ANAHEIM - The Tuesday morning commute on Anaheim surface streets was slowed up when the Orange County Sheriff's Bomb Squad investigated a suspicious package left at the Social Security Administration office on Harbor Boulevard.
At around 7:40 a.m. police received a call that a package with the word "bomb" written on it was left in front of the office, according to Anaheim Police.
Anaheim Police closed Harbor Boulevard between Ball Road and South Street as authorities investigated the package.
A bomb nor any explosives were not found, and it's unclear what was in the package.
No suspects have been arrested.
Harbor Boulevard was reopened at around 9 a.m.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The End
Saying goodbye is never easy, so the next best thing is to rip it off like a month-old bandage and keep it short.
Thank you all who have supported the News Wire, it is greatly appreciated. From the beginning I had a lot of support and good leads on stories.
Why the shutdown, well, sadly economic realities have prevented the News Wire from moving forward.
Maybe someday we will be back, but for now we must close the site.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you all who have supported the News Wire, it is greatly appreciated. From the beginning I had a lot of support and good leads on stories.
Why the shutdown, well, sadly economic realities have prevented the News Wire from moving forward.
Maybe someday we will be back, but for now we must close the site.
Thank you for your time.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Moscow Terror Attack
An apparent terror attack occurred Monday morning at Domodedovo International Airport near Moscow, which has prompted Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to cancel his trip to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
The latest reports say at least 31 people died and over 100 people are injured when a bomb "full of metal pieces" with the equivalent of 15 to 22 pounds of TNT exploded, according to a source in the Russian Investigation Committee by way of the state RIA Novosti news agency.
Eyewitnesses say "several bodies" were laying about the airport terminal.
Authorities are searching for three suspects.
Domodedovo is located about 25 miles southeast of Moscow and is the largest of three airports that serve the Russian capital.
More from the Los Angeles Times and New York Times.
The latest reports say at least 31 people died and over 100 people are injured when a bomb "full of metal pieces" with the equivalent of 15 to 22 pounds of TNT exploded, according to a source in the Russian Investigation Committee by way of the state RIA Novosti news agency.
Eyewitnesses say "several bodies" were laying about the airport terminal.
Authorities are searching for three suspects.
Domodedovo is located about 25 miles southeast of Moscow and is the largest of three airports that serve the Russian capital.
More from the Los Angeles Times and New York Times.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Goodbye Mr. LaLanne
The man who urged health, fitness and happiness among all, the great Jack LaLanne, has died at the age of 96 on Sunday.
Mr. LaLanne died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia Sunday afternoon at his home in Morro Bay, his agent, Rick Hersh, told the Associated Press.
Mr. LaLanne led an extraordinary life from opening up what is believed to be the first health club in Oakland in 1936 to creating innovative television workout programs.
Age was only a number for the fitness guru. In 1994 at age 80 Mr. LaLanne swam, while tied up in handcuffs and shackles along with fighting strong winds and currents, 1.5 miles while towing 80 boats with 80 people from the Queensway Bay Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary.
Mr. LaLanne died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia Sunday afternoon at his home in Morro Bay, his agent, Rick Hersh, told the Associated Press.
Mr. LaLanne led an extraordinary life from opening up what is believed to be the first health club in Oakland in 1936 to creating innovative television workout programs.
Age was only a number for the fitness guru. In 1994 at age 80 Mr. LaLanne swam, while tied up in handcuffs and shackles along with fighting strong winds and currents, 1.5 miles while towing 80 boats with 80 people from the Queensway Bay Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Final Countdown
In a surprise to many Keith Olbermann has abruptly counted down for the last time.
On Friday Mr. Olbermann announced he has taped the final edition of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and is leaving MSNBC.
During his farewell speech Mr. Olbermann did not give a reason for this sudden departure.
Mr. Olbermann has hosted the show on the cable network since 2003.
We have contacted NBC brass in attempt to get some kind of explanation for this change in programming, but as would be expected there is no response.
It would seem by the statement MSNBC put out that Mr. Olbermann will not be lurking in the hallways of Rockefeller Center anytime soon, rather by all appearances it seems he is gone for good from the cable news channel.
That statement reads,
"MSNBC and Keith Olbermann have ended their contract. The last broadcast of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' will be this evening. MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC's success and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
Making this sudden departure baffling is "Countdown" was often MSNBC's highest rated program and is often cited as one of the main reasons for the network shifting to a liberal tone in recent years.
In his goodbye speech aired in the last minutes of his program Mr. Olbermann thanked the audience for sticking with him and read a James Thurber poem.
Speaking kindly of the audience the departing Mr. Olbermann said, "This may be the only television program where the host was much more in awe of the audience than vice versa."
Along with thanking the audience Mr. Olbermann thanked several other people at the network, but curiously omitted from the praise of thanks were MSNBC President Phil Griffin and NBC News President Steve Capus.
What fills the void now?
According to New York Times media reporter Brian Stelter MSNBC's new lineup will be, Lawrence O'Donnell anchoring at 8 p.m. EST and Ed Schultz anchoring at 10 p.m. EST, with Rachel Maddow staying at her current time slot.
The Speculation
From media pundits, gossip columnists to internet comment forms many people are chiming in on just what happened and what comes next.
Well, Nikki Finke and Nellie Andreeva at Deadline Hollywood report the the merger between Comcast and NBC-Universal may have had something to do with the sudden departure.
According to the Deadline founder and writer, respectively, there could be a political shift in the works,
[W]ord has been circulating for months now that the new owners have wanted to "tinker" with MSNBC and had many changes in store, including a right turn for the left-wing cable channel so that it represents both political points of view more evenly.
MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines said the acquisition of NBC-Universal by Comcast, which received regulatory approval this week and set to be officially completed next week, had nothing to do with the decision.
Meanwhile over at The Daily Beast Howard Kurtz reports,
A knowledgeable official said the move had nothing to do with Comcast taking control of NBC next week, although the cable giant was informed when it received final federal approval for the purchase that Olbermann would be leaving the cable channel. This official described the dramatic divorce—Olbermann was about halfway through a four-year, $30-million contract—as mutual.
Olbermann, who quit MSNBC once before—in 1998, ripping his bosses in the process—almost single-handedly revived the network by leading it on a leftward march and aggressively attacking the rival operation he called Fox Noise. But his relations with top NBC and MSNBC executives sharply deteriorated when he was suspended for making donations to Democratic candidates, and they began to talk about how the channel was now on solid enough footing to survive without him.
[...]
At a meeting with Olbermann’s representatives last September, NBC chief executive Jeff Zucker and NBC News President Steve Capus said that some of their client’s behavior was unacceptable and had to stop. Griffin said that Olbermann’s personal problems were affecting his work and he looked angrier on the air, eclipsing the smart and ironic anchor they had once loved.
Likely in the days to come Mr. Olbermann's camp and the brass at NBC-Universal-Comcast (or whatever the new name of the merged corporation will be) will issue more statements and perhaps interviews in attempting to explain just what happened, along with maybe fueling more speculation.
Aside from speculating on just what led to the seemingly abrupt departure the next question is, where will Mr. Olbermann end up? Well, even if another media outlet wanted his services next week contractual obligations, by all appearances, are in the way as Mr. Olbermann still has about two years left on his $30 million, four year contract with MSNBC. So either, and this is all pure speculation at this point, NBC and company will force Mr. Olbermann on the bench to countdown the months until his contact comes to an end, or maybe the Rockefeller Center suits would be willing to accept a lucrative contract buyout.
[Saturday UPDATE: From the Huffington Post,
The New York Times' Bill Carter reports that Keith Olbermann's exit from MSNBC was "weeks in the making." According to Carter, Olbermann and MSNBC have both signed on to an agreement which bars Olbermann from returning to television for a period of time, though he is free to take a job on the Internet or the radio. Olbermann is also not allowed to comment publicly on the specifics of the deal, and there are restrictions on when he can give interviews about his departure.
Carter notes that the terms of the deal are similar to the one NBC struck with Conan O'Brien upon his exit from the network—exactly a year before Olbermann's.]
On Friday Mr. Olbermann announced he has taped the final edition of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and is leaving MSNBC.
During his farewell speech Mr. Olbermann did not give a reason for this sudden departure.
Mr. Olbermann has hosted the show on the cable network since 2003.
We have contacted NBC brass in attempt to get some kind of explanation for this change in programming, but as would be expected there is no response.
It would seem by the statement MSNBC put out that Mr. Olbermann will not be lurking in the hallways of Rockefeller Center anytime soon, rather by all appearances it seems he is gone for good from the cable news channel.
That statement reads,
"MSNBC and Keith Olbermann have ended their contract. The last broadcast of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' will be this evening. MSNBC thanks Keith for his integral role in MSNBC's success and we wish him well in his future endeavors."
Making this sudden departure baffling is "Countdown" was often MSNBC's highest rated program and is often cited as one of the main reasons for the network shifting to a liberal tone in recent years.
In his goodbye speech aired in the last minutes of his program Mr. Olbermann thanked the audience for sticking with him and read a James Thurber poem.
Speaking kindly of the audience the departing Mr. Olbermann said, "This may be the only television program where the host was much more in awe of the audience than vice versa."
Along with thanking the audience Mr. Olbermann thanked several other people at the network, but curiously omitted from the praise of thanks were MSNBC President Phil Griffin and NBC News President Steve Capus.
What fills the void now?
According to New York Times media reporter Brian Stelter MSNBC's new lineup will be, Lawrence O'Donnell anchoring at 8 p.m. EST and Ed Schultz anchoring at 10 p.m. EST, with Rachel Maddow staying at her current time slot.
The Speculation
From media pundits, gossip columnists to internet comment forms many people are chiming in on just what happened and what comes next.
Well, Nikki Finke and Nellie Andreeva at Deadline Hollywood report the the merger between Comcast and NBC-Universal may have had something to do with the sudden departure.
According to the Deadline founder and writer, respectively, there could be a political shift in the works,
[W]ord has been circulating for months now that the new owners have wanted to "tinker" with MSNBC and had many changes in store, including a right turn for the left-wing cable channel so that it represents both political points of view more evenly.
MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines said the acquisition of NBC-Universal by Comcast, which received regulatory approval this week and set to be officially completed next week, had nothing to do with the decision.
Meanwhile over at The Daily Beast Howard Kurtz reports,
A knowledgeable official said the move had nothing to do with Comcast taking control of NBC next week, although the cable giant was informed when it received final federal approval for the purchase that Olbermann would be leaving the cable channel. This official described the dramatic divorce—Olbermann was about halfway through a four-year, $30-million contract—as mutual.
Olbermann, who quit MSNBC once before—in 1998, ripping his bosses in the process—almost single-handedly revived the network by leading it on a leftward march and aggressively attacking the rival operation he called Fox Noise. But his relations with top NBC and MSNBC executives sharply deteriorated when he was suspended for making donations to Democratic candidates, and they began to talk about how the channel was now on solid enough footing to survive without him.
[...]
At a meeting with Olbermann’s representatives last September, NBC chief executive Jeff Zucker and NBC News President Steve Capus said that some of their client’s behavior was unacceptable and had to stop. Griffin said that Olbermann’s personal problems were affecting his work and he looked angrier on the air, eclipsing the smart and ironic anchor they had once loved.
Likely in the days to come Mr. Olbermann's camp and the brass at NBC-Universal-Comcast (or whatever the new name of the merged corporation will be) will issue more statements and perhaps interviews in attempting to explain just what happened, along with maybe fueling more speculation.
Aside from speculating on just what led to the seemingly abrupt departure the next question is, where will Mr. Olbermann end up? Well, even if another media outlet wanted his services next week contractual obligations, by all appearances, are in the way as Mr. Olbermann still has about two years left on his $30 million, four year contract with MSNBC. So either, and this is all pure speculation at this point, NBC and company will force Mr. Olbermann on the bench to countdown the months until his contact comes to an end, or maybe the Rockefeller Center suits would be willing to accept a lucrative contract buyout.
[Saturday UPDATE: From the Huffington Post,
The New York Times' Bill Carter reports that Keith Olbermann's exit from MSNBC was "weeks in the making." According to Carter, Olbermann and MSNBC have both signed on to an agreement which bars Olbermann from returning to television for a period of time, though he is free to take a job on the Internet or the radio. Olbermann is also not allowed to comment publicly on the specifics of the deal, and there are restrictions on when he can give interviews about his departure.
Carter notes that the terms of the deal are similar to the one NBC struck with Conan O'Brien upon his exit from the network—exactly a year before Olbermann's.]
The Last Weekend of Freedom?
Disgraced former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona may want to make the most out of this weekend, because on Friday Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Sagel requested, in a two-page statement, that the corrupt former lawman be taken into custody no later than Tuesday of next week during a hearing.
You may recall two years ago in 2009 Mr. Carona, once hailed as "America's Sheriff," was convicted by an Orange County federal jury for witness tampering in trying to persuade former assistant sheriff, and one time close friend and business associate, Don Haidl to lie during a grand jury investigation.
As Orange County Register reporter Larry Welborn reports,
"If the defendant does not self-surrender before the hearing, the government would seek immediate remand of the defendant" at a Tuesday court hearing, Sagel wrote.
Carona "has had ample time to get his personal affairs in order" since his conviction in federal court in April 2009, Sagel wrote.
And since the U.S. Bureau of Prison has designated that Carona serve his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Engelwood, Colo., "no further time is necessary" for him to surrender beyond Tuesday's hearing, Sagel added.
Meanwhile, in a last-ditch effort to stave off prison, Carona's defense team filed a petition with a federal appeals court seeking a rehearing of his failed appeal of his witness tampering conviction.
The 45–page petition, filed Thursday with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, asked that the three-judge panel of justices that rejected Carona's appeal on Jan. 6 review their decision, or that the entire court take up the issue.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Guilford sentenced Mr. Carona to five-and-a-half years, that in turn prompted the former sheriff's lawyers to appeal the judge's decision with an appellate court. Mr. Carona's lawyers claimed Judge Guilford abused his discretion when he declined to grant a defense motion to suppress evidence during Mr. Carona's trial.
The group of appellate judges did not agree with the defense's argument, and that ruling by the judges prompted, according to Mr. Welborn, Judge Guilford to schedule a hearing for next Tuesday in his courtroom at the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse in Santa Ana.
If Mr. Carona is ordered to prison a question by a reader was asked, will he serve his full sentence? Well, in federal prison there is no parole granted, and so one's only hopes for early release, sans any sort of clemency, is for "good behavior."
Will the disgraced sheriff surrender before Tuesday or wait out his options and basically hope for the best while standing about in a modern courtroom in downtown Santa Ana on Tuesday? Well, anybody who has followed the Machiavellian saga of Mike Carona can probably figure out the answer to that rather simple question.
[UPDATE: OC Weekly reporter Matt Coker reports,
Brian Sun, Carona's attorney, states in a letter filed in court Friday by prosecutors that Carona plans to surrender at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado, before a scheduled hearing Tuesday in Santa Ana.]
You may recall two years ago in 2009 Mr. Carona, once hailed as "America's Sheriff," was convicted by an Orange County federal jury for witness tampering in trying to persuade former assistant sheriff, and one time close friend and business associate, Don Haidl to lie during a grand jury investigation.
