Extreme Fire Conditions + Firefighter Dies + Machete-Wielding Man: SoCal In Brief

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — We've rounded up the stories you may have missed over the weekend to prepare you for the week ahead.

But before we jump into Southern California's top stories, residents should expect widespread damaging winds and extreme fire weather conditions Tuesday afternoon through at least Wednesday throughout much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the National Weather Service.

"Quiet weather is expected through Monday with warm and dry conditions, then a major north to northeast wind event will develop Tuesday," NWS Los Angeles forecasters wrote Sunday. "The winds will peak on Wednesday and continue into Thursday with widespread damaging winds and critical fire weather conditions."

Additionally, a fire weather watch will be in effect Wednesday morning through Thursday for the Inland Empire, inland Orange County and San Diego valleys due to strong Santa Ana winds and low relative humidity.

In other news, President Joe Biden will travel Tuesday to the Coachella Valley in Riverside County to announce the creation of a national monument south of Joshua Tree National Park, according to reports.

A longtime firefighter with the Orange County Fire Authority died after suffering a cardiac arrest while responding to a residential structure fire, officials said.

Plus, the California Highway Patrol warned the public to beware of fraudsters posing as "AMBER Alert representatives" offering to "register" children. AMBER — which stands for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response — is only activated by law enforcement agencies investigating reports of an abducted or missing child.

Here are some of the stories you may have missed:

2 Killed In Wrong-Way Crash On Freeway In Pasadena

Two people were killed Sunday and three people were rushed to a hospital from a fiery, multi-vehicle crash.

California Highway Patrol Warns Of Amber Alert Scam

The CHP is warning the public to beware of fraudsters posing as "AMBER Alert representatives" offering to "register" children.

Hit-And-Run Vehicle Kills Man Riding Scooter In South LA

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Horse Dies After Racing Injury At Los Alamitos

It was the first reported equine death at Los Alamitos in 2025.

Man Fatally Stabbed Outside McDonald's In Orange County

Officers found an unresponsive man with a stab wound in his upper torso. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Man Stabbed In Alley In San Diego

The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Man Wounded In Drive-By Shooting In Long Beach

The vehicle fled the scene and no other injuries were reported.

Orange County Firefighter Dies Battling Blaze In Laguna Niguel

Kevin Skinner suffered a cardiac arrest while responding to a residential structure fire in Laguna Niguel, officials said.

San Diego Man Found Wielding 'Large Machete' On Back Porch Of Connecticut Home: Police

"A dangerous and tense situation" was deescalated while keeping residents safe, police said.

Suspected Drunken Motorist Triggers Deadly Crash In Riverside

Paramedics dispatched to the crash scene rushed a 75-year-old woman to a hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Director Jeff Baena, Husband Of Aubrey Plaza, Dies By Suicide: Report

His credits include "I Heart Huckabees," "Life After Beth," Joshy," "Spin Me Round," "Horse Girl," And "The Little Hours."

Temecula Homicide Investigation Yields Early Morning Arrest: Cops

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Southwest Station deputies swarmed a Temecula neighborhood early Saturday, where a man was shot.

5 Winter Staycations In California

No matter the season, California has no shortage of places to see. Here are a few ideas to kickstart your next trek in the new year.

Golden Globe Winners: Complete List

"The Brutalist" took home the top prize. Demi Moore won Best Actress for "The Substance" and "Shogun" and "Hacks" won TV's top prizes.

Patch Parents: Best Things To Do With Kids In January In California

From Disney On Ice and Monster Jam events, to Lunar New Year celebrations, here are some of the best things to do with kids in January.

Some California Vehicles Slated To Lose Carpool Lane Access In 2025

The Clean Air Vehicle decal program is set to expire Sept. 30, 2025, unless Congress approves an extension.