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>>L.A. Looking For Ways To Trim City Budget
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The City of Los Angeles is looking for ways to pare down its 200 million- dollar budget gap. A report obtained by the "Los Angeles Times" is suggesting deep cuts in spending on neighborhood councils, arts programs and initiatives aimed at reducing ethnic tensions. Other suggested cuts would trim the city attorney's staff and the city's libraries. The report by City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana does not suggest any cuts in the mayor's staff or the city council. A formal proposal by Santana for dealing with the city's budget shortfall is expected by Friday, according to the "Times."
>>Two LAPD Cops Arrested In Whittier
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Two off-duty LAPD officers are out on bail after they were arrested by the Whittier Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon Tuesday night. Officer Mike Dekowski with the Whittier Police Department says it happened at about 8 p.m. at a restaurant in the 15-thousand, 600 block of Whittwood Lane where one of the suspects was arguing with his girlfriend. One of the suspects pulled out a handgun and used it to beat the victim. LAPD Officers Brandon Valdez and Patrick Fitzgerald were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. The victim was hospitalized suffering from serious head injuries as a result of the assault.
>>Crews Cleanup Oil Spill In Huntington Beach Channel
(Huntington Beach, CA) -- Orange County public works crews are mopping up a 672-gallon oil spill in the Huntington Beach Channel. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the oil did not reach the wetlands or the Pacific Ocean from its point of origin. The oil did travel about one-point-eight miles downstream. Crews are using vacuum trucks, power washers and absorbant material to remove the oil and have so far recovered about an eighth of the oil that spilled. The source of the oil spill that occurred last week has not been determined. It is expected to about three weeks to finish the cleanup.
>>Attorney Files Motion For New Hollywood Trial
(Santa Barbara, CA) -- The attorney for convicted murderer Jesse James Hollywood filed a motion Tuesday in Superior Court seeking a new trial for his client. The "Daily Sound" reports defense attorney James Blatt charges that media coverage surrounding the trial and a major motion picture about the case made it impossible for his client to receive a fair trial in Santa Barbara County. Hollywood was convicted in July of kidnapping and ordering the execution of then 15-yea- -old Nicholas Markowitz in 2000, fueled by a drug debt owed to Hollywood by Nicholas' older brother. Although prosecutors sought the death penalty for Hollywood, the jury opted for a sentence of life in prison without parole.
>>Authorities Arrest 50 Alleged Riverside Gangsters (Riverside, CA) -- Federal and local authorities in Riverside arrested 50 alleged gang members Wednesday in an operation aimed at taking down the leadership of two rival gangs. "Operation Promise" targeted the Eastside Riva and 1200 Block Crips, for methamphetamine dealing and hate crimes. The east side Riva gang pays rent to the Mexican Mafia in order to deal drugs on their turf, according to the "Press Enterprise."  Authorities also seized 28 guns and two pet rattlesnakes.Â
>>Historian, Activist, Writer Howard Zinn Dead
(Boston, MA) -- Historian, author, civil rights and political activist Howard Zinn died Wednesday after suffering a heart attack while traveling in Santa Monica. Zinn is best known for "A People's History of the United States," a book that inspired millions to both rethink and rebuke how textbooks have described the history of America. Zinn was a bombardier in the World War Two. Years later he would become a staunch anti-war activist. Zinn's named was cemented into popular culture when actor Matt Damon's character mentioned "A People's History" in the 1997 movie "Good Will Hunting." Howard Zinn was 87.
>>L.A. City Council Eyes Cigarette Sales Ban Near Schools
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Los Angeles City Council is asking the city attorney to draft a ban on cigarette sales near schools. Councilman Bernard Parks says the sale of cigarettes to minors is a big concern and needs to be stopped. He said cigarette sales during school hours need to be better regulated. He also said the city is conducting undercover operations to find retailers that illegally sell cigarettes to underage minors.
>>LAUSD Fires Teacher Suspended With Pay For Seven Years
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Los Angeles Unified School District has fired a teacher who was suspended with pay seven years ago. Matthew Kim, a former special education instructor, was removed from Grant High School in Van Nuys in 2002 after he was accused of touching co-workers' breasts and making inappropriate comments to students. Kim has received his full salary since then as his legal battle with the district has worked its way through various hearings and motions. Earlier this month, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ordered the state commission to overturn its decision and allow the district to fire Kim. Now the paychecks will stop but Kim still has another appeal pending.
>>Two Off Duty LAPD Cops Arrested For Alleged Assault
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Two off-duty LAPD officers were arrested for allegedly assaulting a man in Whittier Tuesday night. Authorities say the incident occurred outside the Panera restaurant in the 15-thousand-600-block of Whittwood Lane about 8 p.m. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said the two officers were arrested by Whittier Police for assault with a deadly weapon. Beck said he takes the matter very seriously. He said they will rigorously investigate the incident and cooperate 100- percent with the Whittier Police Department to resolve the criminal issues. Beck also said the officers will be on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
>>Former LAPD Chief Chooses Ex-Colleagues
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Former L.A. Police Chief Bill Bratton has chosen a couple of his former colleagues to work for him in the private security firm he's overseeing. Bratton is chairman of a new global investigations firm, Altegrity Risk International. The "L.A. Times" reports Bratton has selected former L.A. City Councilman Jack Weiss to run the company's Los Angeles office and former Deputy Police Chief Michael Berkow as president of its security consulting unit. Bratton resigned this past October after seven years as chief of the LAPD.
>>USC Coach Will Reportedly Sign With Seahawks
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Seattle Seahawks fired head coach Jim Mora Friday and they are reportedly ready to hire University of Southern California head coach Pete Carroll. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the Seahawks and Carroll are close to a five-year deal that would pay him seven-millio- -dollars per year. The newspaper says Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke met with Carroll in Los Angeles, this week. Seattle General Manager Tim Ruskell was forced out last month, which would apparently give the 58 year-old Carroll the control he has demanded for any return to the NFL. Last time around, he was fired by the New York Jets after one season and the New England Patriots after three.
>>Shareholders Approve Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger
(West Hollywood, CA) -- Stock owners have overwhelmingly approved a merger between the giant online ticket vendor Ticketmaster Entertainment and the concert production firm Live Nation, Inc. In separate releases, West Hollywood-based Ticketmaster (NASDAQ: TKTM) said more than 98 percent of the shares voted by its stock owners were in favor of the marriage, while Beverly Hills- based Live Nation (NYSE: LYE) said more than 99 percent of the shares voted by its investors were for the merger. Both companies are dominant in their respective fields, raising anti-trust concerns that critics say they will take before the U.S. Justice Department and Canadian regulators.
>>Octomom Wins State Appeals Court Decision
(Santa Ana, CA) -- A Santa Ana state appeals court has sided with so-called "Octomom" Nadya Suleman, denying a petition by an entertainment industry children's advocate to have an independent guardian appointed to safeguard the financial interests of Suleman's eight toddlers. In a 20-page decision, the Fourth District Court of Appeal said a probate court was wrong to deny Suleman's motion to have the petition by Paul Petersen dismissed. The three-judge panel also said Petersen failed to show that Suleman is guilty of financial misconduct, adding that, quote, "This is an unprecedented, meritless effort by a stranger to a family." The court also ordered Petersen to pay Suleman's legal expenses.
>>Ex-Employee Admits To UCLA Medical Records Snooping
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Federal prosecutors say a former UCLA School of Medicine researcher has admitted to illegally viewing the private medical records of co-workers and celebrities. The U.S. Attorney's office says 48 year-old Huping Zhou pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court yesterday, to accessing confidential UCLA records 323 times over a three-week period in 2003. Zhou began his streak of illegal snooping by looking at the medical files of his immediate supervisor, after UCLA Healthcare notified him of its intent to fire him for job performance reasons. Zhou is a Los Angeles resident and licensed heart surgeon in China. He is due to be sentenced March 22nd.
>>Metrolink Cuts Service, Closes Budget Gap
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Metrolink board of directors erased a three-point-six-million-dollar shortfall in the commuter railroad's current budget yesterday, without raising fares. A Metrolink press release says the board voted to trim weekend rail service in Orange County and the Inland Empire, as well a couple of mid-day weekday trains between Orange County and the Inland Empire. The board also froze all hiring. There will be a budget workshop during the board's January 22nd meeting, to start work on a spending plan for fiscal year 2010-2011. In other news, Moorpark City Councilman Keith Millhouse was unanimously re-elected chairman of the Metrolink board.
