WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, February 17, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is providing sandbags to residents and businesses to prepare for heavy rains this week. West Hollywood is offering a limited supply of free sand-filled sandbags that can help direct flowing water away from structures.

Free sandbags are limited to 10 per resident or business while supplies last. They are available for pick-up by appointment at West Hollywood’s Operations Center, located at 7317 Romaine Street. Residents and business owners may call (323) 848-6591 or send an email to phertz@weho.org to schedule an appointment to pick up sandbags on Tuesday, February 17; Wednesday, February 18; and Thursday, February 19 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Sandbags are available only while supplies last.

During rains, stay prepared:

-Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.

-Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.

-Know how to turn off utilities.

-Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.

-Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: adjust travel plans; slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water and do not cross flooded roadways; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

To report storm-related issues in West Hollywood, contact (323) 848-6375. For more details about structural damage or potential hillside slope movement contact the City’s Building and Safety Division at (323) 848-6320. Report gas leaks or damage to the Southern California Gas Company by calling (800) 427-2200. To report a power outage, call Southern California Edison at (800) 611-1911. Report downed power lines or other emergencies by calling 911.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, February 17, Caltrans posted on Facebook that Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed at Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive as a result of storms that have caused mudslides on the road.

Caltrans Dist. 7 reports that Topanga Canyon Blvd. (State Route 27) remains closed in both directions.

Multiple locations within the closure have mud & debris slides. @CaltransDist7 Maintenance & GeoTech teams on scene surveying the roads.

 

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—A woman living in Pacific Palisades who survived the January 2025 Palisades Fire that destroyed homes and businesses in the region recently had her money stolen by hackers.

The hackers stole $28,000 from Ellen Rudolph’s savings account, which was intended to rebuild her home on Jacon Way which was damaged during the wildfire.

As Ellen grieved and began the long work of rebuilding, another blow came when hackers stole $28,000 she had saved to repair her home and start again.

Ellen and her husband, Steve Lewis, were forced to move out of their house after it was damaged in the wildfires. Steve died on October 6, 2025, from lung cancer, and it was after his death that Ellen’s money was stolen.

Ellen Rudolph’s friends have created a GoFundMe campaign called “Rebuilding Ellen’s Life After Tragedy” to help her rebuild her finances and her home.

The GoFundMe states:

“Ellen Rudolph and her husband, Steve Lewis, built a quiet, happy life in Pacific Palisades. That life changed overnight when a wildfire tore through their community and left their home badly damaged. What they loved most wasn’t the house—it was the place they called home…Ellen has lost so much, yet she’s still standing. Any help makes a difference. If you’re not able to donate, please consider sharing her story.”

Written By Daniel Diquinzio and Donald Roberts

MALIBU—On February 3, employees of HRL Laboratories LLC (HRL) were notified of a Reduction-In-Force (RIF) due to the termination of a government contract. The HRL layouts will affect 376 employees. Canyon News reached out to HRL for more information. Pamela Reese, the Director of Marketing and Communication for HRL Laboratories responded with the following statement. “HRL Laboratories notified 376 employees on February 3, 2026, that their positions would be eliminated from the company on April 3, 2026. This action was the result of a significant reduction in funding. HRL will continue to innovate across its other active programs to deliver ground-breaking advancements that span a wide variety of physical science and engineering disciplines.” The majority of the layoffs (258 positions) will take place at the HRL headquarters located at the Malibu Campus, located at 3011 Malibu Canyon Drive. Others will take place at the following satellite locations. -HRL Lost Hills Campus, located at 26800 Agoura Road, in Calabasas -HRL Camarillo Campus, located at 741 Calle Plano, in Camarillo -HRL Westlake Campus, located at 3500 Willow Road, in Thousand Oaks -HRL Santa Monica Campus, located at 1545 26th Street, in Santa Monica. In January, HRL Laboratories earned its place in Built In’s 2026 Best Places to Work for the fourth year in a row. This year’s win was in the categories of Best Places to Work in Los Angeles and Best Large Companies in Los Angeles. HRL is owned by General Motors and Boeing. While HRL is losing employees in government positions, they are also hiring. According to their website, HRL is hiring a MEMS Process Integration Engineer at the Malibu campus. Qualifications include, and are not limited to, a PhD. or a Master’s Degree in a physical science or engineering field with at least five years of fabrication experience in a R and D environment, strong communication skills, and US citizens must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. In addition, the Camarillo campus is hiring an Infrared Test Manager. The details of the open positions and specific job qualifications are listed on the website.

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Sunday, February 15 that a large rainstorm is set to impact the region in the coming days. As a result, the city is providing sandbags to residents.

Sandbags can be picked up at 342 Foothill Road starting Monday, February 16 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a limit of 6 sandbags per household. Verification of residency is required and there is no self-service distribution of sandbags.

