BEVERLY HILLS—In August of 2025, Daniel Yacobi, a resident of Beverly Hills and a former dentist, was put on trial for murdering his mother in 2017 to inherit part of her estate. On August 22, he was convicted of first-degree murder. On October 3, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Daniel Yacobi maintains that he is innocent. In addition, he regrets not having taken the stand to testify in his own defense during his trial and expressed his hope that an appeal of his conviction would be successful, which would allow him to testify at a retrial.   By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—Early in the morning of August 30, 2025, an elderly security guard claimed he was attacked on Wilshire Boulevard in the 600 block. The Santa Monica Police believe this guard was struck with his own flashlight, after which the item was stolen, and then the attacker fled the scene. The police description of this assailant is that he is a man between 25 and 30 years old. He is between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 7 inches. Additionally, he is slender and has short, curly hair. According to the police, during the assault, he was wearing black pants. Additionally, he was wearing a black shirt with an image of a bear on the back, and he was carrying a green backpack. The Santa Monica Police are seeking the public’s help in locating this man. Any resident who possesses information can contact the police at (SMPD) at (310) 458-8939.

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On September 14, Maritza Gonzalez was stabbed in the chest during a brawl that occurred outside Beaches West Hollywood, which is located in the 8900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. Although she was in critical condition when she was transported to the hospital, she was declared brain dead two days later due to her injuries. However, she was kept on life support until September 20. This was so her organs could be donated following her death. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department detained a potential suspect on September 14 and is cooperating with the deputies. Arturo Solis, one of Maritza Gonzalez’s relatives started a GoFundMe campaign for her family and by the start of October it raised $46,000. The investigation into the death of Maritza Gonzalez is ongoing. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department asks anyone who possesses knowledge to contact the homicide bureau at (323)890-5500. The GofundMe Campaign can be found at the following web address. gofundme.com/f/q863j-in-loving-memory-of-maritza.   By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, October 2, the city of Santa Monica announced that the project to replace and upgrade the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge will break ground by the end of the year, following the construction contract approval during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and conclude by the end of 2027. The Pier restaurants and shops, parking and visitor access will remain open to welcome the public throughout the duration of the project.

Nationally recognized infrastructure contractor Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. was selected to bring their extensive expertise in complex bridge projects to lead the 24-month, $35 million project.

The Pier Bridge, built in 1939, connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier, providing access to an iconic destination. The project will result in a new bridge that is seismically upgraded, more accessible and ready to serve residents, visitors and businesses well ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

The new bridge will:

-Meet modern seismic and safety standards
-Provide a 75-year service life
-Expand sidewalks to improve pedestrian access
-Realign walkways on the Pier deck to improve circulation

As a result of the project, the historic blue Pier sign will be removed and restored. The original Pier sign is scheduled to be removed at the end of the year and stored until project completion. The refurbished sign will be reinstalled at the end of construction, elevated for improved visibility and clearance.

A temporary half scale replica of the iconic neon sign is being installed beginning this week in the middle of the Pier, adjacent to Pier Burger and near the entrance to Pacific Park.

Over the next few months, visitors and residents will have the opportunity to experience two Pier signs and say a farewell to the beloved original.

Business and visitor access during construction Bridge construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025.

To keep the Pier open and accessible:

-A temporary pedestrian bridge will connect visitors from Ocean Avenue to the Pier
-A temporary vehicular ramp will maintain access to the Pier from the beach parking lot for emergency vehicles, deliveries, and public parking
-A comprehensive wayfinding and signage program will guide visitors during construction

Project timeline

-Utility relocation work is already underway to prepare for construction.
-Replica Pier Sign installation: October 2025
-Temporary vehicle and pedestrian ramp installation: November 2025-June 2026
-Pier Sign removal and rehabilitation: January 2026-September 2027
-Bridge Demolition: June-September 2026
-Bridge Construction: July 2026-December 2027
-Pier Sign Reinstallation: September 2027
-Project completion: December 2027

The city conducted over 30 outreach meetings with Pier businesses, tenants and community stakeholders, and will continue frequent engagement throughout construction to minimize impacts and ensure clear communication.

Approximately 75 percent of the project cost — more than $30 million — is funded by the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the balance supported by local transportation funds.

For additional information and updates on the Pier Bridge Replacement Project visit:
https://www.santamonica.gov/santa-monica-pier-bridge-replacement-project.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, October 1, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that the Department of Transportation announced Parking Structure 5, located at 1440 4th St., will close for approximately three to four weeks starting October 1 at 4 p.m. for urgent repairs.

To ensure public safety and following advice from a commissioned Condition Assessment Report for Parking Structure 5, or PS5, the city determined that the entire structure must close to vehicles while emergency repairs are completed.

Signage will be installed to notify the public of the pending closure, and staff will reprogram parking cards for access to alternate structures.

