Los Angeles Magazine

A $2.7M jewelry heist in broad daylight, captured on camera! Discover how the robbers were caught. Would you ever flaunt stolen goods online?

Long Beach Man Connected to Messy Beverly Hills Jewelry Heist Pleads Guilty Long Island Robbery Crew Smashed Into Jewelry Store With Axes, Sledgehammers, Crowbars for Heist Worth Millions, Only Their Getaway Was Anything But Clean

Matthew Bowyer, a 49-year-old bookie from Orange County, has agreed to plead guilty to running an illegal gambling operation cherished by professional athletes, including an unknown MLB player and Shohei Ohtani's former translator, Ippei Mizuhara.

This elaborate scheme brought in over $4 million in unreported income in just one year and involved placing bets for more than 700 clients.

Mizuhara admitted to defrauding Ohtani of nearly $17 million to cover his gambling debts and was caught placing at least 19,000 bets with Bowyer's outfit.

As a result, Mizuhara pled guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion and is set to face sentencing on October 25, with expected deportation back to Japan following his prison term.

https://lamag.com/sports/orange-county-bookie-who-took-bets-from-dodger-star-ohtanis-translator-makes-deal

In a landmark event, President Biden announced the release of four U.S. citizens from Russian jail on Thursday.

The intricate negotiations, which involved multiple countries, culminated in the freedom of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

All had been held on disputed espionage charges.

This sweeping prisoner exchange included 24 detainees across six nations and took place in Ankara, Turkey.

It highlights the pressing role of global diplomacy and cooperative relations among countries.

President Biden lauded the allies who supported the U.S. throughout the painstaking negotiations.

https://lamag.com/news-and-politics/prisoner-exchange-with-russia-frees-wall-street-journal-reporter-us-marine-and-others

Southern California is set for another round of sweltering temperatures as a formidable high-pressure system moves in from Texas.

Meteorologists predict daytime highs to soar into the triple digits from Thursday through Monday across the San Fernando Valley, the Inland Empire, and the High Deserts, while coastal areas and the L.A. Basin will experience temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s.

Adding to the concern, monsoonal moisture may trigger thunderstorms in the mountains and Antelope Valley by the weekend.

This weather event follows recent record-setting temperatures in the region, highlighting the ongoing trend of extreme heat.

How are you dealing with the heatwaves?

At a Senate hearing, Acting Director of the Secret Service, Ronald Rowe Jr., expressed deep shame over security failures that allowed a gunman to fire shots at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania.

The shooter killed a firefighter, wounded two others, and narrowly missed Trump. Rowe, who took over after Kimberly Cheatle was ousted, vowed to uncover the reasons behind these lapses.

He detailed how the Secret Service ignored warnings and allowed Trump to take the stage, despite suspicious activity notices.

Rowe's transparency has sparked intense scrutiny and promises of a thorough investigation into the incident.

What do you think?

https://lamag.com/politics/secret-service-director-ashamed-of-security-failures-at-trump-rally

Simone Biles, now the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, won gold in Paris and simultaneously responded to criticism from former teammate Mykala Skinner.

After Skinner questioned the talent and work ethic of Team USA gymnasts, Biles posted an Instagram message implying that success can come from hard work and talent.

Skinner's comments, which blamed a lack of depth in Team USA on the training environment, were quickly met with backlash, prompting her to delete her video and apologize.

Despite the tension, Biles' outstanding performance and praise from figures like Barack Obama highlight her enduring legacy in gymnastics.

Have you been watching the Olympic games?

https://lamag.com/sports/gold-medalist-simone-biles-in-olympic-beef-with-former-teammate

Discover the best running clubs in Los Angeles that mix fitness with socializing!

From the celeb-spotted Venice Run Club to the beginner-friendly Koreatown Run Club, L.A.'s running groups offer something for everyone. Join a community of enthusiasts who make miles fly by.

Looking to train for a race or just maintain a healthy lifestyle? Check out groups like Good Vibes Track Club and Midnight Runners.

