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Man Charged in Cold Case Murder of Attorney Jeffrey Tidus, RPV

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Man Charged in Cold Case Murder of Attorney Jeffrey Tidus, RPV

LOS ANGELES – A man believed to be the mastermind behind the execution-style slayings of attorney Jeffrey Tidus outside of his Rolling Hills Estates home in 2009 and an ex-employee of the defendant who had filed a class action lawsuit for unpaid overtime in 2011 has been charged with their murders. He also is a suspect in a third murder committed in Las Vegas.

Richard Wall Sr. (dob 1/7/53) was charged in case 25CJCF02076 with two counts each of murder and conspiracy to commit murder with the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and murder for financial gain. He made his initial court appearance today but arraignment was continued until July 1 in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

In 2007, Tidus, 53, won a $1.7 million settlement against a close friend of Wall, who allegedly wanted Tidus killed and hired an unnamed co-conspirator to do the actual killing, according to the criminal complaint.

On Dec. 7, 2009, the co-conspirator is accused of fatally shooting Tidus outside his home and then informing Wall of the murder.

In the second murder, Juan Mendez, 35, worked for Wall and had filed a lawsuit alleging he wasn’t paid overtime for his work. In January 2011, Mendez prevailed and was awarded $300,000.

Before the judgment was finalized, Wall is accused of hiring and paying a co-conspirator to kill Mendez. On Feb. 26, 2011, the co-conspirator went to Mendez’s apartment in Whittier, knocked on the door and shot him in front of his children when he opened the door. After being shot, Mendez tried to run away but was killed. The co-conspirator informed Wall about the murder, according to the complaint.

On March 7, 2011, Mendez’s lawsuit was dismissed before the judgment was finalized.

Wall was extradited from Montenegro where he fled and lived during the investigation on the conspiracy charges. If convicted as charged, Wall faces life in prison.

Ports Briefs: POLA and POLB Both See Cargo Gains for May

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Ports Briefs: POLA and POLB Both See Cargo Gains for May

 

Port of Los Angeles May Cargo Volume Climbs 17%

LOS ANGELES — The Port of Los Angeles processed 840,165 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in May, 17% above last year as import volume increased amid continued uncertainty surrounding trade policy and global supply chains.

Through the first five months of 2026, the port has handled 4,119,869 TEUs, 1.4% ahead of the pace set during the same period last year.

“Our strong May performance reflects the resilience of the American consumer and the ability of businesses to adapt in a continuously changing environment,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka told reporters at a media briefing. “We’re seeing cargo move for a combination of reasons, including inventory replenishment, concerns about fuel costs, trade-policy uncertainty and preparation for upcoming retail seasons. Companies are operating with shorter planning horizons and taking advantage of opportunities when they emerge.”

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Joining Seroka for the briefing was Dan Letter, chief executive officer of Prologis. Letter discussed inventory trends, logistics real estate, supply chain investment and the outlook for goods movement as companies navigate ongoing economic and trade-policy uncertainty.

May 2026 loaded imports totaled 449,370 TEUs, a 26% increase compared to last year. The comparison was aided by softer import volume in May 2025, when many cargo owners temporarily paused shipments amid changing tariff policies. Loaded exports came in at 107,657 TEUs, 10% lower than last year. Empty containers totaled 283,138 TEUs, 18% above May 2025.

 

ILWU, Port of Long Beach Announce Cargo Gains for May

ILWU Local 13 President Mario “Moe” Medina joined Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba to announce the cargo numbers for May.

Thanks to ILWU members, the Port of Long Beach moved 842,030 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up 31.7% from May 2025, making it the port’s third-busiest May on record.

Imports rose 40% to 418,851 TEUs, exports increased 32.9% to 109,168 TEUs and empty containers were up 21.8% to 314,012 TEUs.

Year-to-date, the Port of Long Beach has moved 4,050,247 TEUs, up 0.2% compared to the first five months of 2025, putting us on pace with our busiest year on record.

Public Health Warns of Infant Botulism Linked to Recalled Formula

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Public Health Warns of Infant Botulism Linked to Recalled Formula

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is recommending parents and caregivers not feed Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula to their children due to an ongoing investigation of a multistate outbreak of infant botulism, currently involving California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Investigators have identified the formula as a common exposure among those affected. Laboratory testing of the product is underway.

All lots of the Nara Organics brand Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula have been voluntarily recalled. Parents and caregivers should stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula and either throw it away or return it to the point of purchase. If possible, record the lot number. Businesses should not sell, donate, or use recalled infant formula.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Los Angeles County.

There have been three suspected or confirmed cases of infant botulism across three states linked to Nara Organics infant formula. All three cases were fed Nara Organics infant formula.