Monthly parking customers at PS5 – including Pali High students and staff – will be able to use their parking cards in Parking Structure 6, at 1433 2nd St., and Parking Structure 4, at 1321 2nd St., and until PS5 reopens.

The GoSaMo Center, which is housed in PS5 and provides public counter services for Big Blue Bus and parking customer transactions, as well as administrative offices for the city’s parking operations contractor, are not impacted and will remain open to the public during the temporary closure.

Members of the public or monthly parking customers who have questions about their parking options can contact parking@santamonica.gov.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On October 2, celebrity pastry chef and chocolatier, Chris Ford announced the new date of his next adventure, Butter Love and Hard Work. Ford’s will be at the La Peer Hotel, 627 N. La Peer Drive. First reports of the October 1 opening did not come to fruition. One may hope to experience some of Ford’s delicacies at the new West Hollywood location as soon as November. Chris Ford is an ambassador for IRCA Group which is a global leader in high-quality food ingredients, specializing in chocolate, creams, fillings, fruits, pistachios, and decorations. He graduated from the Le Cordon Bleau program at Orlando Culinary Academy in 2005. His first position upon graduation from culinary school was at the Ritz Carlton, Orlando working alongside the great Chef Norman Van Aken. He also worked with other famous chefs including Thomas Keller at Bouchon in Beverly Hills. His experience includes work at ChikaLicious Dessert Barin New York City and working as a corporate pastry chef for Bryan Voltaggio’s restaurants. In 2012, Food and Wine Magazine named Chris Ford, “The People’s Best New Pastry Chef.” In a March 6, issue of So Good magazine (SG), the chocolatier’s concoctions were described as more of an art. [Ford is], “One of his country’s most celebrated chocolatiers, thanks to his artistry and the distinguished list of illustrious clients of his firm ButterLove&Hardwork (BLHW), which includes Madonna, John Legend, Chanel, or Louis Vuitton.” In SG, Ford was quoted as saying, “I receive a lot of compliments on the creative aspect of my products. With this I also receive price point comments seeing as my product is highly handmade and not the everyday chocolate product. “The important thing is to continue to evolve in the way I have been for the last 20 years. Stay true to myself and be as creative as possible,” and “Chocolate is a world of possibilities. And “As wild and out there my presentations of desserts are, I am a purist at heart. I prefer no other flavor components, just the beautiful depth and aroma of a great ganache.”

MALIBU/PACIFIC PALISADES—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that the upcoming PaliBu Day of Service will take place on Saturday, September 27. The event will be hosted by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event will allow volunteers to help those in the community who suffered a loss during the recent wildfires in January 2025.

The public is asked to bring their family, friends and neighbors out to Pepperdine University at Alumni Park located at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway. PaliBu Day of Service allows the community to support the essential work local nonprofits do to support the Pacific Palisades and Malibu (PaliBu) communities.

Individuals can participate in multiple hands-on projects and visit with local nonprofits at Pepperdine University or volunteer at one of our off-site locations doing a beach clean-up at Malibu Lagoon or caring for our Oak trees at Nicholas Flat Trailhead.

Some of the opportunities at Pepperdine University include:

-Food Drive — Bring donations for the Westside Food Bank’s food drive to feed those in need. Anything ready to eat: ramen, peanut butter, meat pouches, pop top cans, fruit cups, snacks, etc.

-Make Friendship Bracelets for Fire Survivors — The Palisades YMCA will be hosting friendship bracelet making for survivors of the Palisades Fire, continuing their commitment to community

-Pack Lunch for Our Unhoused Neighbors — Our partner, Malibu C.A.R.T., will be preparing lunches to be distributed through our local food pantries in Malibu and the Westside

-Build a Custom Backpack — The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu will be providing volunteers with an opportunity to build a custom backpack containing notes of encouragement, school supplies, and other wellness items

-Paint Rocks — In a symbol of togetherness, paint Kindness rocks for wildfire survivors with the Girl Scout troops from Palisades and Malibu

-Write Notes to Students or Teachers – The Malibu Education Foundation will have a note-writing area to send students and teachers words of support in a community recovering from wildfires

-CPR Training — Learn CPR with McCormick Ambulance Service

-Make Shibori Banner Art and Write Notes to Seniors and Veterans- Share your artistic talents or kind words with local seniors at Art Trek’s station

-Adopt a Pet — The LA County Department of Animal Care will have K9’s for adoption on site and felines at the Agoura Shelter – All fees waived

-Donate Blood — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will have a team on-site for those who would like to donate blood

For more details and to register in advance visit: http://a42.asmdc.org/events.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, September 30, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that the California Court of Appeal granted a petition to overturn a Superior Court ruling that allowed mental health diversion for a man accused of a vicious, racially charged assault in Santa Monica.

