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Silver Alert in Los Angeles: Elderly Woman with Dementia Vanishes

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Los Angeles authorities are urgently searching for 78-year-old Florencia Rojas Moreno, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, who went missing Sunday morning. The California Highway Patrol has issued a Silver Alert in Los Angeles to help the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department locate her swiftly.

Story Highlights

  • Florencia Rojas Moreno, 78, an elderly woman with dementia, missing in Los Angeles

  • Last seen Sunday, 9:30 a.m., East Third Street near Rowan Avenue

  • Hispanic, 5 ft, 100 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes

  • Wearing black checkered blouse, black Columbia jacket, black pants, black shoes

  • Considered at-risk due to cognitive impairment

  • Public urged to call 911, Sheriff’s Missing Persons Detail (323-890-5500), or Crime Stoppers (800-222-8477)

  • Silver Alert Los Angeles issued to help locate her safely

According to the sheriff’s department, Moreno was last seen at around 9:30 a.m. in the 3700 block of East Third Street, near Rowan Avenue. “We are deeply concerned for Ms. Moreno’s safety,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. “She has cognitive impairments and is at risk, so every moment is critical.”

Florencia Rojas Moreno is described as Hispanic, 5 feet tall, weighing 100 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time she went missing, she was wearing a black checkered blouse, a black Columbia jacket, black pants, and black shoes.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to step forward immediately. “If you have seen Ms. Moreno or know anything about her location, please contact 911, our Missing Persons Detail at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477,” the spokesperson added.

A Silver Alert is a critical tool for helping locate at-risk seniors and individuals with cognitive impairments. It is issued when an elderly or developmentally challenged person goes missing, ensuring that the public receives immediate information to assist in their safe recovery.

The Los Angeles community is being asked to stay vigilant. Residents are encouraged to check local neighborhoods, buses, and nearby streets for any sign of Moreno. “We urge everyone to remain alert and report any information,” the California Highway Patrol said.

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Florida Man Arrested for Sparking Deadly Palisades Fire in Los Angeles

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Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, of Melbourne, Florida, has been arrested in connection with the New Year’s Day fire that smoldered for days and later erupted into the devastating Palisades Fire, now considered one of the costliest wildfires in California history.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, arrested for allegedly sparking the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.

  • Federal charge: destruction of property by means of fire.

  • Fire began Jan. 1 as the Lachman Fire, later exploding into the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7.

  • Over 6,800 structures destroyed, 12 fatalities confirmed.

  • AI-generated images showing a burning city allegedly created by Rinderknecht were used as evidence.

  • Rinderknecht reportedly agitated on New Year’s Eve and followed firefighters to the scene.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the federal charge of destruction of property by means of fire during a Wednesday morning news conference. Rinderknecht was scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Florida the same day.

“The complaint alleges that a single person’s recklessness caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction in Pacific Palisades,” Essayli said.

“While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy,” he added.

Authorities cited digital records that included AI-generated images allegedly created by Rinderknecht using ChatGPT, showing a city engulfed in flames. Investigators said these digital footprints played a key role in identifying him as a suspect.

Rinderknecht is accused of starting the Lachman Fire shortly after midnight on Jan. 1. At the time, authorities believed the blaze was extinguished. However, the fire remained hidden as a “holdover” and re-ignited on Jan. 7 when strong Santa Ana winds fanned the flames. The fire then exploded into the Palisades Fire, destroying more than 6,800 structures and claiming 12 lives.

Federal investigators said Rinderknecht was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve. Two separate passengers reported that he appeared “agitated and angry” during his trips.

After dropping off a passenger in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, investigators say Rinderknecht parked his car near the Skull Rock Trailhead and attempted to contact a friend. He then walked up the trail and reportedly filmed videos with his iPhone. Authorities said he was listening to a rap song repeatedly over the past days, the music video of which contained imagery of things being set on fire.

A fire sensor detected flames at the trailhead location at 12:12 a.m. Over the next five minutes, Rinderknecht reportedly attempted to call 911 but initially could not connect due to poor cell reception. A nearby resident had also called authorities to report the fire.

“Rinderknecht then fled the scene in his car, passing fire engines driving in the opposite direction,” federal prosecutors said. “He later turned around and followed the fire engines back to the scene, walking up the same trail from earlier that night to watch the fire and the firefighters at work.”

