Latest news with #TobaccoandFirearms
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What's Next for Malibu?
What's Next for Malibu? originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Being Malibu city manager, a top public servant in local government, used to be a coveted job, one that pays as much as $270,000 a year working for a city blessed with caressing breezes, breathtaking views and access to some of the best surf breaks in the world. But these days, Malibu is struggling to fill the job. In fact, three civil servants who held the position, either in an official capacity or as an interim manager, have quit in the six months since the Palisades Fire ripped through the Malibu area in early January. The monstrous blaze began in the Santa Monica Mountains, and by the evening of Jan. 7, it was a molten hurricane that tore down the chaparral-covered canyons from the Palisades and hopped the Pacific Coast Highway toward the it was finally defeated, the fire had devoured 340 waterfront homes in Malibu and another 397 structures nestled closer to land. Three Malibu residents were among the dozen killed in the Westside wildfire. All the grief, the anger, the unimaginable loss and unique rebuilding challenges make it hard to retain political talent, city spokesperson Matthew Myerhoff tells Los Angeles.'It's very stressful work,' he says. 'We've been through the biggest disaster in the city's history.' Malibu, which is nestled alongside 21 miles of oceanfront framed by the Santa Monica Mountains, was founded in 1991 and set up to operate as a general law city, one that functions with a council-manager form of government. The five city councilors are elected at-large to serve four-year terms, and the mayor's office is rotated annually among those council members. The Malibu city manager acts as CEO, which makes the role a powerful one. The first city manager to go was Steve McClary, who went on vacation in November and never came back. Whether or not his decision to staycation elsewhere had anything to do with a civil lawsuit claiming a toxic work environment filed against the city by a former Malibu assistant planning director — naming McClary among the defendants — remains was replaced from within by Joseph Toney, who had been working as assistant city manager. He and deputy city manager Alexis Brown were thrust into top leadership roles. But that didn't last long. Brown quit in April, and within weeks Toney also announced his resignation after what he called in a statement, 'much deliberation and reflection.' Six months in, the cause of the Palisades Fire remains undetermined, as a team of federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms continues to comb through the burn zones to figure out what ignited the deadly blaze. Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins, who was appointed to the position in late April, calls the delay 'disappointing,' adding, 'It would be nice to find out where the source was.' In the meantime, the mayor says, the city is committed to welcoming back tourists and helping its 13,000 residents rebuild. Again. While Riggins, a lifelong Malibu resident, did not lose her home, many of her friends and neighbors did, and not for the first time. Some who saw their residences incinerated this year had rebuilt from the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which started at a property owned by Boeing — the Santa Susana Field Laboratory — and quickly spread to burn across nearly 100,000 acres, destroying homes on both sides of the Pacific Coast Highway. Then came the COVID shutdowns, which ruined many small businesses. It's hard not to feel like the Palisades Fire is part of an endless Sisyphean battle. 'Only, when the rock rolls back down in this place, it's usually on fire,' Malibu resident Joseph Coady tells Los Angeles. 'I just hope businesses can survive another round of this shit.' There are few Angelenos who haven't taken a ride down the PCH, stopping for a sunset cocktail at Moonshadows or picking out a fish for a leisurely waterfront dinner at Reel Inn. Those iconic Malibu spots were among the businesses reduced to ash, along with Cholada Thai, Rosenthal Winery and Caffe Luxxe. Lesser-known are the Malibu businesses forced to shutter even after the fires were extinguished, and the ongoing struggle other small, family-owned establishments are facing to stay alive. One of those business owners, Carter Crary of Malibu Divers, doesn't think the vacuum in City Hall leadership makes a damn bit of difference when it comes to the decimation of the business he co-owns with partner Barbara Gentile. In the long months before Memorial Day, when the PCH was shut down to anyone who didn't have a Pacific Palisades burn zone pass, business had come to a standstill. 'I don't get any more involved in city politics than I have to,' Crary says. 'They are as dysfunctional as other levels of government." During April and May, Crary says, his business was "pretty much dead in the water.' Even with the PCH open, what was once a peaceful and picturesque ride along the water has become a mini hell-scape of military checkpoints and debris removal that shuts off Malibu residents from their homes, even in the unscathed western side of the city. 'The Pacific Coast Highway is our lifeline,' Crary explains, adding that his shop has been a thriving part of the lifeblood of the PCH since 1969. 'Even the people who live here have a hard time getting to the shop.' Things are so bad Gentile set up a GoFundMe page that opens with a tinge of embarrassment. 'I never thought I'd be writing something like this, but life has a way of humbling us. Today, I'm reaching out for help — not just for myself, but for the heart of a community that has thrived through Malibu Divers for over 50 years,' she wrote. 'We've been a home for ocean lovers, adventurers, career development, and marine advocates. For decades, you've learned to dive with us, joined hands during beach clean-ups, or explored the wonders of the underwater world. Many of you are family, not just customers. You've been part of something larger — a community united by a deep passion for the ocean.' Not only has its business, and that of so many others, been financially gutted, there is also the emotional toll of seeing the sand littered with ash and debris, with the waterfront an eerie landscape of spiral metal staircases and brick fireplaces surrounded by rubble. And a toxic algae bloom — which scientists say is unrelated to runoff from the fires — has poisoned dolphins and sea lions who have washed ashore. All of it is psychologically taxing to those whose lives are centered around the ocean. 