Tag: Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, April 8, Jasveen Sangha, 42, who is known as the Ketamine Queen who sold the ketamine that led to an overdose by the late actor Matthew Perry was sentenced by United States District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. Sangha lives in North Hollywood and holds dual citizenship in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Per the press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Sangha was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison.  She pleaded guilty in September 2025.  She pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of ketamine.  She also pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. She also pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.

Jasveen Sangha, along with Erik Fleming sold ketamine to Kenneth Iwamasa, who was the personal assistant of the late actor Matthew Perry, who starred in the sitcom “Friends,” the remake of “The Odd Couple” and films like,  “The Ron Clark Story,” and “The Whole Nine Yards” and its sequel, and who was injected 51 times with ketamine.

Sangha was sentenced not just for supplying the ketamine that caused Perry to overdose but for her long-term drug dealing.   This included selling four vials of ketamine to Cody McLaury in 2019.  McLaury died later that day as a result of a drug overdose.  According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Sagnha also used her home in North Hollywood as a place from which she not only sold drugs such as methamphetamine and ketamine, but she also used her home as the place from which the drugs were packaged and shipped, which she started years ago.

Jasveen Sangha was not the only person to be sentenced for the death of Matthew Perry.  Two other defendants were also sentenced which included Salvador Plasencia, who lives in Santa Monica and who also supplied drugs to Matthew Perry, and Mark Chavez, who lives in San Diego, and who operated the drug clinic that Plasencia brought drugs to give to Perry.

Plasencia pleaded guilty in July 2025 to four counts of distributing ketamine and is currently serving 30 months in prison.  He also lost his license to practice medicine in California back in September of 2025.

Chavez pleaded guilty in October 2024.  According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.  His sentence includes serving three years of probation.  It also includes performing 300 hours of community service and doing 8 months of home detention.

In August 2024, both Erik Fleming and Kenneth Iwamasa pleaded guilty to federal narcotics charges. They will be sentenced for their role in the death of Matthew Perry.

The case is being prosecuted by two different prosecutors which includes Assistant U.S. Attorney Haoxiaohan H. Cai, who works in the Major Frauds Section, and Ian V. Yanniello of the National Security Division.

Canyon News reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for comment on the sentencing of Jasveen Sangha and the sentencing of Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez but did not receive any comment on the case.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, April 8, the Los Angeles Fire Department rescued hikers in Pacific Palisades. The incident as reported at 8:23 p.m. on 20825 Entrada Rd.

LAFD firefighters made contact with three hikers after air and ground resources searched for approximately 1 hour for the group. They reported that two more hikers, originally with their party, were trapped on a ridge approximately 200 feet up from trail level.

Though fog initially restricted air resource capability, a change in conditions enabled LAFD Air Ops to perform a hoist rescue — all five individuals have been reunited in a safe area. There were no reports of any injuries.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, March 30, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page updates regarding lane closures expected for the week for Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

From Monday, March 30 thru Saturday, April 4, drivers should expect delays on Pacific Coast Highway between Pacific Palisades and Malibu due to ongoing Palisades Fire recovery and emergency repair work.

Current speed limits
• Temescal Canyon Rd. → Sunset Blvd: 35 mph
• Sunset Blvd. → Carbon Beach Terrace: Active work zone, 25 mph + possible single-lane closures

Weekday lane closures on PCH
• Possible 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. lane closures in work zones
• Roadway, drainage, electrical and slope repairs underway

Potential closure areas
• Ventura County Line → Carbon Beach Terrace: Work zones and possible nighttime closures (Corral Canyon Bridge repairs)
• Las Flores Canyon Rd. → Sunset Blvd: Fire-damaged roadway, drainage, electrical and slope repairs (closures as needed, weekdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Carbon Canyon Rd → Las Flores Canyon Rd: SCE trenching operations
NB: 4 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays / 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekends / 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily
SB: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays / 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekends / 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily
• South of Big Rock Dr: Catchment wall construction (NB lane closure, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily)
• South of Topanga Canyon Blvd. → Sunset Blvd: Slope repair and culvert cleanup (NB reduced to one lane as needed)
• Coastline Dr → Porto Marina Way: Retaining wall work near Getty Villa (NB lane closure, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily)

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27)
• Open 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
• Closed midnight – 5 a.m.
• One-lane traffic control with pilot car (postmiles 2.5–2. 8 p.m. – midnight when crews are working
• Additional nighttime one-lane control (PCH → p.m. 1. for Verizon work, weekdays 8 p.m. – midnight

Additional SR-27 work
• Old Topanga Canyon Rd. → south of Happy Trail: SCE trenching, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays
• Highvale Trail → Happy Trail: Overnight electrical work, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Sun–Thurs

Closures are weather-permitting and subject to change. Expect delays and consider alternate routes. Fines may be doubled in construction zones.

Check traffic conditions: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On March 15, the city of Malibu Office of Public Safety announced that during the week of March 16 to March 23, there will be closures on parts of both Topanga Canyon Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway. The repair work will affect both Malibu and Pacific Palisades.

According to a statement posted on the city of Malibu’s Facebook page, these closures are due to emergency road repairs and ongoing efforts to repair damage from the Pacific Palisades Fire.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed between midnight and 5 a.m.  One of the lanes will be closed starting around 8 p.m.  Workers will be digging trenches between Old Topanga Canyon Road and Happy Trail during the week, starting between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Between Sunday and Thursday night, the workers will be performing electrical repairs between Happy Trail and Highvale Trail.

