Tag: Rodeo Drive

International Jewel Thief Arrested And Detained

May 15, 2024 ·

Beverly Hills photo by David Vives

BEVERLY HILLS—On Friday, May 10, Yarong Wan, 49, an international jewel thief, was arrested in New York. Wan stands accused of stealing an estimated $300, 000 in jewelry since 2018, targeting high-end jewelry stores such as Cartier and Tiffany in Seoul, Korea, Beverly Hills, Miami, New Jersey, and New York.


Laurenz Heymann photo


Wan had what is referred to as a “Red Notice,” by The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) placed on him by the Republic of Korea after allegedly stealing 322,000 worth of jewelry in Seoul, Korea.

According to Interpol, A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

Reports indicate that Wan entered the United States illegally in San Diego, California on December 29, 2023.

On March 4, the suspect entered a Tiffany Store at Rockefeller Center in New York, NY. Wan tried on a diamond ring valued at 255,000. He then switched it with a Cubic Zirconia replica and left the store with the diamond ring.

On March 12, Wan reportedly took a ring worth $25,000 from the Hudson Yards Complex in Manhattan, New York.

The Nassau County Police Department, Major Case Bureau indicated that they were in search of a burglar who reportedly entered London Jewelers located at 2046 Northern Boulevard on April 19. Video footage captured a person, later identified as the suspect who was posing as a customer. He used what police referred to as a “sleight of hand,” technique to distract the salesperson and make away with a $17,000 Chopard Watch.

On Friday, May 10, Nassau detectives, the NYPD Major Case Squad, and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force executed a search warrant for Yarong Wan at his residence located at 135-11 40th Road, in Flushing (Queens) New York.

Wan was arraigned in a lower Manhattan court on Saturday, May 11. Due to a fugitive warrant from Hermes, New Jersey, the suspect is not eligible for bail.

On Sunday, May 12, Wan was charged with 3rd-degree larceny in Nassau District Court. He is to remain in custody until his next court date in January 2025.

By Sharon



2024 Concours d’Elegance Returns June 16

May 15, 2024 ·

The Concours d'Elegance event returns to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills on June 16. Photo by Jeff Tumale via Unsplash.

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills disclosed on its website on May 14, that the 2024 Concours d’Elegance will return to the area on Sunday, June 16. This year the event will celebrate 29 years and will showcase more than 100 rare automobiles in the heart of Beverly Hills. The event is free to the public.

Fathers, families and car enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy an up-close look at some of the world’s most exotic and expensive vehicles at the 29th annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. The area’s must-attend Father’s Day event will run from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Rodeo Drive.

This year’s event, powered by O’Gara Coach, will host a full slate of incredible vehicles lining Beverly Hills’ most famous street between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. There will be a special celebration of hypercars and supercars that include the McLaren, Pagani, Czinger and more, in addition to race cars, classics and custom-built showstoppers.

Attendees can enjoy a stroll or stay in one of Beverly Hills’ top hotels and experience luxury boutiques, shopping and dining all within walking distance of the car show.

This event is supported by the city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee with returning sponsors O’Gara Coach, Auto Vault Storage, GEARYS, Ferrari of Beverly Hills, Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, Lucid Motors, Two Rodeo and RM Sotheby’s. The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is pleased to welcome new sponsors for this year’s event, including the upcoming Netflix Film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Proceeds from the Concours benefit will help the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association and Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association. They are non-profit charities raising funds for first responders and their families. Parking will be available at nearby parking garages.
Individuals interested in having their vehicle for display can complete the following application: https://fathersdaycarshow.formstack.com/forms/application.

By Trevor

Annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration November 16

November 7, 2023 ·

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee revealed details for the upcoming annual Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration to take place on Thursday, November 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring a special live performance by Emmy Award-winning actor and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Ralph is known for her work on the ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary” where she recently won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. She also appeared on the comedy series “Moesha” co-starring with singer and actress Brandy Norwood.