Seek immediate medical care if an infant shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
  • Weak cry or diminished facial expression
  • Poor head control
  • Muscle weakness or trouble breathing
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do

Parents and caregivers should stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula. Throw it away or return it to where you bought it. If possible, record the lot number.

Seek immediate medical care if an infant shows any of the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
  • Weak cry or diminished facial expression
  • Poor head control
  • Muscle weakness or trouble breathing

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

About Infant Botulism

Infant botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs when spores of Clostridium botulinum colonize an infant’s intestines and produce botulinum toxin, leading to progressive muscle weakness and potential respiratory failure if untreated.

The only FDA-approved treatment for infant botulism, BabyBIG®, is produced by CDPH’s Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program, which developed and supplies the treatment globally. BabyBIG® shortens hospital stays and significantly improves recovery for affected infants.

Physicians with suspected cases can contact the CDPH Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program at 510-231-7600 for immediate consultation.

Parents seeking guidance or concerned about possible exposure should contact their physician. They can also contact the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473, open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for assistance.

Solis Issues Statement Following Suspension of Federal Funding at LAHSA

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Solis Issues Statement Following Suspension of Federal Funding at LAHSA

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County board chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis June 15 issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s announcement that it is suspending federal funding at Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s or LAHSA:

“While homelessness remains one of the most complex challenges facing our region, Los Angeles County has made measurable progress over the last two years, reducing homelessness by 4% from 2023-2025.

At the same time, concerns regarding oversight, accountability and management at LAHSA must be addressed. That is why Los Angeles County established the Department of Homeless Services and Housing to bring greater transparency, accountability and coordination to homeless services.

Suspending federal funding risks reversing hard-earned progress and jeopardizing housing and supportive services for thousands of vulnerable residents. I urge HUD to continue working with the County to ensure our communities have the resources needed to reduce homelessness and save lives.”

Student Mentorship Opportunities with NFMLA

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Student Mentorship Opportunities with NFMLA

 

New Filmmakers LA is partnering with major studios and industry organizations to produce approximately eight special mentorship sessions in addition to its monthly downtown Los Angeles sessions for its Student Mentorship Program throughout the coming months. Similar to the NBCUniversal program, NFMLA is exploring opportunities with organizations such as Sony Pictures Entertainment, Netflix, Shondaland, CAA, Warner Bros. Discovery, and more.

NFMLA aims to begin building a list of interested high school students to reach out to directly once these opportunities and details are finalized.

It’s worth noting that these special mentorship sessions typically take place on weekdays and last approximately two hours in the afternoon from 2:45 to 5 p.m. Students may need to be excused from class in order to participate in the program. This is a one-day commitment, and each session can accommodate up to 15 students.

Below is a general overview of the program:

  • NFMLA’s CineSessions High School Student Mentorship Program invites Los Angeles County High School students to participate in an array of opportunities that are offered on a monthly basis throughout the year. These interactive programs explore various areas of entertainment, including but not limited to production opportunities and general careers in media.
  • CineSession experiences offer a glimpse into many different roles. Some of these opportunities include:
  1. Cinematography (camera operation, shooting techniques, framing shots)
  2. Development Executive (cultivating new talent for episodic series and film)
  3. Directing (set language, scene composition, blocking talent)
  4. Distribution Executive (programming content for streaming, broadcast and cinemas)
  5. Lighting (three-point-lighting, soft vs. hard & natural vs. artificial lighting)
  6. Film Criticism (reviewing of films and TV series)
  7. Sound Recording (sound recording on boom, pistol and lav mics)
  8. Marketing (creating public facing campaigns for episodic and film content)
  9. Production Management (creating call sheets and shooting schedules)
  • The Student Mentorship Program is open to high school students ONLY and they are only allowed to participate once.
  • Participation in this program is free of charge.
    Location, date, and time: TBD
  • Snacks and drinks will be provided to the students.
  • NFMLA can provide an excuse letter for the student, if needed.
  • Students will also receive a complimentary year-long membership to attend NewFilmmakers Los Angeles’ monthly film festivals and exclusive industry events.
  • Students will also have access to internship and volunteer opportunities with NFMLA
  • At the end of the year, there will be a special ceremony to celebrate the students’ accomplishments, where they will be awarded a certificate of recognition from the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles. This will be held at an iconic studio lot in Hollywood.

What you need to do:

  • Ask the student to send their application via this link and choose the “SPECIAL MENTORSHIP SESSION” option when asked which date they’d like to participate in the program.
  • After they apply, please send us their names so we can process their applications.
  • Make sure to inform the student to regularly check their email and respond to the NFMLA invitation as soon as possible so a spot can be reserved for them.

Spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. NFMLA will send a confirmation email to the student once they have been admitted to the program.

