Santa Monica News, CA Local News

Alleged stalker accused of attacking Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham arrested

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 05:46:17 +0000

A 54-year-old woman accused of stalking and assaulting former Fleetwood Mac musician Lindsey Buckingham in Santa Monica has been arrested. Michelle Dick is accused of targeting Buckingham as he was walking into an appointment at a property in Santa Monica on March 25. That’s when Dick reportedly approached Buckingham and doused him with an unknown [...]

Heal the Bay Aquarium: Reopened & Sunflower Sea Star

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:56:26 +0000

Gayle Anderson reports Santa Monica’s Heal the Bay Aquarium was forced to close for three weeks following February’s severe storm flooding. Extensive repairs were required, which allowed the nonprofit facility to finally reopen Saturday, March 14th, 2026. Fortunately, the storm damage neither hurt staff nor destroyed the work of the aquarium’s Aquaculture Program which teaches conservation [...]

Here are 5 LA County restaurants where you can order mocktails for Dry January

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:02:10 +0000

Besides welcoming a new year, this month also marks Dry January, when people are encouraged to take on the monthlong challenge and stop drinking alcohol.

But hey, we still need to keep hydrated and people will still want a drink when they go out to eat. So with that in mind here are five restaurants in the area that serve alcohol-free drinks known as mocktails.

The Bamboo Club offers fruity mocktails that are perfect for Dry January. (Photo courtesy Bamboo Club)

Bamboo Club

3522 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach; 562-343-2534; bambooclublb.com

It may not seem like it would be easy finding mocktails at places like tiki-bars that are known for their many fruity and strong cocktails. But at the Bamboo Club in Long Beach you can take the alcohol out of drinks while still pouring in all the fun. Currently on the restaurant’s mocktail menu are drinks such as the Virgin Painkiller, made with pineapple, orange and coconut. People can also order a classic Hawaiian drink like a Virgin Piña Colada.

Mocktails available at Fitoor Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge in Santa Monica on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

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Mocktails available at Fitoor Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge in Santa Monica on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

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Fitoor

1755 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica; 424-699-1300; eatdrinkfitoor.com

The high-end restaurant serves wood-fired and grilled Indian dishes as well several mocktails. The restaurant will soon be releasing a list of Dry January specials but for now the drinks on the menu include the Apple of My Eye, a fruity mix of green apple, honey, basil and lime. For something with more of a kick try the Andromeda. This drink is made with ginger, lemongrass and Butterfly Pea, which is a type of blue flower.

ALSO SEE: 7 Orange County mocktail spots to try for Dry January

Osa Rooftop

540 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; 626-463-5725; osarooftop.com

Besides having great views from its rooftop patio that’s anchored by a real 20-foot tall olive tree, this California-cuisine restaurant also serves refreshing mocktails like the Berryfoot, an Earthy drink made with beet, raspberry, lime and soda water. Also on the menu is the Merry Roses. This citrusy mocktail is made with Zero Proof Amass, which is a spirit distilled from more than a dozen natural botanicals, plus grapefruit, lime and rosemary.

The happy hour mocktail which has a sugar and five spice rim and contains honey, crisp apple, cinnamon, allspice, maple syrup, lemon, and ginger beer at Prose Kitchen and Bar on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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Prose Kitchen + Bar

21150 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; 818-914-4033; eatatprose.com

Besides offering globally inspired food anchored by California ingredients, this high-end restaurant also serves permanent and seasonal mocktails. On the permanent menu is a drink dubbed the Golden Hour Spritz, made with Meyer lemon, turmeric honey, saffron, orange blossom and tonic water. The current seasonal mocktail is the Fireside Orchard, which is a blend of Honeycrisp apple, maple, spices, Meyer lemon and ginger.

ALSO SEE: 5 places to get mocktails in the Inland Empire

SHOR Bazaar

12155 E. Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens; 562-202-9274; shorbazaarla.com

For a full mocktail menu this Afghanistan, Indian, and Pakistani restaurant is the place to be since all drinks on the menu are alcohol-free. Drinkers can stay dry with mocktails such as the Cozy Blanket, made with Tequila-cinnamon-lime-pomegranate-Santos bitters, or the Manhattan, a mix of whiskey-cherry-bitters-orange juice. Or take a shot at alcohol-free whiskey, tequila, rum or gin.

The group behind Coachella is launching a music festival at Santa Monica Pier

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:44:00 +0000

Los Angeles music festival connoisseurs, get ready.

Goldenvoice is set to launch a new annual beachfront music festival in Santa Monica beginning in fall 2026, marking the city’s first large-scale, Pier-adjacent music event of its kind.

Recently approved by the Santa Monica City Council, the one-day festival will take place on the sand near the Santa Monica Pier and is expected to draw between 30,000 and 35,000 attendees.

“Partnering with the city of Santa Monica to bring a yearly music festival to the Pier is a true honor for us,” said Melissa Ormond, Goldenvoice COO and COO of Festivals for AEG Presents, in an official statement via Time Out Magazine. “We can’t wait to bring world class music and artists to one of the most beautiful urban locations in the state.”

Produced by Goldenvoice, the hitmakers behind Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach, the inaugural edition will feature 12-15 artists, alongside food and beverage vendors, merchandise, art installations and brand activations designed to feel locally rooted. The event is planned as a single-day experience, with the intention of returning annually in 2027 and 2028.

The festival is part of a broader city-backed realignment strategy aimed at activating the Pier, beach and downtown corridor ahead of a major influx of global events coming to Los Angeles, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Santa Monica is also slated to host a World Cup fan club on the Pier, an ESPN fan festival in 2027 and international hospitality and broadcast hubs during the 2028 Olympics.

City officials emphasized that the festival and related activations will be privately funded, with producers covering property use, services, and security costs, and no public subsidies from the City of Santa Monica. The city says the focus will remain on community benefits, economic impact and maintaining public access where possible.

Additional details, including dates and the lineup, are expected to be announced on social media closer to the festival’s 2026 debut.

12 ice skating winter wonderlands and rinks to visit in Southern California

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:41:28 +0000

While Southern California is known for its laid-back beaches and summer sun, it doesn’t mean the region can’t enjoy some time on the ice.

There are several ice skating rinks throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire that welcome skaters of all ages and levels. Some will even offer free skating lessons for those looking to build confidence and technique. This season, some ice skating rinks will also feature themed nights with traditional Christmas movies playing during skating sessions, along with special holiday shows open to the public to spectate or perform.

Most facilities offer skate rentals and other essentials, but if it’s your first time, it doesn’t hurt to bring some warm layers, such as athletic pants, a jacket, gloves, and a small hand towel to dry your blades when needed. The schedules for each ice skating rink vary, with most offering public open sessions. If you’re more advanced on the ice, there are also a few locations that offer freestyle sessions where skaters and dancers can practice spins and other competitive techniques.

Be sure to visit each facility’s website for admission pricing and the most up-to-date schedule and hours. Here are 10 ice skating rinks to check out in Southern California.

In this file photo, children stroll on their ice skates at the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square. The facility will be open through Jan. 11, 2026. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Los Angeles Daily News)

Holiday Ice Rink in Downtown LA

The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square is a winter-season treat for those who want to celebrate the holidays on ice. The 7,200-square-foot rink gives pros and beginners a chance to skate together in an outdoor setting. On Thursdays, DJs specialize in throwback hits and EDM, and on Sundays, skaters can enjoy classical music for a more elegant experience. Locker rental, skate helpers, gloves and socks are available for purchase and rent.

When: Noon- 10 p.m. daily. Nov. 20 through Jan. 11.

Where: 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles.

Information: holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.

A view of the L.A. Kings Holiday Ice in Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE featuring a giant Christmas tree at its center. The ice skating rink will be open daily through January 10. (Photo by Ariel Goldberg, L.A. LIVE)

LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE!

The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE! is back for the holiday season for a limited time. Guests hanging with friends, out for a Los Angeles Kings or Los Angeles Lakers game, looking for a romantic date night, or attending a concert can stroll around a massive Christmas tree for daily sessions. General admission tickets are available only on-site at the ice rink box office during operating hours. Check the website for the best parking location for your night out.

When: 5:30- 6 p.m., 7-8:30 p.m., 9-10:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m. daily through Jan. 10. The rink will close at 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Where: 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles.

Information: lalive.com.

Ice at Santa Monica will host themed nights in December, with the rink showing movies such as “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” “Die Hard,” “Home Alone,” and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” (Photo courtesy of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.)

Ice at Santa Monica

Ice at Santa Monica is back in its 17th year and changing up the programming a bit from years past. The ice rink is hosting theme nights sponsored by Disney+ and Hulu on select Tuesdays, with some nights featuring movies to lead the theme. Skate and movie nights will feature showings of “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” “Die Hard,” “Home Alone,” and “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Theme nights, without films playing, will encourage skaters to channel their inner “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and “Gilmore Girls,” and to show their love for their favorite superheroes and sports teams. There will be music-themed nights for ’90s/’00s hits and one on Saturday, Dec. 13, to celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday.

When: Noon-10 p.m. daily.

Where: Downtown Santa Monica, 1324 5th St., Santa Monica.

Information: iceatsantamonica.com.

In this file photo, ice skaters work on a performance during Summer Skate Camp at Pasadena Ice Skating Center. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Pasadena Ice Skating Center

The Pasadena Ice Skating Center offers daily public skating sessions, but tickets can only be purchased in person. The center requires in-person admission only and requires all skaters to follow the public session guidelines posted at the rink, with each session monitored by rink staff. Walkers are available free of charge on a first-come basis, but are only for beginner toddler skaters whose waist height is not more than 26” with skates on.

When: 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m., 1-5 p.m.; 8-10 p.m. Saturdays, and 2-4 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 300 E Green St., Pasadena.

Information: skatepasadena.com.

In this file photo, children and others skate on the ice at the LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens in Burbank. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens

The Burbank facility has been around since 1961, offering several all-ages ice-related activities, including public skating, freestyle sessions, private lessons, hockey, and more. What was once known as Pickwick Gardens became LA Kings Ice at Pickwick Gardens in 2019, after the Los Angeles Kings and American Sports Entertainment Company partnered with the Stavert family, who had owned and operated the original location for over 50 years. The NHL-sized arena features music to skate to, a shop for equipment, a lounge with Wi-Fi, LED TVs, and a snack bar with an arcade.

When: 3-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 3:45-5:15 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 1001 W Riverside Drive, Burbank.

Information: lakingsicepickwick.com.

Winterfest OC will take over the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa Nov. 28 through Jan. 4. (Photo courtesy of Winter Fest OC)

Winterfest OC

The OC Fair & Event Center is hosting Winter Fest in Costa Mesa, featuring ice skating among several winter wonderland activities. Visitors can enjoy an 8,000-square-foot real snow play area, a 150-foot ice tubing slide, a forest of lights, an interactive light show, live entertainment, carnival attractions, bounce houses, holiday-themed mini golf, train rides, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, Yowie the Yeti, Ice Princess, Jack Frost, Bear Snow, and Snow Flake.

