Tag: Los Angeles County

MALIBU—On Friday, May 22, the city of Malibu announced that it has entered into a tolling agreement with the County of Los Angeles, pausing litigation over claims against the County brought in the City’s February lawsuit arising from the Palisades Fire. Malibu has taken the step in light of recent action by the County and cooperative efforts between the City and County, while fully preserving Malibu’s legal rights.

A tolling agreement is a legal mechanism that pauses the statute of limitations on a claim. With entering this agreement, Malibu is not abandoning its case or its pursuit of answers, but selecting a path that prioritizes immediate, tangible outcomes for Malibu residents over the constraints of active litigation.

The City’s decision to agree to this arrangement reflects its recognition that Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and the County have advanced a serious commitment to infrastructure investment and resiliency. The County’s five-year, nearly $250 million capital plan, spanning 20 projects to improve water capacity, fire flow, and system resilience across Waterworks District 29, represents the kind of investment Malibu has long sought.

“The City Council authorized the filing of the lawsuit to pursue accountability and compensation from multiple parties whose conduct appears to have caused or materially contributed to the destructive spread of the Palisades Fire,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. The Mayor added: “We are grateful for County Supervisor Horvath’s partnership and her commitment to the nearly $250 million capital plan that includes significant improvements to Waterworks District 29 required to improve resiliency moving forward. The Tolling Agreement provides space for the City and County to continue working collaboratively on the recovery effort, while the City continues to pursue its legal claims against other parties. Although the City Council is hopeful that litigation with the County will be obviated altogether, the Tolling Agreement preserves the City’s rights to pursue claims involving the County at a future date if the City Council should determine it is necessary or appropriate to do so.”

“This agreement reflects our commitment to getting results for Malibu residents who lost so much in the Palisades Fire,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “We filed this lawsuit because our community deserved answers and accountability. This tolling agreement gives us the space to continue working constructively with the County toward the rebuilt, resilient Waterworks District 29 that Malibu needs. We are grateful for Supervisor Horvath’s partnership and her commitment to the nearly $250 million capital plan. Our residents and our rebuilding community cannot afford delays, and we will keep pushing until the job is done.”

In April, Supervisor Horvath and Malibu leaders’ broke ground on a critical water main project along Carbon Canyon, a $14 million investment representing a significant first step in the capital plan. The project is supported with a $2.5 million grant included in the 2026 California state budget. The County secured $2.2 million in Proposition 4 funding for brush clearance and fire safety efforts in the Santa Monica Mountains, and has requested $800 million in federal recovery assistance, including Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants.

Malibu residents, businesses, and workers have benefited from the County’s $50 million in direct fire relief funds, along with support from the Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund, funded by the Office of Supervisor Horvath.

The tolling agreement does not close the door on accountability, the city of Malibu notes, as it opens a window for progress. The city will monitor the implementation of the capital plan, hold partners to their commitments, and take whatever steps are necessary to protect Malibu’s residents, infrastructure, and future.

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD/BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, May 20, seven people were charged with felonies the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced in connection with a of organized residential burglaries that has affected the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities over the past several months.

Christopher Sanchez, 26, Owen Rivera-Chacon, 24, and Edisson Fabian Boyacá, 27 are each charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary. Rivera-Chacon also faces allegations of a prior strike conviction for a serious or violent felony: a first-degree residential burglary.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and their preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 2 in Department G of the San Fernando Courthouse.

Rivera-Chacon’s bail was set at $125,000 and Boyaca’s bail was set at $50,000. Sanchez was released on his own recognizance subject to electronic monitoring over the prosecution’s objection. If convicted as charged, Sanchez and Boyaca each face 6 years in state prison, while Rivera-Chacon faces 17 years in state prison.

On May 1, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office tracked the suspected burglary crew into Santa Clarita, where a joint surveillance operation with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department led to the defendants’ arrests in connection with a residential burglary.

Deputies followed the suspects’ vehicle, conducted a traffic stop on the freeway and arrested Sanchez, the driver. Rivera-Chacon allegedly fled on foot and was stopped in a nearby dry streambed. Boyaca was stopped and arrested driving a different car approximately one mile away.

The defendants may be connected to additional burglaries in Los Angeles and Ventura counties where they allegedly stole jewelry, cash and a high-end handbag.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Blanca Martinez of the San Fernando Branch Office and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

“These arrests are the result of strong collaboration with our neighboring law enforcement partners and our shared commitment to protecting the communities we serve,” said Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.

Byron Gonzálo Sáez Sotomayor, also known as Kevin Diaz, 27, is charged with 15 counts of first-degree residential burglary, three counts of attempted first-degree residential burglary and one count of grand theft of a firearm. It is further alleged that on four occasions at least one resident was present during the commission of the burglary or attempted burglary.

