Community Corner

Hollywood Legend Facing Eviction | Toxic Hazards | Storm Impacts: SoCal In Brief

Took a break from the news? Worry not. We've rounded up some of the stories you missed in SoCal on Saturday and Sunday.

Los Angeles Wildfires ContaminationWarning notices are posted on the door of a home that survived the Eaton Fire, Dec. 3, 2025, in Altadena, Calif.
Los Angeles Wildfires ContaminationWarning notices are posted on the door of a home that survived the Eaton Fire, Dec. 3, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

LOS ANGELES, CA — As we head into the first full week of 2026, we've rounded up the stories you may have missed Saturday and Sunday to prepare you for Monday.

A year after historic wildfires scorched large swaths of Los Angeles, residents in affected neighborhoods say they are still living with the toxic aftermath.

Environmental hazards, including lingering contaminants in soil, debris and homes, continue to raise health concerns as some communities report uneven cleanup efforts and limited long-term remediation, even as rebuilding moves forward in parts of the city.

Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In other news, civil rights leaders are demanding an independent investigation into a fatal New Year’s Eve shooting involving an off-duty ICE officer. Authorities said the officer responded to a reported shooting and exchanged gunfire, but advocates and community groups say key questions remain unanswered.

The Southland also remained under the influence of a slow-moving storm system, extending a stretch of rainy days that prompted evacuation warnings near recent burn scars and raised concerns about mud and debris flows.

Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service said scattered showers were expected to continue into Monday and possibly Tuesday, with generally light additional rainfall but lingering hazards due to saturated ground. Officials cautioned that even modest rainfall could trigger runoff in vulnerable areas as emergency crews monitored flood-prone neighborhoods.

Over the weekend, a man died after being swept away in a creek in Santa Barbara County as heavy rain brought road closures and flash flood warnings to the area Saturday, according to authorities.

Here are more of the stories you may have missed over the weekend:

Man Swept Away In Creek Dies Amid SoCal Flooding: Police

"Water levels can rise rapidly and currents may be stronger than they appear," police said.

LA Residents Are Still Battling Toxic Hazards A Year After Historic Wildfires

Block after block are reminders that contaminants still linger in the neighborhoods affected by last year's fires.

No Tickets Sold With All Six Powerball Numbers; Jackpot Rises To $86 Million

The numbers drawn Saturday were 18, 21, 40, 53, 60 and the Powerball number was 23. The estimated jackpot was $74 million.

Hollywood Stars Awarded At Palm Springs Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Festival continued Sunday after a star-studded Film Awards ceremony honoring top actors and filmmakers.

Facing Eviction, Actor Mickey Rourke Launches GoFundMe Campaign

In December, Rourke was served with a notice to pay about $60,000 in back rent for his Los Angeles home.

Pine Valley Home Damaged By Fire

Two water tenders, 11 fire engines and 35 firefighting personnel responded, as well as CHP officers and sheriff's deputies.

FAA Ground Stop Creates Multiple-Day Delay At Palm Springs Airport

The airport announced on Saturday that departing flights were not operating due to a ground stop.

Man Shot During Attempted Robbery In Long Beach: Police Say

Los Angeles County fire officials then took the man to a hospital, where he was in stable condition, according to police.

Palm Springs Tramway Reopens After Temporary Closure

The tramway was suspended due to a technical issue that was discovered.

Silver Alert Activated for 77-Year-Old Woman Last Seen In Costa Mesa

Have you seen Edina Da Costa Sampaio?

OC Officer Critically Injured By Vehicle During Foot Pursuit Of Suspect

The officer was struck by an unrelated vehicle while he was chasing a suspect on foot.

Vandalism Suspect Holed Up Inside OC Condo Surrenders

Officers first went to the condo Saturday to talk to the man about allegedly vandalizing multiple vehicles.

Person Injured At Two-Story, Boarded Home in Hollywood; Condition Unknown

Firefighters dispatched at 4:30 a.m. to 6720 W. Sunset Blvd. reported "heavy fire" on both floors of the structure.

Civil Rights Leaders Want Independent Probe Of New Years Eve Shooting Death

Authorities say an off-duty ICE officer responded to a shooting and exchanged gunfire.

Suspect Accused Of Vandalizing LA City Hall

A man has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of City Hall on New Year's Day, police said Saturday.

Santa Anita Cancels Races Saturday Due To Ongoing Storm

A make-up day for Saturday's races has been set for Thursday, Jan. 15.

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