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LA City Council Bans “Disaster Tours” in Pacific Palisades Wildfire Zone

The Los Angeles City Council has unanimously approved a resolution barring tour buses from operating in Pacific Palisades neighborhoods devastated by January’s wildfires. Officials say the move aims to curb so-called “disaster tourism” while ensuring safety on the area’s narrow roads and supporting recovery efforts. Companies that violate the ban face criminal charges, though drivers will not be held personally liable.

CHP Launches Statewide DUI Crackdown Over Labor Day Weekend

The California Highway Patrol is putting every officer on duty this Labor Day weekend as part of a statewide crackdown on impaired driving. Running from Friday evening through Monday night, the enforcement period comes in response to alarming statistics—over the past five years, Labor Day has averaged 1,000 DUI arrests and 28 fatal crashes. Last year alone, 61 people were killed, 21 from drunk driving. Officials urge Californians to celebrate responsibly by designating sober drivers and calling 9-1-1 to report suspected impaired motorists.

Orange County Bookie Linked to Ohtani Interpreter Sentenced

Matthew Bowyer, the Orange County bookie tied to Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, has been sentenced to a year in federal prison for running a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling operation. Prosecutors say Bowyer catered to hundreds of wealthy clients, including Ohtani’s translator Ippei Mizuhara, who admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the Dodgers star to cover his bets. Bowyer must also pay more than $1.6 million.

U.S. Ends $800 Duty-Free Import Rule, Adding Tariffs to Online Shopping

The U.S. has eliminated the long-standing “De Minimis” exemption, which allowed imports under $800 to enter duty-free. Effective Aug. 29, international packages now face tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% or flat fees of $80 to $200, causing many foreign postal services to suspend shipments to the U.S. The change, ordered by President Trump, is expected to raise costs, slow deliveries, and reshape how Americans shop online.

Santa Monica Launches First-Ever Film Office to Attract Hollywood Productions

Santa Monica has announced the opening of Film Santa Monica, the city’s first dedicated film office designed to streamline permitting and draw more Hollywood productions to the coast. Operated by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, the office will serve as a one-stop shop for filmmakers while boosting local businesses and showcasing the city on the global stage. Officials say the move builds on Santa Monica’s history as a backdrop for iconic films like Barbie, Iron Man, and Baywatch, while ensuring future filming remains community-conscious.

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