Jesus Garcia Sotelo, a San Fernando Valley resident, is suspected of robbing at least seven taco trucks and a 7-Eleven store, said Cpt. Warner Castillo of the Los Angeles Police Department.

A total of eight robberies occurred between Sep. 8 and Sep. 21 in the Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Foothill and Mission areas, according to the LAPD. In all cases, a firearm was used to threaten the victims.

Authorities said they were able to recover evidence of the robberies, including a vehicle at Sotelo’s residence.

Sotelo faces eight counts of robbery with a handgun, two counts of attempted murder with a handgun and 10 counts of assault with a firearm. He is being held without bail.

Authorities believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact the LAPD’s North Hollywood Division at 818-754-8410. Anonymous calls may be made at 1-800-222-8477.

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LA City Councilmember John Lee said he has allocated $500,000 to have 100 readers, known as ALPRs, installed throughout his 12th Council District to help police identify and locate vehicles linked to crimes. 

“We’re standing on Rinaldi Street, which goes all the way through Council District 12, and has literally been a line that shows you where crimes are most likely to happen in my district,” Lee said. “Last year, (the Los Angeles Police Department’s) Devonshire Division reported that the homes and communities located north of this very street experienced a 103% increase in home burglaries.”

The license plate readers are being installed at various strategic locations in Lee’s northwestern San Fernando Valley district, generally mounted to light poles. When the cameras detect a plate that has been linked to crimes, police are automatically notified.

Mobile ALPRs are already installed in about 1,500 LAPD patrol cars, and there are about five dozen of the devices scattered around the city.

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LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi said the mobile units deployed in the department’s South Bureau have already helped “solve a number of murders.”

“This technology is crucial as we continue to explore innovative ways to combat crime,” Choi said Thursday. “Studies show that motor vehicles are involved nationally in about 75% of all crimes. Whether it’s robberies, whether it’s burglaries, whether it’s human trafficking, whether it’s murders, drive-by shootings — their mode of transportation is a vehicle. So it’s so important that we can get information quickly to investigate and solve these crimes and even prevent these crimes.”

Authorities noted that the readers are not being used to issue speeding tickets or other traffic citations, and they insisted that the information gathered by the plates is highly guarded. Critics of such programs have called such plate readers are an invasion of public privacy.

Lee said that since the effort began to install 100 readers in his district, they have already helped solve a pair of robberies.

Jesus Garcia Sotelo, a San Fernando Valley resident, is suspected of robbing at least seven taco trucks and a 7-Eleven store, said Cpt. Warner Castillo of the Los Angeles Police Department.

A total of eight robberies occurred between Sep. 8 and Sep. 21 in the Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Foothill and Mission areas, according to the LAPD. In all cases, a firearm was used to threaten the victims.

Authorities said they were able to recover evidence of the robberies, including a vehicle at Sotelo’s residence.

Sotelo faces eight counts of robbery with a handgun, two counts of attempted murder with a handgun and 10 counts of assault with a firearm. He is being held without bail.

Authorities believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact the LAPD’s North Hollywood Division at 818-754-8410. Anonymous calls may be made at 1-800-222-8477.

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Each burglary took place along a 6-mile stretch of Ventura Boulevard between Woodland Hills and Encino between 3:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

The first took place at the pharmacy inside the Southern California Medical Center in Woodland Hills, where the thieves got away with cash and two safes, but no medication.

Later at 4:30 a.m., police said the men hit a pharmacy in Tarzana by breaking through a back door.

It’s unclear what they stole from the store, but the owner was watching on surveillance cameras from home and called police.

This is when officers learned there were four men involved riding around in a gray or blue Dodge Durango SUV.

By 5:30 a.m., the men hit a third store — the Encino Care Pharmacy — where the owner was also watching the break-in from home and alerted authorities.

This time, officers were able to spot the Durango and began pursuing the SUV, only to lose the vehicle minutes later.

That’s when the men stopped by the fourth and final pharmacy of the morning — the Encino Center Pharmacy, but their visit lasted less than two minutes.

Surveillance video shows the men breaking in through the front door, but begin to run back to the SUV as officers approach the store, where alarms were going off.

The men took off with officers close behind, but they were unable to make a stop. Detectives are investigating how much cash and other items, such as medication, was stolen from each store.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the LAPD.

Comedian and actress Brittany Furlan Lee, wife of Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, is sharing an urgent message to pet owners after a coyote attack at their Woodland Hills home nearly left her without her beloved dog.

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The attack happened in broad daylight when the couple’s two dogs were in the backyard. Furlan Lee said she saw the wild animal from the corner of her eye and originally thought it was a German shepherd.

“I saw it and I thought, ‘Oh, the neighbor’s dog got out.’ Then I realize, ‘Oh my god, it’s a coyote.’ And then I immediately … this all happened so quickly,” she recounted.

Furlan Lee bravely chased after the coyote in hopes of getting Neena back to safety. Video shows her husband in the backyard moments later after hearing the commotion. Thankfully, the dog’s size played a part in the coyote letting go as it tried to jump over the yard’s 10-foot wall.

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“She’s a heavier dachshund so he jumped over the wall and her legs were hanging and I jumped up the wall and grabbed her legs from out of his mouth,” she said.

According to Furlan Lee, her pet thankfully was unharmed in the ordeal.

“Thank god, she’s not injured,” she said. “She doesn’t have any bites or puncture wounds.”

