Week of December 18, 2025
Week of December 18, 2025
The Culver City Police Department created an unforgettable evening for 10 local families through a special Heroes & Helpers community outreach event, focused on building trust, fostering understanding, and making positive, lasting memories. The evening began with dinner at BJ's Restaurant, proudly provided by the Culver City Police Department, where officers and families sat side-by-side, sharing meals and conversation. From there, families were treated to a shopping spree at Target, made...
Around 8:45 p.m., Thursday night, December 18 Culver City Police officers stopped a vehicle near Sepulveda Blvd. and Slauson Ave. for a dangerous driving violation. During the stop, officers discovered more than $2k worth of stolen clothing inside the car, taken earlier from six different stores at nearby shopping center. Both occupants were arrested for organized retail theft. The driver is currently on post-release supervision for a prior robbery offense and was taken into custody without...
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that 32-year-old Nick Reiner was charged today with murdering his parents, Hollywood luminary Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner, over the weekend at the couple's Brentwood home. "Prosecuting cases involving family violence are some of the most challenging and heart-wrenching we face because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes," District Attorney Hochman said. "Rob Reiner was one of the...
In the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® today announced a comprehensive complimentary ticket program designed to support and uplift residents who were affected by the recent wildfires. This initiative reflects the Association's continued commitment to honoring the strength, resilience and unity demonstrated by impacted communities throughout the region. "As our neighbors continue the hard work of recovery, we want to offer moments of joy, connection...
I am incredibly honored and deeply humbled to accept the position of City Manager for this remarkable City. Thank you for the faith and trust you have placed in me to take on this vital responsibility. I want to begin by recognizing the outstanding leadership of my predecessor John Nachbar and the dedicated work of our entire City staff. Their professionalism and commitment are the reason this organization is so successful and widely regarded as a model for others. I approach this role with...
During a recent traffic stop of a vehicle with no license plates that committed a hazardous moving violation near Culver Blvd. and Motor Ave., officers discovered a driver and passenger involved in multiple criminal offenses. The driver had no license and was found with methamphetamine, baggies of 100+ fentanyl pills, pepper spray he was not legally allowed to possess, and several checks belonging to different people (none of them in his name). The passenger also had an outstanding warrant with...
Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) announced today the appointment of Dr. Matthew Jordan as Interim President of West Los Angeles College. Dr. Jordan currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Los Angeles Valley College, where he has led the institution to three consecutive years of enrollment growth and secured over $8.99 million in grants since 2022. Dr. Jordan brings nearly two decades of progressively responsible administrative experience within California...
After just over nine years serving as President of West Los Angeles College, Dr. James M. Limbaugh announced he is retiring from his post. Replacing him as Interim President is Dr. Matthew Jordan who has been the Vice President of Academic Affairs at sister college Los Angeles Valley College. Dr. Limbaugh's last day on campus was December 16. At a campus celebration - filled to overflowing - faculty, staff, student representatives and representatives from the WLAC Foundation turned out to wish...
The City of Torrance has announced the appointment of Ted Stevens as the City's new Community Services Director effective December 15. Stevens' appointment follows the announcement by current Community Services Director John La Rock of his upcoming retirement. La Rock will continue serving in his role until Stevens officially assumes the position, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition in leadership. Torrance City Manager Aram Chaparyan stated, "After an extensive and highly competitive...
Thank you to everyone who visited The Plunge pool this year. In 2025, we recorded over 84,000 visits. Starting Sunday, December 14th, The Plunge will undergo annual maintenance to ensure it is ready to go for the community in 2026. It will reopen on Sunday, January...
Do you know someone age 50+ who is doing amazing things in Culver City? The Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department is asking for nominations for the Culver City honoree at the 2026 Los Angeles County Older Americans Month celebration in May. About the Nomination Criteria: • Nominee must be a resident of Culver City. • Nominee must be age 50 and above. • Nominator must provide a brief written description of nominee. • Nominations will be reviewed by a...
