Tag: Westwood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Danny Jones

SHERMAN OAKS—On Tuesday, April 21, at approximately 1:30 a.m., police were called to a home on Noble Avenue for an attempted burglary. Reports indicate that burglars shattered the back window and fled the scene once they realized that someone was home. In this case, the residents were not harmed. In other recent cases, the residents were seriously injured and transported to an area hospital. Recent burglaries have occurred in Westwood, Woodland Hills, Hollywood Hills, and Sherman Oaks. This is the latest in the residential smash and grab robberies. Burglars are targeting high-end homes in the community. Multiple reports indicate that these burglaries are very specific. Thieves are targeting homes in affluent areas, breaking glass at homes that appear empty. The thieves are stealing luxury items that are easily carried such as watches, jewelries, the items one keeps in a safe, cash, name brand purses, and weapons, sunglasses, and other sought-after items. California officials recently noted the decrease in crime. The uptick in residential smash-and-grab burglaries has not lessened the retail theft. According to police, on Wednesday, March 25, at approximately 7:10 p.m., two men wearing ski masks, black jackets, and blue jeans used sledgehammers to burglarized Macy’s Department Store at the Westfield Fashion Square in the 14000 block of Riverside Drive. The thieves were last seen exiting the store and fleeing the scene in a white Lexus. ADT and other security companies have recommended homeowners to use high-powered motion activated sprinklers in their yards. Motion lighting, surveillance cameras, and trimming bushes low enough that intruders cannot use them as a hiding place were also suggested for those living in burglary-ridden areas. By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, January 13, the UCLA Police Department posted on its Facebook page that the Corona Police Department contacted UCLA Police regarding a suspect wanted in connection with a commercial burglary in their jurisdiction.

At approximately 11:13 a.m., Corona Police officers responded to the UCLA campus and took one UCLA student into custody without incident inside Haines Hall.

There is no indication at this time that ICE was present on campus or that this incident was related to immigration enforcement. The name and age of the suspect has not yet been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD—On October 31, the University of California Police Department responded to reports of three people being stabbed on Gayley Avenue in Westwood. The attack occurred at 2 a.m. According to the officers who are investigating the stabbings, the victims are UCLA students. The investigators believe the attacks transpired as the students were gathering for Halloween parties that taking place off campus, at fraternities that were happening at houses on Gayley Avenue. Responding officers found one of the victims at the crime scene, who received medical treatment. The other two victims arrived at the emergency room of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where they received treatment for injuries sustained. All three students are in stable condition and are expected to survive. The stabbings are currently under investigation, but the students have ceased cooperating with investigators. Anyone with details about the stabbings is asked to contact authorities at (310) 825-1491.

WESTWOOD—On Monday, October 20, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported a fire was extinguished in Westwood.

The fire was reported at 4:40 p.m. at 1545 S Bentley Avenue. One auto vehicle was on fire in the subterranean parking of a four-story modern apartment building (three residential floors over parking).

The fire was extinguished in 21 minutes by first-arriving companies, with no injuries reported.

Though the fire itself was contained to the vehicle, firefighters are now working to evacuate smoke from the building and shut down all activated sprinklers. No details on the cause of the fire have been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

WESTWOOD—The UCLA PD reported on June 4 that a group of people that took loads of merchandise from a store in Westwood have been apprehended.

Officers were flagged down and officers were able to locate the suspects. Several arrests were made and the property that was stolen was recovered. The names of the suspects and their ages have not been disclosed to the public.

The incident transpired in real time, and it was captured on video by the UCLA PD.

No further details about the theft have been released.

By Danny Jones

WESTWOOD—On Thursday, March 20, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they battled a structure fire.

The fire was reported at 5:26 a.m. at 542 Glenrock Avenue. Officials battled a 5-story apartment building with heavy smoke coming from one unit.

Companies made access to the unit of origin and adjacent units to check for fire extension, achieving knockdown in 25 minutes with 34 firefighters on scene. All occupants were evacuated and there were no reports of any injuries during the fire.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—The UCLA Police Department reported on Friday, May 24 that they are investigating a sexual battery that transpired off the campus of UCLA. The incident was reported on May 23 at 3:30 p.m.

