SANTA MONICA—On Friday, October 24, officers from the Santa Monica Police Department arrived in the 1300 block of Wilshire Boulevard in response to reports of a hit-and-run collision. The crash left two people dead at the scene, and two others injured. When the officers arrived on the scene, they found four victims lying on the south side of the sidewalk. Fire engines from the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived and took two injured individuals to the nearby hospital for medical treatment; at this time, they are expected to survive. Wilshire Boulevard remained closed as the officers conducted their investigation. The vehicle responsible for the crash was found at the scene; there was no sign of the driver, leading investigators to conclude that the driver fled the scene. The suspect they are looking for is a Black man approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a red hat, a black sweater, and black shoes. The Santa Monica Police Department is asking anyone who saw the collision to contact Investigator Lantz Lewis at 310-458-2201, ext. 5311, or send an email to Lantz.Lewis@santamonica.gov.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WOODLAND HILLS—On Friday, October 24, officers with the Los Angeles Police Department chased a suspect driving under the influence in a Nissan Sentra sedan traveling at speeds near 110 miles per hour. As the chase continued, this driver ran several red lights, moved onto surface streets, and darted through traffic. The chase began in North Hollywood around 7 p.m., and officers followed the vehicle into Woodland Hills and then into the Thousand Oaks region. The chase ended when the driver pulled over near the SeaCliff Avenue exit on the 101 freeway. The suspect, Luchiano Antonio Lewis Villanueva was taken into custody by police. He was arrested for suspicion of being under the influence of drugs and for several felony charges. No additional details about the case has been disclosed to the public.   By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On October 21, deputies with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department announced they are investigating a claim that two young people were being pursued by a man in the 1000 block of Havenhurst Drive. By the time the deputies arrived on the scene, one of the juveniles had been assaulted. Authorities are asking any additional victims of the potential suspect to come forward, who has been identified as 42-year-old Elmer Mercado. Mercado has been taken into custody and booked on suspicion of annoying or molesting a minor, committing lewd acts with a child, and two misdemeanor charges of child sexual assault-related charges. He is being held on $100,000 bail while the investigation is ongoing. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department believes that there are more victims of Mercado, the LASD is concerned those victims might not come forward due to the nature of the crimes for which he is being held, and that other victims might be reluctant to come forward. Anyone with details about Elmer Mercado or if you know someone who is a victim of his is asked to contact the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau by emailing specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org or calling 877-710-5273. By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, October 29, the Los Angeles County District’s Attorney’s Office announced that David Pearce, 43, was sentenced today to 146 years to life in state prison for seven sexual assaults and the fentanyl-induced murders of Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola and Christy Giles, whose bodies were left outside separate hospitals in November 2021. In addition, he was ordered to register as a lifetime sex offender.

Pearce was sentenced by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter in Department 109 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Officials reported that on February 4, a jury found David Brian Pearce guilty in case BA498423 of all charges and allegations: two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola; three counts of forcible rape; two counts of sexual penetration by use of force; one count of sodomy by use of force; and one count of rape of an unconscious woman in the sexual assaults of seven different victims.

In February 2025, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict against Pearce’s co-defendant Brant Osborn, 46, for two counts of accessory to murder after the fact. A new trial for Osborn is expected to take place with a scheduled pretrial on November 18 in Department 109 at the Foltz Criminal Courthouse.

On November 13, 2021, at approximately 3 a.m., Pearce and Osborn met victims Giles and Cabrales-Arzola at a warehouse party in East Los Angeles. About two hours later, Giles and Cabrales-Arzola accompanied Pearce and Osborn back to Pearce’s Beverly Hills apartment. While at the apartment, Pearce provided Giles and Cabrales-Arzola gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and fentanyl, causing Giles and Cabrales-Arzola to fatally overdose.

Within about 35 minutes of arriving at the apartment, Cabrales-Arzola called a rideshare service to leave the location, but neither Cabrales-Arzola nor Giles left the residence until Pearce carried Giles out of the apartment about 11 hours later and carried Cabrales-Arzola out about an hour and a half afterwards.

Pearce dropped the victims off at two different local hospitals. Giles was dead when she was dropped off at the hospital. Cabrales-Arzola was resuscitated and died 11 days later, one day short of her 27th birthday.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Pearce committed numerous drug-facilitated sexual assaults against multiple women spanning from 2005 to 2021. All seven victims testified at trial to Pearce’s sexual depravity and violent tendencies.