On Pacific Coast Highway due to roadwork as well as repairs to the slope, the electrical wiring and the drains one of the lanes will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

There are chances that there will be road closures between Carbon Beach Terrace and Ventura County Line for repairs to the bridges.  There will also be closures during the day. These will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunset Boulevard and Las Flores Canyon Road, workers will be performing repair work.  Also, between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Carbon Canyon Road, there will be a lane closure while workers dig a trench.

To the South of Big Rock Drive, work will be done on the wall.  Cleanup and repairs will be conducted between Sunset Boulevard and the South Side of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.  In addition, near the Getty Villa, repairs will be conducted on the wall, which will mean closing a lane between Porto Marina Way and Coastline Drive. The repair work will also force traffic speeds to be limited.

For more details visit the California Department of Transportation Quick Map website.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—The California Transportation Department announced that from March 2 to March 8, there will be road closures on the Topanga Canyon Boulevard as repairs continue to fix the damage done by the Pacific Palisades Fire. During this period, there will also be closures on the Pacific Coast Highway.

According to the post on the city of Malibu Facebook page, the road closures will stretch from Grand View Drive to the Pacific Coast Highway on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.  In addition, on PCH, there will be closures stretching from Carbon Beach Terrace to Temescal Canyon Road.

There will be limits on the speed of traveling vehicles. The limit will be 35 miles per hour when traveling from Sunset Boulevard to Temescal Canyon Road, and vehicles will be restricted to 25 miles for those who need to commute between Carbon Beach Terrace and Sunset Boulevard.  There will be additional work being done in Malibu between Guernsey Ave and Trancas Canyon Road as well as between Big Rock Drive and Corral Canyon Bridge and Las Flores Canyon Road and from Sunset Boulevard and Las Flores Canyon Road.

One lane will be closed on the Pacific Coast Highway between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Workers will be doing trenching work close to Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga Canyon Boulevard will not be open between midnight and 5 a.m.

The status of the road closures can be monitored on the California Department of Transportation’s quick map website, which can be found at the following website https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—Caltrans announced on Tuesday, February 24 that northbound State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is reduced to one lane for about a quarter mile just north of Porto Marina Way, in the Palisades Fire Recovery Work Zone, while crews repair a wall that was damaged in the mid-February rainstorms. The lane is estimated to reopen later in the week.

Crews on February 16 closed the lane after discovering panels from a retaining wall had dislodged from the wall and fallen onto the right lane of northbound PCH during the rainstorms. The retaining wall was impacted by the 2025 Palisades Fire. It is believed that water during the storm seeped through the cracks, loosened the soil and then built-up pressure, which pushed the pieces into the roadway.

Engineers are assessing the wall and determining a solution to prevent future damage. Crews in the meantime will replace any missing panels and shotcrete the wall, which is a way of applying concrete through a hose at high pressure onto the wall.

Caltrans reminds motorists that PCH between Sunset Boulevard in the Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu remains an active work zone for recovery efforts from the 2025 Palisades Fire. The speed limit is 25 mph.

Motorists should slow down in the work zone, drive with caution and be alert for lane closures and construction workers and vehicles. Workers can generally close one lane in either direction between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. Planned closures are listed weekly on the Palisades Fire Emergency Repairs website, but there may be others.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The After Action Review of the city of Malibu’s response to both the Palisades Fire and the Franklin Fire has been completed and is available for the public to view.

According to the city of Malibu website, this is an independent report that was authored by the company’s emergency management and response company, Witt O’Brien’s. Recommendations on how the city can improve its emergency management system in the future.

The After Action Review is available to be viewed on the city’s website and can be found at: https://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/37295/FINAL_-PUBLIC_Malibu-AAR_-2526.

In addition, according to the city of Malibu, the report will be presented to the Malibu City Council on March 1, the date of the next council meeting, and on April 1, the date of the next Public Safety Commission Meeting.

The report will be presented to the March 9 Public Safety Commission Meeting and the Public Safety Commission Meeting on April 1.

 

By Daniel Diqiunzio

PACIFIC PALISADES—A woman living in Pacific Palisades who survived the January 2025 Palisades Fire that destroyed homes and businesses in the region recently had her money stolen by hackers.

The hackers stole $28,000 from Ellen Rudolph’s savings account, which was intended to rebuild her home on Jacon Way which was damaged during the wildfire.

As Ellen grieved and began the long work of rebuilding, another blow came when hackers stole $28,000 she had saved to repair her home and start again.

Ellen and her husband, Steve Lewis, were forced to move out of their house after it was damaged in the wildfires. Steve died on October 6, 2025, from lung cancer, and it was after his death that Ellen’s money was stolen.

Ellen Rudolph’s friends have created a GoFundMe campaign called “Rebuilding Ellen’s Life After Tragedy” to help her rebuild her finances and her home.

The GoFundMe states:

“Ellen Rudolph and her husband, Steve Lewis, built a quiet, happy life in Pacific Palisades. That life changed overnight when a wildfire tore through their community and left their home badly damaged. What they loved most wasn’t the house—it was the place they called home…Ellen has lost so much, yet she’s still standing. Any help makes a difference. If you’re not able to donate, please consider sharing her story.”

Written By Daniel Diquinzio and Donald Roberts

SANTA MONICA—Last week, it was announced by the National Park Service that parts of the Los Angeles County coastline are being considered as a possible national park. The NPS launched the Los Angeles Coastal Area Special Resource Study, which will conduct research about proposed sites and then brief the United States Congress on its findings.

The area currently being studied for inclusion in the national park system spans from Will Rogers State Beach, near Pacific Palisades, to Torrance Beach, as well as parts of the San Pedro coastline.  In addition, per the same report on Friday, February 13, beaches in Venice and Santa Monica were being evaluated for possible inclusion in the national park.