Stephanie Loredo was elected president of the Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) Board of Education. She is the first Filipino American woman to hold the top leadership position on a governing board in Culver City and the broader Westside Los Angeles region. In her new role as president, Loredo will set the school district's agenda to increase student achievement, generate monetary resources, and strengthen community relations. Since joining the CCUSD Governing Board in 2022, Loredo...
rOn Monday, Culver City marked a historic moment as the City Council selected new leadership in front of a large crowd within the Mike Balkman Council Chambers. Council Member Freddy Puza was unanimously voted to become Culver City's Mayor for 2026, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ Mayor in Culver City's 108-year history. Mayor Puza was first elected in 2022 as a City Council Member. He will serve as Mayor for a 12-month term. Council Member Bubba Fish was unanimously voted to become Vice...
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang today announced the signing of three new state laws that deliver major property tax relief for homeowners and small businesses impacted by the catastrophic January wildfires that devastated communities in Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas. The new measures provide additional time and flexibility for property owners to rebuild while preserving their property tax protections. "California already offers property tax relief programs for...
Department officers responded to the report of an armed robbery at a motel located at the 13400 block of Washington Boulevard. Police were on scene and quickly launched an investigation. Initial investigation indicates that at approximately 8:46 p.m., the victim's vehicle arrived in the motel parking lot. Shortly after, two separate suspect vehicles entered the lot, and five suspects exited the vehicles and ran toward the victim's motel room. The suspects, armed with handguns, ransacked the...
More than one-third (36 percent) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January. With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) strongly encourages everyone to keep the festive memories and remove the hazards by disposing of Christmas trees promptly after the holiday season. "As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they're large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious...
Significant new California laws include a statewide minimum New California wage laws for 2026 New wage6age increase to $16.90/hour, bans on certain employment contract clauses (like repayment for training), stricter rules for food delivery platforms (tips vs. base pay), new requirements for health plans (fertility, preventive care), and the effective end of single-use plastic carryout bags at stores, mandating paper or reusable bags. Other changes impact car sales (3-day returns), rental...
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would make it a federal crime to provide gender-affirming medical care, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries, to individuals under the age of 18.H.R. 3492. Titled the "Protect Children's Innocence Act" and sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), amends existing federal law on female genital mutilation to classify certain gender-affirming procedures and treatments as "genital or bodily mutilation" or...
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® has announced lineup for the Grand Finale of the 137th Rose Parade® presented by Honda on Thursday, January 1. This spectacular celebration will feature an electrifying performance by the Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling artist, Capital Cities and DEK of Hearts, America's newly crowned Mic Drop winner on NBC's "The Voice." The 2026 Rose Parade concludes with a vibrant, high-energy finale as Capital Cities unleashes their multi-platinum global...
1. Los Angeles Rams (11-3): The Rams clinched a playoff berth with a 41-34 win over the Lions at SoFi Stadium. The Rams offensive juggernaut rolled through the Lions defense for 519 yards in offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 368 yards and two touchdowns, wide receiver Puka Nucoa had nine receptions for 181 yards. Next: +1.5 at Seattle Seahawks - Thu, Dec. 18, 5:15 PM PT – O/U: 42.5 (ATS: 10-4 – O/U: 7-7) Win probability: 48.0% 2. Denver Broncos (12-2): The Broncos extended...
For the first time in a decade, the Kansas City Chiefs will not be in the playoffs and the team most responsible for their failure to make the NFL Playoffs in 2025 is the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs season started with a loss to the Chargers and the Chargers officially ended the Chiefs playoff hopes with a loss last Sunday, 16-13 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs opened the season with a 27-21 loss to the Chargers on a Friday night in early September in São Paulo, Brazil....
