On June 28, LAPD detectives arrested Peter Avraham Shure, 28, (a resident of the Westchester neighborhood in Los Angeles) for 261.5(A) PC – Unlawful sexual intercourse with a Minor Under 18-Years-Old (Booking No. 6631955), after receiving two separate reports of forced Sexual Assault of two female victims. Shure convinced the victims to go to his residence where he allegedly sexually assaulted them. Detectives believe there may be additional victims.

The investigation was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Upon reviewing the cases, the District Attorney’s Office filed two counts against Peter Shure; Penal Code §261(A)(2) – Rape and (1) count of Penal Code §288(C)(1) – Lewd Acts Against a Child 14-years-old or Younger.

Bail was set at $320,000 and as of July 3, Shure posted bail and was released from custody.

Detectives from Juvenile Division are releasing the suspect’s booking photo because they believe the suspect is responsible for additional, unreported sexual assaults and they are asking for anyone that was victimized by this suspect to immediately contact the LAPD. Detectives are seeking the public’s help for information regarding this crime.

Detectives are asking anyone who may be a victim or has additional information regarding Peter Shure to contact Juvenile Division detectives at 213-486-0570. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Tipsters may visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

The post Peter Avraham Shure Arrested For Sexual Assault appeared first on Canyon News.

According to a press release from the city of West Hollywood, the first phase of the project will be installed between Sunset Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard; an extension south to Coliseum Street is anticipated in the future. Though most of the project is in Los Angeles, the first phase includes three blocks of N. La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood from Romaine Street to Fountain Avenue.

Construction is expected to start on Wednesday, July 5 and will occur on weekdays (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Construction activities are anticipated to last between four and six weeks. Metro’s contractor will remove existing roadway striping, restripe curbside lanes, replace existing signs with new bus lane signs, and install pavement markings for new bus priority lanes.

After work commences, temporary lane closures will occur on N. La Brea Avenue, between Sunset Boulevard and S. Orange Drive (south of Olympic Boulevard), as necessary. Parking will be temporarily prohibited during work hours on only one side of the N. La Brea Avenue at a time for construction activity. Temporary signage will offer detour information for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

West Hollywood is coordinating with Metro on the implementation of shared bus/bike lanes that were recommended for this segment of N. La Brea Avenue as part of the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility Plan. Within the first phase of the project, including all portions within West Hollywood, new bus lanes will operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., replacing the additional general-purpose travel lane that currently becomes available in each direction during peak hours when curbside parking is prohibited.

The goal of the project is to improve speed and reliability for existing transit service on N. La Brea Avenue including Metro’s Line 212 bus service and West Hollywood’s Cityline Commuter service, which provides free rush-hour and Saturday evening service to and from Hollywood & Highland and the Metro B line. Once installed, drivers will be prohibited from driving in the new bus priority lanes during weekday peak hours except when making right-hand turns. The lanes will be enforced by West Hollywood’s Parking Enforcement staff, just as existing peak hour no-parking restrictions are today.

Seventy-five percent of bus riders on this corridor do not own cars and use the bus system at least five times per week. Additionally, all routes under consideration for Metro’s future Northern Extension of the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line also include a stop at Santa Monica Boulevard and N. La Brea Avenue, so bus lanes may also one day extend the reach of future rail service.

For more details about the La Brea Avenue Bus Priority Lanes Project visit Metro’s project website at www.metro.net/labrea or review the Metro project fact sheet.

The post Metro Installation Of Bus Priority Lanes Starting July 5 appeared first on Canyon News.

The city indicated on its website the Care Team will provide crisis stabilization, safety planning, connection to community resources, and follow-up support. Services will be delivered using an approach based on harm-reduction, trauma-informed, and culturally competent practices. The Care Team will provide mobile response and will ride in unmarked passenger vehicles with no lights or sirens with the aim of providing respectful care to people in crisis. West Hollywood expects to launch the Care Team in Fall 2023 with initial operating hours from Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. By year two, the goal is to expand Care Team coverage to 24/7/365 service.

“The development and implementation of our new community-based behavioral health response team in West Hollywood is a huge step forward in meeting the needs of community members when they may be experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Mayor Sepi Shyne. “The West Hollywood Care Team will bring a whole a new level of sensitivity and a trauma-informed approach that will make our City better poised to respond to needs in way that helps stabilize situations as they occur.”