Still feeling uneasy about the encounter, Furlan Lee said she hopes her unfortunate experience raises awareness for other pet owners to be aware of their surroundings.

“Just be very vigilant, no matter what,” she advised. “You could never be close enough to your dog when they’re out there. Never leave them alone. I was standing right in that doorway and had I not been, it could’ve been bad.”

A few tips from wildlife officials:

• Never feed or attempt to tame coyotes. The result may be deadly conflicts with pets or livestock, or serious injuries to small children.
• Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
• Trim ground-level shrubbery to reduce hiding places.
• Be aware that coyotes are more active in the spring, when feeding and protecting their young.
• If followed by a coyote, make loud noises. If this fails, throw rocks in the animal’s direction.
• If a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact the nearest Department of Fish and Wildlife or law enforcement office.
• Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
• Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
• Bring pets in at night, and do not leave pet food outside.
• Avoid using bird feeders as they attract rodents and other coyote prey.
• Provide secure enclosures for rabbits, poultry and other livestock.
• Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
• Ask your neighbors to follow these tips.

Through compliance checks, the LAPD uncovered 290 pounds of street lighting wire stolen from the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting and an additional 290 pounds from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. 

Over 3,300 pounds of copper and aluminum wire that belonged to Caltrans were discovered in addition to a bronze plaque for the city of Burbank.

The estimated value of the recovered metal parts was $46,000, the LAPD said.

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The compliance check resulted in the arrest of the owner of a Sun Valley recycling center for receiving stolen property.

The checks were carried out last Friday by the Metal Theft Unit of the LAPD in conjunction with the office of Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian. 

After the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) added 4.75 miles of the new bike path, San Fernando Road now has nearly 10 continuous miles of off-street roadway for cyclists, enhancing mobility for those with limited means of transportation.

“You’re taking a lot of risk riding a bike through this area,” Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian said. “Many people who are riding their bikes here are not doing it just for fun. They’re doing it because they don’t have availability of a car, and they need their bikes to get to transit stops to get to work and so on.”

As officials Monday celebrated the new bike path during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Sun Valley, City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, a San Fernando Valley native, said the latest infrastructure improvement is a step toward “environmental justice” for the community that is plagued with noise pollution from air, ground and rail traffic. 

“You see what I mean by the noise?” Padilla said while pointing to the sky as airplanes took off from Hollywood Burbank Airport. “This project is not just about improving transportation options. It’s about connecting our community in ways that are sustainable and accessible for everyone.”

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The new protected bike path will also offer more opportunities to community members by connecting several Metrolink stops, according to LADOT General Manager Laura Rubio-Cornejo.

“Families will have a safe place to teach their children to ride a bike or enjoy outdoor recreation,” Rubio-Cornejo said. “Residents will be able to commute from their neighborhoods to job centers using sustainable modes of transportation that will reduce traffic and pollution.”

The newly added bike path, which cost over $30 million to build, runs parallel to the Metrolink train tracks. 

Firefighters extinguished a blaze on the 19300 block of W. Cantara Street after it was reported around 5:40 p.m. As firefighters were en route to the emergency, the call was upgraded to an explosion.

The blaze spread to the roof of a nearby home, causing minor damage to the other building’s roof.

No residents or firefighters were injured by the fire. Although one cat died, three other animals survived.

The home where the fire occurred was deemed a total loss, according to firefighters. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

The first weekend in December can, at least anecdotally, be one of the hubbub-iest times of the year.

Holiday social outings are beginning, and shopping is, too, for many people. There are celebratory dinners to plan, neighborhood gatherings to prep for, and a dozen other peppermint-scented plays for our time and attention.

This is all so lovely and few of us would dismiss the busyness of the holidays outright. But wanting to get away for a few hours of free fun and fresh air feels right just around Dec. 8.

It just so happens that CicLAvia is popping up, though “pedaling up” feels more correct, on that Sunday, and the map for the route just arrived.

The CicLAvia map drop is always a big deal among fans of the closed-to-cars event, because they can begin to plan, ping friends, and reschedule any non-urgent obligations (which do have a way of festively flocking in December).

The cycle series, which began in 2010 and is marking its 57th event in December, will return to The Valley. Three cities are in the spotlight — Reseda, Winnetka, and Canoga Park — and the street at the heart of the handlebar-‘d happening?

Yay, it is Sherman Way, a vibrant Valley classic that connects communities, neighborhoods, and, on Dec. 8, thousands of bike buffs.

You’ll have six hours to pedal five miles, though covering all of it in one go isn’t required; you can drop in and cruise out at whatever points you choose.

This isn’t the first time CicLAvia has called upon Sherman Way; the large-scale event spun through in early 2023.

A round-up of Local Gems in Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda was shared on the CicLAvia site in honor of the 2023 event; you can peruse it now as you prep for Dec. 8.

By the by, the Valley visit is the final CicLAvia roll of 2024; keep an eye on the socials for details about 2025 dates, details, and locations.

But you don’t need to wait for the last month on the calendar to find CicLAvia-style fun; a CicLAmini is headed to Lincoln Heights in September while “The Heart of LA” is the theme for the October event.

“I’d prefer it to stay, yeah,” said Angel Arce, who lives across the street. “It’s better like this. We don’t have much of this anymore.”