The Los Angeles Rams became the first NFL team to clinch a playoff berth this season with a 41-34 comeback win over the Detroit Lions last Sunday at SoFi stadium in Week 15. Now the NFC's number one seed is preparing for a much-anticipated clash with the Seahawks for this week's Thursday Night Football matchup in Seattle. With three games remaining in the regular season both NFC West teams are in a virtual tie with 11-3 records for the Division title with the Rams holding the tie-breaking edge...
Despite preseason rankings, early injuries, and the challenge of integrating multiple new transfers, the USC men's basketball team has opened the season with one of the strongest starts in the country. Through 12 games, the Trojans sit at an impressive 11–1, a record that reflects not only talent, but resilience, adaptability, and leadership during adversity. Head coach Eric Musselman acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding USC's start made the team's early success far from...
After playing Western Conference contenders down to the wire on the road in their previous two games, losing by two to the Rockets and by three to the Timberwolves, the Clippers returned home and were routed by the Grizzlies, 121–103 last Monday night. Any momentum they might have been building disappeared quickly. Memphis' bench outscored the Clippers' reserves 47–36, and Ivica Zubac was held to 3-of-6 shooting in 36 minutes as Los Angeles struggled to find consistency. The loss marked the...
LOS ANGELES-USC junior wide receiver Makai Lemon was named the winner of the 2025 Biletnikoff Award, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced today (Dec. 12). The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wing back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. Lemon was announced as the winner during The Home Depot College...
Lauren Betts is stepping into a rare space where the present and future of women's basketball collide and she's embracing every moment of it. Speaking via Zoom last week during a USA Basketball media call, Betts reflected on the opportunity to compete alongside some of the game's best while still anchoring a top-ranked UCLA program. Throughout the conversation, she consistently pointed back to the foundation built under UCLA head women's basketball coach Cori Close and how UCLA continues to...
Last Saturday night at the Galen Center on the USC campus it felt bigger than a typical regular-season game. It was a statement night for women's basketball - a sold-out crowd, national attention, and a high-stakes matchup between two storied programs as No. 1 UConn faced No. 16 USC. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the moment lived up to the hype despite the Trojans 79-51 loss. Fans packed the arena early, many rocking brand-new Kobe sneakers in a fitting tribute to excellence and...
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As Cantalini's Salerno Beach Restaurant approaches their 26th Anniversary (Jan. 2, 2026), they take a moment to reflect on the wild and incredible journey in Playa del Rey. Owner Lisa feels such deep gratitude towards the many amazing customers for their support over the years. Everyone at Cantalini's takes great pride in offering bountiful Italian cuisine with a welcoming smile. The warm ambiance and the genuine commitment to providing excellent service has made this restaurant a local...
The Santa Monica College (SMC) Music Department is pleased to present the SMC Voice Showcase, an evening concert featuring a selection of talented SMC voice students performing songs from a variety of genres. The concert will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in The Edye at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica. Led by directors Janelle DeStefano and Jeremiah Selvey Convento, SMC's advanced voice students will perform classical, opera,...
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters: BEACH AREA WARNINGS: · Strand Street extension at Santa Monica State Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from Lifeguard Tower #24. · Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach 100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms. · Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu 100 yards up and down the coast from the...
Catherine "Cathy" Zermeño, a lifelong Culver City resident whose kindness, civic spirit, and love for her family shaped generations of local life, passed away peacefully at the age of 99. Born on August 21, 1926, Cathy grew up in Los Angeles and married her beloved husband, George Zermeño, in 1944 at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Culver City, where they raised their two children, Christopher and Melissa, and built a life filled with love, laughter, and deep...
If you have already filed your DBA and it needs to be published, just scan the front page of the certified copy and email it to: publisher@culvercityobserver.com. We will publish it for 4 weeks. After the final run we will file a Proof of Publication with the county clerk. Our fee is $59. Be sure to include your phone number so we can call you for payment .I need to have this information to prepare the paperwork for your DBA: 1. Name you’ve selected for your business 2. Any additional names...