West Hollywood will contract with Sycamores, a nonprofit social service organization with expertise in providing behavioral health programs and services. Sycamores is currently a mobile crisis response contractor for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Alternative Crisis Response (ACR) system. The city will operate the West Hollywood Care Team in collaboration with the regional system to enhance community access to intensive mental health services provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health when appropriate.

Community members experiencing a behavioral health crisis will be able to call 988 to get support. 988 is the national number for the Suicide and Crisis Helpline. In the Los Angeles area, the 988 call center operator is Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. Community members utilizing this service will be able to talk to a trained counselor who will assess the mental health crisis and will provide community resources when appropriate. When the counselors on the phone determine that the crisis needs in-person support, the West Hollywood Care Team will be dispatched to respond to the caller’s location to provide services. The West Hollywood community stands to benefit from the immediate availability of crisis counseling via the 988 call center combined with the region’s added capacity to provide in-person service and care when needed.

The investment in the Care Team advances collective priorities outlined in the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Strategy (CSWB). The CSWB Strategy helps create a safer West Hollywood community by finding ways to better connect West Hollywood’s existing social service and law enforcement programs, making it easier for individuals to access vital support and services when needed. The Care Team will be a secondary responder to West Hollywood Sheriff’s Deputies and LA County Fire personnel. The Care Team will be requested for on-scene support, when a community member needs behavioral health services.

The Care Team program will be overseen by the City’s Human Services Division and will collaborate closely with City-funded social service agencies to support community members’ access to local and regional social services programs.

For more details about the West Hollywood Care Team contact Elizabeth Anderson, West Hollywood Strategic Initiatives Program Administrator, at (323) 848-6839 or eanderson@weho.org. For additional information, visit www.weho.org/careteam. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

The post West Hollywood Care Team Created To Serve The Community appeared first on Canyon News.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, the approval of the Biennial Budget adds to the City’s momentum and focuses our next two years,” says Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis. “I’m looking forward to the expansion of our beloved programs and ask for the community’s support as enhancements become implemented to address what’s most important to our residents.”

The city reported in a press release that the overall FY 2023-25 Proposed Biennial Budget is approximately $745.0 million in FY 2023-24 and $750.6 million in FY 2024-25, net of reimbursements and transfers. That is a difference of $4.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively, from what was presented at the Budget Study Session in May 2023.

The final budget reflects the Santa Monica City Council priorities and direction and utilizes new revenues from Measure CS adopted by voters in November 2022, including:

-Allocating resources to several public safety initiatives such as adding six police officers and one police sergeant to expand the Homeless Liaison Program team to enable the program to operate seven days per week and augment patrol operations; investing in technology to enhance community safety; enhanced patrol and security services at the Pier, Beach, and Downtown; implementing a transit safety officer program for Big Blue Bus (BBB) to enhance customer and Motor Coach Operator safety on BBB’s 19 routes and 980 stops in the City and the Westside, and further staff restorations to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.

-Expanded efforts to address homelessness such as the addition of another multidisciplinary outreach team to work east of Lincoln Blvd., in areas outside of the current focus areas Downtown and the Beach; development of a Homelessness Strategic Plan that sets clear policy direction, promotes alignment across City stakeholders, supports regional efforts, and improves focus on measurable objectives and reporting; expansion of SAMOSHEL hours to allow for 24/7 intakes; allocating funds to support eviction prevention; a new 3-1-1 outreach response in partnership with the Salvation Army to respond to requests in the field; and the addition of a dedicated Santa Monica Fire Department case manager.

-Expanded Public Works teams for maintaining clean public spaces such as increasing alley clearing frequencies; enhancing illegal dumping and bulky item pickup services; and enhancing tree pruning in high-traffic areas.

-Organizational realignment to create the Housing and Human Services Department and the Recreation and Arts Department to carry forward the Community Services Department’s work to be responsive to the social and economic challenges residents are facing, the need for community healing and recovery, and to provide services and programs that enrich lives and help people thrive.

-Grants to support the behavioral health needs of vulnerable residents.