>>Art Clokey Passes Away At 89
(Los Osos, CA) -- The man who created Gumby, the miniature green animated man made out of bendable clay, has died. The "San Luis Obispo Tribune" reports Art Clokey died Friday morning at home in the central California town of Los Osos. He was 89. Gumby grew out of a claymation short Clokey made while studying film at the University of Southern California. Gumby and his sidekick, Pokey the horse, got their big break on "The Howdy Doody Show" in the 1950s. That led to their own TV show, "The Adventures of Gumby." Gumby enjoyed a revival in the 1980s, when comedian Eddie Murphy played him as a cigar-smoking bad-attitude case in a series of "Saturday Night Live" skits. Clokey's death comes six months after the death of the voice of Gumby, Dallas McKennon.
>>Study Says Amnesty For Illegal Immigrants Would Help Economy
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A new UCLA study says granting amnesty to America's estimated twelve million illegal immigrants would provide a big boost the economy. The report by Professor Raul Hinojosa- Ojeda with the UCLA Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies says amnesty would add an estimated one-point-five trillion dollars to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next ten years. The report is based on analysis of surveys conducted after the 1986 legislation granting legal status to two-point-seven million people. The surveys found that once they were legalized, workers got better paying jobs and that resulted in more spending and more tax revenue. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that Hinosa-Ojeda also projected the economy would benefit from having a temporary worker program.
>>Charges Filed In Murder Of Theatre Director
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Charges were filed today against the man suspected of murdering local theatre director Bennett Bradley. The L.A. County D.A.'s Office says 25-year-old Jose Fructuoso allegedly had a romantic relationship with Bradley and fatally stabbed him on or about New Year's Day. Bradley's body was discovered in his apartment by co-workers on January 2nd after he failed to show up at work. Fructuoso lived a block away from Bennett's apartment was arrested early Tuesday morning.
>>LA Cardinal To Attend Services For Slain School Member
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Today's funeral Mass and burial service for a slain California assistant principal is being attended by Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony. Agustin Roberto "Bobby" Salcedo was killed last week along with five other men in the Mexican state of Durango. The 33-year-old Salcedo was eating dinner with his wife in a restaurant in the city of Gomez Palacio when he and five other men were kidnapped by masked gunmen. The victims were found shot to death the following day, New Year's Eve, next to a canal in a poor neighborhood known as September 11. Salcedo was an assistant principal at El Monte High School and was working on a Ph.D. degree at the time of his death.
>>Pipe Bombs Detonated In Two Southland Communities
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Several pipe bombs were detonated in two separate instances in the Southland. Early today in Sunland a routine traffic stop in the 7800 block of Hillroase at about 3 a.m. became an issue for the bomb squad after LAPD officers found incendiary devices inside the vehicle. The suspects in the SUV ran off but were later arrested by officers. Later this morning, nearby homes were evacuated and the bomb squad detonated the pipe bombs safely. Last night in Long Beach, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department bomb squad was called to the 6800 block of Bellhurst Avenue where they detonated an explosive device in a driveway after searching a residence. Inside the home, police found a sawed off shotgun, two handguns and methamphetamines. Long Beach Police discovered the device during a traffic stop in the 700 block of Orange Avenue, according to the "Long Beach Press-Telegram." The device was safely detonated. Two men were arrested on suspicion of weapons and narcotic's offenses.
>>Video Captures Thief Snatching Gold Chain From Boy
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Police have released video images showing a young man snatching a gold chain from a young boy in South Los Angeles Monday. The suspect is seen riding a blue mountain bike in front of a restaurant in the 5300 block of South Main Street. He is seen grabbing the chain the boy was wearing around his neck, lifting the victim off the ground and dragging him along the sidewalk. He then rides off with the chain. The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, about 21 years-old, five-feet, seven inches tall, 145 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes. The video images were provided by nearby businesses. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the LAPD at 1-877-LAPD-24-7.
>>Commentator For Clippers To Be Arraigned For Stealing From Terminally-Ill Friend
(Santa Ana, CA) -- A sports commentator for the Los Angeles Clippers is scheduled to be arraigned today for stealing 735-thousand dollars from a 65-year-old man with an inoperable brain tumor. The Orange County District Attorney's Office says Michael John Smith of Laguna Hills stole the money from his long-time friend, a retired school teacher, by convincing him to put up his paid-off Dana Point home as collateral for a 735-thousand dollar loan. The money was to be invested in a Dana Point development project. Smith and a co-defendant, Bruce Howard Furst, are accused of persuading the victim that the loan was for no more than two months and that they would put their homes up for sale before letting the victim lose his. The victim, meanwhile, is now stuck with monthly payments he cannot afford and is expected to lose his home.
>>Animal Rights Supporters Not Happy About Wild Horse Roundup
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Animal rights activists staged a rally in Los Angeles Wednesday to protest the roundup of wild horse by the Bureau of Land Management. More than 50 people gathered outside Senator Dianne Feinstein's office and urging her to stop the removal of wild horses on public lands. Actress Wendy Malick said, "If we lose the wild horse, we lose a real fundamental part of who we are as Americans and I think a part of our soul dies in the process." Malick said they're also writing letters to Secretary of the Interior Kenneth Salazar, asking him to put a moratorium on the roundups.
>>Grand Jury Indicts Head Of Liver Transplant Program
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A federal grand jury indicted a doctor who ran the liver transplant program at Saint Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles Wednesday on charges of covering up a patient switch. The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Dr. Richard Lopez, Junior was named in the eight-count indictment accusing him of conspiracy and falsification of records related to a misallocation of a liver. In 2003, Lopez allegedly took the liver intended for a patient who was out of the country at the time and unavailable for a transplant and gave it to another patient who was number 52 on the national wait list. According to the indictment, Lopez made the switch to the patient at Saint Vincent instead of allowing the liver to be given to the patient who was next in line. He then allegedly falsified the records, taking the original patient who was out of the country off the list, depriving him of the life-saving operation. That patient died a few months later, still believing he was still in line for a transplant.
>>Alhambra High School Locked Down After Guns Found
(Alhambra, CA) -- An Alhambra high school was put on lock down Wednesday and a student was arrested after two handguns were found on the campus. Alhambra police were called around 1:30 p.m. because a 17-year-old student at Mark Keppel High School was allegedly spotted with a gun. The unidentified male student was detained and officers searched him, finding a loaded handgun in his pants waistband. A second unloaded handgun was reportedly found in the student's backpack, according to the "Los Angeles Times." The school was locked down for several hours while police searched lockers and classrooms, but no other weapons were found. No one was injured in the incident.
>>Long Term Parking Lot B At LAX Closes Today
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Today is the last day for Lot B, the long term parking lot at Los Angeles International Airport. LAX spokeswoman Treva Miller said there are signs posted telling owners who call if their car is there past the deadline. Returning travelers can catch a free shuttle to take them from the airport to Lot B. Passengers have until January 31st to get their cars out of Lot B. Parking in Lot C is still open. Lot C is free for the first two hours and then a dollar for every two hours after that up to a maximum of twelve dollars for the day.
>>Ex-President Bandit Hits Two Encino Banks In One Week
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The FBI is on the hunt for a bank robber who wears a mask of ex-President Richard Nixon and has pulled off two jobs in Encino in one week. Laura Eimiller with the Los Angeles FBI office says would take any help in identifying the "Ex-President" Bandit. He's described as a black male with dark clothing and the Nixon mask. Eimiller says he waves a gun around scaring everyone, but apparently had a calm demeanor in both alleged robberies. The "ex-President" bandit hit a U.S. Bank on November 25th, and a Santa Barbara Bank and Trust on December 2nd.
>>L.A. Residents Cut Water Usage To Near Record Levels
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Water usage and consumption in Los Angeles has reached record lows with residents using 18-point-four-percent less over the five month summer. The "Los Angeles Times" reports Department of Water and Power records show that's the least amount of water used in 18 years during the hottest time of the year. The city implemented several rationing programs this year that were brought on by several issues. One is the three year drought the area is suffering. The other is bickering at the state and federal levels on how much water the Southern California region is entitled to.
