, Santa Ynez Reservoir laid empty under the supervision of California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Bass, as part of the region burned. Mayor Bass indicated that she too had family members, (her brother and sister-in-law) who lost their home. Mayor Bass left the country and flew to Ghana as Palisades burned. Their home sat on a 1.5-acre hillside overlooking Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach. The main house on the property was a total loss. The Bass’s sold off the 1.25 acres of land on May 1, 2025, for $2 million to Wings 3045 LLC, a real estate developer in a blind trust. The 3045 mimics the street address of the property purchased. They lived in their Malibu home for around four decades. Real estate records indicate that on November 19, 2015, Kenneth and Cindy transferred their property from their individual names into the Kenneth and Cindy Bass 2015 Trust. According to Zillow, the 2,792 square foot residence was built in 1983. From the 1980s records were not properly digitized, and the names and real estate records of the original owners of the Bass property is shielded from public view. By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market, a community market and a tradition that provides community members and visitors with access to fresh produce, local goods, and community connection for four decades.

West Hollywood will commemorate this milestone on Monday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market, located in the Plummer Park North Parking Lot at 1200 N. Vista Street. Limited parking is available at the south entrance to Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. The free celebration will feature live music, giveaways, special recognition of five vendors who have participated since the market’s inception, and the presentation of a city proclamation honoring the market’s lasting positive impact on the community.

Approved by the West Hollywood City Council in 1985 and officially opened on June 16, 1986, the Farmers’ Market was established to provide high-quality produce and goods at affordable prices while fostering community connection.

In 1997, the Farmers’ Market was renamed in honor of former Mayor and Councilmember Helen Albert. She was a community activist who was instrumental in the formation of West Hollywood; she died in 1996 at the age of 85.

Through programs such as EBT and Market Match, the market helps increase purchasing power for eligible customers and reduce barriers to healthy food access. The market supports local and regional farmers, food producers, and small businesses while providing a welcoming weekly gathering place where residents can shop, enjoy prepared foods, and connect with one another.

For additional details about the Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market 40th Anniversary Celebration call the City of West Hollywood’s Recreation Services Division at (323) 848-6497 or email recreation@weho.org.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On June 10, the city of Santa Monica announced that the Santa Monica City Council on June 9 approved the city’s participation in the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade, moving forward with a city-sponsored float.

Tuesday’s decision follows months of staff planning that included completing the Tournament of Roses application process, evaluating float builders, developing a fundraising strategy and conducting operational assessments. The council originally authorized staff to begin the planning process in January of this year.

The 2027 Rose Parade theme, “Welcome,” aligns with Santa Monica’s identity as an inclusive and innovative coastal destination.

“The 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade is an incredible opportunity to showcase Santa Monica to millions of people around the world,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “The parade’s theme, ‘Welcome,’ reflects who we are as a community. Santa Monica has always been a place that brings people together, and today we are building on that tradition as we revitalize our city, support local businesses, and prepare to welcome visitors from around the globe. I look forward to working with residents, community organizations, and business leaders to create a float that captures the creativity, beauty and spirit of Santa Monica.”

Santa Monica will start concept development later this month, and community engagement and fundraising efforts will begin July 23 at the State of the City event on Main Street in Santa Monica’s Ocean Park Neighborhood. Float engineering, fabrication and production will take place from August through December 2026, including an opportunity for volunteers to help decorate the float at the end of December.

The float will celebrate iconic landmarks, oceanfront setting, sustainability efforts, public art, cultural diversity and welcoming community. The city selected Artistic Entertainment Services as the official float production partner based on the company’s experience, operational capabilities and authorization by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association to design and build official parade floats.

The float will make its debut in the 138th Rose Parade on January 1, 2027, followed by Floatfest from January 1-3, where spectators can view the float up close after the parade.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On June 8, the city of Malibu provided an update on its annual Weed Abatement Program reminding the public to be proactive and remove weeds, vegetation, and other combustible vegetation that my serve as fuel during California’s wildfire season. Malibu employees have been weed eating and removing small branches, and debris akin to kindling from the city’s right of ways and are encouraging residents to do the same. Information was sent out to area residents regarding fire prevention and what needs to be done to lower the risks of fire during wildfire season (October-December) in a flyer. “The good news is, Malibu doesn’t have to be caught off guard. We know what time of year Red Flag fire conditions occur. Each year, Malibu experiences 7-8 Red Flag Fire events between October 1 and December 31, totaling 14-18 days of increased wildfire risk. Red Flag conditions are declared by the National Weather Service when humidity drops to 15% or less, and sustained winds reach 25 MPH or more for at least six hours, typically during Santa Ana winds,” the city of Malibu stated on its website. By Sharon

MALIBU—On Tuesday, June 9, the city of Malibu announced that the deadline for the Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program is approaching.

Property owners have until Tuesday, June 30, to apply for Malibu’s Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program. To qualify, all required Planning Department applications must be deemed complete by Tuesday, June 30, and all required building permits must be pulled by Wednesday, December 30, 2026. No fees will be waived after that date.

