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Tag: Hollywood Hills

  • Grim Discoveries: LAPD Finds Two Bodies in Impounded Vehicles

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    The bodies of two women were recovered in as many days in vehicles that had been impounded, with one in a Tesla belonging to a musician on tour

    Credit: Photo by Roberto Finizio/NurPhoto via AP

    The body was found Monday in the front trunk of a Tesla belonging to TikTok star David Anthony Burke, a musical sensation known by fans as D4vd, was “severely decomposed,” a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined after an autopsy announced Wednesday. The victim, a young woman who died wearing black leggings and a tube top sometime before her body was recovered, died well before she was found on Monday.

    “The decedent was found severely decomposed inside a vehicle,” according to the ME’s report. “She appears to have been deceased inside the vehicle for an extended period of time before being found. We are unable to determine her age or race/ethnicity. The decedent was wearing a tube top and black leggings (size small). She has wavy black hair. Jewelry includes yellow metal stud earring and yellow metal chain bracelet.”

    The medical examiner said that the woman was 5 feet 2 and 71 pounds and that she had a tattoo on her right index finger that said “Shhh…”

    The LAPD said it was called to the Hollywood tow yard on North Mansfield Avenue because of a “foul odor coming from a vehicle.” The vehicle had been towed from the Hollywood Hills while D4vd continues to travel with his Withered World Tour. The platinum-selling artist played Tuesday night in Minneapolis.

    The Tesla bearing Texas license plates was towed after it was found abandoned five days prior at Bluebird Avenue and Doheny Drive in the Hollywood Hills area, according to the LAPD. The impounded Tesla had been at the tow yard for two days before the smell was reported, police said.

    A separate death investigation – not believed to be related – is underway in South Los Angeles after the charred remains of another woman were found inside of a car at a tow yard on the 1900 block of W. Gage Avenue a day later on Tuesday. Family members had filed a missing persons report, officials say, and pinged her Honda Civic’s location at the tow lot.

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    Michele McPhee

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  • Firefighters take quick action as Hollywood Hills brush fire threatens homes

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    Fire crews quickly converged on a brush fire that ignited Tuesday evening in the Hollywood Hills below several homes, according to L.A. fire officials.

    The blaze ignited around 6:40 p.m. north of West Sunset Boulevard in the 2100 block of Sunset Plaza Drive, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. It burned about a quarter of an acre of vegetation as it moved uphill, briefly threatening nearby homes.

    Within half an hour, officials reported that water drops from Fire Department helicopters were “significantly slowing” fire progress below the homes. About 80 firefighting personnel were assigned to the fire, which burned one car but did not affect any structures.

    Water drops from L.A. Fire Department helicopters significantly slowed the fire’s progress, officials said.

    (KTLA)

    By 7:30 p.m., all active flames were extinguished and forward progress had been stopped, according to the Fire Department.

    Those living nearby were instructed to shelter in place while helicopters continued water drops to cool hot spots between homes and hand crews worked to reach 100% containment in very steep terrain. Shelter-in-place orders were lifted around 8 p.m.

    L.A. Mayor Karen Bass praised first responders for their “heroic” and rapid response to the blaze.

    “Tonight’s fire in the Hollywood Hills has been stopped without any structures being impacted thanks to urgent action from LAFD handcrews and helicopters as well as strong collaboration with the LA County Fire Department,” she said in a statement on X. “LAFD will remain on site into the night. We will stay alert through the current heat advisory, which the National Weather Service has extended through Wednesday.”

    After a sweltering Labor Day weekend across Southern California, a heat advisory remains in effect for a wide swath of L.A. County until 6 p.m. Wednesday, bringing with it an elevated danger of fire starts — a risk compounded by lightning from late-summer thunderstorms.