Lawmakers Demand Transparency on DNA Collection at Dilley Detention Facility

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Lawmakers Demand Transparency on DNA Collection at Dilley Detention Facility

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a congressional oversight visit to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas, U.S. Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Greg Stanton (AZ-04) sent a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons demanding answers about the collection and use of DNA from families detained at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center.

“During our visit, we learned that ICE collects DNA samples from individuals detained at the facility, including parents and children. Given the sensitive nature of biometric information, we seek greater transparency regarding these practices and assurance that these samples are being utilized responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and policies,” the lawmakers wrote.

In the letter, the lawmakers request detailed information regarding DNA collection policies and protocols and ask for responses to the following questions no later than June 17, 2026:

  1. A detailed description of ICE’s policies and procedures regarding the collection of DNA from adults and minors detained at the Dilley facility.
  1. A description of all databases, federal agencies, contractors, or third parties with whom DNA profiles or related information may be shared.
  1. Information regarding how long DNA samples and resulting profiles are retained and the process, if any, for expungement or deletion.
  1. Any guidance provided to families regarding their rights, the purpose of collection, and how their genetic information will be used.
  1. Any assessments conducted regarding the privacy, civil rights, or civil liberties implications of collecting DNA from children and family units.

Additionally, the lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of educational programming at the facility. Local ICE officials informed them that only two certified teachers were on site despite a population of 97 children on the day of their May 26 visit.

The full letter is here.

Dignity Health Southern California Patients will Maintain In-Network Access to Care by the Providers They Know and Trust

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Dignity Health Southern California Patients will Maintain In-Network Access to Care by the Providers They Know and Trust

 

LOS ANGELES — Dignity Health June 15 announced the successful renewal of its comprehensive agreement with LA Care Health Plan. This partnership extends across all L.A. Care products, including Medi-Cal, Covered California and Medicare Advantage plans.

This renewed, two-year agreement, ensures continuous in-network coverage for L.A.Care-insured members across Dignity Health’s full spectrum of hospitals, services and providers in Southern California. This continuity of care is paramount, especially for vulnerable populations.

The coverage includes all six Dignity Health Southern California hospitals: California Hospital Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, St. Bernardine Medical Center, and St. Mary Medical Center.

Dignity Health’s goal in working with LA Care has always been to ensure it could continue to meet the needs of its patients today and in the future.

Los Angeles Harbor Commission Adopts $3.4 Billion Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget for the Port of Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Harbor Commission Adopts $3.4 Billion Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget for the Port of Los Angeles

 

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $3.4 billion annual budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026/27 for the Port of Los Angeles. The financial blueprint calls for increased investments in port operational and community public-access infrastructure, as well as support for a range of industry-leading sustainability and technology programs.

“The passage of this budget reflects the strength and forward-looking vision of the Port of Los Angeles. We’re enhancing our infrastructure, advancing our sustainability initiatives, and ensuring we keep the Port competitive in the global economy,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I want to thank Executive Director Gene Seroka and Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard for ensuring the Port of Los Angeles remains the most important trade gateway for the country and across the LA region.”

The port’s FY 2026/27 adopted budget is based on predictions of steady, yet slightly lower cargo demand of 9.3 million container units, 7% less than the current forecast for FY 2025/26. Continued volatility in global trade and uncertainty about trade policy are factors contributing to a more cautious cargo volume outlook for the coming year.

The $3.4 billion budget represents a 25% increase, or $665 million, over the Port’s FY 2025/26 adopted budget. The year-over-year increase is primarily due to a significant boost in the port’s capital improvement spending program—up 31% over the previous fiscal year. It also reflects subsidy increases in the port’s clean truck fund rate; cost-of-living increases across staff salary and benefits, as well as outside inflationary pressures.

The budget plan includes total operating revenues of $826 million, a 26% increase over the FY 2025/26 adopted budget. Shipping services will make up the bulk of expected operating revenues at 65%, while operating expenses are projected to be up by roughly 6% at $452 million as spending for clean truck fund rate subsidies are projected to increase substantially over the next 12 months.

For the coming year, capital improvement spending will be the highest in more than a decade at $302 million. Projects will focus on container terminal modernization, enhancing public-access infrastructure and improving transportation in and out of the port. Signature projects include the $154 million Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project, which kicked off construction in March 2026. Construction is underway on the $74 million rail expansion at Berths 302-305 and $130 million SR 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge interchange reconfiguration.

Fine Art Photography Exhibition Opens June 21st in Long Beach

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Fine Art Photography Exhibition Opens June 21st in Long Beach

 

The Long Beach Creative Group invites the community to Before & After: Photographic Transformation. The exhibition opens with a reception on June 21 The exhibition runs through July 25.

