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

BRENTWOOD/WESTWOOD—On Monday, June 29, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that the speeding driver who struck on-duty Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Shiou Lih Deng and stranded motorist Jesús Arturo Garcia on the 405 Freeway last year was charged with murder in the deaths of both men. Sgt. Deng was 53 years old and served the LAPD for over 26 years.

“This was a complex investigation, completed by the California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team, which took just under a year to complete,” said California Highway Patrol Southern Division Chief Chris Margaris. “Our hearts remain with the families, friends, and colleagues of LAPD Sergeant Shiou Deng and Mr. Jesus Garcia who lost their lives. We hope this report provides answers and reflects the California Highway Patrol’s unwavering commitment to a thorough, objective investigation.”

“Sergeant Deng dedicated his life to serving others, and on that tragic morning, he made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “Our thoughts remain with his family and all those who loved him. I want to thank the California Highway Patrol investigators whose dedication and persistence led to today’s arrest. We also appreciate the partnership of the District Attorney’s Office as this case moves through the judicial process. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice while honoring Sergeant Deng’s extraordinary legacy of service.”

Mario Joseph Bickham, 36, of Hawthorne was charged with two felony counts of second-degree murder.

At approximately 1:54 a.m. on June 23, 2025, Jesús Garcia, 34, was driving home from work on I-405 south when his pickup truck was struck by an unknown driver near the Getty Center just before the Sunset Boulevard exit. Garcia’s vehicle became disabled, blocking the HOV lane and the adjacent traffic lane.

A few minutes later, at approximately 2:01 a.m., Sgt. Deng spotted the disabled truck and Garcia. To aid a stranded motorist who was in a particularly vulnerable position, Sgt. Deng activated his emergency lights and stopped his marked Los Angeles Police Department patrol car. The emergency lights remained on throughout the incident. Sgt. Deng got out of his vehicle to assist Garcia.

At approximately 2:04 a.m., the defendant, driving his sedan alone in the HOV lane, slammed into Sgt. Deng’s LAPD patrol vehicle, the disabled truck, Sgt. Deng and Garcia. It is alleged that five seconds before the crash, defendant was driving at 112.5 mph. Sgt. Deng and Garcia died from the impact, and the defendant sustained serious injuries.

The speed limit in this section of the highway was clearly posted as 65 mph. An arraignment date was expected Monday afternoon. The prosecution is requesting the court deny bail or in the alternative set bail at the scheduled amount of $4 million.

If convicted as charged, Bickham faces up to 15 years to life in state prison for each victim.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills in a partnership with the American Red Cross will be hosting a Community Blood Drive and volunteers are needed.

To make an appointment visit www.Redcrossblood.org and enter our sponsor code:
CityBevHills.

The event will take place on Thursday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City Hall Municipal Gallery located at 455 N. Rexford Drive.

“As a top charity brand with the trust of the American people, our mission is to fulfill the need for safe, reliable, and cost-effective blood products and services. We accomplish this mission through the hard work and commitment of staff and volunteers located throughout the country, along with numerous fixed and mobile collection sites, manufacturing locations, and the National & Biomedical Headquarters, which are based in Washington, D.C.

The foundation of this mission lies with the extraordinary act of voluntary blood donation. Blood donors play an integral role in the delivery of modern healthcare, and many life-saving medical treatments and procedures would not be possible without a safe and reliable blood supply,” as stated on the American Red Cross website.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, June 29, the city of Malibu announced that its Malibu Community Services Department was awarded the 2026 Southern California Public Pool Operators Association Innovative Program Award for the Water Safety Program, Sensory Swim.

Designed for participants of all ability levels, the Sensory Swim program provides a supportive aquatic environment where individuals with sensory sensitivities and diverse needs can comfortably enjoy the benefits of swimming.

By prioritizing accommodations and trained staff support, the initiative helps create a safe, welcoming space where everyone—regardless of ability—can experience the joy and wellness benefits of swimming.

Through a collaboration with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and the Malibu Esperance Center, Malibu aims to expand access to recreational opportunities while strengthening community inclusion.

To learn more visit www.MalibuCity.org/Aquatics to view upcoming programs at the Malibu Community Pool.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m., the city of West Hollywood’s Summer Sounds Concert Series kicks off. Summer Sounds includes three concerts on July 5, July 26, and August 16. Each event will begin at 4 p.m. at Plummer Park and is located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. 

Summer Sounds is an annual free concert series open to the public. While RSVPs are encouraged, reserved seating is not available. All ages are welcome, and attendees can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. 

Artist É Arenas and DJ Que Madre are the first artists to perform at Plummer Park on Sunday. Arenas is an LA-born and raised musician from Boyle Heights. His music focuses on pioneering the resurgence of 90s cumbia-quebradita with the release of many dance anthems. He is also a founding member and bassist/guitarist/vocalist of the group Chicano Batman. 

DJ Que Madre is a local DJ from East Los Angeles with roots in Durango and Jalisco. Grounded in vinyl culture, her DJ set, weaving together rhythm, resistance, and nostalgia, is sure to bring the community together. 

The next Summer Sounds Concert will be on July 26, featuring nu-soul artist Nikka Costa and DJ Anthony Valdez. Summer Sounds will end with performances by The Soul Space featuring Tamara Jade & Orlando Dixon, Mark Evich, and DJ Rosegawd on Sunday, August 16th.

By Ryley Metten