Authorities first interviewed Rinderknecht on Jan. 24. He claimed that he was near the bottom of the trail when the fire started. However, geolocation data from his iPhone placed him approximately 30 feet from the fire’s origin, contradicting his account, according to the Department of Justice.

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Los Angeles City Hall Chaos: Elderly Driver Refuses to Exit Car for Hours

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A dramatic scene unfolded Friday afternoon in downtown Los Angeles when a man in his 60s drove a black sedan onto the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, refusing to leave the vehicle for nearly two hours. The incident sparked a major police response, citywide attention, and traffic disruptions during the evening rush hour.

Story Highlights

  • Man in his 60s drives car onto Los Angeles City Hall steps Friday afternoon.

  • Displays signs stating: “I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET” and “Don’t Want To Hurt No Body.”

  • Appeared distressed and spoke with police dispatch about mental health concerns for over an hour.

  • City Hall and surrounding areas, including Grand Park, evacuated due to possible suspicious items.

  • Mayor Karen Bass thanks first responders and monitors situation.

  • Man exits vehicle safely, taken into custody before 6 p.m.; bomb squad secures the scene.

  • Traffic disruptions during evening rush; streets reopened by 8 p.m.

According to officials, the vehicle was driven onto the City Hall steps from Spring Street around 4 p.m. Aerial footage captured the man sitting inside the car with two handwritten signs displayed in the windshield. One of the signs reportedly read, “I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET”, while the other stated, “Don’t Want To Hurt No Body.”

Authorities described the man as appearing distressed. He reportedly maintained phone contact with police dispatch, sharing details about his mental health concerns. The communication between the man and police lasted more than an hour, during which officers tried to ensure his safety and that of the surrounding public.

Due to potential safety risks, City Hall and nearby areas, including Grand Park, were evacuated. Police noted there were reports of possible suspicious items inside the vehicle. The evacuation was carried out “out of an abundance of caution,” officials said, while cordoning off the area to prevent public access.

Mayor Karen Bass confirmed she was briefed about the incident. She issued a statement saying, “I’ve been briefed on the ongoing incident outside of City Hall, which is currently being evacuated out of an abundance of caution. I want to thank all first responders who are at the scene—my office will continue to monitor the situation.”

The tense standoff came to an end before 6 p.m. when the man finally exited his vehicle and walked toward officers. He was taken into custody without further incident. Following the arrest, bomb squad personnel were called to the scene to ensure there were no dangerous items left in the car.

Traffic around the area, including Spring Street and several nearby freeway off-ramps, experienced significant disruptions during evening rush hour. By approximately 8 p.m., police announced the investigation at the scene was complete, and all streets were reopened.

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Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Pleads Guilty to Faking City Hall Bomb Threat

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A former deputy mayor in Los Angeles is facing sentencing Monday after pleading guilty to falsely reporting a bomb threat to City Hall last year. Brian K. Williams, 61, of Pasadena, admitted in June to a single federal count of making threats involving fire and explosives.

Story Highlights

  • Brian K. Williams, former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to faking a bomb threat at City Hall.

  • Threat reported on Oct. 3, 2024; Williams falsely claimed an anonymous caller threatened City Hall over the city’s support of Israel.

  • LAPD searched Los Angeles City Hall but found no explosives; the call was fabricated.

  • Williams retired quietly in April 2025 and admitted no intent to carry out the threat.

  • Previously served under Mayor James Hahn and as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.

  • FBI emphasized the breach of trust and responsibility for public safety officials in Los Angeles.

Williams’ actions sent shockwaves through Los Angeles city government, raising concerns about the integrity of public safety leadership. While serving as Mayor Karen Bass’ deputy mayor of public safety, Williams claimed he received a bomb threat on his city-issued phone from an unknown caller on Oct. 3, 2024.

According to his plea agreement, about ten minutes after the alleged call, Williams sent a text message to Mayor Bass and other top city officials. In the message, he wrote:

“Bomb threat: I received phone call on my city cell at 10:48 am this morning. The male caller stated that he was tired of the city support of Israel, and he has decided to place a bomb in City Hall. It might be in the rotunda. I immediately contacted the chief of staff of LAPD; they are going to send a number of officers over to do a search of the building and to determine if anyone else received a threat.”