>>Los Angeles Episcopalians Name First Woman Bishop
(Riverside, CA) -- The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has a woman bishop for the first time in its 114-year history. The Reverend Canon Diane Jardin Bruce, rector of St. Clements-by-the-Sea Church in San Clemente, was elected yesterday to one of two open assistant bishop posts. Raised a Roman Catholic, the 53-year-old Bruce is married and has two adult children. Clergyman and lay leaders will elect the second bishop today, as the L.A. Episcopal diocese wraps ups its two-day annual convention in Riverside.
>>Newport Police Foil Mother's Attempt To Kidnap Son From Foster Parents
(Newport Beach, CA) -- Newport Beach police have foiled a woman's plot to kidnap her son from his foster parents after she lost custody of him. Sergeant Evan Sailor says 43-year old Niveen Ismail hired a private investigator to do the job. However, he turned out to be an undercover cop and Ismail was arrested shortly after two p.m. Friday. Her bail has been set at 500-thousand dollars and it's expected she will face arraignment next week. Police say her idea was to have the investigator kidnap the seven-year old and take him to Mexico where she would meet up with him.
>>Sheriff's Hold Gifts For Guns Weekend Program
(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is giving out gift cards in Lennox and other areas this weekend in exchange for unwanted weapons. Deputies are collecting weapons, no questions asked, in exchange for gift cards to local retail and grocery stores. A junk gun garners 50-dollars, a working gun is worth 100, and an assault rifle is worth a 200-dollar gift certificate. The Gifts for Guns program has set up booths in Lennox, City of Industry, Compton and Palmdale. Last year in Compton, nearly 900 guns were taken off the streets.
>>Daycare Owner Gets Prison Time For Molestations
(Los Angeles, CA) -- A former daycare owner was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of molesting two young girls. The L.A. District Attorney's office says Tito Ruiz was found guilty by a jury in October of lewd acts on the girls, who were ages four and six at the time of the crimes. Jurors only deliberated two hours before convicting the 66-year old. He and his wife were licensed by the state and operated Ruiz Family Daycare on West 133rd Street.
>>Next Year Company Begins Giving Gang Tours Of L.A. Streets
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Starting in January, you can tour the mean streets of Los Angeles that gave rise to violent gangs from a man who belonged to one. The "Los Angeles Times" says Alfred Lomas brainstormed the idea and has received backing from the Dream Center and others. Lomas is a former member of Florencia 13 and will run "L.A. Gang Tours." It will cost 65 dollars for an adult. The tour will mainly stay in South L.A., but will hit areas of Watts and Florence-Firestone. Lomas says he will attempt to shine a light on how gangs are created and hopefully people will listen. Lomas is connected to the Dream Center, he runs a food bank for them and says it was them that helped get him out of gangs forever.
>>Parents Of Missing Hemet Teen Arrested In Murder Case
(Hemet, CA) -- Hemet police have arrested the parents of one of two missing teenagers on suspicion that the parents were an accessory to the murder of 17-year-old Adrian Rios. His charred body was found last week in a shallow grave behind the home of missing teen 17-year-old Jose Campos. Jose and Maria Seym were taken into custody this week. Hemet Police have issued arrest warrants for Campos and three other suspects.
>>Episcopal Diocese of L.A. Elects First Woman Bishop (Riverside, CA) -- The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles elected the first woman bishop in its 114 year history Friday during its annual convention in Riverside. The Episcopal clergy and lay leaders chose the Reverend Canon Diane Jardine Bruce, of St. Clement's by-the-Sea church in San Clemente. The "Los Angeles Times" reports Bruce is known for her financial expertise and ability to build up congregations. She edged out five other candidates, including two openly gay priests for the first "suffragan" bishop post. Suffragan bishops assist a diocese's primary bishop. It's not clear if the leaders will select an openly gay priest for a second bishop opening.
>>Parents Of Missing Hemet Teen Arrested In Murder Case
(Hemet, CA) -- Hemet police have arrested the parents of one of two missing teenagers on suspicion that the parents were an accessory to the murder of 17-year-old Adrian Rios. His charred body was found last week in a shallow grave behind the home of missing teen 17-year-old Jose Campos. Jose and Maria Seym were taken into custody this week. Hemet Police Chief Richard Dana told reporters Friday, quote, "We believe the remains were one of the missing teens, Adrian Rios." Dana said Rios was apparently shot and his body was dumped in a fire pit and burned. He said Campos' parents returned home while the fire was still burning. The "Los Angeles Times" reports police have issued arrest warrants for Campos, Felicia Sharpe, Rene Fregozo and an unidentified suspect.
>>Sunset Strip Demonstration By Hotel Workers
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Hundreds of Los Angeles hotel workers staged a noisy demonstration along the trendy Sunset Strip during the afternoon rush hour Friday. They warned their employers at 21 union hotels in Los Angeles where contract have expired that they will not accept pay cuts, reduced benefits or other givebacks. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the rally was organized by local 11 of Unite Here and was held on the sidewalk in front of the Andaz hotel, formerly the West Hollywood Hyatt. Union officials say they are resisting demands for wage freezes, benefit cuts, and other benefit reductions from hotel management officials who cite the effects of the recession.
>>Longtime Vernon Mayor Convicted Of Voter Fraud
(Vernon, CA) -- A former mayor of the small industrial city of Vernon and his wife were convicted Friday of voter fraud and conspiracy, ending a three year legal saga. Los Angeles County prosecutors accused Leonis and Dominica Malburg of engaging in an elaborate sham in which they claimed to live in Vernon while they actually lived in a large home in the upscale Hancock Park area of Los Angeles. Deputy District Attorney Max Huntsman tells the "Los Angeles Times" while "many politicians claim they can run for office where they don't really live, that's against the law." He added, quote, "Our result here says that unequivocally." Leonis Malburg was Vernon's mayor for over 50 years and his grandfather founded the city. Prosecutors filed charges in 2006 and Malburg resigned earlier this year. The judge in the case has indicated he will not sentence the Malburgs to serve any prison time.
>>L.A. Mayor Praises Western Bagel For Energy Conservation
(Van Nuys, CA) -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa singled out Western Bagel in Van Nuys Friday as an example of an energy-conserving business. The mayor said Western Bagel is a small business that's taking advantage of incentives offered by the city to conserve electricity. He said because the company participates in the conservation program they will pay less for power because they use most of their power during off peak periods. The mayor added, quote, "They installed light fixtures that reduced consumption by 40-percent." Villaraigosa said in the past four years conservation in the city has increased 19 fold. More details were revealed Thursday about the death of a swimsuit model who was murdered, stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in a trash bin in Buena Park, California. Authorities now say Jasmine Fiore's teeth and fingers were removed when she was killed. An international manhunt is underway for Ryan Jenkins, a one-time reality TV show contestant who had been briefly married to Fiore. An arrest warrant for him was announced yesterday by Buena Park police. They believe Jenkins, who had previously been charged in Las Vegas with assaulting Fiore, fled to his native Canada and might be getting help from others.
A judge in Los Angeles will hear testimony from Randy Jackson today about a deal his brother's estate is about to enter into that he doesn't believe is the right thing to do. The "Los Angeles Times" reports Randy is expected to testify about a proposed memorabilia tour sponsored by AEG. AEG officials would like a quick ruling on this particular issue. They want the memorabilia tour to conincide with the release of the film based on the final rehearsals Jackson took footage of in the days before his death. The film tenatively has a release date of October. Also on the court calendar to appear are an accountant and a lawyer, and concert promoter Leonard Rowe, who has been an outspoken critic of AEG and the way they've handled the aftermath of the pop stars death.
A judge in Santa Ana is expected to rule today whether Nadya Suleman needs a financial guardian for her octopulets, who will be starring in a reality TV series with their mother. The "Orange County Register" reports she was sued by L.A. Attorney Gloria Allred, and ex-child actor, now protector of exploited children, Paul Petersen in May. The judge went their way and ruled Suleman did require one to protect her kids interest. That was overturned in July by an appeals court who felt Peterson and Allred had no standing or jurisdiction. Arguments on both sides have been heard this week in Santa Ana, and the judge is expected to make his ruling sometime today.