Sotomayor pleaded not guilty to all charges. His preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 10 in Department H of the San Fernando Courthouse. He is being held on $1.4 million bail. If convicted as charged, he faces 26 years in state prison.

Between January 2025 and May 2026, Sáez Sotomayor allegedly burglarized or attempted to burglarize 18 single-family residences in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles, targeting multiple homes in a single night. Five occurred in Reseda, two in Van Nuys, two in Encino, one in Granada Hills and one in Sun Valley.

The remaining seven incidents transpired in Beverlywood, Westwood and other locations in Los Angeles County. He is suspected of additional burglaries in the San Fernando Valley. He allegedly stole jewelry, handbags, money and a firearm.

The defendant was arrested while allegedly fleeing from a burglary in the Beverlywood area on May 4.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth French of the Organized Crime Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Wilmar Santiago Castelblanco-Robles, 20, Alan Rolando Rodriguez-Pulido, 34, and Cristian Rios-Cuadros, 24, are each charged with one felony count of first-degree residential burglary.

Castelblanco-Robles and Rios-Cuadros pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 18 in Department J of the Pasadena Courthouse. Pulido’s next court date is a mental competency hearing on June 16.

Both Castelblanco-Robles and Rios-Cuadros were released on their own recognizance subject to electronic monitoring over the prosecution’s objection. Rodriguez Pulido is being held on $75,000 bail. Rios-Cuadros is being held on $170,000 bail on other matters.

If convicted as charged, each defendant faces six years in state prison.

On April 26, at approximately 7 p.m., neighbors allegedly witnessed Rios-Cuadros and Castelblanco-Robles breaking into a Burbank home and called police. The pair are accused of fleeing on foot when police arrived. With the help of a heat-detection device aboard a police helicopter, they were located hiding nearby and taken into custody.

Rodriguez-Pulido was apprehended by police while driving the suspected getaway vehicle. Inside the vehicle, police recovered wallets, high-end handbags, watches and jewelry believed to be stolen from other victims.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Head Deputy District Attorney Martin Bean of the Pasadena Branch Office and remains under investigation by the Burbank Police Department.

By Danny Jones

WOODLAND HILLS—According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), over two dozen restaurants in the greater Los Angeles County area have been closed, as of February 10. Approximately 15 of those closures were due to live vermin on the premises, which could be rats or cockroaches. Other businesses had sewage drainage, and another was closed due to lack of cleanliness, or a way to clean the area. That may be lacking a sink or running water. According to the LACDPH inspection reports, the following restaurants have been closed for the month of February. The complete list may be found on the LACDPH website. It includes the month of January’s restaurant closures. Baja Fish-5780 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills No Method to Clean and Sanitize Available California Health and Safety Code Section 114095 India’s Tandoori, 5468 Wilshire Blvd, 90036 – No reason Listed for Closure India Sweet and Treats, 22009 SHERMAN WAY, 91303 Vermin Infestation Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, 13701 Foothill Boulevard, 91342 Vermin Infestation Hong Kong VIP Kitchen, 140 W. Valley Boulevard #107, 91776 Vermin Infestation 3rd Base Sports Bar, 1562 N CAHUENGA BLVD, 90028 Vermin Infestation Hashim’s Grill, 5575 W. Manchester Avenue, 90045 Vermin Infestation New East Town Hot Pot Inc., 18268 Gale Avenue, 91748 Sewage Discharge – California Health and Safety Code Section 114190 FU YI RETAIL STORE, 127 S. Garfield Avenue (Monterey Park) 91754 Vermin Infestation TRAXX, 800 n alameda Street, #122, 90012 Vermin Infestation Jin China Bistro, 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St Suite #202, 90012 Vermin Infestation KOREAN BBQ HOUSE, 123 S ONIZUKA ST # 302, 90012-No Reason Listed for closure PERU CHICHA PERUVIAN RESTAURANT, 14800 S WESTERN AVE 103, Gardena, 90249 Vermin Infestation Cole’s Restaurant 118 E 6TH ST, 90014 Vermin Infestation Denny’s 530 Ramirez St., 90012 Vermin Infestation The Blessing Market, 2520 S COMPTON AVE, 90011 Vermin Infestation Fairfax Grocery (Sami’s) 511 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036-No Closure Reason Provided Pizza Supreme LLC, 19070 W. La Puente Road, West Covina, 91792 Vermin Infestation LIU ROAST FISH, 227 W. Valley Boulevard 128C, San Gabriel 91776 Vermin Infestation Potato Powder Love Noodle, 227 W VALLEY BLVD 118A, San Gabriel, 91776 Vermin Infestation Rancho Mart, 5559 Atlantic Boulevard, Maywood, 90270 No Method to Clean and Sanitize Available California Health and Safety Code Section 114095   By Sharon

MALIBU—On Tuesday, June 24, the city of Malibu announced that they joined a new regional partnership with state and other organizations — including LA Rises, Steadfast LA, and Southern California Grantmakers — to roll out a new digital platform designed to support communities in the rebuilding process after the wildfires of January 2025.

