Today’s Gas Station News Highlights - August 25, 2025

Pico Rivera Shooting Leaves 13-Year-Old Dead

PICO RIVERA, Calif. - A 13-year-old boy was shot and killed late Saturday night at the 76 gas station on Whittier Boulevard, marking the second deadly gas station shooting in the city this week. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded at approximately 11:45 p.m. and found the teenager suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities have released no details regarding suspects or motive. A gold Toyota Camry located at the site is being examined as evidence, though investigators currently believe this shooting is unrelated to Thursday’s fatal shooting at a nearby Shell station. The department urges anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

Eyewitnesses report the victim had been waiting for his mother, who works at the station, when the assailant opened fire. Community members expressed shock and grief, with one family friend questioning what could have provoked the senseless violence.

Victoria’s James Bay Residents Frustrated by Unused Station

VICTORIA, B.C. - In James Bay, residents are voicing growing frustration after eight years of stalled redevelopment at the former Save-On Gas (now a dormant Shell station) at Menzies and Michigan streets. Despite active building permits and sporadic site maintenance-such as minimal monthly work to keep permits alive-there has been no progress toward reopening the station or building the proposed two-storey facility.

Local resident Jenn Reimer gathered over 1,000 petition signatures and presented them to Victoria City Council last fall, yet has heard no updates since. Seniors living nearby lament the additional time and expense required to travel for propane refills and basic convenience supplies. While occasional activity-workers moving boards and clearing debris-has been observed, the lot remains an eyesore that residents describe as “zombie-apocalypse” terrain.

Council members have acknowledged the loophole exploited by the owner, who performs minimal work to retain his permit, but have offered no timeline for resolution. The community continues to pressure both the owner and city hall for action to restore a functioning gas station in the heart of James Bay.

Next Steps:

• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues its investigation into the Pico Rivera shootings and seeks public assistance.
• Victoria City Council faces renewed calls to address the long-standing idle gas station issue in James Bay.