The National Park Service is holding a virtual meeting on March 11 at 6 p.m. Public comments can be submitted online until April 6.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

PACIFIC PALISADES/MALIBU—On Tuesday, January 27th, the Small Business Administration opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Pacific Palisades.

The purpose of this center is to provide in-person support for those who applied for disaster assistance after the straight-line wind fires and the wildfires. Eligible recipients include nonprofit organizations, renters, homeowners, and small businesses.

The center is located at the Ronald Reagan Palisades American Legion Post 283, 15247 La Cruz Drive, and is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling (800) 659-2955 or by visiting the following website. https://appointment.sba.gov

Those who are deaf or have difficulty hearing can access telecommunications relay services by dialing 7-1-1.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that they will be participating with the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation & the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce for an upcoming workshop, “Unlock Your Business’s Digital Potential.”

During the free workshop, individuals will learn how to:
• Get your business found locally with Google Business Profile
• Promote your in-store inventory online with Pointy
• Create free product listings across Google with Merchant Center
• Access expert support for financing, marketing, and disaster planning

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Palisades located at 15247 La Cruz Drive in Pacific Palisades. The event is free to attend, but RSVP is required. Visit: https://laedc.org/small-business-recovery-center-event/.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—Bank of America announced that it has given a $1 million grant to the Lowe Family YMCA, which serves Malibu and Pacific Palisades, which was destroyed last year during the wildfires, and this grant will be used to fund reconstruction.

According to Raul Anaya,  head of the Greater Los Angeles branch of Bank of America, the grant will be used to fund the rebuilding of the destroyed Via de la Paz site and the neighboring Simon Meadow site.

These two sites will allow the Lowe Family YMCA to explain its programming to families and children including mental health services, emergency preparedness, and multigenerational engagement.

In addition, the Lowe Family YMCA will show its gratitude to Bank of America by naming the new Community Room at the Via De La Paz site after the bank.

For 60 years, the Lowe Family YMCA has served both Malibu and the Pacific Palisades. with the grant, the Bank of America’s total philanthropic effort to fund recovery efforts from the wild fires totals $4.5 million.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On January 2, 2026, the University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health released the results of a study that found a year after the California wildfires, smoke damage lingered indoors.

Some of the people who conducted the study were Dr. Yifang Zhu, Dr. Yuan Yao, Dr. Michael Jerret, and Dr. Haoxuan Chen.  It is titled “Indoor and Outdoor Volatile Organic Compound Levels during and after the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires” and was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Scholars began collecting air samples on January 8, 2025, and continued until February 18, 2025. While doing so, they tracked the movement of volatile organic compounds, including toluene, n-hexane, and benzene, and they found that the amount of benzene in the air was greater weeks after the fire started and that the amount of some of the compounds they were tracking some including toluene and n-hexane, peaked either during the later stages of the fire burned or after the fire stopped burning.  In addition, they found that levels present indoors and outdoors exceeded those recorded at the start of the wildfires.

The chemicals pose health risks and cause cancer and can also negatively affect the nervous system and the eyes and the liver. At risk are children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Scholars who conducted this study recommend that those returning to their homes in affected areas should undertake efforts to improve the ventilation in their homes by opening windows. When possible, make use of ventilation systems, that include either MERV-13 or higher-rated filters.  In addition, they also recommend that residents run portable HEPA air cleaners that included activated carbon filters.  Scholars suggest that dust and ash should be removed by using wet methods or HEPA-filtered vacuums.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Tuesday, December 30, the Los Angeles Fire Department had to rescue a hiker. The incident was reported at 6:12 p.m. at 2000 N Palisades Ct. LAFD air crews conducted an extensive search to locate a lost hiker (71F) on a remote trail.

A paramedic rescuer was lowered and ensured she was not in need of medical attention, then rescuer and hiker were both hoisted to the helicopter. The hiker was flown to a nearby helispot and was driven to her vehicle by a LAFD ambulance.

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Thursday, December 25, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a garage fire in Pacific Palisades. The fire was reported at 10:45 p.m. at 17287 W Avenida De La Herradura.

The garage fire extended into a two-story, single family dwelling home.

By 11:22 p.m. at total of 35 firefighters extinguished the fire in 37 minutes with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed to the public. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On December 25, the National Weather Service issued its highest level of alert for the storms impacting Los Angeles. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to be in effect for Los Angeles and five other counties in California.

The five other counties are Orange County, San Diego County, Riverside County, Shasta County, and San Bernardino County.

Due to the weather, hundreds of families have left their homes, and the storms have resulted in widespread mudslides, flash flooding, and rockslides.  Thousands of people are without power due to 50-mph winds that have knocked down power lines.  In addition, immediate evacuation orders were issued for 380 homes in high-risk burn areas, including those impacted by the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Forest Fire. Santa Monica, as well as the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, remain under a state of high alert.

Governor Newsom’s emergency declaration allows the California state government to rapidly deploy state resources to the local governments in accordance with the California Disaster Assistance Act.  It also allows for the deployment of the California National Guard. It authorizes the California Department of Transportation to request assistance from the federal government to repair damaged roads and highways.

On Wednesday, December 24, Hilda Solis, the Board Chair of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, issued an emergency proclamation to protect residents of Los Angeles, speed recovery efforts, and coordinate resources.

Citizens of California are advised to stay informed about weather conditions.  They are also advised to listen to emergency officials and avoid any flooded roadways.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, December 24, the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles and Oxnard, CA issued a weather alert at 9:04 a.m. about thunderstorms expected to strike the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area and the Western San Fernando Valley.

The storm will include torrential rain pours. It will be accompanied by hail of about one quarter of an inch and strong winds of up to 55 miles an hour.

