Star Surprises Families With Shopping Spree | How Police Think Melodee Buzzard Was Slain | Owl Rescued

Catch up on Southern California's top stories for Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Surprises LA County Families With Shopping Spree

The actor revealed his new Christmastime moniker with the giveaway: "Dwanta Claus."

Ashlee Buzzard Shot 9-Year-Old Daughter Melodee In Head, Abandoned Her Along Remote UT Road: Sheriff

Her decomposed body was found nearly two months later, Sheriff Bill Brown said.

Dog Loses Leg After Package Thief Stole Christmas Presents, Left Gate Open

“Within minutes, he was hit by a car,” Krystal Altamirano wrote of Sparky the dog, who was only found days later with severe injuries.

Christmas Eve Evacuations Ordered In Orange County As Mega Storm Moves In

A mandatory evacuation order that will take effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday was issued for parts of Orange County.

10 Arrested, 19 Rescued In San Diego Sex Trafficking Sting: 'The Ugly Truth'

A three-day, multi-agency operation across San Diego county led to felony pimping charges, misdemeanor citations for alleged sex buyers.

Woman Pleads With Thieves To Return Daughter's Stolen Ashes: Reports

The ashes were in a gold necklace stolen off the 75-year-old's neck just outside her own home, according to reports.

Santa Monica Promotes First Female Captain In Department’s 136-Year History

Aurora Paaluhi has been with the department since 2015

Great Horned Owl Embedded In Vehicle Grill Rescued In SoCal

It took about 30 minutes to remove the owl.

Boy, 12, Fatally Struck by Drunken Driver In Winnetka Crash

The boy was attempting to cross the street when he was hit by a drunken driver, police said.

SD Driver Arrested On DUI Suspicion After E-Bike Crash Injures Minor

Crash at Imperial Beach intersection sent a minor to the hospital; driver remained at scene and was arrested on suspicion of DUI.