The 14-acre tract is all that’s left of Bothwell Ranch, which was once a huge part of the Valley’s storied citrus crops. Early archival film footage often included Bothwell when citing how golden, sweet oranges convinced millions of people to migrate to California after the turn of the last century.

On Wednesday, LA City planning officials signaled that they will approve a project called “Oakdale Estates,” which will place 21 two-story homes on the site, requiring more than 1,137 remaining trees to be removed and destroyed.

Calls to Borstein Enterprises, the development company that bought the ranch, were not returned.

“I think they’re doing the right thing,” said Deven Tanna, whose home on Oakdale Avenue sits right next to the property’s northern border. “They’re nice, single family homes.”

But like many of his neighbors, he’s conflicted. He said he’ll miss the distinctive, sweet smell of orange blossoms every spring, followed by the clusters of fruit that would then appear.

The grove has long been a landmark in the neighborhood because it’s so unusual — a distinctive, rectangular patch of green with a few outbuildings, surrounded by suburban sprawl.

Efforts to have the property designated as a historical landmark, including an online petition, ultimately failed. But LA Councilman Bob Blumenfield did manage to get the new owners to preserve a few acres and a couple of hundred trees. The Mountain Recreations and Conservation Authority has been tasked with managing the site for “educational purposes.”

The kidnapping was reported at 7:07 p.m. Monday near Bradley and Oswald Street in Sylmar. A man got into a running vehicle and took off with the 10-year-old inside, according to police.

The child’s father said the truck was taken as he dropped something off at a neighbor’s house.

“I left the truck in the driveway and honestly it just happened in a second,” said the father, who wanted to remain anonymous.

Two men heard the father’s frantic cries and immediately jumped into action. Gernaro Cortes and his brother jumped in their vehicle and attempted to chase down the truck.

The two brothers said the man began driving erratically when he realized they were following him. Just when they thought they had lost him, they noticed the red truck ditched on Jessie Street in San Fernando with the child inside.

“I get out the car, I noticed there’s no guy there — I went straight to the kid, he was just shocked,” said Cortes. “He doesn’t really know me. He saw my brother and he was like ‘ok,’ he unlocked the car and I grab him and he just breaks down and I have two kids so I was just broken down.”

The boy was reunited with his father who was grateful for his neighbors who chased down the kidnapper and didn’t give up.

“Thank God, the boy is safe and sound because they rescued him in less than 20 minutes,” said the father.

No arrests were made and a description of the kidnapper was not immediately available. The LAPD is leading the investigation.

“These are crews that are doing multiple burglaries in a particular area,” Choi said. “They are hitting not just LA – but multiple cities.” 

His comments come as a Canoga Park shoe store became another victim of burglary early Tuesday morning. One of the suspects was arrested after ransacking the business.

LAPD investigators believe the recent burglary may be connected to others in the area, including the break-ins of a computer shop and a Tobacco store in Arleta.

Choi admitted that there has been a significant increase in burglaries in the area including Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills.

The LAPD is working with community volunteer patrols to help address the uptick in crimes, Choi said.

Last week, the LAPD hosted a safety meeting with those who live and work in the Valley.

“We take these crimes seriously – we need to know about them, so please report them be our eyes and ears,” Choi said.

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Karla Terron, the mother of two young boys, was found dead Dec. 17, 2022 on the side of the 99 Freeway in the community about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.

Early Wednesday, a suspect identified as 30-year-old Juan Figueroa, of San Fernando, was arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of Terron. Authorities said additional arrests are possible in connection with the killing.

On December 17, 2022, the deceased body of Karla Terron was discovered on the southbound State Route 99 freeway, Hosking Avenue off ramp, in the early morning hours. Please see the link below for further.https://t.co/h1AXEGIFZk pic.twitter.com/0YMoKDHPPb

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) April 16, 2024

Terron’s body was on fire when she was found at about 5 a.m. on the southbound side of the 99 Freeway near Hosking Road.

“Despite attempts to destroy evidence by setting her body on fire, the coroner determined that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.

Terron was seen Dec. 16, 2022 at a VFW Post in the 100 block of North Hagar Street in San Fernando, about 90 miles from where her body was discovered the next day. Terron had met friends at the San Fernando VFW, then went to a home in the northern San Fernando Valley community where authorities said she was killed.

Security cameras showed Figueroa and Terron together that night, authorities said.

Earlier this year, the sheriff’s department held a press conference to announce that a 2021 Honda CRV was used to transport Terron’s body from San Fernando to Bakersfield, where it was found engulfed in flames on the side of the road. Investigators found DNA evidence that indicated Terron body’s had been in the rear cargo compartment.

A photo of the SUV was displayed at a sheriff’s department news conference. The car did not belong to Figueroa, but was owned by someone identified as a person of interest in the case.

Figueroa was arrested at a home early Wednesday when homicide detectives served a warrant at about 5 a.m. in the 1500 block of Knox Street in San Fernando.

“We had members of our special enforcement bureau, who had to go in,” said Lt. Michael Modica, of the LA County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. “It was without incident. He did not resist, and he was taken into custody without incident.”

He was booked suspicion of murder and being held on $1 million bond.

Details about a motive in the killing were not immediately available. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration.

An initial court date was not immediately available.

Coco Tobacco in Arleta was the victim of an attempted burglary when the thieves crashed into the store, unaware of who was inside. After the store owner and employee fought off the criminals, the foiled thieves tried to flee in a getaway car but police were able to stop them minutes later, leading to two arrests.

