MALIBU—In order to improve the city of Malibu’s ability to evacuate citizens during an emergency or a natural disaster, the City of Malibu announced on their Facebook page the Mass Evacuation Plan Community Survey, whose deadline has been extended.

The purpose of this survey is to strengthen the city’s ability to plan for evacuation and to improve the city’s emergency preparedness and response.

All information submitted through the survey will be kept confidential. It only takes 10-15 minutes to complete the survey.

To access the survey visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MalibuEvacPlan

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Monday, March 30, the city of Beverly Hills announced that it will host its first-ever Clothing Swap. The goal is to keep textiles out of the landfill and provide an update to one’s wardrobe.

To donate visit the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on Sunday, April 19 during the Earth Day Celebration.

Individuals can bring their gently used items and find something “new-to-you” while doing one’s part for the planet.

The city of Beverly Hills will celebrate the 23rd Annual Earth Day event at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday, April 19. The theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.”

Come celebrate Earth Day at this free family fun event and discover ways you can do your part for a more sustainable and resilient Beverly Hills. Explore a variety of environmental booths, enjoy kids’ activities, and much more! The Public Works department will have an informational booth about the City’s sustainability efforts in addition to over 20 plus vendors.

For full event details at www.beverlyhills.org/earthday.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, March 31, the city of Malibu announced on its Facebook page that in response to longstanding complaints from residents, the city is actively coordinating with partner agencies to ensure compliance with the Municipal Code and Los Angeles County business licensing and food vending requirements.

On March 23, the City’s Public Safety, Code Enforcement, and Parking Enforcement teams conducted a multi-agency food truck enforcement operation with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector.

Enforcement focused on areas that have recently seen increased food truck activity, including Cavaleri Road, Winding Way Road, Point Dume, and Pacific Coast Highway.

Multiple food trucks were contacted, resulting in citations and orders to cease operations due to public health violations.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, March 30, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page updates regarding lane closures expected for the week for Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

From Monday, March 30 thru Saturday, April 4, drivers should expect delays on Pacific Coast Highway between Pacific Palisades and Malibu due to ongoing Palisades Fire recovery and emergency repair work.

Current speed limits
• Temescal Canyon Rd. → Sunset Blvd: 35 mph
• Sunset Blvd. → Carbon Beach Terrace: Active work zone, 25 mph + possible single-lane closures

Weekday lane closures on PCH
• Possible 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. lane closures in work zones
• Roadway, drainage, electrical and slope repairs underway

Potential closure areas
• Ventura County Line → Carbon Beach Terrace: Work zones and possible nighttime closures (Corral Canyon Bridge repairs)
• Las Flores Canyon Rd. → Sunset Blvd: Fire-damaged roadway, drainage, electrical and slope repairs (closures as needed, weekdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Carbon Canyon Rd → Las Flores Canyon Rd: SCE trenching operations
NB: 4 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays / 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekends / 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily
SB: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays / 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekends / 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily
• South of Big Rock Dr: Catchment wall construction (NB lane closure, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily)
• South of Topanga Canyon Blvd. → Sunset Blvd: Slope repair and culvert cleanup (NB reduced to one lane as needed)
• Coastline Dr → Porto Marina Way: Retaining wall work near Getty Villa (NB lane closure, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily)

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27)
• Open 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
• Closed midnight – 5 a.m.
• One-lane traffic control with pilot car (postmiles 2.5–2. 8 p.m. – midnight when crews are working
• Additional nighttime one-lane control (PCH → p.m. 1. for Verizon work, weekdays 8 p.m. – midnight

Additional SR-27 work
• Old Topanga Canyon Rd. → south of Happy Trail: SCE trenching, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays
• Highvale Trail → Happy Trail: Overnight electrical work, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Sun–Thurs

Closures are weather-permitting and subject to change. Expect delays and consider alternate routes. Fines may be doubled in construction zones.

Check traffic conditions: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Saturday, March 28, it was announced that comedian and actor, Alex Doug, died at the age of 42. Doung’s death was confirmed by friend of the family, Hilarie Steele, who discussed the passing in a GoFundMe page that was started for the comedian.

“We are rallying together for Alex, who is facing an incredibly difficult and frustrating medical battle. He recently underwent a major eye surgery to remove a malignant growth behind his eye, but instead of clear answers, he and his family have been met with uncertainty, conflicting information, and an overwhelming search for the right diagnosis and the right doctors,” the GoFundMe page reads.

Alex had been battling aleveolar rhabomyosarcoma, which is a rare, but aggressive form of tissue cancer. The diagnosis left Alex without vision in his left eye.

The GoFundMe added that the family was seeking help of a craniofacial cosmetic reconstructive surgeon, as Alex needed a specialist for his treatment. Alex went into septic shock Friday at the hospital. Steele confirmed on Saturday thar Doung died surrounded by family and friends.