Williams continued to update officials throughout the morning. In one message, he reassured them that no evacuation was necessary, stating:

“At this time, there is no need for us to evacuate the building. I’m meeting with the threat management officers within the next 10 minutes. In light of the Jewish holidays, we are taking this threat a little more seriously. I will keep you posted.”

Responding quickly, Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived at City Hall to investigate. The building was searched thoroughly, but no suspicious packages or devices were found. Williams showed officers the record of the incoming call, which appeared as a blocked number.

Federal prosecutors revealed, however, that the incoming call was not from a threatening caller. It was a call that Williams had placed to himself from his personal cell phone. At no time did Williams intend to carry out the threat.

Williams quietly retired from Los Angeles city government in April 2025. Prior to his departure, he had been placed on administrative leave while the FBI launched an investigation into the bomb threat.

Williams joined Mayor Bass’ office in March 2023 and worked closely with critical safety departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles World Airports police, and emergency services. Before this role, he spent seven years as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. He also previously served as a deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, overseeing the Department of Transportation, Public Works, and Information Technology Agency.

Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles bureau, said:

“Mr. Williams, the former deputy mayor of public safety for Los Angeles, not only betrayed the residents of Los Angeles but also responding officers and the integrity of the office itself by fabricating a bomb threat.”

He added, “Government officials are held to a heightened standard as we rely on them to safeguard the city. I’m relieved that Mr. Williams has taken responsibility for his inexplicable actions.”

The case highlights the severe consequences of misusing positions of authority in Los Angeles and the importance of maintaining trust in city leadership.

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Massive Chevron Refinery Fire Erupts Near Los Angeles: Flames Tower Over El Segundo

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Fire crews battled a massive fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo, California, on the night of Thursday, October 2, 2025. The blaze sent towering flames into the sky, sparking concern among residents and authorities in the beachside city just south of Los Angeles.

Story Highlights

  • Massive fire breaks out at Chevron refinery in El Segundo, California.

  • Cause of the fire and potential injuries remain unknown.

  • Refinery spans 1.5 square miles with over 1,100 miles of pipelines.

  • Processes up to 290,000 barrels of crude oil daily, including gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel.

  • Facility in operation since 1911 and located near Los Angeles International Airport.

  • Governor Newsom coordinating with local and state agencies for public safety.

  • Los Angeles Mayor confirms no impact on airport operations; LAFD on alert.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed the incident on the social platform X, stating, “Our office is coordinating in real time with local and state agencies to protect the surrounding community and ensure public safety.” The governor’s team emphasized that safety measures were underway to contain the fire and mitigate any potential risks to nearby neighborhoods.

At this stage, the cause of the Chevron refinery fire remains unknown. Chevron Corporation has not immediately responded to requests for comment, and both the El Segundo police and fire departments declined to provide additional details. Authorities are still assessing whether any personnel were injured during the incident.

The refinery itself is a massive industrial complex, covering approximately 1.5 square miles and housing more than 1,100 miles of pipelines. According to Chevron’s official website, the facility has the capacity to refine up to 290,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. In operation since 1911, the El Segundo refinery has long been a critical part of the Southern California energy infrastructure.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the incident via X, noting, “There is no known impact to Los Angeles International Airport at this time.” She added that the Los Angeles Fire Department stands ready to provide any necessary mutual aid to support firefighting efforts.

Residents in nearby areas reported seeing flames from several miles away, highlighting the scale of the blaze. Emergency teams are working around the clock to ensure that the fire does not spread and that public safety remains a top priority.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Updates from Chevron and local agencies are expected as the firefighting efforts progress.

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Delayed Alerts, Rising Flames: Inside the Los Angeles Wildfires Chaos

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The deadly Los Angeles wildfires in January exposed major weaknesses in the county’s emergency response, according to a newly released independent review. The Eaton and Palisades fires claimed more than 30 lives and destroyed thousands of homes across Pacific Palisades and Altadena, highlighting critical delays in evacuation alerts.

The report, conducted by the McChrystal Group and commissioned by Los Angeles County supervisors, identifies outdated policies, staffing shortages, and communication failures as key factors that slowed response efforts.

“While frontline responders acted decisively and, in many cases, heroically, in the face of extraordinary conditions, the events underscored the need for clearer policies, stronger training, integrated tools, and improved public communication,” the report stated.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Delayed evacuation alerts during the Los Angeles wildfires contributed to significant loss of life and property.

