SANTA MONICA—On September 19, the Santa Monica Police Department announced the results of a community livability operation conducted on September 15 to address quality-of-life concerns.

Officers were deployed to Palisades Park, the beaches, and the Ocean Front Walk, where they focused on enforcing the law, engaging with the citizens they encountered, and cleaning up parts of the city.

During the operation, officers contacted 72 people.

This led to 4 arrests for various violations, including outstanding warrants, public camping, park closures, and drug-related offenses. 6,720 pounds of debris were removed. They also issued 6 citations in the field to people who violated sections of the Municipal Code by closing public parks, blocking sidewalks, and camping in public.

Officers also linked 18 individuals to service providers, referred 4 to the Samoshel homeless shelter and the SaMo Bridge program, and connected 2 to Project Homecoming.

The SMPD is committed to maintaining a presence in the city, assisting citizens, and addressing unlawful behavior. This commitment involves public outreach and enforcement.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday the 18th, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced the promotion of Kevin M. Orth to Captain, and his promotion takes effect on September 19.

Captain Orth is a 20-year BHPD veteran. In late 2024, he became Executive Officer of the Office of the Chief, overseeing several units, including the Community Relations and Professional Standards Units.

He began his career in 2006 as a Police Cadet and became an officer the following year. Since then, he has served in various capacities within the department, including as a patrol officer, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. His responsibilities have included overseeing the department’s Patrol Unit and the Field Training Officer Program. Throughout his career, Captain Orth has earned several awards, including Beverly Hills Patrol Officer of the Year, the Masonic Police Award, and the Allen H. Karlin Award for Exemplary Police Work.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. He also completed advanced law enforcement training at the Peace Officer Standards and Training Supervisory and Management Schools, the San Diego County Regional Leadership Institute, and three professional development courses offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.

The BHPD praises Captain Orth for his promotion.

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—On September 16, Music Row announced that Gene Simmons, the legendary musician, co-founder of the 70s Rock and Roll band, Kiss will be honored with the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA’s)Lifetime Achievement Award. Simmons will be presented with the award on October 6, at the IEBA Honors and Awards Ceremony at the Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee. Simmons along with his bandmates; Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. According to their discography, the band sold over 100 million albums worldwide, many of which earned gold and platinum awards. Simmons has contributed much to the state of California over his decades of fame and fortune. He was a co-founding member of the Rock and Brews restaurant chain that had locations in El Segundo and Redondo Beach. Bandmembers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and manager Doc McGhee co-owned the Los Angeles KISS Football League. Gene Simmons and Canadian actress and former Playboy Playmate, Shannon Tweed dated for 28 years before they married on October 1, 2011. They were married at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills. They had two children together, Nick and Sophie. The details of their family life was captured on their reality tv show, Simmons Family Jewels. Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed live in a $25 million mansion in Malibu. Simmons holds dual citizenship in both the U.S. and Israel. By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—A man who allegedly exposed himself to a female employee inside a women’s clothing store in Santa Monica has been identified by police. Michael Greenwald, 72, of Calabasas, is a registered sex offender with prior convictions for similar conduct.

According to police, Greenwald entered the store and told an employee he needed to try on women’s clothing for a television show he was filming, claiming to be a producer. While trying on clothing, he allegedly intentionally exposed his genitals and buttocks to the employee before leaving without making a purchase.

The incident occurred Aug. 29 at about 3 p.m. and was reported to police the following day. Greenwald was arrested Sept. 4 on suspicion of felony indecent exposure. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed one felony count of indecent exposure against him on Sept. 8.

Greenwald was previously arrested in connection with multiple indecent exposure incidents at the Camarillo Premium Outlets in 2014. Records from a 2012 state licensing case also show he admitted to exposing himself in clothing stores on at least seven prior occasions that were never reported to police.

That 2012 case stemmed from a 2008 conviction and led the California Department of Real Estate to revoke Greenwald’s real estate license.