As Orange County Register reporter Larry Welborn reports,
"If the defendant does not self-surrender before the hearing, the government would seek immediate remand of the defendant" at a Tuesday court hearing, Sagel wrote.
Carona "has had ample time to get his personal affairs in order" since his conviction in federal court in April 2009, Sagel wrote.
And since the U.S. Bureau of Prison has designated that Carona serve his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Engelwood, Colo., "no further time is necessary" for him to surrender beyond Tuesday's hearing, Sagel added.
Meanwhile, in a last-ditch effort to stave off prison, Carona's defense team filed a petition with a federal appeals court seeking a rehearing of his failed appeal of his witness tampering conviction.
The 45–page petition, filed Thursday with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, asked that the three-judge panel of justices that rejected Carona's appeal on Jan. 6 review their decision, or that the entire court take up the issue.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Guilford sentenced Mr. Carona to five-and-a-half years, that in turn prompted the former sheriff's lawyers to appeal the judge's decision with an appellate court. Mr. Carona's lawyers claimed Judge Guilford abused his discretion when he declined to grant a defense motion to suppress evidence during Mr. Carona's trial.
The group of appellate judges did not agree with the defense's argument, and that ruling by the judges prompted, according to Mr. Welborn, Judge Guilford to schedule a hearing for next Tuesday in his courtroom at the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse in Santa Ana.
If Mr. Carona is ordered to prison a question by a reader was asked, will he serve his full sentence? Well, in federal prison there is no parole granted, and so one's only hopes for early release, sans any sort of clemency, is for "good behavior."
Will the disgraced sheriff surrender before Tuesday or wait out his options and basically hope for the best while standing about in a modern courtroom in downtown Santa Ana on Tuesday? Well, anybody who has followed the Machiavellian saga of Mike Carona can probably figure out the answer to that rather simple question.
[UPDATE: OC Weekly reporter Matt Coker reports,
Brian Sun, Carona's attorney, states in a letter filed in court Friday by prosecutors that Carona plans to surrender at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colorado, before a scheduled hearing Tuesday in Santa Ana.]
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Not So Fast Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach tax collectors looking to knock on the door and collect from "new" Sunset Beach residents will have to wait a little longer as Orange County Superior Court Judge Frederick P. Horn issued an injunction Thursday to stop, for now, the annexation of the unincorporated seaside town by Surf City until the matter can be heard in court.
In his ruling Judge Horn said there is a possibility the Citizen's Association of Sunset Beach will prevail in their lawsuit against the annexation.
Last year the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission gave Huntington Beach the go ahead to annex the community, perhaps best identified by the water tower home on Pacific Coast Highway, that has long been wedged between Surf City and Seal Beach.
The Citizens' group argues that the community has a right to vote on the annexation since Huntington Beach will charge Sunset Beach residents a city tax as, according to the group, Proposition 218 requires a vote of affected property owners before a new tax be imposed.
Huntington Beach officials have already claimed once the annexation goes through current city taxes would be imposed on the new residents.
However, according to KPCC reporter Susan Valot,
[T]he judge pointed out that some of the arguments from Huntington Beach have merit, too. The city maintains that since it would apply an existing tax to the city's new borders - which includes Sunset Beach - it is not a new tax. That would mean they can move forward with "small island annexation" without a vote by the annexed area.
Sunset Beach is one of the last classic California rugged coastal communities in Orange County.
Aside from a new city tax some residents fear Huntington Beach will drain the character of the town by making it a more homogenized community. That, along with the dreadful fear among residents and business owners alike the city may add parking meters.
The next hearing in determining the fate of the tiny seaside town will be in March.
In his ruling Judge Horn said there is a possibility the Citizen's Association of Sunset Beach will prevail in their lawsuit against the annexation.
Last year the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission gave Huntington Beach the go ahead to annex the community, perhaps best identified by the water tower home on Pacific Coast Highway, that has long been wedged between Surf City and Seal Beach.
The Citizens' group argues that the community has a right to vote on the annexation since Huntington Beach will charge Sunset Beach residents a city tax as, according to the group, Proposition 218 requires a vote of affected property owners before a new tax be imposed.
Huntington Beach officials have already claimed once the annexation goes through current city taxes would be imposed on the new residents.
However, according to KPCC reporter Susan Valot,
[T]he judge pointed out that some of the arguments from Huntington Beach have merit, too. The city maintains that since it would apply an existing tax to the city's new borders - which includes Sunset Beach - it is not a new tax. That would mean they can move forward with "small island annexation" without a vote by the annexed area.
Sunset Beach is one of the last classic California rugged coastal communities in Orange County.
Aside from a new city tax some residents fear Huntington Beach will drain the character of the town by making it a more homogenized community. That, along with the dreadful fear among residents and business owners alike the city may add parking meters.
The next hearing in determining the fate of the tiny seaside town will be in March.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
JUST IN: Bell Teenager Shot
The Los Angeles Times is reporting a 16-year-old student has been shot a half-block from Bell High School; that according to Bell Police.
According to the Times,
The unidentified 16-year-old boy was taken to the trauma unit at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood after the shooting, said Los Angeles Fire Inspector Matthew Levesque. His condition was not immediately known.
Investigators were still trying to sort out the details, Miranda said.
According to the Times,
The unidentified 16-year-old boy was taken to the trauma unit at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood after the shooting, said Los Angeles Fire Inspector Matthew Levesque. His condition was not immediately known.
Investigators were still trying to sort out the details, Miranda said.
Officer Shooting Story Highlights
***
Story Highlights:
-An LAUSD police was shot outside of a high school in Woodland Hills.
-The officer is reported to be in fair condition and may be released Wednesday evening.
-No students were involved or harmed.
-The LAPD has established a large perimeter, which has prompted five schools to be put on lockdown and has forced the closure of many streets.
-One person of interest arrested and one suspect remains outstanding.
***
Story Highlights:
-An LAUSD police was shot outside of a high school in Woodland Hills.
-The officer is reported to be in fair condition and may be released Wednesday evening.
-No students were involved or harmed.
-The LAPD has established a large perimeter, which has prompted five schools to be put on lockdown and has forced the closure of many streets.
-One person of interest arrested and one suspect remains outstanding.
***
JUST IN: Police Officer Shot; Suspect At Large
A Los Angeles Unified School District police officer was shot and injured around 11:40 a.m. Wednesday morning at Manton Avenue and Burbank Boulevard near El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills. This has prompted a citywide tactical alert and the response of over 350 police officers from various agencies to help search for the suspect who is still reportedly at large.
The Los Angeles Police Department has established a perimeter from Platt to the 101 and Valley Circle East to Woodlake, which in turn has forced the closure of several area streets, including Valley Circle. Furthermore this incident has prompted the closure of the northbound 101 Valley Circle offramp.
In fact, this is one of the largest manhunts in recent LAPD history.
[UPDATE 3:13 p.m.: Councilman Dennis Zine is advising the hundreds of residents who live in the seven-square-mile perimeter that they will not be able to get back in or out of their neighborhood until police clear the area in their search for the suspect.]
[UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: Some streets and neighborhoods are slowly being reopened, however many more are expected to be closed for a few more hours. Also, the Ventura Freeway offramps have been reopened.]
By order of the LAPD El Camino Real High School and Hale Middle School along with three other schools are on lockdown, and police are advising area residents to stay indoors.
[UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: The Associated Press is reporting Calabash and Pomelo Elementary Schools will release students at their normal dismissal time.]
Parents concerned about their children who are in the schools currently on lockdown can telephone, (818) 654-3600.
[UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Students at El Camino Real High School will be released within the hour at southwest corner of the campus on Valley Circle.]
[UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: Acting mayor and city council president Eric Garcetti says all schools will be in session tomorrow and counselors will be sent to the campuses to help assist students.]
[UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: The injured LAUSD officer, who has been identified as Jeff Stenroos, may be released from the hospital later this afternoon, according to Doctor Steve Jones of Northridge Hospital. Dr. Jones says the bullet bounced off his chest, forcing him to the ground, and in the end he was left with a bruise. Dr. Jones says it does not appear the officer had any internal injuries.]
Various reports claim the officer's safety-vest prevented the bullet from penetrating the officer's chest.
The officer was taken by ambulance to Northridge Hospital.
Incoming LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy tells KABC-TV no students were involved nor harmed in this incident.
The big question now, what was the motive for this shooting? Well, that answer is still developing.
[UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: LAUSD Police say the Mr. Stenroos originally approached the suspect as it appeared he was attempting to break into cars. According to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck the LAUSD officer attempted to apprehend the suspect and that is when the suspect fired several shots from what police believe was a semi-automatic handgun.]
What is known at this time is, according to Los Angeles Police Department sources, by way of the Los Angeles Times, the officer was sitting in his marked patrol car when the gunman opened fire
Police say the suspect is a white male in his forties with long dirty-blond hair and graying sideburns, and was last seen wearing a long black bomber jacket and blue jeans.
Chief Beck says the suspect is believed to be on foot.
Police are apparently detaining people in the area who fit the suspect description.
[UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: The travesty of a person of interest who fit the description of the suspect was played out on local television as aerial coverage showed he was taken to Northridge Hospital presumably for positive identification by Mr. Stenroos. By all appearances this was not the suspect as he was driven back to his home by police officers and given a handshake for his troubles.]
[UPDATE: KCAL-TV helicopter reporter Derek Bell is reporting a second person has been taken into custody; it is unclear if this is the sought after suspect.]
[UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: The LAPD are detaining and questioning people in the area as a safety precaution.]
This incident is also causing a somewhat significant backup in both directions on the 101 through the Valley.
The Los Angeles Police Department has established a perimeter from Platt to the 101 and Valley Circle East to Woodlake, which in turn has forced the closure of several area streets, including Valley Circle. Furthermore this incident has prompted the closure of the northbound 101 Valley Circle offramp.
In fact, this is one of the largest manhunts in recent LAPD history.
[UPDATE 3:13 p.m.: Councilman Dennis Zine is advising the hundreds of residents who live in the seven-square-mile perimeter that they will not be able to get back in or out of their neighborhood until police clear the area in their search for the suspect.]
[UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: Some streets and neighborhoods are slowly being reopened, however many more are expected to be closed for a few more hours. Also, the Ventura Freeway offramps have been reopened.]
By order of the LAPD El Camino Real High School and Hale Middle School along with three other schools are on lockdown, and police are advising area residents to stay indoors.
[UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: The Associated Press is reporting Calabash and Pomelo Elementary Schools will release students at their normal dismissal time.]
Parents concerned about their children who are in the schools currently on lockdown can telephone, (818) 654-3600.
[UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Students at El Camino Real High School will be released within the hour at southwest corner of the campus on Valley Circle.]
[UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: Acting mayor and city council president Eric Garcetti says all schools will be in session tomorrow and counselors will be sent to the campuses to help assist students.]
[UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: The injured LAUSD officer, who has been identified as Jeff Stenroos, may be released from the hospital later this afternoon, according to Doctor Steve Jones of Northridge Hospital. Dr. Jones says the bullet bounced off his chest, forcing him to the ground, and in the end he was left with a bruise. Dr. Jones says it does not appear the officer had any internal injuries.]
Various reports claim the officer's safety-vest prevented the bullet from penetrating the officer's chest.
The officer was taken by ambulance to Northridge Hospital.
Incoming LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy tells KABC-TV no students were involved nor harmed in this incident.
The big question now, what was the motive for this shooting? Well, that answer is still developing.
[UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: LAUSD Police say the Mr. Stenroos originally approached the suspect as it appeared he was attempting to break into cars. According to LAPD Chief Charlie Beck the LAUSD officer attempted to apprehend the suspect and that is when the suspect fired several shots from what police believe was a semi-automatic handgun.]
What is known at this time is, according to Los Angeles Police Department sources, by way of the Los Angeles Times, the officer was sitting in his marked patrol car when the gunman opened fire
Police say the suspect is a white male in his forties with long dirty-blond hair and graying sideburns, and was last seen wearing a long black bomber jacket and blue jeans.
Chief Beck says the suspect is believed to be on foot.
Police are apparently detaining people in the area who fit the suspect description.
[UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: The travesty of a person of interest who fit the description of the suspect was played out on local television as aerial coverage showed he was taken to Northridge Hospital presumably for positive identification by Mr. Stenroos. By all appearances this was not the suspect as he was driven back to his home by police officers and given a handshake for his troubles.]
[UPDATE: KCAL-TV helicopter reporter Derek Bell is reporting a second person has been taken into custody; it is unclear if this is the sought after suspect.]
[UPDATE 12:44 p.m.: The LAPD are detaining and questioning people in the area as a safety precaution.]
This incident is also causing a somewhat significant backup in both directions on the 101 through the Valley.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sargent Shriver 1915-2011
Robert Sargent Shriver, Jr., the first director of the Peace Corps, Special Assistant to President Lyndon Johnson, during which time he co-created of the Office of Economic Opportunity with William B. Mullins, and father of Maria Shriver, has died at the age of 95.
More from ABC News.
More from ABC News.
DEVELOPING: High School Shooting
At least two students were hit by gunfire following what Los Angeles Unified School District authorities are reporting was an "accidental shooting" at Gardena High School on Tuesday morning.
According to LAUSD spokesman Robert Alaniz, speaking with KCBS/KCAL, the suspect, identified only as a 10th-grader, had a firearm in his backpack; according to Mr. Alaniz the suspect dropped or hit his backpack on something causing the weapon to discharge.
[UPDATE 12:38 p.m.: The Los Angeles Police Department reports the suspect set the backpack on a desk inside a classroom and that is when the gun accidentally fired. After the shot was fired the suspect ran from one classroom to another.]
Only one bullet was discharged that reportedly hit one 15-year-old male student in the neck and a 15-year-old female student in the head in that order, according to LAUSD Police.
[UPDATE: It is being reported the female victim had only a skull fracture as bullet did not penetrate her brain.]
The Los Angeles City Fire Department, according to City News Service, is reporting one of the victims is in critical condition.
That victim is undergoing emergency surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, according to authorities.
Mr. Alaniz is telling parents to stay away from the school as they will not be able to get in and is urging parents to telephone the local district office at, (310) 354-3400.
[UPDATE: The LAPD reports the students will be released from school at 12:50 p.m.]
Mr. Alaniz, along with authorities, is reporting the suspect is in custody.
The campus was immediately locked down following the shooting and police were able to make contact with the suspect shortly after the incident.
According to various reports a teacher was able to talk the suspect into surrendering.
Several police officers approached the classroom where they believed the suspect was located. Once they arrived somebody who appeared to be a teacher was seen talking with police, and then for whatever reason a police officer forcefully grabbed the adult, who has not been identified, and pushed him, with what appeared to be some resistance from the adult, to a safer area.
It is unclear why such action towards that person was necessary.
After that students filed out the door throwing their backpacks to the ground and quickly putting their hands up. Shortly after a student was told to lay on the ground and was put into handcuffs, and that student is believed to be the suspect.
What kind of gun the suspect allegedly had in his backpack is not known at this time.
