Local News
OC plastic surgeon faces new accusation, felony battery charges – NBC Los Angeles
“I feel mutilated and felt lied to,” said Toni Arken, a former patient of Dr. Arian Mowlavi. “I just don’t even understand how someone could work like this.”
Arken had surgery with Mowlavi in 2018. Her experience is detailed in a recently amended medical board accusation against the plastic surgeon also known as Dr Laguna.
His strong social media presence drew her to his practice. She said she thought she would be in the best hands after reading more about his background.
“He’s training all these doctor. He’s written books,” said Arken. “He’s got to be it. It’s Laguna Beach.”
Arken wanted a Brazilian butt lift or BBL, but she said the consultation led to Mowlavi convincing her she needed so much more.
“He grabs me. He’s like, ‘Look,’” said Arken. “He grabs me about 2 inches above my vagina while I’m naked and grabs me right underneath my breast from behind me, so he’s behind me. And he’s pulling, cinching up and cinching down and (saying) ‘We can give you abs and all of this.’”
The I-Team spoke with Arken and two other former patients of Mowlavi who said they were also upsold on other procedures and felt bullied by him.
Mcayla Sarno said minutes before her surgery, while she was disrobed and already medicated, Mowlavi questioned what they were doing with her breasts. Sarno said she was shocked.
“If I give the wrong answer or explain it wrong, I’m about to go into surgery,” Sarno said. “I asked, ‘Can I get my phone and show you some photos?’ And that’s when the ridicule began with this constant, ‘You’re making this very difficult. It’s not that hard.’”
Former patient Chalene Johnson said she also felt bullied.
“We’re strong women. I mean, she’s a doctor,” said Johnson about Sarno. “We are professionals, and to find yourself in that situation, It’s hard. It’s hard to even explain to other people because you’re intelligent, all of your red flags are going off. But it’s a renowned doctor, it’s an author, it’s someone who’s supposedly critically acclaimed.”
Arken, Sarno and Johnson were among more than 30 plaintiffs in a civil suit Mowlavi recently settled for $6 million. So too was a patient who asked to be called Bobbi to protect her identity.
“It was the scariest experience of my life,” she said.
She is Patient A in the amended medical board accusation. Days after her surgery with Mowlavi, she was rushed to the ER and eventually transferred to the burn unit at UCI where she stayed in a medically induced coma for more than a week.
“It turned septic,” Bobbi explained, “which then caused kidney failure, liver failure and damage to my heart.”
For months after her procedures, Arken said she could barely move.
“I couldn’t even get up and stand up long enough to make my kids dinner,” said Arken.
She said to this day, she cannot do a sit up as a result. And she said she still reflects on her traumatizing consultation with Mowlavi.
“I kept kind of arguing, and he’s like, “Listen, it’s only going to be about a 4 to 6 inch scar,” said Arken, and then questioned what he was planning. “I just don’t know,” she said. “I don’t like how that’s pulled up and he (said), ‘I know what a p***y should look like.’ It was just overwhelming.”
She said Mowlavi’s insistence on giving her a vagina lift had devastating results.
“Every day when I go the restroom I will pee out on the seat and usually pee on my leg a little bit, which is very embarrassing and not something I like talking about.”
When she obtained her medical records from Mowlavi’s office a year and a half after her surgery, she discovered her operative note listed her name, but a wrong birthdate and incorrect details of her surgery.
“His name’s on here, signed and dated that day after,” said Arken, holding up her incorrect operative note. “So it’s not me at all, 100%.”
In June 2023, Laguna Beach police raided Mowlavi’s office and investigators removed boxes of records and computers. In July of this year, the Orange County District Attorney’s office filed two felony counts of battery with serious bodily injury against Mowlavi related to two patients. He has not yet entered a plea. A civil suit filed by the DA’s office in June of last year accused Mowlavi of 19 unlawful business practices. But that suit is on hold until the criminal case is resolved.
The I-Team reached out to Dr. Mowlavi’s attorneys who are handling his civil and criminal cases, but they did not respond to the request for comment.
Former patients who have spoken to the I-Team said a primary reason they came forward is to protect others from experiencing their pain and suffering.