Have you joined a run club yet?

https://lamag.com/style/los-angeles-run-clubs-midnight-runners

Discover the best running clubs in Los Angeles that mix fitness with socializing! From the celeb-spotted Venice Run Club to the beginner-friendly Koreatown Run Club, LA's running groups offer something for everyone. Join a community of enthusiasts who make miles fly by. Looking to train for a race or just maintain a healthy lifestyle? Check out groups like Good Vibes Track Club and Midnight Runners.

A Rundown of L.A.'s Most Popular Run Clubs From Good Vibes Track Club to Midnight Runners, L.A. jogging groups offer fitness and friendship

LATEST: In a disturbing turn of events, 14 individuals were arrested and 10 victims rescued in a human trafficking sting operation during Comic-Con in San Diego.

The operation, orchestrated from July 25-27, targeted s*x buyers and traffickers exploiting the massive fan event.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized that s*x traffickers exploit large events for profit but assured that their behavior won't be tolerated.

The coordinated effort involved multiple agencies including the DOJ, FBI, and Homeland Security.

Authorities posted undercover ads and acted as buyers to catch offenders.

Among the victims were nine adults and one juvenile, who received immediate support from dedicated service advocates.

Fred Segal, an iconic fashion retailer in Los Angeles, has closed its last remaining stores in West Hollywood and Malibu.

The brand, known for its casual-chic California style, struggled to recover post-COVID.

Once a hotspot for celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Paris Hilton, Fred Segal could not sustain operations following its 2019 sale to Global Icons and the pandemic's impact on retail.

Owner Jeff Lotman had ambitious plans to expand nationally but was forced to focus on day-to-day store operations instead.

The lack of self-branded products and over-reliance on other retailers' products further contributed to its downfall.

Despite closing its doors, hopes remain for a revival, with the Segal family seeking new operators to continue Fred Segal's legacy.

More info at the link below:
https://lamag.com/fashion/fred-segal-closes-last-two-stores

LATEST: Mayor Karen Bass has formed an Entertainment Industry Cabinet, engaging top Hollywood executives to address the challenges faced by the industry in Los Angeles.

With a significant decline in local film and TV productions, the Mayor emphasizes the urgency of maintaining Hollywood jobs and keeping productions local.

This initiative comes at a crucial time when FilmLA, the nonprofit responsible for issuing film permits, has increased its fees by 4% due to rising operational costs.

The Cabinet aims to streamline permitting processes and ensure the city supports rather than hinders production efforts.

Have you been impacted by the decline in local productions?

https://lamag.com/news/mayor-karen-bass-forms-entertainment-industry-cabinet-tapping-hollywood-execs-to-save-jobs

LATEST: Mayor Karen Bass forms a new Entertainment Industry Cabinet with Hollywood execs to combat the decline in local film productions and rising FilmLA fees. Learn more about this critical initiative below 👇

Mayor Karen Bass Launches Ambitious Plan to Save Hollywood Jobs Mayor Karen Bass Forms Entertainment Industry Cabinet, Tapping Hollywood Execs To Save Jobs

Ready for the ultimate L.A. experience with our Best of LA list?! Whether you’re craving a scenic hike, a daring burlesque show, or the toughest boxing gym, we've got it all. Dive into the city's flavors with top picks from boba to lobster rolls to vegan treats. Need lashes that love your lids, dazzling skin art, or sneakers that scream victory? All the details will launch tomorrow, but until then, check out the artist behind the 2024 Best of L.A. cover at the link in comments.⁠

📕 Cover Art by Guerin Swing
🎨 Creative Direction by Ada Guerin
📚 Deputy Editor Jasmin Rosemberg
📱 Social Media/Digital: Andrew Curry

And we're warning you about the safety of the water at SoCal beaches... again.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued warnings for twelve beaches due to elevated bacteria levels. (List Below)

Residents are advised to avoid swimming, surfing, and other activities in these areas to mitigate health risks.

The beaches affected include prominent spots like Santa Monica Pier and Malibu Lagoon.

These warnings come after bacteria levels at these beaches were found to exceed health standards.