When: 5-10 p.m. on select weekdays, 4-11 pm. Saturday and 4-10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28- Jan. 4.

Where: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Information: winterfestoc.com.

In this file photo, Brittnei Miller of Orange skates to the judges for the auditions for the Ducks’ Power Player squad at The Rinks Anaheim Ice. (Photo by Kyusung Gong, Orange County Register)

The Rinks Anaheim

The Rinks in Anaheim has been open for 30 years and offers public ice skating at several locations, including Lakewood, Yorba Linda, Corona, and more. Guests of all ages can skate at Anaheim Ice during its daily public ice skating sessions on both its NHL- and Olympic-sized surfaces. The Rinks have over 1,000 pairs of professionally maintained hockey and figure skates available for rent. It offers skate mates for new skaters or those who may need a little extra assistance on the rink. Freestyle sessions are open to singles, free skating, pairs skating, or dance only. All levels of skaters are invited to practice their double jumps and flying spins during freestyle sessions. The Rinks also offers skating lessons for all ages.

When: 6 a.m.-midnight daily.

Where: 300 W Lincoln Ave., Anaheim

Information: anaheimice.therinks.com.

In this file photo, Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson perform during the Nationals Send Off event at Great Park Ice in Irvine (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Great Park Ice

This facility, under the same ownership as The Rinks in Anaheim, offers everything the Anaheim location does, including equipment rentals, skate mates, freestyle, and public sessions. What makes this ice skating facility a standout location is its restaurant and bar, which offers wines, flatbread pizzas, street tacos, loaded nachos, and other tasty, shareable entrees perfect for a night out.

When: 6 a.m.- 11 p.m. daily.

Where: 888 Ridge Valley, Irvine.

Information: greatparkice.com.

In this file photo, Mission Viejo's Zack Sidhu practices with his figure skating partner Jessica Calalang at the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register)

Woman who accused Jeffrey Epstein of sexual battery in Santa Monica again calls for release of files

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:56:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES — An alleged victim of the late Jeffrey Epstein who filed a police report against him in 1997 in Santa Monica for sexual battery called Monday for “transparency” and urged House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files.

Alicia Arden, 56, says she was sexually assaulted by Epstein at Shutters on the Beach hotel in Santa Monica in 1997 when she was 28 and an aspiring Victoria’s Secret model.

Arden, speaking at a news conference Monday at the side of her attorney Gloria Allred, said Epstein told her he was a model scout for the Victoria’s Secret catalogue and invited Arden to his hotel room to look at her portfolio.

The actress said that after Epstein asked her to sit closer, “he started touching me … and said, ‘Let me manhandle you.’ It was becoming apparent I would be involved in a situation I didn’t want to be in. He was touching me and groping me and taking my clothes off.”

Arden claims she went to the nearby Santa Monica Police Department and filed a police report against Epstein for alleged sexual battery but never heard back. She’s called for justice for years.

Arden is known for acting in Baywatch, General Hospital and Red Shoe Diaries as well as in movies.

Allred, who says she represents 27 alleged victims of Epstein, said she called the Los Angeles news conference with Arden to urge lawmakers in the House to vote in favor of releasing Justice Department documents collected on the late billionaire financier and convicted sex offender.

In a reversal of his long-running campaign to keep the Epstein documents sealed, President Donald Trump is suddenly urging lawmakers to vote to release the entire file. The vote is expected Tuesday.

“House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax,” Trump wrote Sunday night on Truth Social, adding, “I DON’T CARE! All I do care about is that Republicans get BACK ON POINT” discussing economic issues.

“Speaking as a victim, I beg you to release these files, once and for all,” Arden said Monday. “There is no valid reason not to do so. This should be a really easy bi-partisan issue. Why would there be a single ‘No’ vote?”

She added, “Vote to release these files so we can finally see who else helped Jeffrey Epstein.”

The bill would force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, and any information about the investigation into his apparent suicide by hanging in a federal lockup in New York in August 2019.

“Survivors have made it clear … they want transparency and they want truth,” Allred said.

The Los Angeles Daily News contributed to this story.

10 ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Southern California

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:11:28 +0000

Each fall, families across Mexico and beyond gather to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a time to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed. The centuries-old holiday, rooted in Indigenous customs, welcomes the souls of the departed back to the world of the living through offerings of food, music, and art. Altars bloom with marigolds, sugar skulls, and favorite dishes, all symbolizing that death is not an end but a continuation of life’s cycle.

In Southern California, that same spirit of remembrance shines through local festivals and community gatherings. From cemetery celebrations to seaside ceremonies, here are 10 ways to experience Día de los Muertos this year.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery will celebrate Day of the Dead on Saturday, Nov.1 this year. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP)

Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Each year, thousands gather at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for its deeply moving Día de los Muertos celebration. The historic cemetery transforms into a sea of color and culture, with more than 50 altars honoring loved ones, Aztec ritual performances, live music, arts and crafts, and an array of food vendors serving traditional Mexican meals. This year’s 26th annual event will be divided into three sessions, with the later ones featuring a screening of Disney Pixar’s Coco and a drone show.

When: 1 p.m.–1:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 (three sessions: 1–3:30 p.m., 4:30–9 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.)

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles

Information: ladayofthedead.com

Gloria Molina Grand Park will becomea colorful sanctuary where Angelenos can honor loved ones and celebrate cultural heritage from Oct. 25–Nov. 2. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos

The free, week-long event features community-built ofrendas, live music, dance performances, art installations, and family-friendly activities. From Oct. 25–Nov. 2, the park becomes a colorful sanctuary where Angelenos can honor loved ones and celebrate cultural heritage. The festivities begin with Grand Ave Arts: All Access on Oct. 25, and conclude with Noche de los Muertos on Nov. 2, an evening filled with lanterns, music, dance, and a mercado.

When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Oct. 25–Nov. 2; opening celebration Oct. 25, Noche de los Muertos Nov. 2

Where: Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Information: eventbrite.com

Downey’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration transforms the city’s civic center into a lively, art-filled festival drawing more than 25,000 visitors each year on Sunday, Nov. 2. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Downey Día de los Muertos Festival

Downey’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration transforms the city’s civic center into a lively, art-filled festival drawing more than 25,000 visitors each year. The free, family-friendly event features seven art exhibits by Latino artists, live entertainment, a chalk walk, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Children can enjoy storytimes, puppet shows, and sugar skull–decorating stations, while guests can explore dozens of unique altars — from classic car displays to pet and Dodger blue–themed tributes. It’s a vibrant community celebration that beautifully blends creativity, remembrance, and tradition.

When: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2

Where: Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey

Information: ddlm.downeytheatre.org

San Diego’s Día de los Deftones festival returns for its sixth year at Petco Park on Saturday, Nov. 1. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Día de los Deftones at Petco Park

For an edgier twist on Día de los Muertos celebrations, San Diego’s Día de los Deftones festival returns for its sixth year at Petco Park. Hosted by the Grammy Award–winning band Deftones, the single-day event brings together a lineup of artists across two stages, including Clipse, Rico Nasty, Deafheaven, and more. Fans can catch performances both on the field and in Gallagher Square.

When: 3:45 p.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1

Where: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego

Information: Ticketmaster.com

Downtown Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Pier Corporation are honoring Dia de los Muertos on Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Día de los Muertos at the Santa Monica Pier

Celebrate Día de los Muertos by the sea at the end of Route 66 as the Santa Monica Pier transforms into a two-day art installation. The historic carousel will be decorated with marigolds and papel picado, setting the scene for a weekend of music, dance, and culture. Saturday’s festivities begin with an Aztec blessing and parade along the pier, followed by ballet folklorico performances, live music, and a blessing of the ofrendas inside the carousel building. Guests can also contribute to a community altar and view installations by local artists Sylvia Sanchez and Yolanda Medina.

When: 3–10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2

Where: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Information: Free for attendees. santamonicapier.org/diadelosmuertos

Historic Downtown Upland will host a Día de los Muertos Festival on Saturday, Nov. 1.(Courtesy of Historic Downtown Upland)

Historic Downtown Upland’s Día de los Muertos Festival

Historic Downtown Upland’s Día de los Muertos Festival will celebrate life, culture, and tradition. Attendees can celebrate their dearly departed with a vibrant day filled with live music, local vendors, delicious food trucks, a fun kids zone, and a community ofrenda to honor loved ones who have passed. The event will also feature the city’s first “Entertainment Zone,” which allows guests 21 and older to purchase alcohol from downtown restaurants and bars and walk through the festival with their drinks. The free, family-friendly event will feature colorful decorations, festive entertainment, and rich cultural experiences.

When: Noon- 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.

Where: Historic Downtown Upland, 305 N 2nd Ave., Upland.

Information: Free. uplandchamber.org.

In this file photo, Theresa Dever of Garden Grove and Peter Deverona dance the “Waltz of La Catrina” at the Bowers Museum for a Day of the Dead event. The museum will host a family-friendly Día de Los Muertos celebration on Sunday, Nov. 2. (Photo by Michael Goulding)

Día de Los Muertos at Bowers Museum

The Bowers Museum is hosting a family-friendly celebration at its Key Courtyard to honor beloved family, friends and pets who are no longer with us. The event will feature celebratory activities that evoke joy, including music, dance, and traditional foods. Guests are invited to bring a photo for the community ofrendas and enjoy performances by Mariachi Anacatlán, Relámpago del Cielo, Los Cuates, Xipe Totec, and Joel Aceves.

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2.

Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N Main St, Santa Ana

Information: Free. bowers.org.

In this Nov. 4, 2023, file photo, a dancer with the Ballet Folklorico de Riverside performs during the 20th Riverside Day of the Dead celebration along Market Street in downtown Riverside. The event returns this year for a two-day celebration on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. (Photo by Will Lester, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Riverside Day of the Dead

For the first time ever, the Day of the Dead celebration in Riverside will happen for two days in a row. The event will feature art, Aztec dancers, ofrenda altars, food, a Catrina pageant, live music, lucha libre and car altars. The free, family-friendly event will take place on Market Street between University Avenue and 14th Street.

When: 1-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2.

Where: White Park, 3936 Chestnut St., Riverside.

Information: Free. riversideca.gov.

In this Aug. 29, 2015 file photo, Xipe Totec Aztec dancers lead the group of descendants of Los Angeles' 11 founding families, Los Pobladores, and others in a retracing of the footsteps of city's first settlers as they walk or bike the nine-mile route from San Gabriel Mission to El Pueblo Historic Monument at Olvera Street in commemoration of the city's 234th birthday. Olvera Street will feature Aztec dancers as part of their Día de los Muertos Festival celebrations happening Oct. 25-Nov. 2. (Photo by Leo
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<h1>Amazon cutting 760 corporate jobs in Southern California</h1>
<p>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:50:03 +0000</p>
<p>Amazon, which announced plans this week to reduce its global corporate workforce <a href=

A ‘Top Chef France’ semifinalist is behind a new Santa Monica brasserie

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:26:57 +0000

The Oceana Santa Monica hotel is offering a culinary trip to France via a new restaurant with a Top Chef semifinalist behind the kitchen.

