STUDIO CITY—On February 8, it was reported that Chuck Negron, the lead singer and one of the founding members of the 70s rock band Three Dog Night, died on February 2. He was 83. According to reports, he died of heart failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Negron had been singing for years before becoming famous. He is remembered for “Joy to the World (Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog) “One (Is the Loneliest Number),” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song.” He was born in Manhattan, New York on June 8, 1942. He has a twin. His sister Nancy was 5 minutes older than him. Their father went to war and the couple split up after his father’s return. They grew up in the Bronx. Their mother placed the twins in an orphanage when they were 8 years old. It was in high school that Chuck name became known, as a basketball talent that brought him to California and an athlete at the collegiate level with the NCAA. Columbia Records had plans for Chuck Negron, who wrote songs before he and his buddies put together the band, Three Dog Night. They took a break from 1975 until 1976 until they got better. On top of his musical and athletic abilities, Negron became an accomplished writer. His latest book, “Three Dog Nightmare,” -4th Edition, is on sale now. His first book, “Three Dog Nightmare,” for which he retained all the rights, was on the LA Times Best Sellers list, and captured the interest of New Line Cinema. Negron’s second book, “Three Dog Nightmare: The Continuing Chuck Negron Story” (2005), and two DVDs: “The Chuck Negron Story: Biography Of An Entertainer” (2005) and “Chuck Negron Live in Concert.” He leaves behind his wife, Ami Albea Negron, whom he married in 2020, and his 5 children, Shaunti Negron-Levick, Barry Oakley Jr., Charles “Chuckie” Negron III, Charlotte “Charlie” Rose, and Annabelle Negron.   By Sharon

SHERMAN OAKS—On Saturday, February 7, the Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Community Police Station responded to multiple calls of armed individuals in the area. At approximately 5:50 p.m., police initiated a search following reports of two-armed men seen in the area of 5801 W. 3rd Street. At 6:23 p.m., Citizen user @SurfCity22 reported a large police and air patrol presence with officers telling residents they were searching for suspects. In a separate incident, on February 7, at 2:40 a.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting a man threatening another individual with a gun at a “tavern” located at Moorpark and Woodland Avenue, known as Oaks Tavern in Sherman Oaks. The establishment provides craft beer and karaoke. There were no reported arrests. It is not clear if there is any connection between the incidents.   By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, February 4, a man was arrested in West Hollywood on suspicion of felony animal abuse after he attacked and injured the dog owned by his roommate.

According to the reporting done by NBC 4 Los Angeles, the name of the suspect is Eduardo Byrnes, and the name of the dog is Scooter.  

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood station arrived at the apartment building on Tuesday night after they received a report of an abused animal.

The animal suffered injuries to both his eye and his rib as he was already paralyzed. Byrnes, 33, was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, and an initial court date has been scheduled for Friday, February 6. Scooter is a 7-year-old Terrier, who was taken to a veterinarian’s office for medical treatment and later taken home to recover.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—On February 6, authorities announced the identification of Hunter Langley, the teen who veered off Malibu Canyon Road to his death on Wednesday, February 4. The 16-year-old was identified as a Sierra Canyon High School student. California Highway Patrol (CHP) indicated the Langley was driving a Tesla along Malibu Canyon Road when the vehicle made a sharp right, tumbling down the embankment. First responders arrived quickly. He was pronounced dead at the scene. “Hunter was much more than a dedicated high school student — he was a beloved member of the Sierra Canyon community. His classmates and teammates remember him as a bright, athletic, and compassionate young man who brought joy to those around him. Friends recall Hunter as someone who “put a light to the room every time he walked in,” a sentiment that reflects the affection and admiration many felt for him. At Sierra Canyon, Hunter wasn’t just known for his academic engagement — he was also a spirited athlete who represented his school with pride. His participation in sports brought him close to fellow students, built memories on fields and courts, and inspired camaraderie among his peers. Teachers, coaches, and classmates alike celebrated Hunter’s dedication, his teamwork, and his positive presence both on and off the field,” reads Hunter Langley’s obituary. Commenters on X gave tribute to the young Hunter Langley. One such commenter reflected, …” He was getting scholarship offers coming out of the 6th grade.” Reports indicate that Hunter Langley was an athlete who left a footprint on the hearts of all who knew him.   By Sharon

