Hochman announces charges against man for viciously killing dog
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman yesterday announced charges against a 27-year-old man for allegedly breaking into his former roommate’s home and violently beating the victim’s small dog and throwing it off the balcony onto a nearby construction site, where it was found dead.
Anmol Bhatia, 27 of Los Angeles has been charged with felony animal cruelty, first-degree residential burglary and vandalism. It is further alleged that the defendant committed a violent crime against the vulnerable: the victim was at least 65 years old, a fact the defendant knew or should have known.
“The level of animal cruelty in this case is deeply disturbing,” said Hochman. “Our office does not tolerate animal abuse, and we are fully committed to pursuing justice on behalf of these voiceless victims. Just as we aggressively prosecute residential burglary, we will prosecute animal cruelty. We have filed over 100 animal cruelty cases this year and will continue to hold animal abusers accountable.”
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m., Sept. 4, when Bhatia allegedly broke into his ex-roommate’s apartment in West Hollywood and killed his dog. The defendant is allegedly captured on video violently slamming the victim’s dog to the ground and stomping on it, then throwing the nonresponsive dog off the balcony. The defendant also allegedly vandalized the victim’s property.
Bhatia fled the scene and was arrested on Sept. 21 by Beverly Hills police.
Bhatia was arraigned yesterday and pleaded not guilty. The Court set bail at $175,000. If convicted as charged, Bhatia faces a maximum of seven years and eight months in state prison.
Rubio celebrates LA Metro opening to Pomona and San Gabriel Valley
State Sen. Susan Rubio (D–Alhambra, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, South El Monte, West Covina) this week joined local officials and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the LA Metro A Line extension, which now reaches Pomona and connects the cities of Glendora, San Dimas, and La Verne to the broader LA Metro network.
The newly opened extension marks a major milestone for transit access and regional connectivity, offering San Gabriel Valley families a faster, easier, and more cost-effective way to get where they need to go.
“I’ve been part of this project from the start—first during my time on the Baldwin Park City Council, and now in the State Senate—and it has always been about helping families,” said Rubio. “With this extension of the Metro A Line to Pomona, families will spend less time in traffic and more time where it matters. Students can get to class, and seniors can stay active and independent. I’m proud to have helped secure state funding to move this project forward, because strong transit means strong, connected communities.”
Rubio serves as Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus and has helped champion critical state funding that moved the project forward. The A Line extension began regular service at noon last Friday, with free rides available systemwide throughout the weekend in celebration.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks from Rubio, LA Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra, Pomona Mayor and LA Metro Board Member Tim Sandoval, and elected officials from across the region.
Feldstein Soto secures settlement with largest tobacco retailer in California
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced yesterday that her office has settled its lawsuit against the owners of a California tobacco retail chain and an e-commerce site accused of selling flavored tobacco products – and selling tobacco to minors – in violation of State and City law.
The nine locations in the City do business as Purple Haze Smoke Shop, are close to schools and comprise the largest “exclusive tobacco retailer” in the City.
In addition to $350,000 in civil penalties, the settlement includes injunctive provisions for the defendants for four years, including not selling flavored tobacco products in the State or City, not selling tobacco products to anyone who looks younger than 21 years of age without checking identification, and surrendering all flavored tobacco products in their possession.
“Whether you are a large tobacco empire with stores across our State or a local mom and pop brick and mortar, my office will enforce the law to protect public health, particularly when it comes to minors,” said Feldstein Soto. “The defendants had multiple opportunities to comply with our laws and failed to do so. Laws regulating the sale of tobacco products, including flavors and vapes, were enacted for a reason, and we will take action against those who violate them.”
In 2022, California banned the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, and a similar ban in Los Angeles took effect the following year. Since 2016, California has prohibited the sale of any tobacco product, flavored or unflavored, to those under 21 years old.
Hahn condemns Anti-LGBTQ hate and graffiti threats in Long Beach
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn (D-Southeastern LA County, including Long Beach, San Pedro, Diamond Bar, Whittier, Cerritos, Downey, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hacienda Heights) this week condemned hate speech and threats against the LGBTQ community found graffitied outside of the Long Beach Pride office building.
Hahn also called Long Beach Pride President Tonya Martin to offer her support and has committed to providing $2,500 in funding to LB Pride to upgrade and expand their security camera system. Tonya Martin also serves as Hahn’s appointee to the Los Angeles County LGBTQ Commission.
“This was not just vandalism—it was a threat meant to terrorize the LGBTQ community,” said Hahn. “Long Beach Pride has been a beacon of love and acceptance for decades, and it is devastating to see them targeted with this kind of hate. My hope is that these security upgrades will give staff, volunteers, and community members peace of mind as they continue their important work.
“These are dark times, and it can feel like we are losing ground in the fight for equality. But I want every LGBTQ person in Long Beach and across LA County to know this: you are not alone, you are valued, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to confront this hate.”