The Arleta-area incident was just one of several burglaries in the Valley.

“The thieves – they had jammed the camera system,” said David Far, owner of TekDep.

According to Far, his computer store was broken into around 3 a.m. Surveillance footage captured a glimpse of the thieves before the cameras went dead. They ended up ransacking the store, stealing computers and logic boards.

“I’m just an average Joe,” Far said. “Why my shop? But, I don’t wish it on anyone else, too.”

Police believe the thieves also targeted Sneaker Hustle, loading a white van with stolen high-end shoes before ditching the vehicle.

“In the van, we were able to recover significant amount of sneakers from the Sneaker Hustle,” officials said. Items from TekDep were also found in the van.

Before the night was over, two pharmacies were also targeted; one in Sun Valley and the other in Valley Village.

Officials did not release the identities of those who were arrested in connection with the break-ins.

Three masked burglars broke into and stole cash from a Popeyes in Pacoima. Officers responded to the 13700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard around 1:46 a.m. but the robbers had left, leaving only a trail of broken glass.

The robbers were seen wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks.

Another Popeyes restaurant was burglarized in Mission Hills, about 15 minutes apart from the first location.

It’s unclear how much or what was taken from either location. It’s also unknown if both burglaries are connected.

Surveillance video from one robbery showed the moment someone broke in through a wall and grabbed the money from the cash register. 

Police said at least 10 businesses were hit in the last couple of nights, including three burglaries. Six of those businesses were vandalized. 

In one of those burglaries, the thief left a note saying “Sorry, need $ for drugs, won’t come back.”

It was not clear if the same person was behind all of the burglaries.

Bret Cohen said he was watching TV with his family Tuesday night in his recreation room when he got a call from a panicked neighbor at around 10:30 p.m.

“He said, ‘Three guys just hopped over your fence!’” Cohen said, adding he and his family had not heard anything. “They could have ran into my house. Thank goodness for Julian for coming out and saving the day.”

Julian, the helpful neighbor who flashed his paintball gun toward the group, said he thought the group of suspected criminals were targeting their neighborhood.

“I grabbed my paintball gun like a pepperball gun, and one of my brighter flashlights, hoping that would just scare them off,” Julian said.  

Security camera footage captured the group from running away in their getaway car.

Cohen, while he’s thankful to his brave neighbor, cannot help but to wonder what could have happened.

“Crazy. First of all, what was he thinking? These guys could have had guns. Second of all, what would happen if he wasn’t there?” Cohen said.

The neighbors both said even before the incident happened in their own backyard, they were concerned about a string of burglaries in the San Fernando Valley.

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Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman said it is her priority to “prevent this string of crimes from continuing.”

“The LAPD has been providing additional patrols in the area, which will be supplemented with support from volunteer reserves,” Raman’s office said in a statement.

Cohen, who also said he had multiple guns inside the home, said he’s beefing up security around his home.

“I just ordered some more security cameras. And my brother’s been a cop for 30 years. He gave me some advice on things to do,” the Tarzana neighbor said. “But the reality is that if someone wants to break in, they’re going to break in.”

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Street racers took over each intersection in massive street takeovers, lighting fireworks, performing car stunts.

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Drivers performed donuts and shot fireworks in chaotic scenes at multiple intersections.

Video even captured one pickup even losing a tire, but continuing to do burnouts on its rim, causing sparks to fly at the intersection of Devonshire Street and Woodman Avenue in Mission Hills.

Data from the LAPD shows that street racing and takeovers have increased in recent months. Between January and March more than 176 street races were reported — a 50% increase from the same period last year.

No injuries, arrests or citations were reported at the most recent street takeovers. The LAPD reports that they quickly tracked and shut down each incident.

Jesus Garcia Sotelo, a San Fernando Valley resident, is suspected of robbing at least seven taco trucks and a 7-Eleven store, said Cpt. Warner Castillo of the Los Angeles Police Department.

A total of eight robberies occurred between Sep. 8 and Sep. 21 in the Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Foothill and Mission areas, according to the LAPD. In all cases, a firearm was used to threaten the victims.

Authorities said they were able to recover evidence of the robberies, including a vehicle at Sotelo’s residence.

Sotelo faces eight counts of robbery with a handgun, two counts of attempted murder with a handgun and 10 counts of assault with a firearm. He is being held without bail.

Authorities believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact the LAPD’s North Hollywood Division at 818-754-8410. Anonymous calls may be made at 1-800-222-8477.

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“There are cameras strategically placed in different areas of the city … so what these cameras do is they capture vehicles as they are passing through intersections,” Chief  Fabian Valdez of San Fernando Police.

The technology allows police officers to find cars connected to crimes. Earlier this month the system helped police find a man who tried to kidnap and rape a 14-year-old girl at a bus stop on June 3. 

“We have had multiple leads since this inception of this program back in April that have led to a number of arrests including arrests for attempted murder kidnapping,” Valdez said. 

The system is a combination of digital photography and artificial intelligence. 

“It takes the captured license plate and it runs it through different law enforcement databases to see if the vehicle is associated with a missing person to see if the vehicle has been used in a crime,” Valdez said.

Using a vehicle as an example, Valdez was able to get valuable information.

“If we do this you can see all the different areas where the camera has picked him up,” Valdez. 

