TOPANGA CANYON—The California Transportation Department announced that it will close part of Topanga Canyon Boulevard due to the danger posed by an upcoming rainstorm.

According to a report issued by NBC4 Los Angeles, the area that will be closed will stretch from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive, and the closure will begin at 9 p.m. Tuesday and will continue until the California Transportation Department announces that this stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard has been reopened.

The reason for the closure is not just the danger the rain poses to travelers, but also the possibility that it could trigger debris and mudslides. The National Weather Service announced that this storm will bring about 0.5 to 1 inch of rain.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced on its Facebook page that it is hosting an informational meeting to discuss affordable housing opportunities in the community.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Municipal Gallery at City Hall located at 455 N. Rexford Drive.

For details on attending virtually by Zoom, visit beverlyhills.org/affordablehousing. For further questions contact mailto:affordablehousing@beverlyhills.org or call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department reported on Wednesday, February 11 they are investing a death after a welfare check.

The SMPD reported on February 7, at approximately 7:15 a.m., officers responded to a residential complex in the 1900 block of Ocean Avenue to conduct a welfare check. The request was made by a family member who had been unable to contact the occupants for several days.

Officers made entry into the unit with the assistance of building management after receiving no response and discovered two deceased individuals, one male and one female, both 54 years old. Both individuals were found with apparent gunshot wounds, and a firearm was located inside the residence. The individuals were in an advanced state of decomposition.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division are treating this incident as a suspected murder-suicide. Investigators have determined the individuals were known to one another, and there are no outstanding suspects. This appears to be an isolated incident.

There is no known ongoing threat to the public.

The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending official identification and notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Anyone with details related to the incident is asked to contact the Detective Esteban Hernandez of the Santa Monica Police Department at esteban.hernandez@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours a day at 310-458-8427.

 

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica announced on Tuesday, February 10, that the Santa Monica Fire Department launched the new in-house Ambulance Operator Program on February 1. The program is part of the ongoing implementation of Santa Monica’s two-year strategic Realignment Plan.

The Ambulance Operator Program establishes a dedicated team focused on safely operating ambulances and supporting paramedic teams during emergency medical responses.

Prior to the new program, the SMFD would route all dispatch calls related to emergency medical services to a third party, private firm McCormick. Now, in addition to providing life-saving fire response and prevention, the Fire Department can provide these emergency medical services, using in-house personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

By bringing emergency medical services in house, the program aims to improve response efficiency throughout the community.

The Ambulance Operator Program is a critical part of the Realignment Plan’s budget stability strategy, as it is projected to generate approximately $7 million in new revenue with an annual operating cost of $2.8 million.

“The Ambulance Operator Program reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, safety and high-quality service for the Santa Monica community,” said Fire Chief Matt Hallock. “By formalizing the ambulance operator role, we are strengthening our Emergency Medical Services system, supporting our personnel and improving outcomes for the patients we serve.”

The program allows firefighter-paramedics to focus on patient care while ensuring timely transportation to local medical facilities and continuing to meet the growing demand for emergency medical services. It is also designed to be a premier training ground, acting as the first step in a career pathway toward becoming a firefighter/paramedic. Ambulance operators receive specialized training in emergency vehicle operations, safety protocols, communications, and teamwork.

Santa Monica will continue to monitor performance metrics closely as the program expands, ensuring continued alignment with community needs and city priorities.

For more details about the Santa Monica Fire Department and emergency medical services, visit www.santamonica.gov/ambulance-program.

 

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills informed Canyon News via email on Tuesday, February 10 that an independent fire investigator retained by the Beverly Hills Fire Department determined the Christmas morning fire at Porta Via Restaurant in Beverly Hills was unintentional.

Based on a review of reports and transcripts, fire scene photos and videos, and witness statements, Rappaport Consulting concluded the probable cause of the fire was spontaneous heating of oily rags left in the area of origin. The report notes that oxidation of combustible material creates heat and if the heat cannot be dissipated, it will build up in the combustible material until ignition occurs.