-Further restoration of youth programs by enhancing staffing to enable CREST afterschool programs to fully operate at elementary schools and enroll additional participants; ongoing staffing of the Police Activities League and Virginia Avenue Park youth programs that serve the most vulnerable populations in the community, building participation by 480 to 500 youth for a projected total participation of over 2,200 youth served; and supporting SMMUSD’s continued operation of the Playground Club program.

-Further restoration of Santa Monica Public Library’s programs and hours to include the Main Library extending hours to include Saturdays, extending evening hours at all open locations (Monday through Thursday) to 8 p.m., and opening the Main Library one hour earlier (Monday through Thursday) at 10 a.m.

-The continuation of the Art of Recovery program which funds inclusive and diverse cultural activities that support mental well-being, build and connect community, and spur economic recovery.

-Funds to continue essential road maintenance and rehabilitation projects.

-Support for monthly meetings for the Landmarks Commission.

-A new small businesses assistance program.

-Establishing a Citywide ADA Coordinator.

-Restoration of City Traffic Engineer position to advance mobility projects and develop a multi-year traffic signal preventative maintenance program.

-Continuing work on action plans to support zero waste, sustainable water, and electrification of the City’s fleet.

The Adopted Biennial Budget will be posted to finance.smgov.net/budgets-reports/annual for individuals to view.

The post Balanced Budget for FY 2023 – 2025 Approved By City Council appeared first on Canyon News.

-“E.T.” (1982, PG) Saturday, July 15, 7 p.m.

-“Karate Kid” (1984, PG) Saturday, August 19, 6:30 p.m.

Individuals who arrive early can participate in themed activities with the Malibu Library, contests, giveaways, a raffle, and to purchase food from the D’Amores Pizza Truck and treats from Apollo’s Expresso and Shave Ice.

The movies start at sunset and pre-event activities start at 5 p.m. Malibu Bluffs Park is located at 24250 Pacific Coast Highway at Malibu Canyon.

At the city of Malibu booth, show a staff member that you follow the Community Services Department on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes, including gift cards to local businesses and a 30 percent off coupon for city recreation program.

Tickets or RSVPs are not required. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring chairs and blankets. Alcohol is not allowed at Malibu Bluffs Park. Dogs must be on leash and under control of their owners at all times.

Malibu’s CineMalibu series has presented free outdoor movie screenings for the community since 2005. For more details, visit the website or call 310-317-1364.

The post CineMalibu Free Outdoor Community Movies Continues With “E.T.” July 15 appeared first on Canyon News.

The SMPD reported at about 9:30 am, a lone suspect walked into the Wells Fargo Bank in Santa Monica located at 120 Broadway and used a demand note to rob the bank of approximately $1,100.

The suspect fled the area on a bicycle, and details of the suspect and direction of travel were given to police officers. He was found a short time later in the 2000 block of Ocean Front Walk.

The suspect, who was still in possession of the stolen money, was positively identified by witnesses and arrested for robbery. Jordan Thomas Franzino, 29, who is from out of the state was taken into custody. The SMPD reported the suspect was currently experiencing homelessness.

No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

The post Jordan Thomas Franzino Arrested For Bank Robbery appeared first on Canyon News.

The city of Malibu reported in a news release that The Planning Commission meetings will follow similar procedures as the City Council meetings, which started holding hybrid meetings as a pilot program on March 27. The hybrid format allows the public to watch or give public comment both in-person at Malibu City Hall and virtually via Zoom. Malibu’s other Commissions, Committees and Boards will continue meeting virtually.

Planning Commission meetings will take place at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, and will simultaneously be held remotely using the Zoom Webinar tool. Members of the public can make public comment during the meetings either in-person or in the remote meeting.

The City Council and staff discussed the impact of the hybrid meeting pilot program for the City Council effecting logistics, staffing, technology and budgetary resources, and public participation. The hybrid meetings have been conducted pursuant to state law (AB 361), which was passed during the pandemic in 2021, allowing local government bodies to hold public meetings remotely during a state of emergency, or if necessary to protect public safety.

Viewing and commenting instructions will be included in Planning Commission meeting agendas and posted on www.malibucity.org/agendacenter. To sign up to receive notifications by text message or email whenever an agenda is posted, amended or cancelled for the Planning Commission or any other city body, visit www.MalibuCity.org/News, scroll down to Agenda Center, and select the desired meeting body.