The system also sends real time data directly to every officer’s cell phones. These high-tech cameras are in use all across the Southland. 

But some argue the system is an invasion of privacy. The American Civil Liberties Union has called flock cameras a mass surveillance system and urges citizens to inquire how long non-hit license plate data is retained.

Some states like New Hampshire require police officers to delete data from regular citizens not wanted in a crime within three minutes. Here in California, that data is stored for 30 days.

Officers were dispatched at about 11:20 p.m. Saturday to the 900 block of Orange Grove Avenue regarding reports of multiple shooting victims, according to Lt. Walter Dominguez of the San Fernando Police Department. They located the suspect, who initially barricaded himself inside his home, Dominguez added.

Police discovered four gunshot victims at a residence, and a fifth victim who drove himself to a hospital was later located, Dominguez said.    

“During the standoff, the suspect is believed to have shot at the Los Angeles Police Department helicopter providing aerial support to officers on the ground,” he said.

The suspect, identified as Martin Rodriguez of San Fernando, was eventually taken into custody with the assistance of officers and deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s  Department as well as the Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena and Los Angeles police departments.

Rodriguez was booked on seven counts of attempted murder, one charge of criminal threats, one charge of shooting at an inhabited dwelling and one charge of shooting at an aircraft.

His bail was set at $9.8 million.

The condition of the shooting victims and the motive for the attack were not immediately clear.

Firefighters received a call of a fire at 4:17 p.m. at a home on the 7500 block of Craner Avenue. There, about 30 firefighters responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the blaze in under 15 minutes.

During the firefight, crews found one person in the home. It is unclear if that individual died as a result of the fire or if they were deceased prior to the blaze. Authorities did not release the identity of that individual.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The California Lottery announced Saturday that a ticket worth more than $2 million was sold in Sun Valley. According to the lottery, it was sold at a 7-Eleven located at 12500 Roscoe Boulevard.

There was no winner Saturday for the Powerball jackpot, which has now swelled to an estimated $800 million. The next drawing is scheduled for Monday.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, two teenagers were walking near the 1300 block of Carl Street on around 7 p.m. Jan. 8 when they were approached by suspects in a silver Dodge Charger. A brief conversation ensued, after which the front-seat passenger exited the vehicle and began shooting at the two teens, police said.

As the victims attempted to flee, two additional suspects also exited the vehicle and began firing shots at the teens, police said. One of the victims fell to the ground, and the front-seat passenger stood over him, firing more rounds, according to police. The second victim managed to escape, but sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.

The first teen — identified by family as 16-year-old Elmer Quintanilla — was pronounced dead at a hospital.

According to police, investigators searched multiple residences, “recovering several firearms and other pertinent evidence; arresting multiple suspects including all who fired upon the victims.”

Two juvenile suspects, who were not identified due to their age, were arrested Friday around 11:55 a.m. in the California City area near Mojave, police said. They were booked on suspicion of murder.

Giovanny Montesdeoca, 21, was arrested around 5 p.m. Friday near the 43500 block of Kirkland Avenue in Lancaster. He was booked on suspicion of murder and was being held without bail.

Jose Espinoza, 18, was arrested around 7 p.m. Monday in Oxnard, also on suspicion of murder, and was being held without bail, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting was urged to contact the LAPD Valley Bureau Homicide detectives at 818-374-9550. During non-business hours, calls should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

The investigation on Sunday was tied to a possible shooting that took place several days ago, according to the California Highway Patrol. The transition road at Laurel Canyon was closed as a result.

Aerial footage from NewsChopper 4 captured about three CHP officers casing the freeway lanes, searching for evidence.

Details surrounding the shooting were not immediately available. CHP said the lanes were reopened as of 5 p.m.

For a look at your traffic map, click here.

Albert Bantug, 33, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division, Illicit Pharmaceutical and Counterfeit Unit (IPCU) at approximately 11 a.m. on Thursday morning near the 20000 block of Vanowen Street in the neighborhood of Winnetka. 

Detectives found a semi-automatic loaded handgun that did not have a serial number or traceable information in the Bantug’s waistband during a search, according to a news release from the LAPD.

Rolex representatives examined the watches Bantug had been selling and found them to be counterfeit and in violation of the recorded and registered trademarks. He was arrested for ex-convict with a gun and trademark infringement and booked at Van Nuys Jail. 

Any individual with information regarding counterfeit crimes is encouraged to contact Commercial Crimes Detectives at 213-486-6940.

The California Lottery said a single ticket matching all six winning numbers in Saturday’s drawing was sold at a market in Northridge. The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 12, 17, 29, 10 and the Mega number was 20.

According to the lottery’s website, the lucky ticket was sold at Copacabana Market, which is located at 9643 Reseda Blvd. It is unclear how much the retailer will earn for selling the ticket.

A ticket matching five numbers, but missing the Mega number, was sold at a Circle K on Weir Canyon Road in Anaheim, the California Lottery said. That ticket is worth about $35,000.

Superlotto Plus’ next drawing will be on Wednesday.

A non-profit organization delivered meals to homebound seniors in the San Fernando Valley.

Blake Collins and Madison Haus, went out Thursday morning, making a quick stop at the home of Carol and Jack Fox to spread a little Thanksgiving cheer.

Like so many elderly people, Carol and Jack simply don’t get around much anymore.

Carol said she was in a bad car accident a couple of years ago, and getting behind the wheel to buy Thanksgiving dinner is still traumatic for her.

