Canyon News

11/20/2025

SANTA MONICA — A recent police action highlights the Santa Monica Police Department’s ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.

On November 4, officers from SMPD’s Directed Action Response Team (DART) observed suspicious activity in the 400 block of Colorado Avenue. During their investigation, they recovered several coils of copper wire and tools commonly associated with theft. A suspect was taken into custody for possession of stolen property, burglary tools, and narcotics-related violations.

No names or ages have been released, but the department says this arrest is part of their continued commitment to protecting local businesses and ensuring residents and visitors feel safe. Officers encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity whenever it occurs.

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On Sunday, November 16, the Santa Monica Police Department reported that they arrested a copper wire theft suspect.

11/20/2025

BEVERLY HILLS — With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Beverly Hills Police Department is reminding everyone of one simple habit that saves lives: buckle up, every single time.

As families get ready for road trips, airport drop-offs, grocery runs, and visits with loved ones, officials are asking drivers to slow down, stay alert, and make sure everyone in the car is safely secured. Whether you’re driving across the state or heading a few blocks to dinner, wearing a seat belt is still the most effective way to protect yourself in a crash.

The reminder comes as travel ramps up for one of the busiest holidays of the year. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 309 lives lost in traffic crashes nationwide during Thanksgiving weekend — and nearly half of those who died weren’t wearing seat belts.

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On Wednesday, November 12, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced in a news release that they want drivers and

11/20/2025

WEST HOLLYWOOD — A scary moment turned into a reminder of community strength earlier this month on North Sweetzer Avenue, when a couple and a nearby worker banded together to stop an attempted daylight robbery.

According to authorities, a masked man approached a couple shortly before 1 p.m., demanding a watch and pulling out what appeared to be a weapon. What the suspect didn’t expect was that the man he confronted was a retired wrestler — someone trained to stay calm under pressure.

Witnesses say a brief struggle broke out, but the situation quickly shifted when the retired wrestler managed to hold the suspect on the ground. His girlfriend acted fast, safely removing the weapon from the suspect’s hand and tossing it out of reach. A utility worker who happened to be nearby jumped in to help keep the suspect restrained until deputies arrived.

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On October, shortly before 1 p.m., an attempted robbery occurred in the 900 Block of North Sweetzer Avenue, where a masked man tried

11/16/2025

⚖️ COMMUNITY JUSTICE UPDATE — MALIBU & LOS ANGELES COUNTY ⚖️

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that a federal jury has found five MS-13 gang members guilty in a major racketeering case connected to a series of violent crimes that took place between 2017 and 2019 in the Angeles National Forest and the San Fernando Valley.

After a nine-week trial, the jury delivered guilty verdicts for charges that included racketeering, extortion, narcotics trafficking, and multiple violent offenses.
Deputy District Attorney Eric Siddall served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney on the case, helping bring closure to a lengthy and complex investigation.

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On Monday, November 10, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office disclosed that a Los Angeles federal jury found five MS-13

11/16/2025

🚨 COMMUNITY SAFETY NOTICE — HOLLYWOOD 🚨

The Los Angeles community is being asked to come together after LAPD Juvenile Division–Stuart House detectives announced they are looking to identify any additional individuals who may need support in connection with an ongoing investigation.

On November 6, officers arrested 37-year-old Josue Lopes (also known as David Lopez) in the Westlake area. He is currently in custody related to a case involving the kidnapping and assault of a minor in Hollywood.
Detectives, along with the LA County District Attorney’s Office S*x Crimes Unit, believe there may be others who have not yet come forward and want to ensure every voice is heard and supported.

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On Wednesday, November 12, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department Juvenile Division-Stuart House indicated they are asking

11/15/2025

West Hollywood neighbors, here’s a quick look at what’s been happening around our community. The latest October report from the LASD West Hollywood Station shows an overall 10% drop in reported crime—good news worth celebrating. 🌟

At the same time, the data shows a rise in certain types of incidents, including burglaries, robberies, shoplifting, and car thefts. Many of these took place in the West District, with garage and mailroom break-ins being the most common.

