Los Angeles, Ca
Hyundai, LAPD to host event for vehicle owners to receive crucial software update
The Los Angeles Police Department and Hyundai are partnering to host a free anti-theft event this weekend so drivers can receive an important software update to help prevent vehicle thefts.
The software update is needed for select trim levels of all Hyundai models from 2011 to 2021.
Hyundai and Kia vehicles became the targets of thieves following a viral social media trend in which step-by-step instructions were provided to demonstrate how to steal them.
The “Kia Challenge” showed viewers how to “bypass the vehicles’ security features, dismantle their steering columns and create direct access to their ignitions,” Hyundai said. The videos challenged others to recreate and share proof of the thefts.
Thefts were so rampant that some Hyundai and Kia drivers were dropped from their auto insurance providers.
Vehicles susceptible to the thefts are Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and “immobilizing anti-theft devices.” Hyundai estimates about 4 million vehicles, primarily base trim models, were vulnerable to these thefts.
Both automakers have rolled out security updates and have urged owners to take their vehicles in to a dealership to have it installed.
Still, both makes remain heavily targeted by thieves.
Earlier this week, KTLA and Crosstown reported that reports of stolen vehicles were skyrocketing in the San Fernando Valley. Kia and Hyundai vehicles had the highest number of thefts.
Hyundai officials are urging drivers to get their vehicle into the dealer or find a free update clinic.
This weekend’s event is taking place at Eagle Rock Plaza at 2828 Colorado Blvd. The update will be installed by specially trained Hyundai technicians and will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Drivers can receive the software update free of charge on either Friday or Saturday from 8 a.m to 6 p.m., or Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments are needed, officials said.
In addition to the update, the LAPD will be giving away free steering wheel locks to all Hyundai drivers. Steering wheel locks are anti-theft devices meant to make a vehicle inoperable by locking the steering wheel in place and can only be opened with a specific key.
For more information about the Hyundai software update and where to find a clinic, click here.
Los Angeles, Ca
Eaton Fire victim dies holding a hose, defending home
One of the five confirmed fatalities from the destructive Eaton Fire was identified on Wednesday morning when his family found his body on the side of the road by their home – with a garden hose still in his hand.
According to his loved ones, 66-year-old Victor Shaw died trying to defend the home that had been in his family for nearly 55 years.
As of Wednesday night, Victor’s body was still on his family’s property in the 3000 block of Monterose Avenue as conditions were not yet safe enough for the coroner’s office to retrieve him.
Victor lived in that home with his younger sister, Shari Shaw, who said that she tried to get him to evacuate with her on Tuesday night as the fire moved toward them.
Those close to Victor said he had some health problems that prevented him from moving around very well.
As she was running out the door, Shari said Victor told her he wanted to stay behind and try to fight the fire.
“When I went back in and yelled out his name, he didn’t reply back, and I had to get out because the embers were so big and flying like a firestorm – I had to save myself,” Shari told KTLA’s Rick Chambers. “And I looked behind me, and the house was starting to go up in flames, and I had to leave.”
A family friend, Al Tanner, told KTLA that the next morning, they found Victor’s charred body on the side of the road with the hose.
“It looks like he was trying to save the home that his parents had for almost 55 years,” said Tanner.
“I fell to the ground, and I didn’t know – I didn’t want to look at him,” said Shari. “They just told me that he was lying on the ground and that he looked serene, as if he was at peace.”
As of early morning Thursday, the cause of the 10,600-acre Eaton Fire remained under investigation.
The Eaton Fire was one of four large, active wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The largest, the 17,234-acre Palisades Fire, destroyed an estimated 1,000 structures. A separate 855-acre fire, the Hurst Fire, burned in the L.A. neighborhood of Sylmar. A fast-moving fire in the Antelope Valley called the Lidia Fire has burned at least 348 acres and forced evacuations. Crews have made progress on the 43-acre Sunset Fire which forced rapid evacuations in the Hollywood Hills.
Los Angeles, Ca
Help needed as injured animals arrive at Pasadena Humane Society due to wildfire
As the deadly Eaton Fire continues burning in Los Angeles County, Pasadena Humane is seeking help as a large number of animals are being evacuated.
Over 100 animals arrived at the organization on Wednesday, and workers expected more drop-offs to come in over the next few days.
“Due to the proximity of the evacuation zones, we are also making preparations to evacuate the shelter, if needed,” workers said. “At this time, all animals are safe and unharmed at the shelter.”
Many of the animals arriving at the shelter were found with burn injuries.
Shelter workers said critical supplies are needed due to the influx of animals including food, water bowls, extra large crates and blankets. Anyone able to donate these items can drop them off at the donation bin located at the shelter’s front parking lot.
On Wednesday, workers said kennel space was filling up quickly and evacuees who need emergency boarding for their pets can drop them off at spcaLA at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles. Large animals should be taken to the L.A. Equestrian Center at 480 Riverside Dr. in Burbank.
Pasadena Humane Animal Control Officers will continue working in the field, assisting with animal evacuations, while Pasadena Humane staff are working round-the-clock at the shelter to care for the animals of displaced families.
“We are currently coordinating with Cal Animals and ASPCA disaster response to mobilize more resources to assist with the situation,” staff said. “We anticipate getting in even more animals who are in need of emergency medical care as the fires continue.”
As shelter space is limited, anyone who can foster a dog or cat for at least a week is urged to email the Pasadena Humane Foster Office or visit in person.
Donations to provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires can be made here. Anyone who finds injured wildlife can text 626-344-1129 or call Animal Control at 626-792-7151 ext. 970.
Los Angeles, Ca
Six Flags Magic Mountain closed due to extreme winds
(KTLA) — Six Flags Magic Mountain will remain closed on Wednesday due to high winds in the area.
Tickets purchased for Wednesday will be honored on “any other regular operating day” until Dec. 31, the theme park announced on Instagram.
Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk also chose not to welcome guests due to fires and extreme wind conditions in the region. Officials haven’t announced if tickets will be honored on future days.
An unprecedented windstorm that started Tuesday has led to multiple fires burning across the region, including the Palisades Fire in L.A.’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood, which has grown to over 5,000 acres.
Elsewhere, the Eaton Fire near Altadena has grown to over 10,000 acres and has claimed the lives of two people. Additionally, the Hurst Fire near Sylmar has burned more than 500 acres.
So far, Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm haven’t announced any closures or reduced hours of operation due to the wildfires.
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