Tag: students

WESTWOOD—On May 29, the UCLA Police Department announced a suspect was arrested for assaulting several UCLA students after a series of assaults that occurred overnight at multiple locations on the UCLA campus.

The suspect has been identified as Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, non-affiliated
person experiencing homelessness.

On May 28, at approximately 11:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery
on Bruin Walk. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect approached a student
from behind, used force to steal her cellphone, and fled the area.

While officers searched the area, UCPD received additional reports of assaults at multiple
residential facilities, including De Neve Evergreen, Dykstra Hall and Cedar Hall. The suspect is believed to have followed or approached female victims, physically assaulted them and attempted to restrain or sexually assault them during those incidents. The victims were able to fight back or witnesses intervened, allowing the victims to get away and notify police.

At approximately 12:05 a.m., UCPD received a report of an ongoing assault at Cedar Hall. A witness heard the victim calling for help, intervened and pursued the suspect as he fled the building.

Officers searching the area were flagged down by the witness and located the suspect near
Parking Structure 8. Officers detained Akindahunsi without incident.

During the investigation, multiple victims and witnesses positively identified Akindahunsi
as the suspect. Officers recovered evidence believed to be associated with the
incidents, including zip ties, duct tape and paracord.

Akindahunsi was booked for robbery, attempted kidnapping, assault with intent to commit
a sex offense and sexual battery. He is being held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department Inmate Reception Center. Bail was set at $2.3 million.

“I commend our officers for their quick response and excellent work in locating and
arresting the suspect,” said UCLA Chief of Police Craig Valenzuela. “I am also grateful to
the victims and witnesses who reported what occurred and assisted responding officers. Incidents like these are deeply concerning, and the safety and security of our campus
community remains our highest priority. Our officers will continue working to help ensure UCLA remains a safe place to live, learn, work and visit.”

The UCLA Police will maintain increased patrols in and around the affected
residential areas out of an abundance of caution. Detectives are expected to present the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration this week.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with details about the incidents should contact the UCLA Police Department at (310) 825-1491.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District posted on their Facebook page on April 23 that it is inviting students to participate in a poster art contest highlighting the importance of water conservation.

The theme for 2026, “Being Water Wise is…,” encourages students to creatively share what water conservation means to them.

The submission deadline has been extended to Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m., giving more local schools the opportunity to participate.

The winning student will be named the Beverly Hills Youth Sustainability Ambassador for a Day—featured across the city’s social media, in The Backbone Newsletter, and on the Sustainability webpage.

The winner will enjoy an ice cream party for their class, receive an exclusive Beverly Hills Sustainability T-shirt, and be honored with a Certificate of Achievement signed by City leadership.

To learn more and submit an entry visit: www.beverlyhills.org/waterconservation.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, April 7 that it is now accepting applications for its Youth Scholarship Program.

The city is awarding $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are making a difference in their community and planning to pursue higher education. The scholarship money can be used for any expense incurred in pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school.

To apply, applicants must:
-Be a West Hollywood resident
-Graduate high school (or receive a GED) in 2026
-Have at least 150 hours of community service
-Be accepted to a college, university, or trade/vocational school

West Hollywood’s Youth Scholarship Program is one of the first municipal government sponsored programs of its kind in the country. The program is funded entirely by donations from the community. To support the program, the city encourages donations from community members, organizations and area businesses.

For more details on West Hollywood’s Youth Scholarship program, contact the City’s Human Services Division at (323) 848-6510 or email HumanServices@weho.org.

Applications are due by May 29, 2026. To learn more details and to apply visit: www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, August 13, Colby Gilardian, Public Information Officer for the Beverly Hills Unified School District informed Canyon News via email that they launched a newly redesigned district and school websites, completing seven sites in just two months.

The new look is modern, with better navigation and features designed to better connect students, families, staff, alumni, and the community.

Key highlights of the redesign include:

-Unified District Calendar: A single location where all external school events are posted, making it easier than ever for the community to stay informed and engaged.

-BHHS Virtual Alumni Hall of Fame: In collaboration with the Beverly Hills High School Alumni Association, the new virtual Hall of Fame transforms the existing on-campus display into an accessible, interactive online experience. Visitors from anywhere in the world can explore and celebrate the achievements of distinguished BHHS alumni, keeping their legacy alive for generations to come.