La Monique, a French brasserie helmed by “Top Chef France” semifinalist David Fricaud, opened its doors on Oct. 11 in the seaside hotel.

“We want to make elegant food for elegant people,” said Fricaud, who speaks in a heavy French accent. His previous experience includes the executive chef position at Scarpetta at The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and executive chef at Malibu Beach Inn Hotel and Spa, plus his 2010 appearance on “Top Chef.”

La Monique in Santa Monica aims to make “elegant food for elegant people,” says Executive Chef David Fricaud. (Photo courtesy of La Monique)

At La Monique the chef is offering a menu described as a love letter to French brasserie traditions plus steak offerings featuring A5 wagyu, dry-aged cuts and seafood.

“This is classic French food but we do make it a little but with an American twist,” he said.

Offerings include Linguine Vongole with little neck clams and white clam sauce, an A5 Wagyu Ichibo Cut from Yamaguchi, Japan, and the signature dish at the 14-table restaurant is La Monique’s Le Grand Poulet, a chicken dish made with sautéed fingerling potatoes and truffle jus.

La Grand Poulet is the signature dish at La Monique, a French brasserie that recently opened in Santa Monica. (Photo courtesy of La Monique)

“For me it’ll take you to a Sunday lunch with your family in France. It’s juicy, has lots of flavor, it’s got a great smell,” Fricaud said.

A dish that combines classic French fare with an American twist is the escargot poppers, made with garlic herb crème fraîche. The chef creates escargot poppers with cheese and the garlic herb crème fraîche is inside the escargot shell, which is meant to be consumed like a shot.

“It’s become our best seller so far,” he said.

Seafood lovers will want to try Le Plateau Royal, a seafood tower featuring New Orleans shrimp, raw oysters, raw clams, lobster, shrimp cocktail, crab cocktail and caviar. Also on the menu is a tuna carpaccio made with thinly sliced tuna, lemon, parsley and garlic.

“This is something you see a lot on the South of France, and here we are on the beach, we are in Santa Monica so it’s perfect here,” he said.

La Monique is at 849 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 800-777-0758 or hoteloceanasantamonica.com/la-monique

CEO of event planning firm among 2 pedestrians killed in Santa Monica hit-and-run

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 19:53:00 +0000

SANTA MONICA — Police Saturday were seeking a motorist who allegedly drove onto a sidewalk in Santa Monica, killing two people and injuring two others before fleeing the scene on foot.

Officers responded at 9:15 p.m. Friday to the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard, where they located four victims on the south sidewalk, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Two people were rushed to a hospital, where they were expected to survive their injuries. Paramedics also pronounced two people dead at the crash scene, SMPD Lt. Lewis Gilmour said.

CBS Los Angeles reported that one victim was confirmed by the Medical Examiner’s office as 61-year-old Brad Lipshy, the CEO of a Santa Monica event planning firm. A woman in her 60s was also killed, the station said. Her name has not yet been released.

“Preliminary information indicates the involved vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Wilshire Boulevard when it drove onto the sidewalk and struck the four pedestrians,” Gilmour said.

“The involved vehicle remained at the scene; however, the driver fled on foot prior to officers’ arrival and remains outstanding,” he said.

The suspect was described as a male, approximately 6 feet tall, who was last seen wearing a red hat, a black sweater and black shoes.

“We recognize the gravity of this tragedy and the impact it has on our community,” Interim Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob said. “Our investigators are working tirelessly to identify and locate the suspect responsible, and our hearts are with the families of the victims who are experiencing unimaginable loss.”

Anyone with information regarding the crash was urged to contact police at 310-458-2201, ext. 5311, or the watch commander at 310-458-8327. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org

Santa Monica-based RAND cuts 11% of its workforce

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:18:58 +0000

RAND Corp., a Santa Monica-based think tank highly dependent on federal government funding, shed more than 11% of its global workforce on Tuesday, Oct. 21, a spokesman for the nonprofit said late Monday.

A third of the layoffs are effective Nov. 2 at the nonprofit’s headquarters, according to a filing with the state’s Employment Development Department.

The layoffs were first mentioned publicly by RAND on career networking website LinkedIn.

RAND spokesman Jeremy Rawitch confirmed 192 layoffs but did not provide a reason for them, or specify how many jobs were cut at specific global locations.

According to RAND’s 2023 tax documents, the nonprofit employed 2,396 people, up 8.3% from 2,211 people employed in 2021, according to tax filings obtained from Guidestar, an online database that tracks nonprofits.

RAND made the “difficult but necessary decision” to reduce its workforce by “returning to staffing levels of a few years ago,” according to a statement provided by Rawitch to the Southern California News Group. “RAND remains firmly committed to the quality and objectivity that define our research, and our work for clients and sponsors continues uninterrupted,” Rawitch said. “We are providing support to affected colleagues and are grateful for their many contributions to our mission.”

The Linkedin post said that the “shift aligns our resources with changes in the broader research environment.”

In an Oct. 21 letter filed with the EDD, RAND Human Resources Director Nick Bacon said the nonprofit is laying off 72 employees at its Santa Monica headquarters at 1776 Main St. One additional employee was laid off Oct. 17 due to “lack of work,” he said.

“This action is expected to be permanent,” Bacon wrote. “Only a portion (less than 33%) of the workforce at the facility will be laid off.”

The notice filed by Bacon indicated that jobs being cut include accountants, scientists, policy analysts, economists, engineers and political scientists.

The federal government shut Oct. 1 following an impasse in Congress on future funding levels. The Trump administration vowed to slash employment and funding in government during the shutdown.

RAND, which has offices in Santa Monica, Boston, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., three in Europe and one in Australia, conducts research for the federal government, colleges and universities, foundations, nonprofits and the defense industry. It also runs four federally funded research and development centers — independent entities that conduct research for the U.S. government and advise government leaders.

The corporation, which has roots in the post-World War II era in Southern California with a long history of consulting on national security issues, reported annual revenues of $461 million in its 2024 fiscal year. RAND also received nearly 500 grants totalling $178.6 million over the most recent five years of available data, according to Guidestar.

Rand has ventured into many public policy research issues since its founding in 1946. For instance, a recent RAND report found significant undercounting of the homeless population in Los Angeles.

Editor’s note: The article was updated with the correct number of people laid off.

Man Arrested For Attempted Murder in Front Of Santa Monica Salvation Army

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 02:21:44 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Police arrested a 29-year-old man for stabbing someone multiple times in front of a Salvation Army early Monday morning.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers responded to the Salvation Army off of Fourth Street to investigate an apparent assault with a deadly weapon. A witness identified Michael Montgomery as the suspect. Police said the witness saw Montgomery strike and stab the victim multiple times. The victim pleaded with the suspect to stop. Montgomery responded by kicking and dragging the victim.

(Credit: SMPD)

SMPD soon detained Michael Montgomery in the area of Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue and found a folding knife on him.

Officers found the victim in front of the Salvation Army and rendered first aid until fire crews arrived. The victim was suffering from multiple stab wounds and was transported to a local hospital.

The victim is still in critical but stable condition.

Montgomery was booked for attempted murder and kidnapping.

‘The Lost Daughter’ Takes Home Top Honors At 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards; Other Winners Named

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 03:15:34 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — The 37th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards returned to the stage Sunday after resorting to a virtual ceremony in 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: (L-R) Maggie Gyllenhaal accepts the Best Screenplay award for ‘The Lost Daughter’ from Daveed Diggs onstage during the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards on March 06, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

The festivities took place at The Victorian in Santa Monica, adjacent to the beach home to the Santa Monica Pier. The awards show is traditionally held to honor films distributed by companies other than Hollywood’s top studios.

For a production to be selected for eligibility in the award show, they must cost less than $22.5 million to make.

Nick Offerman and wife Megan Mullaly hosted the awards show, which was also broadcast live on IFC. Sunday’s show saw “The Lost Daughter,” directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, take home the night’s top honors with both the Best Feature and Best Director awards.

Among the several entertainers presenting awards were Javier Bardem, Kristen Stewart, Rosario Dawson, Taika Waititi, Bob Odenkirk, Chloé Zhao and Andrew Garfield.

Full list of winners at the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards, with other nominations:

FILM CATEGORIES

Best Feature (Award given to the producer)

“The Lost Daughter” – Producers: Charles Dorfman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Osnat Handelsman Keren, Talia Kleinhendler
“C’mon C’mon” – Producers: Chelsea Barnard, Andrea Longacre-White, Lila Yacoub
“A Chiara” – Producers: Jonas Carpignano, Paolo Carpignano, Jon Coplon, Ryan Zacarias
“The Novice” – Producers: Ryan Hawkins, Kari Hollend, Steven Sims, Zack Zucker
“Zola” – Producers: Kara Baker, Dave Franco, Elizabeth Haggard, David Hinojosa, Vince Jolivette, Christine Vachon, Gia Walsh

Best First Feature (Award given to the director and producer)

“7 Days” – Director: Roshan Sethi; Producers: Liz Cardenas, Mel Eslyn
“Holler” – Director: Nicole Riegel; Producers: Adam Cobb, Rachel Gould, Katie McNeill, Jamie Patricof, Christy Spitzer Thornton
“Queen of Glory” – Director: Nana Mensah; Producers: Baff Akoto, Anya Migdal, Kelley Robins Hicks, Jamund Washington
“Test Pattern” – Director/Producer: Shatara Michelle Ford; Producers: Pin-Chun Liu, Yu-Hao Su
“Wild Indian” – Director/Producer: Lyle Mitchell Corbine, Jr.; Producers: Thomas Mahoney, Eric Tavitian

John Cassavetes Award (Award given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director and producer.)