As part of this collaborative effort, Malibu will work closely with Los Angeles County, the city of Los Angeles, and technology partner Archistar.

Archistar partnered to revolutionize the permitting process and accelerate rebuilding efforts in the wake of the destructive Los Angeles wildfires.

Unveiled by Governor Gavin Newsom and reported on by the Los Angeles Times, this initiative brings world-first digital permitting technology to one of the country’s largest and most complex jurisdictions, cutting through backlogs by:

-Automatically checking building designs for code compliance before submission
-Helping property owners pre-validate plans, avoiding frustrating delays
-Dramatically reducing permit review timelines for government agencies
-Delivering faster, smarter, and fairer approvals for residents and businesses

Once completed, the platform will allow residents and applicants to check whether their proposals comply with local zoning laws, helping them avoid costly delays and re-submittals.

City staff are currently partnering with Archistar to conduct extensive programming and testing to ensure the tool is accurate, user-friendly, and ready for public use. The project is currently in week five which is the Refinement & Training phase. Week six is when Archistar AI is expected to have a Soft Launch.

The initiative reflects Malibu’s ongoing commitment to streamlining recovery efforts and improving service delivery for residents navigating the rebuilding process. To learn more visit: https://www.archistar.ai/en-us/.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On December 26, the Los Angeles Public Works, and the City of Beverly Hills posted reminders on their websites on how and when to safely recycle Christmas trees.

The City of Beverly Hills posted the following information on their X social media page:

“After celebrating the holidays, the City of Beverly Hills wants to remind all residents about proper tree recycling during this time of year.”

The City of LA posted the following message on their X social media site:

“You may not want to hear it, but your natural Christmas tree is dry and needs to go! LA City Sanitation makes it easy to remove that fire hazard from your home whether you have green bin collection or not. It is an easy process.” Contact the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for more information.

The majority of the cities in Los Angeles County require residents to remove all decorations, plastic, tinsel, tree stands, zip ties, lights…before recycling. On the City of Los Angeles Clean LA webpage residents to call their city offices for more recycling information.

Beverly Hills residents are asked to make sure the trees have had all of the holiday decor removed from them before placing them in the alley on the usual trash collection day. This service will be provided through the end of January.

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On February 17, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced the results of their study from January 22 through January 31 on at-risk youth and elderly homelessness. The new Pathway Home Initiative will relocate 25 of the 25,000 people experiencing homelessness into interim housing to begin the process of transitioning them into permanent housing.

Carter Hewgley, the Senior Manager for the Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative made the following statement first reported by the Daily Press:

“The scale of the crisis is much larger than the scale of our resources, but the good thing about the pathway home program is that the county has secured a motel-based interim housing site for two years.

“These 25 people are not just being offered an interim housing stay, they’re also being given a pathway home, which means we’re funding housing, navigation and housing subsidies for them. So, we already have an exit pathway to permanent housing for all of them, which means we’ll be able to reuse the rooms at the hotel to run future operations in Santa Monica, for people experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica.”

In a May 16, 2023, press release by California Governor Gavin Newsom, he announced $1 billion in homeless funding for tiny houses.

The following came from Governor Newsom’s press release that may be found on his webpage:

“After meeting with the Governor late last year, local jurisdictions have set new, more ambitious homelessness reduction goals and may now access $1 billion through round four of the state grant program.

State is delivering 1,200 small homes to Los Angeles, San Diego County, San Jose and Sacramento to provide safe, interim housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Those living in encampments will be prioritized for these new units by the local governments operating the homes and providing services.”

The $1 billion housing grant was to provide homes in the following counties.

500 units in Los Angeles, 350 Units in Sacramento, 200 units in San Jose, and 150 units in San Diego Counties.

For 2024, Governor Newsom has reportedly been on the campaign trail for President Biden while the municipalities in his home state attempt to navigate its ongoing homeless crisis.

Recent reports indicate that moratoriums are being placed on cities who have not adequately provided housing alternatives for their homeless population. Judges such as Judge Kim in Beverly Hills will not allow building permits to be processed until the city provides an adequate housing plan for its unhoused residents.


