WOODLAND HILLS/TOPANGA CANYON—On Friday, July 31, around 9:40 a.m., a driver in his mid-30s allegedly stabbed another motorist during a road rage confrontation at the corner of Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills. The suspect, described as wearing an orange or yellow hat and a safety uniform, fled the scene in a dark gray Acura.

According to Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Officer Jeff Miller, the suspect was later taken into custody about two miles away, near Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Dumetz Road. The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived on scene to treat the victim before he was transported to a hospital, where their condition is unknown.

The suspect could face potential felony charges, such as assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder, or mayhem, though nothing has been confirmed.

Drivers are reminded that the safest response to a road rage confrontation is to avoid engaging, stay in the vehicle with doors locked, and contact police rather than exiting to confront another driver.

By Milan Manesh

SANTA MONICA—On August 1, a beachgoers report indicates that there were 1,450 water rescues at Los Angeles County beaches. Water rescues between July 24 and August 1 reached nearly 2,000, as rip currents and beach swells dominated the water. Officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department commended the work of firefighters, saying the performance of as many as 2,000 rescues between July 24 and July 26 was “nuts” and “the largest number [of water rescues] they can remember.” According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division, during the July 24 weekend, lifeguards executed 1,500 ocean rescues, conducted 71,274 preventive actions, 749 Emergency Vehicle Responses, and provided medical aid to 517 people. On July 31, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued area Beach Warnings for Los Angeles County Beaches in the following locations due to high bacteria levels. Santa Monica Beach, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Wilshire Boulevard Storm Drain. The entire swimming area at Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey of Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, and the entire swimming area at the Santa Monica Pier, and 100 yards up and down the coastline from the pier. LACDPH issued the warnings after finding recent water samples revealed bacteria levels exceeding the public health standards, increasing the risk of illness in people and their pets. In addition to high surf and bacteria warnings, LA Public Health issued three extreme heat warnings within a month. On July 20, a heat advisory was extended to August 5 for the East San Gabriel Mountains. An extreme heat warning was issued for Antelope Valley, the Western Antelope Valley, and the Eastern Antelope Valley thru August 5. A heat advisory was extended through August 5 for Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor, Northwest LA County Mountains, and the Interstate 5 Corridor. The Southern California heat wave continues with triple-digit temperatures. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and S. Santa Monica Boulevard will be impacted with lane reductions in place starting Monday, August 3 for the next six weeks.

Typical work hours including traffic control set-up, will be Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting), and may vary by activity and location. Construction will occur in phases at all four corners at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and S. Santa Monica Boulevard.

At least one lane in each direction will be maintained. Intermittent turn restrictions and overnight lane reductions are expected.

Anyone with questions can contact the askBH Customer Service line at 310-285-1000 or email askBH@beverlyhills.org.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On July 31, the city of Malibu announced that the city is requesting community feedback on preliminary design concepts for three city-owned vacant properties, the Ioki Property, Heathercliff Property, and Triangle Lot Property.

These concepts are intended to enhance recreational opportunities, community services, and public facilities. The designs include parking requirements associated with Los Angeles County Measure R and Measure M funding used to acquire the properties.

Visit www.MalibuCommunityLands.org to take the survey, review each concept, and share one’s level of support, concerns, and suggestions.

The city of Malibu owns five community lands totaling over 61 acres. To ensure the future of these community lands aligns with the community’s priorities, the city completed a comprehensive outreach and engagement program from March through September 2024 to gather feedback on what the community envisions for the future of each land.

The survey closes on August 31, 2026; additional opportunities to provide feedback will be at public meetings in fall 2026.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city is inviting the community for a Route 66 Centennial Celebration for 100 years at a free, family-friendly community event on Sunday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. West Hollywood’s end-of-season Summer Sounds free outdoor concert series till transpire afterwards from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Santa Monica Boulevard through West Hollywood is part of the legendary U.S. Route 66, serving as the historic approach into Los Angeles for generations of travelers headed west in search of sunshine, adventure, and a fresh start. West Hollywood’s stretch of the roadway was designated as California State Route 2 (SR-2) in 1964, but Route 66 continues to cruise on as one of America’s most celebrated historic highways.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the legendary “Mother Road” established in November 1926. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, Route 66 became more than a highway; it became a symbol of freedom, discovery, roadside attractions, classic diners, neon signs, and unforgettable road trips. Communities across all eight Route 66 states are commemorating the Centennial with events celebrating the route’s enduring legacy of travel, culture, and Americana.

West Hollywood’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration will feature a classic car show and a special Big Retro slide show presentation by author and pop culture historian Charles Phoenix. The event will feature Route 66-themed giveaways, photo opportunities, and more, as well as the unveiling of new West Hollywood-specific Centennial “WeHo 66” roadway signage, which will be installed along Santa Monica Boulevard/Route 66 later this year.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The Classic Car Show at the South Lot of Plummer Park will be a cruise through time featuring hot rods, vintage cruisers, gleaming chrome, tailfins, and plenty of nostalgia.