  • Outdated policies, inconsistent practices, and communication gaps slowed emergency response.

  • Critical staffing shortages, including numerous vacant sheriff deputy positions and an under-resourced Office of Emergency Management, affected operations.

  • Evacuation alerts took 20–30 minutes during the fires, slightly faster than previous delays of 30–60 minutes.

  • Alerts often required residents to opt-in or click links, limiting their effectiveness.

  • Power outages and cell tower failures further slowed critical notifications.

  • First responders were praised for heroic actions, rescuing residents and evacuating senior care facilities.

  • Causes of the Eaton and Palisades fires remain under investigation.

Interviews with survivors and analysis of available data revealed that some Altadena neighborhoods received evacuation orders only after homes were already destroyed by the Eaton Fire.

The report highlighted “critical staffing shortages,” including numerous vacant sheriff deputy positions and an under-resourced Office of Emergency Management, which hampered coordination.

“First responders and incident commanders were often unable to consistently share information due to unreliable cellular connectivity and inconsistent field reporting methods,” the review said.

The report added that multiple, unconnected communication platforms slowed the flow of vital information during the fires.

The evacuation alert system itself was complex. In the case of the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department first identified areas needing evacuation. That information was relayed to a member of the County’s Office of Emergency Management at the Incident Command Center, who then contacted another OEM staffer in the Emergency Operations Centre. That staffer updated a third-party system, which finally triggered public alerts.

“During the January inferno, this process took between 20 and 30 minutes. While this is faster than the previous 30–60 minutes, it was still too slow given the speed and intensity of the fires,” the report noted.

Many alerts required residents to opt-in or click separate links to access complete information. “Some evacuation alerts required residents to click a separate link to get complete information, hindering messaging,” the report emphasized.

Adding to the challenges, power outages and cell tower failures disrupted communications. The report also found that prior to the fires, Los Angeles County issued only general warnings about the incoming Santa Ana wind event, without dedicated county-issued wildfire preparedness messages.

Despite these challenges, first responders were praised for their heroism. “This heroic response was driven by urgency and their commitment to save lives, but it also added additional complexity to their responsibilities as they worked to maintain broader operational oversight in the field,” the report said.

Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters evacuated senior care facilities, guided public transit buses through affected neighborhoods, and rescued residents trapped in burning homes, demonstrating extraordinary bravery under extreme conditions.

The report, which is not intended to assign blame, stresses the need for “clearer policies, stronger training, integrated tools, and improved public communication” to better protect residents during future Los Angeles wildfires.

The 133-page review is scheduled for discussion at the next Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting. Meanwhile, the causes of the Eaton and Palisades fires remain under investigation.

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South Los Angeles Shooting Case Remains Unsolved; LAPD Offers $50K Reward

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The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s help in a case that has remained unsolved for years. Authorities have now announced a $50,000 reward for information that could lead to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for the 2020 South Los Angeles shooting that took the life of Dominic Ladon Gooden.

Story Highlights:

  • Victim: Dominic Ladon Gooden

  • Location: 1300 block of West 69th Street, South Los Angeles

  • Date of Shooting: July 28, 2020

  • Suspects & Vehicles: Multiple suspects; gray 2013 Nissan Sentra & silver 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-320

  • Reward: $50,000 for information leading to identification, arrest, and prosecution

  • Contact Information: LAPD Detective Franco 323-786-5128; Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 / www.lacrimestoppers.org

Gooden was standing near the 1300 block of West 69th Street on the afternoon of July 28, 2020, when multiple suspects reportedly stepped out of their vehicles and opened fire. Police say Gooden was struck in the shooting and collapsed near the location, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Detectives from the LAPD’s South Bureau Homicide Division have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. “We are appealing to the public to come forward with any information,” said a spokesperson for the division. “Even the smallest detail about the suspects or the vehicles involved could be crucial in bringing justice to Dominic Ladon Gooden and his family.”

Authorities are particularly focused on identifying two vehicles believed to be involved in the shooting: a gray 2013 Nissan Sentra four-door sedan and a silver 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-320 four-door sedan. Detectives believe these vehicles may hold critical evidence linking the suspects to the deadly attack.