Perhaps more pertinent is just why the suspect allegedly had a gun in his backpack and would bring it to school? That is unknown at this time.
It is being reported on various media outlets that Gardena High School has a metal detector partly as a result of the campus having an apparent gang problem.
Speaking with KABC-TV Mr. Alaniz reports a "crisis team," which includes counselors, are already on campus ready to help students cope with the situation and will remain on campus all week.
All classes at Gardena High School will be in session Wednesday.
This is not the first time there has been gunfire at this high school.
According to the Los Angeles Times in early 2002, two students were seriously wounded in a campus shooting that resulted from a botched robbery.
According to LAUSD spokesman Robert Alaniz, speaking with KCBS/KCAL, the suspect, identified only as a 10th-grader, had a firearm in his backpack; according to Mr. Alaniz the suspect dropped or hit his backpack on something causing the weapon to discharge.
[UPDATE 12:38 p.m.: The Los Angeles Police Department reports the suspect set the backpack on a desk inside a classroom and that is when the gun accidentally fired. After the shot was fired the suspect ran from one classroom to another.]
Only one bullet was discharged that reportedly hit one 15-year-old male student in the neck and a 15-year-old female student in the head in that order, according to LAUSD Police.
[UPDATE: It is being reported the female victim had only a skull fracture as bullet did not penetrate her brain.]
The Los Angeles City Fire Department, according to City News Service, is reporting one of the victims is in critical condition.
That victim is undergoing emergency surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, according to authorities.
Mr. Alaniz is telling parents to stay away from the school as they will not be able to get in and is urging parents to telephone the local district office at, (310) 354-3400.
[UPDATE: The LAPD reports the students will be released from school at 12:50 p.m.]
Mr. Alaniz, along with authorities, is reporting the suspect is in custody.
The campus was immediately locked down following the shooting and police were able to make contact with the suspect shortly after the incident.
According to various reports a teacher was able to talk the suspect into surrendering.
Several police officers approached the classroom where they believed the suspect was located. Once they arrived somebody who appeared to be a teacher was seen talking with police, and then for whatever reason a police officer forcefully grabbed the adult, who has not been identified, and pushed him, with what appeared to be some resistance from the adult, to a safer area.
It is unclear why such action towards that person was necessary.
After that students filed out the door throwing their backpacks to the ground and quickly putting their hands up. Shortly after a student was told to lay on the ground and was put into handcuffs, and that student is believed to be the suspect.
What kind of gun the suspect allegedly had in his backpack is not known at this time.
Perhaps more pertinent is just why the suspect allegedly had a gun in his backpack and would bring it to school? That is unknown at this time.
It is being reported on various media outlets that Gardena High School has a metal detector partly as a result of the campus having an apparent gang problem.
Speaking with KABC-TV Mr. Alaniz reports a "crisis team," which includes counselors, are already on campus ready to help students cope with the situation and will remain on campus all week.
All classes at Gardena High School will be in session Wednesday.
This is not the first time there has been gunfire at this high school.
According to the Los Angeles Times in early 2002, two students were seriously wounded in a campus shooting that resulted from a botched robbery.
Tuscon Trial Moving to San Diego?
Despite reports from The Washington Post on Monday claiming the trial of Jared Lee Loughner would be moved from Tuscon to San Diego the Department of Justice says they have no plans to move the upcoming trial from Arizona.
Post reporter Jerry Markon cited federal law enforcement sources who claimed the trial would be moved to Southern California from Tuscon due to extensive pretrial publicity.
Though chief judge Roslyn O. Silver still had yet to rule on such a decision one anonymous law enforcement official told Mr. Markon, "It's going to happen. It's just a matter of time."
It should be noted Judge Silver has not ruled on the decision whether or not to move the trial.
Post reporter Jerry Markon cited federal law enforcement sources who claimed the trial would be moved to Southern California from Tuscon due to extensive pretrial publicity.
Though chief judge Roslyn O. Silver still had yet to rule on such a decision one anonymous law enforcement official told Mr. Markon, "It's going to happen. It's just a matter of time."
It should be noted Judge Silver has not ruled on the decision whether or not to move the trial.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Changes Afoot
Some have noticed the lack of postings on this here site lately.
Well, this is apart of changes coming very soon. Going on the way the News Wire has been operating is no longer beneficial for neither the editor or reader in the long-term.
These changes coming very soon will allow this site to better position itself for ramped-up, focused coverage.
More details coming very soon I assure you. These changes are still a little bit of a work in progress on this end, but are coming along smoothly.
Thank you so much for your support over the last year and a half and hopefully you will stick around see what the new format and focus will be.
Well, this is apart of changes coming very soon. Going on the way the News Wire has been operating is no longer beneficial for neither the editor or reader in the long-term.
These changes coming very soon will allow this site to better position itself for ramped-up, focused coverage.
More details coming very soon I assure you. These changes are still a little bit of a work in progress on this end, but are coming along smoothly.
Thank you so much for your support over the last year and a half and hopefully you will stick around see what the new format and focus will be.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Did You Win?
Tuesday's multi-state Mega Millions jackpot was quite high at $355 million.
Now the numbers, 4, 8, 15, 25 and 47. The Mega Ball number is, 42.
Either you are reading this while neurotically cross-checking the numbers several times, because you cannot believe what just happened, or a wave of minor depression is coming over you.
Perhaps you were lucky enough to get a few of those numbers and win a few dollars back.
Something to consider while feeding the lottery machine next time, a mega math professor from MIT once said your chances of actually winning the lottery is the equivalent of going atop the Empire State Building and attempting to successfully throw a penny into a paper-cup on the street below.
Now the numbers, 4, 8, 15, 25 and 47. The Mega Ball number is, 42.
Either you are reading this while neurotically cross-checking the numbers several times, because you cannot believe what just happened, or a wave of minor depression is coming over you.
Perhaps you were lucky enough to get a few of those numbers and win a few dollars back.
Something to consider while feeding the lottery machine next time, a mega math professor from MIT once said your chances of actually winning the lottery is the equivalent of going atop the Empire State Building and attempting to successfully throw a penny into a paper-cup on the street below.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Train Vs. Tree
On Monday morning an Amtrak train headed southbound crashed into a fallen eucalyptus tree near El Capitan State Beach in Gaviota.
According to the Santa Barbara Daily Sound windows broke out upon impact, but the 130 passengers and 7 crew members are fine, with "all present and accounted for," according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
The train was soon relocated to the Goleta Amtrak station for "mechanical evaluation" and all the passengers were transferred to another train.
According to the Santa Barbara Daily Sound windows broke out upon impact, but the 130 passengers and 7 crew members are fine, with "all present and accounted for," according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
The train was soon relocated to the Goleta Amtrak station for "mechanical evaluation" and all the passengers were transferred to another train.
The End and the Beginning
So at 11 a.m. Monday Arnold Schwarzenegger's term as governor came to an end with Governor Jerry Brown sworn into office.
The Final Act
On Sunday, his final full day in office, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reduced the prison sentence of the son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez, Esteban Nuñez, who had pleaded guilty to participating in the killing of a college student, according to the Los Angeles Times.
This has no doubt upset the victim's father.
"We are totally outraged," said Fred Santos, father of Luis Santos. "For the governor to wait until the last day in hopes it would fly under the radar is an absolute injustice."
More from the Times' reporters Evan Halper and Tony Perry.
Elsewhere reporters and pundits are looking back on the legacy of Governor Schwarzenegger and as expected many are not looking back with the rose-tinted eyes once reserved for the bodybuilder, turned actor, suddenly turned politician following the strange 2003 recall election.
At NPR Ina Jaffe reports,
Many politicians say they thought long and hard about their decision to run for office, but no one said it quite like bodybuilder-turned-movie star Schwarzenegger did when he announced his candidacy for California governor on The Tonight Show.
"It was the most difficult decision that I've made in my entire life — except the one in 1978, when I decided to get a bikini wax," he said.
That should have been signal enough that Schwarzenegger wasn't going to reinvent himself to become a politician.
Capturing the essence of Mr. Schwarzenegger's problems the Visalia Times-Delta editorial board said,
Schwarzenegger will be remembered as having appealing ideas, but not much of a record for getting anything done. The main issue on which he rode to a recall election in 2003 over his predecessor Gov. Gray Davis was the state's abysmal fiscal condition.
In his more than seven years in office, Schwarzenegger never really got started on fixing that one. He made boastful talk about wide-ranging government reform, but never pushed his plan for doing it.
Schwarzenegger managed some progress in environmental legislation and some early reforms in streamlining government. But when he tried to follow up on his agenda, he consistently encountered obstacles that he could not overcome.
One of the governor's biggest problems was lack of consistency. Schwarzenegger changed his positions and backtracked regularly, which would have been fine if that accomplished something. But along the way, Schwarzenegger seemed to make enemies with just about everyone — Democrats, Republicans, public employees, local government, the business community. His ill-fated reform measures were rejected by voters in 2005 after intense opposition from nurses, teachers and other public employees.
The sign of many inconsistencies to come arrived shortly after Governor Schwarzenegger took office with the reduction of the car tax, which is considered one of the driving forces in Schwarzenegger winning the recall election, only to raise it a short time later. There has also been the issue of gay marriage. Shortly after Schwarzenegger was elected you may recall, coincidentally, San Francisco began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and once sworn into office the governor suddenly had some decisions to be made concerning the rights of the LGBT community. The governor had chances early in office to legalize gay marriage, but he rejected them, however since 2008 he has publicly supported gay marriage and vowed not to back Proposition 8. Again, as the Times-Delta wisely noted, these convenience examples are apart of the governor's lack of consistency.
At this point it is safe to say Governor Schwarzenegger's aspirations to advance his political career have all but ended. Shortly after his election you may remember the new governor spoke about perhaps running for senate and, in somewhat joking terms, talked about wanting to amend the Constitution so he could make a run for the White House. Now it seems, at this time and place at least, such a higher desire in politics has come to a halt as Schwarzenegger is viewed by many political circles as a political toxin.
We hope for the benefit of our state the eccentric Jerry Brown, who takes control of the governor's office Monday at 11 a.m., is a little more consistent during his return to the state's highest office.
This has no doubt upset the victim's father.
"We are totally outraged," said Fred Santos, father of Luis Santos. "For the governor to wait until the last day in hopes it would fly under the radar is an absolute injustice."
More from the Times' reporters Evan Halper and Tony Perry.
Elsewhere reporters and pundits are looking back on the legacy of Governor Schwarzenegger and as expected many are not looking back with the rose-tinted eyes once reserved for the bodybuilder, turned actor, suddenly turned politician following the strange 2003 recall election.
At NPR Ina Jaffe reports,
Many politicians say they thought long and hard about their decision to run for office, but no one said it quite like bodybuilder-turned-movie star Schwarzenegger did when he announced his candidacy for California governor on The Tonight Show.
"It was the most difficult decision that I've made in my entire life — except the one in 1978, when I decided to get a bikini wax," he said.
That should have been signal enough that Schwarzenegger wasn't going to reinvent himself to become a politician.
Capturing the essence of Mr. Schwarzenegger's problems the Visalia Times-Delta editorial board said,
Schwarzenegger will be remembered as having appealing ideas, but not much of a record for getting anything done. The main issue on which he rode to a recall election in 2003 over his predecessor Gov. Gray Davis was the state's abysmal fiscal condition.
In his more than seven years in office, Schwarzenegger never really got started on fixing that one. He made boastful talk about wide-ranging government reform, but never pushed his plan for doing it.
Schwarzenegger managed some progress in environmental legislation and some early reforms in streamlining government. But when he tried to follow up on his agenda, he consistently encountered obstacles that he could not overcome.
One of the governor's biggest problems was lack of consistency. Schwarzenegger changed his positions and backtracked regularly, which would have been fine if that accomplished something. But along the way, Schwarzenegger seemed to make enemies with just about everyone — Democrats, Republicans, public employees, local government, the business community. His ill-fated reform measures were rejected by voters in 2005 after intense opposition from nurses, teachers and other public employees.
The sign of many inconsistencies to come arrived shortly after Governor Schwarzenegger took office with the reduction of the car tax, which is considered one of the driving forces in Schwarzenegger winning the recall election, only to raise it a short time later. There has also been the issue of gay marriage. Shortly after Schwarzenegger was elected you may recall, coincidentally, San Francisco began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and once sworn into office the governor suddenly had some decisions to be made concerning the rights of the LGBT community. The governor had chances early in office to legalize gay marriage, but he rejected them, however since 2008 he has publicly supported gay marriage and vowed not to back Proposition 8. Again, as the Times-Delta wisely noted, these convenience examples are apart of the governor's lack of consistency.
At this point it is safe to say Governor Schwarzenegger's aspirations to advance his political career have all but ended. Shortly after his election you may remember the new governor spoke about perhaps running for senate and, in somewhat joking terms, talked about wanting to amend the Constitution so he could make a run for the White House. Now it seems, at this time and place at least, such a higher desire in politics has come to a halt as Schwarzenegger is viewed by many political circles as a political toxin.
We hope for the benefit of our state the eccentric Jerry Brown, who takes control of the governor's office Monday at 11 a.m., is a little more consistent during his return to the state's highest office.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Advisory: Get on the Bus
Here and elsewhere we have been urging you not to drink and drive this new year's eve.
We know it is not only new years', but it is Friday, and there could be lots of drinking to be had as the evening gets underway.
Just know if you have not sobered up by the time the party is over you have several options to avoid driving while intoxicated.
By now you have heard AAA is offering to tow your car for free within a seven mile range. If you need to take the auto club up on their free offer their telephone number is, 1-800-400-4AAA.
Another great option is many buses will be free.
From now until 2:30 a.m. in the brand new year all Orange County Transportation Authority bus lines are free.
Beginning at 9 p.m. and lasting until 2 a.m. on the first morning of the new year all Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus and rail lines will be free.
If you need some time alone and away from people, but still drunk, there is always the option of calling a cab.
With so many options available there should be no reason to drive drunk, and even when it is not new years', there is no reason to ever drive drunk.
We know it is not only new years', but it is Friday, and there could be lots of drinking to be had as the evening gets underway.
Just know if you have not sobered up by the time the party is over you have several options to avoid driving while intoxicated.
By now you have heard AAA is offering to tow your car for free within a seven mile range. If you need to take the auto club up on their free offer their telephone number is, 1-800-400-4AAA.
Another great option is many buses will be free.
From now until 2:30 a.m. in the brand new year all Orange County Transportation Authority bus lines are free.
Beginning at 9 p.m. and lasting until 2 a.m. on the first morning of the new year all Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus and rail lines will be free.
If you need some time alone and away from people, but still drunk, there is always the option of calling a cab.
With so many options available there should be no reason to drive drunk, and even when it is not new years', there is no reason to ever drive drunk.
Before You Turn the Year Forward.
Before we go forward into 2011 let us look back for a moment with Johnny Carson as "The Tonight Show" rings in 1966 with Ben Grauer at Times Square.
(No copyright infringement intended.)
Mr. Grauer was NBC's eyes and ears at Times Square for many years throughout the 1950s until new years' 1969. As the new decade of the 1970s opened Mr. Grauer move into being Guy Lombardo's guy in Times Square watching the ball drop for Mr. Lombardo's new years' specials on CBS from 1970 until new years' 1976. Sadly new years' 1976 would be Mr. Grauer's final celebration as he passed away in May 1977.