“I hate to drive, I get scared every time,” she said. 

Blake and Madison were joined on their errands by Madison’s mom, Jennifer Haus.

Haus runs the One Generation Senior Care Center in Encino.

One of their year-round specialties is bringing meals to people who, for whatever reason, can’t leave their homes on a regular basis.

“There might be people out there who, like, don’t have enough money to be purchasing food and stuff,” Blake Collins, a volunteer with One Generation said. 

Navy veteran William Beyermann received a low-sodium, low-sugar meal with all the fixings — turkey, cranberry, gravy and more.

For the first time since before the pandemic, the non-profit prepared 350 hot meals, then sent 35 volunteers and their families to do the deliveries.

For their efforts, they received only big smiles and heartfelt gratitude.

One generation says there’s an overarching message here — not just for the seniors they serve, but also the ones that may be in your life.

 The gentleman down the street who waves “Hi” but keeps to himself. The retiree who says her relatives all live out of state.

“Check on them, see how they’re doing, invite them over for thanksgiving dinner today,” Jennifer Haus said.

The Los Angeles Police Department said it received a call of a shooting at 7:41 p.m. and responded to the 13800 block of Tucker Avenue. There, two people were found dead from gunshot wounds.

LAPD described the victims as a man and a woman who appeared to be in their 50s. Their relationship, if any, was unclear.

Neighbors said they didn’t hear any commotion leading up to the shooting. A man told NBC4 that his brother was somehow involved in the incident.

“It’s really safe and calm and family-oriented,” one neighbor said. “Nothing ever happens here, so I have no idea.”

Paramedics were held outside for roughly an hour until law enforcement cleared the home. Police said three people were inside the residence when the gunshots rang out.

Two adults and an infant were removed from the home and are OK, according to LAPD.

The investigation is ongoing.

LAPD’s Van Nuys division responded to a report of a stabbing around 3:30 p.m. at Ulysses S. Grant High School. There, police found the teen suffering from injuries and the victim was taken to an area hospital. The severity of the 16-year-old’s wounds was not immediately clear.

Police are seeking five teenagers, believed to be between the ages of 15 to 18, in connection with the violence. The group was seen fleeing the scene in a white hatchback vehicle.

Details on what led up to the stabbing were not immediately clear. It is not known at this time if the victim and assailants are students of the school.

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In light of the violence, a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) spokesperson released the following statement:

The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. I am informing you about a stabbing incident involving a District student that took place at the perimeter of our campus after school today at approximately 3:30 pm. No other students or staff have been impacted by this incident and the campus is safe.

The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles School Police Department are investigating the incident and are working with the school to ensure the campus is safe. During any emergency, the safety of your children is our primary concern. All procedures are being implemented according to District policy. Our staff is well trained and regularly reviews all emergency procedures.  

Counseling services and support will be provided for students and staff impacted by this incident. In addition, we have made a request for additional support from the Los Angeles School Police department. Please feel free to contact us with any other questions/concerns. Once again, I want to thank parents for cooperating with the authorities, staff, and school administrators. We also thank the staff who responded quickly and professionally to ensure the safety of our entire school community.

Jesus Garcia Sotelo, a San Fernando Valley resident, is suspected of robbing at least seven taco trucks and a 7-Eleven store, said Cpt. Warner Castillo of the Los Angeles Police Department.

A total of eight robberies occurred between Sep. 8 and Sep. 21 in the Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Foothill and Mission areas, according to the LAPD. In all cases, a firearm was used to threaten the victims.

Authorities said they were able to recover evidence of the robberies, including a vehicle at Sotelo’s residence.

Sotelo faces eight counts of robbery with a handgun, two counts of attempted murder with a handgun and 10 counts of assault with a firearm. He is being held without bail.

Authorities believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact the LAPD’s North Hollywood Division at 818-754-8410. Anonymous calls may be made at 1-800-222-8477.

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One of the incidents came in as a call of a burglary at around 2:41 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Two men wearing hooded sweatshirts broke the glass at the entrance of Health Nut, a restaurant in Sherman Oaks. 

The restaurant is located at 4550 Van Nuys Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. 

The thieves took an item from the restaurant but police are not clear on what it was. 

They took off in a vehicle which police said was possibly a gray or silver Ford Fusion. 

Two other robberies happened at the NoHo West plaza in North Hollywood. 

According to LAPD, a call came in at around 4:27 a.m. of a burglary at the LA Fitness at NoHo West plaza. 

The LA Fitness is located at 6150 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in North Hollywood. 

Miscellaneous items were taken from the gym, but LAPD said they do not have information on the robbers or a vehicle. 

At 6:51 a.m., a call came in of a robbery at IceLink, a jewelry store also located in the NoHo West Plaza where the front window of the store was smashed. 

IceLink is located at 6140 Laurel Canyon Blvd. in North Hollywood.

Health Nut and the NoHo West plaza are about five miles apart, but police have not confirmed if the robberies were connected.

CicLAvia — Koreatown Meets Hollywood: *** CANCELED, check the site for more updates.*** Vine, Melrose, Western, and Wilshire are busy thoroughfares known to so many Southern Californians, but on Sunday, Aug. 20 the vehicular traffic will vamoose, all to make way for bicycles, rollerskates, and people eager to saunter down streets on foot. The free event has a few Metro stops along the way, making arriving/departing easier, and lots of great things to see/taste/experience along the vibrant way.