“Shiva Baby” – Writer/Director/Producer: Emma Seligman; Producers: Kieran Altmann, Katie Schiller, Lizzie Shapiro
“Cryptozoo” – Writer/Director: Dash Shaw; Producers: Tyler Davidson, Kyle Martin, Jane Samborski, Bill Way
“Jockey” – Writer/Director/Producer: Clint Bentley; Writer/Producer: Greg Kwedar; Producer: Nancy Schafer
“Sweet Thing” – Writer/Director: Alexandre Rockwell; Producers: Louis Anania, Haley Anderson, Kenan Baysal
“This is Not a War Story” – Writer/Director/Producer: Talia Lugacy; Producers: Noah Lang, Julian West

Best Director Award

Maggie Gyllenhaal – “The Lost Daughter”
Janicza Bravo – “Zola”
Lauren Hadaway – “The Novice”
Mike Mills – “C’mon C’mon”
Ninja Thyberg – “Pleasure”

Best Screenplay

Maggie Gyllenhaal – “The Lost Daughter”
Nikole Beckwith – “Together Together”
Janicza Bravo, Jeremy O. Harris – “Zola”
Mike Mills – “C’mon C’mon”
Todd Stephens – “Swan Song”

Best First Screenplay

Michael Sarnoski, Vanessa Block – “Pig”
Matt Fifer, Sheldon D. Brown – “Cicada”
Fran Kanz – “Mass”
Shatara Michelle Ford – “Test Pattern”
Lyle Mitchell Corbine, Jr. – “Wild Indian”

Best Male Lead

Simon Rex – “Red Rocket”
Clifton Collins Jr. – “Jockey”
Frankie Faison – “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain”
Michael Greyeyes – “Wild Indian”
Udo Kier – “Swan Song”

Best Female Lead

Taylour Paige – “Zola”
Isabelle Fuhrman – “The Novice”
Brittany S. Hall – “Test Pattern”
Patti Harrison – “Together Together”
Kali Reis – “Catch the Fair One”

Best Documentary (Award given to the director and producer)

“Summer of Soul (…Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) – Director: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson; Producers: David Dinerstein, Robert Fyvolent, Joseph Patel
“Ascension” – Director/Producer: Jessica Kingdon; Producers: Kira Simon-Kennedy, Nathan Truesdell
“Flee” – Director: Jonas Poher Rasmussen; Producers: Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen
“In the Same Breath” – Director/Producer: Nanfu Wang; Producers: Christopher Clements, Julie Goldman, Carolyn Hepburn, Jialing Zhang
“Procession” – Director: Robert Greene; Producers: Susan Bedusa, Bennett Elliott, Douglas Tirola

Best Supporting Male

Troy Kotsur – “CODA”
Colman Domingo – “Zola”
Meeko Gattuso – “Queen of Glory”
Will Patton – “Sweet Thing”
Chaske Spencer – “Wild Indian”

Best Supporting Female

Ruth Negga – “Passing”
Jessie Buckley – “The Lost Daughter”
Amy Forsyth – “The Novice”
Revika Reustle – “Pleasure”
Suzanna Son – “Red Rocket”

Best International Film

“Drive My Car” (Japan) – Director: Ryusuke Hamaguchi
“Compartment No. 6” (Finland/Russia) – Director: Juho Kuosmanen
“Parallel Mothers” (Spain) – Director: Pedro Almodóvar
“Pebbles” (India) – Director: P S Vinothraj
“Petite Maman” (France) – Director: Céline Sciamma
“Prayers for the Stolen (Mexico) – Director: Tatiana Huezo

Best Editing

Joi McMillon – “Zola”
Affonso Gonçalves – “A Chiara”
Ali Greer – “The Nowhere Inn”
Enrico Natale – “The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain”
Lauren Hadaway, Nathan Nugent – “The Novice”

Best Cinematography

Edu Grau – “Passing”
Lol Crawley – “The Humans”
Tim Curtin – “A Chiara”
Ante Cheng, Matthew Chuang – “Blue Bayou”
Ari Wegner – “Zola”

Robert Altman Award (Award given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)

“Mass” – Director: Fran Kranz; Casting Directors: Henry Russell Bergstein, Allison Estrin; Ensemble Cast: Kagen Albright, Reed Birney, Michelle N. Carter, Ann Dowd, Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Breeda Wool

TELEVISION CATEGORIES

Best New Scripted Series (Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer)

“Reservation Dogs” – Creators/Executive Producers: Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi; Executive Producer: Garrett Basch
“Blindspotting” – Creators/Executive Producers: Rafael Casal, Daveed Diggs; Executive Producers: Jess Wu Calder, Keith Calder, Ken Lee, Tim Palen, Emily Gerson Saines, Seith Mann
“It’s a Sin” – Executive Producers: Russell T Davies, Peter Hoar, Nicola Shindler
“The Underground Railroad” – Creator/Executive Producer: Barry Jenkins; Executive Producers: Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Colson Whitehead, Richard Heus, Jacqueline Hoyt
“We Are Lady Parts” – Creator: Nida Manzoor; Executive Producers: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Surian Fletcher-Jones, Mark Freeland

Best New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series (Award given to the Creator, Executive Producer, Co-Executive Producer)

“Black and Missing” – Series By/Executive Producers: Soledad O’Brien, Geeta Gandbhir; Executive Producers: Jo Honig, Patrick Conway, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez
“The Choe Show” – Creator/Executive Producer: David Choe; Executive Producers; Matt Revelli, Christopher C. Chen, Hiro Murai, Nate Matteson
“The Lady and the Dale” – Executive Producers: Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Allen Bain, Andre Gaines, Nick Cammilleri, Alana Carithers, Zackary Drucker, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller
“Nuclear Family” – Series By: Ry Russo-Young; Produced By: Dan Cogan, Warren Fischer; Executive Producers: Liz Garbus, Julie Gaither, Jon Bardin, Leah Holzer, Peter Saraf, Alex Turtletaub, Jenny Raskin, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Lauren Haber, Maria Zuckerman, Christine Connor, Ryan Heller, Barbara Dobkin, Eric Dobkin, Andrea Van Beuren, Joe Landauer
“Philly D.A.” – Creators: Ted Passon, Yoni Brook, Nicole Salazar; Produced By: Josh Penn, Michael Gottwald; Executive Producers: Dawn Porter, Sally Jo Fifer, Lois Vossen, Ryan Chanatry, Gena Konstantinakos, Jeff Seelbach, Patty Quillin; Co-Executive Producers: Nion McEvoy, Leslie Berriman

Best Male Performance in a New Scripted Series

Lee Jung-Jae – “Squid Game”
Olly Alexander – “It’s a Sin”
Murray Bartlett – “The White Lotus”
Michael Greyeyes – “Rutherford Falls”
Ashley Thomas – “THEM: Covenant”

Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series

Thuso Mbedu – “The Underground Railroad”
Deborah Ayorinde – “THEM: Covenant”
Jasmine Cephas Jones – “Blindspotting”
Jana Schmieding – “Rutherford Falls”
Anjana Vasan – “We Are Lady Parts”

Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series

“Reservation Dogs” – Ensemble Cast: Devery Jacobs, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, Paulina Alexis, Sarah Podemski, Zahn McClarnon, Lil Mike, FunnyBone

Super Bowl: Warm Weather Drives Tourists, Locals Alike To Beach On Super Bowl Eve

Sun, 13 Feb 2022 05:14:51 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — With less than 24 hours until Super Bowl LVI, featuring the hometown Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals, Southern California beaches were far more crowded than normal on Saturday.

Over 100,000 football fans set to attend the big game, many actually headed away from SoFi Stadium, and instead to the sand in an attempt to take in the uncharacteristic summer day in February.

Since many of the people heading into the Southland hail from Ohio, or other Midwest states, 80 degree beach weather is far from normal, in fact, on Saturday in Cincinnati, there was a high of 23 degrees with a likelihood for snow.

So when Becky Matheny, a Bengals fan from Louisville, KY saw today’s weather she made sure she went to thaw out of her winter freeze at the beach, “I love it here,” she said.

Despite her newfound love for Southern California, she refused to drop her lasting passion for the Bengals.

“Because it’s the Bengals! We got Burrow, we got ’em all!” she told CBS reporter Nicole Comstock, “We got the best kicker in the NFL!”

Ironically, another Bengals fan named Becky spoke with Comstock while she was in Santa Monica.

Becky Shelton, who hails from Cincinnati, disclosed that today was her first time on the West Coast. But like the other Becky, she refused to give up on her Bengals, despite being in enemy territory. “We’re not going back to Cincy without a win,” she said.

Larry Wasser was of another mind, “Well, what happens when you’re in L.A., you become a Rams fan,” the Toronto transplant disclosed, “there’s no choice.”

Regardless of what team beachgoers were rooting for come Sunday, local shops and restaurants were reaping the benefits of the Super Bowl, like many other businesses across the Southland, even ahead of the big game.

Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe, located just off the Santa Monica Pier, was one of the many businesses that was overwhelmed by the sudden influx of consumers.

“We’ve been very busy,” said Mary Francis Bonzoni, a supervisor at Big Dean’s.

Despite the craze, employees were grateful for a change of tone when it came to their customers, especially those with the Midwestern hospitality in mind.

“Theres’s a lot of people from out of town, these people are really nice – you can tell the difference!,” Bonzoni continued.

Mike Morris was yet another Cincinnati local who took the 2,175 mile trip west to watch his team play in the Super Bowl for the first time in 31 years.

“I’ve been enjoying your city,” he said, “Did the tourist thing yesterday, hit all the big stops and today we’re hanging out at the pier; tomorrow’s the big game!”

The warm weather is expected to last again through Super Bowl Sunday, and stretch into Monday before winter weather re-descends upon the Southland, bringing back a little bit of normalcy for Los Angeles County in the wake of Super Bowl LVI.

Megan Mullally And Nick Offerman To Host Film Independent Spirit Awards

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 03:03:34 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman are set to host the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards on March 6.

“We are sincerely excited to be hosting the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards,” the couple said in a joint statement. “We hope to get a little rowdy, but it’ll mainly be legitimate cinematic discourse. Although, with the two of us involved, it’s more likely to be intercourse. Either way, it’ll be legit.”

The Spirit Awards ceremony will be held in Santa Monica after being held virtually last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event will be broadcasted on IFC.

Mullally is best known for her role as Karen Walker on “Will & Grace,” and Offerman is best known for his work on “Parks and Recreation.”

Water Use Warnings In Effect At Several LA County Beaches

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 17:06:51 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Officials have issued health warnings for ocean water use at several beaches in Los Angeles County due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is cautioning residents to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in ocean waters at the following beaches:

— Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey;

— Santa Monica Pier;

— Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach;

— Pico-Kenter Storm Drain at Santa Monica Beach (Santa Monica Tower 20);

— Herondo Street Storm Drain at Hermosa Beach (Hermosa Tower TK).

The warnings were issued Friday.

Meanwhile, warnings were lifted for Topanga Canyon Beach and Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, where recent sample results identified water quality levels within state standards.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. To view a map of impacted locations and for more information, go here.

Authorities Searching For Missing Teen Girl Allegedly Taken By Her Mother

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:59:18 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBLSA) – On Tuesday, police sought the public’s help to locate a 14-year-old girl who was reported missing in Santa Monica after allegedly being taken by her mother.

Isabela Belani was last seen about 4 p.m. on Jan. 11 during a planned visitation with her 52-year-old mother Shari Jackowitz, according to the California Highway Patrol, which issued a missing persons advisory on behalf of the Santa Monica Police Department.

Isabela is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a hoodie, gray shirt, gray jacket and black pants.
Jackowitz is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 127 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She is also known to drive a black 2018 Audi S7 with the Florida license plate DISJ14.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts was asked to call 911.

ENDANGERED MISSING ADVISORY – Los Angeles County.@SantaMonicaPD
IF Seen Call 9-1-1 pic.twitter.com/9nLrq4hq6O

— CHP – Alerts (@CHPAlerts) January 26, 2022

Actor Peter Dante, Regular In Adam Sandler Movies, Accused Of Antisemitic Remarks In Recent Lawsuit

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 00:09:07 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – Actor Peter Dante has been sued by a man who alleges that Dante called him an “old Jew” and a sissy and chased him around
a Santa Monica restaurant earlier this month.