The California State Attorney General will not appeal the case against a San Fernando Valley man freed from prison by a Riverside federal judge in connection with the 1983 death of his mother. The "Los Angeles Times" reports Jerry Brown filed the papers yesterday indicating his office won't move forward on a challenge to the federal judge's ruling. Bruce Lisker was freed two weeks ago when she ruled he was convicted with false evidence. Lisker has one more hurdle, L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley. If he decides to appeal and retry, the 44-year old could go through another trial in the death of his 66-year old mother, Dorka. If not, Lisker would be a free man after 24 years in prison.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California has ruled that a lawsuit filed on behalf of immigrants by the ACLU who have been detained for more than six months without receiving bond hearings can go forward as a class action. It was sparked by the story of an immigrant from Mexico who spent three years in jail while waiting to be processed back to his country, and he never received a bond hearing. The ACLU said his case is typical, with authorities denying many the right to a hearing to determine if their detention and its length is justified. They say the violation of due process has to stop. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, prisons are filled with immigrants waiting for an answer. On any given day, they estimate there are over 33-thousand non- citizens in federal and local jails. That's a threefold increase in ten years.
A Pasadena woman and her boyfriend will be arraigned in court today after being charged with the murder and torture of her two-year-old son. Maria Pelaez and Gabriel Diaz are charged with one count each in the death of Pelaez' son, Rene Torres. He was pronounced dead at a home on North Summit Avenue Tuesday morning by paramedics. She had called for help because she woke and found Rene not breathing. Authorities say they found evidence the boy had been taped up the night before by his arms, legs and feet. And they believe it was the boy's mom who did it. Bail for each has been set at two-million-dollars. The Los Angeles Police Department has yet to find any corroborating witnesses to back up claims by a man who said he was roughed up by actor Mel Gibson at a Hollywood night club Wednesday night. LAPD spokesperson Norma Eiseman says the man told police he had attempted to have his picture taken with the actor and that Gibson then grabbed him and tore his shirt. The victim told police he was not injured. When police went to the club to investigate, witnesses told the officers that Gibson didn't touch anybody and he had never been in a position to strike out at the alleged victim. Police say they do not believe the man is a paparazzi. The incident is still under investigation by LAPD detectives.
TMZ reports Debbie Rowe will have visitation rights to see the two children she had with Michael Jackson. The custody agreement grants the pop superstar's mother Katherine Jackson custody of all three of her late son's kids. Rowe has requested that a psychologist help Prince Michael and Paris adjust to having their biological mother in their lives. Rowe gave up her parental rights when she and Jackson divorced in 1999. She will receive no money under the custody agreement, which does not specify how much visitation time Rowe will have. The agreement was announced on the "CBS Early Show" and appears to head off what could have been a bitter custody battle between the two women.
Garden Grove Police continue to search for a suspect wanted in connection with a stabbing death of man he was allegedly fighting with, all in front of restaurant patrons across a busy street Wednesday afternoon. Garden Grove Police Sergeant Ben Lux said just after 2 p.m., witnesses at a coffee shop on Trask Avenue east of Magnolia Street, saw two men take a street fight into an alley. The struggle ended with the victim falling to the ground. The suspect ran away holding a knife. Paramedics treated the victim at the scene then transported him to UCI Medical Center where he died from his injuries. Witnesses described the suspect as a white or light skinned Latino male in his early 20's.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's popularity has sunk to a new low, according to a statewide opinion poll conducted by the San Francisco-based Public Policy Institute of California. The poll found that just 28 percent of California residents like the way the Republican governor is doing his job. Democratic former Governor Gray Davis had a 26 percent approval rating in 2003, when he was recalled and replaced by Schwarzenegger. But, the Golden State's budget meltdown has cost state lawmakers even more respect: just 17 percent of Californians give any love to the legislature in the PPIC poll. Only 14 percent think the state is on the right track.
Sarah Palin may be coming to Simi Valley, next month. The former Alaska governor is tentatively set to speak at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on August 8th, in what would be her first public appearance in the Lower 48 since stepping down. The 100-dollar-a-plate Palin dinner is a fundraiser for the Simi Valley Republican Women's Federation. No news media will be allowed. And, the federation has sent out a tweet saying the bash is all sold out.
A body that may be that T shirt printing apple valley of a woman who has been missing for two weeks has turned up near a bicycle trail in Aliso Viejo. Jim Armormino with the Orange County Sheriff's Department says a woman walking her dog last night detected a strong odor. Sheriff's deputies searched the scene, but the source of the smell couldn't be found in the dense shrubbery. Deputies called in a cadaver dog. Within 30 seconds the dogs located the body of an elderly woman. Investigators from homicide have begun their investigation. Armormino says it is not known if the death was due to natural causes or homicide. Two weeks ago, 76-years-old Margo Walters was reported missing by her husband. Due to the decomposition of the body, a positive I.D. of the deceased woman will have to be determined by the Orange County Sheriff's Coroner.
The City of Los Angeles has hired a new City Administrative Officer, the city's top financial steward. The appointment of Miguel Santana, the former chief of staff for L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina, was approved by the City Council Wednesday. Santana will earn nearly 257-thousand dollars a year in the position, according to the "Los Angeles Times." Santana most recently worked as Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles County. He is now the first Latino to hold the highest nonelected post in the city. Santana holds a B.A. in Sociology and American Studies from Whittier College and a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard' Kennedy School of Government. Prior to working with Supervisor Molina, Santana was Community Affairs Assistant to Antonia Hernandez, the former President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Michael Jackson's mother is getting custody of his three children under terms of a deal that's just been reached. According to the attorney for Katherine Jackson, the singer's mom and Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of two of Jackson's kids, have come to terms. The agreement was announced during an interview on the "CBS Early Show" and appears to head off what could have been a bitter custody battle between the two women. Attorney L. Londell McMillan told the "Early Show" the agreement is in the best interests of the children and is, quote, "not a money deal. There's no situation better for these children then to be raised and reared under the care of Mrs. Jackson," McMillan told an interviewer.
A small business owner from in California is suing the Golden State over the hundreds of millions of dollars in IOUs the state has issued to pay its bills. According to the "Sacramento Bee," Nancy Baird, of San Luis Obispo County, filed the class-action lawsuit against State Controller John Chiang [[ Chung ]] and State Treasurer Bill Lockyear. The suit, filed in San Francisco, contends the IOUs are unconstitutional and demands the state stop using them. Baird was paid nearly 28-thousand dollars in IOUs for shirts she produced for a California National Guard youth camp. Even though the governor signed a revised budget deal on Tuesday, the state is continuing to issue IOUs for the time being. The IOUs cannot be redeemed until October.
The population of El Segundo blue butterflies is on the rise after decades on the endangered species list. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that most of the butterflies are found near LAX, in a 200-acre area of dunes southwest of the north runway in an area that is off limits to the public. The El Segundo blue is also found in Torrance and Redondo Beach. The butterfly's numbers were down to a few thousand when the federal government put it on the list of endangered species in 1976. Now the population is up to 35 to 100 thousand, depending on the time of year. Two airport employees work full time maintaining the seacliff buckwheat that is vital to the butterfly's survival.
California state parks officials and nonprofit groups are scrambling to find funding or corporate sponsors to keep as many as 100 parks and beaches open after Governor Schwarzenegger cut another six-point-two-million dollars from the state parks system. The "Los Angeles Times" reports state officials won't release a list of the parks that are closing until after Labor Day, and they hope they'll reopen them in a year or two. Only about 13 of the state's 275 state parks and beaches are financially self- sustaining. The budget cuts also suspended a land conservation program that has served to limit urban sprawl and ease economic pressure on farmers and ranchers.
The Los Angeles City Council is cracking down on unruly members of the public who address the council. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the city council Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that will give the council president more discretion to eject people who violate the rules of decorum. That means the council president can kick unruly or disruptive speakers out without warning them first. The city council is following the lead of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors by expanding the scope of unacceptable behavior to include, quote, "disorderly, contemptuous or insolent" behavior toward council members or boisterous behavior that disrupts the meeting. If you're kicked out for violating the rules, you'll be banned from appearing in the council chambers again for up to 30 council meeting days.
The man charged with the murder of 17-year-old Lily Burk had ten criminal convictions in the last 30 years, including felony burglary and home invasion, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that most of the crimes 50-year-old Charles Samuel had been convicted of were misdemeanors, such as DUI and theft. Samuel was charged Tuesday with murder, kidnapping and robbery. Burk was kidnapped Friday after she ran an errand for her mother at Southwestern Law School in L.A's Mid-Wilshire area. She made two calls to her parents asking how to use her credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM. Burk's body was found the next morning in the passenger seat of her car in a downtown parking lot. She had been beaten and her neck was slashed.