By Milan Manesh

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Businesswoman and reality star Lisa Vanderpump will be hosting World Dog Day in the city of West Hollywood, which has partnered with Lisa Vanderpump’s Vanderpump Dog Foundation for a celebration at West Hollywood Park on Saturday, September 26.

The event allows the public to bring their dogs, browse various vendors, listen to live music, and take a photo op, the event raises awareness for some of the Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s biggest causes.

One of The Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s main goals is to end animal cruelty and put a stop to the international dog meat trade. The foundation accomplishes its goals through education, legislation, activism, rescue, and rehabilitation.

Lisa Vanderpump wrote in an Instagram post, “Bring your pup for a full day of games, contests, music, special performances, adorable photo ops, and so much more, all while raising funds and awareness for rescue dogs in need.”

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Hollywood Park, located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., all dogs must be kept on a leash. West Hollywood plans on keeping the small and large dog parks open during the event. The dog parks are located on either side of the basketball courts, and both will offer an open space, shaded trees, turf terraces, water stations, and room for dogs to stretch their legs. Waste bags and waste stations will also be available at the event.

For more details on the event and to learn more about The Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s mission, visit www.vanderpumpdogs.org/world-dog-day.

By Ryley Metten

SANTA MONICA—On September 17, the Santa Monica Police Department announced it was seeking additional victims of Michael Greenwald, who is accused of indecent exposure at a women’s clothing store in Santa Monica.

It is alleged that around 3 p.m. on August 29, 2026, Greenwald entered the store and claimed he was filming a television show that required him to try on women’s clothing. While doing so, he allegedly exposed his genitals and buttocks to a woman working at the store. He then left the store without buying anything.

The SMPD was notified the next day.

Detectives watched video footage that included the suspect’s vehicle, which helped identify the suspect. On September 4, 2026, SMPD arrested Greenwald. Investigators searched his residence and found evidence.

Greenwald is a 72-year-old Calabasas resident. He is described as a White man with brown hair, weighing 180 pounds, and about 5 feet 8 inches tall. Greenwald is also a registered sex offender who, in the past, engaged in actions similar to the one he is accused of in Santa Monica.

On September 8, 2026, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Greenwald with one felony count of indecent exposure under Section 314(1) of the California State Penal Code. This section defines indecent exposure as the willful exposure of a person’s genitals in a lewd manner, either in a place where people are present who can be offended or annoyed by the act or in a public place.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Greenwald’s actions should contact either Sergeant George Burciaga or Detective Carlos Madrid. Anyone with information that could help the investigation should do the same. You can reach Sergeant Burciaga by email at george.burciaga@santamonica.gov or by phone at 310-458-8952. Detective Madrid can be reached at 424-280-0133 or carlos.madrid@santamonica.gov.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released any additional information to the public, including the victim’s name.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, September 16, the city of Santa Monica announced that it has launched a Small Business Relief Microgrant Program. During the recent Santa Monica City Council meeting, the city announced its Small Business Relief Microgrant Program, which will provide one-time, $5,000 grants to eligible existing brick-and-mortar businesses. The first round of applications is open and will close October 1.

The program will distribute a total of $100,000 in grant funding to support local businesses and strengthen Santa Monica’s commercial corridors. Additional application rounds will be available as needed until all available funds have been awarded.

The microgrant program is part of the city’s Realignment Plan and reflects its commitment to supporting local businesses and activating economic opportunity and growth in Santa Monica. Funding is aimed to help retain locally owned small businesses, encourage investment in commercial corridors, strengthen long-term business sustainability, and promote active and vibrant storefronts.

Businesses interested in applying for a microgrant are encouraged to attend a technical assistance workshop on Thursday, September 17, at 11 a.m. at the Main Library Community Room to learn more about the program and application process.

Additional details including eligibility requirements and application details, is available on the city’s Small Business Relief Microgrant Program webpage.

Grant awardees should be announced in early November. Santa Monica will highlight participating businesses following the award announcement. For more details email Business.Concierge@santamonica.gov.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—Due to concerns about Hurricane Marie, the highly anticipated new Santa Monica music festival, Ocean Way, has been cancelled. The city of Santa Monica announced the cancellation on September 11, citing the cause was due to beach erosion from the hurricane. 