Areas affected by this alert include Pacific Palisades, Woodland Hills, Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains, Mandeville Canyon, Reseda, Tarzana, Encino, Canoga Park, Calabasas, Topanga, and Winnetka.

The NWS advises anyone who is outside to seek shelter. This is not just because of the strong winds but because the torrential rain might cause flooding. In addition, it recommends that anyone who is traveling avoid using flooded roads.

As the storm might intensify, the National Weather Service suggests that people monitor television stations and local radio stations for further information about the storm as well as possible warnings.

By Daniel Diquinzio

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Friday, November 28, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a two-story fire. The fire was reported at 12:40 p.m. at 1459 Chastain Parkway West. The fire was at a single-family dwelling on the 2nd floor.

By 1:37 p.m. the fire was put out by 33 firefighters in just under one hour with no injuries reported. The fire was primarily contained to one room on the 2nd floor. No further details about the blaze have been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Tuesday, November 4, the Los Angeles Fire Department received a federal grand jury subpoena issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California regarding internal communications about the department’s response to both the Lachman Fire and the Pacific Palisades Fire. This subpoena is part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigation into the forest fires. It also legally requires the Los Angeles Fire Department to turn over documents and internal data. In addition, the fire department needs to turn over communications sent and received between 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 10 a.m. on January 7 regarding reports of hotspots, smoke, and fire that occurred between the Temescal Ridge Trail and the Leacock Trailhead. The subpoena requires all officers of the Los Angeles Fire Department to turn over to the federal investigators screenshots of the text messages they received on their devices issued to them by the department about any calls, dispatches, or communications about the Lachman Fire and the Pacific Palisades Fire. It is the same with text messages and calls that the officers received on their personal devices.   By Daniel Diquinzio

PACIFIC PALISADES—Firefighters who were attempting to put out the underground Lachman Fire, which started burning on New Year’s Day and later became the Pacific Palisades Forest Fire, were ordered to abandon their efforts. According to the text messages exchanged between firefighters, their Battalion Head ordered them to end their operations and leave the scene on January 2, 2025, as it was announced that the fire was contained. Firefighters wanted to stay and check for any hidden embers that could spark another fire.  They reported to their Battalion Chief that the ground continued to smolder and that the rocks felt hot when they were touched. After the firefighters departed, the Lachman Fire continued to burn underground. On January 7, 2025, the fire was rekindled by strong winds that led to the Palisades Fire which destroyed thousands of properties and businesses in Malibu and Pacific Palisades. That fire also sparked the Altadena Fire that destroyed thousands of businesses, schools and homes in the area.

  By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU/PACIFIC PALISADES—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that the upcoming PaliBu Day of Service will take place on Saturday, September 27. The event will be hosted by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event will allow volunteers to help those in the community who suffered a loss during the recent wildfires in January 2025.

The public is asked to bring their family, friends and neighbors out to Pepperdine University at Alumni Park located at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway. PaliBu Day of Service allows the community to support the essential work local nonprofits do to support the Pacific Palisades and Malibu (PaliBu) communities.

Individuals can participate in multiple hands-on projects and visit with local nonprofits at Pepperdine University or volunteer at one of our off-site locations doing a beach clean-up at Malibu Lagoon or caring for our Oak trees at Nicholas Flat Trailhead.

Some of the opportunities at Pepperdine University include:

-Food Drive — Bring donations for the Westside Food Bank’s food drive to feed those in need. Anything ready to eat: ramen, peanut butter, meat pouches, pop top cans, fruit cups, snacks, etc.

-Make Friendship Bracelets for Fire Survivors — The Palisades YMCA will be hosting friendship bracelet making for survivors of the Palisades Fire, continuing their commitment to community

-Pack Lunch for Our Unhoused Neighbors — Our partner, Malibu C.A.R.T., will be preparing lunches to be distributed through our local food pantries in Malibu and the Westside

-Build a Custom Backpack — The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu will be providing volunteers with an opportunity to build a custom backpack containing notes of encouragement, school supplies, and other wellness items

-Paint Rocks — In a symbol of togetherness, paint Kindness rocks for wildfire survivors with the Girl Scout troops from Palisades and Malibu

-Write Notes to Students or Teachers – The Malibu Education Foundation will have a note-writing area to send students and teachers words of support in a community recovering from wildfires

-CPR Training — Learn CPR with McCormick Ambulance Service

-Make Shibori Banner Art and Write Notes to Seniors and Veterans- Share your artistic talents or kind words with local seniors at Art Trek’s station

-Adopt a Pet — The LA County Department of Animal Care will have K9’s for adoption on site and felines at the Agoura Shelter – All fees waived

-Donate Blood — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will have a team on-site for those who would like to donate blood

For more details and to register in advance visit: http://a42.asmdc.org/events.

 

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Monday, September 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported they had to rescue one hiker.

The incident was reported at 12:01 p.m. at 20825 Entrada Rd.

Two male hikers on a remote trail, feeling unwell and unable to return to their starting point. Following paramedic assessment, patients agreed to be airlifted from the trail but declined hospital transport.

There are no additional details to report about the incident.

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Monday, June 9, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a grass fire in Pacific Palisades.

The fire was reported at 12:44 p.m. at 13530 W. Sunset Blvd. Approximately 1/8 acre of medium to heavy brush was burning uphill (45-degree slope) with no wind.

There was one structure threatened by the fire, which firefighters defended from any potential damage.

Crews utilized hand lines encircling the perimeter. They remain on scene to conduct mop up operations to ensure no hot spots remained. The fire was fully extinguished at 1:19 p.m. officials reported.

The cause of the grass fire has is under investigation, and there were no reports of any injuries during the incident.

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, May 21, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced they battled a structure fire in Pacific Palisades.