Written comments may be sent to the Planning Commission at PlanningCommission@MalibuCity.org. The city will continue to broadcast Planning Commission meetings live on Malibu City TV Channel 3, and live and on-demand on the website at www.MalibuCity.org/TV  and the City’s YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/user/CityofMalibu/videos.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any member of the public who needs special assistance to participate in an in-person meeting at Malibu City Hall may contact Environmental Sustainability Director/Building Official Yolanda Bundy at 310-456-2489, ext. 229. Notification 48 hours prior to a meeting will enable the city of Malibu to make reasonable arrangements to ensure ADA accessibility to the meeting.

Requests to show an audio or video presentation during a Council meeting should be directed to Media Analyst Alex Montano at 310-456-2489, ext. 227 or amontano@malibucity.org by 12 p.m. the day of the meeting.

The post Hybrid Remote And In-Person Meetings At City Hall Starting July 17 appeared first on Canyon News.

During the investigation, officers discovered that Langman kicked a dog, causing severe injuries to the dog. Witnesses attempted to stop Langman. The suspect, while attempting to flee, grabbed a glass bottle and struck a male victim on the head causing injury. The victim with help from others were able to hold Langman until police arrived and took him into custody.

The victim positively identified Langman and he was booked for 245(A)PC (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), with an additional charge for 597(a) PC (Animal Cruelty).

Anyone with additional details about the incident is asked to contact Pacific Area Detectives at 310-482-6313 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.-Monday through Friday. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Tipsters may visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

The post Michael Langman Arrested For Assault, Animal Cruelty appeared first on Canyon News.

Sign up in person starting June 10 at the Main Library, Montana Avenue Branch, or Pico Branch, or visit smpl.org/srp to register online now and learn about our free summer events for everyone, from babies to adults.  This summer the community is being challenged to read 600,000 minutes.

Summer Reading helps prevent “summer slide” by ensuring youth retain reading and learning skills over the school break.  Parents can sign up their kids to receive a free board book. Kids and teens can sign up for a 10-, 20-, or 30-hour challenge, and receive a tote bag, free book, and reading log, to track reading and activities during summer through August 12.  At the halfway mark, kids and teens receive a coupon from the Friends of the Library Bookstore.  Upon completing their challenge, kids and teens can choose from a variety of fun prizes, as supplies last.

Adults can participate as the city will feature two SANTA MONICA READS All Summer selections: “Clark and Division” by Naomi Hirahara and “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See.  Those interested in joining the book discussions will receive one of our featured books upon signing up for Summer Reading, and all adults will receive a reading log, resource guide, and free SMPL tote, while supplies last.  Read 10 hours and receive a coupon from the Friends of the Library Bookstore and be entered in a drawing for a local business gift certificate.

SANTA MONICA READS All Summer is provided with funding from the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica, and the California State Library. For more details and other free, public programs, call Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600 or visit smpl.org.  Library services are currently available 24/7 at SMPL Online.  Contact a friendly library staffer, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., via telephone or email us at library@santamonica.gov.

The post SANTA MONICA READS All Summer 2023 Program appeared first on Canyon News.

Surfing is in Malibu’s DNA, and Malibu played an important role in the global history and culture of surfing, making it a natural subject to inspire local artists.

The submission deadline is Wednesday, June 7. Submissions will only be accepted online at https://shiftingtides.artcall.org.

Artists may submit one original work in any medium for consideration. Selected artists will be notified by June 19. For submission assistance, contact Brittany Saleaumua at 310-456-2489, ext. 349.

The exhibition will be displayed in the Malibu City Gallery in City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., from July 17 through August 25. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free.

The Malibu Arts Commission invites the community to the free opening reception on Sunday, July 16, at 12 p.m. The Commission will celebrate the artists and Malibu’s surf culture with a live musical performance by “A Call 2Peace,” and complementary food and beverages.

For details on the exhibition or the Malibu Arts Commission, visit www.MalibuArtsCommission.org/CallforArtists or email Community Services Director Kristin Riesgo at KRiesgo@MalibuCity.org.

The post Artists Asked To Submit Artwork For Malibu City Gallery, “Shifting Tides” appeared first on Canyon News.

As reported on the city of Malibu website, the award from the international environmental organization Blue Flag recognizes Westward Beach between the Zuma Lagoon and Birdview Avenue, and the Blue Flag will be in place from May 25 through September 30.