STUDIO CITY—On February 5, Matthew Jason Kroth, aka “Speedy,” of Studio City was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for his part in a conspiracy scheme targeting the elderly. Kroth reportedly broke into the home of an elderly man living alone, and later returned to steal items, jewelry, and mail. According to a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California, Kroth pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He has been in federal custody since August 2023. “According to his plea agreement and other court documents, Kroth in the summer of 2020 broke into the home of an elderly man, who was living alone in the house at the time. Later, Kroth returned to the victim’s home to steal items, including mail and jewelry. By this time, the victim had died, but his death went unreported to authorities. Kroth then provided to his co-conspirators the victim’s PII and his mail so they could impersonate the victim and steal his assets, including his home and money in his financial accounts. Kroth’s co-conspirators forged a trust document and power-of-attorney forms so that they could pretend that the now-deceased victim supported the sale of his assets for the benefit of Kroth’s accomplices. The conspirators then dismembered and disposed of the victim’s body so his death would be hard to discover.” Caroline Herrling, 46, of West Hills was leader in the scheme who brought Kroth into the conspiracy. She is currently incarcerated and serving a 20-year prison sentence. Herrling pleaded guilty in March 2023. She has been in federal custody since January 2023. James Rhys Kantor, 46, is a resident of Cumming, Georgia. Kantor was formerly of West Hollywood. His sentencing date is scheduled for February 19. In October 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces the statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Anyone age 60 or older who may have fallen victim to wire fraud is asked to call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.   By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On February 5, at approximately 2 p.m., a 911 caller reported a crash at the corner of Westwood Boulevard and Rochester Avenue. The incident took place at 99 Market, located at 1360 Westwood Boulevard. The initial call was for an injury after a vehicle crashed into the grocery store. The first reported injury was to a bicyclist. A helicopter was circling nearby. First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Battalion 9, requested ambulance transport for multiple injuries. Additional backup was required for police to manage crowd control. At 2:50 p.m., reports confirmed 10 injuries, including three fatalities. At 3:15 p.m., Lindsey Lantz updated the details of the incident on the LAFD/Alert page. The three fatalities included a 55-year-old male, a 42-year-old female, and a 30-year-old male. Two 35-year-old men were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. A 37-year-old male and a 38-year-old male were transported to the hospital in fair condition. There were two bicyclists treated at the scene by LAPD paramedics who refused transport to the hospital. At approximately 4:15 p.m., a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department addressed the public. Mayor Bass was at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the driver of a truck lost control of his vehicle after striking an individual on a bicycle and crashed into the building. Road closures included N. Rochester Avenue. The Los Angeles Department of Building Safety (LADBS) yellow-tagged the building (limited entry) due to the instability of the structure following the crash. The store is closed to the public. LAFD West Bureau and multiple other units offered assistance.   By Sharon

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On February 2, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is launching its Restaurant Grant Program to help restaurants in the region with grants of up to $12,500 per business, as outlined below.

Before developing the program, city staff conducted more than 70 individual outreach meetings with West Hollywood restaurant businesses. The efforts included one-on-one assistance and support, solicitation of feedback on potential programs and initiatives, and business retention strategy sessions. The Restaurant Grant Program directly responds to feedback regarding ongoing economic transitions and rising operating costs by providing a short-term immediate infusion of funding during a historically slower time period for foot traffic and sales volume.

To fund the program, West Hollywood allocated $250,000 in General Fund resources, approved by the West Hollywood City Council at its adjourned meeting on January 20, 2026.

The Restaurant Grant Program application opens Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. Grant awards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, in the order applications are received, subject to verification of eligibility and demonstrated financial need. The online application will be available at www.weho.org/business. The application period will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 19. Applicants will be notified of their grant status in March 2026.

Eligibility criteria for the Restaurant Grant Program includes:

-The restaurant must be located within the municipal boundaries of West Hollywood, have commenced operations prior to January 1, 2025, and be in good standing with a current City Business Tax Certificate and Business License;

-The restaurant must be a brick-and-mortar business with at least one physical location within the City of West Hollywood that customers can visit in person;

-The restaurant may not be hotel-based or located within a hotel; and

-The restaurant must have been impacted by economic conditions and be able to demonstrate financial hardship related to lease obligations, operating costs, or revenue decline.

Restaurant Grant Program applicants are required to complete the online program application, submit a written statement describing the restaurant’s current financial position, and upload supporting documentation. Required documentation includes: a completed Form W-9, most recent tax returns, and a 2025 profit and loss statement. Restaurants approved for grant funding must also execute West Hollywood’s Grant Agreement prior to the disbursement of grant funds.