SANTA MONICA—On October 27, the Communication Specialist for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), Diana Bouchaaya, announced the acceptance of 10 SMMUSD students into the 2025 Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA) Regional Honor Choir. The SMMUSD congratulates the following students receiving this prestigious honor; Ansel Brodkin, Alex Chaiet, Anna Cervantes, Karin Cervantes, Ava Collins-Cona, Curtis DiMundo, Zoey Jaffa, Mina Lotan, Harper McCallum, and Milo Smith. According to the SMMUSD press release, this select-group of students will represent the Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) at the University of Redlands, November 6-8 with 270 other extraordinary student vocalists from across Southern California for three days of rigorous rehearsals that will culminate in a public concert. The full text of the press release including ticket information may be found below. SMMUSD Choir   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS/STUDIO CITY—On Tuesday, October 28, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division and North Hollywood Division reported arrests were made in connection to the “Shade Snatcher” Commercial Burglary Investigation targeting high-end optical eyewear and sunglasses stores throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County.

The LAPD reported between February and July 2025, detectives identified a sophisticated burglary crew responsible for a large-scale series of “smash-and-grab” commercial burglaries targeting high-end optical retailers and luxury boutiques across Southern California. Each burglary followed a similar pattern.

The suspects used stolen vehicles, usually older SUVs or pickup trucks, to crash through storefronts and bypass security measures during the early morning hours. Once inside, multiple suspects carrying laundry baskets or storage bins quickly stole designer eyewear, handbags, and other merchandise before fleeing in coordinated convoys of follow-up vehicles. The total losses from these crimes amounted to roughly $2.68 million in stolen property and $499,000 in property damage.

Through investigative follow-up, including a meticulous review of surveillance footage and examination of forensic evidence, investigators linked the same vehicles and suspects to multiple crime scenes. The stolen vehicles used to ram through property doors were often taken from South Los Angeles neighborhoods hours before the burglaries, and several key secondary vehicles were consistently seen trailing or leaving the crime scenes. Video evidence confirmed multiple suspects at or near the burglary locations, further supporting their involvement.

Investigators also worked with several outside agencies, including Manhattan Beach Police Department, Newport Beach Police Department, Pasadena Police Department, Alhambra Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, and San Diego Police Department, to share case notes, video footage, vehicle data, and evidence.

The ongoing investigation, officially titled “The Shade Snatchers” led to the identification of at least 10 suspects, including documented gang members and repeat offenders of property crimes. LAPD North Hollywood Burglary Detectives, with assistance from the Metropolitan Division, Commercial Crimes Division, and Gangs and Narcotics Division, carried out surveillance operations and secured multiple search and arrest warrants. This investigation led to the arrest of the primary suspects, including three adults and three juveniles.

The adult suspects have been identified as:
· Phillip T. Harris, 37, of Bellflower
· Orlando D. Neal, 37, of Los Angeles
· Rasheed Reed, 25, of Compton

A total of 26 counts of Burglary and Grand Theft were filed, along with additional firearm-related charges, including possession of an assault pistol, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a silencer. Bail amounts for the suspects range from $500,000 to $1,225,000, depending on their level of involvement.

This case remains active and is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Organized Crime Section. Detectives are working to identify additional suspects and other crimes this group may have committed. The case is being submitted to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Detectives are seeking further information about these burglaries and are asking the public for help. Any additional information can be given to the North Hollywood Burglary Detectives.

Released surveillance footage highlights one incident to illustrate the suspect’s actions. The video can be viewed on the LAPD Headquarters YouTube Channel.

Anyone with details related to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Colin Langsdale, Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-6940, or Detective Brandon McConnell, North Hollywood Division at 818-754-8377. 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.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood indicated on its Facebook page on October 28 that the Winter Ice Rink is returning to the area on December 1.

The ice rink will be at Great Lawn at West Hollywood Park located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. Tickets are on sale now From December 1 thru December 21, book a 90-minute skate session, strike one’s best arabesque (or just focus on “ice, ice, baby steps”), and glide into the season with DJ jams, theme nights, and festive fun.

Fees:

$15 (Ages 3-14 yrs)

$20 (Ages 15+)
-Recommended for ages 3+
-All skate rentals included in ticket price
-90-minute skate sessions

Public parking is available in the West Hollywood 5-Story Parking Structure at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. There is a bridge that connects the parking structure to the park on Level 3. Validations for up to 2 hours provided inside the Aquatic & Recreation Center. For more information, check the City of West Hollywood parking directory.

