HOLLYWOOD HILS—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Wednesday, February 4, that one person was killed after a fire in Hollywood. The fire was reported at 2:55 a.m. at 1760 N Vista Del Mar Avenue at a single-family dwelling, well-involved upon fire department arrival.

Firefighters quickly knocked down enough flames to make entry and perform a search. Two victims were located and pulled from the home; an approximately 15-year-old female was determined deceased on scene, and an approximately 70-year-old female was transported in grave condition following effective CPR by firefighters.

The fire was knocked down in 19 minutes with 43 firefighters on scene. The LA County Medical Examiner and LAFD Arson were contacted per protocol for fatality fires. No additional details about the fire have been disclosed to the public.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Wednesday, February 4, the city of Malibu will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Pacific Coast Highway Signal Synchronization Project.

This is Malibu’s most significant project in its history to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety on PCH! By synchronizing 12 traffic signals between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and John Tyler Drive.

Caltrans can now adjust signal timing in real time, reducing speeding, traffic flow, and making the roadway safer for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians along PCH.

The ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. at PCH & Webb Way (Triangle Lot). Parking is available at 23835 Civic Center Way, just north of Webb Way.

For more details about the project, visit MalibuCity.org/780/PCH-Signal-Synchronization.
To review the fact sheet visit: https://malibucity.org/pchsignalsynchfactsheet.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, February 2, part of the Pacific Coast Highway was closed after a collision occurred in Malibu that involved a pedestrian and a vehicle. The collision was investigated by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station.

The collision occurred near Paradise Cove and Winding Way Road and deputies arrived on the scene around 7:30 p.m.

According to a post on the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department made on its X account as a result of this collision, the lanes on the Pacific Coast Highway were closed between East Winding Way and West Winding Way so the deputies could investigate.

Lanes were reopened on Tuesday morning. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role in causing the collision.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department did not release any information about the age or sex of the victim. The LA County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation and asks that anyone with information about the incident contact the Sheriff’s Station at (818) 878-1808 or LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—Over the last three months, the Santa Monica Police Department investigated an organized retail theft ring who was stealing from retailers in Southern California and reselling the items for profit at other locations.

The investigation led to the arrest of 5 people and the recovery of roughly $100,000 in stolen items.

Authorities found thousands of items in Fontana, estimated to be worth $65,000, and arrested three people. In Sylmar, the Santa Monica Police Department found over 120 stolen items, which are worth approximately $11,000.  The police department arrested one person for possessing stolen property with the intent to sell.

According to this same report, a person was arrested in Jurupa Valley after stolen and counterfeit items were recovered, and the total worth of these items is $24,000.

The efforts of the Santa Monica Police Department were done in conjunction with both the Organized Retail Crime Task Force of the California Highway Patrol Border Division and the Organized Retail Theft Task Force of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, February 2, three vehicles collided in West Hollywood at Santa Monica Boulevard and Larrabee Street.

According to WEHO Online, this traffic collision occurred early on Monday morning, where a witness indicated a black SUV collided with a black sedan near Revolver Video Bear, then hit a third vehicle in front of Fiesta Cantina.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station is asking any member of the public with information regarding this collision that occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard contact the station at (310) 855-8850.

By Daniel Diquinzo

TOPANGA CANYON—On Monday, February 2, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division are seeking the public’s help to identify additional victims following a sexual assault investigation.

On January 15, a 23-year-old female reported she had been sexually assaulted while receiving medical treatment in the San Fernando Valley. The suspect in the investigation was identified as Julius Czar Francisco, 33.

On January 16, around 5:50 p.m., officers with the Los Angeles Police Department Topanga Division located and arrested Francisco near the 12300 block of Osborne Street in Pacoima. He was booked for 261(a)(2), Rape by Force, under Booking Number 716374. He is currently out on bond.

Due to the nature of the assault, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division Sexual Assault Unit believe there are unreported victims of Francisco.

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Anyone who was a victim of Julius Czar Francisco, or who has information related to this investigation, is asked to contact LAPD Topanga Division Sexual Assault Detectives at (818) 756-3264. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).

Anyone wanting to remain anonymous may contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or visit. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the “P3 Tips” mobile application.

By Danny Jones

TOPANGA CANYON—On February 2, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that detectives from the Major Crimes Division (MCD) are announcing the arrest of a suspect involved in multiple vandalism hate crimes.

The LAPD reports that starting in August 2025, the LAPD Major Crimes Division began investigating a series of vandalism incidents targeting Jewish businesses along the Ventura Boulevard and Winnetka Avenue corridors. The vandalism involved the defacement of properties with swastikas and other hate-related graffiti.

The investigations led to the identification of Jose Antonio Montes Gutierrez. In total, MCD detectives secured a filing of five felony counts against Montes Gutierrez. These charges include Hate Crime and felony Vandalism.