Officials received the call at 1:06 p.m. about a one-story fire at 1174 N. Las Pulgas Place.

There was smoke showing upon arrival. Firefighters went into offensive mode against a working attic fire.

By 1:42 p.m., the fire was reported extinguished by 32 firefighters in 36 minutes. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—On May 2, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Santa Monica Fire Department (LAFD) resources responded to Riviera Country Club, 1250 Capri Drive after an airplane had to make an emergency landing at the golf course.

According to the LAFD/Alert webpage, were able to land the plane safely. None of the three passengers on board were harmed. Reports indicate that SMFD, LAFD West Bureau, and others assisted in assessing the aircraft for damage.

No fires or fuel leaks were reported. It is not clear what diverted the small plane from landing at Santa Monica Airport.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On March 2, Corpus Christi Catholic Church parishioners attended Mass at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, 7390 W. Manchester Avenue in Los Angeles. Monsignor (Msgr.) Kidney shared a message of encouragement with his congregation in this week’s bulletin. It’s something the kind Pastor has done each week since Corpus Christi Church burned down in the Palisades fire approximately, three months ago.

“Please know that we are working to find a permanent sacred space for our weekly Masses. I will keep you all in the loop as we proceed with this.

As many of you know, our stained-glass windows (representing the Stations of the Cross) were spared from the fire and they have now been removed from the site and are in storage. We are keeping them safe and plan to use them in our church rebuild. Many of the local Catholic Churches had extra Masses at their Churches so that the Corpus Christi Church family may celebrate Mass, together.

In addition, the Church congregants are still involved in community events and efforts to rebuild Palisades. In his letter to his parishioners, entitled, “What’s going on at Corpus Christi Church, Corpus Christi Parish: The Roaming Catholics.”

My Dear Parishioners,
Please keep Pope Francis in your prayers. May he be strengthened by the certainty that God is with him in his suffering.

This past weekend Corpus Christi Parish was represented at the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim. The theme of the Congress this year was Called to Compassion and at the Opening Ceremony on Friday Lorraine Hartman and I were invited to give testimonials about the fires, our parish family, and the many offers of help from all over the country.

Also, our church was prayed for at the Closing Mass of the Congress on Sunday, which some of our parishioners attended and carried up the gifts at the Offertory.

We were surrounded by a very supportive Catholic community at the Congress and many people stopped to let us know that they are praying for you, our parishioners.—Msgr. Liam Kidney, Pastor

Giving opportunities may be found on the website at; corpuschristichurch.com

By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Saturday, January 18, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that it was lifting of all evacuation zones within city limits, following increased containment of the Palisades Fire throughout the week.

Evacuation lifted: All areas of Santa Monica north of San Vicente Boulevard. All evacuated residents may return. This area was previously under an Evacuation Warning.

With the evacuation warning lifted in the area north of San Vicente, the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for the evacuation warning area in Santa Monica is also lifted. A curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in areas of Los Angeles city and county where an evacuation order or warning remains in place.

The Santa Monica Police Department lifted all local street closure points but continues to remain vigilant in previously evacuated areas. If you see anything suspicious or disturbing should call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies, or (310) 458-8491 for all other issues.

Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, in Santa Monica is now accessible for local residents, businesses and patrons. Closure points on Moomat Ahiko Way and the California Incline have been opened. Access to PCH and the city of Los Angeles north of the Santa Monica city limits is being managed by the Los Angeles Police Department. For the latest information on evacuation zones north of Santa Monica, please visit Palisades Fire | Los Angeles Fire Department.

The I-10 Freeway remains closed past Lincoln Boulevard per California Highway Patrol until further notice. If driving to Santa Monica, exit at Lincoln or Cloverfield boulevards or Centinela Avenue.

All businesses on the Santa Monica Pier and along PCH within the city of Santa Monica are now accessible and welcoming customers. The Annenberg Community Beach House will reopen beginning Thursday, January 23 and will have previously scheduled maintenance closures on January 27 and January 28.

Santa Monica’s Emergency Operations Center moved into a monitoring position as the Palisades Fire emergency response shifts toward regional recovery.

As of January 18, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the region with potential Red Flag Warning conditions beginning Monday, January 20, through Tuesday, January 21.

Santa Monica’s Emergency Order prohibits all outdoor burning once a Red Flag Warning is issued. This includes, but is not limited to:

-The use of wood-burning fire pits or stoves.
-Bonfires, recreational fires and open burning of any kind.
-Outdoor grilling using charcoal or wood. (Gas or propane grills are permitted but must be used with extreme caution and away from flammable materials.)

To report prohibited behavior call Non-Emergency Fire Dispatch at (310) 458-8660.

The Emergency Order also addresses local impacts, protects against future fire danger and assists in regional recovery, including housing support, fighting price gouging and business recovery.

The Consumer Protection Unit of the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office is actively investigating reports of suspected price gouging in the city and educating local businesses and property owners on the law.

To assist with housing, Santa Monica’s Emergency Order has temporarily suspended enforcement of laws prohibiting short-term rentals and leases of less than one year when rented to households displaced by the regional fires to allow them to find temporary places to stay.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health has issued guidance on safe cleanup, air quality precautions, and ocean water quality. Find the latest information here.
Santa Monica’s tap water is safe to drink. Anyone who gets their water serviced through LADWP, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP for official information.

The FEMA westside Local Assistance and Disaster Recovery Center is located at UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, and open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more details about donations and the latest on city recovery resources and continued Palisades Fire updates, visit Santamonica.gov.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES/TOPANGA CANYON—On Sunday, January 19 at 2 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department announced that EVACUATION ORDERS REDUCED TO RESIDENT-ONLY ACCESS.

