SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, March 26, at 1:16 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department released a community safety warning on their Facebook page for the upcoming “No Kings” Rally scheduled for Saturday, March 28.

According to the post, the Santa Monica Police Department wants the community to know that it will protect the areas in which the rally will occur and the rest of the city.

The Santa Monica Police Department will deploy increased patrols throughout the city and will deploy rapid-response teams and work with other police departments in the region to ensure order is maintained. The Police Department reminds the public that peaceful protests are allowed, but criminal acts are not.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On March 26, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced that 8,000 new Catholics will be coming into the church during the Easter Vigil. The Catholic Church has shown significant growth worldwide. Some of the local conversion stories have been included in the most recent issue of, The Angelus. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is currently the home of approximately 4,349, 267 Catholics in 120 cities. There are 288 parishes (churches), 30 missions and chapels, 16 Eastern Rite Catholic Churches, 214 Catholic Elementary Schools, 51 Catholic High Schools, 73,750 students are enrolled in Catholic School. Mass is celebrated in 42 different languages. The Archbishop of Los Angeles is Most Reverend Jose’ H. Gomez who is shepherding the nation’s largest Catholic community. Of Archbishop Gomez, LA Catholics says, “Archbishop Gomez encourages people to follow Jesus Christ with joy and simplicity of life, seeking to serve God and their neighbors in their ordinary daily activities.” There are six Auxiliary Bishop’s in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles including Bishop Marc V. Trudeau, D.D., V.G., Bishop Albert M. Bahhuth, Bishop Matthew G. Elshoff, OFM cap., Bishop Brian A. Nunes, Bishop Slawomir Szkredka, and Bishop Alejandro D. Aclan, D.D., V.G Bishop Emeritus are those who have previously served the archdiocese, but reached or surpassed the retirement age of 75. Bishop Emeritus are an asset to the bishop especially during confirmations. This Archdiocese currently has four. Bishop Edward Wm. Clark, S.T.D., V.G., Bishop Thomas J. Curry, D.D., Ph.D., V.G., Bishop Gerald E. Wilkerson, D.D., and Bishop Joseph M. Sartoris, D.D. There are approximately 54 Seminarians in formation/discerning the Priesthood. In addition, there are over 1,500 nuns, and over 80 brothers serving in religious orders. “Our mission is to tell the world the Good News — the beautiful truth that Jesus Christ is alive! He is not some figure from history. He is present in our lives, walking with us. And He wants to live in friendship with every single person. And as we know, the world needs His light, the world needs to hear His voice! And my dear brothers and sisters, He gives this task, at this time, to each one of us. Our faith is a gift, the most precious gift that we could ever receive! So today, once again, Jesus is calling to share his gift with others. In the simplicity of our daily life, in the joy of our daily life. And to fill the world with faith and love. There is nothing more beautiful than this friendship that we have with Jesus, and nothing more beautiful than to tell others about Him and to make new friends for Jesus. This is why he puts us here. This is the reason for our lives,” stated an excerpt from Archbishop Gomez from March 2026.   By Sharon

SHERMAN OAKS—On Wednesday, March 25, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department Valley and Van Nuys Division, responded to a call of a reported shooting in the 15000 block of Riverside Drive.  Officers arriving at the scene discovered robbery at the Westfield Fashion Square inside Macy’s Department Store. Macy’s surveillance showed three suspects wearing blue jeans, black and gray shirts, and masks, smashing the glass display cases with their sledgehammers. The thieves grabbed the jewelry, watches, and other items and fled the mall.  They were last seen heading eastbound on Riverside Drive, in a White Lexus, and are still at large. Customers were sheltering in place inside the other stores with the security gates pulled down. Authorities gave clearance for bystanders to leave at approximately 8 p.m. There were no reported injuries. The estimated value of the items taken has yet to be determined. Anyone with information on the robbery is asked to contact LAPD Valley Van Nuys Division or to remain anonymous call LA County Regional Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). According to LAPD Southwest Division thefts are up by five percent compared to this time last year. California’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force has reportedly recovered over 33,000 stolen items statewide during January and February 2026.   By Sharon

GRIFFITH PARK—On March 26, the Friends of Griffith Park announced after nearly a decade, the Griffith Park pool will reopen, with an upgrade.  Reports indicate that city officials approved a $40 million budget to rebuild the pool area.