Residents can access updates on the Beach Closure Hotline or online for the latest information: 1-800-525-5662

1️⃣ Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach [entire swim area]
2️⃣ Walnut Creek at Paradise Cove [entire swim area]
3️⃣ Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach [entire swim area]
4️⃣ Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach [100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps]
5️⃣ Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach [entire swim area]
6️⃣ Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove [100 yards up and down the coast from the Paradise Cove Pier]
7️⃣ Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro [entire swim area]
8️⃣ Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach [entire swim area]
9️⃣ Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu [100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon]
🔟 Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach [100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms]
1️⃣1️⃣ Santa Monica Pier [100 yards up and down the coast from the pier]
1️⃣2️⃣ Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey [entire swim area]

The warning was lifted for:

Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach.

South Pasadena Police Department has set a precedent by becoming the nation's first law enforcement agency to transition to an entirely electric vehicle fleet.

With support from Enterprise Fleet Management, the police force now operates 20 Tesla vehicles, including Model Ys for patrol and Model 3s for administrative duties.

This move aligns with the city's focus on sustainability and fiscal responsibility, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing environmental impact.

The electric fleet will not only reduce harmful emissions but also cut operational costs by at least half per mile compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Key infrastructure support, including 34 new EV chargers, was provided by Southern California Edison.

The program is backed by nearly $500,000 in Clean Transportation Funding from MSRC and a no-cost solar and battery storage system from Clean Power Alliance.

What do you think?

⚠️ Did you feel the quake? A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Barstow, CA, sending tremors across the Mojave Desert on Monday at 1 p.m.

The quake's epicenter was 13 miles northeast of Barstow, impacting towns like Yermo in San Bernardino County with moderate shaking.

Barstow experienced light tremors, enough to rattle dishes and windows. In Los Angeles and Orange counties, the quake produced weak shaking, with mixed reactions from residents.

The depth of the quake measured at 4.9 miles, and it is the strongest in the region over the past 10 days. Remember, earthquake preparedness is crucial.

The Park Fire outside Chico has become the nation's largest active wildfire, covering 368,256 acres and only 12% contained.

This devastating blaze started on July 24 when a man, Ronnie Dean Stout II, allegedly pushed his burning car into a gulley in Upper Bidwell Park.

Stout was arrested for suspected arson and will appear in court today. With 114 structures destroyed and 10,000 people's homes threatened, the fire grows as winds fuel its expansion northwards.

Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency and FEMA is supporting firefighting efforts. The blaze's smoke impacts air quality across multiple states and even into Canada.

Link in bio for more.

In an op-ed on , President Biden responds to recent Supreme Court rulings and ethical concerns; he has proposed bold reforms to restore trust and accountability in the judiciary.

A recent Supreme Court decision granting broad immunity to presidents undermines this foundation.

This ruling means a future president could incite violence, like the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, without legal consequences. This opens the door to more potential abuses of power.

The court’s decision, along with overturning precedents like Roe v. Wade, and ethical scandals involving justices, has damaged public trust in the court’s fairness and independence.

With 36 years in the Senate and experience overseeing numerous Supreme Court nominations, the President emphasized that current events are not normal and erode public confidence in the judiciary.

To address these issues, the President proposes three reforms: a constitutional amendment to ensure no immunity for crimes committed by a former president, term limits for Supreme Court justices, and a binding code of conduct for justices.

Term limits would bring regular changes to the court’s membership, making the timing of nominations more predictable and reducing the influence of any single presidency.

A binding code of conduct would require justices to disclose gifts, avoid political activity, and recuse themselves from cases with conflicts of interest, aligning with standards for other federal judges.

These reforms aim to prevent presidential power abuses, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and strengthen democracy’s guardrails.

The core message: In America, no one is above the law, and the people rule. Ensuring these principles remain intact is crucial for a strong, just democracy.

Experience the revival of ancient Iranian winemaking with Molana wine, crafted by Vahe Keushguerian and his daughter Aimee. Smuggled Iranian grapes, a daring journey through conflict zones, and a rich history come together in this celebrated wine, now available in the U.S. Watch their incredible story in the Amazon documentary "SOMM: Cup of Salvation" and discover the wines that stole the show at Santa Barbara County's Cuyuma Buckhorn hotel.