(No copyright infringement intended.)
Mr. Grauer was NBC's eyes and ears at Times Square for many years throughout the 1950s until new years' 1969. As the new decade of the 1970s opened Mr. Grauer move into being Guy Lombardo's guy in Times Square watching the ball drop for Mr. Lombardo's new years' specials on CBS from 1970 until new years' 1976. Sadly new years' 1976 would be Mr. Grauer's final celebration as he passed away in May 1977.
Happy New Year, Happy New Decade
Goodbye 2010 and goodnight to the last decade as 2011 starts not just a new year, but a new decade. Yes, despite pronouncements last year kissing off the decade, tonight marks the real end of the decade (perhaps acknowledgment of such inaccuracies is more of a symptom of our culture's strange obsession with overly celebrating events, years, anniversaries on years, often ending in "5" or "0," that sound aesthetically pleasing).
That said...
Hopefully 2010 was a grand year for you and the new year will be a little bit better in every which way you desire.
This time of year, that is to say, this day, many news sites are filled with various top ten lists of 2010. Lists that include the top ten news stories, the top ten most important people, the top ten worst songs, and the such.
Top ten lists trying to encompass a year of important events and developments never quite seem to do justice in conveying the importance of the said story, in my opinion.
Surely, you wonder, there must be at least one story worth mentioning, right?
Yes, if there is one story that captures the essence of this year it would be the Los Angeles Times exposing the long simmering, festering corruption in the town of Bell. That story lead to a chain of events, from several overpaid city officials being arrested to exposing other somewhat known problems in the I-710 rust-belt cities.
One of these other cities exposed by the Times was Vernon.
While the Times may take credit for exposing the long-standing family controlled corruption from Vernon city officials, who orchestrated many of the city's shenanigans from their Beverly Hills homes, Southern California native and scholar Mike Davis first wrote of Vernon's deceitful ways in his 2003 book, Dead Cities, and Other Tales. In that book Mr. Davis also wrote some of the problems festering along the I-710 cities.
It was too bad it took the end of the decade for influential mainstream media outlets to catch on and report the corruption within the cities. Nonetheless, despite the delay in reporting the Times' action in 2010 still proves old media, like newspapers, when finally wired into modern media, can still make a change in this hyper media era.
In a few hours we close out the first decade of the 21st Century and what can one really say about a decade of utter change in just a few paragraphs? Where does one begin to write about such a decade? If you doubt the last decade was really nothing, just think for a few moments of some of the major events and cultural changes in the last decade. Surely in the coming decade many people will analyze and sentimentalize the first decade of our new century.
As we move ahead let us hope in 2011 myself, along with other news writers and bloggers, are not spending too much time writing about tragedy.
For tonight, if counting down to the new year is your fancy, please have fun and be safe, which is really just a nice way of saying don't drink and drive. Of course you will not be drinking and driving, but not everybody is as wise so please be on alert while driving. Maybe if the buzz has not wore off by last call do know AAA will tow you and your car home for free, within a seven mile range. If all else fails, just call a cab.
For the News Wire, despite a choke-up in the last month we will continue to press ahead and improve, along with what we hope will be better opportunities to expand upon. For those who have been reading this site since or around its inception, thank you so much for your support. For those who have discovered this site in recent times, thank you so much for your support.
All there is to say now, have a good evening as we ring in the new decade.
That said...
Hopefully 2010 was a grand year for you and the new year will be a little bit better in every which way you desire.
This time of year, that is to say, this day, many news sites are filled with various top ten lists of 2010. Lists that include the top ten news stories, the top ten most important people, the top ten worst songs, and the such.
Top ten lists trying to encompass a year of important events and developments never quite seem to do justice in conveying the importance of the said story, in my opinion.
Surely, you wonder, there must be at least one story worth mentioning, right?
Yes, if there is one story that captures the essence of this year it would be the Los Angeles Times exposing the long simmering, festering corruption in the town of Bell. That story lead to a chain of events, from several overpaid city officials being arrested to exposing other somewhat known problems in the I-710 rust-belt cities.
One of these other cities exposed by the Times was Vernon.
While the Times may take credit for exposing the long-standing family controlled corruption from Vernon city officials, who orchestrated many of the city's shenanigans from their Beverly Hills homes, Southern California native and scholar Mike Davis first wrote of Vernon's deceitful ways in his 2003 book, Dead Cities, and Other Tales. In that book Mr. Davis also wrote some of the problems festering along the I-710 cities.
It was too bad it took the end of the decade for influential mainstream media outlets to catch on and report the corruption within the cities. Nonetheless, despite the delay in reporting the Times' action in 2010 still proves old media, like newspapers, when finally wired into modern media, can still make a change in this hyper media era.
In a few hours we close out the first decade of the 21st Century and what can one really say about a decade of utter change in just a few paragraphs? Where does one begin to write about such a decade? If you doubt the last decade was really nothing, just think for a few moments of some of the major events and cultural changes in the last decade. Surely in the coming decade many people will analyze and sentimentalize the first decade of our new century.
As we move ahead let us hope in 2011 myself, along with other news writers and bloggers, are not spending too much time writing about tragedy.
For tonight, if counting down to the new year is your fancy, please have fun and be safe, which is really just a nice way of saying don't drink and drive. Of course you will not be drinking and driving, but not everybody is as wise so please be on alert while driving. Maybe if the buzz has not wore off by last call do know AAA will tow you and your car home for free, within a seven mile range. If all else fails, just call a cab.
For the News Wire, despite a choke-up in the last month we will continue to press ahead and improve, along with what we hope will be better opportunities to expand upon. For those who have been reading this site since or around its inception, thank you so much for your support. For those who have discovered this site in recent times, thank you so much for your support.
All there is to say now, have a good evening as we ring in the new decade.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
PSA for DWP
The rain came and went Wednesday morning leaving a mudslide along the eastbound 91 freeway between Corona and Anaheim right before rush hour making the often molasses flowing commute come to a standstill.
The good news was no major problems were reported in Highland where residents and officials alike are still cleaning up the mud mess.
The storm has left cold air and wind in its wake.
For those in Los Angeles should the wind cause problems during the overnight hours, and if you are able to, you can contact the DWP at, 1-800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397).
The good news was no major problems were reported in Highland where residents and officials alike are still cleaning up the mud mess.
The storm has left cold air and wind in its wake.
For those in Los Angeles should the wind cause problems during the overnight hours, and if you are able to, you can contact the DWP at, 1-800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397).
Tragic Train Incident
On Wednesday evening a woman was hit and killed by an Amtrak train in the vicinity of the railway crossing along the 21700 block of Lassen Street in Chatsworth, according to the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
The incident occurred just south of the Amtrak and Metrolink Chatsworth Station.
Why the woman was on the tracks is unknown at this time, nor has the victim been identified, and now the investigation has been turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to LAFD.
Metrolink reports no delays are expected.
The incident occurred just south of the Amtrak and Metrolink Chatsworth Station.
Why the woman was on the tracks is unknown at this time, nor has the victim been identified, and now the investigation has been turned over to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to LAFD.
Metrolink reports no delays are expected.
Somebody is not only Reading the OC Register...
Maybe ESPN anchor Will Selva, who anchors Highlight Express during the overnight hours on the Disney-owned cable sports network, thought he could claim some opening words from a suburban newspaper to be his own, but Orange County Register sports reporter Kevin Ding has rightfully called out the sports anchor for using his lead.
According to Mr. Ding in Tuesday's Register,
Hey, Will Selva of ESPNEWS. Glad you liked my last column so much. Try not to plagiarize it next time.
I got back to my hotel room late Tuesday night after the Lakers-Spurs game and turned on ESPNEWS’ “Highlight Express” show. Imagine my shock when anchor Will Selva proceeded to use the first several paragraphs of my column looking forward to the game as his lead-in to the highlights.
I mean, word for word.
"Christmas isn’t over yet, Lakers fans.
The big game, it turns out, will be the game after the supposed Game of the Year.
In San Antonio on Tuesday night, the Lakers will be out to give themselves and their fans the much-needed gift of hope."
Honestly, it wasn’t my best lead, come to think of it. Sorry about that, Will.
Unbelievable.
Unbelievable indeed as shown in this footage from Mediaite.com.
(The incident in question from Mediaite.com. No copyright infringement intended.)
What does Mr. Selva have to say about all this?
I made a horrible mistake and I’m deeply sorry. I did not live up to my high standards or ESPN’s. As I often do, I research local stories to use as background for writing my script. In this case, I cut and pasted the story with every intention of writing my own. I simply forgot and I completely understand why this is a major problem. I sincerely apologize for my sloppiness, especially to Kevin Ding, viewers and colleagues. In my 15 years in broadcast journalism, nothing like this has ever happened and I will make every effort to ensure it won’t happen again.
In the world of journalism making mistakes is one thing and can sometimes, depending on the gravity of the mistake, be difficult to recover from, kind of like having a DUI on your record, but being found out you are a plagiarist is about the equivalent of being convicted of murder. Suddenly the reputation of not just the journalist, but the publication is ruined and rebuilding creditability can be sometimes impossible. After all, if the journalist was able to pass off something so blatantly plagiarized what does that say about the publication, in this case ESPN.
In a statement to the Register ESPN vice president of communications Josh Krulewitz says,
This is something we take extremely seriously and we’ve taken appropriate action. We looked into how it happened and found that this very bad mistake was made because he should have been more thorough, even on deadline, not because he was intentionally trying to claim someone else’s [sic] work as his own.
There is some implication in Mr. Krulewitz's statement the company is going to standby Mr. Selva and dismiss this action as a "very bad mistake." Hopefully the "appropriate action" taken will include looking at backlogs of Mr. Selva's reporting to see if any other "very bad mistakes" have occurred.
Hopefully, for the sake of Mr. Selva and ESPN's reputation, this was a onetime trip up, perhaps amounting to nothing more than lazy journalism, which in itself is quite shameful.
In the meantime what becomes of Mr. Selva?
By way of the Register there are some conflicting reports as AOL's Fanhouse writer Milton Kent is reporting by way of a network inside source that Mr. Selva has been suspended for an undisclosed period of time. Yet Mr. Krulewitz, according to Mr. Kent, declined to say whether the anchor had been disciplined by ESPN.
According to Mr. Ding in Tuesday's Register,
Hey, Will Selva of ESPNEWS. Glad you liked my last column so much. Try not to plagiarize it next time.
I got back to my hotel room late Tuesday night after the Lakers-Spurs game and turned on ESPNEWS’ “Highlight Express” show. Imagine my shock when anchor Will Selva proceeded to use the first several paragraphs of my column looking forward to the game as his lead-in to the highlights.
I mean, word for word.
"Christmas isn’t over yet, Lakers fans.
The big game, it turns out, will be the game after the supposed Game of the Year.
In San Antonio on Tuesday night, the Lakers will be out to give themselves and their fans the much-needed gift of hope."
Honestly, it wasn’t my best lead, come to think of it. Sorry about that, Will.
Unbelievable.
Unbelievable indeed as shown in this footage from Mediaite.com.
(The incident in question from Mediaite.com. No copyright infringement intended.)
What does Mr. Selva have to say about all this?
I made a horrible mistake and I’m deeply sorry. I did not live up to my high standards or ESPN’s. As I often do, I research local stories to use as background for writing my script. In this case, I cut and pasted the story with every intention of writing my own. I simply forgot and I completely understand why this is a major problem. I sincerely apologize for my sloppiness, especially to Kevin Ding, viewers and colleagues. In my 15 years in broadcast journalism, nothing like this has ever happened and I will make every effort to ensure it won’t happen again.
In the world of journalism making mistakes is one thing and can sometimes, depending on the gravity of the mistake, be difficult to recover from, kind of like having a DUI on your record, but being found out you are a plagiarist is about the equivalent of being convicted of murder. Suddenly the reputation of not just the journalist, but the publication is ruined and rebuilding creditability can be sometimes impossible. After all, if the journalist was able to pass off something so blatantly plagiarized what does that say about the publication, in this case ESPN.
In a statement to the Register ESPN vice president of communications Josh Krulewitz says,
This is something we take extremely seriously and we’ve taken appropriate action. We looked into how it happened and found that this very bad mistake was made because he should have been more thorough, even on deadline, not because he was intentionally trying to claim someone else’s [sic] work as his own.
There is some implication in Mr. Krulewitz's statement the company is going to standby Mr. Selva and dismiss this action as a "very bad mistake." Hopefully the "appropriate action" taken will include looking at backlogs of Mr. Selva's reporting to see if any other "very bad mistakes" have occurred.
Hopefully, for the sake of Mr. Selva and ESPN's reputation, this was a onetime trip up, perhaps amounting to nothing more than lazy journalism, which in itself is quite shameful.
In the meantime what becomes of Mr. Selva?
By way of the Register there are some conflicting reports as AOL's Fanhouse writer Milton Kent is reporting by way of a network inside source that Mr. Selva has been suspended for an undisclosed period of time. Yet Mr. Krulewitz, according to Mr. Kent, declined to say whether the anchor had been disciplined by ESPN.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Here Comes the Rain Again
For some people this is not the news they want to hear, more rain is coming.
A fast moving storm is expected to drench the area beginning at midnight and is expected to last through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
To perhaps ease worries about those concern with mud and flood issues know by the early afternoon it is forecast the storm should be moved out to the east. Nonetheless be advised there will be an unstable air mass for the next couple days that could bring a stray shower.
This will be a cold storm with snow levels expected to fall to about 4,000 feet.
The cold storm will leave cold air in its wake with daytime temperatures not expected to break above 60 degrees until later next week.
Where ever the final week of 2010 takes you, please be careful, and be thankful you do not have to plow through thick snow amid frigid 20 degree weather.
Our next chance for rain will be in 2011 with a chance of showers Sunday night into Monday.
A fast moving storm is expected to drench the area beginning at midnight and is expected to last through Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
To perhaps ease worries about those concern with mud and flood issues know by the early afternoon it is forecast the storm should be moved out to the east. Nonetheless be advised there will be an unstable air mass for the next couple days that could bring a stray shower.
This will be a cold storm with snow levels expected to fall to about 4,000 feet.
The cold storm will leave cold air in its wake with daytime temperatures not expected to break above 60 degrees until later next week.
Where ever the final week of 2010 takes you, please be careful, and be thankful you do not have to plow through thick snow amid frigid 20 degree weather.
Our next chance for rain will be in 2011 with a chance of showers Sunday night into Monday.
Santa Clarita Valley Tremor
Perhaps you felt this one at 12:36 a.m. Tuesday morning as a magnitude 3.6 earthquake occurred about ten miles north of Santa Clarita near Castaic Lake, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The quake was felt in a rather large area, according to USGS, with reports of the midnight hour jolt slightly-to-lightly shaking Santa Clarita, along with parts of the San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Long Beach, and, surprisingly, slightly shaking Bakersfield and Santa Maria to the north.
It appears this was on the San Gabriel Fault Zone, which is a primarily right-lateral strike-slip fault, according to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center.