BOSTON, MA – JUNE 09: Peter Dante attends the That’s My Boy Boston Premiere at Regal Fenway Theater on June 9, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Marc Andrew Deley/Getty Images)

Plaintiff Scott Burns’ Santa Monica Superior Court lawsuit alleges assault, defamation-slander and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Burns seeks $1.5 million in damages in the suit brought Thursday.

A representative for the 53-year-old “Grandma’s Boy” actor could not be immediately reached for comment.

On Jan. 3 at about 5:15 p.m., Burns went to Lares, a Mexican food restaurant on Pico Boulevard where he regularly dines, the suit states. Burns, who is elderly and has heart disease, entered through the back door due to management’s COVID-19 safety protocols and was directed to his table after his temperature was taken and he showed his vaccination card, the suit states.

Dante was “purposefully blocking” the area Burns needed to pass through and although the plaintiff excused himself, a visibly drunk Dante began “verbally assaulting” him, according to the suit.

Dante then began asking Burns invasive and personal questions in a menacing tone, and called the plaintiff’s answers “stupid,” the suit states.

“Plaintiff was humiliated in the small space in front of the staff whom he knows well and the other diners,” the suit states.

Dante, who allegedly ignored Burns’ requests to stop talking to him, called the plaintiff a “sissy” and asked if he was going to do anything about it, but Burns responded that he did not want to fight, according to the suit.

Dante made antisemitic remarks about Burns’ appearance, saying he was an “old Jew” with a “Jew nose,” the suit alleges.

Dante later approached Burns’ table and stood over the plaintiff in a threatening manner, leaving Burns feeling he was about to be attacked, the suit states. When Burns told a waiter he was leaving, Dante yelled, “See sissy running away,” according to the suit.

Dante chased Burns around a large table and the plaintiff was able to call the police, telling the operator to stay on the phone with him because he feared for his safety, the suit states.

The restaurant owner’s daughter approached and kept Dante away from Burns, then told the actor, “Pay your bill and get out. You’re out of here,” the suit states.

Dante eventually left. Burns, who felt humiliated and believes his reputation was damaged, has continued to have nightmares as well as a feeling of apprehension when he is in public places, especially while visiting Lares, according to the suit.

One Killed In Deadly Freeway Crash After Driving On Wrong Side Of Freeway

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 14:38:55 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A Lynwood man was killed in a two-vehicle collision Saturday in Los Angeles.

The crash occurred just before 4:30 a.m. on the eastbound 10 Freeway, when a man driving on the wrong side of the road crashed head-on with another vehicle driving in the opposite direction.

The driver of the vehicle which caused the collision has been identified as 27-year-old Danny R. Silva.

He was driving a 2018 Mazda MX5 Miata, when he collided with an unnamed individual driving a 2012 Infiniti EX35 SUV. The Infiniti attempted to swerve around the oncoming vehicle, but was unable to avoid the collision.

The SUV driver suffered moderate injuries in the collision, both drivers were the sole occupants of the vehicles involved in the incident.

One of the vehicles overturned in the crash and the other ended up on the right shoulder of the freeway.

The collision closed the La Cienega off ramp and the No. 4 lane of the freeway for an unknown duration.

CHP officials are investigating the cause of the crash.

Microsoft To Acquire Santa Monica-Based Activision Blizzard In $68.7 Billion Deal

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 17:33:55 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Microsoft announced Tuesday it would acquire Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in cash to gain a foothold in the metaverse.

Sign on facade of office of videogame publisher Activision in the Silicon Beach area of Los Angeles, California, December 10, 2018. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Activision Blizzard — whose studios are behind several successful PC, console, and mobile video game franchises such as “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call Of Duty,” and “Candy Crush” — employs nearly 10,000 people around the world. The Santa Monica video game company also has a global eSports franchises like “Overwatch League,” “Call of Duty League,” “Hearthstone Grandmasters,” and “World of Warcraft Arena World Chamionship.”

“Gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement.

Microsoft says Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and his team will remain in their positions, reporting to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer once the deal closes sometime this year.

“The combination of Activision Blizzard’s world-class talent and extraordinary franchises with Microsoft’s technology, distribution, access to talent, ambitious vision and shared commitment to gaming and inclusion will help ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry,” Kotick said in a statement.

The acquisition comes just a few months after the company’s leadership came under fire due to their lack of response to a lawsuit alleging harassment and inequality. Several hundred employees at the Santa Monica headquarters staged a walkout last summer, and in a statement to one report from the Wall Street Journal, Activision Blizzard says it has made “significant improvements, including a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate conduct” at Kotick’s direction.

Fresno Man Rahmad Parke, Wanted In Murders Of Mother And Grandfather, Known To Frequent Santa Monica, Van Nuys And Sherman Oaks

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:01:46 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Homicide detectives say a Fresno man suspected of murdering his mother and grandfather could be trying to hide in Southern California.

(credit: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office)

Rahmad Kerel Parke, 25, is the sole suspect in the murders of his mother, 58-year-old Melba Abdelaziz, and his grandfather, 90-year-old Mel Abdelaziz. Melba Abdelaziz had been living with her father so she could provide medical care for the aging former church pastor, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

The Abdelazizs were found dead at their home in the 5100 block of E. Tulare Avenue in Fresno last Thursday. The former pastor’s body was found in the home’s front yard, and his daughter’s body was inside the home, authorities said.

(credit: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office)

Parke, who authorities say fled the scene of the crime, was identified by detectives as being responsible for the murders of his mother and grandfather. He was described as a 5-foot-10, 185-pound Black man with brown eyes and black hair with possible facial hair.

Authorities say he is a transient known to frequent Fresno and Los Angeles County, specifically Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Sherman Oaks.

Investigators are asking for help finding Parke, but anyone who sees him or knows where he is staying should not approach him, but should instead call law enforcement immediately. Anyone with information about the case can contact Detective Jose Diaz at (559) 600-8204 or (559) 448-7089.

Signs Of Inbreeding Among Southern California Mountain Lions Raise Extinction Fears

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 18:59:04 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Scientists tracking two local mountain lion populations, one in the Santa Monica Mountains and another in the Santa Anas, have identified the first reproductive signs of inbreeding among these groups, which are cut off from breeding options by busy freeways.

According to the UCLA-led study — which is available online and will be published in the January 2022 edition of the journal Theriogenology — the animals averaged a 93% abnormal sperm rate, while some also displayed physical signs of inbreeding, like deformed tails or testicular defects.

The mother of a mountain lion that attacked a 5-year-old boy near Calabasas, is pictured.

Researchers have long had genetic evidence of inbreeding, but the malformed sperm is the first evidence that inbreeding is manifesting in the reproductive system.

“This is a serious problem for an animal that’s already endangered locally,” said the study’s lead author, Audra Huffmeyer, a UCLA postdoctoral researcher who studies fertility in large cat species and is a National Geographic Explorer. “It’s quite severe.”

Researchers said the results lend urgency to the need for wildlife crossings, structures that allow the mountain lions and other animals to roam further and find a broader pool of potential mates. Mountain lions — also known as cougars — are a bellwether species, making them a leading indicator that inbreeding could soon cause problems for other species in the Santa Monica and Santa Ana mountains, the authors said.

The California Department of Transportation has scheduled groundbreaking for early 2022 on one such wildlife crossing, a bridge over the Ventura (101) Freeway in Agoura Hills, thanks to a mix of public and private funding.

Biologists and land managers hope this project will lead to more crossings. Early plans are being formulated for a possible structure over Interstate 15 in Riverside County.

The latest study draws on work by scientists from UCLA, the National Park Service’s Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center. Both the NPS and UC Davis are carrying out long-term studies of Southern California mountain lion populations, currently following 17 cats.

Over the past year, the research team identified nine adult males from the Santa Monica and Santa Ana ranges with signs of inbreeding, including the first evidence of reduced fertility.

Their findings are similar to the signs of severe inbreeding seen early on among most Florida panthers in the 1990s, including the kinked tails, undescended testes and teratospermia (60% or more abnormal sperm), Huffmeyer noted. The Florida panther population only recovered with the introduction of mountain lions from Texas.

“The Florida panthers were also severely isolated and severely inbred, so the fact that we’re seeing the same traits in our mountain lion population is alarming,” she said. “If we don’t do anything to introduce more genetic diversity to the Southern California mountain lions, we will have more males with reproductive problems, fewer kittens and a lower rate of kitten survival.”

The scientists cited a real risk of extinction for the mountain lions in the Santa Monica and Santa Ana ranges. Once significant inbreeding depression is found — meaning decreased fertility and reduced kitten survival – – extinction is predicted to occur within 50 years, according to 2016 and 2019 papers evaluating population viability that included scientists from UCLA, NPS, UC Davis, the University of Wyoming, and the University of Nebraska.

While a few mountain lions — in particular the cougar known as P-22, who frequents Griffith Park — have successfully crossed freeways, far more have been killed trying to do so.

How To Watch: Santa Monica Pier Countdown To 2022

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 05:05:43 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — The Santa Monica Pier is geared up to head into 2022, with a virtual show and countdown displayed in lights on the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel.

The pier invites the public to join them in counting down to 2022 with a show on the world-renowned Ferris Wheel, which will display the “West Coast New Year’s Eve Countdown 2022 on The Pacific Wheel.”

People are invited to view the show from the bluff at Pacific Palisades, or online via stream here. There will also be a live YouTube feed of the show available for public viewing on Pacific Park’s YouTube Channel.

Despite the show taking place at 11:30, the Santa Monica Pier closes at 10 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and there will be no fireworks shows.

With over 174,000 lights adorning the 90-foot tall ferris wheel, the show will feature a dazzling display of lights and patterns, including a 60-second countdown to ring in 2022. Afterwards, “Happy New Year” will scrawl across the ferris wheel in 16 different languages.

The show will continue until around 1 a.m., January 1, 2022.

Happy New Year!

New Princess Diana Exhibit To Open In Santa Monica

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:25:32 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – A new Princess Diana walk-through exhibit will open Wednesday in Santa Monica.

“Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Access” features never-before-told stories from world-famous royal photographer Anwar Hussein, who spent four decades with the British royal family.

“There is a difference between a celebrity and an icon, and the humanitarianism, she didn’t have a PR agency moving around telling her do things, she was out there trying to change the world, make it a better place,” Curator Cliff Skeilliter told CBSLA Tuesday.

The exhibit, located at Santa Monica Place, at 315 Colorado Ave., is slated as a “walk through documentary experience” that features “larger-than-life images, bespoke creations and art installations.”

Tickets start at $25. The exhibit will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Proof of vaccination is required to enter. All visitors will also be required to wear masks.

Man Robbed In Santa Monica Follows Gunman, Who Fires Back At Him From Moving Car

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 23:31:56 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Police say an armed robbery turned into a car-to-car shooting in the middle of a neighborhood near the Santa Monica Airport.

Santa Monica police say a man who had just parked in the 2600 block of 34th Street at about 2 p.m. Monday was immediately blocked off by a black sedan. The front passenger got out and pulled out a gun, demanding the man’s cell phone and wallet.

