Community members are hoping to save an iconic Santa Monica diner that’s been serving locals for generations.

It’s hard to miss Patrick’s Roadhouse when driving down Pacific Coast Highway with its bright-green exterior adorned with dinosaurs and kitschy sculptures on the roof. 

Founded by Bill Fischler in 1973, the iconic diner has been a staple for many locals and celebrities alike including Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Golden Hawn and more.

Throughout the years, the restaurant was crowned “Best Diner in California,” “Best Banana Cream Pie in the USA” and in 2024, it was named “Best Diner in the USA.” 

Patrick’s Roadhouse has been featured twice on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and the 1991 film, “Point Break.”

The roadside diner is known for serving hearty comfort food amid eclectic, retro decor. Many tourists consider it a must-stop on road trips through the West Coast.

However, despite its storied legacy, the diner was not spared during the COVID-19 pandemic and has struggled to recuperate the rent that was owed during the forced closure of dining rooms.

The restaurant managed to stay afloat from limited revenue through takeout orders, but eventually “found themselves unable to meet the demands of this accumulated rent when the deferral period ended and the large lump sum just came due,” according to a GoFundMe campaign hoping to save the business.

The diner officially closed its doors on April 21. The current owner, Anthony Fischler, is hoping to renegotiate a long-term lease with the building’s landlord and will need $250,000 to cover back rent and building maintenance.

“It was beyond crushing,” said Tracy Fischler, whose family operates the diner. “It was devastating. My dad started it 52 years ago and it’s a legacy. It’s a landmark.”

“Patrick’s Roadhouse is a jewel of the neighborhood, the Westside neighborhood,” said Kurt Benjamin, a local resident and organizer of the GoFundMe campaign.

Benjamin and his wife have been devoted patrons for years and are determined to help save the restaurant and its rich L.A. history.

“It really hit the heartstrings of a lot of people,” Benjamin said. “It is such a fun place and we just want to keep the legacy alive.”

The response following news of the closure has been widespread, with support coming in from locals and tourists alike who all have special memories at the diner. 

“I can’t say more than thank you,” Tracy said of the support. “It’s been quite a blessing to be a part of this journey. No matter what happens, it’s a journey and this is a blessing and this restaurant will mean something to all of Los Angeles forever.”

The Fischler family said Patrick’s Roadhouse has been operating profitably for most of its over half-century existence. 

There was chatter about potentially making the restaurant a historic landmark. 

The GoFundMe campaign is hoping to raise $250,000. Around $50,000 will go towards building improvements while the rest will be allocated toward back rent.

The owners noted if they did not meet their end goal, all donations will be refunded.

“Together, we can ensure that Patrick’s Roadhouse continues to serve delicious food, continues to create lasting memories, and continues to be a cherished part of Santa Monica for generations to come,” the GoFundMe page said. “Let’s save this American icon! Thank you for your generosity and love for Patrick’s Roadhouse.”

The GoFundMe campaign can be found here. More information about the restaurant can be found here.

A lengthy police pursuit early Saturday morning that came to an end near Los Angeles International Airport resulted in four arrests, authorities confirmed.

According to Beverly Hills police Lieutenant Andrew Myers, officers attempted to pull over a SUV around 2 a.m. when plate-reader technology revealed that the vehicle, which was carrying four passengers, was involved in numerous crimes. The driver refused to pull over and took the on-ramp onto the southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway.

Police eventually lost the vehicle before officers with the California Highway Patrol found it. The driver of the suspect vehicle exited the freeway on the Howard Hughes Parkway exit near LAX, according to authorities.

The pursuit came to an end near the In-N-Out Burger in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and West 92nd Street when the suspect vehicle lost a tire.

Myers said four arrests were made. One was arrested on suspicion of evading officers, while a second was arrested for a no-bail warrant.

The reasons for the other two arrests were not immediately made available. Myers said the crimes that the suspects were wanted for were under jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Police Department.

No other details were immediately made available.

A mother is demanding justice after a security video captured a daycare employee picking up her 4-year-old son by his ankles.

BrieAnn Battle says she is hopeful that the incident will result in Kinder Kids Christian Preschool having its license revoked.

“He was being assaulted,” Battle told KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell. “And his mother was nowhere around.”

Video of the incident shows the employee grabbing Battle’s son by his arms and lifting him off the ground. The child resists and the daycare worker continues to twist the 4-year-old around.

After a brief struggle, Battle’s son is seen lying on his back while the employee kneels over him and holds him by his arms.

The boy then kicks his legs out at the daycare worker, who grabs the child by his ankles. Battle’s son is being held upside down by the employee before he appears to be placed down on a table.

“She snatches him up for by both shoulders,” Battle said. “She could have torn his rotator cuffs and then proceeded to hold him vertically for like 10 seconds. Puts his head on the table. Puts her body weight on him. She’s twisting his arms.”

Battle took pictures of her son’s bruises and has filed a child abuse report with the Los Angeles Police Department after the incident at the Mid-Wilshire preschool.

The mother is in disbelief at what occurred at the daycare.

“He was fighting for his life,” Battle says. “At that point, you have somebody holding you upside down, restraining you. She was telling him she’s going to teach him a lesson.”

Battle has not taken her son back to the preschool and hopes to warn the parents of other children who attend the daycare.

She adds that she will continue to fight for justice for her son.

“I’m going to fight for my baby,” Battle said. “[The daycare worker] will be brought to justice, I’m going to see to that.”

Kinder Kids Christian Preschool has not yet commented on the video or the allegations.