Hochman charges motorist for driving into East Hollywood club crowd
LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced a 29-year-old man was charged yesterday in a 74-count complaint, including 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly driving his vehicle into a crowd of people outside an East Hollywood nightclub, injuring dozens, some critically.
Fernando Ramirez, 29, of San Clemente faces the multi-felony counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. It is also alleged that he inflicted great bodily injury on eight of the victims and that he was out on bail on a separate case when he committed these crimes.
“The defendant’s brazen and destructive actions, as alleged in the criminal complaint, have caused unimaginable harm to dozens of innocent people,” said Hochman. “This is a heinous act that left dozens injured, and while the allegations will be tested in court, the impact on the victims is undeniable. Our thoughts are with them and their loved ones as they begin the long road to recovery. We are committed to pursuing justice with care and compassion for those impacted.”
The incident occurred at approximately 2 am, July 19, when Ramirez is accused of intentionally driving his vehicle onto the sidewalk near The Vermont Hollywood, a popular venue in the 1000 block of North Vermont Avenue, where he allegedly struck a crowd of pedestrians.
In total, 37 people were hurt, with patients transported to local hospitals for injuries ranging from minor abrasions to serious fractures and lacerations to broken bones.
He is scheduled to be arraigned July 23 in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Ramirez is being held without bail. If convicted, he faces multiple sentences of life in state prison.
Barger announces approval of Altadena Historic District
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (BOS) Chair Kathryn Barger announced yesterday that the BOS voted to approve the County’s first-ever historic district and landmark designation in Altadena.
Dubbed the Historic Highlands Historic District, the footprint contains 77 parcels of predominantly early‑20th‑century single-family residences. This designation follows the recommendations of both the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission and the Regional Planning Commission after years of community engagement.
“This is a proud moment for Altadena,” said Barger. “By formally recognizing the Historic Highlands as the County’s first historic district, we are setting a precedent for celebrating the history embedded in our unincorporated communities.”
The Historic Highlands neighborhood, known for its rich collection of Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Tudor, and other period architectural styles, exemplifies the subdivision of orange groves into a vibrant suburban community during the 1920s economic boom.
While the Eaton Fire did not impact the area, residents have long advocated for protecting the historic integrity of their homes and streetscapes.
Richardson, City Council celebrates Long Beach bandshell completion
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga and City Councilwoman Cindy Allen will be on hand this Friday to celebrate completing the Bixby Park Bandshell and Park Improvements project.
“Bixby Park is an iconic community hub with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, once hosting the Iowa State Society Picnics and speeches by politicians such as then presidential candidate Herbert Hoover,” said Richardson. “We are committed to preserving our historic and cultural spaces and ensuring they are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for years to come.”
The project included revitalizing historical park elements, including the Bixby Park Bandshell, extending the useful life of the bandshell and installing a new stage. Additional improvements focused on park security, visitor safety and accessibility and included upgraded paving by the bandshell, new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant picnic tables and improved access to restrooms.
The project also enhanced the dog park with upgraded fencing, four new benches, a hydration station, and a security camera. Lighting throughout the area was also improved.
“This is more than just an upgrade to Bixby Park—it’s a reinvestment in a space that has brought joy to generations of Long Beach families,” said Allen. “Restoring Bixby Park was one of my top priorities since day one and I want to thank all our City departments and partners who made this possible.”
The ribbon-cutting celebration event is slated for 1 pm. Friday, July 25 at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.). It will also feature its kickoff concert featuring Bread and Butter, a Frank Sinatra tribute band.
Torres advocates for responsive emergency response systems
U.S. Reps. Norma Torres (D-Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas) and Kat Cammack (R-FL) this week visited the District of Columbia’s Office of Unified Communications to meet with public safety telecommunicators and officially launch the Congressional NextGen 911 Caucus for the 119th Congress.
As the only bipartisan, bicameral organization in Congress focused exclusively on 911 emergency communications, the NextGen 911 Caucus plays a critical role in educating lawmakers, constituents, and communities on the importance of modern, reliable, and responsive emergency response systems.
“Public safety telecommunicators are the unsung heroes on the frontlines of every emergency,” said Torres. “As a former 911 Dispatcher for 17 years, I know there is a lot of work needed to highlight and strengthen our 911 systems nationwide. That’s why I am proud to be the co-chair of the NextGen 911 Caucus. As we work to modernize our emergency response systems, it’s imperative that we give these professionals and the systems they rely on the support they deserve.”
Public safety telecommunicators (PSTs) serve in more than 6,000 call centers nationwide. They are often the first voice a person hears in an emergency—coordinating responses from law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services. Beyond their daily lifesaving efforts, they often serve as critical witnesses in court proceedings and high-profile investigations.
However, America’s 911 systems are facing unprecedented challenges: from outdated technology and staffing shortages to increasing call volumes and evolving threats.
The NextGen 911 Caucus is committed to ensuring federal support keeps pace with these demands by promoting advanced communication technologies, including text-to-911, real-time data sharing, and improved interoperability between agencies.