In 2018, the Woolsey Fire was ignited in November and was not contained until November 21. The fire spread to 96,949 acres (39,234 hectares), destroyed 1,643 structures, killed 3 people, and prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people in the region. The blaze started in Woolsey Canyon on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory property. Hundreds of homes on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway were destroyed during the fire.

The program helps eligible Woolsey Fire survivors rebuild by waiving certain city rebuilding fees for like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10 percent rebuilds of homes that were the owner’s primary residence on November 8, 2018. The program may transfer to heirs of previously qualified property owners. Eligible waived fees may include rebuilding fees, onsite wastewater treatment system upgrades, damaged accessory structures, and related hardscaping or landscaping.

Property owners who already paid eligible rebuilding fees may qualify for a refund. Fees for post-approval revisions will still be charged under the City’s adopted fee schedule. To learn more and apply: https://www.malibucity.org/958/Fee-Waiver-Deadlines. To discuss your project or contact Aakash Shah at 310-456-2489, ext. 385 to schedule an appointment.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 9, the Santa Monica Police Department confiscated a loaded handgun and various drug paraphernalia. Officers conducting patrol in the area of Appian Way and Arcadia Terrace observed a vehicle parked in violation of several municipal and vehicle code sections.

During the contact, officers observed open containers of alcohol, marijuana, and a nitrous oxide tank in plain view. All four occupants of the vehicle were under the age of 21 and arrested for various drug and gun charges.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a loaded handgun. The name of the individual has not been disclosed to the public. Anyone with details related to criminal activity in Santa Monica is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 9, the city of Santa Monica revealed that registration for the Santa Monica Public Library, or SMPL, 2026 Summer Reading Program will open June 13. Patrons of all ages can sign up online at smpl.beanstack.com or in person during open hours at any SMPL location.

From June 13 through August 15, registered participants can track their reading progress and earn tickets for the chance to win exciting prizes. Participants ages 4-18 can enter to win a Nintendo Switch 2, while adults ages 18+ can enter to win a Kobo eReader. Participants who register in person will also receive birthday-themed goody bags — in celebration of the Main Library’s 20th birthday — featuring surprise treats from SMPL, the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, and local businesses, while supplies last.

“At Santa Monica Public Library, summer reading is all about celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovering something new,” Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan said. “This year’s birthday-themed program invites the community to join the celebration with books, games, hands-on activities, and memorable events for all ages.”

From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 13, there will be a celebration for the Main Library’s 20th birthday. Held in the Main Library North Courtyard, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., the celebration features a magic show by David Skale, balloon twisting, and other festive activities.

Additional summer youth event highlights include:

-A Family Concert with Andrew and Polly on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m.-noon at the Pico Branch Amphitheater
-A Dino Chase Through Space Puppet Show on Monday, June 22, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s MLK Jr. Auditorium
-A Teen Game Night on Thursday, June 25, from 4-6 p.m. in the Main Library’s Youth Activity Room

SMPL will also host two pop-up library events this summer, including one at Pride on the Promenade on Saturday, June 13, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

SMPL will bring Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library to the Annenberg Community Beach House for a day of fun in the sun. Guests can check out beach reads, play games, and enjoy storytimes on Friday, August 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. All ages are welcome.

SMPL’s Summer Reading Program is supported by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica. For more information visit www.santamonica.gov/library.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On June 8, officials with the city of Santa Monica issued a request to those visiting area parks to not feed rodents, specifically, squirrels. According to reports, Palisades Park is experiencing the largest uptick in the squirrel population.  Officials reported that the squirrels in that area have become a nuisance and are bold and aggressive.

Rodents depend on the handouts, creating an unnatural food supply, and are pursuing those visiting the park for snacks.  Squirrels like other rodents’ nest near their food source and breed twice annually once around February and during the summer (June-August). Squirrels can birth anywhere from 2 to 9 kits.

According to Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation specialist, Marcia Rybak, the local squirrel population is no longer leaning on their own instincts to forage for food. Rybak told KCBS that, “The problem is, it’s always the food supply.  Everything is shelter and food with wildlife, or all animals, really.”

Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation is a volunteer run organization that rescues orphaned wildlife in the area, primarily baby squirrels. According to the Coast and Canyon website, their team of volunteers “cared for over 1,100 orphaned, injured, or displaced wild animals in Los Angeles County. We pride ourselves in never turning away an animal in need and never letting the cost of animal care determine its future.”

City officials started posting signs advising the public not to feed the rodents.  Rybak noted if people stop feeding the squirrels, they will move on.

Santa Monica does not use poisons to thin the population due to the threat of harming other wildlife.  Wildlife experts encourage the city to stop the public feeding of the squirrels, and “Let nature take over,” to protect the local ecosystem and the structural integrity of the Palisades Bluffs, which reports indicate that the squirrels burrowing habits have begun to take over.

By Sharon