No reports of damage or injuries and that will likely remain the case.
The quake was felt in a rather large area, according to USGS, with reports of the midnight hour jolt slightly-to-lightly shaking Santa Clarita, along with parts of the San Fernando Valley, Ventura, Long Beach, and, surprisingly, slightly shaking Bakersfield and Santa Maria to the north.
It appears this was on the San Gabriel Fault Zone, which is a primarily right-lateral strike-slip fault, according to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center.
No reports of damage or injuries and that will likely remain the case.
A Little Seal Beach Earthquake
Maybe if you were along the north Orange County coast perhaps you felt this little one.
At 11:57 p.m. Monday a magnitude 2.0 occurred just off the coast of Seal Beach, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The microquake appears to be result of movement along the Newport-Inglewood Fault.
It seems, based on USGS maps, a few people in the area felt it.
To no real surprise reports of damage and injuries are nonexistent.
At 11:57 p.m. Monday a magnitude 2.0 occurred just off the coast of Seal Beach, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The microquake appears to be result of movement along the Newport-Inglewood Fault.
It seems, based on USGS maps, a few people in the area felt it.
To no real surprise reports of damage and injuries are nonexistent.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Highway Washout
If watching the snow fall in New England has you yearning to play in the snow, sans the ills having to dig your car out of a couple feet of snow along with scraping ice off the windshield, and your eye is on Big Bear for perhaps the new years celebration, well, running up that hill may take a little more time.
Why is that you wonder?
On Monday a portion of the most direct route from "the flatlands" of Southern California to the resorts of the San Bernardino Mountains, Highway 330, collapsed as a result of the recent rainstorms, according to Cal-Trans.
A spokesman with Cal-Trans did not give a direct answer as to when the highway would be repaired and subsequently reopened, only to say engineers expect the 330 to be closed throughout the winter.
Your best bet getting up a mile high would be to use Highway 38, which is a bit more scenic, and a bit longer of a drive.
If you want to make the best of the situation your other option is Highway 18, which will give you a tour of the mountain towns, including Lake Arrowhead, en route to Big Bear.
Now if the mountains are your destination for ringing in the new year, or just for a day of fun, remember to bring chains with you as rain and snow is expected this week. Also, with such inclement weather expected this week be prepared for other possible mountain highway closures.
Why is that you wonder?
On Monday a portion of the most direct route from "the flatlands" of Southern California to the resorts of the San Bernardino Mountains, Highway 330, collapsed as a result of the recent rainstorms, according to Cal-Trans.
A spokesman with Cal-Trans did not give a direct answer as to when the highway would be repaired and subsequently reopened, only to say engineers expect the 330 to be closed throughout the winter.
Your best bet getting up a mile high would be to use Highway 38, which is a bit more scenic, and a bit longer of a drive.
If you want to make the best of the situation your other option is Highway 18, which will give you a tour of the mountain towns, including Lake Arrowhead, en route to Big Bear.
Now if the mountains are your destination for ringing in the new year, or just for a day of fun, remember to bring chains with you as rain and snow is expected this week. Also, with such inclement weather expected this week be prepared for other possible mountain highway closures.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
High-Rise Evacuated
A high-rise in Century City has been evacuated due to a suspicious package being found inside the building Thursday afternoon, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Aside from the information above that is all we know at this point.
[UPDATE: As expected, it was really nothing.]
Aside from the information above that is all we know at this point.
[UPDATE: As expected, it was really nothing.]
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Still Right Here
As record rain falls hard onto Southern California causing the mud to flow I have received more than a few emails inquiring where the one-man-band of news has been in the past month.
Well, I have been ill in the bed.
A nasty flu virus came over me and my reporting of the news came to a halt.
These are the ills of being a one-man-band with very limited resources to keep going when personal trouble arises.
I am still recovering, but feel much better.
Nonetheless, nothing more annoying being laid up in bed while some of the biggest, most important news stories of the year pass me by.
The news will be back I assure you as we move and look forward to 2011.
Thank you for your support and concern.
P.S. Any ideas how to improve for the new year ahead?
Well, I have been ill in the bed.
A nasty flu virus came over me and my reporting of the news came to a halt.
These are the ills of being a one-man-band with very limited resources to keep going when personal trouble arises.
I am still recovering, but feel much better.
Nonetheless, nothing more annoying being laid up in bed while some of the biggest, most important news stories of the year pass me by.
The news will be back I assure you as we move and look forward to 2011.
Thank you for your support and concern.
P.S. Any ideas how to improve for the new year ahead?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
One Accident After Another
A Brea Fire Department engine company responding to a traffic collision on the northbound 57 at Lambert Road has been involved in a separate collision en route to the incident Thursday afternoon.
According to Brea Fire it does not appear anybody aboard the engine nor the other vehicle was injured.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
According to Brea Fire it does not appear anybody aboard the engine nor the other vehicle was injured.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Less Friends for Shamu
Shamu has the blues as SeaWorld announced Thursday 350 positions will be eliminated from all their parks, which is less than 2% of the company's entire workforce, according to SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment CEO Jim Atchison.
For the flagship park in San Diego 80 employees are expected to receive the dreaded pink-slip, according to a SeaWorld press release.
Altogether the park employs 20,000 people nationwide.
The reason for the layoffs, well Mr. Atchison says the company, using corporate jargon, is in the process of "restructuring" following separating from Anheuser-Busch InBev in December 2009 and becoming a division of The Blackstone Group.
Anheuser-Busch had owned the parks since 1989.
Mr. Atchison went on to say in a press release Thursday the marine theme park, "began the complex and challenging process of remaking ourselves as an independent company [and] restructuring our operation is part of that process."
SeaWorld San Diego announced the changes and restructured operation will not affect the care and treatment the animals receive.
"This restructuring will allow us to operate more efficiently and better position us for long-term growth and independence [...] Our primary goal is to eliminate some of the duplication of responsibility that affects performance, innovation and our ability to execute quickly," according to Mr. Atchison.
SeaWorld was the concept of four UCLA graduates who, after expanding upon the untenable yet intriguing idea of opening up an underwater restaurant, opened the marine zoological park in San Diego's Mission Bay in March 1964.
For the flagship park in San Diego 80 employees are expected to receive the dreaded pink-slip, according to a SeaWorld press release.
Altogether the park employs 20,000 people nationwide.
The reason for the layoffs, well Mr. Atchison says the company, using corporate jargon, is in the process of "restructuring" following separating from Anheuser-Busch InBev in December 2009 and becoming a division of The Blackstone Group.
Anheuser-Busch had owned the parks since 1989.
Mr. Atchison went on to say in a press release Thursday the marine theme park, "began the complex and challenging process of remaking ourselves as an independent company [and] restructuring our operation is part of that process."
SeaWorld San Diego announced the changes and restructured operation will not affect the care and treatment the animals receive.
"This restructuring will allow us to operate more efficiently and better position us for long-term growth and independence [...] Our primary goal is to eliminate some of the duplication of responsibility that affects performance, innovation and our ability to execute quickly," according to Mr. Atchison.
SeaWorld was the concept of four UCLA graduates who, after expanding upon the untenable yet intriguing idea of opening up an underwater restaurant, opened the marine zoological park in San Diego's Mission Bay in March 1964.
One Pricey Bonfire
On Thursday a Los Angeles County court ordered three men to pay more than $23 million in restitution for 2007 bonfire that quickly got out of control amid Santa Ana Winds and destroyed 53 homes in Malibu.
The World Cup Will Be Held At...
On Thursday from Zurich, Switzerland the FIFA announced the 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia.
Also announced, Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup, beating out the U.S.
Also announced, Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup, beating out the U.S.
It Shall Be Built
After a near six-hour contentious, and at times vile, hearing Wednesday evening the Temecula Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve plans to build a mosque.
More from the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
More from the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Little Back Friday Jolt
On this black Friday morning maybe you felt it as you wait out in line in the cold weather.
You were not unknowingly shivering, rather a magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred at 2:08 a.m. with an epicenter one mile east-southeast of Loma Linda in the Inland Empire, according to the United States Geological Survey.
It appears the San Jacinto Fault is to blame for this little shaker.
As expected the jolt was felt in the Redlands-San Bernardino area, according to the USGS.
Also, just as expected, no reports of damage or injuries, and if there were we would really need to rethink our building codes.
You were not unknowingly shivering, rather a magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred at 2:08 a.m. with an epicenter one mile east-southeast of Loma Linda in the Inland Empire, according to the United States Geological Survey.
It appears the San Jacinto Fault is to blame for this little shaker.
As expected the jolt was felt in the Redlands-San Bernardino area, according to the USGS.
Also, just as expected, no reports of damage or injuries, and if there were we would really need to rethink our building codes.
Traffic Advisory
It seems while some people are waiting outside amid the cold moonlit sky with anticipation for retailers to open their electric sliding doors ushering in Black Friday many others are departing Mickey Mouse's house in Anaheim on this late Thanksgiving evening.
As a result there is some heavy traffic along the 5 and surface streets around Disneyland.
Closing time for Disneyland on Thanksgiving was at midnight, so expect the heavy traffic to last until about 1:30-2 a.m. as the park clears out.
While that may seem a little late for traffic to finish clearing out remember while the rides, oh, excuse me, "attractions," closed at the midnight hour the stores along Main Street and Downtown Disney conveniently stay open for an additional hour or so.
Aside from some Mickey Mouse gridlock various traffic maps are showing some slowdown along freeways that just happen to be right around major malls in Southern California.
As a result there is some heavy traffic along the 5 and surface streets around Disneyland.
Closing time for Disneyland on Thanksgiving was at midnight, so expect the heavy traffic to last until about 1:30-2 a.m. as the park clears out.
While that may seem a little late for traffic to finish clearing out remember while the rides, oh, excuse me, "attractions," closed at the midnight hour the stores along Main Street and Downtown Disney conveniently stay open for an additional hour or so.
Aside from some Mickey Mouse gridlock various traffic maps are showing some slowdown along freeways that just happen to be right around major malls in Southern California.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The New State Attorney General Is...
Los Angeles County District Attorney and republican contender Steve Cooley may have sang and danced a declaration of victory for California Attorney General a little too soon on election night. Why? Mr. Cooley's democratic opponent, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, now has a significantly lead in the still undecided race.
[UPDATE: It is now official and happened a little sooner than expected, Mr. Cooley has conceded the race to Ms. Harris.]
Ms. Harris is leading with 4,385,438 votes to Mr. Cooley's 4,332,596 votes, according to a voter tally review by the Los Angeles Times.
The secretary of state is reporting 154,806 votes still remain uncounted, most of which are provisional ballets. Perhaps troubling for Mr. Cooley is most of those uncounted ballets are from Contra Costa, Monterey and Sonoma Counties, which were all counties Ms. Harris carried on election night.
Whatever the case may be at this point, Mr. Cooley is not conceding the race for attorney general and Ms. Harris is not declaring victory.
So to answer the question that is the title of this story, we still have no official winner for the seat of attorney general, but that is quite likely to change within the next week.
[UPDATE: It is now official and happened a little sooner than expected, Mr. Cooley has conceded the race to Ms. Harris.]
Ms. Harris is leading with 4,385,438 votes to Mr. Cooley's 4,332,596 votes, according to a voter tally review by the Los Angeles Times.
The secretary of state is reporting 154,806 votes still remain uncounted, most of which are provisional ballets. Perhaps troubling for Mr. Cooley is most of those uncounted ballets are from Contra Costa, Monterey and Sonoma Counties, which were all counties Ms. Harris carried on election night.
Whatever the case may be at this point, Mr. Cooley is not conceding the race for attorney general and Ms. Harris is not declaring victory.
So to answer the question that is the title of this story, we still have no official winner for the seat of attorney general, but that is quite likely to change within the next week.
The Korean Peninsula Situation
This morning China is urging North and South Korea to "exercise calm and restraint" and engage in dialogue as quickly as possible. This as North Korea blamed South Korea on Wednesday for driving them "to the brink of war."
Pyongyang claims South Korea provoked the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island by holding a military drill off their shared coast in the Yellow Sea, according to news reports. In part of the long, ongoing conflict between the two nations the North has been insisting on moving their border south that would encompass Yeonpyeong Island.
On Tuesday morning the North fired dozens of artillery into Yeonpyeong Island for about a hour that killed two South Korean marines and two civilians in what has been described as the worst attack between the two countries since the Korean War.
South Korea President Lee Myung-bak announced on Wednesday 1 billion won ($875,583) in emergency money to repair damage wrought by Tuesday's shelling.
President Barack Obama and President Myung-bak agreed Tuesday to hold joint military exercises as a first response to North Korea’s attack. The exercise will include sending the aircraft carrier George Washington along with smaller ships into the region to hopefully deter further attacks by the North.
According to wire reports both military and political analysis believe this is a signal to China to control their North Korean ally, or the North and China will see an even larger American presence in the vicinity.
Tensions between the two countries have been particularly high as of late since South Korea alleges the North purposely and maliciously torpedoed the South Korean warship Cheonan on March 26 near the North Korea border, which sunk to the bottom of the Yellow Sea killing 46 soldiers.
North Korea has firmly denied any responsibility in the torpedo attack of the Cheonan.
There have been plenty of theories about what led the North to attack the South, the most common is the change of leadership underway in Pyongyang and the new leadership of Kim Jong Un who may be asserting his power.
This latest action will probably dash any hopes of reunification for the peninsula in the immediate future, which prior to this latest action was on the distant horizon.
Within the last year the South had provided the North with food aid and both sides had agreed to formal military discussions. This, along with talks to reunite families that have long been separated by the DMZ.
There was hope among some government officials in Seoul that the change in leadership in the North would help further improve relations between the countries.
Officials in Seoul and around the world now wonder, what will be North Korea's next move, especially with the U.S. now engaging in military exercises not too far from the North? The answer, that is quite difficult, if not impossible, to predict with the North being so secret.
Yet perhaps the biggest question that seems to go unasked, how will China react?
Well quite frankly, it is more questions than answers at this point.
[This story was written with information provided by the Associated Press and Reuters.]
Pyongyang claims South Korea provoked the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island by holding a military drill off their shared coast in the Yellow Sea, according to news reports. In part of the long, ongoing conflict between the two nations the North has been insisting on moving their border south that would encompass Yeonpyeong Island.
On Tuesday morning the North fired dozens of artillery into Yeonpyeong Island for about a hour that killed two South Korean marines and two civilians in what has been described as the worst attack between the two countries since the Korean War.
South Korea President Lee Myung-bak announced on Wednesday 1 billion won ($875,583) in emergency money to repair damage wrought by Tuesday's shelling.
President Barack Obama and President Myung-bak agreed Tuesday to hold joint military exercises as a first response to North Korea’s attack. The exercise will include sending the aircraft carrier George Washington along with smaller ships into the region to hopefully deter further attacks by the North.
According to wire reports both military and political analysis believe this is a signal to China to control their North Korean ally, or the North and China will see an even larger American presence in the vicinity.
Tensions between the two countries have been particularly high as of late since South Korea alleges the North purposely and maliciously torpedoed the South Korean warship Cheonan on March 26 near the North Korea border, which sunk to the bottom of the Yellow Sea killing 46 soldiers.