Residents are invited to attend a public flag-raising ceremony with Blue Flag representatives, officials from the city, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors (LACDBH) and others on Thursday, May 25 at 2 p.m. on Westward Beach by the restroom building.

As part of the award program’s mission of sustainable development through environmental education, Westward Beach will provide environmental educational activities to the public. Details about the activities will be posted on an information board at Westward Beach.

“Our sites have worked hard for several months to implement and maintain more than 30 diverse criteria to achieve award status. Their staff and communities can raise their flags with pride for going above and beyond US standards to receive international recognition for sustainable management practices,” said Annie Mercer, program coordinator for the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). As a National Operator for the international Blue Flag program, ASBPA administers the program in the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as supports sites in reaching criteria compliance.

The program was started in 2020 by staff from the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors as a beach management entity advising ASBPA on feasibility information, and officially entered the program as a pilot site in 2021 when the international jury reviewed their Gap Analysis.

“We’re thrilled and honored that the Westward Beach portion of world-famous Zuma Beach will fly one of the first Blue Flags in the United States. The Blue Flag will provide visitors with extra assurance that we are responsibly caring for our coast,” said Gary Jones, Director for the County of Los Angeles’s Department of Beaches and Harbors.

The Blue Flag handed out to over 5,000 beaches, marinas and tourism boats from 50 countries internationally. Sites in the Blue Flag USA program participate in four stages of engagement between the host location and the USA program: Interest, Candidate, Applicant, and Award. Interested beaches engage in Blue Flag presentations and conversations with staff.

Candidate sites submitted their Self-Assessment Questionnaire for staff review and are working to meet criteria through partnerships, educational webinars and toolkits, and one-on-one meetings with staff. Applicant sites meet all the criteria and are ready to submit a full application in the next award cycle. Applications for the Blue Flag USA program open in September and close in December. Awards are issued to sites by the International Jury each year and audited by staff.

For details about the Blue Flag program, visit blueflag.global and blueflag.us.

The post Westward Beach Receives The Blue Flag Environmental Award appeared first on Canyon News.

The suspect, later identified as, Verdeges Petrosyan, and a female were engaged in a dispute that turned physical. A male bystander attempted to intervene and was shot by the suspect. Petrosyan and the female entered a vehicle and fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital by the Los Angeles Fire Department Rescue Ambulance and is listed in stable condition.

Hollywood Detectives and LAPD Gang and Narcotics /U.S. Marshal Apprehension Task Force investigators were able to identify Petrosyan utilizing Department resources. On May 11, around 2:30 p.m., he was located in the 18400 Block of Valerio Street and taken into custody without incident.

Petrosyan is a resident of Reseda and was booked 245(a)(2) PC–Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He is being held on $1,150,000.00 bail, (Booking No. 6602632).

Anyone with details is asked to contact LAPD Hollywood Detectives at (213) 972-2968. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to (213) 972-2971 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org .

Tipsters may visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

The post Hollywood Shooting Suspect Verdeges Petrosyan Arrested appeared first on Canyon News.

Findley is currently in the custody of the LASD for unrelated charges including a parole violation and illegal possession of a firearm. There is no additional information available at the time.

He currently had two outstanding warrants for his arrest, unrelated to the shooting.

Anyone with details about the shooting is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station or Detective D. Martinez at (310) 855-8850. To remain anonymous contact “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

The post Joshua Findley Arrested For Shooting In West Hollywood appeared first on Canyon News.

A total of 73 more individuals were counted on the street and in vehicles, and 46 more individuals were counted in the Shelter and Institutional count, which consists of emergency motels, shelters, hospitals and the Santa Monica jail, the city of Santa Monica reported in a press release.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is expected to release the results of the 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count between June and September 2023, which will provide perspective for Santa Monica’s results within the County. Preliminary analysis suggests that multiple factors may have contributed to this year’s increase. In 2022, the 11 percent decrease in overall homelessness as compared to 2020 was due to the significant reduction in the local shelter capacity following COVID-19 public health guidance. In 2022, the number of individuals counted on the street and in vehicles increased by approximately 1 percent. As public health guidelines eased, shelter capacity increased, allowing more individuals to obtain shelter beds than in 2022.