By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—The City of Santa Monica is seeking volunteers for the 2024 homeless count to be held on January 24, from 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The effort will be overseen by the Los Angeles Homeless Authority (LAHSA) in an effort to address and strengthen the lives of those living in homelessness.

According to the City of Santa Monica’s webpage, volunteers may register to help with the homeless count at TheyWillCountYou.org. For more information, please contact LAHSA at homelesscount@lahsa.org or call (213)683-3333.

Reports indicate that the homeless count rose by nine percent between 2022 and 2023 in Los Angeles and by 45 percent in Santa Monica. This is an increase from 4,604 in 2022 up to 6,669 people living in homelessness in Santa Monica in 2023.

Los Angeles County is divided into eight service planning areas. Santa Monica is included in SPA 5 along with many of the other cities in our coverage area including, Bel Air, Beverly Hills Brentwood, Laurel Canyon, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Westwood.

The cities in SPA 5 outside or on the outskirts of the Canyon News coverage area are Beverly Crest, Century City, Culver City, Holmby Hills, Mar Vista Marina Del Rey, Manchester, Palms, Rancho Park, South Robertson, Venice, and Westchester.

By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 2, city officials in southern California reminded residents how to recycle their Christmas Trees. 

The Los Angeles County Public Works published the following information about the proper disposal of Christmas Trees on their website:

“Most of the Cities in Los Angeles County have requested residents to remove ornaments/decorations, tinsel, plastic containers, metal/plastic/wood stands, nails, and lights. If none shown, please contact your city for options. See below for special instructions. Unless otherwise noted. The Christmas trees can then be placed at curbside next to the recycling and waste containers on scheduled trash collection day(s) during the time-period noted. Please see special instructions for further details and possible exceptions to these rules in your city.”

The city of Bevely Hills collection dates are from December 26, 2023, through January 11, 2024.

The city of Santa Monica indicated on their website they are collecting trees from December 26, 2023, through January 31, 2024. The Resource Recovery and Recycling Administrator, Yvonne Yeung, who authored the post regarding the recycling of the trees advises that there is no need to call 311 for pick-up, and requests patience from the public as they are working diligently in getting the trees off the curbs in a timely manner.

“Place trees by the curb by 6 a.m. on service day. Trees over 6ft must be cut in half. No stands, ornaments or flocked trees accepted,” the city of Santa Monica stated. Residents may call 310-458-2223 or email recycling@santamonica.gov to schedule pick-ups through the end of January.

The city of West Hollywood has pick-up dates from December 26, 2023, through January 6, 2024.

The city of Malibu is allowing Christmas Tree pick-ups from December 26, 2023 – January 16, 2024. and stated:

“Place the tree by the curb by 6 a.m. on service day. Trees over 6ft must be cut in half. Plastic trees/foliage will not be accepted, call to schedule a bulky item pick-up.”

Residents from some parts of the coverage area can take their Christmas trees to the local fire station for recycling.

In Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles Fire Department, Fire Station #88 is currently taking trees at 5101 N. Sepulveda Boulevard.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On December 30, the Ventura County Emergency (VC Emergency) information source announced a flood advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) that was in effect until December 30, at 11:00 a.m. PST for southwest California, including portions of southern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County.

In addition, VC Emergency announced evacuations for residents bordering the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Seacliff Avenue South to Emma Wood Group Camp. As of December 30, at 2:50 p.m., these evacuations were lifted.

Flood warnings remain for the PCH, into the area of the Santa Monica Mountains and North of Malibu in the Canyon News coverage area along with the aforementioned areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. 

High Surf Warnings are still in effect. VC advises residents, and those traveling in these areas, and North of Malibu to avoid all coastal jetties and piers. Due to high waves that could wash people off the jetties and rocks without warning, and rip currents that increase the risk of drowning.

The following beaches and piers are closed through December 31, 2023, due to flooding and possible beach erosion, especially during high tide each morning.

All California State Parks, Ventura State Beach, All City of Ventura public beaches, Ventura Pier, All City of Oxnard public beaches, Port Hueneme Pier, Faria Beach, the Rincon Parkway RV area, Kiddy Beach, Silverstrand Beach, Hollywood by the Sea, McGrath State Beach, Mandalay State Beach, San Buenaventura State Beach, and Emma Wood Campground are all closed.

Channel Islands Harbor Entry and Ventura Harbor Entry are closed.

The following information came directly from the VC website. Those with questions regarding the presence of sandbags are encouraged to contact the City Corporate Yard at 1060 Pacific Avenue in Oxnard, or call (805)385-7950.

Sandbags can be expected from Ventura-Marina Park at 2950 Pierpont Boulevard in Ventura through to the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, and to Fire Station 25 located at 5674 Pacific Coast Highway.

By Sharon