'It's stressful … heartbreaking,' Crary says. And disruptive, the city concedes. Even rebuilding in Malibu brings its own unique set of challenges in an environmentally sensitive city, making it difficult for people to return home and undergo the process of resurrecting their lives. 'Rebuilding here is tricky,' city spokesperson Myerhoff says. 'It's costly. Permitting is time consuming. Everything is tough.' New state regulations focused on speeding up the rebuilding process are in direct conflict with Malibu's strict zoning code for coastal building. 'There are so many quality-of-life issues,' Myerhoff Riggins believes that Malibu, which has long been the breezy upscale refuge of Hollywood A-listers like Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton, whose homes burned, will bounce back. It always does, she says. The city has set up a headquarters on a lot adjacent to City Hall dedicated solely to the concerns of residents who want to rebuild. It has a website to expedite answers to questions from anyone affected by the fires. Riggins says she has been heartened to see so many of her neighbors step up to help other neighbors. 'Malibu is incredibly resilient. People have lost homes before and come back to rebuild; they choose to rebuild because it's such a special our small little town.' Malibu has made significant progress, Riggins says. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has successfully cleared 221 beachfront properties, she said this week, and roughly 200 other properties in the city have been cleared as well.'We are grateful to the USACE for their hard work and dedication, and to our residents for their continued patience during this process,' said Riggins. 'This milestone represents the strength of our community partnerships and allows us to begin the next phases for rebuilding.' This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Would-be church attacker arrested upon release from medical facility, Texas cops say
A man who last November told North Texas police he planned to attack a church has been arrested and faces numerous charges, authorities said Thursday. Tino Napoleon Ross, 33, was detained after police in White Settlement found improvised explosives, guns and ammunition in his van during a traffic stop last fall, the Star-Telegram reported at the time. Ross was arrested Wednesday after he was released from a medical facility in Wichita Falls, police said in a news release. He has been charged with possession of prohibited weapons, unlawfully carrying weapons, and resisting arrest, search or transportation, police said. Investigators believe Ross planned to attack a relative's home in White Settlement and that he was researching other locations, including places of worship, to attack, according to the statement. Officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted a search at Ross' home in Oklahoma and seized materials that were used to build the explosive devices, police said. The ATF is evaluating the case for federal review that could result in additional charges, according to the statement. The FBI Dallas Joint Terrorism Task Force also helped with the investigation and interviewed the suspect. White Settlement police initially responded to the 9200 block of Jason Lane at about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 26, 2024, after receiving a call from a neighbor about a suspicious vehicle, the Star-Telegram previously reported. When police arrived, they found Ross experiencing a mental health crisis. He had a handgun in his lap, officials said at the time. A search of the van revealed the IEDs and other weapons including a rifle and an AR-style pistol, police said. Ross is being held in Wichita Falls and will eventually be transported to the Tarrant County Jail. White Settlement police will hold a news conference on Friday to release video and more details from the investigation.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Four adults, three juveniles charged in connection with gun thefts at Wolcott sports store
Seven people, including three juveniles, have been arrested in connection with a burglary at a sporting goods store in Wolcott where a stolen vehicle was used to ram the front of the building before nine guns were stolen. The suspects were arrested Tuesday by members of the Bristol Police Department following a multi-agency investigation that involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, according to police. Three of the suspects, all 16-year-olds from Bristol, were turned over to the Wolcott Police Department where they faced additional charges. According to Wolcott police, the teens were identified as the three suspects who burglarized the Sportsmen's Outpost on Wolcott Road on April 18. Officers responded to the store at 5:24 a.m. when a burglary alarm went off and found that a blue Hyundai sedan that was reported stolen in Bristol was used to ram the front of the store. Nine handguns were taken as the thieves were allegedly seen on video surveillance committing the burglary, police said. Police said a stolen Kia was used as a getaway vehicle and that a number of area law enforcement agencies were notified of the stolen guns, as well as the ATF and the Waterbury State's Attorney's Office. Police said they learned during the investigation the same suspects had allegedly committed a burglary earlier in the day at an empty store in Wolcott that used to be a gun store. A description of the Kia that the suspects left in was shared with law enforcement throughout the state. During the investigation, police said they were led to Waterbury where a 16-year-old claimed that he had accidentally shot himself in the hand while he was in Bristol, where he resides. Bristol police also notified Wolcott investigators that they found the stolen Kia in a small lake. Inside the Kia, authorities allegedly found a handgun with an obliterated serial number, police said. Investigators also learned that one of the stolen guns, which was possibly used in the accidental shooting, was tossed in a river in Bristol, Wolcott police said. A 9mm handgun was recovered with assistance from the Connecticut State Police dive team. Over the course of five days after the burglary, Wolcott police said their investigators along with ATF agents and Bristol police carried out multiple search warrants, interviewed numerous people and