Additionally, while local shelter capacity increased since the 2022 Homeless Count, the temporary regional motel shelter capacity implemented during the pandemic continued to wind down, including the 50-room Project Roomkey facility in Venice. This regional demobilization and decrease in the availability of motel rooms may have contributed to an increase in demand on local shelters, which increased shelter counts, and possibly the street count as individuals were displaced from neighboring motels.

“Addressing homelessness is a top priority for the City Council,” said Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis. “It is an absolute tragedy that more than 66,000 people are experiencing homelessness in LA County, and Santa Monica remains committed to doing our part to advocate for our most vulnerable community members and connect them to housing and services.”

“Acknowledging the urgent need to address the mounting impacts of homelessness, the Council declared a Local Emergency on Homelessness on February 14, 2023,” said Santa Monica City Manager David White. “This action, combined with an infusion of funds from the passage of Measures CS and GS, will allow us to seize this moment of public support to expand and implement evidence-based best practices and cut through obstacles both internally and in working with our regional partners.”

City staff will present a comprehensive update on homelessness to the Santa Monica City Council and community at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 9 at 5:30 p.m. The update responds to questions and concerns brought forward by the City Council and the community, and will help them consider investments for the FY 2023-25 budget including:

-Expansion of the City’s homeless multidisciplinary outreach teams’ work beyond the Downtown and Beach area, adding coverage to the entire city.

-Redesign of the SAMOSHEL interim housing program to accommodate 24/7 intakes, giving additional options for after-hours intake and facilitating SMPD transports for people experiencing homelessness and non-urgent behavioral health issues.

-Adding police officers to expand the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) to make it operational seven days a week and to augment Police Department staffing where it is most needed to address community needs. Resources will also go toward the Directed Action Response Team (DaRT), which addresses matters of public safety in the Downtown, Pier and Beach areas.

-Expansion of public space maintenance investments, including enhancements to ensure higher-risk cleanup activities are performed safely, using an additional, specialized pilot Homeless Support Team (HoST) to address “hot spots” and respond to 3-1-1 requests.

For more details, visit santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/homelessness.

The post Santa Monica Releases 2023 Homeless Count Results appeared first on Canyon News.

During the serving of the search warrant, skimming devices, card readers, $36,062, and a large number of false identification cards and documents were recovered.  The suspects have been stealing millions of dollars monthly in the state of California using card skimmers and Automated Teller Machines (ATM) to drain Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts. The officers determined the individuals may be part of a Romanian syndicate known to target persons experiencing economic hardship for their EBT Cards.

Commercial Crimes Division, for the past two years, has been working in conjunction with the United States Secret Service, the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, as well as the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation – Cyber Crime Section, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Fraud and Cyber Crimes Unit, as part of the Southern California High Tech Task Force, which has been working to combat EBT Benefits Fraud.

Anyone with details about this incident or the identity of additional suspects is asked to call the Southern California High Tech Task Force, Detective Casciani at (818) 374-9420. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).

Tipsters may contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, for additional information on how to report suspected criminal activity.

The post Several Suspects Arrested For EBT Benefit Fraud appeared first on Canyon News.

“My heart goes out to the victims who have experienced so much pain and heartbreak,” said Mayor Gleam Davis. “The settlement is the City’s best effort to address the suffering of the victims in a responsible way, while also acknowledging that the harm done to the victims cannot be undone.”

The city reported in a press release that the claimants alleged that Uller sexually abused or attempted to sexually abuse them between the late 1980s and early 2000s when many were youth participating in the Police Activities League (“PAL”) program.

On November 15, 2018, Eric Uller was found dead inside his home from an apparent suicide. The former city employee was charged with three counts of lewd acts upon a child, two counts of oral copulation of a person under 18, and one count of continuous sexual abuse. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Uller, 50, of Marina del Rey was expected back in court on November 15, 2018. The defendant is alleged to have abused the victims between the ages of 12 and 16 years old from December 1986 to September 1995, the prosecutor indicated.

Santa Monica Mayor Ted Winterer at the times issued the following statement on October 30, 2018:

“The recent arrest of a City employee has raised legitimate concern in our community, from this Council and from our City staff, so I want to provide a brief announcement on what we know and are able to share. Our hearts go out to anyone impacted by these deeply disturbing circumstances.  And I want to acknowledge the bravery of any and all victims that come forward to report sexual misconduct.”