Alex appeared on the TV shows, “Blue Bloods,” “Dexter,” and “Pretty Little Liars.” Alex leaves behind his wife, Christina and his daughter, Everest. The GoFundMe has raised a total of $122,452 of the $95,000 goal as of Monday, March 30.

Memorial Service for Alex Duong + Supporting Everest’s Future

“Dear friends, family, and all who have been holding this beautiful family in your hearts,
We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming love, support, and prayers you have shared in honor of Alex. It has meant everything to Christina and Everest during this unimaginable time. We would like to share details for Alex’s memorial service,” Hilarie Steele posted on the GoFundMe on Monday, March 30.

The ceremony will take place on April 17, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, March 29, the Santa Monica Police Department announced that it is investigating a fatal shooting. The SMPD reported at approximately 10:30p.m. on Saturday, March 28, officers responded to a report of a shooting near the intersection of 4th Street and Olympic Drive.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Personnel rendered aid until the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived on scene. The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The name and age of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin and confirmation by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Preliminary information indicates the incident involved an altercation between occupants of two vehicles prior to the shooting. During the confrontation, a suspect produced a firearm and discharged at least one round, striking the victim. The suspect or suspects fled the region prior to officers’ arrival. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with details on the shooting is asked to contact the SMPD Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant Shaun Cooney at Shaun.Cooney@santamonica.gov or 310-458-8401 Ext 2249; or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

 

By Danny Jones

SHERMAN OAKS—On Sunday, March 29, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a one-story single dwelling fire.

The fire was reported at 4:05 p.m. located at 14919 W Addison St. The property had light smoke initially showing from the attic. First-arriving companies coordinated interior salvage operations and fire suppression, achieving knockdown in 13 minutes from the time of 911 contact.

All occupants were safely evacuated from the home; there were no injuries reported during the blaze.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

 

 

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 26, the Los Angeles Metro Board of Directors met and approved the plan for the proposed project to extend the K Line, one of the light rail lines, through West Hollywood.

According to reporting by KTLA5 in Los Angeles, the extension will be close to 10 miles long.  In addition, it will go through West Hollywood and Hollywood and will also lead to the Hollywood Bowl.  This extension will also connect Mid-City and the Fairfax District with the Crenshaw/Expo line. Once completed, this project is projected to provide a rail connection to tourist sites in Los Angeles.

Over 325,000 residents will be served by the extension and that 100,000 people will ride it each day. There is resistance to the program with some homeowners worried about the tunneling required to construct the new extension.

Residents of Mid-City are concerned about the potential negative impact that this project might have on their quality of life.

Construction of the northern extension will begin in 2041, and it is expected to open to passengers by 2047.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Friday, March 27, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that residents and businesses across the city will see expanded maintenance and cleaning services on their commercial corridors following the Santa Monica City Council’s approval this week of a comprehensive Public Works Department reorganization as part of the Realignment Plan Update.

The reorganization—the most significant departmental restructuring in the update—extends the increased maintenance approach that has been deployed in the Downtown core since late 2025 to all of the city’s major commercial corridors, including Montana Avenue, Wilshire Boulevard, Main Street, Pico Boulevard, and Ocean Park Boulevard.

“Santa Monica has always believed that a clean, well-maintained city is a more welcoming one for everyone. This reorganization and expansion is about making sure that every neighborhood, every corridor, every small business owner gets the same investment we’ve made in Downtown,” said Mayor Caroline Torosis. “From Montana Avenue to Ocean Park Boulevard, our residents deserve streets they’re proud of, and this expansion delivers on that promise.”

Enhanced services being extended include regular pressure washing of sidewalks and public spaces, hand and broom cleaning of streetscapes, enhanced sidewalk maintenance, and expanded landscaping and tree trimming. The services will be delivered in part through a workforce development partnership with Chrysalis.

The Public Works reorganization includes the creation of a new Downtown and Beach Maintenance Division, merging the existing Downtown and beach maintenance teams under a unified structure. Santa Monica’s 311 customer service operation, which handles approximately 70 percent of Public Works-related service requests, will transfer to the department to improve response coordination and accountability. The Mobility Division will move from the Department of Transportation into Public Works Engineering, consolidating right-of-way planning, design, construction, and maintenance under a single department.

The reorganization adds 12 positions across the department, including supervisory, technical, and community-facing roles, and includes dedicated funding for contracted cleaning and landscaping services at libraries as operating hours expand. For more details about the Santa Monica Realignment Plan, visit www.santamonica.gov.

 

By Danny Jones

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Friday, March 27, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a structure fire at 3:27 p.m. at 1255 N. Orange Dr.

Firefighters arrived in defensive mode to a 4-story apartment building with light smoke showing on the 3rd floor.

Firefighters located and knocked down a fire in one unit on the 3rd floor in 15 minutes. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

By Danny Jones