While the pool may be smaller than the old facility, the new one will include a training area, and a splash pad.  Reports indicate there will be an entire swimming complex, and the pool will be suitable for competitive swimming groups/teams to utilize.

The Griffith Park pool, “The Plunge,” is currently closed, and has been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.  Historical records indicate the first time the pool opened was in 1927.

Construction is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2026, with an estimated completion to be in early 2029.

 

By Sharon

STUDIO CITY—On March 26, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Valley Bureau responded to a call regarding a hiker in distress at 3501 Alta Mesa Drive. LAFD Air Units located the injured individual who was described as a female approximately 70 years-old with minor injuries. She fell from Fryman Canyon Trail. LAFD Air Units initiated a hoist operation to get the hiker to solid grown where she could be evaluated and transported to an area hospital for treatment. Several LAFD first responders assisted in getting the stranded and injured hiker to safety. There is no further information at this time.   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Thursday, March 26, the city of Beverly Hills announced that Stephanie Harris, currently the City’s Director of Community Services, was chosen as the next Assistant City Manager (ACM) for the city. She will join incoming City Manager Ryan Gohlich and Deputy City Manager Keith Sterling in the City Manager’s office this July upon the retirement of City Manager Nancy Hunt-Coffey.

Harris currently oversees the Community Services Department which includes the Administrative Support, Library, Arts & Culture, and Recreation & Parks divisions.

“I am very pleased to welcome Stephanie to the role of Assistant City Manager,” said Gohlich.  “During her 12 years with Beverly Hills, Stephanie has elevated our programs, built collaborative relationships, and demonstrated versatility and sound leadership. I look forward to her partnership in the years ahead.”

Harris will assist in the daily management of city operations, provide oversight of select departments and work closely with the Beverly Hills City Council.

“I am thankful to Ryan for the privilege of serving as the next Assistant City Manager,” said Harris. “I am proud to work with dedicated and talented colleagues and look forward to supporting the City Council and Ryan while serving this outstanding community in the years ahead.”

Harris joined Beverly Hill in 2014 as a Management Analyst in the Community Services Department, later promoting to Senior Management Analyst and Community Services Manager before joining the City Manager’s Office in 2022 as Community Outreach
Manager.  She later returned to Community Services as Interim Director in 2023 and was later named permanent Director.  Harris previously worked for the city of Rosemead’s Parks & Recreation Department for 11 years.

 

By Danny Jones

HOLLYWOOD—On March 24, 2026, the Los Angeles Police Department revealed that on March 19 the Commercial Crimes Division – Real Estate Fraud Unit, in partnership with the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force—which includes agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and Glendale Police Department—carried out Operation Hard Money, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects involved in a complex mortgage fraud scheme.

The LAPD started the investigation in 2022, stemming from a $5.7 million fraudulent loan in which the suspects stole the victim’s personal information, created fraudulent accounts in the victim’s name, fabricated documents, impersonated the victim, and forged the victim’s signature. Investigators later identified two additional victims of the same mortgage fraud scheme and uncovered additional mortgage loans totaling $17 million linked to the same group of suspects.

On February 5, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office obtained a 15-count federal indictment on charges that include wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, leading to Operation Hard Money and the arrests of:

· Nazaret Chakrian, 65, of Hollywood

· Arnold Moradians, 57, of Hollywood

· Avetis Hekimyan, 38, of North Hollywood

· Marine Sarkisian, 49, of Hollywood

· Victor Lossi, 43, of Thousand Oaks

· Cynthia Borjas, 51, of Koreatown

· Armen Vardevaryan, 55, of North Hollywood

· Ross Tarkhan, 32, of Glendale

· Craig Higson, 66, of Naples, Florida

· Helen Spangler, 62, of Oakdale

· Tigran Hovanesian, 56, of Glendale

Common elements of the fraud scheme include victims who are all over 70 years old, own multiple properties outright with no mortgages, debts, liens, or encumbrances.

The Real Estate Fraud Unit believes there may be additional victims of this scheme and are asking anyone with details regarding this investigation to call Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-6620 between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).

Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced on Wednesday, March 25 that the Santa Monica Police Department is seeing a decrease in its crime rates.