The Los Angeles City Council recently approved the $50,000 reward as part of an ongoing effort to solve violent crimes in South Los Angeles. Officials have stressed that tips leading to arrests will be eligible for the reward.

Residents and witnesses with any information are urged to contact LAPD Detective Franco at 323-786-5128. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through the website www.lacrimestoppers.org. “No piece of information is too small,” added the spokesperson. “Community involvement can make the difference in solving this case.”

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Curren Price Faces Court Over Public Corruption Charges in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price is set to face a crucial court hearing on November 3 to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial in a high-profile public corruption case. The 74-year-old councilman from the Ninth District appeared Tuesday in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom, confronting multiple felony charges, including grand theft by embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, and perjury by declaration.

The November hearing, which is expected to span several days, follows a rejection by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sean D. Coen of a defense challenge to the legal sufficiency of the complaint. That challenge, if successful, could have resulted in the dismissal of the case against Price. The councilman, first charged in June 2023 with ten felony counts, now faces twelve charges after prosecutors added two more in August.

Story Highlights:

  • Curren Price faces 12 felony counts including embezzlement, conflict of interest, and perjury.

  • Alleged misuse of city funds to benefit his wife’s company, Del Richardson & Associates.

  • Subpoenas revealed additional evidence of public corruption.

  • Potential prison sentence of over 11 years if convicted.

  • Defense maintains Price acted without knowledge of any conflicts and votes were unanimous.

In a statement following the court’s decision, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the importance of accountability.

“Public officials will not violate the public trust on my watch. The District Attorney’s Office, by law, is mandated to serve as a watchdog against public corruption,” Hochman said.
“Politicians are entrusted with immense power and control over vast sums of money and are accordingly bound to act in the interests of the public, not their pocketbook. Our Public Integrity Division will continue to hold politicians accountable. We look forward to moving forward with the criminal justice process in this case.”

Defense attorney Michael Schafler, representing Price, responded by criticizing the newly added charges.

“These additional charges are nothing more than an attempt to pile on to a weak case,” Schafler said.
“They have gone back as far as six years, combing through thousands and thousands of votes, to find a couple more allegedly conflicted votes. The evidence will show that Councilman Price had no knowledge of any alleged conflicts at the time he cast those votes. The fact is that every one of those votes was passed unanimously and by consent.”

Schafler added that Price is committed to fighting the charges.

“The councilman will continue to fight these charges until his name is cleared and his innocence is proven,” he stated.

Curren Price’s Political Career and Allegations

Price has represented South Los Angeles and Exposition Park since 2013, following earlier service in the California Assembly and State Senate. Prosecutors allege that Del Richardson & Associates, a company solely owned by Price’s wife, received payments totaling more than $150,000 from developers between 2019 and 2021, coinciding with votes Price cast to approve related projects.

Price is also accused of embezzling nearly $33,800 in city funds from 2013 to 2017 to provide medical benefits for Richardson, falsely claiming she was his wife while still married to Lynn Suzette Price.

Subpoenas issued during the investigation yielded further evidence, prompting prosecutors to file an amended complaint adding two more counts of conflict of interest. The complaint includes 39 exhibits documenting payments to Richardson’s company and Price’s voting history.

Between October 2019 and June 2020, the Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles allegedly paid Del Richardson & Associates nearly $609,600. During this period, Price voted to support a $35 million federal grant and a $252 million state grant application for the agency.

Between October 2020 and October 2021, LA Metro paid Del Richardson & Associates about $219,500, while Price introduced and voted for a motion to award $30 million to the agency. In both cases, prosecutors say Price’s staff flagged the potential conflicts prior to the votes.

Additionally, prosecutors claim Price leveraged his position to direct city lease agreements and over $2 million in federal COVID-19 grants to the nonprofit Home at Last, which operated as a tenant of the Urban Healthcare Project, where Price served as CEO.

Curren Price and the Broader Context of Los Angeles Politics

Price is the latest Los Angeles city official to face legal scrutiny. Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years. Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted in 2023 for trading votes in exchange for personal benefits. Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned in 2022 following a leaked tape of a racially charged conversation regarding the city’s redistricting process.

If convicted of the charges, Price could face up to 11 years and four months in custody, including over nine years in state prison and up to two years in county jail, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Price has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the original 10 counts in December 2023.

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