Lottery Curse | Urban Coyotes: Santa Monica Top Stories

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Westside had a very busy week this week. A retired Los Angeles County sheriff's lieutenant has been charged with obstructing justice for allegedly tipping off a massage parlor employee in West Hollywood about upcoming law enforcement raids in exchange for sexual favors or gifts.

In a bizarre case of "the lottery curse," James Allen Hayes, a former security guard who won a $19 million SuperLotto jackpot, lost it all and became a serial bank robber was sentenced to prison Thursday. His defense attorney, pleading for leniency, wrote that Hayes was a victim of the "lottery curse" and lost his "bearing in life" before turning to bank robbery.

For some uplifting news, Kathy Griffin was honored by the City of West Hollywood for her LGBTQ activism, and two missing children were returned to their father in Marina del Rey.

Victims who were injured, and the father of a woman who was killed, when a Colorado man drove his car along the crowded Venice boardwalk will receive a total of $14 million in legal settlements related to three separate lawsuits approved Tuesday by the Los Angeles City Council.

Santa Monica had a bustling week – first there were birds, and now there are limes. Lime scooters were introduced to the city this week, adding competition to the electric scooter economy.

More than 4,800 students will graduate from Santa Monica College next week, including three inspiring students who overcame countless obstacles to reach their dreams.

The Annenburg Community Beach House is gearing up for summer with its opening weekend June 9. The beach house has daily recreational swimming in the historic pool (reservations are never required), free cultural programs, community events, and recreation activities.

Right next door in Culver City, coyotes sightings were reported, so be wary of walking dogs at night in West LA.

In Beverly Hills, burglary suspects escaped police after a long chase through LA. Voters also headed to the polls to vote on Measure BH, a $385 million construction bond to be used to significantly upgrade and improve Beverly Hills schools.

Los Angeles County News

Lots happened around LA County this week as well. Former NBA player Ronald Glen Davis, nicknamed 'Big Baby,' was charged with assault. The former Clippers player is accused of slamming a man into a wall during a fight outside a West Hollywood nightclub.

If you've ever felt that the drive home after a long, hard day seems to take a lot longer than your morning commute, you're not crazy. A study released by USC reveals that the evening slog takes a lot longer in Los Angeles – typically 14 percent slower than than the morning commute.

On the same front, Angelenos won't be bothered by loud tourbuses anymore. The Los Angeles City Council voted to make tour buses forego loudspeakers for earphones amid community noise complaints.

Stormy Daniels filed a lawsuit against her former lawyer, calling him a "puppet" and alleging he and President Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen made her lie on television.

The family of Jerry Maren, the last surviving "Wizard of Oz" munchkin, announced his death this week. He was 98.

In an explosive interview, A-list actor Brendan Fraser claims he was groped by the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which tried to cover it up.

A rover found organic molecules on Mars, which could mean there's life on the Red Planet, but nothing is for certain. NASA did say that organic molecules contain elements that are commonly associated with life, like carbon, hydrogen, and others.

If the Westside beaches have been looking a little cleaner, it could be thanks to the drought. Yup, a new report from Heal the Bay said the Southland's recent drought-like conditions have actually improved beach water quality.

Lastly, we've rounded up some places to take dad for Father's Day 2018 around Los Angeles. No matter what he's into – whiskey or beer, spas or sports, steaks or seafood – there are options for every dad.

Looking to buy a new home, or just want to peek at the houses on the market around LA?

Featured On HGTV! Boho Home Sits On The Marina Peninsula
This Marina del Rey home just hit the market, and features a grand king bamboo cabana on the fourth floor to enjoy the waterfront views.

Jim Belushi's Brentwood Mansion Gets $8.5 Million Price Cut
Thanks to a massive price cut, you can buy Jim Belushi's gorgeous Brentwood Mediterranean Estate for $30 million.

Main image via Patch