An anti-death penalty group says they'll continue to protest every month outside the Criminal Courts building in downtown Los Angeles until the death penalty is abolished in California. Patty Carmody from the Los Angeles Catholic Worker says they hold a vigil and read a list of those who have been executed since the death penalty was reinstated in California. She said there hasn't been an execution in the state for three years and they hope people wake up to the fact that the death penalty is not only immoral, but extremely costly. She says if people that are on death row had life in prison, it would be a huge savings. Carmody said people who used to argue with them are now more sympathetic.
Two Orange County high school employees, a man who taught social science and was an assistant coach on the girl's volleyball and surf team at Capistrano Valley High, the other, a female athletic trainer at Tustin High, were each sentenced by the same Newport Beach Superior Court Judge Wednesday for sexual assaults on students in similar although separate cases. The sentences, for some, brought up the question of a double standard. Orange County D.A. spokeswoman Farrah Emami said 25-year-old Aaron Westbrook pleaded guilty to having sex with two 17-year-olds, while 24-year-old Hope Jacoby pleaded guilty to having sex with a 17-year-old football player. Emami says Jacoby was sentenced to only 240 hours of community service while Westbrook got 240 days in jail. D.A. spokeswoman Susan Schroeder said Judge Greg Jones showed no equal rights. Schroeder says if Jacoby's a woman who expects to be treated equally, she needs to be treated equally in the eyes of the law. In both cases, the offenders claimed the sex was consensual.
Are you a "big newbie" or a "total G"? If you're not even certain what the terms mean, the definitions can be found in the latest slang dictionary published today by UCLA. This year's publication is the sixth edition put together by UCLA undergrads and edited by a linguistics professor. According to "USA Today, " the dictionary defines slang words and expressions used by students at the California university and by college students in general. Some of the terms found in the dictionary are unique to Southern California. For instance, University of Social Connections refers to the University of Southern California. The description "muffintop" mainly comes from the campus of UCLA. That term means flesh that hangs over the sides of too-tight pants. By the way, a big newbie is the equivalent of a goofball and a total G is an impressive person.
The L.A. County Coroner says the number of publicly-funded cremations has gone up 36 percent in the last year. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that as more families find they cannot afford a funeral, more bodies are going unclaimed, leaving to the county to dispose of the remains at taxpayer expense. Many families cannot even come up with the 466 dollar fee to claim the ashes from the morgue. Private cremations usually cost about a thousand dollars. With the rise in the number of unclaimed bodies, the coroner's office has had to hire two private crematories to handle the overflow. A man on the FBI's Most Wanted list for attacking two L.A. County Sheriff's deputies nine years ago has been arrested in Mexico. On Monday, the FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that Emigdio Preciado had been taken into custody in a small Mexican town in the Mexican state of Nayarit [Nye-are-reet]. Both deputies survived the automatic weapons assault in Whittier. One deputy was severely injured.
Worried about the spread of cockfighting, noise complaints and the possible spread of avian flu, the L.A. City Council approved a draft ordinance to limit roosters to one per household. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that if passed by the full council, the ordinance would allow owners of more than one rooster to keep the additional birds until they died of natural causes. They would not be allowed to replace them, however. Some L.A. residents are concerned that the ordinance is unfair to Mexican immigrants to are accustomed to keeping many roosters in their yard. Margarita Amador with the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council said that for many in the Latino culture, having a rooster is quote, "like having a cat or a dog for others."
Police are asking the public's assistance in finding a 36-year-old woman missing since May. Triquilla LaTundra ZREIK was last seen in the 3700 block of Arlington Avenue in Los Angeles on May 29th at approximately 11:30 a.m. Authorites are concerned because Triquilla has a three-month-old child who needs to be with its mother. She is described as black with black eyes, wearing a pink and green sweater and dark jeans. She may be depressed and suffering from post-partem depression, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. If you have any informaiton about this case, please call the LAPD.
The Los Angeles Zoo has confirmed that it paid a 32-hundred dollar fine in 2008 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to settle charges that it had not provided "timely" medical care and failed to prevent the death of a sick elephant and an injured monkey. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the fact that zoo had been investigated and fined was brought to light by In Defense of Animals, animal welfare organization. The investigations followed the deaths of Gita the elephant and Judeo the monkey. The monkey died after being bitten by a rattlesnake that found its way into the cage from Griffith Park. Gita was found down in her enclosure one evening in 2006. Veterinarians were not summoned until the next morning and they were unable to revive her. A spokesperson for the zoo said by paying the fine, the zoo was not admitting to any wrongdoing. The FBI and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced at the Federal Building today the arrest of Emigdio Preciado, who was on the FBI's Most Wanted list, for an alleged attack on two L.A. County Sheriff's Deputies in Whittier nine-years ago. Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, Salvador Hernandez, says Preciado was arrested in Mexico. He said Friday evening, July 17th, Preciado was arrested in the town of Coral Piedras, a little town deep in the hills near Yagos in the Mexican state of Nayarit [[ Nye-r-reet ]]. Both deputies survived the automatic weapons assault. One deputy was severely injured.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke out today about the expenses related to the Michael Jackson Memorial at Staples Center on July 7th and other high-profile events the City has to cover. The Mayor says when it comes to special events for the last four years he's asked for a new policy. He added, the City will provide the protection it needs for special events. He said Los Angeles is a world class city and will provide police protection because it's our responsibility. He said one of the reason's they're growing the police department is because they take that responsibility seriously. It's reported the costs associated with the Jackson Memorial is in the millions-of-dollars.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief William Bratton and other City leaders were at City Hall Monday to address the termination of the Federal Consent Decree put in place in 2001 after the Rampart corruption scandal. The Mayor said now more than eight-years later the LAPD is radically different. He said the U.S. District Court stated loud and clear that the age of mistrust is over, the era of corruption is a distant memory and it's no longer a troubled department with a bad reputation. Villaraigosa pointed out that the court now believes the LAPD is a national and international policing standard.
A La Jolla divorce attorney has been arrested on suspicion of trying to hire a hit-man to kill his wife. Fifty-three-year-old Steven Liss was arrested on four counts of solicitation to commit murder, false imprisonment and spousal battery. He is set to be arraigned today in San Diego County Superior Court and is currently being held on one-million-dollars bail. The "L.A. Times," reports Liss was arrested after his wife, Karen, and members of the community expressed concern for her safety. Liss has twice had his law license suspended by the State Bar of California because of clients' complaints.
Residents of the Oakwood apartments in the Universal City area are breathing easier today, following the arrest of a parolee and a teen from South Los Angeles that are now accused of several break-ins and home invasion robberies. Twenty-seven-year-old Norris Denton and an unidentified 17- year-old accomplice were arrested Saturday afternoon in connection with at least seven crimes that were reported over the last month at the housing complex located on Barham Boulevard. The "L.A. Times," reports in one of the incidents, the suspects allegedly pulled a gun on a man who was on his way to the laundry room and forced him back into his apartment. The suspects then ransacked the apartment, taking cash and other possessions, and repeatedly beat him. Authorities say the suspects fled and discarded a semi-automatic handgun, which police later recovered. Denton was captured after allegedly attempting to carjack a motorist to get away from police.
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has abided by the will of Michael Jackson and appointed attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain as executors of the pop star's estate. Jackson's mother was turned down from her bid to become the executor by Judge Mitchell Beckloff. Seventy-nine-year-old Katherine Jackson filed papers last week asking to oversee the estate. Two days later, the Jackson associates named by the performer as executors of the multimillion-dollar estate, filed the will with the court.
Winners of the random drawing to attend the Michael Jackson memorial at Staples Center Tuesday are heading to Dodger Stadium today with their vouchers to pick up the special I.D. wristbands and tickets to the event. Eight-thousand seven hundred and fifty people were received emails Sunday with instructions on how to pick up their tickets. More than one point-six million people registered online Saturday to win tickets. The memorial service will be broadcast worldwide.
The lone survivor of the April car crash that claimed the life of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others is scheduled to toss out the first pitch in tonight's game between the Orange County Flyers and Northern Division Calgary Vipers. The contest at Goodwin Field on the Cal State Fullerton campus is a fundraiser to raise money for Jon Wilhite, who sustained major injuries in the crash, including an internal decapitation, or separation of his skull from his spine. The "Orange County Register" reports Wilhite is now undergoing an intensive rehabilitation regime. Friends and doctors are amazed at the scope and speed of Wilhite's recovery. Proceeds from an auction at tonight's game for the Wilhite Foundation will go to help cover the former Titan ballplayer's medical bills.
