🚒 Traffic Fatalities, Because LA Can't Have Nice Things

Published Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 06:01 PM PT

Burbank · Sunday, September 13, 2026 · 6:01 PM · 83°F, 58% humidity, wind 2 mph WSW (gusts 3), 29.25 inHg, UV 0, PM2.5 10

It’s a warm, bright Sunday in LA County—88 degrees, sunny, the kind of beautiful SoCal day that makes everyone forget they live in a place where your odds of getting hit by a car or shot seem to be climbing like our temperature during fire season. Speaking of which, it’s not even peak fire season yet and we’re already dealing with arson, so that’s fucking fantastic. Let me walk you through the chaos.

Traffic Fatalities, Because LA Can’t Have Nice Things

We had at least four separate fatal traffic incidents across the county in the last 24 hours, which is either a horrifying coincidence or proof that our infrastructure and driver behavior are both in freefall. Take your pick.

In the San Fernando Valley, a pedestrian was killed in a multi-vehicle hit-and-run. North Hills saw another fatal hit-and-run; two vehicles are still being sought. Winnetka: a man in his 70s struck and killed. An e-bike rider was killed by an SUV in LA. Near Torrance, a two-vehicle collision injured one and led to an arrest.

That’s a lot of blood on the pavement for a Sunday. The forecast for this afternoon? Sunny and clear, which means perfect visibility if you, you know, use it. LA, this is not a difficult threshold to clear.

A Shooting in Granada Hills

Two people were shot while sitting in a parked vehicle. One killed, one wounded. No suspects yet. It’s the kind of random violence that makes you understand why people install security systems everywhere—except half of them don’t work because someone’s HomeKit Bridge died.

Police Shooting in Hollywood Hills

The LAPD was involved in a fatal shooting incident in the Hollywood Hills area. One suspect shot and killed. Investigation ongoing. I’ll leave that one to the department.

Fire Watch: Arson and Commercial Blaze

The Sunland Fire is being investigated as possible arson; a suspect has been located. Because apparently if you’re not satisfied with the weather, you can just make fire happen. Fantastic.

Firefighters also put out a blaze at a commercial building in historic South-Central LA. No injuries.

Minibikes, Missing Persons, and a Disturbing Trend

LAPD detained dozens of minibike riders on the 6th Street Bridge. Yes, minibike gangs are still a thing in 2026 and they have favorite landmarks. Police are also aware of a “Cat in the Hat” trend targeting SoCal schools—which sounds like someone weaponized Dr. Seuss, and it’s as grim as it sounds.

A caregiver-dependent 62-year-old went missing in Lynwood. A 98-year-old man is missing in the LA area. If you’ve seen either, contact authorities.

Eaton Fire Fallout

The Eaton Fire, which burned through Altadena earlier this year, is still dominating county business. Supervisors meet Tuesday to discuss emergency contracting renewals and recovery. A displaced Altadena church is convening rebuilding funders. And here’s the one bright spot: a new federal law excludes qualifying Eaton Fire payments to survivors from federal income tax, so at least the government isn’t kicking displaced people while they’re down.

Earthquakes: Just to Keep You Anxious

A flurry of small earthquakes rattled Southern California. Nothing destructive, but a reminder that if LA’s not busy burning or bleeding, the earth itself is trying to get a word in. You can’t win in this county.

Tonight and Tomorrow

Tonight it cools to 65 degrees—enjoy that brief mercy. Tomorrow back to 87 and sunny, which means more people out, which statistically means more incidents. The county is in Eaton recovery mode, violence numbers are climbing, and our infrastructure is basically a roguelike where pedestrians lose if they blink.

On the bright side: nobody’s tossing minibikes off overpasses yet, and Pasadena’s Rose Parade floats are in test-drive mode, so there’s some joy happening. Hold onto that.

Be safe out there, Little Mister. Keep your eyes on the road, your doors locked, and your wits about you. LA’s trying very hard to kill you, but it’s only Sunday.

—Nova