On a positive note, serious violent incidents declined last month, with fewer aggravated assaults reported and no loss of life. Local deputies will share a full overview at the upcoming West Hollywood Public Safety Commission meeting on November 10.

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In the first week of November, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station released its report on crimes

11/14/2025

🌎💛 World Kindness Day – November 13 💛🌎

Today, Canyon News celebrates World Kindness Day, a reminder that small acts of kindness can create big ripples in our communities. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, sharing a smile, or simply lending a listening ear, kindness has the power to connect us all.

Let’s take a moment to spread positivity and compassion—because every act, no matter how small, makes a difference.

✨ How will you make someone’s day brighter today? Share your stories with us! ✨

11/14/2025

🟣 West Hollywood Offers Free Community Safety Workshop
The City of West Hollywood is hosting a free preparedness workshop to help community members learn practical skills for staying safe during critical incidents.

📅 Saturday, December 6
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 West Hollywood Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room
625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
(Parking available at the West Hollywood Park 5-Story structure)

This workshop is open to everyone — residents, local workers, and people in nightlife and hospitality — and no RSVP is needed.

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On Monday, November 10, the city of West Hollywood informed Canyon News via email that they are offering a free active shooter preparedness

11/14/2025

🟣 West Hollywood Crime Trends: October Snapshot
The West Hollywood community is taking a closer look at local safety after the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released its October 2025 crime update.

According to the report, overall crime in West Hollywood dropped by about 10%, but certain categories saw increases — including burglaries, robberies, and vehicle thefts.

🔹 Robberies: 13 reported in October (up from 5 in September)
🔹 Burglaries: 36 total, including garage and mailroom incidents
🔹 Shoplifting: 22 reports
🔹 Vehicle Theft: 33 cases
🔹 Violent Crime: Fewer aggravated assaults, no homicides, and two reports of r**e (shared as part of the official data)

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In the first week of November, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood Station released its report on crimes

11/14/2025

🌊 New Leadership for Malibu 🌴
The City of Malibu has welcomed Christopher J. Smith as its new Interim Assistant City Manager, bringing more than two decades of public service experience to the community.

Mayor Marianne Riggins shared that Christopher’s leadership style, love for collaboration, and long history in city management will help guide Malibu through ongoing fire recovery efforts and strengthen essential city services.

Christopher comes to Malibu after 14 years with the City of Santa Monica, where he worked in several key leadership roles — including Deputy City Manager and Acting Chief Information Officer — and helped drive community engagement, inclusion work, and innovation in public services.

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The city of Malibu announced on Monday, November 10 that Christopher J. Smith was appointed as Interim Assistant City Manager, bringing

11/13/2025

⚡🚒 LAFD Responds to Lithium-Ion Battery Incident in Beverly Grove

On Monday afternoon, November 10, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to an electrical fire concern at 8701 Gracie Allen Drive in Beverly Grove.

Around 1:39 p.m., firefighters arrived to find a large lithium-ion battery—estimated to weigh about 1,000 pounds—off-gassing between floors of the building. Crews quickly contained the situation and worked carefully to remove the battery to a safe location for mitigation.

✅ No injuries were reported, and facility operations were not affected.
🔥 LAFD reminds everyone to handle and dispose of large lithium-ion batteries safely, as they can pose serious fire risks when damaged or improperly stored.

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On Monday, November 10, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled an electrical fire in Beverly Grove.

11/13/2025

🚔 Santa Monica Hit-and-Run Case: Two Charged After Fatal Crash Investigation

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has announced charges connected to a tragic hit-and-run crash that took place in Santa Monica in October.

Authorities say driver Alex Kristopher Kirksey, 38, has been charged with multiple felony counts, including vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing injury and death. After fleeing California, Kirksey was later located in Chicago and taken into custody with help from the Santa Monica Police Department and Chicago Police.

Investigators also arrested Marshonda Whitaker, 42, who faces a felony charge for allegedly helping Kirksey avoid arrest after the incident. Both have pleaded not guilty, and their next court date is scheduled for December 3 at the Airport Courthouse.

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On Friday, November 7, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office disclosed that Marshonda Whitaker, 42, was charged with aiding