LAPD officers shot and then arrested a 29-year-old man suspected of kidnapping four children Sunday night in Long Beach. Acting on a tip, Los Angeles police homicide detectives went to 15th Street and Pacific Avenue and found Angel Samos attempting to leave the area. According to the LAPD, officers moved in and rescued the children. Detectives fired their weapons at Samos as he rushed toward them with a gun in his hand. Samos was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The children were reunited with family members. Police had issued an AMBER Alert just hours before the capture of Samos in Long Beach.
The brush fire that has burned 130 acres in the Angeles National Forest is in the mop up phase with 95 percent containment. U.S. Forest Service dispatcher Chris Rush says fire officials expect to have the blaze fully surrounded today. The fire broke out near the 13-thousand block of Little Tujunga Canyon Road Sunday and was burning in an easterly direction. No firefighters have been injured and no homes or structures been destroyed or threatened. The Angeles Shooting Range was evacuated as a precaution. One hundred and fifty firefighters are on the fire lines today.
Michael Jackson's legendary debts are now reportedly outweighed by his assets to the tune of 200- million dollars. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the recent powerful surge in sales of Jackson's music and memorabilia is improving the financial picture for his heirs by the hour. The estate's financial health is further improved since the chief drain on his financial empire, his own legendary spending, is no longer a factor. Last week, Jackson's albums shot to the top of the record charts, occupying nine out of ten positions on Billboard's Top Pop Chart.
Three search warrants have been executed in the probe into Michael Jackson's death. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the warrants are an effort by detectives to find out if prescription drugs played a role in the death of the King of Pop. Sources told the "Times" that at least five physicians are under investigation. There's no information on exactly who was targeted by the warrants or what may have been found. There are reports that several bottles of the sedative Diprivan were found at Jackson's home in Holmby Hills in California.
A 29-year-old man suspected of kidnapping four children and was arrested Sunday evening in Long Beach. Acting on a tip, Los Angeles police homicide detectives went to 15th Street and Pacific Ave. and spotted Angel Samos attempting to leave the area. According to the LAPD, officers moved in and rescued the children. Detectives fired at Samos as they saw him rushing toward them with a gun in his hand. Samos was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The children were reunited with family members. Police had issued an Amber Alert just hours before the capture of Samos in Long Beach. The brush fire that has burned 130 acres in the Angeles National Forest is now 95 percent contained. U.S. Forest Service dispatcher Chris Rush says full containment is expected later today. The fire broke out near the 13-thousand block of Little Tijunga Canyon Road and was burning in an easterly direction. No firefighters have been injured and no homes or structures been destroyed or threatened. The Angeles Shooting Range was evacuated as a precaution. One hundred and fifty firefighters are on the fire lines today.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus once again makes its way to the Southland with a series of shows that features a 23-year-old magician as it's ringmaster. This year's edition is called Zing Zang Zoom and will be the first time in it's 139-year history that will have magic as it's theme. If you've never seen a four-ton elephant dissapear before your eyes, it's time to pack up the kids and head down to the circus. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus begins it's five-day run at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 8th.
The brush fire that has burned 130 acres in the Angeles National Forest is 85-to-90 percent contained. U.S. Forest Service dispatcher Chris Rush says firefighters had hoped to fully contain the "Tujunga Fire" by midnight, but it now looks like that will occur sometime this morning. The fire broke out near the 13-thousand block of Little Tijunga Canyon Road and was burning in an easterly direction. No firefighters have been injured and no homes or structures been destroyed or threatened. The Angeles Shooting Range was evacuated as a precaution. Ninety-firefighters were on the fire lines.
As the number of foreclosures has increased in California, so has the number of mortgage scammers who pretend to help homeowners, then take their money and leave them worse off than before. Typically, they promise to get a homeowner's mortage modified. As victims are then told to send all future mortgage payments to the scammers, the homeowners fall even further behind in their mortgages. The "Los Angeles Times" reports the number of such cases being investigated by the California Department of Real Estate has exploded from ten a year ago, to more than 750 this spring.
Under pressure from California Attorney General Jerry Brown, the Maywood City Council has agreed to a stipulated court order that Brown says will, quote- "compel the City of Maywood to overhaul its police department after years of widespread abuse and gross misconduct." Brown released a report in April that found Maywood police "routinely used excessive force, did not obtain probable cause to justify arrests and searches, and operated without adequate oversight." The agreement must now be approved by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.
A proposed train route between the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas has been designated a federal high-speed rail corridor. In an announcement, the U.S. Transportation Department says the federal, California and Nevada governments have agreed to add a Vegas route to the California High Speed Rail Corridor, which already includes the coast and the Central Valley. Transit planners say high speed train would ease the load on Interstate 15 between Vegas and L.A., which often becomes jammed, especially on holiday weekends.
Meeting in Ventura this past week, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists voted to give Alaska Governor Sarah Palin its 2009 Sitting Duck Award. The society says Palin won for, quote- "showing it's hard to put your best foot forward when it's in your mouth." The runner-up was former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The NSNC says the Sitting Duck Award is "an honor bestowed each year on the creme de la creme of the most-ridiculed newsmakers in America." The society later posted an updated statement on its website saying, quote- "The board of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists takes neither credit nor blame for Sarah Palin's announcement on Friday, July 3rd, that she will resign as governor of Alaska."
Los Angeles police and federal investigators probing the death of Michael Jackson are focusing on at least five doctors who prescribed drugs for the pop star. The "Los Angeles Times" reports one of the most important clues so far is the discovery of "numerous bottles" of the powerful sedative Diprivan in Jackson's Holmby Hills mansion. Quoting unnamed law enforcement sources, the newspaper says none of the bottles had prescription labels. Experts say Diprivan should almost never be given to a patient outside a hospital setting nor without constant medical supervision.
Two former Marines will spend the rest of their lives in prison after being convicted of killing a construction company owner in October, 2007, over a botched drug deal. A jury took just three-an- -a-half hours to find 21-year-old Trevor Landers and 22-year-old Anthony Vigeant guilty in the killing of David Pettigrew. The two gave a laptop to the 22-year-old in exchange for drugs, and prosecutors say they killed him because he failed to meet his end of the deal. A third defendant, 24-year-old former Marine Ramon Hernandez, also got life in prison without parole after reaching a plea deal where he testified against Landers and Vigeant.
The Reverend Al Sharpton will preach in Los Angeles this morning in advance of the Michael Jackson memorial service Tuesday. Sharpton will speak at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles on South Harvard Boulevard at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Sharpton says he will call for a national day of mourning for Michael Jackson. Sharpton will also kick off a drive to have a Michael Jackson postage stamp issued. The U.S. Postal Service doesn't nominate anyone for a stamp until he or she has been dead for five years.
Speaking to nearly eight-thousand Muslims attending the Islamic Society of North America annual convention in Washington, DC, Orange County mega church Pastor Rick Warren called on Christians and Muslims to work together to fight prejudice and stereotypes. The "Orange County Register" quotes Warren saying "I am not interested in inter-faith dialogue. I am interested in inter-faith projects." Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church and author of "The Purpose Driven Life." Some fellow evangelical Christians have criticized Warren for speaking to the Muslim group.
Dock workers will mark the 1934 founding of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union today, with their 75th annual "Bloody Thursday" picnic in El Dorado Park in Long Beach. That will be followed at 7 p.m. by a screening of the new documentary "Bloody Thursday," at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro. The ILWU was founded during the San Francisco port strike of 1934. On July 5th of that year, San Francisco police fired into a crowd of pro-union demonstrators, killing union supporters. In Southern California, two Longshoremen were killed that night during clashes with Los Angeles police in Wilmington.
Michael Jackson fans will need a lot of patience and probably even more luck in getting tickets to Tuesday's memorial concert in Los Angeles for the late pop icon. Registration for the unique event ended last night at 6 p.m. The "Los Angeles Times" reports organizers said in the first hour after the ticket details were announced Friday, the website got more than 500 million hits. AEG President and CEO Tim Leiweke said that nearly 18-thousand tickets will be randomly distributed to fans. Eleven- thousand for Staples Center and 65-hundred for the Nokia Theater across the street. Those at Nokia will be watching the 10 a.m. ceremonies on the big sceens via closed circuit TV.