conducted surveillance. The investigation led to the three juveniles being identified as the suspects believed to have stolen the guns. According to police, the juveniles, which included the teen who accidentally shot himself, are suspected of stealing the guns with plans to sell them on the streets. Eight of the nine guns have been recovered. Wolcott police said they are still working to recover the last firearm. Authorities also learned during the investigation that family members and friends of the juveniles are believed to have helped them following the burglary. Those alleged crimes occurred in Bristol. Bristol police on Tuesday arrested four adults and the three teens after obtaining warrants for them. One of the juveniles was arrested on charges of conspiracy to steal a firearm, conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, illegal transfer of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit and operating without a license. Another teen was charged with risk of injury to a minor, police said. The third juvenile faces charges of conspiracy to steal a firearm, conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, criminal trover, larceny of a motor vehicle, illegal transfer of a firearm, operating without a license, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and tampering with evidence. The teens were turned over to Wolcott police after they were charged by Bristol investigators. Wolcott police said they face 10 counts of weapons in a motor vehicle and stealing a firearm, two counts of first-degree burglary and conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary and a single count of first-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, conspiracy at stealing a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and illegal alteration of a firearm identification number. The suspects who allegedly helped the teens have been identified as 45-year-old Alvin Martinez, 20-year-old Shane Erdmann, 18-year-old Makiah Henry and 36-year-old Jessica Henry all of Bristol, according to police. Martinez faces charges of illegal transfer of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, tampering with evidence and operating while under suspension. Erdmann has been charged with illegal transfer of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, tampering with evidence and improper storage of a firearm. Makiah Henry faces charges of illegal transfer of a firearm and tampering with evidence. Jessica Henry has been charged with tampering with evidence. 'I want to commend not only the Wolcott detectives and officers that investigated this burglary, but also the members of the ATF, the Bristol Police detectives and officers, the Connecticut State Police, the Waterbury Police Department and the Waterbury State's Attorneys Office,' Wolcott police said in a statement. 'They did not rest until the guns were recovered and charges were made,' police said. 'It was because of their hard work, dedication and commitment to keeping their citizens safe, that we were able to remove nine handguns off the street to prevent harm and possibly death to others. I also want to acknowledge and thank the public in Wolcott, Waterbury and Bristol for their assistance with providing us with videos surveillance footage.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Controlled burn could help figure out how the Palisades Fire started
A controlled fire test being conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms that began Tuesday night may help investigators figure out the root cause of the devastating Palisades Fire. The testing is taking place in an isolated part of the Santa Monica Mountains just north of Pacific Palisades in the area where the fire was thought to have started. One theory investigators have is that a hotspot from a small fire that broke out on New Year's Day could be the root cause of the Palisades Fire. Although the flames were put out in a matter of hours, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an underground hot spot igniting six days after the initial fire. Search for Los Angeles homicide suspect turns 'very worrisome' Nearby residents have received confirmation from officials, including L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, that the controlled burn being conducted will be constantly monitored. 'I hope people understand that they will be safe. This is completely controlled,' Bass said. 'I would anticipate – but I don't have specific information – that the ATF will announce the results in a couple of months.' One neighbor told KTLA that while the reassurance was comforting, the thought of another fire near his forever-altered community made him slightly uneasy. 'It's more comforting to know that they have [fire crews] here,' said Larry Vein. 'They are [conducting the controlled burn] in an isolated area…[but] for the community, who has gone through this trauma, it's better to have more information and know in advance.' The controlled burn testing will wrap up on Thursday night, according to the ATF. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Controlled fire testing to be conducted in Santa Monica Mountains
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms will be conducting controlled fire testing in the Santa Monica Mountains starting Tuesday. In a media advisory, Los Angeles Fire Department officials confirmed that the controlled burn would take place along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak. The testing will last from Tuesday evening until Thursday. Bear roaming Southern California neighborhood for over a week has residents on edge 'While this scientific testing will periodically include open flame in a small area that may be visible at a distance, it does not involve the burning of vegetation,' officials explained. 'LAFD personnel will be present before, during and after all testing to ensure public safety and environmental protection.' Nearby residents are advised not to call 911 if they see smoke or small testing flames that may be visible in the area between Tuesday and Thursday. Due to remote terrain and logistics, there will be no public or media access to the area. Aircraft and drone pilots are instructed to follow FAA-issued restrictions for local airspace. The area where the controlled burn is happening is near where the devastating Palisades Fire broke out on Jan. 7. It burned for 24 days, charred more than 23,000 acres and killed 12 civilians, according to Cal Fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
