SANTA MONICA—On June 5, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced that a Santa Monica resident pleaded guilty to doxing and harassing an individual who works for Immigration and Customs Enforcement as a lawyer. Gregory John Curcio, 68, faces one count of violating the protection of individuals who are performing official duties.

Doxing is the exposure of private information, such as a phone number, address, or place of employment, that can identify a person online.  Swatting is harassment, where someone reports to law enforcement, claiming the target of the swatting is violating the law, and gives the target’s location to cause the target harassment or arrest.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in February 2025, Curcio allegedly posted the home address of the ICE lawyer on Facebook, made similar posts on another social media site, and used those posts to instruct people to swat her.  The victim claims he never met her.  She claims Curcio harassed her mother for several years and has harassed her and her family since January 2024.

Curcio will appear in court on August 21, 2026, for a sentencing hearing and faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison. District Judge Michelle Williams Court will oversee the hearing.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Professional Responsibility, with Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Restrepo of the National Security Division serving as the prosecutor.

Canyon News reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for comment and was told that it had no comment beyond what was in the press release and court documents.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, June 4th, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle postponed the arraignment of Micah Sykes. Authorities accused Micah Sykes of killing his father, the late opera singer Jubilant Sykes, at his Santa Monica residence in the 1770 block of Delaware Avenue on December 8th, 2025.

According to myNewsLA.com, this occurred despite the objections of the deputy district attorney overseeing the case, and the new arraignment date is August 6, 2026. Skye’s arraignment has not been postponed for the first time. When he appeared in court in December, the court delayed his arraignment until Wednesday, February 11th. They moved the date to April 6th and then again to June 4th.

Micah Sykes is in jail without bail because he has schizophrenia, but was not taking the medication his doctor prescribed when he was arrested.

He has been charged with homicide for the alleged killing of his father.  This also includes allegations that a deadly weapon was used and the inflicted grievous harm on an elderly person.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, detectives from the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division arrested him on December 8th on suspicion of murder after responding to an ongoing assault at his parents’ residence and finding him inside the house. They also found his injured father. When officers from the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived, they examined the older man who had suffered multiple stab wounds and declared him dead.  Officers recovered a weapon from the house. 

On October 24th, 2024, he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division for grand larceny.  However, he was not charged.  A day later, he was released from jail on his own recognizance.

When he first appeared in court on December 11th, Deputy District Attorney Ceasar Rodriquez stated that the defendant’s mother, Cecilia, was a witness to the attack on Jubilant Sykes.

Jubilant Sykes was 71 when he died. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sykes was a professional opera and gospel singer with a baritone voice and performed African American spiritual songs. Starting in 1978, he worked in the music ministry of Grace Community Church.

He released 4 albums and worked with many groups, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition, he performed at the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Apollo Theater, and in 1990, he appeared in a production of Porgy and Bess by the Houston Grand Opera. In 2008, he appeared in a production of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass as the main character, Celebrant, and received a Grammy Award nomination for this role.

His wife, Cecilia, and his three sons, including Micah, continue to live after him.

Canyon News reached out to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for comment and for clarification about the charges that Micah Sykes is facing, but had not heard back by the time of publication.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—On June 2, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the conviction of Andrew Left, 55, formerly of Beverly Hills. He is the founder of Citron Research and was found guilty by a federal jury in Los Angeles on 12 counts of security fraud. Left ran a $21 million market manipulation scheme from 2018-2023. He is charged securities fraud and one count of operating a securities fraud scheme. Left now resides in Boca Raton, Florida. “Andrew Left used his expertise to profit at the expense of retail investors, ordinary people who owned the stocks he targeted. He callously boasted that it was like ‘taking candy from a baby,’” stated the DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva. “Left used his TV appearances to disguise his intentions, manipulate the stock market, and pad his pockets,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. A fair and transparent securities market is a foundation of our nation’s financial system. We will continue to bring to justice individuals who abuse the public trust placed in financial advisors.” “Frauds such as the one perpetrated by Left can erode investor confidence which impacts our capital markets” said Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “While this conviction cannot make up for the significant and emotional harm he inflicted upon his unwitting investors, it does send a message to those who may be looking to profit from similar schemes – think twice because the FBI has a proven track record of rooting out fraudsters who illegally tilt the playing field against honest investors and undermine confidence in our markets.” “Andrew Left abused his position and influence when he devised a scheme known as ‘Short-and-Distort,’ to manipulate the market for personal gain. Now he’s facing the consequences. Postal inspectors and our federal counterparts continue to partner to ensure spreading misleading or false material to the investing public has only one result: jail time,” stated Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspections Service. Left’s sentencing is scheduled for August 31, and he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years of prison time. The USPIS and the FBI are investigating this case. By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On May 29, the UCLA Police Department announced a suspect was arrested for assaulting several UCLA students after a series of assaults that occurred overnight at multiple locations on the UCLA campus.