North Korea has firmly denied any responsibility in the torpedo attack of the Cheonan.
There have been plenty of theories about what led the North to attack the South, the most common is the change of leadership underway in Pyongyang and the new leadership of Kim Jong Un who may be asserting his power.
This latest action will probably dash any hopes of reunification for the peninsula in the immediate future, which prior to this latest action was on the distant horizon.
Within the last year the South had provided the North with food aid and both sides had agreed to formal military discussions. This, along with talks to reunite families that have long been separated by the DMZ.
There was hope among some government officials in Seoul that the change in leadership in the North would help further improve relations between the countries.
Officials in Seoul and around the world now wonder, what will be North Korea's next move, especially with the U.S. now engaging in military exercises not too far from the North? The answer, that is quite difficult, if not impossible, to predict with the North being so secret.
Yet perhaps the biggest question that seems to go unasked, how will China react?
Well quite frankly, it is more questions than answers at this point.
[This story was written with information provided by the Associated Press and Reuters.]
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
One Less Toke Over the County Line
The places you can go to buy all your medical marijuana needs will now be limited following two major votes Tuesday.
Both the Los Angeles County and Orange County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of their respected counties. Interestingly enough the Supervisors' votes for both counties were 4-1 for the ban.
Until the vote Orange County did not regulate medical marijuana, which allowed dispensaries to open in unincorporated areas with limited regulation, according to the Orange County Sheriff's office.
Up in L.A. County the Supervisors' also voted unanimously to develop a plan for stepped-up enforcement against shops that opened without a permit, according to the Los Angeles Times.
L.A. Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky was the lone vote against the ban saying in part that an outright ban would unfairly harm patients with a legitimate need.
As well Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson was the one lone vote under The Orange Curtain who stated such prohibitions could help create black markets.
Sheriff officials in Orange County claim most dispensaries will sell the green stuff to mostly anybody regardless if they have the medical card required by state law. Despite the claim authorities were unable to provide statistics.
We contacting medical marijuana dispensaries South Coast Patients Center and Access OC Center in Santa Ana who both insisted they do not and will not serve anybody without an official medical card and anybody under 21 years of age.
A spokesman for Access OC Center, who did not want to be identified, said, "Today's vote is concerning, and because [Proposition] 19 failed I wonder if this is apart of a bigger crackdown now."
Both the Los Angeles County and Orange County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of their respected counties. Interestingly enough the Supervisors' votes for both counties were 4-1 for the ban.
Until the vote Orange County did not regulate medical marijuana, which allowed dispensaries to open in unincorporated areas with limited regulation, according to the Orange County Sheriff's office.
Up in L.A. County the Supervisors' also voted unanimously to develop a plan for stepped-up enforcement against shops that opened without a permit, according to the Los Angeles Times.
L.A. Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky was the lone vote against the ban saying in part that an outright ban would unfairly harm patients with a legitimate need.
As well Orange County Supervisor Shawn Nelson was the one lone vote under The Orange Curtain who stated such prohibitions could help create black markets.
Sheriff officials in Orange County claim most dispensaries will sell the green stuff to mostly anybody regardless if they have the medical card required by state law. Despite the claim authorities were unable to provide statistics.
We contacting medical marijuana dispensaries South Coast Patients Center and Access OC Center in Santa Ana who both insisted they do not and will not serve anybody without an official medical card and anybody under 21 years of age.
A spokesman for Access OC Center, who did not want to be identified, said, "Today's vote is concerning, and because [Proposition] 19 failed I wonder if this is apart of a bigger crackdown now."
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Day JFK Died
On this day in 1963 John F. Kennedy was gunned down in Dallas.
Well, we all know the story, so here is the historic rolling coverage from CBS and Walter Cronkite on the day it happened.
Well, we all know the story, so here is the historic rolling coverage from CBS and Walter Cronkite on the day it happened.
A Change of TSA Policy?
Transportation Security Administration Chief John Pistole suggested on the Today show Monday his administration may modify their rapidly growing annoying airport screening procedures.
Mr. Pistole said in part, "We're going to look at how can we do the most effective screening in the least invasive way knowing that there's always a trade-off between security and privacy."
In the interview Mr. Pistole said for such changes to take place he would have to meet with the Government Accountability Office. The reason, the GAO conducted security tests last year that led to these current changes; this means the GAO and Mr. Pistole would have to conduct some new studies and meet with various government officials to find out if there was a way to modify the screenings.
In another television interview Mr. Pistole said the screening and pat-downs may be uncomfortable and intrusive, but the TSA chief insisted it was necessary due to the high terror threat alert.
Elsewhere it seem the new procedures will have the blessing of Mayor Antonio Villergosa. On Monday afternoon the mayor announced on Twitter, "And today I'm walking through one of the AIT scanners to demonstrate that they are safe and easy to use."
Meanwhile House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland told CBS News he is planning to hold hearings in Congress on the "very controversial" issue on striking the right balance.
Bottom line, for the holiday week ahead and likely beyond into the new year you just may have to "spread 'em" at the airport as no changes in the TSA screening process are expected anytime soon.
This is just another ill to add atop of the baggage fees, limited and costly airline passenger amenities and other upsets of flying these days.
Oh the glory, glamorous days of TWA and Pan Am, where have you gone?
Mr. Pistole said in part, "We're going to look at how can we do the most effective screening in the least invasive way knowing that there's always a trade-off between security and privacy."
In the interview Mr. Pistole said for such changes to take place he would have to meet with the Government Accountability Office. The reason, the GAO conducted security tests last year that led to these current changes; this means the GAO and Mr. Pistole would have to conduct some new studies and meet with various government officials to find out if there was a way to modify the screenings.
In another television interview Mr. Pistole said the screening and pat-downs may be uncomfortable and intrusive, but the TSA chief insisted it was necessary due to the high terror threat alert.
Elsewhere it seem the new procedures will have the blessing of Mayor Antonio Villergosa. On Monday afternoon the mayor announced on Twitter, "And today I'm walking through one of the AIT scanners to demonstrate that they are safe and easy to use."
Meanwhile House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland told CBS News he is planning to hold hearings in Congress on the "very controversial" issue on striking the right balance.
Bottom line, for the holiday week ahead and likely beyond into the new year you just may have to "spread 'em" at the airport as no changes in the TSA screening process are expected anytime soon.
This is just another ill to add atop of the baggage fees, limited and costly airline passenger amenities and other upsets of flying these days.
Oh the glory, glamorous days of TWA and Pan Am, where have you gone?
Child Dies After Falling from Staples Center Suite
A young boy who is believed to be between the ages of 2-4 years old has died after falling from a luxury suite at Staples Center during a game Sunday evening between The Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
After the fall the young boy was taken to the hospital by paramedics. It was at the hospital the boy reportedly lost his life.
According to the Los Angeles Times Staples' security officials were seen photographing and video-taping a suite on the highest level on the west side of the arena.
The child has not been identified and the cause of the incident is under investigation.
After the fall the young boy was taken to the hospital by paramedics. It was at the hospital the boy reportedly lost his life.
According to the Los Angeles Times Staples' security officials were seen photographing and video-taping a suite on the highest level on the west side of the arena.
The child has not been identified and the cause of the incident is under investigation.
SIG-ALERT: The 5 at McBean Parkway
All lanes of the southbound 5 at McBean Parkway in Santa Clarita are closed as the result of a tanker truck carrying 6,000 pounds of propane overturning after colliding with a sedan, according to the California Highway Patrol.
[UPDATE 4:39 a.m.: The number one and two lanes have reopened.]
[UPDATE 4:54 a.m. At some point both sides of the 5 will be closed so the big-rig can be turned upright. This is being done for safety reasons, according to the CHP.]
Traffic is being taken off at Valencia and diverted to The Old Road, according to the CHP.
The CHP reports no propane is leaking.
According to reports from the CHP nobody was injured.
The CHP reports the special tow-truck needed to lift the overturned big-rig is due to arrive around 4:15 a.m. Furthermore the CHP is reporting it will take around two-and-a-half hours for the tow-truck to turn the big-rig upright.
The freeway will remain closed for sometime, however Cal-Trans is expected to issue a hard-closure and will reopen the number one and two lanes at some point while the big-rig is being lifted upright, according to the CHP.
For those Santa Clarita, north Los Angeles County and Ventura County commuters this will of course impact your morning commute into the city, so please plan accordingly.
[UPDATE 4:39 a.m.: The number one and two lanes have reopened.]
[UPDATE 4:54 a.m. At some point both sides of the 5 will be closed so the big-rig can be turned upright. This is being done for safety reasons, according to the CHP.]
Traffic is being taken off at Valencia and diverted to The Old Road, according to the CHP.
The CHP reports no propane is leaking.
According to reports from the CHP nobody was injured.
The CHP reports the special tow-truck needed to lift the overturned big-rig is due to arrive around 4:15 a.m. Furthermore the CHP is reporting it will take around two-and-a-half hours for the tow-truck to turn the big-rig upright.
The freeway will remain closed for sometime, however Cal-Trans is expected to issue a hard-closure and will reopen the number one and two lanes at some point while the big-rig is being lifted upright, according to the CHP.
For those Santa Clarita, north Los Angeles County and Ventura County commuters this will of course impact your morning commute into the city, so please plan accordingly.
Valley Fire
The Los Angeles Fire Department is on the scene of a fire at Ventura Boulevard and Alhama Drive in Woodland Hills.
UPDATE: Fire is out.
UPDATE: Fire is out.
Chain Chain Chains
Good Monday morning to you, and if an early morning drive up to the mountains is apart of your plans be prepared to chain up the tires.
Tire chains are required for traveling up into the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests.
Chain requirements are scheduled to last throughout the morning.
No chains are required for traveling along The Grapevine and Cajon Pass.
As noted in our Saturday storm story if you have no experience with tire chains expect to spend some money having them installed by an official tire chain installer.
As a kind word of advice, even when chains are not required it is always a good idea to have them in the trunk this time of year if you happen to be doing any kind of mountain traveling.
As for current weather conditions the second storm on Sunday turned out to be a lackluster with some areas receiving no rain.
This last weather system has brought some unstable air into the region and the National Weather Service is forecasting periodic rain for Monday night into Tuesday afternoon.
For Thanksgiving the NWS is forecasting a slight warm up with temperatures in the upper 60s and clear skies.
Tire chains are required for traveling up into the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests.
Chain requirements are scheduled to last throughout the morning.
No chains are required for traveling along The Grapevine and Cajon Pass.
As noted in our Saturday storm story if you have no experience with tire chains expect to spend some money having them installed by an official tire chain installer.
As a kind word of advice, even when chains are not required it is always a good idea to have them in the trunk this time of year if you happen to be doing any kind of mountain traveling.
As for current weather conditions the second storm on Sunday turned out to be a lackluster with some areas receiving no rain.
This last weather system has brought some unstable air into the region and the National Weather Service is forecasting periodic rain for Monday night into Tuesday afternoon.
For Thanksgiving the NWS is forecasting a slight warm up with temperatures in the upper 60s and clear skies.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Winter Storm Time
You have been hearing about it all week and now on this Saturday before Thanksgiving the long anticipated first winter storm of the season has finally arrived with heavy rain expected this afternoon.
With heavy rains expected the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch, which began at 6 a.m.
The watch is issued for the Station, Crown and Briggs brush fire burn areas as a strong cold front is expected to pass through, according to the NWS. Furthermore the watch is also in effect for Los Angeles County mountains except the Santa Monica Mountains.
The NWS forecasts up to three-inches of rain for the mountains and foothills.
Saturday's storm is the first of two winter storms with the next one arriving Sunday.
The first storm will move out by Saturday evening and the overnight hours will receive little to no rain while on Sunday morning the rain starts back up again with the second storm due to arrive, according to the NWS.
In the higher elevations both storms will bring the first significant snowfall. In fact the NWS is forecasting snow levels to drop down to 4,000 feet tonight, which would mean snow along The Grapevine and Cajon Pass.
Given it is the first major snowfall and perhaps the first holiday weekend for some who have the week ahead off we would like to give you major piece of friendly advice before hitting the slopes.
If you plan to indulge yourself in the full winter experience by playing in the snow while the snow is falling remember to take tire chains with you. If you have no idea how to install chains be prepared to spend $40-60 dollars to have an official chain installer chain up your tires (really, if you have no idea how to install chains it is going to be highly frustrating trying to figure it out yourself), and that is on top of the $50-100 dollars (depending on your tire size) for the chains themselves. Now if you are thinking of driving just high enough into the mountains to see and play in the snow without chains be advised the California Highway Patrol often has chain checkpoints at the base of the mountain highways and they will not let you proceed without chains.
Of course if you are driving down here in the "flatlands" along our freeways allow yourself some extra time and be careful as the CHP has reported several cars spinning out of control this morning.
Whether you plan to make a snowman or dance out in the rain, happy winter storm weekend to you.
With heavy rains expected the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch, which began at 6 a.m.
The watch is issued for the Station, Crown and Briggs brush fire burn areas as a strong cold front is expected to pass through, according to the NWS. Furthermore the watch is also in effect for Los Angeles County mountains except the Santa Monica Mountains.
The NWS forecasts up to three-inches of rain for the mountains and foothills.
Saturday's storm is the first of two winter storms with the next one arriving Sunday.
The first storm will move out by Saturday evening and the overnight hours will receive little to no rain while on Sunday morning the rain starts back up again with the second storm due to arrive, according to the NWS.
In the higher elevations both storms will bring the first significant snowfall. In fact the NWS is forecasting snow levels to drop down to 4,000 feet tonight, which would mean snow along The Grapevine and Cajon Pass.
Given it is the first major snowfall and perhaps the first holiday weekend for some who have the week ahead off we would like to give you major piece of friendly advice before hitting the slopes.
If you plan to indulge yourself in the full winter experience by playing in the snow while the snow is falling remember to take tire chains with you. If you have no idea how to install chains be prepared to spend $40-60 dollars to have an official chain installer chain up your tires (really, if you have no idea how to install chains it is going to be highly frustrating trying to figure it out yourself), and that is on top of the $50-100 dollars (depending on your tire size) for the chains themselves. Now if you are thinking of driving just high enough into the mountains to see and play in the snow without chains be advised the California Highway Patrol often has chain checkpoints at the base of the mountain highways and they will not let you proceed without chains.
Of course if you are driving down here in the "flatlands" along our freeways allow yourself some extra time and be careful as the CHP has reported several cars spinning out of control this morning.
Whether you plan to make a snowman or dance out in the rain, happy winter storm weekend to you.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Another Jolt, Another Day
Maybe you felt it as there was another small, but noticeable jolt in Southern California this Thursday afternoon.
At 4:56 p.m. there was a magnitude 3.8 earthquake nine miles north-northwest of Borrego Springs in Riverside County, according to the United States Geological Survey.
It appears this earthquake was on the San Jacinto Fault zone, according to USGS.
Though small in size the quake was felt throughout much of San Diego County and in portions of Orange County, according to maps provided by USGS.
Within the last week there have been a few minor but noticeable earthquakes in Southern California. Something like this is quite normal and does not mean any major earthquake will occur, despite some erroneous information that was floating around the internet Thursday after the quake.