There will be lights on the palm trees, rose bushes and much more for the holidays.
“Our Holiday Lighting Celebration is an opportunity for us to come together, recognize how fortunate we are, and begin this year’s holiday season – a celebration of our City and a hopeful beginning for the New Year,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian A Gold. “At the same time, we recognize the impact of world events and our thoughts are with those here and abroad as we approach the holiday season. We hope they can find a sense of hopefulness and strength as we all overcome darkness with light.”

“The reveal of this year’s decor themed Up Up and Away Holiday! celebrates the start of the holiday season and brings together our community and visitors on Rodeo Drive. We are delighted to welcome Sheryl Lee Ralph to our iconic street, where each magical encounter promises to be a gift, unwrapping our hopes and dreams for everyone,” said Kay Monica Rose, President of the Rodeo Drive Committee.

There will be three stages on Rodeo Drive with performances from The Wallis’s critically-acclaimed theatrical experience “LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE” inspired by the 2003 holiday film written and directed by Richard Curtis, by cast members B. Slade, the two-time Emmy Award-winner and four-time Grammy-nominee and Madison Taylor Baez, who at 12-years old earned the “America’s Got Talent” Season 17 golden buzzer with her soulful voice, and there will be songs from The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA).

The evening’s entertainment will also include performances by The Maccabeats, a Jewish a cappella phenomenon that released four successful albums and made multiple TV appearances; LA-based Bollywood dance sensation Nazara, who will bring a fusion of Bollywood and Indian classical dance; timeless classics by Broadway’s seasoned singer and actor Terron Brooks and former American Idol contestant Vonzell Solomon, both individually celebrated for their remarkable talents and who have now joined forces as a soulful duet; a special drum performance by LA-based Cajon Drummer Nick Adams known for his collaborations with top artists and appearances on major TV shows; a special dance performance from the Holiday Rhythm Tappers, the duo from So You Think You Can Dance; harmonious renditions of beloved holiday tunes from The Four Parts Barbershop Quartet and Winter Wonderland Carolers, and sonic sounds by DJ Z. Celebrating the incredible shopping on Rodeo Drive and in Beverly Hills, the Holiday Helpers will perform Shopper’s Delight, a bold and colorful dance set.

There will be performers including those with towering Peppermint Stilts, food, a wine garden and photo opportunities for guests throughout the evening.

Mayor Gold and members of the Beverly Hills City Council members will countdown the crowd and illuminate Rodeo Drive’s center median bringing to life the Up Up & Away Holiday! decor in its full adornment. Santa Claus, led by the Beverly Hills High School marching band will arrive on the Beverly Hills Fire Truck and a fireworks finale will also transpire.

The holiday festivities will continue across the region through January 1, 2024 with the following installations available for viewing nightly: The “Glowing Gardens” which includes giant tree and ornament sculptures at Beverly Cañon Gardens Park; the “Lights on the Lily Pond” show at Beverly Gardens Park which takes place every 15 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and back for its second year, the incredible “Unwrap the Magic” projection show viewable nightly every half hour from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the iconic Beverly Hills City Hall Tower located at the corner of N Santa Monica Boulevard and N Crescent Drive.

Beverly Hills will have its historic trolley car, adorned with holiday garland and named the “Jolly Trolley” for the holiday season running to take visitors to the “Unwrap the Magic” projection show every Thursday through Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (excluding holidays) from its stops at Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way and N Crescent Drive and N Santa Monica Boulevard.

There will also be a family friendly holiday celebration for children of all ages on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Greystone Mansion and Gardens.

By Trevor

Beverly Hills Faces $500 Million Discrimination Lawsuit

September 14, 2023 ·

BEVERLY HILLS—On September 11, National Civil Rights Lawyer for Justice, Ben Crump opened a $500 million lawsuit against the City of Beverly Hills for racial profiling. Crump alleges that the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) officers were racially discriminatory toward members of the black community in and near Beverly Hills between 2019-2021.

The following information came directly from Crump’s updated press release that may be found on his webpage.

“Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Bradley C. Gage will hold a press conference on September 11 to provide an update on developments in a class action lawsuit against the City of Beverly Hills and Captain Scott Dowling for Beverly Hills Police Department’s targeting of people of color via a task force dubbed “Operation Safe Street” and “Rodeo Drive Task Force.” Attorneys will also discuss new evidence in the case.

From August 2019 to August 2021, 1,088 black people were arrested by the Beverly Hills Police Department but only two have resulted in convictions. Ninety percent of people arrested by the Rodeo Drive Task Force were black even though only 1.5% of the Beverly Hills population is black. The legal team is announcing a $500 million demand.”

Canyon News reached out to the BHPD for more information. BHPD Lieutenant Reginald Evans responded with the following press release by Public Information Lauren Santillana.

“Statement in Response to Press Conference Regarding the Case of Jasmine Williams, et al. v. City of Beverly Hills, et al.

The following is a statement from the City of Beverly Hills regarding today’s press conference held by attorneys Benjamin Crump and Bradley Gage related to ongoing litigation:

The City of Beverly Hills is an international destination that always welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world.

The role of the Beverly Hills Police Department is to enforce the law, regardless of race.

The statistics presented referencing the number of convictions is a mischaracterization of the evidence in this case. In addition, the 1,088 arrests referenced includes people cited and released, not just custodial arrests.

The city denies and will continue to strongly defend itself against these allegations.”
By Sharon

Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion

August 8, 2023 ·

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills is celebrating its first annual week-long Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion, which kicked off on Monday, August 7th. The event will run thru Sunday, August 13th.

The event will highlight the craftsmanship, uniqueness and variety of fashion on Rodeo Drive. The city of Beverly Hills indicated on its website that the Rodeo Drive Committee member boutiques, hotels and restaurants in the region will collaborate to invite customers and guests.

“This is a moment to raise a glass to Rodeo Drive! There is nothing comparable. The legendary street’s magic continues thanks to the exemplary fashion design and craftsmanship from the greatest fashion houses and brands in the world; the architect-designed boutique spaces, the spectacular window displays, exclusive artist collaborations and pop ups, and our unrivaled customer service,” said Rodeo Drive Committee President Kay Monica Rose. “With our new program Rodeo Drive Celebrates, Rodeo Drive Committee member boutiques and businesses who are committed to the advancement and preservation of the street and its unique community, have come together as neighbors. They will open their doors with invitations to customers, residents and visitors – local and international, to a series of special celebrations in honor of Rodeo Drive’s unique place in fashion.”

“As summer moves into full swing, we invite our visitors and community to see firsthand why Rodeo Drive is THE place to be for fashion; our merchants’ expert craftsmanship, their appreciation for fashion, as well as their unrivaled hospitality and customer service,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. “Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion is a great opportunity to visit our shops, stay in our hotels, and take advantage of the special offerings and personalized experiences.”

Rodeo Drive has been highlighted as a distinct destination of luxury, entertainment and fashion since the 1960s.

The opening of Giorgio Beverly Hills in 1961 by Fred Hayman, “the Godfather of Rodeo Drive,” followed shortly after by Aldo Gucci opening the first Gucci boutique, then Van Cleef & Arpels, a Vidal Sassoon salon and Bijan Pakzad’s “most expensive boutique in the world” cemented the foundation for one of the Rodeo Drive Committee’s early goals “to promote Rodeo Drive as America’s answer to the glamour of Rome’s Via Condotti, London’s New Bond Street and Paris’s Faubourg St-Honoré.”

Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion continues the street’s singular legacy as an international fashion destination with a variety of high-end retailers for consumers.

Join Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion

Auto Vault

Auto Vault invites you to enjoy fresh Paleta ice cream and an exclusive presentation of rare vehicles on the street from its private collection.

August 7th-12th, 12-2pm

Bulgari

Bulgari invites you to experience 75 years of the iconic Serpenti collection and a personalized jewelry styling session.

Bookings by appointment: Monday through Saturday 10-6pm and Sunday 12-5pm.