(credit: Santa Monica Police Department)

The driver gave up his property, but then got back in his car to follow the suspect vehicle, according to Santa Monica police. As both vehicles drove eastbound on Pico Boulevard, the gunman leaned out of the passenger-side window and fired several times at the driver following behind them.

The suspects were last seen driving eastbound onto the 10 Freeway onramp at Centinela Avenue.

The incident is a reminder that members of the public should not try to take matters into their own hands when it comes to violent crimes, Santa Monica police spokesman Rudy Flores said.

“It is important that we remind our community that we do not encourage anyone to endanger themselves further by trying to follow or chase a suspect involved in a serious crime,” he said in a statement. “We ask that they focus on being a good witness and try to obtain a detailed description of the vehicle and parties involved then immediately contacting the police for assistance.”

The suspect vehicle was described as a newer black Nissan Versa or similar 4-door sedan with dark tinted windows, and black and chrome wheels. The gunman was described as a white or Hispanic man in his late 20s with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, brown or gray eyes, wearing a hoodie and a black bandanna covering the lower half of his face. No information was available about the driver.

Anyone with information about the robbery or shooting can contact Detective Tavera at (310) 458-2256.

Interest In All-Electric And Hybrid Vehicles Spiking Alongside Gas Prices

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 01:56:20 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – As gas prices in Southern California skyrocket, interest in the potential cost-cutting value of alternate-fuel vehicles is also rising.

“It’s my husbands, one of his cars, and now I drive it a lot probably because of the gas prices are crazy,” said Tesla owner Leslie Gifford.

The demand for gas has spiked and experts don’t see an end in sight yet.

“We don’t anticipate that the demand for fuel is going to decrease anytime soon,” Spokesperson Doug Shupe, with the American Automotive Association, said.

Triple A also said there’s a direct correlation from the introduction of the vaccine to people wanting to free themselves from lockdown over the course of this year.

“Even though it sucks to have such high gas prices, maybe a little bit of good will come out of it, people start shifting to electric and hybrid,” Benji Miller said.

Experts report that’s exactly what’s happened, something like a domino-effect. According to Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive second quarter data, electrified vehicle sales are up 200% year over year.

Miller owns a Prius and said his mother, Lee, owns an all-electric BMW.

“She hasn’t been to a gas station in years,” Miller said.

“Literally, I haven’t been to a gas station in five years,” his mother responded.

Triple A said with technology improving, electric vehicles can travel father on a charge and hybrids now come in SUVs, for example, providing more variety for everyone.

“There’s so many more options on the market these days that in addition to the higher gas prices, and the environmental benefits, people are considering them because they just make sense for some families,” Shupe said.

The automotive association also urged people to do their research before buying a hybrid or all-electric vehicle, to ensure that the car will fit your specific needs.

Pedestrian Killed In Fatal Hit-And-Run In Santa Monica

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:40:24 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – Santa Monica Police have reported a fatal hit-and-run that occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening.

The incident took place on 10th Street and Pico Boulevard, when a pedestrian was struck by what authorities are now stating is a white Dodge Challenger with red racing stripes on the hood.

According to officials, the pedestrian was initially struck by the Challenger, before getting hit again by a second vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle stayed on scene and cooperated with authorities.

The accident was reported by the second driver.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. Initial reports suggest that the man is aged somewhere between 50 and 60 years.

It is currently unclear whether or not the victim was in a crosswalk when he was hit.

Residents are frustrated with the situation, as the roads have just been repaved and have yet to undergo fresh coats of paint for crosswalks, lanes and traffic directions.

Santa Monica Police Departments Major Accident Response team has opened an investigation, and are searching for surveillance footage in the area.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run driver was to call Santa Monica police Detective Evan Raliegh at 310-458-8954 or he department at 310-458-8461.

Authorities Seeking Assistance In October Hit-And-Run Incident

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 21:17:33 +0000

(Photo Courtesy of the Santa Monica Police Department.)

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – Authorities are seeking public assistance in finding the alleged suspect in a hit-and-run that nearly killed a pedestrian at 1 a.m. on October 31.

The incident occurred around Wilshire Boulevard and Third Street according to the Santa Monica Police Department. The driver hit a pedestrian who sustained serious injury.

The authorities are looking for a white Infiniti G-Series sedan that has no front license plate. They also state that there should be major damage to the front passenger side of the vehicle.

So far, this is the only information available on the suspect, with no additional information on the motorist known at this time.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to contact Investigator Evan Raleigh at 310-458-8954 or via email at evan.raleigh@santamonica.gov; or the watch commander at 310-458-8461.

Man Stabbed During Confrontation In Santa Monica Vons Store Over Mask-Wearing

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:30:05 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – A man was stabbed late Monday night by a security guard at a Vons grocery store in Santa Monica after he purportedly became violent when employees asked him to put on a mask.

Nov. 8, 2021. (RMG News)

The stabbing occurred at about 10:35 p.m. at a Vons located at 710 Broadway.

Witnesses said the victim entered the Vons a little before closing, appeared disheveled and was not wearing a mask.

Witnesses told Santa Monica police that when Vons staff approached him, the victim became belligerent and assaulted an employee. When a security guard intervened and tried to escort the man out of the store, the man attacked the guard, police said.

The security guard then produced a pocket-knife and stabbed the suspect several times.

According to police, the security guard called 911 and reported that he had stabbed the victim in self-defense. Officers arrived to find the victim outside the grocery store.

“When somebody came up to break it up, pull them apart, but then that guy was bleeding profusely, where he’d (the guard) gotten him,” witness Andre Berryman said. “So that was pretty much what happened. It was all behind him not wearing a mask.”

The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital with multiple stab wounds, police said,. He underwent surgery and was last reported to be stable. The man has allegedly refused to provide investigators with his name or any forms of identification.

Footage from the scene showed the security guard sitting on the curb surrounded by officers. It’s unclear if he will face any criminal charges.

“I don’t have the specifics on the actual knife, if it’s a pocket folding knife, then, yes, it is legal and he can be armed with it,” Santa Monica police Lt. Rudy Flores said.

There was no word regarding whether footage of the altercation was caught on the store’s security cameras.

Tom Hanks Crashes Santa Monica Beach Wedding

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:21:32 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – The nicest guy in Hollywood strikes again.

Tom Hanks crashed a beach wedding in Santa Monica, Calif., for couple Tashia and Diciembre Farris. Oct. 22, 2021. (Courtesy: Farris family)

Last week, a San Dimas couple was in the middle of their dream wedding on a beach in Santa Monica, with friends and family, when none other than actor Tom Hanks showed up and crashed their wedding.

Tashia and Diciembre Farris had just wrapped up their ceremony on the beach Oct. 22 when a familiar face appeared in the crowd.

“A guy walks through the crowd, and I’m like, ‘Who is this guy walking in our photos?’” Tashia told CBSLA. “And the crowd is like, ‘That’s Tom Hanks!’ And I’m like, ‘What? No way!’ Right? And he took off his hat and he starts talking and immediately we knew it was Tom Hanks.”

“He said, you know, ‘Is the groom around?’” Diciembre said. “And we said, ‘There’s no groom, it’s bride and bride.’ And that’s when you see him say, ‘Get out of town!’”

Hanks was the delight of the brides and their guests and kids, who kept looking for Woody from “Toy Story.”

“The kids are looking for actual Woody from ‘Toy Story,’ and they’re like, ‘that’s not him,'” Diciembre said.

Hanks is something of a wedding crashing professional. In 2016, he popped into a couple’s photo session in New York City’s Central Park and posed with the newlyweds.

“Tom Hanks had such an amazing personality,” Tashia said. “(He) accepted us for who we are, showed us love like we were family. Stuck around and took pictures with our guests. He was great.”

For Diciembre, Hanks’ visit meant something extra special.

“It wasn’t until later that evening my sister called me and said, ‘You will not guess when Tom Hanks’ birthday is.’ And it was July 9, which is my brother’s birthday,” Diciembre said.

Diciembre’s brother, who died in 2017, had a seat reserved at the ceremony. Hanks dropping by felt like fate for the couple.

“Wow, out of all people on this day, Tom Hanks showed up to let us know my brother was there,” Diciembre said.

Before he left, Hanks had these parting words for the blushing brides.

“If we’re ever in the same room, or the same airport, or something like that, come on by, push your way through and say ‘I remember (you),’” Hanks said.

‘Survivor’ Contestant Michelle Yi Describes Frightening Santa Monica Assault

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 17:23:39 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Former ‘Survivor’ contestant Michelle Yi, who goes by “Piper,” spoke exclusively to KPIX 5’s Betty Yu about a vicious attack that may have left her with a detached retina.

“I never thought I would be the victim of an attack like this,” said Yi.

The Season 16 favorite in Fiji shared photos of her injuries from the October 14th assault. She was preparing to teach her first Pilates class of the day at a Santa Monica studio, when police said 25-year-old Alexandria Diaz assaulted her.

“She had a rusty metal saw in one hand and a metal pipe in the other,” said Yi. “She starts shouting more nonsense and actually lunges into the studio and stabs me in my left bicep with the knife, and then strikes me twice with the pipe. First time, just striking my hand, shattering my watch, getting my fingers pretty good, and then the second time just straight over the head.”

The attacker hit Yi so hard it split her eyebrow wide open, and she received stitches at the hospital.

Police said Diaz had been reported missing from Fresno. She had assaulted two other victims moments before she attacked Yi. One of the victims was an older Asian man. Police added that the suspect was not on her prescribed medications at the time of the assaults.

Yi could not be certain whether she was targeted because of her race, but said:

“I think that if I were a different person, I’m not so sure she would have attacked me. I think being an Asian woman and not very large in size, it makes for a much easier target, as well as the elderly Asian gentlemen. You know, there were other people around in Santa Monica.”

Santa Monica Police are still investigating whether the attack was a hate crime. Diaz has been charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Yi said while she is doing better physically, the emotional wounds will take longer to heal. She is planning to return to work this week.

Police Searching For Suspect Who Set Homeless Man On Fire As He Slept In Santa Monica’s Ozone Park

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 22:30:21 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Police asked for help Thursday in catching whoever set a sleeping homeless man on fire.

The incident happened last Saturday at about 11:35 p.m. at Ozone Park, 727 Ozone St., according to Santa Monica police. A homeless man who was sleeping was doused with an unknown liquid, then set on fire, police said.

The man, who was not identified, was taken to a hospital. He suffered burns to about 50% of his body and a 2-inch cut to the top of his head from possible blunt force trauma.

Police are investigating this incident as an attempted murder and are looking to identify a man who was seen in the area. He is described as a man between 5-feet-6 and 5-feet-8 with a medium build, wearing a hat, long-sleeved white shirt, and dark shorts.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Detective Tavera at (310) 458-22256 or the Santa Monica police watch commander at (310) 458-8427.

‘Survivor’ Contestant Michelle Yi Stabbed, Beaten In Santa Monica; Woman In Custody

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 00:21:19 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — A former “Survivor” contestant was brutally attacked on the street in Santa Monica last Thursday. A woman was taken into custody for the attack and was also accused of other attacks that same morning.