As expected no reports of damage or injuries.
On July 7 of this year you may recall the same area experienced a magnitude 5.4 earthquake, which is believed to be a distant aftershock of the April 4 magnitude 7.2 earthquake.
At 4:56 p.m. there was a magnitude 3.8 earthquake nine miles north-northwest of Borrego Springs in Riverside County, according to the United States Geological Survey.
It appears this earthquake was on the San Jacinto Fault zone, according to USGS.
Though small in size the quake was felt throughout much of San Diego County and in portions of Orange County, according to maps provided by USGS.
Within the last week there have been a few minor but noticeable earthquakes in Southern California. Something like this is quite normal and does not mean any major earthquake will occur, despite some erroneous information that was floating around the internet Thursday after the quake.
As expected no reports of damage or injuries.
On July 7 of this year you may recall the same area experienced a magnitude 5.4 earthquake, which is believed to be a distant aftershock of the April 4 magnitude 7.2 earthquake.
Hollywood Murder Mystery
It almost feels like a plot for a pulp novel made into film noir, a powerful film industry public relations agent gunned down and murdered in the seemingly antiseptic streets of Beverly Hills just after attending a highly exclusive poolside industry movie premier party atop the W Hotel in the heart of Hollywood.
It seemed Ronni Chasen had it all, from her agency where many "A-Listers" went to advance and enhance their career to her home near the Los Angeles Country Club. She had what hundreds who migrate to Hollywood only hope to achieve, fame, wealth and the biggest achievement of all, power. For all her power it could not stop the fatal bullet that ended her life at Sunset Boulevard and Whittier Drive on Tuesday morning.
Within the last couple days it seems everybody who is somebody in this town is offering their theory on what happened.
Former Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton tells the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, "The scenarios are, Los Angeles, possible [random] gang drive-by, but Beverly Hills, very unlikely. Road rage, very potentially likely in a lot of those incidents in California and Los Angeles. "A crime of passion, somebody who knew her, they have not determined, to the best of my knowledge, as to whether there was possibly somebody else in the car. Fourth could be the idea of an unintended consequence, that she was killed and they were looking for somebody else."
Also on Thursday one of the industry's trade publications reported that authorities believe the killing of Ms. Chasen was planned and she was not the victim of some random crime as others have speculated.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "[A] Beverly Hills city official was briefed by Police Chief David Snowden [that] the department's working theory centers on shots being fired out of another vehicle that pulled up next to the passenger side of Chasen's Mercedes-Benz around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday."
A working theory is just that, a theory.
Perhaps that theory is being supported by search warrants served Thursday in connection with the case. Beverly Hills Police will not say much of anything concerning the warrants, except to give the standard reply of, "It's an ongoing investigation and we can't really comment."
The murder of Ms. Chasen has shocked and terrified the upper echelons of Hollywood who sometimes think they are an untouchable bunch immune from the problems of common people. That aside, what is disturbing is everybody who knew Ms. Chasen insist she had no enemies and simply cannot understand who would want do this to her.
Probably the most disturbing for many are leads in the publicist's murder seem to be far, few and in-between with only the few clues available pointing to a premeditated murder of Ms. Chasen.
If the police's working theory of Ms. Chasen being the victim of a premeditated murder is the case then this whole incident begs the question, if the murder is ever close to being solved will it lead to something more scandalous within the power structure of Hollywood, or will it be nothing more than a past friend or lover seeking the ultimate revenge?
It seemed Ronni Chasen had it all, from her agency where many "A-Listers" went to advance and enhance their career to her home near the Los Angeles Country Club. She had what hundreds who migrate to Hollywood only hope to achieve, fame, wealth and the biggest achievement of all, power. For all her power it could not stop the fatal bullet that ended her life at Sunset Boulevard and Whittier Drive on Tuesday morning.
Within the last couple days it seems everybody who is somebody in this town is offering their theory on what happened.
Former Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton tells the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, "The scenarios are, Los Angeles, possible [random] gang drive-by, but Beverly Hills, very unlikely. Road rage, very potentially likely in a lot of those incidents in California and Los Angeles. "A crime of passion, somebody who knew her, they have not determined, to the best of my knowledge, as to whether there was possibly somebody else in the car. Fourth could be the idea of an unintended consequence, that she was killed and they were looking for somebody else."
Also on Thursday one of the industry's trade publications reported that authorities believe the killing of Ms. Chasen was planned and she was not the victim of some random crime as others have speculated.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "[A] Beverly Hills city official was briefed by Police Chief David Snowden [that] the department's working theory centers on shots being fired out of another vehicle that pulled up next to the passenger side of Chasen's Mercedes-Benz around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday."
A working theory is just that, a theory.
Perhaps that theory is being supported by search warrants served Thursday in connection with the case. Beverly Hills Police will not say much of anything concerning the warrants, except to give the standard reply of, "It's an ongoing investigation and we can't really comment."
The murder of Ms. Chasen has shocked and terrified the upper echelons of Hollywood who sometimes think they are an untouchable bunch immune from the problems of common people. That aside, what is disturbing is everybody who knew Ms. Chasen insist she had no enemies and simply cannot understand who would want do this to her.
Probably the most disturbing for many are leads in the publicist's murder seem to be far, few and in-between with only the few clues available pointing to a premeditated murder of Ms. Chasen.
If the police's working theory of Ms. Chasen being the victim of a premeditated murder is the case then this whole incident begs the question, if the murder is ever close to being solved will it lead to something more scandalous within the power structure of Hollywood, or will it be nothing more than a past friend or lover seeking the ultimate revenge?
All Christmas, All the Time
Much like the change of weather and decorations adoring the city streets and department stores another local tradition signaling the start of the holiday season began Wednesday afternoon.
Radio station KOST-FM has gone "all Christmas."
Now until December 25 "KOST 103.5" will play all Christmas oriented music.
The brief format change to "all Christmas," which has been replicated by several radio stations throughout the country, began in 2001 as a way to essentially help cope with the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks.
Prior to 2001 generally most radio stations would add Christmas songs to their regular playlist and then go "all Christmas" a couple days before December 25.
Radio station KOST-FM has gone "all Christmas."
Now until December 25 "KOST 103.5" will play all Christmas oriented music.
The brief format change to "all Christmas," which has been replicated by several radio stations throughout the country, began in 2001 as a way to essentially help cope with the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks.
Prior to 2001 generally most radio stations would add Christmas songs to their regular playlist and then go "all Christmas" a couple days before December 25.
Here Comes a Federal Judge to Save the Day
A federal judge has saved the day for superheros, for now.
Well, perhaps a better saying would be U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday against Los Angeles Police from harassing and arresting people who dress up like famed comic-book superheros along Hollywood Boulevard.
The injunction comes as the LAPD aggressively stepped up enforcement last June on comic-book characters by citing and arresting the masked men and women for charges ranging from panhandling, loitering and harassment.
So on what grounds is the injunction issue? Would you believe protected speech.
Judge Pregerson wrote, "The court is further sensitive that although costumed performance may not be a traditional form of speech, it is without doubt a protected one."
Prior to last summer's stepped up enforcement the superheros were a fixture along the revived tourist friendly famous boulevard. As well the costume characters were the focus of a film documentary, which, unsurprisingly, showed the troubled lives and travesties of the men and women behind the mask.
What will happen next to our superheros? Will they be vindicated in the Hall of Justice? Will the LAPD find a loophole in Judge Pregerson's ruling and mount another operation against the superheros? With no superheros on the sidewalk will tourists suddenly realize the same "unique" stores in the Hollywood and Highland area are really the same stores they can find at their local mall? Stay tuned for our next adventures of "The Wandering Costumed Superheros of Hollywood Boulevard!"
Well, perhaps a better saying would be U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday against Los Angeles Police from harassing and arresting people who dress up like famed comic-book superheros along Hollywood Boulevard.
The injunction comes as the LAPD aggressively stepped up enforcement last June on comic-book characters by citing and arresting the masked men and women for charges ranging from panhandling, loitering and harassment.
So on what grounds is the injunction issue? Would you believe protected speech.
Judge Pregerson wrote, "The court is further sensitive that although costumed performance may not be a traditional form of speech, it is without doubt a protected one."
Prior to last summer's stepped up enforcement the superheros were a fixture along the revived tourist friendly famous boulevard. As well the costume characters were the focus of a film documentary, which, unsurprisingly, showed the troubled lives and travesties of the men and women behind the mask.
What will happen next to our superheros? Will they be vindicated in the Hall of Justice? Will the LAPD find a loophole in Judge Pregerson's ruling and mount another operation against the superheros? With no superheros on the sidewalk will tourists suddenly realize the same "unique" stores in the Hollywood and Highland area are really the same stores they can find at their local mall? Stay tuned for our next adventures of "The Wandering Costumed Superheros of Hollywood Boulevard!"
More University Fee Hikes?
Last week California State University regrets voted to raise fees for students yet again (and voted to officially call fees "tuition"), this week University of California regrets are discussing raising fees for their students.
That proposal is not going over too well with some students as evident by protests at UC San Francisco on Wednesday where the regrets were meeting to discuss the issue, which turned a bit violent leading to 13 arrests.
From Los Angeles Times' reporter Larry Gordon,
At one point, a UC San Francisco police officer who had been rushed by protesters and hit on the head with his own baton, pointed his service gun at the demonstrators but did not fire, police said. Police used pepper spray on an estimated 15 protesters, most of whom received treatment at the scene.
UC San Francisco Police Chief Pamela Roskowski defended the officers' actions, saying that "an angry and unruly and aggressive crowd" of about 300 protesters had gathered outside the UC San Francisco Mission Bay campus and inside an adjacent garage.
Roskowski said protesters had thrown barricades and other objects at the 90 or so university and city police there.
[...]
UC leaders, coping with higher costs and continuing tight state budgets, have proposed raising basic annual undergraduate fees by $822, to $11,124 for next year, not including campus-based charges and room and board. The plan would also expand financial aid and offer a one-year reprieve from the hike to students from most families with incomes up to $120,000. If approved, the increase would follow a 32% tuition boost imposed last year, an action that triggered much larger protests.
That proposal is not going over too well with some students as evident by protests at UC San Francisco on Wednesday where the regrets were meeting to discuss the issue, which turned a bit violent leading to 13 arrests.
From Los Angeles Times' reporter Larry Gordon,
At one point, a UC San Francisco police officer who had been rushed by protesters and hit on the head with his own baton, pointed his service gun at the demonstrators but did not fire, police said. Police used pepper spray on an estimated 15 protesters, most of whom received treatment at the scene.
UC San Francisco Police Chief Pamela Roskowski defended the officers' actions, saying that "an angry and unruly and aggressive crowd" of about 300 protesters had gathered outside the UC San Francisco Mission Bay campus and inside an adjacent garage.
Roskowski said protesters had thrown barricades and other objects at the 90 or so university and city police there.
[...]
UC leaders, coping with higher costs and continuing tight state budgets, have proposed raising basic annual undergraduate fees by $822, to $11,124 for next year, not including campus-based charges and room and board. The plan would also expand financial aid and offer a one-year reprieve from the hike to students from most families with incomes up to $120,000. If approved, the increase would follow a 32% tuition boost imposed last year, an action that triggered much larger protests.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
JUST IN: Violent Convict Back in Custody
Convicted child rapist Lawrence Joseph Brown, who was released from Chino State Prison on Wednesday after serving 25 years of a 49-year sentence for the brutal kidnapping and rape of two Santa Ana girls, has been arrested for violating a term of his parole, which in this case was getting into a car with a woman. Per terms of Mr. Brown's parole he cannot be alone in a vehicle with a woman.
This development comes in light of two new victims, after seeing the convict's photograph, coming forward alleging that Mr. Brown brutally attacked and raped them in the late 1970s, according to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
Mr. Brown was convicted in the 1983 kidnapping and brutal and utterly hideous rape of a seven-year-old and eight-year-old girl in separate attacks about five months apart.
The new victims allege Mr. Brown attacked them in the same vile manner of sexual torture, and Mr. Rackauckas says their stories are creditable.
It is believed the convict was going to move into a Tustin home, which caused great concern and trepidation among residents.
California's Department of Mental Health has come under great scorn for not designating Mr. Brown a sexual violent predator, which would have kept him committed in a psychiatric hospital once he was finished with his sentence.
With this breach in parole and new allegation it is unclear how long Mr. Brown will remain in custody.
This development comes in light of two new victims, after seeing the convict's photograph, coming forward alleging that Mr. Brown brutally attacked and raped them in the late 1970s, according to Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas.
Mr. Brown was convicted in the 1983 kidnapping and brutal and utterly hideous rape of a seven-year-old and eight-year-old girl in separate attacks about five months apart.
The new victims allege Mr. Brown attacked them in the same vile manner of sexual torture, and Mr. Rackauckas says their stories are creditable.
It is believed the convict was going to move into a Tustin home, which caused great concern and trepidation among residents.
California's Department of Mental Health has come under great scorn for not designating Mr. Brown a sexual violent predator, which would have kept him committed in a psychiatric hospital once he was finished with his sentence.
With this breach in parole and new allegation it is unclear how long Mr. Brown will remain in custody.
OC Fairgrounds Sale Blocked
The drama over what has grown to be a very sacred piece of land in Costa Mesa opened another chapter on Wednesday when a temporary order blocking the sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds to Facilities Management West was issued.
The lawsuit was filed by various groups affiliated with Jeffery Teller, who runs the weekend swap meet on the fairgrounds.
A hearing on whether the sale can go forward is set for December 8.
According to Jon Cassidy at the Orange County Register,
"The TelPhil lawsuit represents a last gasp effort by a three-time unsuccessful bidder," Guy Lemmon of Facilities Management West said in a press release. "FMW believes the lawsuit is without merit."
[...]
Ruben Smith, an attorney representing Teller's group, argued that the law permitting the sale is unconstitutional, because it directs the proceeds into the state General Fund, when the Constitution requires that they go to pay off debt.
More from the Register.
The lawsuit was filed by various groups affiliated with Jeffery Teller, who runs the weekend swap meet on the fairgrounds.
A hearing on whether the sale can go forward is set for December 8.
According to Jon Cassidy at the Orange County Register,
"The TelPhil lawsuit represents a last gasp effort by a three-time unsuccessful bidder," Guy Lemmon of Facilities Management West said in a press release. "FMW believes the lawsuit is without merit."
[...]
Ruben Smith, an attorney representing Teller's group, argued that the law permitting the sale is unconstitutional, because it directs the proceeds into the state General Fund, when the Constitution requires that they go to pay off debt.
More from the Register.
Another Small Jolt
A little bit more shaking was happening Tuesday, this time in San Diego County.
At 3:58 p.m. a magnitude 3.7 occurred with an epicenter 9 miles southeast of the charming town of Julian, according to the United States Geological Survey.
It appears this quake was caused by the Elsinore Fault, based on maps provided by USGS.
The earthquake was felt throughout most of the San Diego area along with some reports of the jolt being felt in Ontario.