“At the end of the day, I don’t want this guy to hurt another person,” said Arken
There is also frustration among former patients.
The first medical board investigation noted on Mowlavi’s record involved the death of one of his patients in 2018. But that accusation wasn’t made pubic until August of 2021 and wasn’t resolved until October 2022 — more than four years later — with 10 years probation and a 90 day suspension of his license to practice.
Chalene Johnson doesn’t understand the board’s lack of transparency.
“If you’re not able to do your research by the governmental agencies that are supposedly established to protect your best interest, then who can we trust?” asked Johnson.
While Mowlavi’s medical license is currently restricted, he continues to consult with prospective patients. When we called last week to book a consultation, we were offered multiple dates to meet with Mowlavi.
Instead of Dr. Laguna, he now appears to be branding his business as SurgiSculpt, a name trademarked by an LLC registered in his wife’s name, using the address of Mowlavi’s original surgical center in Laguna Beach.
Dr. Mowlavi is expected in court September 25 for arraignment on the two felony criminal charges. A hearing is scheduled for March of next year on the latest accusation by the medical board.
Local News
Lawsuit settlement paves way for San Bernardino to clear homeless encampments – NBC Los Angeles
The city of San Bernardino announced it reached a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding its cleanups of homeless encampments.
As part of the settlement, the city is adopting a new policy that will prevent the destruction of unhoused people’s properties during encampment cleanups, paving the way for officials to resume sweeps.
For the most part, residents said they feel relieved cleanup is on the way, but they also expressed concern for those who live on the streets.
“It’s a nice park and they keep the course clean,” said Ernest McRay, a visitor at Perris Hill Park. “There are some homeless people here but they have to have a place to go. They don’t really bother anybody.”
“Sometimes you get guys yelling but most of the times, they don’t bother,” said Frank Lamarque, another park visitor.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran said homeless encampments have been on her office’s radar for the past nine months, but a lawsuit from the ACLU kept the city from cleaning up encampments. On Monday, both parties reached an agreement on how to proceed.
“The city has designated a disability coordinator to oversee requests by disabled people for reasonable accommodations before and during an encampment cleanup,” said Rochelle Clayton, interim city manager.
The lawsuit filed against the city in 2023 claimed the constitutional rights of those unhoused during a previous encampment cleanup were violated.
“The destruction of people’s personal property,” said Kath Rogers of the ACLU. “Many people had their property destroyed like medicine walkers blankets and clothing and everything they owned.”
The city is also expected to reinvest $600,000 in homeless programs and resources as part of the agreement.
Local News
Long Beach hosts its first ever Latino Restaurant Week – NBC Los Angeles
For the first time, Latino restaurants are being spotlighted during Hispanic Heritage Month in Long Beach.
From Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, the citywide celebration will bring together a variety of Latino-owned restaurants, each offering unique dishes that reflect the rich tapestry of Latin American cuisine. The event aims to highlight the culinary talent of the Latino community, support local businesses, and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Long Beach a unique and thriving community.
“We are in every kitchen,” said Roberto Lemus, Long Beach Latino Restaurant Week Co-Founder. “We have restaurants from Brazil, from El Salvador, from Honduras, from Colombia.”
The inaugural Latino Restaurant Week in Long Beach features a range of participating establishments that span from casual cafés to high-end dining experiences. Each restaurant showcases not only its style but also the heritage and passion that Latino chefs bring to their culinary creations.
“There is one, an Italian restaurant, owned by a Mexicano for the last 30 years… we wanted to highlight the flavor we bring to the table,” said Lemus.
With cuisines ranging from Mexican and Salvadoran to Peruvian and Cuban, this week-long event offers an opportunity for the public to indulge in an array of Latin American flavors.
“We have the best hot dog with a Peruvian twist,” said Carla Flores, chef of Alli Kaphy. “We love to create food from our two cultures.”
Flores grew up in Northern Peru but moved to Long Beach when she was 9 years old. The chef’s take on Peruvian food is known for its fresh ingredients and dedication to authenticity. From ceviche to lomo saltado, the dishes are a true representation of Peruvian culture, offering a mix of coastal, Andean, and Amazonian influences.
