July 12, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Brentwood Beat: Jackie Raymond, the Lioness of South Brentwood

Jackie Raymond died recently. In her heyday, Jackie Raymond was involved in anything and everything that moved in Brentwood. 

Like a lioness protecting her cubs, she was particularly tenacious in her love of and protection for South Brentwood. She ran the South Brentwood Residents Association (SBRA) for years.

She rose to particular prominence in the immediate aftermath of the Nicole Brown Simpson/Ron Goldman murders, which took place in South Brentwood in June of 1994 on Bundy Drive.  

Suddenly, South Brentwood (and Rockingham, where O.J. lived) were destinations for “lookey-loos” from all around the world.  

For days, weeks, and months, streams of cars and pedestrians rolled by the site of the murder – and by O.J.’s house, north of Sunset, on Rockingham. Air travelers who had a few hours to kill at LAX hailed taxis and said, “Take me to the murder scene.”  

Brentwood was national news, and many didn’t like it – especially Jackie. There was a feeling that Brentwood was now under siege, and she was quick to call in the police whenever she thought the crowds were getting out of hand. 

A newspaper with a picture of a person

Description automatically generated
Front page of the Brentwood News

A big sign was erected in the front yard of a resident two doors from the scene of the murder.

I know from talking to Jackie that, like many, she thought O.J. did it.  She displayed a righteous anger whenever his name was uttered. She chose, after a while, to simply never voice his name.  She called him “M,” for murderer. 

This made for some awkward conversations, but most knew what she was trying to do – to not give O.J. any recognition – or oxygen. 

Jackie was one of the founding board members of the Brentwood Community Council in 1998.  She represented South Brentwood, a mixed area of apartments, condos, and single-family residences.

The South Brentwood Residents Association has a tradition of putting on some outstanding annual meetings, with just the right speakers each time. This all got started under Jackie. 

Prior to the formation of the Brentwood Community Council, Jackie was an active member of the Brentwood Federation, a forerunner to the BCC. 

Jackie was everywhere, day and night. Jackie’s husband, Andy – who died just a few weeks before Jackie passed – did his best to keep up. 

A newspaper with a picture of a person

Description automatically generated

A Brentwood News front page celebrating Jackie Raymond and Brentwood Green.

Jackie was instrumental in starting Brentwood Green, which converted part of Brentwood Science Magnet School into a park, open on weekends to the public – for a while, anyway.  During Covid, the park closed down. There are efforts underway to open it again.

When Jackie said “jump,” the only acceptable answer was, “How high?”

In addition to Jackie’s being a great community leader, she was fun and always ready to swap a little gossip. I smile when I think of her. 

If one ever wonders if one person can ever truly make a difference, Jackie stands as “Exhibit A” in the “Hell, Yes!” column.

in News
Related Posts

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

For the Win Burger Chain Expanding to Brentwood: REPORT

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Popular items include the double cheeseburger with bacon and jalapenos, as well as loaded fries topped with For The Win...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Jack Kirby Exhibit Opens at Skirball Cultural Center

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The display features original comic illustrations, fine art, and commercial works, many shown publicly for the first time A new...