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Panic Attack Night Blooming Jasmine, before. Photo courtesy of LBCG.

The exhibition is curated by LBCG Board Member Kay Erickson, and explores photographic manipulation. Since the discovery of the photographic process in the 1800s, artists have been using a wide variety of processes to alter, enhance, and otherwise manipulate images, often creating surreal, abstract, and otherworldly prints. Techniques included retouching with ink, airbrushing, and even cutting negatives and piecing them together to create new compositions.

Digital image processing got its start in the 1960s, with Bell Labs, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology leading the research, often attempting to improve wire-photo conversion, and to create detailed topographic maps of the lunar surface with photos taken by satellite.

“Today, complex image processing can be done on one’s cell phone with a few free apps,” Erickson observed. “This has opened up the possibility for anyone to tap into photographic creativity that was previously unattainable.”

Featured artists will include Samuel Brantley, Richard Burritt, Nick Capito, Dennis Doran, Roderick Hamby, Louise Ivers, Hannah Justesen, Michol Loefler, John Montich, Scout, Jessica Seville, Martha Spelman, Pia Williams, Maureen Vastardis, Lauren Zack, and Sarah Zhang.

38Nick C1 Png
38 Nick Capito. Photo courtesy of LBCG.

 

39 Nick Capito
39 Nick Capto. Photo courtesy of LBCG
Special Events:

Workshop:

On July 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., we will be hosting a photo alteration workshop, which is free and open to all ages. Participants will explore ways to alter a photograph, including cutting and pasting, adding color, and drawing. Art supplies will be provided, including color markers, magazine photos, black and white printed photos, scissors, glue, and paper. NOTE: Please bring a photo, printed or original, that you would like to alter and take home with you.

Movie Night:

Masters of Photography – Edward Steichen (1964)

7:30 p.m., July 17

Free

Synopsis: Widely regarded as the most influential photographer of the 20th century, he was born Eduard Jean Steichen in Luxenberg 1879. He worked in every aspect of the art fashion, industrial, nature, combat, portrait and tabletop photography. As the leading curator of the New York Museum of Modern Art he created the famous “Family of Man” photography exposition in 1955. In every branch of photography up to which he laid his hand he became a master. His portraits of Gershwin, Garbo, Eugene O’Neill, Marlene Dietrich, Chaplin and George M. Cohan are the definitive images by which we remember those celebrated artists. His photomurals of dams, bridges and huge buildings astonished audiences when they were first shown. In the 1920’s and 30’s he was the best known and most expensive commercial advertising photographer in New York City. A pioneer an aerial photography, during War War Two he was in charge of Naval combat camera crews. At age of 86 he reflected on his long life and and many achievements. “Photography” he said “is both ridiculously easy and impossibly difficult.”

Regular Rod Briggs Gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the run of the show.

Time: 1 to 4 p.m., June 21

Cost: Free

Details: LongBeachCreativeGroup.org

Venue: Rod Briggs Gallery, 2221 E Broadway in Long Beach

June 16, RPV City Council Meeting Landslide Update

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June 16, RPV City Council Meeting Landslide Update

On June 16, the city council will receive the latest updates on the landslide emergency.

According to the most recent survey data from early May, the landslide complex is moving 56% slower than it was one year ago, despite a slightly above average rainy season.

The average movement rate for areas still moving within the active landslide boundary was 1.3 inches per week, a 12.5% decrease since April. The Abalone Cove Landslide decelerated by an average of 14% to 1.61 inches per week and the Portuguese Bend Landslide decelerated by an average of 12% to 1.04 inches per week. The Klondike Canyon Landslide continued to see no measurable movement.

During next week’s meeting, the council will consider affirming the recent submittal of a $20 million building resilient infrastructure and communities or BRIC grant application to FEMA. It is the latest federal grant opportunity for the city to potentially help fund critical hazard mitigation work to prevent future re-acceleration. This is a separate application from a previous $23.3 million BRIC grant, which the city was selected for in August 2023.

Finally, the council will consider extending by 60 days the local emergency declarations in the landslide area and the temporary prohibition of bicycles, motorcycles, and other similar wheeled vehicles from an approximately 2-mile stretch of Palos Verdes Drive South.

A staff report (PDF) with more information is available on the city website at: https://tinyurl.com/RPV-city-council-agenda
Meeting Info: To participate in public comment during the meeting in person or virtually, complete a form at rpvca.gov/participate. Email your comments on agenda items to cc@rpvca.gov.

Time: 7 p.m., June 16

Details: Watch live on RPVtv’s YouTube channel, at rpvca.gov, or on Cox 33/FiOS 38.

Venue: McTaggart Hall at Hesse Park and via Zoom.

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