“Over the last several days, there have been allegations that the City may have been aware of criminal conduct by Mr. Uller and failed in the past to address it. We take this concern seriously. We are committed to transparency and accountability. The City Attorney’s Office has retained outside counsel to conduct a comprehensive investigation of these allegations. The City is also conducting a comprehensive review of the procedures in place to protect youth participants of the PAL program,” said Mayor Winterer.

The city of Santa Monica released the following statement in response to Uller’s death:

“The City was shocked to receive this news.  Mr. Uller had been expected to appear in court this morning on the criminal charges previously filed against him.  The court was also advised of his death. The City had initiated an independent investigation into allegations that the City previously knew or should have known of, but failed to address, Mr. Uller’s alleged criminal conduct.  The City remains committed to seeing this investigation through.  The City has retained Irma Rodríguez Moises and Gabriel Sandoval at the law firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo to conduct an independent investigation of these allegations.  The independent investigation is already underway, and will also review whether the City had in place sufficient procedures to encourage reporting of such conduct and to ensure that reports are acted on.  The City continues to encourage anyone who has information relevant to the independent investigation to reach out directly to the independent counsel at https://www.aalrr.com/contact-cerritos or 562-653-3200.

The City also remains committed to conducting a review of the policies and practices of the many youth programs funded and operated by the City, including PAL.  The City is in the process of retaining an outside consultant, Praesidium, Inc., to review the policies and practices of its youth programs and provide guidance on best practices for preventing any future incidents of abuse.  Information about Praesidium can be found at its website, https://website.praesidiuminc.com/wp/.”

After the first allegations of sexual abuse by Uller in 2018, the city of Santa Monica expanded requirements for Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training for all employees, volunteers, and contractors for any City-managed youth program; and created a Child Protection Committee, and established a Child Protection Officer, to oversee implementation of child abuse prevention measures across City programs.

“The City has remained vigilant by implementing best practices and strict policies to ensure that these unconscionable acts do not occur again,” said City Manager David White.

Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Santa Monica will pay $122.5 million into a qualified settlement fund, which will be allocated among the plaintiffs with the assistance of a neutral retired judge retained by plaintiffs’ counsel.

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“I am thrilled about the upcoming safety improvements to Wilshire Boulevard,” says Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis. “These changes will enhance the safety of our residents and visitors while promoting a more walkable and livable community. Santa Monica is committed to intelligent street design that promotes safety, equity, and accessibility for all modes of transportation.”

Planned Wilshire Boulevard improvements include:

-Infrastructure Upgrades: Complete repaving of Wilshire Boulevard followed by improved road markings, refreshed crosswalks, and painted areas to make it clearer where pedestrians can cross.

-Pedestrian Visibility: Highly visible flashing beacons at five intersections will signal to motorists that they must yield to the pedestrian crossing the street.

-Hot Spot Solutions: To reduce the number of collisions at 14 intersections without traffic signals, the side streets will be restricted to right turns only. Although few vehicles continue straight or turn left at these intersections, they are involved in a disproportionately high number of collisions. Approximately one out of every five collisions at these locations occurs when drivers make a left turn or continue straight.

-Transit Improvements: Bus stops will be marked with bright red pavement to discourage private vehicles from blocking them. Loading zones will be installed next to bus stops so that vehicles have a space to pick up and drop off passengers without creating blockages. Bus stop enhancements will improve transit service for Big Blue Bus Route 2, and Metro Routes 20 and 720. Transit ridership is expected to increase in the Wilshire Boulevard corridor upon completion of the Metro Purple (D Line) subway extension to Westwood, scheduled to open in phases between 2024-2027.

-Better Bike Connections: Special markings at four intersections will create dedicated space for cyclists to safely cross Wilshire Boulevard.

“With these changes, the community is taking a major step toward realizing our Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatal and severe injury crashes from our streets by 2026. Additionally, we will be able to provide faster and more reliable bus service for our customers, ultimately making it easier for them to access all that Santa Monica and the Westside has to offer,” said Ed King, Director of the Santa Monica Department of Transportation. “We are committed to creating a transportation network that meets the needs of our community, and these improvements are an important step towards that goal.”