The suspect has been identified as Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, non-affiliated
person experiencing homelessness.

On May 28, at approximately 11:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery
on Bruin Walk. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect approached a student
from behind, used force to steal her cellphone, and fled the area.

While officers searched the area, UCPD received additional reports of assaults at multiple
residential facilities, including De Neve Evergreen, Dykstra Hall and Cedar Hall. The suspect is believed to have followed or approached female victims, physically assaulted them and attempted to restrain or sexually assault them during those incidents. The victims were able to fight back or witnesses intervened, allowing the victims to get away and notify police.

At approximately 12:05 a.m., UCPD received a report of an ongoing assault at Cedar Hall. A witness heard the victim calling for help, intervened and pursued the suspect as he fled the building.

Officers searching the area were flagged down by the witness and located the suspect near
Parking Structure 8. Officers detained Akindahunsi without incident.

During the investigation, multiple victims and witnesses positively identified Akindahunsi
as the suspect. Officers recovered evidence believed to be associated with the
incidents, including zip ties, duct tape and paracord.

Akindahunsi was booked for robbery, attempted kidnapping, assault with intent to commit
a sex offense and sexual battery. He is being held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department Inmate Reception Center. Bail was set at $2.3 million.

“I commend our officers for their quick response and excellent work in locating and
arresting the suspect,” said UCLA Chief of Police Craig Valenzuela. “I am also grateful to
the victims and witnesses who reported what occurred and assisted responding officers. Incidents like these are deeply concerning, and the safety and security of our campus
community remains our highest priority. Our officers will continue working to help ensure UCLA remains a safe place to live, learn, work and visit.”

The UCLA Police will maintain increased patrols in and around the affected
residential areas out of an abundance of caution. Detectives are expected to present the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration this week.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with details about the incidents should contact the UCLA Police Department at (310) 825-1491.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, June 2, residents in Beverly Hills went to the polls to vote for members of the Beverly Hills City Council. A total of 3 city council seats were up for grabs with incumbents, Sharona Nazarian and Lester Friedman fighting to retain their seats. There were a total of 11 candidates including Nazarian and Friedman vying for the 3 open seats.

As of Wednesday, June 3, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder County Clerk website noted only 22.38 percent of registered voters casted a ballot during the municipal election. A total 77.62 percent of registered voters did not cast a ballot during Tuesday’s election.

Nazarian is currently leading all contenders with more than 27 percent of the vote with more than 4,354 votes, Friedman is currently in second place with 14.64 percent (2,302 votes) and third place is a tight race between Rebecca Pynoos who currently has 13.29 percent (2,089 votes), with Andy Licht earning 13.14 percent (2065 votes).

Howard S. Fisher earned 100 percent of the vote for City Treasurer as no one was running against the candidate. No official announcement on the results has been declared by the LARCC office or the city of Beverly Hills.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Around 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 30th, a brawl between two large women occurred in the 800 block of Palm Avenue near Santa Monica Boulevard in the Rainbow District of West Hollywood, resulting in one woman being injured.

A witness, Tyler Garrett, who, according to his Instagram page, is a singer and songwriter, captured the fight on video, which is available on the WeHo Times Instagram page. According to his statement to WeHo Times, this was the third time two women had fought in the Rainbow District.  Previous incidents were stopped by members of the community, who believed the brawling women tarnished the area’s reputation.

The first woman was wearing a black dress and is barefoot, while the other is wearing black boots, a black skirt, and a black top, with a small black purse slung over her shoulder.
As the fight unfolded, onlookers did not intervene.

At the start of the video, the barefoot woman’s hair was grabbed, forcing her to bend forward toward her opponent.  As the bystander watches, they slap each other in the face, as one of the women throws the other to the ground and slapping her.

The woman with the black top is slapped, and she is yelled at and cursed, prompting her to kick the assailant in the legs, getting kicked in the face, tries and fails to block with her arms, and is kicked several times while cursing continues, cutting the skin of the woman’s face above her right eye and causing a large gash that bleeds.

As the injured woman stood up in her clothes, including a now-torn top, she was pointed at and cursed by her opponent, who picked up something and threw it at her as she walked away.  The injured woman’s face was examined by a bystander, and she later walked away through the assembled crowd.

The brawl occurred near the LASD West Hollywood Station. Video was provided to authorities, but no additional information is currently available.