A shooting on the Hollywood Freeway last December that left a man dead in a very expensive 2005 Bentley may be tied to the Mexican Mafia. The "Los Angeles Times" says the LAPD is now investigating the possibility it's connected to the local drug trade and concerned some sort of power struggle. The alleged shooter in the killing of Jose Macias was charged Friday with murder and attempted murder. Michael Aleman is accused of wounding Macias at a stoplight and then following him onto the freeway where he allegedly finished him off. He's set to be arraigned July 16th.
Two members of the Orange County Sheriff's Harbor Patrol were sights for sore eyes for a family in their boat that was taking on water and had to be rescued five miles off the coast of Dana Point Friday afternoon. The Harbor Patrol Fire Boat was there in 15 minutes to rescue George Shaw and his wife and two grandsons who were out fishing in waters 750 feet deep. Shaw said they were "Johnny on the Spot" and had everything they needed, including pumps. Deputy Dave Martin said when they arrived, he saw the 24 foot boat was about to be swamped by two foot ocean swells. He said the back of the boat was facing the oncoming sea and it was just a matter of time before it went under. Everyone was alright and they safely towed Shaw's boat back to Dana Point.
It's official: Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson will be back, next season. After the Lakers won the NBA championship in June, Jackson said his return would depend on how upcoming medical tests turned out. But, with those test results in and after consulting with Lakers internist Doctor John Moe, Jackson has issued a statement saying, quote, "All things point to go!" With ten championships under his belt, Jackson has won more NBA crowns than the previous top title-holder, the late, great Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach. Jackson has guided the Lakers to four championships since taking the helm in 1999. He won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls from 1991 to 1998.
Los Angeles police and federal investigators probing the death of Michael Jackson are focusing on at least five doctors who prescribed drugs for the pop star. The "Los Angeles Times" reports one of the most important clues so far is the discovery of "numerous bottles" of the powerful sedative Diprivan in Jackson's Holmby Hills mansion. Quoting unnamed law enforcement sources, the newspaper says none of the bottles had prescription labels. Experts say Diprivan should almost never be given to a patient outside a hospital setting nor without constant medical supervision.
A 75-acre-brush fire in the Angeles National Forest, north of Castaic is now fully contained. Dee Dechert, a spokesperson with the U.S. Forest Service says there are still some hotspots. Crews are on scene doing mop up and control. They want to make sure the fire is fully controlled before winds pickup this afternoon. About 300 firefighters from L.A. County, L.A. City, Ventura County and California Department of Corrections along with U.S. Fire service personnel battled the blaze. One firefighters was treated for smoke inhalation. No structures were threatened or evacuations ordered. The blaze started just before 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Jermaine Jackson says he wishes it was he who had died last week, not his brother Michael Jackson. Jermaine said he always felt as though he was Michael's backbone; someone to be there for him. He told "NBC's "Today" Show when he saw his brother lying lifeless in a hospital room, he kissed him on the forehead and told him he would always be with him. Jermaine said Michael's body was just a shell, and that his spirit is still very much alive. In the "Today" show interview, Jermaine said it was as though he was Aaron and Michael was Moses; all the things Michael couldn't say, he would say for him. Jermaine went on to say he never doubted his brother's innocence during the trials on alleged child molestation charges.
Police have seized about 34-hundred pounds of illegal fireworks from a South Bay home just days before the Fourth of July celebrations. Redondo Beach Sergeant Phil Keenan says police got a tip the fireworks were being sold out of a home on Blossom Lane in Redondo Beach and that lead officers to a house in Torrance Tuesday. Most of the fireworks were imported from China but some were homemade. Keenan said fire officials estimate the street value of the seized fireworks as somewhere between 400 to 500-thousand dollars. None of the illegal fireworks were built to required safety standards, making them especially hazardous to handle.
A jury has recommended the death penalty for the man convicted of murdering an elderly couple by stabbing them to death in 2004. Carlos Martinez was linked to the killing through DNA evidence gathered from a can of Pepsi left in the victim's kitchen. He was found guilty last August. His sentencing is scheduled for August 21st. Prosecutors say Martinez went to the home of Nicolas and Emily Casa on December 29, 2004 with the intention of burglarizing the house. Martinez gained entrance to the home by pretending to be a lawyer interested in buying the home which had just gone on the market. The couple's daughter called and the couple told her over the phone they were happy to have a prospective buyer. When the call was over, the defendant grabbed some knives from the kitchen and stabbed each victim several times. Before ransacking the house, he drank a Pepsi and left the can on the kitchen counter.
A power outage affected residents in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles today. Karen Hughes with the L.A. Department of Water and Powers says it happened just as most people in the area were starting their day at 7:30 a.m. The problem began with a disruption at one of the power stations and caused about seven thousand people to lose power in Hancock Park and Park La Brea. Hughes says crews were busy restoring service and were expected to have all affected customers back online by around midday. The cause of the power outage is under investigation.
Pop-icon Michael Jackson is dead. The 50-year-old singer was rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest at his home this afternoon. Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived. There were conflicting reports as to the fate of the self-proclaimed "King of Pop." Law enforcement sources tell the "L.A. Times" he was pronounced dead after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in a deep coma. Paramedics were called to Jackson's home at 12:26 p.m. Pacific time and he was not breathing when they arrived. The 50-year-old was reported to be in full cardiac arrest. The paramedics administered CPR and rushed him to the UCLA Medical Center.
Jobs in the tourist trade now outnumber those in trade and manufacturing in Los Angeles County, according to a new interpretation of employment figures compiled by the state. However, the new jobs tend to pay less than those in trade and manufacturing. Jack Kyser, founding economist for the Kyser Center For Economic Research at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. said that the rise in tourism and hospitality comes as the worldwide recession has cut the number of jobs at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Kyser says even the lower wage jobs in hospitality and tourism offer good workers a path to better paying work if they can move up the career ladder to management positions.
A Cerritos Grandmother was very shaken, although not injured, when a black BMW sedan crashed through a bedroom wall of her home, early Thursday morning. According to the LA County Sheriff's Cerritos Division, the older model BMW went out of control during a left turn from West 195th Street onto Jacob Street about 2 a.m.. The woman's son, Jeff said she was in a back bedroom when it happened. She heard the skidding and then a huge crash followed by the sound of breaking glass. Jeff said although he'll be busy repairing the corner bedroom and landscaping he helped build, he's relieved that no one was hurt. The driver of the car who may leave nearby, was not under the influence, but may be sited for speeding pending investigation.
California school's chief Jack O'Connell is encouraging struggling families to take advantage of free summer meals being offered at thousands of locations throughout the state. O'Connell says it's important that parents get informed about where to get the meals, especially since summer school has been cancelled locally and in other parts of the state. He said if the program reaches 100- percent of low income children, the federal government will provide the state with an additional 181- million-dollars for reimbursement. O'Connell said he wants to strongly urge parents, if they have a child under the age of 18, to please sign up. The state served a record amount of meals last year.
Los Angeles public schools are going to have to make do with less. The L.A. Unified Board of Education passed a budget Tuesday that calls for nearly one-point-six billion dollars in spending cuts over the next three years. The board voted to approve deferring maintenance, and streamlining central offices among other measures. The 582-million in Federal Stimulus money received this year is being used to save jobs. But it's not enough to cover the budget shortfall of 869-million dollars for the coming fiscal year alone. The LAUSD is also reducing its use of outside consultants, delaying the purchase of textbooks and cancelling summer school for elementary and middle school students.
Los Angeles Iranian and Interfaith Communities held a discussion on the current situation in Iran Tuesday at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in West Los Angeles. Religious leaders, and activists gathered at the Museum of Tolerance to show solidarity with the people of Iran. Political Analyst Mohammad Amini says the movement is not about regime change. He said the movement is against the fraud in the election and in favor of a free election in Iran. Reverend Walter Contreras is the Director of Hispanic Churches. He said the issue faced by Iranians is a universal one. Protests have popped up across the Southland nearly everyday since the June 12th election in Iran.
