Horvath motion launches drone filming pilot at Venice Beach
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (D-Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Calabasas, Malibu, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sylmar) yesterday saw the full Board of Supervisors unanimously approve her motion to establish a drone filming pilot program at Venice Beach, effective through July 31.
The pilot program will support the region’s entertainment industry while ensuring public safety and environmental protections.
“Los Angeles County is committed to advancing film policy in a way that is safe, responsible, and relevant to the changing needs of the industry,” said Horvath. “As we’ve seen with Baywatch, success depends on how effectively we work together to solve challenges. This drone pilot reflects that commitment—helping productions thrive while protecting our communities and allowing our iconic beaches to shine for viewers across the globe.”
The program, administered by FilmLA, allows drone use exclusively for permitted film and television productions. Requirements include FAA-certified pilots, approved flight plans, restricted operating hours and zones, and environmental safeguards.
The motion comes as filming for a Baywatch reboot continues at Venice Beach. Following the pilot, the County will evaluate results and consider whether to establish a long-term program.
Hahn calls for FAA investigation after ice block crashes through Whittier home
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D- South Bay, Gateway Cities) is asking the FAA to investigate after a large block of ice fell from the sky and crashed through the roof of an unincorporated Whittier home on April 10.
Resident Yuder Grau heard what sounded like an explosion around 11:15 a.m. and found a block of dirty ice had torn through the ceiling and landed on the living room couch. No one was injured. Homeowner Thania Magana said flight data showed a plane passing directly over the neighborhood at the time.
In a letter to FAA Acting Regional Administrator Raquel Girvin, Hahn requested a thorough and timely investigation into this incident.
“We are lucky that Yuder was not in his living room when this block of ice crashed through his ceiling,” said Hahn. “I am bringing this incident to the attention of the FAA because they need to investigate what happened and take whatever steps necessary to prevent it from happening again.”
Magana told NBC Los Angeles she was grateful her tenant had chosen to nap in his bedroom rather than on the couch where he had been minutes earlier.
Hochman says Justice Served for UCLA OBGYN sexual Abuser
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said that justice has finally been served after an obstetrician-gynecologist at UCLA was sentenced to 11 years in prison and required to register as a sex offender for life after he pleaded guilty yesterday to sexually assaulting five female patients from 2011 to 2018.
Dr. James Heaps, 69, of Woodland Hills, pleaded guilty at a pretrial hearing just two months after a California appeals court overturned his 2023 conviction due to an error by the trial judge.
“Today marks the second time that we’re holding James Heaps responsible for the unconscionable crimes he committed while being entrusted with the safety of his patients,” Hochman said. “For years, Heaps exploited the sacred trust between a doctor and patient to prey on vulnerable victims during medical procedures. This sentence ensures that Heaps will finally be held accountable for the harm he inflicted under the guise of care. To the survivors: I hope today brings you closure knowing that the individual who violated your trust has been definitively brought to justice. To all survivors, please know that we believe you and we will fight for you.”
In 2023, Heaps was convicted by a jury of three felony counts of sexual battery by fraud and two felony counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person.
Heaps, who was a longtime gynecologist and faculty member at the university, sexually assaulted the victims over the years he practiced on campus.
Rivas calls for Ethics Probe Despite Swalwell, Gonzales Resignations
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-Arleta, Pacoima, northeast San Fernando Valley) issued a statement Monday calling on the House Ethics Committee to continue its investigations into U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) even after both announced their resignations from Congress.
“These men — along with anyone who engages in sexually predatory or abusive behavior inside and outside of the workplace — must be held accountable,” Rivas said. “Congressmen Swalwell and Gonzales’s resignations should not absolve them from accountability or halt the course of justice.”
Rivas also commended those who came forward with allegations against the two lawmakers, calling on the Ethics Committee to publicly release its investigative report as appropriate.