This earthquake is within the aftershock zone of the April 4 magnitude 7.2 Easter Earthquake, which, if you recall, the epicenter of that event was south of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico and shook most of Southern California for almost a minute.
Of course as would be expected there are no reports of damage or injuries.
At 3:58 p.m. a magnitude 3.7 occurred with an epicenter 9 miles southeast of the charming town of Julian, according to the United States Geological Survey.
It appears this quake was caused by the Elsinore Fault, based on maps provided by USGS.
The earthquake was felt throughout most of the San Diego area along with some reports of the jolt being felt in Ontario.
This earthquake is within the aftershock zone of the April 4 magnitude 7.2 Easter Earthquake, which, if you recall, the epicenter of that event was south of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico and shook most of Southern California for almost a minute.
Of course as would be expected there are no reports of damage or injuries.
A Little Redlands Quake
There was a small earthquake just a little south of Redlands early Tuesday morning of magnitude 3.2, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The earth in that portion of the Inland Empire rattled at 1:46 a.m. with the epicenter about 5 miles south-southeast of Redlands, according to the USGS.
Based on maps from the USGS it appears the San Jacinto Fault is to blame.
The earthquake was felt throughout the Inland Empire and down into north San Diego County, according to information provided by the USGS.
There was a small magnitude 1.8 aftershock at 1:53 a.m.
As would be expected there are no reports of damage or injuries, and if there were that would be quite surprising.
The earth in that portion of the Inland Empire rattled at 1:46 a.m. with the epicenter about 5 miles south-southeast of Redlands, according to the USGS.
Based on maps from the USGS it appears the San Jacinto Fault is to blame.
The earthquake was felt throughout the Inland Empire and down into north San Diego County, according to information provided by the USGS.
There was a small magnitude 1.8 aftershock at 1:53 a.m.
As would be expected there are no reports of damage or injuries, and if there were that would be quite surprising.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
One Local Blog Ceases Publication
After being absent for a week one local media gossip blog announced it was shutting down. On Monday SoCal Media Scoop made the announcement on its website the decision to shut down the blog.
The blog generally reported on the happenings in local television news and radio, and it had a rather strong following of readers.
The reason for the shut down, according to a message on the site by the founder "Cydoniax" (no real name was ever given during the site's duration) is, I no longer have the time needed to make it a worthwhile read. And secondly, my heart is no longer in it. There are various reasons for the above two points, but they are many and would probably bore most of you. Basically, life has gotten in the way and I need to focus on some personal matters.
The site had been around for about two years and has broken a few industry stories, which were featured on L.A. Observed, among other publications.
While some stories were broken it seemed more times than not, perhaps due to the owner's limited capabilities, SoCal Media Scoop tended to be more gossip and opinions than actual news. Nonetheless the site attracted some people within the industry, and sometimes their irk.
The absence of SoCal Media Scoop leaves a void in a publication solely dedicated in monitoring local media.
The blog generally reported on the happenings in local television news and radio, and it had a rather strong following of readers.
The reason for the shut down, according to a message on the site by the founder "Cydoniax" (no real name was ever given during the site's duration) is, I no longer have the time needed to make it a worthwhile read. And secondly, my heart is no longer in it. There are various reasons for the above two points, but they are many and would probably bore most of you. Basically, life has gotten in the way and I need to focus on some personal matters.
The site had been around for about two years and has broken a few industry stories, which were featured on L.A. Observed, among other publications.
While some stories were broken it seemed more times than not, perhaps due to the owner's limited capabilities, SoCal Media Scoop tended to be more gossip and opinions than actual news. Nonetheless the site attracted some people within the industry, and sometimes their irk.
The absence of SoCal Media Scoop leaves a void in a publication solely dedicated in monitoring local media.
Friday, November 12, 2010
JUST IN: Apartment Building Fire
A fire is burning inside an apartment unit on the sixth-floor of a seven-story building on the 900 block s. Serrano Avenue in Koreatown, according to Los Angeles City Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.
According to Mr. Humphrey the fire is being held by sprinklers and flames should be contained to the one apartment unit.
Firefighters received the call about 5:38 p.m. and shortly after responding fire officials declared a greater alarm prompting 100 firefighters to be dispatched to the incident.
[UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: The fire is knocked down, according to Mr. Humphrey.]
There are no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Firefighters are however attending to two cats that may have suffered smoke exposure, according to Mr. Humphrey.
If you live in the area be advised of some delays and road closures as several engine companies are on the scene.
According to Mr. Humphrey the fire is being held by sprinklers and flames should be contained to the one apartment unit.
Firefighters received the call about 5:38 p.m. and shortly after responding fire officials declared a greater alarm prompting 100 firefighters to be dispatched to the incident.
[UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: The fire is knocked down, according to Mr. Humphrey.]
There are no injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Firefighters are however attending to two cats that may have suffered smoke exposure, according to Mr. Humphrey.
If you live in the area be advised of some delays and road closures as several engine companies are on the scene.
JUST IN: Ventura Fire
If you are headed up to Santa Barbara or points north along the 101 this Friday evening be advised of a brush fire burning just north of Ventura at Solimar Beach, which is right alongside the 101 freeway.
At least seven engine companies are on the scene trying to douse the stubborn fire burning between Old Rincon Highway, Frontage Road and the 101, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
[UPDATE: Firefighters are now in the mop-up stage.]
No structures are threatened, however traffic along the 101 is backing up at least a mile in both directions.
The fire was reported at 3:12 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP says fire companies had trouble reaching the flames when they first arrived.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
At least seven engine companies are on the scene trying to douse the stubborn fire burning between Old Rincon Highway, Frontage Road and the 101, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
[UPDATE: Firefighters are now in the mop-up stage.]
No structures are threatened, however traffic along the 101 is backing up at least a mile in both directions.
The fire was reported at 3:12 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP says fire companies had trouble reaching the flames when they first arrived.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Red Flag Warning Issued
Beginning Saturday at 4 a.m. the National Weather Service will issue a Red Flag Warning for Orange County, the Inland Empire and Santa Ana Mountains.
The warning expires at 8 p.m. Saturday.
So, please be mindful of the fire danger.
The warning expires at 8 p.m. Saturday.
So, please be mindful of the fire danger.
JUST IN: Zsa Zsa Gabor Hospitalized Again
Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor was taken by ambulance from her Bel-Air home to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Friday after her doctor diagnosed her with "a massive blood clot," according to her publicist.
This is just one of many medical problems facing the actress and socialite this year.
Last summer the 93-year-old Ms. Gabor spent a month in the hospital for a broken hip and removal of two blood clots.
This is just one of many medical problems facing the actress and socialite this year.
Last summer the 93-year-old Ms. Gabor spent a month in the hospital for a broken hip and removal of two blood clots.
Anaheim Power Outage
The lights went out for much of the Anaheim Historic Colony District on Friday afternoon, which, aside from some annoyed inconvenience, caused bit of a traffic snarl.
Power was out for about a half-hour beginning at around 1:30 p.m.
Traffic signals along Harbor and Anaheim Boulevards were out causing a lengthy backup along the major thoroughfares.
There were no major or minor incidents during the outage.
The cause of the outage is under investigation.
Power was out for about a half-hour beginning at around 1:30 p.m.
Traffic signals along Harbor and Anaheim Boulevards were out causing a lengthy backup along the major thoroughfares.
There were no major or minor incidents during the outage.
The cause of the outage is under investigation.
JUST IN: Orange Brush Fire
We are monitoring a brush fire that has broken out along the 241 toll road at Santiago Canyon Road near Orange.
The fire was reported at 1:34 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
[UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: The fire is contained to a about one-and-a-half-acre underneath the 241, according to Captain Greg McKeown of the Orange County Fire Authority.]
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire was reported at 1:34 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
[UPDATE 2:29 p.m.: The fire is contained to a about one-and-a-half-acre underneath the 241, according to Captain Greg McKeown of the Orange County Fire Authority.]
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Missile Hype
With the "mystery missile" flying over Southern California this week seemingly everybody across the nation has their own theory on "what it was" and it was only a matter of time before Jon Stewart got in on the "missile" hype.
On The Daily Show Mr. Stewart and his writers are truly the masters of catching and calling the media out for making something out of nothing.
While local news has given this story passing mention for the most part cable news on the other hand, to no real surprise, drove the story with fear and paranoia implicating "the government" is hiding something by refusing to immediately answer questions.
As reported Wednesday there was no government cover-up to protect the Illuminati, rather it was just a commercial passenger airline who's contrails were playing tricks with the mind. That is why the FAA and other government organizations reported there was nothing unusual on any of their radars at the time of the "missile." In fact this time of year when the sun is setting off our coast it almost looks like a game of Missile Command with so many contrails.
Well, this is not the first time in modern history aviation contrails have caused concern among some people that those rising white lines in the sky could be something sinister.
Blame it on human nature, but for many the simplest explanation, in this case a passenger airline from Hawaii to Phoenix, is always the most difficult to accept.
When the sunsets tonight look out to the west and surely you will see more "missiles" flying every which way.
On The Daily Show Mr. Stewart and his writers are truly the masters of catching and calling the media out for making something out of nothing.
While local news has given this story passing mention for the most part cable news on the other hand, to no real surprise, drove the story with fear and paranoia implicating "the government" is hiding something by refusing to immediately answer questions.
As reported Wednesday there was no government cover-up to protect the Illuminati, rather it was just a commercial passenger airline who's contrails were playing tricks with the mind. That is why the FAA and other government organizations reported there was nothing unusual on any of their radars at the time of the "missile." In fact this time of year when the sun is setting off our coast it almost looks like a game of Missile Command with so many contrails.
Well, this is not the first time in modern history aviation contrails have caused concern among some people that those rising white lines in the sky could be something sinister.
Blame it on human nature, but for many the simplest explanation, in this case a passenger airline from Hawaii to Phoenix, is always the most difficult to accept.
When the sunsets tonight look out to the west and surely you will see more "missiles" flying every which way.
New Email
Well, on this windy day we wanted to advise you we have a new email address, SoCalNewsWire@live.com.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
So, What Was It?
[Wednesday UPDATE: Sometimes the mind has a strange way of playing tricks on you. The look of a missile was a just an illusion of contrails from US Airways flight 808 from Hawaii to Phoenix.
Curiously for some on Tuesday around 4:30 p.m. a similar "missile" was seen from the Orange County coast, but that too was nothing more than contrails from an airplane.
For some, sorry to break this news to you that it was nothing more thrilling than a simple airplane.
For further explanation on the illusion of contrails visit this article from Contrail Science.]
The internet is abuzz on this Tuesday debating just what was that "mystery missile" seen off our coast Monday evening. The "missile" was caught in action by KCBS/KCAL helicopter reporter Derek Bell and the video has gone viral.
Straight down the line the Pentagon and all branches of the military say they have no idea what it was, and the FAA say their radars did not pick up anything unusual.
[UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: The Pentagon confirms it was not a missile.]
Throughout many halls of the internet people are claiming things from it being a UFO, a foreign military demonstrating and showing their might off the Southern California coast, and some are even suggesting one of our own military personal may have accidentally pressed the launch button.
Something to consider, dummy missiles for the Airborne Laser project are launched from San Nicholas Island just west of Catalina Island. The launches often are not announced and the last launch that was October 21.
Earlier this year from San Nicholas the Navy used a ray-gun to practice shooting down an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
Last Thursday evening there was a similar "missile" seen in the same area.
Both times the "missiles" were west of Catalina in the area of San Nicholas Island.
What do you think it was?
Curiously for some on Tuesday around 4:30 p.m. a similar "missile" was seen from the Orange County coast, but that too was nothing more than contrails from an airplane.
For some, sorry to break this news to you that it was nothing more thrilling than a simple airplane.
For further explanation on the illusion of contrails visit this article from Contrail Science.]
The internet is abuzz on this Tuesday debating just what was that "mystery missile" seen off our coast Monday evening. The "missile" was caught in action by KCBS/KCAL helicopter reporter Derek Bell and the video has gone viral.
Straight down the line the Pentagon and all branches of the military say they have no idea what it was, and the FAA say their radars did not pick up anything unusual.
[UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: The Pentagon confirms it was not a missile.]
Throughout many halls of the internet people are claiming things from it being a UFO, a foreign military demonstrating and showing their might off the Southern California coast, and some are even suggesting one of our own military personal may have accidentally pressed the launch button.
Something to consider, dummy missiles for the Airborne Laser project are launched from San Nicholas Island just west of Catalina Island. The launches often are not announced and the last launch that was October 21.
Earlier this year from San Nicholas the Navy used a ray-gun to practice shooting down an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
Last Thursday evening there was a similar "missile" seen in the same area.
Both times the "missiles" were west of Catalina in the area of San Nicholas Island.
What do you think it was?
Monday, November 8, 2010
SIG-ALERT: The Eastbound 60 at Azusa
The 60 eastbound at Azusa Avenue is closed following two big-rigs that collided and exploded Monday night, according to the California Highway Patrol. Furthermore as a precautionary measure the CHP have also shut down the westbound lanes.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Deaprtment have also closed the Azusa Avenue overpass as passing cars above were endangered by the flames. Also at one point the flames reached the overpass' pillar center-divider.
[UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: Inside one of the truck-trailers were tires and thick black smoke continues to pour out of the trailer as Los Angeles County Firefighters remove tires and place them on the side of the freeway.
Prepare and plan for the 60 freeway at Azusa Avenue to be closed for a significant time.]
Cal-Trans has been contacted and are preparing for a hard closure as they bring out the mobile electric signs and orange cones.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Deaprtment have also closed the Azusa Avenue overpass as passing cars above were endangered by the flames. Also at one point the flames reached the overpass' pillar center-divider.
[UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: Inside one of the truck-trailers were tires and thick black smoke continues to pour out of the trailer as Los Angeles County Firefighters remove tires and place them on the side of the freeway.
Prepare and plan for the 60 freeway at Azusa Avenue to be closed for a significant time.]
Cal-Trans has been contacted and are preparing for a hard closure as they bring out the mobile electric signs and orange cones.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
JUST IN: Metrolink Accident
Metrolink is reporting via Twitter that one person was hit and killed by their train on Monday afternoon near the Upland Station.
The pedestrian was struck and killed as the commuter train was traveling westbound crossing Euclid Avenue just a little after 5 p.m.
The pedestrian has not been identified and authorities are investigating why the person was on tracks.
Metrolink are advising San Bernardino Line commuters that trains starting from San Bernardino are going as far as Rancho Cucamonga, then passengers will be bussed to Montclair, then will re-board trains inbound to Union Station. Conversely outbound trains will run to Montclair, with passengers being transferred onto buses to Rancho Cucamonga, then will re-board the train outbound to San Bernardino.
The pedestrian was struck and killed as the commuter train was traveling westbound crossing Euclid Avenue just a little after 5 p.m.
The pedestrian has not been identified and authorities are investigating why the person was on tracks.
Metrolink are advising San Bernardino Line commuters that trains starting from San Bernardino are going as far as Rancho Cucamonga, then passengers will be bussed to Montclair, then will re-board trains inbound to Union Station. Conversely outbound trains will run to Montclair, with passengers being transferred onto buses to Rancho Cucamonga, then will re-board the train outbound to San Bernardino.
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