"When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. And I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters during Sunday's press conference. "We are turning him over to LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home. So those are issues that our front line deputies and police officers are dealing with."

The arrest was made during the day on Pacific Coast Highway in Pacificc Palisades (not Malibu). The suspect and his partner were travelling westbound on Pacific Coast Highway on a scooter and a moped when they came up on a check point set up next to the Getty Villa at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway. The check point was manned by LAPD officers, Santa Clarita LASD deputies, and the National Guard.



Eric Fox/Fox First On Scene Photography was on the scene and got these photos. "Saw these two individuals riding up PCH on their moped and scooter. The one was wearing a CDF fire jacket, fire boots and jeans. The last time I checked, they don’t issue mopeds as response vehicles, and the name CDF was changed to Cal Fire in 2007."

One of the two was dressed in fire boots, jeans, and a yellow fire jacket emblazoned with Cal Fire’s old acronym CDF, which stood for California Department of Forestry and Fire.





No information has been provided on the alleged looters’ identities or if they were caught with any stolen property.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Please Click Here the High-Res Zoomable Map of Pacific Palisades that was updated on 1/11/2025

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

California State Parks announced the arrest of a suspect on a charge of felony arson related to a brush fire that ignited on Jan. 8 near Leo Carrillo State Park (SP) in Los Angeles County. The region has been under a red flag warning, with severe fire danger intensified by powerful Santa Ana winds, which have fueled multiple destructive wildfires across Southern California.

The suspect, Gloria Lynn Mandich, 60, was taken into custody on suspicion of starting the fire and booked into Ventura County Jail on a felony charge of arson under Penal Code 451(d). She is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court today.

The fire was quickly extinguished by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

California State Parks urges the public to remain alert during red flag warnings and to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately. As a precaution due to the dangerously high winds, Leo Carrillo SP's campground will remain closed to the public through Friday, Jan. 10.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Travelling down Pacific Coast Highway from Topanga to Santa Monica looking at all the damage done by the Palisades Fire as it still burns. Police were evacuating the area. There were a lot of people that rode all kinds of things over here to see the destruction.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Palisades Fire Damage - Sunset Mesa & Pacific View Estates - Malibu and Pacific Palisades, CA 1/9/25

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Tour into Topanga Beach area to view all the destruction done by the Palisades Fire. This video is a walk through the area to view what it looks like now..

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

The 330th Military Police, part of the law enforcement branch of the California National Guard, are stationed at traffic control points around Santa Monica to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. The integrity of these traffic control points is vital to ensuring emergency vehicles can move unimpeded and our neighborhoods remain protected. National Guard support in our city helps build capacity of the SMPD to safeguard our residents during this emergency.

Chief Batista: “Having the National Guard in our city and working side by side with the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department should send a strong message to those who would defy evacuation orders to prey on Santa Monicans in this moment of duress. Criminal actions will not be tolerated. Our officers are vigilant, and we are fully prepared to arrest and hold offenders accountable.”

Day and night, we are dedicated to ensuring the security of your homes and loved ones. Our team is proactively monitoring both the warning AND evacuation zones, deploying extra officers, and collaborating closely with mutual aid partners to provide comprehensive support. We remain steadfast in our commitment to respond swiftly to any needs that arise.

PLEASE be aware that no one will be able to enter any Pacific Palisades or Los Angeles evacuation zone through Santa Monica points of entry.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates has been completely destroyed in the Palisades Fire. This video is a walk through the area to view what it looks like now..

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

"Help Rebuild Cholada Thai in Malibu: A Community Legacy Lost in the Palisades Fire

Hello, my name is Nick, and I’m the owner of Cholada Thai in Malibu.

For 25 years, Cholada Thai has been more than just a restaurant to me – it has been my life. I have spent nearly every single day at the restaurant, pouring my heart into every dish, every interaction, and every moment spent with our amazing customers. Cholada isn’t just a business; it’s a place where I’ve built lifelong relationships, served countless families, and worked side by side with an incredible team.

Unfortunately, as many of you know, Cholada Thai was destroyed in the devastating Palisades Fire. This loss isn’t just a physical structure – it’s a piece of my heart, and it’s the loss of a special place that meant so much to the Malibu community.

Why I Need Your Help

I am reaching out to you, my community, with a heavy heart but also a great sense of hope. Rebuilding Cholada Thai will take time, resources, and support – and that’s where you come in. I want to bring back the restaurant that has been a part of Malibu for so long, but I can’t do it alone.

The funds raised will go directly toward Cholada Thai so we can rebuild the restaurant to the high standards of quality and warmth that you’ve all come to know and love. It’s not just about restoring a business – it’s about giving back to the community that has supported us for all these years.

How You Can Help

Donate: Any amount will make a difference. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every contribution will help us rebuild.

Share: Spread the word. Even if you’re not able to donate, sharing this campaign with your network will help us reach more people who can help.

Come Back: When Cholada is back up and running, I can’t wait to welcome you all through the doors again.

Cholada Thai has always been a place of warmth, laughter, and community. Together, we can rebuild it stronger than ever. I deeply appreciate every bit of support, whether financial or emotional, as we work to get Cholada back on its feet.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With gratitude,
Nick
Owner, Cholada Thai Malibu"

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.