Thief Returns Stolen Ashes | Woman Fakes Kidnapping | Patch PM

LOS ANGELES, CA — Share-worthy stories from across the Southland Patch cities to talk about tonight:

Stolen Ashes Returned To Husband After Monrovia Burglary

A Monrovia man came home to an unmarked package waiting for him on his doorstep. A glass heart containing his wife's ashes was inside.

1,000 Guns Found In Bel-Air Raid On Suspected Arms Dealer

A police raid in an upscale Bel-Air neighborhood yielded more than 1,000 firearms believed to be part of an illegal arms dealing operation.

San Clemente Mayor Steve Swartz Dies

Steve Swartz has died, Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane confirmed on Wednesday.

Don McLean Slams UCLA For Rescinding Music Honor

A UCLA group scrapped plans for a lifetime achievement award for the "American Pie" singer after learning of his domestic violence history.

Kidnapped Woman Admits Hoax After Rescue By OC City Workers

Finding a padlocked door, city workers investigated the empty Santa Ana home. Inside, they discovered a woman, bound but pulling a gag.

Beverly Hills Could Be First City To Ban Tobacco Sales

Two exceptions include cigar lounges, and hotels would be allowed to sell tobacco to guests through concierge services.

Paradise Or Parking Lot? Community Speaks Out For Local Nursery

Over 130 residents gathered at Lake Forest's City Council Meeting to speak up for a favored garden center in danger of being destroyed.

Sex Offender May Have Used Dating App To Rape Women: LAPD

Police are asking possible victims of a San Fernando Valley man suspected of raping woman to come forward.

2 Plead Not Guilty To Attacking Autistic Teen In Rolling Hills

If convicted as charged, the two defendants could face up to five years in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Agoura Hills Dad Pleads Guilty In College Admissions Scandal

He pleaded guilty to charges that he paid $400,000 in bribes to get his son into Georgetown University.

San Clemente Homeless Town Hall Discussion Draws Crowd

Many residents came to an impromptu town hall meeting, called by City Councilwoman Laura Ferguson and Mayor Pro Tem Dan Bane.

Northridge Man Who Stole Children's Identities Faces Prison

A Northridge man behind a $3 million identity theft and fraud scheme could spend decades in prison.

Sheriff To Restore Team That Targeted Minority Drivers On The 5

The Domestic Highway Enforcement team halted after the Inspector General said it violated "the constitutional rights" of 5 Freeway drivers.

Laguna Beach Author Introduces Suspense: 'The Favorite Daughter'

Showing you her view, and alluding to the suspense between the pages, author Kaira Rouda announced her latest book will release 5/22/2019.

Dodgers Celebrate Mexican Heritage Night

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will throw a ceremonial first pitch Wednesday and a 99-year-old World War II soldier will be the Military Hero.

Valley Charter School Teacher Guilty Of Molesting Students

LA's City Attorney praised the 18 girls who reported the teacher for molestation, sexual battery, false imprisonment and lewd conduct.

TV Mogul Ryan Murphy Drops Price On Laguna Ocean View Masterpiece

Ryan Murphy, creator of "American Horror Story," "Glee," and "Nip/Tuck" showcases his luxurious Laguna Beach luxury home, at $17,750,000.

Suspect Arrested In Hit & Run Of Celebrity Photographer

A break in the case led to the arrest of a man suspected in the hit and run at Hollywood and Vine that critically injured a photographer.

Bel-Air, Beverly Hills Hotel Boycotts Must Go On, Councilman Says

The Brunei government's moratorium on stoning for homosexuality is a step in the right direction but not far enough, said Paul Koretz.

Woman Robbed, Left For Dead, In Critical Condition

A shopper in Garden Grove was robbed and then run over by a car, in Garden Grove. Three are now in custody, officials say.

Patch Poll: Uber And Lyft Strike Affects Los Angeles

Would you call an Uber or Lyft ride during the strike? Let us know in this unscientific Patch Poll.

Possibly Suicidal Suspect Barricades, Sets Fire To Hotel Room

A Costa Mesa motel was evacuated after an armed man barricaded himself then set his room aflame. SWAT and negotiators were on scene.