Another restaurant on the radar is El Barrio Cantina, offering a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes in the heart of Long Beach’s Retro Row. Chef Ulises Pineda Alfaro has crafted a tapas-style menu featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative recipes, blending Mexican traditions with global flavors inspired by the many cultures of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Along with the food, guests can enjoy craft cocktails that are equally influenced by local cultures and fresh, seasonal ingredients, creating a unique and modern culinary experience.
For those seeking a cozy café vibe, Confidential Coffee is a must-visit during the week. Owned by Denise Maldonado, this community-focused café has become a local favorite thanks to its minimalist design and welcoming atmosphere. Confidential Coffee serves expertly brewed espresso drinks and specialty blends alongside pastries and light bites, making it the perfect spot for breakfast or an afternoon break. Denise’s passion for both coffee and community shines through in the warm ambiance, creating an inviting space to relax or work while enjoying exceptional coffee.
The full list of participating restaurants can be found on the event’s official website, where visitors can explore the diverse range of eateries taking part in this week-long culinary journey.
Local News
Newsom signs bill to push last call until 4 a.m. at Intuit Dome – NBC Los Angeles
The last call for drinks is 2 a.m. in California, but the state will soon carve out an exception to allow alcohol to be served until 4 a.m. for one private, members-only club located in the Los Angeles Clippers’ new state-of-the-art arena.
The new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom over the weekend will allow about 100 club members to be served wine, beer and other liquor until 4 a.m. in private suites inside the Intuit Dome after game days and concerts.
It was sponsored by a group owned by Steve Ballmer, the current Clippers owner and former CEO of Microsoft. Ballmer funded the Intuit Dome and his wife, Connie Ballmer, gave Newsom’s campaign $1 million in 2021 to help fight a recall election against the governor. The group owned by Steve Ballmer also spent roughly $220,000 this year to sway lawmakers on the legislation, among other proposals, according to lobbying reports.
The measure drew criticism from some, including ethics experts, for granting an exception benefiting a major campaign donor’s family member.
“It’s certainly going to become an issue for his opponents and critics to point to the fact that he seemed to provide a special favor to a wealthy sports franchise owner and its facility and its wealthy fans,” said John Pelissero, director of government ethics at Santa Clara University. “It just doesn’t look good.”
Newsom’s spokesperson Izzy Gardon said “the Governor’s decisions on legislation are made solely on the merits of each bill.”
It’s not the first time the governor has faced a backlash for carving out exceptions for a select few. He was lambasted for attending a birthday party in 2020 at the pricy French Laundry restaurant in wine country north of San Francisco, breaking the very rules he preached to the public to slow the spread of the coronavirus during the pandemic.
The new California law allowing the exception for the private club members comes after California lawmakers spent years unsuccessfully pushing to extend the last call for drinks in a few cities. Several states, including New York and Tennessee, have already passed legislation extending serving hours beyond 2 a.m.
“If they think opening venues and having drinking until 4 o’clock in the morning is good for just exclusive groups, then it should be for everyone, and my contention is, it’s not good for anyone,” said Republican state Sen. Kelly Seyarto in August of the measure.
Representatives working for Steve Ballmer didn’t immediately respond to calls about the new law and potential influence.
The arena located in Inglewood — 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the team’s old arena in downtown Los Angeles — officially opened in August with 18,000 seats. It is scheduled to host the 2026 All-Star Game and serve as the basketball venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Supporters of the new California law said it’s a pilot program that will boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the entertainment hub in the city of Inglewood, which boasts several iconic venues including the Rams’ SoFi stadium, the Forum and now the new Intuit Dome. Under the law, the exception will sunset in January 2030 and the new last-call rule still needs final approval from the city. Opponents worry the new last-call hours will lead to more drunk driving and promote excessive drinking.
In a signing message, Newsom also said he would direct California Highway Patrol to work with local police to monitor drunken driving incidents in the area and report back findings to lawmakers for further consideration.
“I remain cognizant of the potential risks to public safety posed by extending service hours for alcoholic beverage service, which could lead to an increase in driving under the influence-related crashes and fatalities,” Newsom said.
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