Labyrinth Masquerade: Our region is synonymous with spirited fantasy, thanks to our robust movie industry, but one of the fantastical events of the year flowers well beyond the studios’ gates. The ball, which will ethereally unfurl over two nights at The Biltmore, takes its inspiration from the 1986 film as well as the otherworldly worlds of elves, fairies, sprites, and goblins. The dates are Aug. 18 and 19, many attendees will stay at the DTLA hotel, and a Sunday tea? That’s happening (but is separately ticketed).

818 Day: Here’s to you, San Fernando Valley, and all of your flavorful, retro-fied, ultra-laidback, sweet ‘n easygoing ways. Your special holiday, 818 Day, falls on 8/18 each year, but Topanga Social will be celebrating you and your amazingness over three days, from Aug. 18 through 20. Tunes, arcade games, and a special display helmed by the Valley Relics Museum, one of the outfits behind the event (My Valley Pass is the other), will add Valley-esque oomph to the celebration.

Cinespia Slumber Party: The late-night offerings of this popular outdoor movie series don’t shimmer all that often, and when they do? Tickets tend to slip away as quickly as celluloid passes through a projector. So you’ll want to move as swiftly as The Bride if you’d like to attend “Kill Bill 1 +2” a Tarantino twosome set to flicker on Saturday, Aug. 19. As always, other cinematic delights, including a themed photobooth, will add an aura to Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Festival Runway Fashion Show: *** Rescheduled for Aug. 27 due to the storm *** The Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach is known for outlandish and exuberant creativity, it is true, but the togs seen at this annual strut are some of the most memorable creations of the summer-big celebration. Why? Each piece features recycle-ready items, from cans to bags. Gorgeous gowns covered in things that might normally be tossed are the stars, as is the inspiration — do more with everyday objects — that fills each fashion-forward ensemble. The Aug. 27 event is free with your festival admission, while close-up seats are additional.

Basking in the sheer San-Fernando-Valley-ness of one of the world’s most vivacious vales can be done 24/7/365, of course, but when 8/18 arrives?

That’s a whole different matter, of course, for Aug. 18 has become widely and wonderfully known as “818 Day,” an occasion for paying tribute to the Valley and all of its many charms.

The day’s catchy handle springs from the longtime area code, yes, but you don’t need to be an official 818-er to get into the swing of the celebration.

Visiting a business, restaurant, or favorite hangout in Tarzana, Northridge, or your go-to SVF spot is a fine way to show your devotion to all things 818.

But the 818-a-tude will rev especially high in Canoga Park, where Topanga Social will celebrate throughout the weekend.

For 8/18/23 is a Friday, meaning 818 Day will jumpstart three days of Valley-centered activities.

A vintage gallery presented by the Valley Relics Museum is one showy centerpiece, but you’ll want to also check out the arcade games, DJ tunes, and other upbeat happenings.

The Valley has long been synonymous with cinematic locations, so it won’t surprise any film fan that vehicles with film-strong cred will show up in the parking lot. A DeLorean will be there, “Back to the Future” lovers, and “Ghostbusters” fans will want to haunt the Ecto-1.

Food has always been central to the Valley’s sup-strong spirit, and several $8.18 specials will festoon the menus of the Topanga Social vendors.

The Shrimp Plate from Shrimp Daddy, a 1946 Pup from Tail o’ the Pup, and a Crispy Cheeseburger at Amboy are among the delish deals.

We adore you, dear Valley, and when 8/18 pops up on the calendar? We’ll be there, all to show our enduring loyalty to one of the greatest landscapes/food realms/culture-strong stretches anywhere.

The driver is suspected of stealing a vehicle in Ventura County, then started a pursuit that led to a crash that injured two officers in Toluca Lake.

News Chopper 4 showed images of the moment when the driver carjacked two vehicles at two different gas stations.

It was unclear exactly when and where the series of auto thefts began, but around 11 a.m., a pair of Los Angeles Police Department officers who were pursuing the suspect were injured in a traffic crash in the 10500 block of Riverside Drive, according to the LAPD.

The officers were both taken to a hospital in unknown condition, while the suspect fled the scene.

Early Wednesday afternoon, the suspect was spotted driving a white minivan through the San Fernando Valley, traveling at high speeds on the 118 Freeway, at times narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles.

An officer eventually managed to successfully deploy a spike strip that disabled at least one tire on the van.

The suspect pulled over near Tampa Avenue and Rinaldi Street in the Porter Ranch area and carjacked a white BMW sedan that was stopped at a gas station, continuing the chase.

Shortly before 2 p.m., with the BMW also appearing to be disabled, the suspect pulled into another gas station in the Woodland Hills area and stole another white minivan.

The suspect then headed west on the 118 Freeway, again hitting speeds over 100 mph, before reaching the Moorpark 23 Freeway, where he was boxed in by a trio of police cruisers, one of which the suspect struck while driving in reverse in an unsuccessful attempt to escape.

With the vehicle pinned on three sides, the suspect got out of the van and surrendered.

There was no immediate word of any other injuries during the crime spree, other than the officers in Toluca Lake.

The suspect’s name was not immediately available.

The expansion proposed by Rep. Judy Chu and Sen. Alex Padilla attempts to increase access and protections to the monument, which extends throughout the backyard of the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles.