-Unified Menu: One menu that easily allows you to switch between school sites

“We designed this website refresh with our community in mind,” said BHUSD Public Information Officer, Colby Gilardian. “From a unified calendar to an interactive alumni hall of fame, these features make it easier to find what you need while showcasing the pride and excellence of our district.”

“Our schools deserve a digital presence that reflects the quality of education and opportunity we provide. This launch is a major step forward in making sure our communication tools match the exceptional work happening every day in BHUSD,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss.

The redesigned websites are live and can be explored at www.bhusd.org. Visitors are asked to share feedback via the online form available on each site.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, March 11, the city of West Hollywood announced on its website that applications are being accepted for the 2024 Youth Scholarship Program. The program awards $2,000 to graduating high school students who are residents of West Hollywood and who are pursuing a post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school.

Students must complete 150 verified hours of community service to be considered. The Youth Scholarship Program application period is open through Friday, May 10. The scholarship money can be used for any expense incurred in pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or trade/vocational school.

To qualify for a youth scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

-Residency – Applicant is a West Hollywood resident at the time the scholarship application is submitted and awarded. Please visit www.weho.org/city-government/contact-us/map-of-weho for a map of West Hollywood.

-Secondary Education – Applicant is a high school senior ready to graduate or an individual receiving a GED.

-Post-Secondary Education – Applicant is planning to attend a college, university or trade/vocational school and has proof of acceptance to a post-secondary institution.

-Community Service – Applicant has performed and provided verification of 150 hours of community service.

Additional details regarding the process can be found at www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

Additional details regarding the process can be found at www.weho.org/youthscholarship.

The Youth Scholarship Program is organized by West Hollywood. Funds are donated by individuals and the community, and the city has awarded more than 40 youth scholarships since the program started in 2007. To support the program, the city asks for donations from community members, organizations, and area businesses. Community members that want to donate may do so at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/youthsco.

The Youth Scholarship Program is a municipal government sponsored program that highlights education in the community and helps local students wanting to continue their education after high school.

For more details contact West Hollywood’s Human Services Division at WeHoCares@weho.org or by calling (323) 848-6510. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Wednesday, January 31, the city of Malibu announced that the Malibu Arts Commission invites all to see the City’s next public art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, the 2024 Student Art Exhibition, featuring original works by student artists. The closing reception with the artists is on March 10.

“The City’s annual Student Art Exhibition enriches the cultural life of our community and creates an important opportunity for artistic expression and creativity for Malibu’s young artists,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “I applaud the work of the Malibu Arts Commission which continues to bring interesting and relevant art exhibitions to our City Gallery. I encourage you to come enjoy the exhibition and the reception and meet and support our young artists.”

The 2024 Student Art Exhibition will be on display starting Monday, February 5 until Friday, March 8. The Malibu City Gallery will open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are not required, and the exhibit is free to attend. The exhibition was open to students in grades TK through 12 attending Malibu area schools.

The closing artists’ reception takes place on March 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature light refreshments and city certificates for the participating artists. This event is free for the public to attend. For more details visit: https://malibucity.org/studentartexhibit.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—It was announced on Monday, November 20 by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office a suspect who pointed a gun at a school administrator at Larchmont Charter Elementary School was charged.

Vahe Armen, 32, was charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon or by means likely to cause great bodily injury on a school employee and one count of weapons on a school grounds – grades K-12. In a separate incident on October 24, he is charged with one count of an assault on an elder and one count of dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. He faces special allegations on all counts.

Armen was scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday in Department 30 at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch.

On November 16, shortly after 8 a.m., Armen allegedly drove onto the Larchmont Charter Elementary School campus in the school drop-off area as students were arriving to school.

A school administrator, who was standing in front of the school, directing traffic and assisting students, allegedly saw Armen exit his vehicle from a distance and point what looked like an assault-style rifle at her.

The administrator began to usher the students into the school’s building when Armen allegedly got back into his vehicle and drove away. He was found on the 6800 block of Sunset Boulevard and arrested by deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies also allegedly located a weapon inside his vehicle.

Armen is being held on $5 million bail. If convicted as charged, Armen will face a maximum sentence of 7 years, 4 months in state prison. The case was investigated by the LASD.

By Trevor