    Amid January’s historic firestorm in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, the Sunset fire ignited in the Hollywood Hills near Runyon Canyon, prompting widespread evacuation orders and massive traffic jams as residents rushed to flee the area. That fire was reported at 2350 N. Solar Drive, burned about 60 acres and was contained within 24 hours, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

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    Clara Harter

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  • Owner of graffiti-covered Hollywood Hills mansion issues apology

    Owner of graffiti-covered Hollywood Hills mansion issues apology

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    The owner of two Hollywood Hills mansions apologized Wednesday for the ongoing vandalism happening at his multi-million dollar homes. 

    “What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses,” wrote John P. Middleton, the owner, in a statement. 

    Two people were arrested in connection with vandalism Wednesday at one of two abandoned Hollywood Hills mansions owned by the son of the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team that became targets for taggers.

    Spray paint cans and a loaded unregistered firearm were found in one suspect’s purse, police said. The suspects arrested Wednesday were identified by police as 35-year-old Jacob Smith, arrested on suspicion of vandalism, and 19-year-old Thomia Fagan, arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm in a vehicle.

    In the statement, Middleton clarified that the homes had security already in place as well as a property manager. He said that now there is armed security present 24/7. 

    “I’m disappointed to note that even as I have worked this week to paint over the graffiti, vandals still managed to break in and paint over the newly cleaned walls,” he wrote.

    City workers placed fencing in front of the home earlier this week and Los Angeles Police Department officers were at the site.

    Middleton said that he would repay the city any taxpayer funds used to protect the property.

    The four-story, six-bedroom mansion with a large pool is perched on a hillside overlooking Los Angeles with views to the east and south. All levels of the exterior and the roof of the home, built in 2003, were covered in graffiti. Many of the windows are shattered.

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    Benjamin Gamson and Jonathan Lloyd

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  • Filmmaker Lyn Lear pays $24M for Hollywood Hills mansion

    Filmmaker Lyn Lear pays $24M for Hollywood Hills mansion

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    Emmy-nominated filmmaker Lyn Lear nabbed a secluded pad in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills, paying $24 million for the contemporary estate.  

    Property records show a trust tied to Lear, widow of the late screenwriter and television producer Norman Lear, bought the home in an off-market deal that closed earlier this month.  

    The seller is an LLC tied to EPIQ Capital Group, according to property and state records. The San Francisco-based firm serves as a financial advisor to family offices. It launched in 2018 to serve clients with a net worth of more than $100 million.

    Westside Estate Agency’s Kurt Rappaport represented the seller. Carolwood Estates’ Cooper Mount and Westside Estate Agency’s Jonas Heller represented the buyer.

    The five-bed, nine-bath home totals 10,300 square feet. The property boasts plenty of privacy, set behind gates and large hedges.

    Highlights include a theater, wine cellar, gym and an office consisting of reclaimed French oak.

    The workspace should come in handy for Lear, who wears several hats. Her film credits this year alone include executive producer on the documentary series “The Man Will Burn,” “True Believer” and “Mrs. Robinson.” She was a producer on “Narcissist Playbook.” 

    She also sits on several boards, including as a trustee of the Sundance Institute Board of Directors, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art board and the Norman Lear Center at USC Annenberg’s School for Communication and Journalism.  

    Elsewhere in the Hollywood Hills this year, Ariana Grande sold her nearly 1,600-square-foot cottage at 9300 Flicker Way to Bad Bunny (née Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) for $8.3 million in January. Among the area’s listings is the $35 million ask of Henrik Fisker, founder of bankrupt electric vehicle maker Fisker, for his 11,800-square-foot home at 1305 Collingwood Place. The contemporary home went on the market in June.

    Read more

    Fisker founder lists Hollywood Hills mansion for $35M


    Duplex Owner n Hollywood Hills Wants to Build Row Homes

    Duplex owner wants to replace it with row homes in Hollywood Hills


    Fashion Nova CEO Richard Saghian Buys Beverly Hills Office

    Fashion Nova’s Richard Saghian Buys Beverly Hills HQ for $118M


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    Kari Hamanaka, Christian Bautista

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  • Suspects break into home of Real Friends of WeHo’s Joey Zauzig

    Suspects break into home of Real Friends of WeHo’s Joey Zauzig

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    LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, the TransLatin@ Coalition commemorated a significant milestone as it marked the launch of its 15th Anniversary Campaign during a press conference held in Los Angeles. The event also served as a platform to unveil the organization’s 2023 Annual Report, shedding light on its journey, accomplishments, and ongoing commitments.

