A woman injured during the chaotic Fourth of July beach takeover in Newport Beach is speaking out as authorities prepare for a similar event that could target nearby Huntington Beach this weekend, as well as an Orange County theme park.

The July 4 gathering in Newport Beach devolved into violence, with fires set, businesses looted and law enforcement officers targeted with explosives.

More than 400 people were arrested in connection with the unrest. Authorities later said many of those taken into custody had traveled from Arizona and Nevada.

Among the dozens of people injured was Cassandra Torres, a longtime Orange County resident who said she never expected to become a victim while celebrating the holiday in a city she has visited for years.

“It’s horrible. It’s disgusting behavior, and now we’re paying for it,” Torres told KTLA.

Torres said she was riding her e-bike when a large crowd of young people suddenly rushed toward her.

“The next thing I know, I’m waking up with strangers around me, which I’m grateful for all of them, and all I hear is, ‘She got pushed off her bike,’” she recalled.

She was taken to a hospital, where she was treated for multiple injuries, including serious cuts, bruising and a concussion.

“I’ve never seen a hospital that busy in my life,” Torres said. “It was supposed to be a safe, fun day, and it turned into a nightmare.”

As victims continue to recover and investigators sort through the aftermath, law enforcement agencies are now focused on preventing another large-scale disturbance after social media posts promoted a so-called “Beach Bash” in Huntington Beach.

The Huntington Beach Police Department acknowledged the online flyer in a social media post Thursday, writing:

“Dear ‘Beach Bash’ organizers… Thanks for the flyer. We’ve seen it too. We have no intention of allowing that to happen here.”

In a statement to KTLA, the department said it has implemented a comprehensive public safety plan.

“Our comprehensive public safety plan includes increased staffing, proactive enforcement and the deployment of specialized resources throughout the city,” police said. “We are coordinating closely with our regional law enforcement partners and are prepared to respond quickly to any criminal activity.”

Officials also warned that anyone who organizes, promotes, encourages or participates in criminal acts associated with a takeover event could face arrest and prosecution.

Officials at Knott’s Berry Farm said they were also aware of a social media post promoting a teen takeover of the park over the weekend. Buena Park police officials said they plan to have an increased presence at the park.

As for Torres, a GoFundMe has been organized to cover her medical expenses as she continues to recover and follow up with specialists.

Police in Palm Springs deployed a drone to track and assist in the arrest of a teen e-bike rider who had reportedly been trying to bait officers into a high-speed chase.

In footage released on social media Wednesday by the Palm Springs Police Department, the teen can be seen doing wheelies and donuts while stopped at a traffic light. He is also seen performing similar stunts in an intersection.

“Instead of giving the suspect the pursuit he seemed to be looking for, officers used drone technology and coordinated tactics to safely monitor his movements into Cathedral City,” police said in an Instagram post.

Video shows the rider traveling through grass at a nearby park before getting off the e-bike in the shade of a pavilion.

Police quickly moved into the park and took the teen into custody. Video appears to show a physical struggle before he was eventually placed into a patrol vehicle.

“While seated in a PSPD patrol vehicle, the suspect apparently wasn’t thrilled with the accommodations and shattered a window, adding felony vandalism to his list of charges,” police said.

The teen, who has not been identified, was booked on suspicion of reckless driving, resisting arrest and felony vandalism.

E-bikes and e-motorcycles have been a growing concern for law enforcement across Southern California.

Data released in Riverside County shows e-bike crashes surged from 224 in 2023 to 494 in 2024, then nearly doubled again to 958 in 2025, according to county officials, who added that at least 416 incidents have already been reported this year.

Cities in Orange County have enacted new laws that include stricter penalties for violations.

On June 7, shoppers at an Orange County Walmart were left shaken after a group of teens was captured on video riding electric bikes through the store, narrowly missing customers and creating a dangerous scene.

Video obtained by KTLA shows several riders weaving through aisles at a Foothill Ranch store while customers scrambled to get out of the way.

In April, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced felony charges against the mother of a 14-year-old boy accused of fatally striking an 81-year-old man while riding an e-bike in Lake Forest. Prosecutors allege the mother knew her son had repeatedly engaged in reckless riding behavior before the crash.

Southern California is bracing for several days of dangerous heat, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties while warning beachgoers of hazardous ocean conditions along the coast.

KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said Thursday’s heat is only the beginning of a prolonged stretch of above-average temperatures expected to last well into next week.

“We’re going to be warm through the weekend,” DiCarlo said. “There is a weekend cool down, but then we get hot again next week. So this hotter trend that we have is really not going anywhere anytime soon.”

According to the National Weather Service, the heat advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday for portions of southwest California, including the Los Angeles County inland coast, downtown Los Angeles and the northern Ventura County mountains.

Forecasters expect highs ranging from 85 to 90 degrees across coastal valleys and 90 to 105 degrees in interior valleys.

While Southern California routinely experiences hot weather in July, DiCarlo said this event stands out because of its duration and intensity.

“It’s one thing to be hot, which is average this time of year,” he said. “But when we go 95, 100, that’s well above the average.”

Health officials urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible to reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

DiCarlo also reminded pet owners to take extra precautions.

“If it’s hot for you, it’s hot for them,” he said. “Don’t leave kids, don’t leave your pets in the car. Don’t take your pet for a walk in the middle of the day. They’re not wearing shoes, and those pads can get burned rather quickly.”

The hot, humid conditions could also make temperatures feel even warmer, especially in the high desert, where actual highs are forecast to reach around 105 degrees. A chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms next week may increase humidity, creating an even more uncomfortable feel.

Along the coast, beachgoers are also being urged to use caution as elevated surf and dangerous rip currents continue.

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement through Saturday evening for Los Angeles and Ventura county beaches, where strong rip currents and breaking waves could create life-threatening swimming conditions.

Officials recommend swimming near an occupied lifeguard tower, never turning your back on the ocean and avoiding jetties and rock structures, where waves can unexpectedly sweep people into the water.

With the prolonged heat expected to continue, forecasters say residents should continue monitoring the forecast and prepare for additional advisories as temperatures remain well above seasonal averages through next week.