Those zones include: LOS-0767-J (North of Santa Ynez Road; South of Temescal Fire Rd; East of E Topanga Fire Road, Colina Drive; West of Temescal Fire Road), LOS-0767-G (North of Observation Drive; South of Topanga Canyon Boulevard; East of Montau Drive; West of Topanga Canyon Boulevard).

Resident escorts are required for LOS-0767-J and will be conducted from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents in need of access should meet at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway (Parking Lot 3 North) in Santa Monica.

ADDRESS VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT: When approaching the roadblock, residents must provide proof of residency. Acceptable forms of identification are a photo ID that displays the resident’s name, photo, and physical address. Individuals should have these documents ready to ensure a smooth verification process. EVACUATION WARNINGS REDUCED TO NORMAL: LOS-0767-C, LOS-0767-B, LOS-Q0762-A, LOS-Q0762-C. daily.

The large area is generally defined by: North of Pacific Coast Highway; West of S Cliffwood Avenue / Canyonback Road / Mulholland Drive / Escalon Drive / Encino Hills Drive; South of Reseda Boulevard / Lochgreen Drive / Vanalden Ave, East of Casale Road / Mandeville Canyon Road / Mulholland Drive / Vanalden Avenue.

By Trevor

MALIBU/PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, January 15, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page updates to trash collection services as a result of the Palisades Fire.

Universal Waste Systems (UWS): Operations have resumed. If you need to modify or adjust your service, please visit: uwscompany.com/malibu.

Waste Management (WM): Regular trash collection services have resumed normal operations.

“Thank you for your patience and resilience as we work together to support recovery efforts,” the city of Malibu stated in the post.

As of 6:30 p.m. on January 15, the Palisades Fire has destroyed 2 3,713 acres and is at 19 percent containment.

CalFire now estimates approximately 5,000 structures damaged or destroyed. 2,191 structures confirmed destroyed in total effected area (Palisades and Malibu). Damage assessments continue to determine how many homes are part of the estimated damaged structures. Around 35 percent of inspections complete. These are approximate numbers, and are subject to change.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Thursday, January 9, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that SoCal Gas has temporarily suspended natural gas service along the Neptune Topanga pipeline due to ongoing safety concerns. This interruption will remain in effect until the active threat has been cleared.

The public is warned DO NOT attempt to restore gas services yourself. It is extremely dangerous and could put them and others at risk. SoCalGas crews will assist customers with service restoration.

To obtain more details visit www.SoCalGas.com/Fires for more information.

Due to a low-pressure event related to the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29 (LACWD) and the State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Drinking Water are issuing a mandatory boil water notice in the following areas:

-Sunset Mesa community (from Topanga Beach and Coastline Dr. South to Shoreheights Dr. North)

-Malibu coastal areas from Topanga Canyon Rd. to Carbon Canyon Rd., including Big Rock community and Carbon Mesa community

Individuals should only drink boiled water or bottled water until the notice is lifted. For more information, call LACWD customer service at (800) 675-4357 or the State Water Resources Control Board at (818) 551-2004 (business hours) or (213) 210-7100 (after hours).

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, January 8, at 5:34, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced an evacuation order for the area a fire that began in a building at 2350 Sunset Boulevard spread to some brush adjacent to the building in Hollywood Hills.

The following information on the fire came directly from the alerts listed on the LAFD webpage.

“Hollywood Hills West; Approximately 10 acres burning between Runyon Canyon and Wattles Park. A Mandatory Evacuation Order is now in place for Laurel Canyon Blvd (on the west) to Mulholland Dr (on the north) to 101 Freeway (on the east) down to Hollywood Blvd (on the south.”

Pacific Palisades and Topanga Canyon have been burning for days. More than 1,500 acres and 1,000 structures have been consumed by fire in Los Angeles County while Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass travels abroad to the City of Ghana in West Africa.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to secure federal funding due to wildfires that have repeatedly plagued the state since Newsom became Governor in 2019.

During his first term as President, Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from the state of California if Newsom did not begin fire prevention measures to protect the state of California.

Over 250 California firefighters are battling the flames, with help coming in from neighboring states including Oregon, while the fire hydrants they attempt to use are running dry.

On January 8, California Fire Statistics reported 55 fires in 2025. There have been five reported fatalities caused by these fires with over 80,000 people displaced from their homes.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On January 7, at 10:30 a.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)reported a brush fire that began at 1190 N. Pedra Morada Drive has escalated to a fire consuming 20 acres. At 12:38 p.m., LAFD reported that the fire had spread to 200 acres.

“There are now mandatory evacuation orders in place which fall within the polygon described as: Northeast is Merriman Road west to Topanga Canyon Blvd and south to PCH.
Westwood Recreation Center is open as an evacuation center[1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd] and accepts small animals.”

At 2:23 p.m. LAFD confirmed that the current evacuation plan had not changed, but the fire had spread to 770 acres. Neighboring fire departments joined in the effort to fight the fires, and are now approximately 250 firefighters strong. Firefighters are battling the flames that were complicated by arid conditions, water rationing, and strong winds.

At 4:30 p.m. new reports indicated that the fire had spread to 1,262 acres and growing. Evacuation plans are still in place. Westwood Recreation Center will accept families with small animals even overnight.

Pierce College located at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, 91367 is the large animal evacuation center. Residents with large pets may evacuate there.

Reports indicate that the majority of Pacific Palisades is on fire. Residents who are near the evacuation zone are asked to prepare for possible evacuation.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, January 1, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed they battled a brush fire at 12:17 a.m. at 1699 Via Las Palmas. The size holding for the brush fire was initially reported at approximately 5-8 acres with a slow rate of spread. It was later updated to 8-9 acres.