The community engagement process which lasted over a year, included close to 20 presentations to neighborhood groups and schools, stakeholder meetings, on-the-street canvassing, digital outreach, and a comprehensive social media campaign. Forty percent of public comments identified difficult crossing conditions as a concern on Wilshire Boulevard.

The improvements are part of a comprehensive initiative to make the street more accessible for pedestrians and will continue with Phase 2 next year. Phase 2 improvements are in the design stage and will focus on more permanent changes like concrete curb extensions, and improved lighting.

For more details about the Wilshire Boulevard Safety Enhancements, visit santamonica.gov/mobility-projects/wilshire-boulevard-safety-enhancements.

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According to a news release from the city’s website, the Holloway Interim Housing Program will provide “a safe, supportive space for people experiencing homelessness to stay 90 days, giving residents support and time to transition off the streets and into housing.”

The motel property will be managed and operated via a partnership with Ascencia, a nonprofit homeless services agency that provides comprehensive case management and supportive services, and uphold safety for program participants.

In the coming months, West Hollywood and its architectural and construction partners will focus on completing the design, planning, permitting, and construction process to bring the structure up to code so it is safe for program participants, Ascencia staff, and the surrounding region.

In June 2022, West Hollywood received a State of California Housing and Community Development Homekey grant in the amount of $6,007,661, and the West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved the purchase of the property to be converted into an interim housing program. The Holloway Interim Housing Program will be funded through state and regional resources that are matched by the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

By purchasing the Holloway Motel, and converting it into interim housing, the city will make progress on the goals of its Homeless Initiative, created in 2016, and double West Hollywood’s available interim housing beds for adults in an expedient and cost-effective manner. The Holloway Interim Housing Program builds on more than 30 years of city efforts to partner with local agencies to provide social services to community members experiencing homelessness. It is designed to be responsive to the unique needs of its community members, drawing on West Hollywood’s proud history of inclusivity and empathy in service delivery.

“The Holloway Interim Housing Program is a collaborative, common-sense solution that responds to community needs,” affirmed Mayor Sepi Shyne. “True stakeholder collaboration is key to the success of this program, and we’re responding to the community’s priorities by directly addressing the issues related to homelessness. This paves the way for city governments to cultivate a nurturing, empathetic community that uplifts and enhances the quality of life for every community member.”

“West Hollywood is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to people experiencing homelessness and addressing the needs of its diverse community. The City’s Homeless Initiative addresses homelessness with a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency, collaborative response, working in close partnership with nonprofit social services providers, the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station, and Los Angeles County agencies,” states the press release.

To report concerns about a community member who is homeless, contact the West Hollywood Homeless Initiative Concern Line at (323) 848-6590. If the concern requires time-sensitive assistance during nights or weekends contact the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.

Additional details can be found at www.weho.org/holloway. For more information about the Homeless Initiative, please contact Corri Planck, West Hollywood Strategic Initiatives Manager, at (323) 848-6430 or cplanck@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY (323) 848-6496.

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Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire in one unit on the first floor of a three-story apartment complex. Firefighters attacked the fire while simultaneously searching adjacent units to ensure no occupants were trapped. Three residents and one dog were forced to jump into the swimming pool to escape the blaze prior to the fire departments arrival.

Within 20 minutes, the fire was extinguished before it spread to the units above and was confined to the first-floor unit where the fire originated.

Due to the size and complexity of the apartment complex and the potential for fire spread and trapped occupants, the SMFD requested resources from LAFD to assist along with help from Santa Monica Public Safety Communications, Santa Monica Police, Building & Safety, and McCormick Ambulance. There were no injuries to residents or first responders, and no residents were displaced as a result of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation by SMFD investigators.

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Coldwater Canyon Drive from Rexford Drive to Monte Cielo Drive will have only one lane open in each direction; in certain locations, only one lane will be available in both directions.

Motorists should seek to use alternate routes, be courteous and yield to those leaving their driveways and homes in the impacted area.

The city of Beverly Hills indicated in a news release that the replacement of the pipelines are important to maintaining the region’s water infrastructure. Those pipelines were installed in the 1920s to 1960s and have been the site of several water main breaks in recent years.

For additional details on the Water Main Replacement Project and timeline contact Public Works Customer Service at (310) 285-2467 or email askpw@beverlyhills.org.

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