Brioni

Brioni invites you to preview the new Fall/Winter 2023 RTW and Bespoke fabric collections.

Appointments available to meet with the in-house tailor for a personalized fitting.

Cartier

Cartier invites you to celebrate fashion with jewelry wardrobing. Bespoke private appointments available all week and a special taste of the French Riviera on Saturday, August 12th, 2-5pm.

Frette

You are invited to discover the world of Frette and the presentation of the Fall / Winter 2023 collection:

An Homage to Moments of Dreaming.

Henry Jacques

Henry Jacques invites you to build the perfect perfume wardrobe to complement your lifestyle.

Receive a collection of Compartés chocolates reminiscent of its scents to accompany your purchase.

MCM

MCM invites you to celebrate Fashion; join them for cocktails, Dazzling Donuts, and a DJ set by Alysen James.

August 10th, 6-9pm

414 N. Rodeo Drive

RSVP at mcm.events@mcmworldwide.com

Moncler

Moncler invites you for Summer Aperitivos; drinks, light bites and a DJ set.

August 12th, 3-7pm

340 N. Rodeo Drive

RSVP at losangeles@moncler.com

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren invites you to private styling appointments in its VIP Suite with champagne, refreshments and a preview of the new Pre-Fall Collections.

208 Rodeo Restaurant

208 Rodeo Restaurant invites you to enjoy its summer special featuring Lallier Brut Champagne and Kaluga Caviar.

To make a reservation call 310-275-2428.

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel invites you to ‘THEBlvd After Dark’ – their new evening summer series.

Join them for sounds by a live DJ, drink specials and late-night summer vibes.

August 12th from 9pm -12am

Two Rodeo Drive

Two Rodeo Drive invites you to vibe to the rich tones and powerhouse vocals of live bands:

Gold Standard and Renaissance!

August 10th-12th from 2-6pm

Zegna

Zegna invites you to its new location for drinks by the bar and an exclusive preview of upcoming collections.

August 10th-12th, 2-6pm

455 N Rodeo Drive

Participants include Amiri, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana, and Mikimoto. The second annual, week-long program Rodeo Drive Celebrates Timepieces & Fine Jewelry will occur October 1st thru October 7th.

By Trevor

Rodeo Drive Concours D’Elegance On June 18

May 31, 2023 ·

BEVERLY HILLS—The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance will celebrate 28 years with its event in Beverly Hills on Father’s Day on Sunday, June 18. The event will be held by 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Rodeo Drive between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard. The car show is a free event that will include supercars, race cars, classic vehicle and plenty more.

“The annual Father’s Day Concours d’Elegance is a tradition that families look forward to each year,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. “There is no better place to see so many of the world’s most sought-after cars, all in one place, than in Beverly Hills on Father’s Day, surrounded by worldclass history, iconic palm-lined streets and, of course, our welcoming community.”

“We’re thrilled to be back on Rodeo Drive for this fantastic Father’s Day tradition. We work to make this event bigger and better each year and couldn’t do it without the support of this incredible community,” said Bruce Meyer, chairman of the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance. “I love seeing families enjoy this day together, and you can’t beat the smile on someone’s face when they see their favorite car. It’s a family event and free of charge!”

“The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is a spectacular, world-class event that brings together luxury, fashion and a car culture that is unique to Rodeo Drive,” said Rodeo Drive Committee President Kathy Gohari. “We are delighted to welcome fathers, families and car lovers back to the street to enjoy a celebration of the finest vehicles ever made.”

This event is supported by the city, the Rodeo Drive Committee, O’Gara Coach, Auto Vault Storage, GEARYS Beverly Hills, Ferrari Beverly Hills, Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, Lucid Motors, Pirelli Tire, Velocity Modern Classics and RM Sotheby’s. Proceeds from the event benefit the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association and Beverly Hills Firefighters’ Association, non-profit charities raising funds for first responders and their families.

Owners are invited to submit their cars for display consideration here. Admission to the event is free and parking is available at nearby parking garages. To learn more, visit beverlyhills.org/concours.

By Casey.