Rappaport concluded that the area of fire origin was on the south side of the kitchen on the food prep line. The fire’s more specific area of origin was located on the upper surface of a commercial refrigerated food preparation table.

Based on available information, there were operable smoke alarms in the restaurant at the time of the fire that help temper down the flames.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Tuesday, February 10 that the City’s Spring 2026 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is available online at MalibuCity.org/CommunityServices and will be mailed to Malibu residents the week of February 9.

The Guide features the City’s excellent programs, parks, and facilities. The City Newsletter has informative articles and contact information for City departments and services.

Upcoming programs, offered from March through May, include the Learn to Swim Lessons, complimentary wellness workshops with The Mindry, Introduction to Birding at Legacy Park, after-school programs in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, night hikes at Charmlee Wilderness Park, nature photography workshops, Annual Poetry Summit with Malibu Poet Laureate Charlotte Ward, and Senior Center Programs including choir, cardio salsa, and tai chi.

The Recreation Guide also includes information for upcoming special events such as the Malibu Library Speaker Series, Tiny Tot Olympics, and the 25th Annual Chumash Day Native American Powwow and Intertribal Gathering.

Registration for Spring Programs opens on Tuesday, February 17 at 8 a.m. at MalibuCity.org/Register. For ongoing, up-to-date information on Community Services programs, visit MalibuCity.org/CommunityServices.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, February 10, the Malibu City Council appointed and swore in Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein as the next Mayor, and Councilmember Steve Uhring as Mayor Pro Tem at its February 9, 2026, Council meeting.

Video of the Council reorganization is available to watch at: https://youtu.be/VSVkXL3zoVM?t=9451.

The Malibu City Council thanked outgoing Mayor, Councilmember Marianne Riggins, and presented her with a plaque in recognition for her service to Malibu representing the city, the community, and the City Council during her term as Mayor. Mayor Silverstein had his oath of office administered by his son, Louis Silverstein. Mayor Pro Tem Steve Uhring was sworn in by City Clerk Kelsey Pettijohn

Malibu is a general law city and operates under the council-manager form of government incorporated in 1991. The five-member City Council is elected at-large to serve four-year terms. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are elected every 9.5 months by the City Councilmembers. For more details about the Malibu City Council, visit https://www.malibucity.org/CityCouncil.

 

By Danny Jones

WOODLAND HILLS—According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), over two dozen restaurants in the greater Los Angeles County area have been closed, as of February 10. Approximately 15 of those closures were due to live vermin on the premises, which could be rats or cockroaches. Other businesses had sewage drainage, and another was closed due to lack of cleanliness, or a way to clean the area. That may be lacking a sink or running water. According to the LACDPH inspection reports, the following restaurants have been closed for the month of February. The complete list may be found on the LACDPH website. It includes the month of January’s restaurant closures. Baja Fish-5780 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills No Method to Clean and Sanitize Available California Health and Safety Code Section 114095 India’s Tandoori, 5468 Wilshire Blvd, 90036 – No reason Listed for Closure India Sweet and Treats, 22009 SHERMAN WAY, 91303 Vermin Infestation Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, 13701 Foothill Boulevard, 91342 Vermin Infestation Hong Kong VIP Kitchen, 140 W. Valley Boulevard #107, 91776 Vermin Infestation 3rd Base Sports Bar, 1562 N CAHUENGA BLVD, 90028 Vermin Infestation Hashim’s Grill, 5575 W. Manchester Avenue, 90045 Vermin Infestation New East Town Hot Pot Inc., 18268 Gale Avenue, 91748 Sewage Discharge – California Health and Safety Code Section 114190 FU YI RETAIL STORE, 127 S. Garfield Avenue (Monterey Park) 91754 Vermin Infestation TRAXX, 800 n alameda Street, #122, 90012 Vermin Infestation Jin China Bistro, 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St Suite #202, 90012 Vermin Infestation KOREAN BBQ HOUSE, 123 S ONIZUKA ST # 302, 90012-No Reason Listed for closure PERU CHICHA PERUVIAN RESTAURANT, 14800 S WESTERN AVE 103, Gardena, 90249 Vermin Infestation Cole’s Restaurant 118 E 6TH ST, 90014 Vermin Infestation Denny’s 530 Ramirez St., 90012 Vermin Infestation The Blessing Market, 2520 S COMPTON AVE, 90011 Vermin Infestation Fairfax Grocery (Sami’s) 511 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036-No Closure Reason Provided Pizza Supreme LLC, 19070 W. La Puente Road, West Covina, 91792 Vermin Infestation LIU ROAST FISH, 227 W. Valley Boulevard 128C, San Gabriel 91776 Vermin Infestation Potato Powder Love Noodle, 227 W VALLEY BLVD 118A, San Gabriel, 91776 Vermin Infestation Rancho Mart, 5559 Atlantic Boulevard, Maywood, 90270 No Method to Clean and Sanitize Available California Health and Safety Code Section 114095   By Sharon