Grapes Smuggled Out of Iran By Armenian Father, Daughter Vintners Puts the Region's Wines on the Map For the first time in four decades, Iranian grapes are used for an Armenian created wine: Molana, which pays homage to the legendary Persian poet, Rumi, which was celebrated at Santa Barbara County boutique hotel Cuyuma Buckhorn

Los Angeles' food scene is thriving in unexpected places! Tiny eateries across the city are serving up some of the best tacos, burgers, and sandwiches you can find.

Whether it's the fish sandwiches at Little Fish in Echo Park or the savory tortas at Fabby's Sandwicherie in Downtown L.A., these small spots pack big flavors.

From Jilli Modern Sool Jib's unique kimchi rigatoni to the falafel tacos at Mideast Tacos, these eateries offer a range of international and fusion delights. Rita's Deluxe brings back nostalgic flavors with classic diner burgers in downtown L.A.

Dive into this culinary adventure and discover your next favorite bite at the link below:

https://lamag.com/food/los-angeles-best-tacos-burgers-sandwiches

LA28 Olympic Committee Chair Casey Wasserman, in collaboration with former Mayor Eric Garcetti, aims to deliver a uniquely Los Angeles experience for the 2028 Summer Games.

By reusing historic venues like the 100-year-old Coliseum and incorporating the city's creativity, diversity, and innovation, Wasserman promises a sustainable yet grand spectacle that resonates with all Angelenos.

New sports such as cricket and flag football, featuring world-class athletes, will join the lineup, further enhancing the event's appeal.

Highlighting California’s athletic prowess, Wasserman boasts impressive stats — if medals won by USC and UCLA alone were combined, they’d rank as a top 5 country of all time!

Read more at the link below:

https://lamag.com/sports/casey-wasserman-la28-olympic-committee-chairman-interview-l

What did you think of Lady Gaga's performance at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 opening ceremony?

Delta Air Lines is under federal investigation after failing to inform passengers of their rights to cash refunds following a wave of flight cancellations.

An IT outage linked to CrowdStrike software led to more than 5,000 flight cancellations between July 19-23, affecting 500,000 passengers.

The Department of Transportation has demanded the airline correct its messaging, citing over 3,000 complaints.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spoke directly with Delta's CEO, urging compliance with the new passenger rights law.

As Delta struggled to recover, its crew management issues prolonged the chaos, drawing comparisons to last year's Southwest meltdown.

The DOT investigation could result in fines if Delta's handling is found unlawful.

What do you think?

Famed short seller Andrew Left, founder of Citron Research, is facing serious fraud charges. Federal prosecutors accuse him of manipulating the stock market through exaggerated public statements to earn illegal profits.

Left, who frequently appeared on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg Television, is charged with multiple counts of securities fraud and making false statements to investigators.

Using Citron’s online platform, Left allegedly influenced stock prices, hiding his financial relationships with hedge funds.

His actions led to at least $16 million in profits from 2018 to 2023.

Prosecutors emphasize the importance of market integrity and vow to hold those who undermine it accountable.

https://lamag.com/crimeinla/gamestop-stockbroker-fraud-charges-federal-andrew-left

Ready for an unforgettable weekend in L.A.? Check out the top events, from spooky conventions to legendary concerts!

Which event are you most excited to attend?

L.A. Weekend Guide: Midsummer Scream, Comic-Con, Surf Guitar 101 Fest, Mel Brooks Plus, hot Summer music shows from X, OFF!, Chaka Khan and Charlie Overbey

The latest Heal the Bay report reveals troubling pollution levels at popular SoCal beaches.

Santa Monica Pier and Marina Del Rey's Mother’s Beach are ranked among the top ten most polluted in California.

Higher rainfall and aging infrastructure are contributing to deteriorating water quality.

However, it's not all bad news. Orange County boasts eight of the state's safest beaches, with County Line Beach in Ventura County also earning high marks.

Open spaces and efficient stormwater management are key to their success.

Are we doing enough to ensure that our beaches are safe for Angelenos?

Five-time Olympic medalist Janet Evans is leading LA28 as the Chief Athlete Officer to ensure the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles are a memorable experience for both Olympians and Paralympians. From optimizing accommodations to providing essential resources, she aims to make the games seamless for all. Read more about how she plans to transform the athlete experience!

Why Olympians and Paralympians Are Relying on Janet Evans The Chief Athlete Officer of LA28 is a former gold medalist herself