Officials reported that with three LAFD helicopters and LACoFD Copter 22 making continuous water drops, LAFD firefighters on the ground and LACoFD Hand Crews, crews were making good progress on extinguishing the fire as they reported at 2:56 a.m.

By Thursday, January 2, the LAFD reported at 4:46 a.m. they contained the brush fire. Firefighters completed the hose line around the perimeter of the fire and it was fully contained. Some resources will be released as the mop up operation continues to ensure no flare ups. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. The fire was held at eight acres. No additional updates are anticipated.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On December 16, at 4:43 p.m., Margaret Stewart reported in a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) press release that LAFD Air Ops found two small brush fires that were approximately 30’ x 30’ areas located in the vicinity of 2200 Sullivan Road, near Murphy’s Ranch.

LAFD Air Ops initiated air drops that extinguished most of the flames while additional firemen worked on foot to gain access and cut lines around the perimeter. There was no structure damage reported.

An update was posted on the LAFD/Alert webpage at 6:53 p.m. The following information came directly from the press release.

“After water drops knocked back the fire, firefighters reached the burn area by ground. They cut lines around the perimeter and conducted mop up operations to ensure all hot spots were out. The two-hour operation is now complete.” LAFD West Bureau responded to the call.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, November 12, at approximately 10:30 a.m. firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department, West Bureau, responded to calls of a brush fire in the area of 1400 N. Palisades Dr.

Firefighters arriving at the scene found that the fire was burning adjacent to the reservoir. First reports indicated the fire was burning over a five acre area. The following information came directly from the alerts posted on the LAFD webpage at 10:57 a.m.

“Over 60 firefighters on scene have stopped all forward progress. The precisely targeted, rapid water drops from LAFD Air Operations combined with the firefighter’s aggressive fire attack on the ground held the fire to approximately one acre (revised from initial size up). No structures damaged and no injuries reported. Due to the steep terrain and the work required to conduct a mop up operation, all resources will remain on scene.”

Reports indicate that the fire was not spread by wind, but topography (through the brush/terrain).

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Friday, November 8 at 11:29 a.m. that they had to rescue a hiker at 20825 Entrada Rd.

Preliminary details indicate the LAFD ground and air response to an ill adult female hiker on a remote section of the Musch Trail / Backbone Trail in Topanga State Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who will soon be hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, October 20, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that a hiker had to be rescued with a hoist operation. The LAFD reported at 12:27 p.m. at 20825 Entrada Rd.

Officials received at 12:04 p.m. The LAFD Air Ops located the approximately 39-year-old female hiker in medical distress (non-traumatic) and conducted a hoist operation to follow on with air ambulance transport. No further details about the rescue have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, September 21, the LAFD indicated that they rescued a hiker near Temescal Fire Road. The incident was reported at 10:02 a.m. The LAFD Air Opps located and is conducting a hoist operation with transport for a 40-year-old male in medical (non-traumatic) distress.

By 10:41 a.m., the LAFD provided an update on the incident. After further evaluation of the location and disposition of the patient resulted in the decision to transport the patient by ground ambulance. There were no additional details about the incident disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on its website that they had to hoist a hiker who needed rescuing on Sunday, August 11. It was reported at 11:33 a.m. at Rogers Fire Rd.

The LAFD Air Operations located a 75 year-old male patient with *possible* heat related illness but no traumatic injury.

Due to the distance up the trail and patient condition, the LAFD Air Ops is preparing a hoist operation with follow on air ambulance transport to the hospital. No additional details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

Another hiker had to be hoisted to safety on Saturday, August 10. The incident was reported at 2:54 p.m. on Temescal Canyon Fire Road. The LAFD Air Operations located the hiker and is preparing a hoist operation to then transport an approximately 45 year-old male experiencing heat related illness. The 9-1-1 call was received at 12:26 p.m. No additional details about the incident were disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, August 4, the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated they responded to a scene to assist a hiker who needed rescuing in Pacific Palisades.

The LAFD reported the incident at 10:46 a.m. at 20825 Entrada Rd. The LAFD Air Operations located the uninjured, lost male hiker and is conducting a ‘capture’ operation. Due to the precarious location of the hiker, it is safer to conduct a capture (the rescuer is lowered and safely attaches the hiker) versus a standard hoist operation.

Air Ops will then transport the patient to a helispot to meet ground-based firefighters so they can assist the hiker in returning to his transport. A 911 call was received at 10:17 a.m. No further details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—The LAFD reported on July 18 at 4:39 p.m. that the successfully extinguished a brush fire located at 1000 N Palisades Dr.

Firefighters arrived to find approximately one-eighth of an acre of medium brush with approximately 10 mph onshore winds. There were no structures threatened during the blaze. Crews quickly surrounded the fire with hose lines and extinguished the flames by ground attack.

There were no reported injuries during the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, July 14, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported at 9:32 a.m. near Temescal Fire Rd.

Paramedics have been lowered from LAFD helicopters to assess and treat a 53-year-old male patient in a remote location of Topanga State Park. No additional details about the incident has been disclosed to the public.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, July 6, officials with the Los Angeles Fire Department helped rescue a hiker who was injured in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The incident was reported at 3:37 p.m. The LAFD ground and air response assisted a 66-year-old female hiker suffering from exhaustion on the Bienveneda Trail north of Leacock Trail near Topanga State Park.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to help medically assess and stabilize the patient, whose condition was undetermined.

The patient and LAFD Flight Paramedic was hoisted into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Saturday, June 15, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a hiker was rescued in Topanga State Park. Officials were alerted at 11:08 a.m. The LAFD ground and air team responded to a 72-year-old male hiker with head trauma after he fell on a remote section of the Backbone Trail near Rivas Canyon.