TOPANGA CANYON—On Monday, February 9, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that the Juvenile Division, Abused Child Section, is asking for the public’s help in identifying additional victims after the arrest of Christopher James Ramstead, 47, in connection with child molestation allegations.

The LAPD reported on Friday, February 6, detectives re-arrested Ramstead, a resident of Thousand Oaks, on charges related to an ongoing criminal investigation that started in Ventura County. He was re-arrested on a Felony Warrant issued for violating California Penal Code section 288(a) — Lewd Acts with a Minor Under 14 Years of Age (Booking No. 7177549).

Ramstead was previously arrested on February 4, for crimes against children that were believed to have occurred in Los Angeles County and was later released on bail. Investigators suspect there may be additional, unidentified victims.

These cases were sent to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office filed 9 counts of Penal Code section 288(a) — Lewd Acts with a Minor Under 14 Years of Age — against Ramstead. Bail has now been set at No Bail, and as of February 6, Ramstead was still in custody.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment, and a bail hearing is scheduled for February 13 in Department 112 of the Van Nuys Courthouse. At the prosecutors’ request, the Court ordered the defendant be held without bail.

Ramstead is a firefighter/paramedic with the Pasadena Fire Department and holds the rank of captain. The alleged abuse occurred during various time frames between March 2003 and July 2025.

If convicted as charged, he faces 135 years to life in state prison. Detectives are asking anyone who may be a victim or has additional information regarding Christopher Ramstead to contact Juvenile Division detectives at (818) 374-5415.

During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu.

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that there will be a community rally plus news conference for support of the San Vicente-Fairfax Route for Metro’s K Line Northern Extension.

The Metro Board is approaching a key decision on the final route for the project (or locally preferred alternative) in the coming weeks. Only the San Vicente-Fairfax route will serve all the major destinations and job centers in Central Los Angeles and West Hollywood while moving more riders and unlocking local funding.

Metro is currently studying which of the three remaining alternative routes the project should take. The La Cienega/Beverly and Santa Monica/San Vicente stations would only be included in the project if Metro selects the San Vicente-Fairfax route. The Santa Monica/Fairfax station would only be included if Metro selects the San Vicente-Fairfax or Fairfax routes. If you want Metro to include these stations email them at klinenorth@metro.net.

The route provides more stations, more riders, and more connections to West Hollywood and further. At the event there will be:

-Coffee & pastries
-Free t-shirts, pins & signs (while supplies last)
-Use code “METROWEHO” to get $10 off a Lime scooter or e-bike ride

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect West Hollywood to jobs, destinations, and the entire region. The event will be hosted at West Hollywood Park located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. on Thursday, February 12 at 8 a.m. To learn more details, visit: www.weho.org/metro.

 

By Danny Jones