As the storm approaches, please take the following preparedness steps:
-Turn off outdoor sprinklers
-Clear gutters, drains, and downspouts
-Secure outdoor furniture and loose items
-Keep flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies ready
-Prepare for possible power outages
-Monitor official city alerts and weather forecasts
-Use sandbags only where truly necessary to ensure availability for all residents

How to Use Sandbags:
-Placement Matters: Position at doorways, garages, and entry points
-Stack Smart: Lay flat and overlapping like bricks for a stronger seal
-Limit Height: No more than 3 layers unless supported by a solid structure

For questions during normal business hours, please contact askBH Customer Relations at (310) 285-1000 or askBH@beverlyhills.org.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, February 14, the Beverly Hills Police Department had to shut down an unpermitted event that was taking place in the city.

The city of Beverly hills issued the following statement on its Facebook page:

“On Saturday, February 14, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) responded to an event taking place at a private residence in the Trousdale neighborhood of the City. An event permit had been applied for and denied by the City due to previous violations associated with events at the address.”

The BHPD noted that while the permit was denied, organizers chose to continue with inviting hundreds of guests. The BHPD responded and shut down the unpermitted event.

Melissa Germain responded to the Facebook post noting that it was an event for Jaylen Brown, who had a panel event. She added, “They were having speeches during NBA all-star weekend about the culture and positive leadership. Jaylen handled it well though, he was calm and polite to the cops when they arrived.”

Brown, an NBA player for the Boston Celtics went to X to share his thoughts noting: “Beverly Hills is so trash.” “I’m offended had a great panel about the future of culture with great guest people who worked hard for this how dare yall.”

He followed up that post with: “300k down the drain @BeverlyHillspD.”

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station posted on its Facebook page that they are gladly accepting donations for an amazing cause.

Donations can be dropped off through March 8 via the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station lobby located at 27050 Agoura Road, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The food drive supports Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force families at 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Fort Irwin, and Los Angeles Air Force Base.

Requested donation items include:
• Canned goods
• Dry goods (rice, pasta, beans, etc.)
• Baby food, formula, and baby supplies
• Hygiene products
• Boxed meals and cereals
• Household cleaning products
• Snacks

Important guidelines:
• No expired items
• No clothing will be accepted

“Our military families should never have to worry about putting food on the table. This effort provides direct support to those who serve and their loved ones. Thank you for standing with them” said the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in a Facebook post.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Sunday, February 15, the Malibu Search and Rescue Team announced on its Facebook page that an 18-year-old female suffered an ankle injury on the Escondido Falls Trail in Malibu.

A joint effort by the Malibu Search and Rescue Team as well as the Los Angeles County Fire Department and #mrca led to a successful evacuation of the injured woman via the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. No additional details about the incident have been disclosed to the public.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Saturday, February 14, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that Los Angeles County issued an Evacuation Warning for the Palisades Fire burn scar areas, effective Sunday, February 15 starting at 9 p.m. due to potential mud & debris flows from forecasted moderate-to-heavy rains starting late night Sunday. Heaviest rain expected Sunday night through Monday night, with lighter rain expected through Thursday.

Residents in the burn scar area should GET SET for possible evacuations. Prepare loved ones, pets, and essential supplies. Those needing extra time to evacuate should consider leaving early. This is for Evacuation Zone MAL-C111, from Topanga Beach Drive westward to Carbon Beach Terrace). Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed from PCH to Grand View Drive starting Sunday, February 15 at 10 p.m.

Be prepared for mudslides, debris flows, rocks, and water on all roads, downed trees. Stay off the road if possible. Be prepared for power and traffic signal outages. Under CA law, come to a complete stop at any malfunctioning traffic signal. Watch for crews and work vehicles. Check on vulnerable neighbors. Never approach downed powerlines – call 911.

Dangerous beach and ocean conditions – hazards include beach erosion, heavy surf, rip currents, storm debris in the water.

Sandbags are available at the following locations:
• All LA County Fire Stations have sandbags (some have sand)
• Camp 13, 1252 Encinal Cyn Rd – sand & bags
• Fire Station 70, 3970 Carbon Cyn Rd – sand & bags
• Zuma Beach Main Entrance, 3000 PCH – sand & bags
• Malibu Library, 23519 Civic Center Way – filled sandbags through Apr 15 (staff will load your vehicle 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. before/during storms)
• Do not remove sand from beaches.

For updates visit the following:

-See NWS weather info: https://www.weather.gov/lox/
-Sandbag locator: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/
-Evacuation maps: http://Protect.Genasys.com
-LA County alerts: https://ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/
-Road conditions: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

 

By Danny Jones

HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Friday, February 13, the Los Angeles Fire Department battled a structure fire at 1:53 p.m. located at 1253 N. Las Palmas Avenue.

The two-story apartment building with smoke showing upon fire department arrival. Firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire in the wall of one unit, then worked extensively to ensure no further spread.

Knockdown was completed within 25 minutes by first-arriving companies, who remained on scene for overhaul of the damage. No injuries reported and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

By Danny Jones