    Led by Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, the press conference highlighted the perilous situations faced by transgender and Latinx individuals in their home countries, where they often confront insurmountable violence.

    Salcedo emphasized the harsh reality that many flee to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco seeking asylum, only to encounter further violence and danger, often leading to deportation and, tragically, sending them back to potential harm or death.

    A poignant moment of the event was the unveiling of a new logo commemorating the organization’s 15th anniversary, aptly dubbed their “quinceañera.” This symbolizes not only a milestone but also a renewed commitment to advocacy and support for the TransLatin@ community.

    In a groundbreaking announcement, Salcedo revealed plans for a $35 million state of the art multiservice and multipurpose space aimed at providing a safe and secure space for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. With $20 million already secured, this initiative underscores the organization’s dedication to addressing the pressing needs of the community.

    The TransLatin@ Coalition, founded in 2009 by a group of transgender and gender nonconforming immigrant women in Los Angeles, has evolved into a nationally recognized organization with a presence in 10 states across the U.S. It offers direct services to transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals in Los Angeles, with a focus on empowering and improving the quality of life for its members.

    Since its inception, the organization has achieved numerous milestones, including the establishment of the Center for Violence Prevention and Transgender Wellness in 2015, the opening of the first-ever TransLatin@ office in 2016, and the launch of the #TransPolicyAgenda in 2019.

    The TransLatin@ Coalition’s advocacy efforts have also extended to legislative triumphs, such as the passage of AB2218 in 2020, which allocates grant funding for transgender wellness and equity programs, and supporting bills like AB1163 and AB 1487, aimed at advancing transgender rights.

    With the recent expansion to include the El Monte site and the opening of a new building on Sunset, the TransLatin@ Coalition continues to broaden its reach and impact, reaffirming its commitment to serving the community and creating inclusive spaces where history is made and celebrated.

    “Beautiful and amazing people, who are trans, gender non-conforming, or intersex, please know that you are beautiful and amazing and that you are valued. Do not feel alone. There is a whole movement that is fighting for you. Continue to assert your presence within the tapestry of our society. We love you, we see you, we thank you,” Salcedo told the Blade.

    As the organization looks ahead to the next 15 years and beyond, its mission to advocate for the specific needs of the TransLatin@ community remains steadfast, guided by values of altruism, respect, transparency, and collaboration.

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    Special to the LA Blade

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  • Cloudy skies, cooler temperatures and light rain expected across L.A. County this week

    Cloudy skies, cooler temperatures and light rain expected across L.A. County this week

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    After several days of sun, L.A. County is expected to see mostly cloudy skies and light rain this week, according to forecasters.

    There’s a chance of rain late Monday into early Tuesday, but the shower should only bring a quarter of an inch or less, said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

    “It should be quite a bit weaker than most of the storms we’ve had recently. No significant impacts are expected with it,” Wofford said.

    Temperatures are expected to range from the high 50s to the high 60s throughout much of the week, according to the weather service.

    The region is expected to see some sunny skies on Wednesday and Thursday before a stronger storm system rolls in on Friday, with temperatures dropping into the 50s over the weekend. Saturday is expected to remain mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of rain across the Los Angeles County area.

    Wofford said the Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills and hillsides in Palos Verdes will be the most vulnerable to landslides, but the risk won’t be as great as it was earlier this month, when monster storms pummeled the region.

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    Jack Flemming

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  • The Former Los Angeles Home Of Actors Emily Blunt And John Krasinski Lists For $6 Million

    The Former Los Angeles Home Of Actors Emily Blunt And John Krasinski Lists For $6 Million

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    The Hollywood Hills home that once belonged to actress Emily Blunt and her husband, actor John Krasinski, is back on the market for $6 million. The couple bought the 3,657-square-foot Hollywood Hills home in 2014 for $2.57 million and spent the next two years adding their own unique style to the four-bedroom home.

