Authorities detained 17 people near an Orange County school during an operation targeting reported drug use and sales.

Anaheim Police said suspects were spotted at La Palma Park in Anaheim which has negatively impacted a charter school located across the street.

The operation was conducted by Homeless Liaison Officers who directed enforcement and outreach services to the reported areas.

On Aug. 31, police responded to the park and detained 17 people. Seven people were arrested on various charges. Five others were provided detox and housing services and a woman who was eight months pregnant was transported to the hospital for care and housing. 

All leftover debris was removed by Lyons Security and the area will be cleaned by public works crewmembers.

Officers later responded to the 2200 block of West Lincoln Avenue on reports of an “influx of homeless individuals camping and using narcotics in the area,” police said. 

Two people, who were found passed out in a vehicle, were arrested for narcotics violations. Their truck was impounded and the area was cleared of all debris. 

“It was a great team effort to enforce the law while showing compassion and offering services in addition to the legal process,” Anaheim Police said.

A man was arrested after allegedly trying to pick up a 14-year-old girl for sex in Southern California.

The suspect was identified as Laith Fathi Sikta, 44, from Sacramento, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities completed a month-long undercover operation focusing on suspects soliciting sex from minors online.

During the investigation, Sikta had been communicating with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl who, in reality, was an undercover officer. 

Plans were made to meet up with the suspect. On Aug. 30, Sikta drove from Sacramento to Murrieta believing he would pick up the young girl in the middle of the night. 

When Sikta arrived, he was immediately taken into custody by deputies. Cannabis was also located in his vehicle, authorities said.

Sikta was arrested on multiple charges including contacting a minor with the intent to have sex, sending harmful matter through electronic means to a minor, and offering to furnish cannabis to a minor.

The incident remains under investigation. 

Anybody with information on the case is encouraged to call Deputy Au or Lead Investigator Roberge at the Southwest Sheriff Station at 951-696–3000.

A beloved symbol of the Los Angeles area is marking a major milestone this week.

On Friday, the Santa Monica Pier will celebrate 115 years as one of Southern California’s most recognizable landmarks with live entertainment and family activities planned throughout the day.

The Santa Monica Pier officially opened to the public on Sept. 9, 1909, and “quickly evolved into a popular fishing and boating destination,” according to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism.

Seven years later, the pier began the first steps of its evolution into the tourism and entertainment beacon it is today.

Charles Looff, an amusement park developer known for his work at Coney Island in New York, oversaw the addition of a second pier which featured a billiards and bowling hall, a ballroom, and the iconic carousel that remains to this day. The 44 hand-carved horses currently reside in the Looff Hippodrome, named for the innovative craftsman who brought the vision to life.

Decades later, more amusement park rides began to open on the Santa Monica Pier, and in 1940, its famous neon welcome sign was constructed.

But it wasn’t always blue skies and sunny days for the pier, as it faced possible closures throughout the years that followed.

Eventually, the Santa Monica Pier and the Looff Hippodrome building were designated U.S. National Historic Landmarks thanks to a campaign to “Save the Pier.”

In 1996, Pacific Park opened, welcoming locals and tourists with thrill rides and midway games, and the world famous Pacific Wheel. The Ferris wheel later became the first solar-powered theme park ride of its kind.

The Santa Monica Pier has seen many changes over the years, with businesses coming and going and renovations to the structure itself and surrounding area, but it has withstood the test of time and remains synonymous with L.A. and Southern California beach culture.

This week, Angelenos and Santa Monica visitors are encouraged to celebrate the pier’s enduring history with a jam-packed schedule of events, including live musical performances, “birthday” treats and a free outdoor screening of “Barbie,” among other family- and community-focused events.

For more information on the Santa Monica Pier anniversary celebration, click here.