This is not the first brawl in West Hollywood in recent months. Near midnight on May 10, a brawl erupted between two rival hot dog vendors on Santa Monica Boulevard.  Around 11 p.m. on May 14, a brawl erupted in front of Trunks Bar at 8809 Santa Monica Boulevard.  On March 21, a brawl occurred outside several bars on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Canyon News reached out to the West Hollywood Station for comment, but did not hear back by the time of print.

By Daniel Diquinzio

SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, May 24, two Jewish people were attacked near 3rd Street and Broadway in downtown Santa Monica by Nay Min Tar, 49, of Illinois, who shouted antisemitic slurs at the couple, including the word genocide.

During the incident, one of the victims, a man, was chased by Tar’s dog, a Cane Corso, and bitten in the thigh. At 7:50 p.m. on May 28 Police Chief Darrick Jacob stated that hate is not tolerated in Santa Monica, that the SMPD understands the fear this incident has caused among victims and citizens, including the Jewish community, and that the department seeks to investigate such incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable through the legal process.

Nay Min Tar was detained on May 28 on 4th Street. He was arrested for one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Criminal Threats. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Tar with one count of Criminal Threats, a violation of California Penal Code section 422(a), and one count of Battery, a violation of California Penal Code section 242. Charges do not include any hate crime enhancements.

The SMPD is asking anyone with details about the incident to call 310-458-8427.

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—At 5:41 p.m. on Friday, May 29, the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Station posted on its Facebook that two people had been rescued from a white Tesla that went over Mulholland Highway and crashed around 7:30 a.m.

According to NBC 4 Los Angeles, the crash was reported around 7:05 a.m. and occurred in the 2500 block of Mulholland Highway.

The vehicle fell over 300 feet and came to rest among trees, brush, and rocks. The rescue involved the Malibu Search and Rescue Team, the California Highway Patrol, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.  Rescuers rappelled down to the vehicle while traffic was redirected between Bardman Avenue and PCH.

The driver, a man, was found outside the vehicle, screaming for help, while his passenger, a woman, was trapped inside.

A medic was lowered from the helicopter and lifted onto the helicopter. After the rescue, the occupants of the Tesla were transported by helicopter to a trauma center for medical treatment, as both sustained moderate injuries. The cause of the crash has not been disclosed.

On February 4, Hunter Langley, a 16-year-old student at Sierra Canyon School, was killed when his Tesla veered off Malibu Canyon Road and went over the side.

Canyon News reached out to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Station for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.

By Daniel Diquinzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On June 1, the LASD West Hollywood Station announced road closures in West Hollywood this Pride weekend, running from Thursday, June 4, to Monday, June 8.

North San Vicente Boulevard will be closed between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue starting Thursday at 10 p.m. At noon on Friday, June 5, Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard, and North Robertson Boulevard will also be closed between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue. At the same time, North San Vicente Boulevard will be closed between Cynthia Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

The Pride Parade will occur on June 7 with road closures from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the parade, Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed from Doheny Drive to Fairfax Avenue, and the side streets will also be closed. This closure will extend an additional block in both directions, north and south.

As part of these closures, several public parking facilities will be closed starting June 4 including the Library Garage, the Crescent Heights Lot, the Plummer Park South Lot, the Aquatic and Recreation Center Garage, the Five-Story Parking Structure, the Robertson Lot, and the Plummer Park South Lot.

West Hollywood’s Pride Ride shuttle will operate on Santa Monica Boulevard from La Brea Avenue to Kings Road between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Between 5 p.m. and midnight, some shuttles will run to the Wilshire & La Cienega Metro D-Line Station in Beverly Hills, picking up and dropping off passengers at Huntley Drive and Melrose Ave.

The West Hollywood Sheriff Station asks all residents to use alternate routes when traveling and, if attending the Pride Weekend.

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills announced that the Beverly Hills Fire Department is hosting a CPR Program for a free hands-on community CPR training event and learn lifesaving skills that could help save a life.

The event will be held at the corner of Dayton and Rodeo Drive on Wednesday, June 3 and will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All is welcome to attend and participate, where they will learn:

-Hands-on CPR education
-Community safety awareness
-Free and open to the public

The agenda in CPR classes covers CPR, Automated External Defibrillation (AED), and choking. The e-card certification is valid for two years. At the end of 22 months, you will receive an automatic reminder to renew your CPR certification. All CPR classes are taught in accordance with the guidelines set forth from the American Heart Association. Classes are held for the community, police, fire, school, and anyone who wishes or needs CPR certification.

Bring a friend and help make our community safer, one skill at a time. For more information, visit www.beverlyhills.org/cpr.

By Danny Jones