Job Uriah Taylor, 27, was arrested on March 3, 2023, after allegedly using a metal pipe to beat a man in an encampment adjacent to the 5th Street Expo station in Santa Monica. The unprovoked attack was the third of three assaults Taylor is accused of committing within the span of an hour.

Two of Taylor’s victims were hospitalized. Christian Hornburg, 64, was beaten with a pipe, and survived, but was severely injured with life-altering injuries.

The first attack transpired on the 1100 block of the beach. The suspect approached a man who was walking his dog. Taylor threatened him with a metal pipe and started yelling racial slurs at him.

Officers nearby and working on a separate project, overheard the attack and intervened. The suspect rode away on his bicycle in an unknown direction. The victim in this attack was not injured.

At around 7:50 a.m., another incident transpired on the north side of the train platform at 4th Street and Colorado Avenue. Taylor was seen attacking a male and female with the same pipe he used to threaten the first victim. While he was beating the victims in the head with the pipe he could be heard yelling racial slurs at them both.

Taylor was charged with attempted murder, three felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm), and one felony to count of assault with a deadly weapon with force resulting in great bodily injury. The charges include a hate crime enhancement, as Taylor was heard shouting racial slurs at his victims during the attacks. Following his arrest, the defendant claimed he had been sent to Santa Monica to target Black residents.

On March 12, 2025, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lana Kim granted Taylor entry into the County’s mental health diversion program instead of allowing the case to proceed to trial, where he faced a potential life sentence. The District Attorney’s Office appealed that ruling, arguing that Taylor posed an unreasonable risk to public safety.

In announcing their decision, the Court of Appeal agreed, emphasizing that Taylor’s history of abandoning treatment, had just been released from a psychiatric facility before committing the attacks, and presented an ongoing danger to the community. The Court found that there was no evidence he would follow through with voluntary treatment if granted diversion.

He will now face trial on the original charges, including attempted murder with a hate crime enhancement. Further proceedings/pretrial conference for this case are set for December 18, 2025, in Department 71 of the Airport Courthouse. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison.

Case SA107988 is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Steve Dickman of the Hate Crimes Unit and is being investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Tuesday, September 30, that city staff are working to recoup federal disaster reimbursement for public infrastructure damages as a result of recent wildfires in January 2025. The Palisades and Franklin Fires impacted the Malibu area with varying degrees of damage.

On January 8, 2025, President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking FEMA Public Assistance funding. Since then, City staff have worked tirelessly to secure reimbursement for fire recovery costs—ensuring Malibu residents aren’t left to shoulder the financial burden. A total of 17 projects totaling more than $13.28 million in damages have been submitted.

The breakdown:

• Debris Removal (Cat A): $1.86M – clearing burned material from city roads, parks, and properties.

• Emergency Protective Measures (Cat B): $5.16M – costs for the Emergency Operations Center, City Hall smoke cleanup, sandbags, guardrail protection, septic tank abatement, and emergency security.

• Roads & Bridges (Cat C): $1M – fire-related roadway and bridge repairs.

• Water Control Facilities (Cat D): $3.16M – storm drains and deep-water systems, especially in Big Rock.

• Parks & Facilities (Cat G): $2.1M – repairs at Las Flores Creek Park and other recreation areas.

FEMA covers 100 percent of emergency work for the first 180 days. After 180 days, any expenses would follow FEMA 75 percent thereafter (with California covering 18.75 percent and Malibu 6.25 percent).

Malibu is also pursuing Hazard Mitigation Grants for projects like drainage repairs, traffic signal backup power, and private property wildfire mitigation—building resilience for the future.

To see the presentation to the Malibu City Council on the reimbursement work visithttps://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/36486/FEMA-Reimbursements-Presentation-to-Council-982025-?fbclid=IwY2xjawNJ_e5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBrVHRJRnJuajczS20wVVJRAR6xKbOEotb6Iy4LS62WK0Kq5VbMGXh1XdZcRFnJinr9UHK-LxrfK_uPuT_oQQ_aem_3_vfsbuvdOONinLGrVzxwQ.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced that the ‘Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Showcase’ will return to West Hollywood Park on Saturday, October 4.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Great Lawn at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard.

Howl-O-Ween highlights include a parade for pets and guardians to walk side-by-side, showcase their spookiest and funny costumes, and dress their animals as their doppelganger. Pet guardians are encouraged to dress in costumes.

Dogs must remain on leash for the duration of the event. Entertainment includes music, a pet-friendly bubble zone, a trick-or-treat alley, a soothsayer to unleash your inner spirit animal, agility course, community groups, and lots of treats.

In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Doheny Room (which is adjacent to the surface level of West Hollywood Park).

This is a free event; no RSVP is required. Attendees are asked to carpool, rideshare, or walk, as barking lot parking at West Hollywood Park is limited.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Howl-O-Ween contact the city’s Recreation Services Division at (323) 848-6534 or recreation@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

 

By Danny Jones