MALIBU—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Station deputies at 2 p.m. on July 1 responded to a report they received about a historical military ordinance discovered inside a residence in Westlake Village.

After arriving at the scene, deputies contacted the Arson and Explosives unit, which dispatched officers to examine the items. The items were removed from the scene, and the scene was deemed safe.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Station warns residents not to pick up or touch any objects that may be explosives.  They should contact law enforcement, who will send experts to evaluate the item(s).

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—Summer Wheaton, 35, a social media influencer with over 100,000 Instagram followers, pleaded not guilty Wednesday, July 1 to vehicular manslaughter and two counts of DUI during her arraignment in Van Nuys. She is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on August 7, 2026.

On the Fourth of July in 2024, around 10:30 p.m., Wheaton was involved in a crash on Pacific Coast Highway after leaving a party at Nobu. She allegedly crossed the median into oncoming traffic, where her 2019 white Mercedes-Benz collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac SUV traveling westbound.

The driver of the Cadillac, 44-year-old rideshare driver Martin Okeke, was killed in the crash. After the conclusion of the month’s long investigation into the fatal collision, an arrest warrant was obtained for Summer Wheaton by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. On February 24, 2025, Wheaton surrendered herself to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.

Wheaton was booked on gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing bodily injury, and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher causing bodily injury.

In a separate civil filing, Wheaton has denied responsibility for Okeke’s death and claims the crash was his fault.

By Milan Manesh

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, July 1, the Santa Monica Police Department posted on their Instagram account at 11:42 a.m., footage of a double-decker bus that caught fire along Main Street.

In the video, the SMPD is seen safely directing traffic away from the scene to ensure that the Santa Monica Fire Department had room to operate. Footage of the incident shows that the bus had been pulled off to the side of Main Street and firefighters were actively taming the flames with an attack hose.

The SMPD reported that the incident had been secured and that there was minimal impact to Main Street and the surrounding area.

The SMFD and SMPD websites have yet to comment on the cause of the fire and whether any injuries occurred. To view the footage of the bus fire, visit the @santamonicapd Instagram account.

By Megan Hanson

WESTWOOD—On Wednesday, July 1, officers from the Hayward Police Department, The California Highway Patrol (CHP), worked alongside the Los Angeles Police Department to locate 3-month-old Maxence Sirois and his biological mother, Marina Kazakova, who were the subjects of an Amber Alert issued on June 30. The baby was found safe, and the mother was taken into custody at the Los Angeles County Jail. According to reports, the CHP initiated the Amber Alert for Almeda, San Joaquin, Kern, and Los Angeles counties indicating that the infant had been abducted. The mother of the infant was driving a white 2016 Mazda CX-5 SUV with California license plate number 7SJW898. Kazakova reportedly did not bring her son back to his home following their visitation as mandated by the courts. The infant had been missing since June 28. CHP investigators located the vehicle in Westwood on July 1, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Both mother and baby were found safe in the vicinity of Wilshire Boulevard and Veterans Avenue. Investigators indicated that Kazakova was attempting to secure a passport before being taken into custody. Kazakova has been compliant with the investigation. “3-month-old Maxence has been located safe and unharmed. Kazakova is in custody and we are currently working on reuniti8ng Maxence with his father. The Hayward Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the California Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and our allied law enforcement partners for their outstanding collaboration, dedication, and swift response in bringing this incident to a safe resolution. We also thank the media and community members who quickly shared the information about the AMBER Alert. Your assistance played an important role in raising awareness and helping bring this case to a successful conclusion,” said the Hayward Police Department. By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On June 29, the Santa Monica Police Department issued a statement encouraging drivers to follow posted speed limit signs during the month of July, and beyond, to ensure safety on the roads.

The statement advises that during July 2026, the Police Department will have additional patrol officers monitoring traffic, speed, and drivers who are driving too fast for the roads given conditions.

The Police Department is asking drivers to plan ahead, follow posted speed limit signs, adjust their speed for weather related conditions, and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or weaving through traffic.

In addition to SMPD, on June 30, the California Highway Patrol department issued a statement for individuals who will be driving or on the road during the Fourth of July weekend. CHP will roll out its officers in full force, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and running until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. The CHP will be issuing out 100 undercover patrol vehicles to monitor California streets over the holiday weekend.

The California Highway Patrol reported on its website during 2025’s 78-hour Independence Day HEP, CHP officers responded to more than 850 speed-related crashes. At least seven of those collisions resulted in the loss of life, and nearly 400 crashes resulted in injuries to those involved. In addition, CHP officers made 1,311 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every three and a half minutes.

With the Fourth of July Holiday approaching, CHP advises drivers to slow down, take precautions, and report drivers who are driving dangerously on the roads by calling 9-1-1.

By Megan Hanson

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Following the end of his 11-year run as host, Stephen Colbert’s Late Show sign has found a new home in West Hollywood. The massive sign that once hung outside New York City’s Ed Sullivan Theater was acquired by WeHo Bistro owner Jeff Douek. The Late Show sign now sits on the rooftop of WeHo Bistro on 1040 N La Cienega Blvd.

The restaurant announced the acquisition of the sign in an Instagram post on Monday, June 29th. According to WeHo Times, owner Douek acquired the sign after it was auctioned to benefit the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in communities affected by disasters.

In the WeHo Bistro Instagram post on Monday, the caption reads, “The iconic sign that welcomed viewers to so many unforgettable nights has now found a new home right here in the heart of West Hollywood.”  

