MALIBU— On March 12, the County of Los Angeles issued a public health warning regarding the bacteria levels in area beaches. These warnings are issued because recent water samples showed bacterial levels exceeding health standards, which may increase the risk of illness. “The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) advises the public to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters at the following Los Angeles County beaches due to elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards,” states the LACDPH website. BEACH AREA WARNINGS: The warning applies to the following locations: -Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach -Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms. Pulgas-Creek storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach-Will Rogers Tower 5 is on drain -Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach -Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain. -Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek. -Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey Entire swimming area. Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach. Near Will Rogers Tower 18 100 yards up and down the coast from the creek. Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier. BEACH AREAS NOW CLEARED: Warnings have been lifted for the following beach areas where recent sample results identified water quality levels within State standards: Pico-Kenter storm drains at Santa Monica Beach. Santa Monica South Tower 20 “Initial signs of illness were observed in seal pups on February 19–20, when researchers noted weakness, tremors, seizures, abnormal neurological behavior and sudden death in some animals. Samples collected from sick and deceased pups tested positive for influenza A and were subsequently confirmed as H5N1 by the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories,” stated the LACDPH on March 6 in relation to sick sea lions.   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On March 5, The Second District Court of Appeal issued a ruling directing the Los Angeles County Superior Court to vacate its order granting a pretrial mental health diversion program to Job Uriah Taylor, 27. The opinion, authored by Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild and Justices Bendix and M. Kim, was certified for publication. The Appellate (Court of Appeals) court’s decision was made after the defense failed to answer whether Taylor would pose an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety if he were to be treated in the community, as required under the Penal Code. The record revealed evidence of prior non-compliance by Taylor. According to investigators, a family member indicated that Taylor repeatedly signed himself out of treatment at mental health facilities in Louisiana and did so within 24 hours of admission. According to Dr. Campbell, who worked with Taylor in 2023, records indicated a refusal on Taylor’s part to take his prescribed medication on multiple occasions. Taylor was using methamphetamine in addition to phencyclidine (PCP) or what is referred to as “angel dust,” at the time of the attacks. Reports indicate that on March 3, 2023, Job Uriah Taylor (then 25) traveled to Santa Monica. Taylor admitted that the reason he was in Santa Monica was that he was “sent by his family to target black residents.” Taylor used a pipe to beat a man to death who was sleeping at a nearby homeless encampment. Taylor, who reportedly was also homeless living in the encampment, near the 5th Street Expo Station, and the victim. Taylor beat him so hard that he crushed his skull. Within 24 hours Taylor had killed one man, and at least two others were able to escape. One of the survivors of Taylor’s attacks is now confined to a wheelchair. Reports indicate that the latter of the victims will always require assistance. Reports indicate that the reason it took so long to bring this case to trial is because the defense was attempting to offer Mr. Taylor a mental health program rather than sentencing him for the crimes he committed. According to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Inmate Roster. Taylor was first arrested on October 17, 2023, on felony charges. He was booked into jail at the Inmate Reception Center I.R.C. and housed at the North County Corrections Facility (NORF). The Pitchess Detention Center North reportedly takes medium to maximum security prisoners. Initial reports indicate that Taylor’s sentencing date was set for October 23, 2023. He had another court date listed for August 28, 2024. The most recent court date for Taylor on the inmate report is scheduled for April 23, 2026, at LAX Superior Court. Bail was set for $2,135,000.00   By Sharon

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Wednesday, March 11, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Jovan Lamar Duverne, 39, has been charged with two murders and multiple counts of felony arson after allegedly setting a series of fires across Hollywood, including a blaze at a home that killed two elderly sisters.

Duverne is charged in case 26CJCF01508 with two counts of murder and 11 counts of felony arson. He faces a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, as well as sentence enhancements related to a prior arson conviction, including a second-strike allegation. His arraignment is scheduled for March 11 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. He is being held without bail.

Between January 26 and February 4 Duverne allegedly set fires at 10 locations in Hollywood, using a handheld torch-style lighter. He allegedly walked between locations lighting rubbish and attempting to enter buildings.

On February 4, around 2 a.m., the suspect allegedly set fire to a residence, which resulted in the deaths of two sisters, Maria Del Consuelo Alarcon-Valdez, 76, and Yolanda Honda, 82. Duverne was arrested later that day near Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place.

If convicted as charged, he faces up to death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on the death penalty will be made at a later date.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec of the Arson and Explosives Section and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division, with assistance from the Los Angeles City Fire Department’s Arson Counter Terrorism Section.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, March 11, the city of West Hollywood announced that on Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., is asking community members with vehicles to participate in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Catalytic Converter Etching event at the Pacific Design Center, located at 8687 Melrose Avenue (enter from 750 N. San Vicente Boulevard).

The event is organized by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station Traffic Unit and LASD Vehicle Theft Task Force. There is no charge for etching, community members may drop-in, and the process takes only a few minutes.

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise nationwide, with thieves slipping under cars to steal catalytic converters in minutes. The auto part contains precious metals that can be sold to scrap recyclers for a few hundred dollars. Vehicles with higher ground clearances and hybrid vehicles are a favorite target of thieves due to relative ease of removal. Replacing a catalytic converter can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Two new catalytic converter laws went into effect in California at the beginning of 2023 defining who may sell and purchase catalytic converters to help ensure that sellers are the verifiable owners of vehicle parts, and to require a traceable payment method for transactions. The new laws include fines and penalties for those convicted of knowingly and willfully violating these requirements. Increasing guardrails and accountability for offenders is one of many strategies in addressing this crime and its underlying causes.