Former President Barack Obama had previously designated the 346,177-acres of the San Gabriel Mountains in 2014.

The San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills and Rivers Protection Act would open the mountain up in areas of the San Fernando Valley where protected public lands are limited. It would also include protections for wildlife and any important historical areas.

The proposed expansion reaches areas near Sylmar and stretches all the way east to Sierra Madre. The act would also provide more resources to an area that is home to many popular hiking destinations like Eaton Canyon Falls near Pasadena.

According to the Nature For All coalition the San Gabriel Mountains makes up for 70% of Los Angeles County’s open space.

The expansion would not only expand the 109,143 acres but also:

• Establish the San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area for the San Gabriel and San Jose Foothills and the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers comprised of over 51,000 acres.
• Expand Wilderness area designations within the San Gabriel Mountains by 31,069 acres; and
• Designate 45.5 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in the San Gabriel Mountains.

In order to bypass congress which Democrats are urging President Biden to do, he would need proceed under the Antiquities Act of 1906 which grants legal protection of cultural and natural resources of historic of scientific interest. If passed, this would mark the fourth time that the Biden Administration establishes or expands a national monument without approval from congress.

“From increased access to nature for underserved communities, to protecting the source of one-third of LA County’s drinking water, Southern California’s economy, health, and environment will extensively improve from such a designation by @POTUS “ tweeted Rep. Judy Chu on Twitter.

Map: Find a vote center near you

Padilla, a community relations manager, led the seven-candidate field in the first round of voting April 4 with 25.65% of the vote but fell short of a majority, necessitating a runoff against Alcaraz, a City Council aide, who was second with 21.13%.

Here’s what to know about the special election.

Election Results: Click here for updates

How to vote in the LA City Council special election

District 6 consists of Van Nuys, Arleta, Lake Balboa, Panorama City, Sun Valley and the eastern portions of North Hills and North Hollywood. 

All registered voters in the district received a vote-by-mail ballot in late May, according to Los Angeles City Clerk Holly Wolcott. 

Voters can cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the following locations.

• Albert Piantanida Intergenerational Center at 9540 Van Nuys Blvd. in Panorama City
• Goodwill Southern California at 14565 Lanark St. in Panorama City
• Central Lutheran Church at 6425 Tyrone Ave. in Van Nuys
• LA Family Housing at 7843 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood
• Fernangeles Elementary School at 12001 Art St. in Sun Valley
• Bassett Street Elementary School at 15756 Bassett St. in Van Nuys
• Gault Street Elementary School at 17000 Gault St. in Van Nuys

The locations of the 14 vote-by-mail drop boxes which will be open through 8 p.m. Tuesday is available here.

Eligible residents who missed the registration deadline can still vote at any vote center. Under California election law, conditional voter registration allows a prospective voter to register and cast a ballot. 

Voters can track their ballots using “Where’s My Ballot,” a free subscription that sends automatic notifications by text, email or voicemail on the status of a ballot. 

About the candidates

Padilla has pledged to prioritize ”an immediate solution to the unhoused crisis because what is currently occurring is not working.”

“I will propose an emergency remediation of encampments, connecting the unhoused population to essential services that will support them in finding housing, employment, and health services,” Padilla says on her campaign’s website.

“I will work cohesively with all stakeholders, residents, non-profits organizations, religious leaders, business owners and health organizations to develop and implement sensible hyper-local solutions that make our communities safer, sanitary, and sustainable.”

Padilla was born in Van Nuys and raised in Sun Valley, graduating from Roscoe Elementary School, Byrd Middle School and Polytechnic High School. 

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She received a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree from Cal State Northridge. 

Alcaraz has said she “will prioritize helping people without homes off our streets and into housing, where they can get the care they need to get back on their feet.”

Alcaraz has said she supports conducting extensive outreach and having a “Housing First” approach. 

“We need to continue to invest in outreach teams, especially the multi-disciplinary teams that include a nurse and mental health professional,” she said.

Alcaraz has also called for using existing government property, including Metro parcels, to immediately build temporary shelter facilities; master lease existing buildings, including apartments and motels, to swiftly move people off of the streets; acquire vacant properties for long-term housing development; and create a Homeless Navigation Center where individuals can access services including case management, health care, job training, restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and storage. 

The 38-year-old Alcaraz is deputy chief of staff and environmental policy director to Ninth District Councilman Curren Price. She was raised in Lake Balboa and graduated from Birmingham High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine and a master’s degree from USC. 

Price is facing charges of embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest, and the Council’s Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee is mulling a motion to suspend Price that was put forth last week by Council President Paul Krekorian. The committee voted 3-0 Friday to delay any recommendations on Price’s possible suspension and wait to hear more information on what actions the Council could take.

Martinez represented the district until October, when she resigned first her Council presidency and then, two days later, her seat altogether after she was caught making racist comments in a meeting that was secretly taped and leaked to the news media.

The winner will finish Martinez’s term, which ends in December 2024.

Haz clic aquí para leer esta historia en español.

The victim, who police said was around 40 years hold, suffered multiple bullet wounds when gunshots rang out around 4:20 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Parthenia Street and Burnet Avenue in the North Hills neighborhood. He died at the scene.

Police described the shooter as a man in his 20s who was wearing a black hat, gray shirt and white shoes. He left the area on an electric scooter.

Neither the victim’s identity nor a possible motive was immediately released.