On January 29, 2026, personnel from Major Crimes Division and Topanga Division served a search warrant at Montes Gutierrez’s residence in the San Fernando Valley. Gutierrez was taken into custody without any incident. Investigators searched Montes Gutierrez’s residence and recovered items of evidence related to the crime.

Gutierrez was booked at Van Nuys Jail for the five felony counts mentioned with a $250,000 bail. Booking Number 7171805.

Investigators will continue to review the case and the evidence collected and will work with the District Attorney’s office for further follow-up.

Anyone with details is asked to contact Major Crimes Division Detective Shannon Curtis at 213-486-7220. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on its website on February 2 that it is currently hiring for a Building Inspector to support community safety, development & fire rebuild. The salary is: $93,384–$121,844.

This recruitment will remain Open Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. This recruitment may close at any time, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.

As a Building Inspector, the candidate will conduct inspections of residential, commercial, and public buildings; ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations; and play a key role in Malibu’s ongoing fire rebuild and community development efforts.

Candidates should have a strong technical knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to public service. This is a chance to make a meaningful impact, protecting the environment and quality of life of the community, while working in one of California’s most scenic coastal cities.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in building inspection, construction management, engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in building inspection, construction management, or a related field.

For more details and to apply visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/malibucity?

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, February 2, the city of Santa Monica posted on its Facebook page that it is accepting applications for several positions, including a current opening for a Senior Legal Analyst in the Criminal Unit within the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office.

The position offers a competitive salary and benefits and provides analytical and legal support for the Criminal Unit. This is a full-time two-year limited term position to collaborate with the Criminal Prosecution unit on its newly established SaMo Bridge program, addressing recidivism among homeless adults with justice system involvement.

Candidate should be a highly motivated self-starter with strong project management skills and experience administering government grant programs. Working knowledge in the areas of homeless services, criminal justice, law enforcement, and related fields is desired. Experience overseeing all financial aspects of grant administration, including budget management, financial analysis, invoicing and reimbursement processes is desired.

Requirements: The ideal candidate should be familiar with all Microsoft software including Excel, Power Point, SharePoint, and One Drive. Candidate should establish and maintain working relationships with City personnel, other government agencies, police departments, and the public.

Graduation from an accredited university with a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent of three years’ experience in administrative services, legal services, law enforcement, homeless service, social work or public health; 3-5 years’ experience in these fields preferred. This position is part of the Public Attorney’s Legal Support Staff Union.

The hours of the position are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays. This is a 9/80 work schedule. Hybrid remote work schedule is currently available. Evening and weekend duties may be required to facilitate community meetings and events. A background check will be required prior to beginning employment.

Salary is dependent on grant funding and qualifications/experience. The annual salary is currently $107,616, step 1. The city also offers excellent benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer. See the CAO EEO Policy on the City Attorney’s Office website. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references.

These materials should be submitted in a single pdf document by email to: CAO.Opportunities@santamonica.gov with the subject line: “Application – Senior Legal Analyst Grant Position – Criminal Prosecution Unit”; closing date Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by 12 p.m. View the full job description and application details at www.santamonica.gov/CAO-Jobs.

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills will be celebrating Kindness Week starting February 8-14. The public can help by participating in the Donation Drive on Sunday, February 8 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market.

How Your Donations Help:
@westsidefoodbank – Canned goods for those facing food insecurity.
@themidnightmission – Gently used clothes, blankets, towels, toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene items).
@familiesunitingfamilies – Backpacks and all-ages toiletries (body wash, shampoo).

Every item, big or small, brings hope to someone who needs it. Let’s spread kindness, compassion, and positivity all week long.

Week of Activities:

Sunday, February 8
Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market Donation Drive 9300 Civic Center Drive | 8:00am – 12:30pm

Monday, February 9

Beverly Hills Active Adult Club Valentine’s Dance for Seniors
Roxbury Park Community Center | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Please register by calling (310) 285-6840.

Tuesday, February 10

Kindness Pledge – Beverly Vista Middle School
Beverly Vista Middle School Students: Come speak on kindness during lunch and take the Kindness Pledge with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (For students only)

Wednesday, February 11

Banner of Gratitude: Honoring Our First Responders
El Rodeo & Horace Mann Elementary Schools will contribute words of gratitude. (For students only)

Thursday, February 12

Kindness Pledge – Beverly Hills High School
Beverly Hills High School Students: Come speak on kindness during lunch and take the Kindness Pledge with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (For students only)

Friday, February 13

Social Media Challenge Day
Share love. Share kindness. Share with the community, someone who has shown you unconditional love or strong friendship. Share things about yourself and how people can show YOU kindness. The public is encouraged to tag five friends and tag @CityofBevHills, too! #FriendshipFriday #BHKindness #KindnessCures

Saturday, February 14

Demonstrate Kindness
Thank you for spreading kindness and leading by example.

For more details visit: www.beverlyhills.org/KindnessWeek.

By Danny Jones