Underneath the iconic sign, there is also a banner thanking Stephen Colbert “for all the magic” he provided. Stephen Colbert hosted The Late Show from 2015 until this year; the season finale aired on May 21, 2026.

The sign will stay atop the restaurant’s roof for about two weeks before being permanently placed inside the restaurant, where it will be hung on one of the dining room walls.

By Ryley Metten

MALIBU—On June 29, new reports circulated of millionaire, Kamran Razavi filing a $500,000 lawsuit against the Malibu Dog Hotel. According to Razavi’s complaint the noise coming from the luxury canine hotel, and daycare is an “nuisance,” and disturbs his peace at his newly purchased $16 million property. Reports indicate that after the millionaire, CEO, and founder of ReKlaim, lost his home in the Palisades fire, he purchased a new home just above the 80-year-old luxury dog Hotel. Malibu Dog Hotel has been in operation since 1948. The original name of the now, Malibu Dog Hotel, was Sandpiper Kennels. Razavi claims that, “The loud annoying noise interferes with he and his guests comfortable use of the property and violates Malibu’s noise ordinance.” The verbiage of the complaint is as follows. “In the operation of its business, defendant permits the dogs to remain in or around the exterior of the facility to bark loudly and incessantly, creating sustained and excessive noise that is audible to the Plaintiff in and around the Plaintiff’s residence such that it creates a nuisance affecting the Plaintiff, his guests and other neighbors who live in the immediate periphery. As a consequence of, the Defendant’s behavior and chronic manner of allowing the dogs they are caring for in this manner, [the] Plaintiff is interfered in his ability to use and enjoy his property.” The Malibu Dog Hotel charges $65 a night per dog, and they have the acreage to accommodate large dogs, and all their four-legged clients are welcome to stay long-term, if needed. In January 2026, a year after the Palisades fire, Forbes Magazine featured Kamran Razavi in an article entitled, “How the Founder of Reklaim Developed a Clearer Vision for Modern Luxury Resale. Forbes quoted the millionaire who stated; “When I lost my home, I chose to rebuild in every sense of the word; my life, my mindset, and my company. The fire stripped everything down to the essentials and that kind of loss gives you a rare clarity.” And “When you’ve lost everything, you stop fearing risk in the same way. You start building from a place of clarity, driven not only by ambition, but by purpose,” Razavi continued. He purchased his luxury home in a star-studded neighborhood. Cher is one of his neighbors who lives close by. There is no record of complaints by Cher or the other neighbors regarding what Razavi referred to as, the “incessant barking,” coming from the decades-old dog kennel. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, June 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced that a suspect connected to a series of burglaries was arrested.

A burglary series spanning April, May, and June in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills has led to felony charges against the suspect.

During those three months, the same suspect was linked to nine commercial burglaries, resulting in total losses exceeding $20,000. BHPD detectives determined the suspect forced entry into businesses, stole property from inside, and later sold the stolen items for profit.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed nine counts of second-degree burglary, and investigators believe the suspect may be responsible for additional burglaries.

“Great work by BHPD detectives for their thorough investigation and dedication to helping bring those responsible for crimes impacting our community to justice,” the BHPD said in a statement.

The Police Department is reminding business owners to check their security protocols and consider upgrading access controls or alarm systems to protect their property. The name and age of the suspect have not been disclosed to the public.

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—During a Palisades Community Council board meeting on June 25, $10,000 in new grants was approved. The grants will support Pacific Palisades residents impacted by last year’s fires and improve morale amongst the community. The funds will go directly towards funding the annual Fourth of July parade and a free community barbecue. 

The board approved two $5,000 grants recommended by the council’s Grant Committee. These funds will go to the Lowe Family YMCA to support the community barbecue and the Palisades Americanism Parade Association. 

The first grant provided to The Lowe Family YMCA goes toward the barbecue in Simon Meadow in July, accommodating up to 300 attendees. The remaining funds would assist other community activities.

The second grant assists the Palisades Americanism Parade Association’s annual Fourth of July parade and festival. The Independence Day tradition will include one of the region’s premier community parades with evening activities such as music, food trucks, children’s events, and even drone shows. 

According to Palisades News, the Grants Committee recommendation stated that these grants are intended to “inspire, renew, or create community spirit, culture, traditions, or institutions,” reflecting differing interpretations of the phrase “fire recovery” in the community. 

“Long before most families can move back into rebuilt or restored homes, the Fourth of July celebration gives them a reason to come home for the day,” the Grants Committee stated.

By Ryley Metten

BEVERLY HILLS—From June 4 through August 20, the Beverly Hills Community Services is bringing back their free “Concerts on Cañon” every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Beverly Cañon Gardens located at 241 North Cañon Drive.

As listed on the Beverly Hills City calendar, the Concerts on Cañon is a weekly summer concert series featuring a variety of musical genres. The genres include but are not limited to Latin, Jazz, Rock & Soul, Brazilian, Funk, R&B, Pop, and Tributes.

July performances include Midnight Regret on Thursday, July 2, Susie’s Hansen Latin Band on July 9, Tom Nolan Band on July 16, Joyce Partise on July 23, Woodie and the Longboard on July 30.

August performances include Groovis Maximus on August 6, The Brat Pack on August 13, and concludes with The Tokens on August 20.

For more information on the summer concert series, visit www.beverlyhills.org.

By Megan Hanson