The ice rink is accessible for non-motorized wheelchairs; motorized wheelchairs cannot be used on the ice rink. There will be snacks, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic beverages for sale in our general store.

Rental skates are available and is part of your ticket. There are toddler size 8 through men’s size 15 available, in addition to skating aids available to rent for $10 per 90-minute session. There are socks or gloves for sale for $5 at our office onsite.

Dogs are NOT permitted in the rink area. Skates are dangerous for little dog paws. Dogs are welcome in the Winter Village area or the adjacent WeHo dog parks (service dogs OK). To learn more about private events and large group sales, email wehoicerink@jj-la.com.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, October 28, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon news via email the results of a DUI Checkpoint that was conducted on October 24. On Friday, October 24, a DUI checkpoint was held at North Santa Monica Boulevard and Crescent Drive from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

A total of 1,560 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, and 321 were screened. One driver was arrested for driving under the influence, and seven drivers were cited for driving without a driver’s license.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on reported incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the roads.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

SANTA MONICA—It was reported on October 24 that actress June Lockhart, known as portraying Ruth Martin on the series “Lassie” died at the age of 100. Lockhart died at her home in Santa Monica of natural causes. She was born in New York City in 1925, and she was the daughter of Canadian American actor Gene Lockhart, who grew to fame on Broadway in 1933 in “Ah, Wilderness.”

She made her film debut in the 1938 film “A Christmas Carol” with her parents. June was known for her roles in television portraying TV moms. Notably she portrayed the mother of Timmy Martin (Jon Provost) in the 50s series “Lassie.”

Lockhart also appeared on the series “Perry Mason.” Other notable roles for June included “Lost in Space,” “Full House,” and she appeared on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital” in the 80s and 90s.

Films that June appeared in during her career include, “It’s a Joke, Son!,” “Time Limit,” “Butterfly,” “Deadly Games,” “Strange Invaders,” “Troll,” “Lost in Space” and “Deterrence.” Other notable TV roles for the actress included appearances on “Knots Landing,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Colbys,” “Roseanne,” “Step by Step,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Las Vegas,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and in the 2021 Netflix series “Lost in Space.”

June married John Maloney in 1951, with whom she shared 2 daughters Anne Kathleen and June Elizabeth. The couple divorced in 1959, and June later married architect John Lindsay that same year. She earned a Tony Award in 1948 for “For Love or Money.” June was nominated for two Emmy awards during her career, and she has 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One for motion pictures and another for television.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, October 27, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that elevated to brief critical fire weather conditions are expected across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (including Malibu) for Tuesday, October 28 thru Wednesday, October 29 due to gusty Santa Ana winds and very low humidities.

Winds 15–25 mph with gusts 30–45 mph, humidities 5–15 percent. Live fuel moisture remains near critical levels, increasing fire danger. While winds will ease Tuesday night into Wednesday, warm, dry, and hazardous fire conditions will persist.

SCE has not announced warnings about potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). If that were to occur, the city of Malibu will post that via alerts and social media messages.

BE PREPARED

-Malibu residents should prepare for possible fires, evacuations, power and traffic signal outages, downed trees or powerlines, and hazardous driving conditions.

-At intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights, come to a complete stop as required by CA law.

-Get preparedness info: ready.lacounty.gov.

CHECK PLANS AND SUPPLIES

-Review your emergency plans and evacuation routes, including reunification locations.
-Check supplies for expired food, batteries, and medications (including for pets).
-Keep your gas tank full and know how to manually open your garage door.
-Check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
-Power outage preparedness info: ready.lacounty.gov/power-outage.
-Review the City’s Evacuation Plan, zones, and terminology at malibucity.org/evac.

STAY INFORMED

-Monitor local AM/FM radio (99.1 FM KBUU) for emergency updates.
-The City will issue alerts and post updates at MalibuCity.org and MalibuCity.org/alerts and social media.
-Sign up for City alerts at MalibuCity.org/news (scroll to Alert Center, and choose Weather, Emergency & Utility).
-Sign up for County alerts at lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la.
-Monitor evacuation information & emergency updates at Genasys Protect https://protect.genasys.com/search and Watch Duty https://www.watchduty.org.

 

By Danny Jones