West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station recommend additional tips to help deter theft, including:

-Park in secure garages or in well-lit areas. If you park in your driveway, install motion sensor lights and security cameras. In public garages and lots, park near the entrance.

-Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device such as a cage or steel plates.

-Install an alarm, either for the whole car or just for the catalytic converter.

-Engrave your vehicle identification number (VIN) and phone number on your catalytic converter. It could help law enforcement track and identify the stolen part. Look for free catalytic converter etching events near you.

-Spray-paint your catalytic converter with high-temperature automotive paint. It can alert scrap recyclers to look for VIN etchings.

-Report the theft to law enforcement and your insurance company. Statistics can help pass laws that make it harder for thieves to steal catalytic converters in the future.

To reserve a spot or for more information about the Free Drop-In LASD Catalytic Converter Etching Event call (310) 358-4022.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday, March 11 that the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the region, including Malibu, from 10 a.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday, with temperatures of 90–100°F expected (lower on the coast). Hot weather is expected for about 7 days. NEVER leave kids or pets in vehicles.

While Malibu’s coast will be a bit cooler, temperatures in the Santa Monica Mountains will be very hot.

There is a high risk of heat illness for sensitive groups, including young children, older adults, people without air conditioning, and those active outdoors.

SAFETY TIPS:
• NEVER leave children or pets unattended in cars – it can be deadly!
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid hiking except very early in the morning
• Do not take dogs hiking – they can quickly overheat and may not show warning signs

For weather updates visit: https://www.weather.gov/lox/
For heat safety tips visit: https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, March 11, the city of West Hollywood announced it was opening a cooling center in the Plummer Park Community Center Senior Lounge.

According to a statement published on the city’s website, the reason for the activation of the cooling center is the heat advisory issued for Southern California. The cooling center is located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The cooling center will be open on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  In addition, the Cityline service will be providing free transportation to the cooling center.

For more information about the cooling center contact (323) 848-6530.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

GRIFFITH PARK—On March 5, Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass announced a 70 percent reduction in filming fees at Griffith Observatory. The costs have been reduced from $100,000 to $30,000. Both Griffith Park Observatory and the Central Library are now open for filming and photos. City officials significantly lowered the prices in their efforts to revitalize Los Angeles and to encourage those in the film industry to utilize iconic spaces in Los Angeles in a way that has not been possible since 2008. “It’s a great day in LA to be celebrating and promoting our most significant industry, the entertainment industry where we impact the enite world. For me, it is also a celebration of signing Executive Directive 11 that directed city departments to deliver on priorities that the entertainment industry has asked City Hall to act on for far too long,” stated Mayor Bass. Mayor Bass has served Los Angeles as Mayor since December 11, 2022, and served in the House of Representatives congresswoman (2011-2023). Griffith Observatory was last used for filming the musical “La La Land” in 2016, “The Rocketeer” in 1991, and “The Terminator” in 1984, “Rebel Without a Cause,” in 1955 and “The Phantom Empire” in 1935.   By Sharon

MALIBU—On Wednesday, March 11, a lawsuit filed by Malibu handyman, Tony Saxon against rapper Kanye “Ye” West, a jury found West liable for payment of $140,000 for repairs on his Malibu mansion. Saxon claimed in court that he and West had an agreement in 2021 that the rapper would pay Saxon $20,000 per week with an additional $100,000 for construction costs. West reportedly fired Saxon during the project. Saxon filed a lawsuit for “pain and suffering,” and a financial hardship caused. Saxon told multiple news outlets that his pain came from being “wrongfully terminated,” by West. The jury awarded Saxon $100,000 for past and future medical costs, and $40,000 for past pain and suffering. The jury did not award punitive damages for future suffering. Saxon alleged he was initially hired by Kanye West as a project manager and included around the clock security at the Malibu mansion, located at 24844 Malibu Road. It is a concrete beach house designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect, Tadao Ando. Kanye West’s mansion first made the news during his divorce with reality star Kim Kardashian. The mansion was completely gutted. It appeared as a shelter at the time, and in need of repair and renovation. Saxon indicated he stayed at the work site and breathed the foul air adding to his poor condition. He filed the lawsuit against West over unpaid wages. During testimony, the rapper alleged he previously warned Saxon that if he did not work to his specifications that he would indeed fire him. According to the Ticket Center, “Ye,” will be rapping at SOFI Stadium in Inglewood, on April 3, at 7 p.m., and tickets are selling fast.   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department announced that it will be holding the Compression with a Cop event on Thursday, March 12.

During this event, members of the public will be able to meet and speak with Neighborhood Resource Officers.

According to the post that the Santa Monica Police Department made on its Facebook page, the event will occur at Restore Hyper Wellness located at 1031 Montana Avenue.

The event will last from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each session will last 15 minutes.  During the sessions,members of the public will be able to both speak with officers and have a cup of coffee with them.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be hosting the Coffee and Beats event at Beverly Gardens Park on Sunday, March 22.

The free event will allow the public to sip delicious beverage blends from Alfred Coffee and enjoy fresh beats by DJ Anton Khabbaz, AYSE, and Sean Circosta.

Hosted by Mayor Sharona Nazarian, the pop-up will allow the public to interact with Sharona’s Innovation Circle – an inspiring crew of local change makers, thinkers and creative minds.

The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Beverly Gardens Park located at Cañon Drive and Crescent Drive. The event is open to all. To RSVP visit: www.beverlyhills.org/innovationcircle.

 

By Danny Jones