On Thursday at about 2:45 p.m., the suspect grabbed the victim by the shoulder and thrust his pelvis against the victim’s buttocks at the southwest corner of Le Conte Avenue and Broxton Avenue.

The suspect has been described as a Black male, approximately 30 years old and standing 5 feet and 6 inches tall. He has a thin build, short black hair and a full beard and mustache.

He was wearing a black short-sleeve T-shirt and tan khaki pants. The victim in the sexual battery is a UCLA student.

The UCLA Police Department would like to remind the campus community to:

• Dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
• For non-emergencies, program the UCLA PD 24-hour phone number into your cell phone – 310-825-1491.
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.
• Do not leave doors to buildings propped open.
• Secure your residence by locking all windows and doors.
• Avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas when walking at night.
• Utilize the UCLA Safe Ride Service and UCPD CSO evening escorts.

This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with details on the incident is asked to contact the UCLA PD.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 30, at approximately 10:45 p.m., the tension at the University of California (UCLA) campus escalated. Pro-Palestine protesters and counter protesters broke out into a brawl. A Pro-Israel group also stood in sodality. Fighting, fireworks, and pepper spray were used in what administrators had earlier suggested would be a peaceful protest. Police reportedly were briefly on the scene Tuesday night and then left the student-led demonstrations to their own devices.

On the afternoon of April 30, UCLA President Caroline Folt spoke to those who had established a Palestine Solidarity Encampment on the UCLA campus. Before the demonstrations escalated to violence, Folt demanded that protesters disband immediately, forewarning students who continued their demonstrations could face expulsion.

According to UCLA spokesperson and Chancellor for Strategic Communications, Mary Osako, indicated that the protesters remained peaceful until Sunday.

On Tuesday, April 30, Osako made the following statement:

“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid and support. We are sickened by this senseless violence, and it must end.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom remains under scrutiny for ignoring the ongoing violence. Newsom first told KNBC that he and other state officials were “working with,” UCLA trustees.” Newsom cited the students right to protest saying, “We want to maintain the right to protest without hate.”

Reminder, UCLA’s main commencement ceremony has been canceled. Canyon News reported on April 26, that the UCLA 2024 main commencement ceremony has been canceled due to the extreme safety measures in place following the Gaza War Pro-Palestine protests happening on campuses nationwide. USC will not be able to manage the crowd as graduation ceremonies at UCLA have the potential to draw crowds of 65,000 or better.

By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On Tuesday, April 23, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a storage fire that transpired in Westwood. The blaze was reported at 10:12 a.m. at 1391 S. Westwood Blvd.

It took 60 firefighters about 29 minutes to access, confine and fully extinguish flames in a storage shed to the rear of a one-story row of commercial businesses. This prevented the fire from spreading to the common attic shared by an adjacent one-story restaurant and gallery.

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

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—The Los Angeles Fire Department announced that a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 911 S. Malcolm Avenue was extinguished on Sunday, March 31.

The LAFD reported the blaze at 1:25 a.m. with almost 40 LAFD firefighters extinguishing the blaze in 31 minutes (1:56 a.m.). They were able to access, confine, and fully extinguish heavy fire in the attic and second floor of a 3,795 square foot two-story home (built 1927).

There were no reports of any injuries and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—On January 10, LA Dance Fit announced that they will be holding Hip Hop Dance lessons beginning January 23 at 4:00 p.m. The classes are for children six years old and up. The lessons will be held at the Dance Fit Studio located at 10936 Santa Monica Boulevard.

On their website, the Dance Fit Studio message relays that their classes aren’t only about learning to dance.

It’s “Designed for young enthusiasts, this class isn’t just about learning dance steps; it’s a journey into self-expression and confidence building, set to the pulsating beats of hip-hop.”

LA Dance Fit is known for the dance classes offered. They have offered classes for both beginners and the more seasoned dancers in not just hip-hop, but have classes in Soul Hip-Hop, Jazz-Funk, and Afro-Caribbean Vibez.

Canyon News reached out to the Dance Fit Studio for more information and a photo but have not heard back in time for print.

By Sharon

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

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

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

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

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

By Sharon