An LAFD Rescue Helicopter lowered a Flight Paramedic to medically assess and stabilize the patient, who will soon be hoisted along with the LAFD Flight Paramedic into the hovering helicopter for continuing in-flight care during direct air transport to an area hospital.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—The Los Angeles Fire Department battled a fire inside a parking structure in Pacific Palisades on Sunday, April 21.

The incident was reported at 7:45 a.m. at 17310 W Vereda De La Montura; First arriving companies report a convalescent home (3 residential stories over a parking structure) with light smoke showing due to one automobile on fire in parking structure. The vehicle ablaze was beneath an assisted living facility and was put out within 34 minutes.

One female patient sustained an injury after a fall, while evacuating the building. She was transported by paramedics with the LAFD to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, March 31, the Los Angeles Fire Department disclosed that a hiker was rescued. The LAFD reported at 8:08 p.m. a hiker was rescued in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The LAFD ground and air responded to an adult male hiker stranded in darkness on a rain-soaked remote section of Temescal Ridge Trail south of Skull Rock in Topanga State Park.

A hovering LAFD Rescue Helicopter found the man and lowered a Flight Paramedic to perform an initial medical assessment. The hiker indicated he was uninjured. He and the LAFD Flight Paramedic were hoisted aboard the hovering helicopter, to shuttle the victim to a safe location beyond the wilderness.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Wednesday, March 6, the Los Angeles Police Department disclosed that several suspects were arrested by Northeast detectives in connection to a series of burglaries.

The LAPD reported on February 29, detectives tracked the burglary suspects across Los Angeles from the San Fernando Valley to West Los Angeles. Based on the suspects’ actions, detectives realized the group was preparing to commit additional burglaries.

Around 1:30 p.m., authorities observed four suspects preparing to commit a burglary. With the help from LAPD’s West Los Angeles officers, the suspects were apprehended in the area of Castellammare Drive and Sunset Boulevard before they could execute the burglary.

Three adults were taken into custody without incident while still inside their vehicle, and a juvenile was detained after attempting to flee on foot. He discarded his cell phone and changed clothing during the foot pursuit. Officers discovered burglary tools and other potential evidence inside the vehicle, which will be recovered following the execution of a search warrant.

Patricio Lian, 20, has been booked under the booking number 6768393 for one felony count of 459 PC-Burglary, and one felony count of 3056 PC-Parole Violation.

Carlos Antonio Gonzalez-Ravest, 20, was booked under the booking number 6768381. He faces charges including an outstanding felony warrant for 459 PC-Burglary, and an outstanding felony warrant for 487 PC-Grand Theft, alongside the initial charge of 182 (A) PC, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

Joaquin Elias Munoz, 19, was booked under the booking number 6768375 for the charge of 182 (A) PC-Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

The juvenile, a 17-year-old male was booked under the booking number 6768316 for the charge of 602 WIC/182 PC-Conspiracy to Commit Burglary.

Anyone with additional details is asked to contact Northeast Division detectives at 323-561-3220. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wanting to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, March 3, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a two-story fire at a home at 2:02 p.m. at 17606 W Camino De Yatasto.

A total of 31 firefighters took 34 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish a fire involving a vehicle and contents within the garage of a 5,288 square foot property. There were no reports of any injury. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by officials.

By Trevor

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

PACIFIC PALISADES—Heal the Bay, an environmental advocacy group based in Santa Monica, is set to host a “Bay’s Nothin’ But Sand” event on Saturday, July 15 at Will Rogers Beach.

The free event centers around beach cleanup, removing plastic from the shoreline, and educating the public on “how you can disrupt human plastic dependency & its harmful impact on the planet through composting practices, recycling, and plastic alternatives,” according to the event’s flier. 

Attendees will meet at Tower 7 at Will Rogers Beach, located at 17000 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades 90272. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. 

Heal the Bay is tasked with making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. In 2022 Heal the Bay volunteers removed more than 14,000 pounds of trash from Los Angeles County Beaches. 

This year’s event will help the organization identify how much compostable waste, trash, and microplastics have ended up on the beach.

Participants in the cleanup have the chance to win raffle prizes, take part in games, and receive a free compost bin while supplies last. 

Each person attending the cleanup must register and sign a waiver. Cleanup supplies are provided to the first 300 people who are registered. For more information and access to waiver and registration forms, visit the event’s listing on Eventbrite.

Any questions or concerns about the event can be directed to Beach Programs Manager Stephanie Gebhardt Rath at sgebhardtrath@healthebay.org.

By Paige Strickland

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Sunday, July 9, at approximately 1:19 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call of an injured hiker. 

“Pacific Palisades: LAFD Air Ops located the 64yo male hiker with a non-life-threatening injury and due to the location (approx. 2-mile hike by ground firefighters) will conduct a hoist operation to retrieve the patient and transport to the hospital,” the LAFD stated on its website in a press release.

According to reports, the location of the trail the hiker was trekking was due north of Will Rogers State Park.  The hiker’s name has not been released to the public.

By Sharon

PACIFIC PALISADES—A neighborhood squabble on Monday, April 10, at approximately 11 a.m. ended in a barricade situation with the Los Angeles Police Department on April 11.

On April 11, KCAL reported that officers responded to a 911 call in the 17200 block of Sunset Boulevard near Pacific Palisades. The caller indicated a man tore the door off his neighbor’s home. Officers arrived arriving at the scene with the suspect barricading himself against police inside his home.

Video from the scene depicted a shirtless man wrapped in an American flag being hoisted onto and handcuffed to a gurney. First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department transported the individual to an area hospital. The names of the individuals involved have not been released to the public.

By Sharon