Michelle Yi, who appeared on season 16 of “Survivor” in Fiji, was stabbed and beaten on her way to teach a pilates class

Last Thursday, police say Yi was walking to her pilates studio on 2nd street when a woman hit Yi with a metal pole and stabbed her with a knife.

Canadian journalist Murtz Jaffer, who’s a friend of Yi and broke the story, said she’s devastated by what happened.

“It’s one of those things where it’s like I wasn’t surprised, which speaks volumes given the number of incidents like these that are happening across the U.S.,” Jaffer said.

Yi was heading to teach a pilates class at 6 a.m. when police say a woman, who was reported missing from Fresno, assaulted her.

Authorities say the alleged attacker was not on her prescribed medications at the time.

Santa Monica police reported the suspect, 25-year-old Alexandria Diaz, is linked to two other attacks.

Jaffer said he learned one of the victims is also Asian and he believes it was racially motivated.

“At the time she wasn’t sure if it was a hate crime or motivated by race or something,” Jaffer said. “That was the assumption based on the identity of the other person who was attacked”

Investigators say they have no information to determine if Yi’s attack was a hate crime, but they are still investigating.

People who live and work in the area are stunned by what happened and say the incident serves as a reminder to always be on guard.

“I always make sure I’m walking with somebody I don’t do it by myself,” said one person.

Yi went to the hospital to get checked out. She is expected to be OK.

New Climate Models Show Much Of Southern California Underwater

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 05:53:42 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A climate centered nonprofit has shown in models how some 50 cities around the world could potentially change or even disappear as a result of climate change.

“Their ability to exist into the future depends on the actions we take,” said Benjamin Strauss, CEO of Climate Central.

Strauss’s nonprofit Climate Central did the research and created startling images of landmarks around the world, including a few parts of Southern California like Long Beach and Huntington Beach, being impacted by rising sea levels.

The Santa Monica Pier is a landmark seen from both the ground and the skies above, but these models show it could all disappear and, in 100 years, might look quite different.

The model shows the Santa Monica Boardwalk underwater, projections climate scientists said could come true in the next few centuries if temperatures and sea levels rise without humans intervening.

“It’s really sad to think it could disappear one day beneath the rising sea,” Strauss said.

The projections range from 1 to 4 degrees of warming, with the worst case scenarios showing seas rising by more than 20 feet.

Climate model visualization of Long Beach. (credit: Climate Central)

In pictures of Long Beach, high tides push in all the way to the 405 Freeway and much of Huntington is also underwater.

“Really, neighborhoods from Golden West all the way out to Los Altos would be all well below sea level, could be 10 feet almost,” said Strauss.

While images like these could be thousands of years into our future, scientists said climate change is already wreaking havoc along our coastline.

“This is not some thing that’s off into the future. This is happening right now,” said John Dorsey, a Loyola Marymount Professor.

Dorsey studies rising sea levels and points out out losing our beaches and the tourists they bring could drain our local economy. He also said we’d lose infrastructure, like water lines, sewer lines and highways.

“IF we get this coastal erosion that could erode in and start destroying that kind of infrastructure, we will be paying billions of dollars to try to move that inlands,” Dorsey said.

Climate scientists say some of this could be avoided if we take major steps to cut emissions in the next decade.

On Thursday, it was announced that President Biden will travel to Europe for the United Nations Annual Climate Change Conference in just a few weeks.

Eleven-Year-Old Boy With Rare Cancer Is Youngest Patient To Receive Gene Targeted Cancer Therapy

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 00:04:15 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – A Seattle father brought his son to Santa Monica in hopes of one thing: finding a cure for his 11-year-old son who is battling a rare form of cancer.

Kian Faghih was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a cancer of the heart and skeletal muscle which originated from another part of his body and has now spread to his lungs.

“At the end they said that there is no cure for him and we cannot do anything for him. That’s why we started looking,” Jamshid Faghih, Kian’s father said.

Kian has battled with cancer for two and a half years. After being told that there were no other options, his father found Dr. Erlinda Gordon from the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica. The Faghihs reached out to Dr. Gordon to see if Kian could receive an experimental treatment she created called, DeltaRex-G, an innovative gene-targeted cancer therapy.

Gordon said yes, making Kian the youngest patient to receive DeltaRex-G.

“His prognosis, really, this is his last hope. He’s tried everything … as soon as he got here, we were able to give it to him the same day he arrived,” Gordon said.

For almost three weeks, Kian has been receiving infusions of DeltaRex-G. Unlike chemotherapy, there are no harsh side effects with this treatment since it’s a genetic medicine that directly targets the tumor.

“It will go there and nowhere else so it doesn’t cause collateral damage,” Gordon said. “What it does is it sends the message to the cancer cell to stop dividing. It’s not only the cancer cells themselves that Delta Rex kills. It also kills the blood supply of the tumor.”

Jamshid has already seen improvements in Kian, who will be receiving his last treatment of DeltaRex-G on Friday.

“The medication that he’s getting here (Kian) started having better breathing and he was feeling more comfortable,” Jamshid said. “It feels great, it’s like a miracle for us.”

However, this treatment is not available through drug or insurance companies, but through a non-profit public charity founded by Dr. Gordon. The Fanghihs have started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to get more medicine for Kian and other cancer patients treated through the AVENI Foundation.

Additional information on the AVENI Foundation can be found here.

Heal The Bay Beach Cleanup Effort Slated For Saturday At Santa Monica Beach

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 22:43:36 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Tens of thousands of volunteers are expected to take part in Heal the Bay’s California Coastal Cleanup Day this Saturday, removing trash from local beaches and neighborhoods.

Heal the Bay will host events at 9 a.m. Saturday at Santa Monica Beach, north of the Santa Monica Pier, along with dozens of clean-up locations countywide.

Coastal Cleanup Day registration is now open for 25+ inland, river & beach sites in LA County on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9am – Noon! https://t.co/Wjw2cAZEY6

Thanks to our sponsors Portland Potato Vodka & Ocean Conservancy

Artwork by Kelsey Davenport pic.twitter.com/gJevSxleaj

— Heal the Bay (@HealTheBay) September 10, 2021

“From wildfires to waste, clean water is so important for us to sustain in L.A., to protect the places and people we love, and to fight against the increasingly severe impacts of climate change,” according to a statement from Heal the Bay.

In 2020, Heal the Bay volunteers removed more than 40,000 pieces of trash from neighborhoods, parks, trails and beaches.

Volunteers can register at healthebay.org/coastalcleanupmonth.

All participants are asked to wear a mask, use gloves and stay home if not in good health. Available spots will be limited at each clean-up site due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Few Voting Issues Reported With California Recall Election

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 18:49:37 +0000

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Californians voted to keep Gov. Gavin Newsom in office on Tuesday, ending a statewide recall election that saw some Republicans again float unfounded claims of voter fraud.

Days before the polls closed, the campaign of one of the leading Republican candidates promoted a website urging people to sign a petition that declared Newsom had already won because of voter fraud. That language was lifted from a petition circulated to help former President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn last year’s presidential election results.

By Tuesday afternoon, that language was removed from the website, leaving only a form for people to report “irregularities, interference, or intimidation while voting.” A spokeswoman for Elder said the website is operated by a third party and that “websites update their language all the time.”

Elder did not revive any such claims Tuesday night, quickly conceding the race and urging booing supporters to “be gracious in defeat.”

The claims of fraud — both from Elder and former President Donald Trump — prompted a rebuke from Newsom in an election night victory speech.

“Democracy is not a football. You don’t throw it around,” Newsom said. “It’s more like a, I don’t know, an antique vase. You can drop it and smash it into a million different pieces. And that’s what we’re capable of doing if we don’t stand up to meet the moment and push back.”

There were few reported problems with voting on Tuesday. A polling center in Tulare County was closed because of a wildfire, with voters redirected to nearby alternatives. And a poll worker at a West Hollywood voting site was removed for wearing a pro-Trump shirt, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office.

In the Woodland Hills neighborhood last weekend, some people who showed up said they were told they had already voted, which the registrar’s office said was caused by settings on some computers used to check in voters. The office said those affected were allowed to cast provisional ballots, which act as placeholders until voter eligibility is determined. Similarly, a Newsmax reporter tweeted Tuesday that he was told he had already voted at an Orange County polling place. The county registrar said he couldn’t comment on this case, but anecdotally this situation happens “but in small numbers” and often there is an explanation. He, too, was allowed to cast a provisional ballot.

Some Republicans worried the fraud claims from some party leaders could suppress turnout. Harmeet Dhillon, an attorney and the national committeewoman of the Republican National Committee for California, said she made a video with her husband showing them casting ballots by mail and urging everyone to do the same.

But Dhillon also said she could not say whether California’s election would be secure, saying she and a team of attorneys monitoring voting have witnessed dozens of problems.

“There will be a lot of questions and potentially litigation after this election about this sloppy-at-best treatment of people’s ballots and their right to vote,” Dhillon said.

The GOP’s predicament was similar to that in last year’s presidential election, when many in the party feared that Trump’s claims about widespread fraud from expanded mail-in voting would backfire by persuading Republicans to stay home.

In California, the GOP needed all the help it could get.

Democrats make up 46.5% of all registered voters, while Republicans make up just 24%. Independent voters are roughly equivalent to Republicans, but tend to vote Democratic. Republicans have not won a statewide office since 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger won reelection as governor.

Firefighters On Bike Ride To Mark 20th Anniversary Of 9/11 On Approach To New York

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 18:20:36 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Firefighters on a bike ride across the country to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11 are in their final stretch of their journey.

Members of the Fire Velo Club, which includes firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, rode out from the Santa Monica Pier on Aug. 1. This week, they are on the final stretch of their 4-day, 3,300-mile journey to New York.

“I think we want to get it done. We want to get to Ground Zero, that place that pays tribute to all those lost,” said Buck Buchanan, a retired battalion chief and Fire Velo vice president.

More than 400 members of FDNY and NYPD have lost their lives from post-9/11 illnesses, and the group also wants to raise awareness of the firefighters who are still living with health problems likely caused from exposure at Ground Zero.

The group is hoping to raise $100,000 to donate to firefighter-related charities.

LA Beaches Packed For Holiday Weekend, With Bigger Crowds Expected On Labor Day

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 01:23:13 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – While some Southland residents are playing it safe during the pandemic and avoiding crowds this holiday weekend, many beachgoers in Santa Monica were just glad to be outside, masks or not.

“The weather’s amazing. It’s a lot of fun here,” said one beachgoer.

Crowds packed Santa Monica Beach Labor Day Weekend. (credit: CBS)

Beaches were crowded this weekend and for the most part, few people were wearing masks.

One couple said they heeded the recommendation to avoid travel this weekend, and decided on a day at the beach just to play it safe.

“We live down the street. We have been relaxing, and it’s good to be outside,” the man said.

A surfer said that he was ready to enjoy some time off work, surfing and parties, and said he’s not too worried about COVID at this point and feels ready to celebrate.

“Gonna go party later, go to some pool parties, maybe at the bars, yeah,” he said.

More people are expected to hit the sand and surf on Labor Day.