At 11:30 a.m. – The city will unveil new “WeHo 66” West Hollywood-specific Centennial Route 66 roadway signage designed by artist Sküt. This special program will also recognize artists Luciana Abait, Vinnie Hager, and Sylke Meyer whose Route 66-themed artworks are being installed along Santa Monica Boulevard as part of the City’s Creative Plan initiative; the City of West Hollywood’s celebration of the Route 66 Centennial includes temporary public art, commemorative street-pole installations, and a temporary sculpture at Plummer Park.

From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Join the City’s Historic Preservation Commission to celebrate West Hollywood’s commitment to recognizing and preserving its rich cultural and architectural history. Charles Phoenix will present a signature Big Retro slide show called Los Angelesland: Celebrating the City of Angels in Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall.

Phoenix is a Southern California author, humorist, and pop culture historian best known for celebrating mid-century American roadside attractions, vintage travel, classic cars, and retro holiday traditions through entertaining presentations and books. Appetizers and refreshments will be available.

From 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – West Hollywood’s Summer Sounds free outdoor concert series will feature performances by The Soul Space f/ Tamara Jade and Orlando Dixon, Mark Evich, and DJ Rosegawd. All ages are welcome. Blankets and low chairs are recommended.

Community members are asked to use public transportation, rideshare services, or other transportation options, as limited parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the North Lot of Plummer Park.

For additional details about the Route 66 Centennial Celebration visit www.go.weho.org/route66.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is inviting community members with specialized knowledge in park planning to help shape the future of Plummer Park by applying to serve on the Plummer Park Phase 2 Planning Working Group, which will test options and help generate and evaluate potential direction during this next phase of the Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan.

Individuals with experience in park uses, operations and maintenance, preservation, construction and phasing, urban and landscape design and engineering, wildlife habitats and ecology, sustainability and resilience, mobility and accessibility, and green infrastructure and resource management are encouraged to apply.

Applications are now being accepted and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, August 17. Selected applicants will be notified in early September. Interested individuals may learn more about the project, review eligibility information, and apply by visiting www.go.weho.org/plummerparkplan.

The Plummer Park Phase 2 Planning Working Group will serve as a community advisory body throughout the planning process, offering perspectives, creative ideas, strategic analyses, and recommendations that will help inform future improvements while honoring the park’s unique history, character, and role as one of West Hollywood’s most treasured public spaces.

Phase 2 of the Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan builds upon previous investments in the park and will explore opportunities to enhance recreational amenities, open space, accessibility, sustainability, programming, and the overall visitor experience.

Creating a Planning Working Group that represents a broad range of park-related perspectives, and diverse backgrounds and knowledge will help ensure that future improvements meet not only regional needs, but the needs of the West Hollywood community.

For additional information about the Plummer Park Comprehensive Improvement Plan visit www.go.weho.org/plummerparkplan.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is holding a community meeting on Wednesday, August 5 regarding the Tipu Tree Replacement Planting Project (Phase 3) and help shape the future of West Hollywood’s urban forest. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at Plummer Park Community Center located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., Rooms 5 & 6.

The city is proposing to remove and replace infested Tipu trees impacted by Tipu psyllids in the northeast corner of West Hollywood. Public feedback will help to shape the project’s next steps as the city considers how to move forward. Residents and community members are invited and asked to attend and participate.

The meeting is being held to provide residents, businesses, and community members with the opportunity to share thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding the proposed removal of infested Tipu trees. Staff will hold an open conversation about the present and future state of the urban forest.

The Tipu trees proposed for removal are located within this boundary area: La Brea Avenue to the east, Gardner Street to the west, Santa Monica Boulevard to the south, and Fountain Avenue to the north. Community feedback will help inform the project’s next steps. To learn more visit: www.weho.org/calendar.

By Danny Jones

STUDIO CITY—A mother and her baby were home during a break-in that occurred at their home in Studio City around 8:15 p.m. on Friday, July 31, on the 11200 block of Briarcliff Lane, near Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

The family confronted the intruders after they broke into the home, which caused the suspects to flee before authorities arrived on scene. KTLA reported the family and the suspects came face-to-face during the encounter, though this has not been confirmed by police.

The suspects remain at large, and no arrests have been made. The Los Angeles Police Department took a burglary report on scene and is currently investigating the matter. It is not yet known whether anything was taken from the home.

A video provided by KTLA showed the mother holding her baby while answering officers’ questions outside the home.

The burglary comes as law enforcement ramps up efforts to combat a high volume of residential burglaries across the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles. In recent months, authorities arrested dozens of suspects believed to be part of organized burglary crews accused of carrying out numerous home break-ins across the region.

Residents in the area are asked to keep their doors and windows locked, use exterior lighting, and install security cameras. Any suspicious activity should be reported to LAPD immediately.

By Milan Manesh

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—A power outage lasting nearly a day in Hollywood Hills and Brentwood as a heat wave emerged on Saturday, August 1.

The outage started Friday, July 31 and affected nearly 700 customers, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported.

Residents had to deal with the dangerous heat wave without air conditioning between Friday at 6 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Crews were working through the night fixing an underground circuit that needed to be repaired. Temperature peaked at approximately 95 degrees.

By Adrian Betton