Ocean Way’s promoter, Goldenvoice, announced the cancellation in an email on Friday from its ticketing platform AXS. 

“Due to the impacts of Hurricane Marie, the City of Santa Monica has canceled the inaugural Ocean Way Festival,” Goldenvoice stated. “Storm surf and runoff has caused significant beach erosion, and the festival can no longer be safely held as planned.”

The impacts of Hurricane Marie have impacted Southern California coast by storm as Nicholas Cage’s home in Malibu was damaged after a massive sinkhole erupted in the driveway. 

Ocean Way was supposed to host headliners such as The Killers, Olivia Dean, Jack White and Sublime on the Santa Monica beach on the weekend of September 26 and 27.

Goldenvoice remains optimistic about the opportunity to bring the festival back next year.

“While we share everyone’s disappointment that the show can’t go on this year, we fully support the City’s decision to prioritize safety, and we believe canceling for 2026 is the right call,” said Goldenvoice Chief Operating Officer Melissa Ormond. “We are committed to returning to Santa Monica in 2027 and delivering the Ocean Way Festival experience we envisioned for the community, artists and fans.”

Goldenvoice will announce dates, programming and ticketing for the 2027 Ocean Way Festival when details are available. For more information, visit oceanwayfestival.com and santamonica.gov/programs/oceanwayfestival. Community members with questions can contact community@oceanwayfestival.com or (424) 260-1923.

Written By Ryley Metten and Donald Roberts

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood is reminding shoppers and businesses that the local sales tax rate will change on Thursday, October 1. The combined sales tax rate in West Hollywood will increase from 10.5 percent to 11 percent as a result of a new Los Angeles County sales tax approved by voters.

Los Angeles County Measure ER, the Essential Services Restoration Act, was approved by voters in the June 2, 2026, election. The measure establishes a 0.5 percent countywide sales tax increase for five years, through October 1, 2031. The increase is equivalent to an additional 50 cents in sales tax for every $100 in taxable purchases. Measure ER is estimated to generate approximately $1 billion annually.

Measure ER is intended to help address funding reductions affecting the County’s healthcare and public health systems and other essential services, the Los Angeles County notes. Revenue from Measure ER will be allocated through the County’s annual budget process. LA County outlined spending priorities that include healthcare services and safety-net providers, public hospitals and clinics, and public health programs. Measure ER also establishes accountability provisions, including annual independent audits, public reporting, and review.

Certain essential items remain exempt from sales tax, including groceries such as unprepared food, prescription medications, and certain medical equipment.

For more details about sales tax rates and the October 1 rate change visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov, which has tools to look up sales and use tax rates by address and city.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—A funeral service has been held for Vanik Voskanyan, the 40-year-old man who was stabbed to death by 19-year-old Conoray Lawantara in Beverly Hills. He was born in Yerevan, Armenia, before emigrating to Glendale in 2009. Voskanyan held jobs in construction, jewelry, and as a dental technician.

The funeral was held at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, followed by his burial at Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale. Over 100 people attended the service, including the victim’s family and friends, who are demanding that the man responsible for the crime be brought to justice.

Voskanyan was allegedly stabbed to death by Lawantara following a confrontation in an alley on August 30, 2026, around 11:39 p.m. Witnesses said Voskanyan had been going through trash bins in the alley shortly before the altercation began. The incident occurred in the 400 block of North Palm Drive in Beverly Hills, behind the apartment building where Lawantara lived.

Lawantara has claimed he acted in self-defense. However, Judge Keith Schwartz rejected that notion during a bail hearing, saying Lawantara “stabbed him repeatedly, like in a horror movie.” The judge also said he believed Lawantara had no reason to make contact with Voskanyan in the first place.

Conoray Lawantara is a Beverly Hills resident and an Indonesian national. He attended an $80,000-a-year Catholic boarding school in Rhode Island before graduating in 2025.

By Milan Manesh