Heal The Bay Announces Coastal Cleanup Day In September

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:20:40 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Heal the Bay announced Monday that its 32nd Coastal Cleanup Day will be held on Sept. 18.

Heal the Bay Beach Clean Up – Fans assist the Kings and NHL in simultaneous beach clean-ups across three different Los Angeles cities.

The annual event to collect trash and debris from Southland beaches and neighborhoods will kick off at 9 a.m. Sept. 18 at Santa Monica Beach, north of the Santa Monica Pier, with dozens of other clean-up locations planned in the county.

Online volunteer registration is set to begin next week beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 1.

“From wildfires to waste, clean water is so important for us to sustain in L.A. to protect the places and people we love and to fight against the increasingly severe impacts of climate change,” according to a statement from Heal the Bay.

In 2020, Heal the Bay volunteers removed more than 40,000 pieces of trash from neighborhoods, parks, trails and beaches. PPE was among the top 10 types of trash recovered.

All participants are asked to wear a mask, use gloves and stay home if they are feeling sick. Spots will be limited at cleanup sites due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Information on all events can be found at healththebay.org/coastalcleanupmonth.

LA County Issues Warnings At Two Beaches

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 20:08:06 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Beach-goers were advised Monday of potentially hazardous water conditions at two Los Angeles County beaches.

The county Department of Public Health told people to use caution swimming, surfing and playing in the water at Mothers Beach in Marina del Rey and near the Santa Monica Pier, particularly around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers.

Recorded information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county’s beach closure hotline: 1-800-525-5662.

Information is also available online at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov.

Man Struck, Killed By Hit-Run Driver In Santa Monica

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:30:54 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – Authorities are searching for a driver who struck and killed a man in Santa Monica early Monday morning.

Aug. 2, 2021. (CBSLA)

The hit-and-run wreck occurred in the 3100 block of Santa Monica Boulevard just after 1 a.m.

Santa Monica police officers responded to find the man injured at the scene. He was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he died. His name was not released.

The suspect vehicle was described as a dark-colored newer sedan last seen driving east on Santa Monica Boulevard. It’s unclear if detectives have obtained any security video.

Anyone with information should call the police department at 310-458-8427.

Santa Monica Boulevard was briefly shut down, but has since reopened.

Homeless Man Charged With Hate Crime, Yelling Racial Slurs While Attacking Korean Woman In Santa Monica For Her Purse

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 22:11:02 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — A homeless man was charged Tuesday with a hate crime after police say he yelled racial slurs while trying to rob a Korean woman in Santa Monica.

(credit: Santa Monica Police Department)

Melvin Taylor, 65, whose last known address was in Compton, has been charged with attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault likely to produce great bodily injury and a hate crime allegation enhancement.

The woman, who had been with her father-in-law, said she had been trying to feed a meter when Taylor confronted her, asked her about her ethnicity and demanded money from her. When she refused to give him money, and tried to get back into her car, police say Taylor kicked the car door, pinning her down, and hit her repeatedly while yelling racial slurs.

Santa Monica police say Taylor wasn’t affected when the woman tried to pepper spray him, and he took her phone and threw it on the ground while trying to take her purse. The attack was interrupted when nearby witnesses intervened, according to police.

Taylor is being held without bail and was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.

Search Suspended For Woman Possibly Missing In Ocean Near Santa Monica Pier

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:45:53 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) – A search was suspended Monday morning for a woman who may have gone missing in the ocean waters near the Santa Monica Pier.

July 25, 2021. (CBSLA)

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that a woman was seen at clinging to the pilings underneath the pier at around 9 p.m. Sunday, prompting a search and rescue effort.

The Coast Guard actively searched the waters Sunday night with rescue divers, two boats and a helicopter with assistance from several other agencies, including the Santa Monica fire and police departments and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

July 26, 2021. (CBSLA)

The search temporarily resumed Monday morning. However, at around 10 a.m., the L.A. County Fire Department Lifeguard Division tweeted that the search had again been suspended “pending more information.”

The missing woman’s identity was not known. Santa Monica police have not yet received any reports of a missing person which may have matched her description.

#PierIC *Update* The search has been suspended pending further information. Land based Lifeguard Units and Lifeguard Rescue Boats will continue periodic patrols.

— LACoFD Lifeguards (@LACoLifeguards) July 26, 2021

Indicted Trump Ally Thomas Barrack Granted $250 Million Bond, Ordered To Wear GPS Monitoring Bracelet

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 22:30:44 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A grant package that includes a $250 million bond secured by $5 million in cash was granted Friday to Thomas Barrack, a longtime Trump friend and chair of the former president’s inaugural committee.

Thomas Barrack, Executive Chairman and CEO, Colony Capital, participates in a panel discussion during the annual Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

Barrack, 74, of Santa Monica, was indicted this week on charges he and two others used his position as a friend and confidant of former President Trump in order to lobby on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to the bond package, U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue also ordered Barrack to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet, barred him from transferring any money overseas, and restricted his travel to Southern California and New York. He was also ordered to appear Monday in federal court in Brooklyn, New York for arraignment, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Barrack, who founded LA-based Colony Capital Inc.,was one of Trump’s top fundraisers and served as chairman of his inaugural committee. Since his arrest on Tuesday, Barrack also resigned from the USC Board of Trustees.

Trump Inaugural Chair Thomas Barrack Arrested, Accused Of Being Unregistered Lobbyist For United Arab Emirates

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 20:25:48 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Thomas Barrack, a former adviser to President Trump and chair of his inaugural committee, was arrested Tuesday in the Los Angeles area after a federal indictment accused him of being an unregistered agent of the United Arab Emirates.

The seven-count indictment unsealed Tuesday in a New York federal court accuses 74-year-old Barrack, of Santa Monica, and two fellow defendants of working to advance the interests of a foreign government in the United States.

The indictment – which also names 27-year-old Matthew Grimes of Aspen, Colo. And 43-year-old UAE national Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Malik Alshahhi – alleges the trio acted and conspired to act as agents of the UAE between April 2016 and April 2018. Barrack is additionally charged with obstruction of justice and making false statements during a June 2019 interview with federal law enforcement agents.

“The defendants repeatedly capitalized on Barrack’s friendships and access to a candidate who was eventually elected President, high-ranking campaign and government officials and the American media to advance the policy goals of a foreign government without disclosing their true allegiances,” Mark Lesko, acting assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, said in a statement.

Barrack, who founded LA-based Colony Capital Inc., served as an informal adviser to the Trump campaign before the 2016 Election and as chairman of Trump’s inaugural committee between November 2016 and January 2017. Federal prosecutors say Barrack sought appointment to a senior administration post, including the role of Special Envoy to the Middle East.

According to the Department of Justice, Barrack regularly and repeatedly used his position to advance the interests of the UAE. Prosecutors say Barrack inserted language praising the UAE into a May 2016 Trump campaign speech about U.S. energy policy, and sought direction from UAE officials in advance of an op-ed he published in a national magazine in October of 2016. Following Trump’s election, prosecutors say Barrack continued to advance the UAE’s interests by promoting the candidacy of an unidentified person for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, and advising against a proposed summit with Qatar and other Middle Eastern governments at Camp David that the UAE opposed.

Barrack, Grimes, and Alshahhi did not provide the required notification to the Attorney General that they were acting in the U.S. as agents of a foreign government, prosecutors said.

Barrack is expected to appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon. Grimes was also arrested on Tuesday, but Alshahhi remains at large.

LA County Sheriff’s Deputies Called On To Help Address Growing Homelessness Crisis On Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 01:25:19 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — A Santa Monica man is suing the city over conditions in the downtown area due to the growing homeless population.

John Alle, along with other Promenade property and business owners, say they are not getting help from city officials so they’re turning to L.A. County Sheriff’s Department for answers.

“My goal is to have this return to Santa Monica’s living room. Right now, it’s a bathroom,” said property owner John Alle.

Alle owns three spaces along the Third Street Promenade, which he says are now struggling to keep the foot traffic flowing because of the homeless population.

“The urine, the defecation — no one should have to pass that,” he said. “The bottom line is there’s 65% vacancy and a lot of the stores you see here are month-to-month. It’s definitely keeping people away. The word spreads.”

Alle and others said they’ve reached out to several leaders, but to no avail.

“I’ve asked the mayor, I’ve asked the former city manager and I’ve asked the current interim city manager to come walk, let’s solve this together, but they don’t want to. Their main goal is to tear the building down,” Alle said.

Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich sent CBSLA a statement saying in part:

“One of the most critical needs right now is permanent supportive housing and we are addressing this need in a number of different ways… including moving forward with a project to convert an outdated parking structure in our downtown into affordable and supportive housing.”

To help control the growing crisis, Alle and others are considering hiring off-duty sheriff’s deputies to patrol the Promenade area. However, the Santa Monica city attorney and California’s attorney general said they don’t believe that would be legally feasible.

“They would work for the property owners, move people along, enforce the laws,” Alle said.

The sheriff has been assisting with the homelessness crisis in Venice as well, which Alle said gave him the idea to have Sheriff Alex Villanueva survey the Promenade area.

The 2020 Greater L.A. Homeless Count recorded 66,433 people living on the streets of L.A. County, a 12.7% increase from the previous year.

Sheriff Villanueva did not immediately respond to CBSLA’s request for comment.

Swimmer Dies After Being Pulled From Water Near Santa Monica Pier

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 23:30:24 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — A swimmer has died after being pulled out of the ocean near the Santa Monica Pier Wednesday evening.

According to authorities, crews were initially called out for reports of two swimmers needing help. One of the swimmers was able to make it out of the water on their own, but lifeguards with the Los Angeles County Fire Department needed to pull the second swimmer to safety.

Sky9 was overhead as paramedics performed CPR on the second swimmer. The Santa Monica Fire Department took the second swimmer to Santa Monica Hospital, where they later died.

The Santa Monica Police Department said it believed the death to be the result of an accidental drowning.

Sean Graves Of Long Beach Arrested After Fatal Stabbing Near Third Street Promenade In Santa Monica

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:01:33 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — A Long Beach man was booked on suspicion of murder after a deadly stabbing near the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Sean Alexander Graves, 28, was arrested in connection with the Monday night stabbing, according to Santa Monica police.

Police were called to the 300 block of Broadway at about 7:30 p.m. Monday on a report of shots fired in the area. Officers instead found a man on the ground who had been stabbed in the neck.

The man was rushed to a hospital, where he died. His name has not been released.

Witnesses told police the man had been in some type of fight with a man and a woman near the pier before the stabbing. At some point during the altercation, a shot was fired, and officers found a spent .45 caliber casing. Police say witnesses were able to give them a description and where the suspects were last seen.

Officers surrounded the area, and stopped a man and a woman in the are of 6th and Santa Monica. Witnesses identified them as the two people involved in the fight, and they were taken into custody.

A knife believed to have been used in the stabbing was recovered.

One of the suspects was identified as Graves, and he was taken into custody. The woman Graves was with was interviewed by officers and has been released, according to Santa Monica police.

Graves is being held on $2 million bail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday.