An increase in bear sightings and break-ins throughout Sierra Madre has some residents on edge, with at least one community event recently canceled over concerns. Officials said there have been over 30 calls reporting bears in the past month alone.

Residents met with city officials and California wildlife experts on Saturday at the Sierra Madre Public Library to discuss ways to approach the potential dangers. Recent sightings in the area include bears spotted in backyard swimming pools, exploring front porches and breaking into homes to enjoy a snack in the kitchen. 

As bear sightings and encounters become more frequent in Southern California, wildlife officials are focusing on ways residents and animals can coexist peacefully.

KTLA's John Fenoglio reports on September 16, 2023.

KTLA 5's Wendy Burch is live in Chinatown from the starting line of the 14th annual Homeboy Industries 5K run. (Sept. 23, 2023)

Five people were rushed to the hospital after a gunfire erupted at a party in Pomona on Friday night. (Sept. 23, 2023)

A search is underway for the suspects who opened fire and wounded four people at a bar in Downey early Saturday morning.  KTLA 5's Carlos Herrera reports. (Sept. 23, 2023)

A manhunt is underway for the suspects who shot at four people at a bar in Downey early Saturday morning. KTLA 5's Carlos Herrera reports. (Sept. 23, 2023)

A homeless man was arrested on Tuesday after brutally beating and robbing a man in Santa Monica while he was walking through Palisades Park. Mary Beth McDade reports for KTLA 5 News at 10 p.m., September 22, 2023.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/439tdwxu

A veteran theme park enthusiast has obtained what appears to be the detailed track layout for the new "Fast & Furious" roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood.  

The ride, known only as Project 409 at this point, will begin in the park’s upper lot, descend into the lower lot, and then return to the station after looping around the Starway escalator. That much we already knew thanks to a geotechnical permit obtained by Alicia Stella of Theme Park Stop.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/heres-what-the-new-universal-studios-coaster-could-look-like/

Security cameras captured the moment an ancient Buddha statue worth $1.5 million was stolen from a Los Angeles art gallery. The bronze sculpture was stolen on Sept. 18 from the Barakat Gallery in Beverly Grove around 3:45 a.m.

Weighing 250 pounds, the artifact dates back to Japan’s Edo Period (1603-1867), according to gallery owners. It was believed to have been commissioned for the centerpiece of a temple.

KTLA's Rachel Menitoff reports on September 22, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/1-5-million-bronze-buddha-statue-stolen-from-los-angeles-art-gallery/

A social media influencer visiting from Dubai said he was among three victims robbed during a violent home-invasion robbery in Hollywood Hills West Thursday night.

The robbery was reported shortly after 11 p.m. in the 8100 block of Mannix Drive, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed. Surveillance video captured some of the incident, showing two masked suspects standing outside the front door. The victims say the suspects were armed and eventually gained access by breaking a side window.

KTLA's Omar Lewis reports on September 22, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/social-media-influencer-robbed-during-violent-home-invasion-in-hollywood-hills-west/

Two teens from Las Vegas have been arrested and are facing murder charges in connection with the fatal hit-and-run of 64-year-old Andreas “Andy” Probst, a retired chief of police for the city of Bell, as he was riding his bike in a residential area of Las Vegas last month.  

The incident, which authorities at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department are calling intentional, occurred on Aug. 14 near Tenaya Way and Centennial Parkway in a neighborhood community approximately 16 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. 

Officers arrived at the scene just after 6 a.m. and found the 64-year-old cyclist suffering from life-threatening injuries. Probst was taken to UMC Trauma where he later died of his injuries.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/2-las-vegas-teens-charged-with-murder-in-death-of-retired-bell-police-chief/

Amid some optimism, the Writers Guild of America and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are meeting again Friday in an attempt to end the multi-month strike that's halted much of Hollywood. Friday, the 144th day of the writers strike, marks the third day of this particular negotiating period after talks resumed Wednesday.

While no resolution has been announced, the participation of entertainment industry leaders Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, Bob Iger of Disney, Ted Sarandos of Netflix and David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery shows increasing pressure on the industry to get a deal done that would return thousands of entertainment industry employees to work.

KTLA's John Fenoglio reports on September 22, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lets-get-this-deal-done-writers-union-studios-continue-discussions/

Amid some optimism, the Writers Guild of America and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are meeting again Friday in an attempt to end the multi-month strike that's halted much of Hollywood. Friday, the 144th day of the writers strike, marks the third day of this particular negotiating period after talks resumed Wednesday.

While no resolution has been announced, the participation of entertainment industry leaders Donna Langley of NBCUniversal, Bob Iger of Disney, Ted Sarandos of Netflix and David Zaslav of Warner Bros. Discovery shows increasing pressure on the industry to get a deal done that would return thousands of entertainment industry employees to work.

KTLA's Chris Wolfe reports on September 22, 2023.

Details: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lets-get-this-deal-done-writers-union-studios-continue-discussions/

LAX announced Friday that it has opened a new parking facility with features such as contactless exit and entry and shuttle bus tracking, all included to enhance customers’ experience. https://trib.al/FSkZwEK