Grant award amounts will be based on the total square footage of the restaurant, as follows (additional details are provided in the application):

-$7,500 for restaurants under 1,250 square feet;
-$10,000 for restaurants between 1,251 and 2,000 square feet; or
-$12,500 for restaurants larger than 2,000 square feet.

For more information about West Hollywood’s Restaurant Grant Program contact Paolo Kespradit, West Hollywood’s Business Development Manager, at (323) 848-6556 or pkespradit@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

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on Wednesday, February 4 that the 41st Annual Los Angeles Marathon “Stadium to the Stars,” presented by ASICS, will take place Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Athletes from all 50 states and more than 67 countries will race through the streets of Beverly Hills for miles 16 and 17 before ending at the Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

Major road closures and parking restrictions on Sunday will be in effect in Beverly Hills from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include:

-Doheny Drive closed from North Santa Monica Boulevard to Burton Way
-Burton Way closed from Doheny Drive to South Santa Monica Boulevard
-South Santa Monica Boulevard closed from Rexford Drive to Rodeo Drive
-Rodeo Drive closed from South Santa Monica Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard
-Wilshire Boulevard closed from Rodeo Drive to South Santa Monica Boulevard
-South Santa Monica Boulevard closed from Wilshire Boulevard to Moreno Drive

There will be a detour in effect on the western border of Beverly Hills, at Wilshire Boulevard and North Santa Monica Boulevard, as well as at Moreno Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard until 5 p.m. Access to all local businesses will be maintained.

For access to the 10 Freeway, drivers are advised to take Wilshire Boulevard heading east to Robertson Boulevard To access the 405 Freeway, drivers are advised to go west on Olympic Boulevard.

On the day of the marathon, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., questions regarding Beverly Hills street closures can be directed to the Beverly Hills Hotline by dialing (310) 550-4680. For more details visit lamarathon.com or www.beverlyhills.org/marathon.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Wednesday, February 4, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu/Lost Hills Station posted on their Facebook page a reminder to residents that they can schedule a live video meeting with a deputy sheriff to report certain non-emergency crimes or to ask law enforcement-related questions.

This convenient option means:
-Less time waiting in our lobby
-A faster, easier reporting process
-Deputies staying available to respond quickly to emergencies

Schedule a Virtual Deputy appointment today via: https://lasd.org/malibu-lost-hills/.
The service is NOT intended for incidents requiring an immediate response from law enforcement or to file a public complaint.

If an immediate law enforcement response is needed, call 911 for life threatening emergencies or contact Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station via phone at (818) 878-1808.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, February 3, the Santa Monica Board of Trustees met to discuss the $16.7 million budget deficit Santa Monica College (SMC) is operating under. SMC has roots in the community dating back to 1929, during the Great Depression. The campus faces the prospect of having to lay off close to 70 employees, where the Santa Monica College Annual Report 2024-2025 indicates they need to hire more personnel to oversee incoming grants. Canyon News spoke to Santa Monica College’s Director of Public Information Grace A. Smith, about the possibility of a hiring freeze. “Yes, there has been a hiring freeze except for positions deemed essential to fulfill a vital function since last year, due to an ongoing large structural deficit and a decline in revenue. Enrollment and many other factors including volatility in the state funding,” said Smith. In the California Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget, the state discontinued funding that directly impacted Santa Monica College. SMC is a recipient of a $200,000 grant CA Learning Labs’ Ai FAST Challenge to support professional development for faculty incorporating AI into their curriculum. SMC are the benefactors of a $355K grant through United Way for brand new training for students to become skilled in street outreach or working directly with the homeless. The training will be for outreach workers, case managers and housing navigators to help a community with approximately 72,000 unhoused individuals. “The demand for trained professionals has never been greater. As we prepare to welcome our second cohort in February, this funding allows us to do what our community needs most, prepare a skilled, compassionate workforce to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Our students and faculty are answering that call with heart, purpose and dedication,” said President-Superintendent of SMC Dr. Katheryne E. Jeffrey. “Helping our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness requires a caring compassionate, and well-trained workforce. Investing in Santa Monica College’s Homeless Service Work Certificate is an opportunity to invest in training a vital workforce but also to invest in solutions form homelessness. This program will equip sector professionals with the skills, training and support they need to transform community care into lasting solutions. This is how we strengthen systems, uplift people, and create a Los Angeles where everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way Of Great Los Angeles. Applications for the Second Cohort of Certificate Program will be accepted through February 6th.   By Sharon