Latest news with #LosAngelesSheriff
The Guardian
29-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Malibu hires private security for wildfire zones as coastal highway reopens
Nearly five months after wildfires tore through Los Angeles, killing dozens of people and destroying thousands of homes, the city of Malibu has hired private security to protect burned lots and vacant homes in the wake of the disaster. The city council voted last week to contract with a private security firm to provide 24/7 armed patrols in areas affected by the recent fires as a section of the Pacific Coast Highway reopens for the first time since the fire. The security patrols will work alongside the Los Angeles sheriff's office 'to ensure continuous public safety coverage during a critical recovery phase', the city said in a statement. 'Fire-damaged areas face heightened risks of burglary, vandalism, and theft – particularly of construction materials – as many properties remain vacant during rebuilding.' Under the $260,000 contract that began 23 May, four patrol units will deploy in the area for 30 days. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles sheriff's department plans to intensify 'looter suppression efforts', the city's statement said. Looting has been a near constant concern for residents since the January blazes devastated the region, leaving 30 people dead and, destroying nearly 17,000 structures from Altadena in the east to Pacific Palisades in the west, and costing billions of dollars. Dozens of people were arrested in evacuation zones during the fires. The additional security in Malibu began as the Pacific Coast Highway reopened ahead of Memorial Day weekend in what officials described as an important milestone in the area's recovery from the worst fires in its history. Recovery efforts in the city have been moving quickly as the governor has moved to speed up rebuilding and reduce permitting requirements. Workers have cleared hazardous materials from more than 9,000 properties in 'record time', the governor's office said in a statement. For months the Pacific Coast Highway was open only to residents and emergency workers. Officials promised a 'robust security presence' would continue after the highway reopened and LA's mayor, Karen Bass, ordered police to maintain increased patrolling in the Pacific Palisades, as well as checkpoints staffed 24 hours a day.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- CBS News
Off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy killed in multi-car crash in Santa Clarita identified
The 21-year-old off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy who was killed in a multi-car crash in Santa Clarita has been identified as Deputy Daniel V. Chavira, authorities say. Chavira died after being airlifted from a three-car crash on San Francisquito Canyon Road south of Dry Gulch, Saugus, the California Highway Patrol said. Four other people were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Deputy Daniel V. Chavira joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in May 2024 and was assigned to the North County Correctional Facility. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department The sheriff's department said that Chavira joined the department in May 2024, after graduating from Academy Class 476 and was assigned to the North County Correctional Facility. "He is survived by his father Rodrigo Valencia, his two brothers, Rodrigo Valencia and Deputy Rene Valencia-Chavira, who works at Lancaster Station, and his wife Deputy Crystal Valencia, who works at San Fernando Court," the sheriff's department said. "His sister Detective Nancy Alcaraz and her husband, Deputy Martin Alcaraz, who both work at Palmdale Station." It is unclear how the crash occurred, and the CHP is continuing to investigate the incident. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our own, who was taken from us far too soon," said Sheriff Robert Luna in a statement. "Our Deputy dedicated his life to the service and safety of others, both in and out of uniform. His commitment to public safety was not just a job—it was who he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him." A procession was held for Chavira Monday night in Santa Clarita. Several agencies lined the streets, paying their respects to the fallen deputy.