    Located above Mulholland Drive at the end of a private cul-de-sac and hidden behind tall trees, the home was built in 1965 but looks showroom new. On over a one-third-acre double lot, the lush yard includes a huge partially covered flagstone patio, a fountain and extensive landscape lighting, a gazebo, saltwater pool, a lush, green carpet of grass, topiaries, and views of the mountains, canyon and city skyline. Most exceptional are the large-leafy oak and olive trees, some of which appear to pre-date the 58-year-old home.

    The inside of the home is just as inviting as the outside with glass walls throughout and motorized skylights and retractable blinds to bring in the bright Southern California sunshine. A brilliant foyer leads into the timeless open-concept floorplan with hardwood floors throughout. The recessed living room with a gas fireplace and beamed ceiling, and dining room replicate the outside views.

    There is also a courtyard, indoor/outdoor speakers, closed-circuit cameras, a study, and a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinets, colorful island, Subzero refrigerator and wine fridge, Wolf range and double Miele dishwasher. There are four bathrooms, including a marble-clad en-suite bath with soaking tub and steam shower.

    Hollywood Hills is the ideal location for both visitors and locals near the film studios, Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive, the Los Angeles Zoo, and Griffith Park. Celebrities who currently reside or have resided in the Hills include Katy Perry, Kevin Costner, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Timberlake, according to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. The listing agent is Ruben Perez of Compass.

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    Brenda Richardson, Senior Contributor

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  • Award-Winning Los Angeles Masterpiece Hits The Market For $13 Million

    Award-Winning Los Angeles Masterpiece Hits The Market For $13 Million

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    When famed fashion designer Randolph Duke moved to Los Angeles in the early aughts, he was smitten by a house in the Hollywood Hills. Actually, it was not the house he fell for, but rather the house’s location on a promontory that provides breathtaking views of the city’s downtown, the surrounding hills and the Pacific Ocean.

    After interviewing a number of architects, Duke decided to work with Austin Kelly and Monika Haefelfinger, the husband-and-wife team of the L.A.-based firm XTEN Architecture. They designed a large first-floor platform that cantilevers out over the hillside while anchoring itself into the hill. The second story, which contains a master suite, floats over the lower level. The stepped and suspended house, containing open living spaces, terraces, wide decks and generous gardens, makes the most of the dramatic site. Projected from the hill to hover above the city like a pair of wings, it was dubbed “The Openhouse” by the architects.

    In addition to dramatic rooms with glass walls, they designed a new swimming pool below the first floor and a reflecting pool that acts as an invisible guardrail outside the living room.

    While the house was in the early stages of construction, Duke met an interior designer named Tobi Tobin, who worked with him and the architects to compose a chiaroscuro of light and dark surfaces inside and out. For the floors, they tracked down a material, made of light quartz stones set in an epoxy base. They selected a charcoal plaster and dark rift-cut oak for the solid walls and settled on a flat-cut black-diamond granite to clad the fireplace. For the pool, Duke and Tobin decided to channel a bit of the designer’s own sparkle with silver-leafed tiles.

    The result is a home that was featured on the cover of Architectural Digest and that, in 2007, received the American Institute of Architects’ prize for Best Residential Design. It is now for sale, offered for $13 million by Bruno Abisror and Joseph Cilic of Sotheby’s International Realty – Pacific Palisades Brokerage.

    The interior, which measures 4,580 square feet, has three bedrooms and three full baths and one partial bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling automatic glass doors slide open to blend indoors and out. The indoor-outdoor aspects of the home are fostered by a spacious yard and wide decks that offer numerous options for outdoor seating, dining and entertaining. The floating concrete staircase leads up to a luxurious primary suite with two fireplaces.

    While this house is gated and private, it is also unusually accessible, located just above Hollywood Boulevard. This is a rare gem that brings together a superb location, Hollywood history and truly spectacular architecture.

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    Regina Cole, Contributor

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