The city released detailed public safety results showing substantial improvement across all major categories, reflecting the impact of the Realignment Plan adopted by the Santa Monica City Council in October 2025 and updated this week.

With Police Chief Darrick Jacob, the SMPD shifted in 2025 toward a proactive, prevention-focused policing model emphasizing visible patrol, early intervention, and consistent presence in areas generating repeated calls for service.

2025 Year-End Results:

Part I crime, which includes violent offenses and burglary, declined 12.5 percent, with 599 fewer crimes reported in 2025 compared to 2024. Total calls for service decreased 3.1 percent, while total arrests increased 22.9 percent and traffic citations increased 102 percent.

Officer-initiated activity also rose significantly, increasing from around 40 percent in 2024 to 51-53 percent during the first quarter of 2026. All of the data reflects a measurable shift from reactive response to proactive enforcement in Santa Monica, with the end result being a safer region.

Post-Deployment Acceleration (December 2025-February 2026):

Following full implementation of the Realignment deployment model in December 2025, results accelerated further. Monthly traffic citations averaged 1,200—a 400 percent increase over 2024 levels. Drug-related investigations doubled across every month measured. Weekly arrests climbed steadily from 81 per week in December to 104 per week in February.

A major organizational milestone was achieved as the Police Department reached full sworn staffing for the first time in over 20 years. With the City Council’s approval of 10 over-hire positions, the department has stabilized staffing across patrol and specialized units, with 23 background investigations currently open and 391 new applications received since January.

The City Attorney’s Criminal Unit, which added a Legal Assistant and Senior Legal Analyst under the City Council adopted Realignment Plan, saw a 40 percent increase in case submissions in the last quarter of 2025 and is now filing on nearly 90 percent of all legally fileable cases, up from roughly 65-70 percent previously.

“When the City Council adopted the Realignment Plan, we made a promise to Santa Monica residents: we would do the hard work to make this city safer,” said Mayor Caroline Torosis. “Today’s results, including 12.5 percent less crime, full police staffing for the first time in 20 years, and a prosecution rate approaching 90 percent, show that promise is being kept. We will not let up.”

On Tuesday, March 24, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved the Realignment Plan Update, which includes additional investments to sustain these gains. Among the adjustments adopted include the approval of a new Police Captain to oversee the Real-Time Crime Center and Dispatch operations, additional dispatchers, and authorization for a Memorandum of Understanding with Metro to enable SMPD enforcement on train platforms within the City.

For more details regarding the Santa Monica Realignment Plan, visit www.santamonica.gov.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On March 24, the city of West Hollywood announced that the City Hall will be closed on Monday, March 30.

According to the post made at 5:25 p.m., traffic regulations for street sweeping, towing cars during peak traffic hours, time limits for vehicles parked on the street, and parking meter limits will not be enforced.

Permit parking will be enforced while City Hall is closed. Visitor parking permits can be purchased either at the Kings Road garage or online.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

 

 

BEVERLY HILLS—On March 23, actress and Oscar nominee, Valerie Perrine died. According to her friend and filmmaker, Stacey Souther, Perrine died peacefully at home. She was 82. “It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away. She faced Parkinson’s disease with incredible courage and compassion, never once complaining. She was a true inspiration who lived life to the fullest, and what a magnificent life it was. The world feels less beautiful without her in it,” said Souther on Facebook. A GoFundMe was launched to provide a proper burial that read: “Help us give Valerie Perrine the Farewell she deserves. In loving memory of Valerie Ritchie Perrine September 3, 1943-March 23, 2026. The actress portrayed Miss Eve Teschmacher, who had a relationship with Lex Luther in Richard Donner’s “Superman II.” “After more than 15 years waging a quiet, courageous battle against both Parkinson’s disease and debilitating central tremors, this luminous, vivacious woman finally rested. Her passing leaves a void in Hollywood history and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. This fundraiser is created with the full support and blessing of her brother, Ken Perrine, who himself continues to battle this devastating disease. Vallerie’s journey to the screen was as unlikely and dazzling as any script she ever brought to life. A celebrated Vegas showgirl, she never set out to be an actress. Hollywood found her. And when it did, she dazzled everyone…Valerie’s final wish was simple and deeply meaningful: to be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.” A total of $40,560 of $65K has been raised. Perrine was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 1974 film “Lenny” directed by Bob Frosse.   By Sharon