The Orange Line is about to grow by four miles. Today, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are joining with Councilmember Greig Smith, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and Metro CEO Art Leahy to break ground on the expansion of the heavily-used San Fernando Valley busway. The extension will start at the Warner Center stop and end at the Chatsworth Metrolink Amtrak station. The extension will continue along the Burbank Railroad right of way.
Los Angeles County's labor chief says the weak economy is not an excuse for labor unions to show weakness. The "Los Angeles Times" reports Maria Elena Durazo, chief of the L.A. County Federation of Labor, said that it is more important for unions to push for worker rights and decent pay during bad times than when the economy is strong. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Durazo took over her post after the death of her husband Miguel Contreras. Durazo is concerned that new jobs created in the so-called "green economy" not turn out to be low-end, poverty-level jobs. The L.A. County Federation of Labor represents more than 800-thounsand workers in 350 affiliated locals.
"The Dark Knight" was the big winner last night at the Key Art Awards, which honor the best use of art to market feature films. The "Hollywood Reporter" says the epic Batman movie snagged eight Key awards, including prizes for best theatrical poster, best theatrical TV spot and best home entertainment print. Disney-Pixar's "WALL-E" was close behind, earning seven awards. Film director Sam Raimi, who helmed Sony's three "Spiderman" movies, won the Visionary Award, given to a filmmaker who inspires movie marketers. The awards ceremony was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
The U.S. Coast Guard is searching off the California coast for two men attempting an ambitious journey. Petty Officer Corey Mendenhall with the U.S. Coast Guard says they got word from worried family members. The family of 21-year-old Zebulan Tryon said they were worried after they did not hear from their son who was sailing from Catlina Island to Santa Cruz. Tryan departed with Chris Router on June 5th on a 27-foot 1973 Coronado sailing vessel. Mendenhall said the missing vessel could be anywhere between Caltalina Island and Santa Cruz Harbor.
Police have arrested a suspect in the murder of a man and wounding of another outside a karaoke bar early Sunday in Koreatown. The LAPD says officers arrested 22-year-old Louis Lee of Rowland Heights. The shooting took place in the 4000 block of West Sixth Street at around 2:10 a.m. Sunday. As the two men walked outside the bar, the suspect shot 36-year-old Michael Lee from Anaheim Hills. The victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The second victim, a 37-year-old Korean man from Los Angeles, was listed in stable condition with a graze wound to the head. Michael Lee is being held on one million dollars bail.
About two thousand people participated in a Walk For Darfur Sunday in Venice. The event to raise public awareness of the genocide in Sudan was sponsored by Jewish World Watch. The "Los Angeles Times" reports that Rabbi Ted Riter of Temple Adat Eiohim in Thousand Oaks told the marchers that the event was organized so that atrocities such as the Holocaust will not go unchallenged by the rest of the world. The organizers say they raised more than 100-thousand dollars from participants. Many of the marchers came from L.A.-area synagogues. The money raised will go to help Jewish World Watch run refugee camps in the war-ravaged area of Sudan. The exact number of deaths due to government-sponsored violence in Darfur is not known, but various groups have offered estimates ranging from 135 to 400-thousand.
Los Angeles will be the first city to host five NBA All-Star games when it hosts the 60th All-Star all- star game in 2011. The announcement was made by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa with NBA President David Stern and AEG President and CEO Timothy J. Leiweke Friday. The Staples Center last hosted the NBA All-Star game in 2004. The game will be played at the Staples Center on Sunday, February 20th. It is expected to bring an estimated 100 million dollars in revenue for the city.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown is suing 12 public safety charities, 17 telemarketers and 53 people whom he says misspent millions of dollars in donations. Two Los Angeles City Councilman say Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa shouldn't have the power to pick pension board members for two separate retirement systems. The FBI and the LAPD are seeking two armed bank robbers who hit a bank in Sherman Oaks. The MTA passed its' budget for next year and it includes very few cuts and adds some new highway and transit projects. A contractor in Orange County is going to prison for stealing nearly 700-thousand dollars from 15 homeowners. The former executive director for the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce is also going to prison for embezzling more than 40-thousand dollars from the group. And five Burbank police officers are suing the Burbank police department for alleged racial and sexual harassment and discrimination.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown is suing 12 public safety charities, 17 telemarketers and 53 people whom he says misspent millions of dollars in donations. Brown filed lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Court asking that five charities be shut down, along with lawsuits against five charities in Orange County Superior Court, one lawsuit in San Bernardino and one in San Mateo. Brown says money that was supposedly meant to help police, firefighters and veterans was largely spent on fundraising expenses, administrative overhead, staff salaries and perks.
Two Los Angeles City Councilman say Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa shouldn't have the power to pick pension board members for two separate retirement systems. The "Los Angeles Times" reports Dennis Zine and Bernard Parks say he shouldn't control a board majority for the two agencies that invest billions of dollars on behalf of public workers. Right now, the mayor chooses board members for the L.A. City Employees' Retirement System and the L.A. Fire and Police pension funds.
The FBI and the LAPD are seeking two armed bank robbers who hit a bank in Sherman Oaks saying the pair may be responsible for another heist earlier in the month. They held up a U.S. Bank branch on Riverside Drive in Sherman Oaks Friday carrying shotguns and what officials say looked like an explosive device. The LAPD bomb Squad checked out what they left behind in each robbery and say both bombs were fake. The two Hispanic males are believed to be the same suspects who pulled off a similar heist at a First Bank branch on Ventura Boulevard in Encino on May 1st. One is described as being in his 20's with the second said to be in his 50's.
The MTA passed its' budget for next year and it includes very few cuts and adds some new highway and transit projects. The "Los Angeles Times" says they adopted a three-point-nine billion dollar plan that is 507-million dollars more than the current one. Part of the increase is being attributed to the new 405 carpool lane that will be built in the Sepulveda Pass between the 10 and the 101 freeways. One reduction will be in bus service that will drop by 120-thousand hours per year, although officials say they will work to keep routes open with just fewer buses running. That part of the plan is opposed by the Bus Riders Union. They say the MTA has cut 400-thousand hours out of bus service in the last two years. They claim the action violates the federal consent decree they won in a court battle that mandates bus service improvement.
The former executive director for the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce was given five years and eight months in prison for embezzling more than 40-thousand dollars from the group. Prosecutors say Karen Sue Hale was convicted last March on one count of grand theft and four counts of forgery. She was chiefly responsible for collecting payments from members and making bank deposits.
Five Burbank police officers are suing the Burbank police department for alleged racial and sexual harassment and discrimination. Their lawyer, Solomon Gresen, says the five filed a 63-page lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday and will hold a press conference in his firm's law offices, Monday. Burbank police Lieutenant Omar Rodriguez and four former officers claim they were subjected to racial and/or sexual slurs and were retaliated against by higher-ups for reporting wrong-doing. Gresen says the lawsuit could cost Burbank up to 25-million-dollars.
The Shaw family files wrongful death lawsuit against L.A. County Sheriff's Department. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa touts gun buy back success. The Griffith Park arsonists to spend 16-years behind bars for crime. Two teens dead in alleged DUI accident in Fullerton. And, an Anaheim couple are dead following an apparent murder suicide. Brentwood los angeles
The family of slain Los Angeles high school student Jamiel Shaw, Jr. has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. Wesley Profit, attorney for the Shaw family, says the suit alleges the department negligently released Shaw's killer from jail. He said Pedro Espinoza is in the country illegally, a violent felon and should have put on an INS hold, according to a memorandum of understanding that the Sheriff's Department has with the INS. Last year, the Shaw family participated in a campaign to persuade the Los Angeles City Council to change the long-standong ordinance known as "Special Order 40" so that police officers could arrest suspected illegal alien gang members. Jamiel Shaw, Jr., an African-American, was gunned down in March 2008 outside his home in Los Angeles. Shaw was also a star high school athlete. The fact that he was killed by an illegal alien with a violent past provoked public outrage, particularly from anti-illegal immigrant activists.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the City's first gun buy back program was a huge success. The Mayor said they offered up to 200-dollars for people to bring in their firearms, and residents responded. He says they bought back 16-hundred-96 weapons, including 40 assault weapons which the Mayor says are weapons of war and can only be used to kill and maim people. More than 130-thousand-dollars in gift certificates were given out, funded by Ralph's and the Department of Justice. A Glendale man, who was on parole for an arson conviction, pleaded guilty today to arson in a series of fires in Griffith Park last year. Gary Lintz pleaded no contest to one count of arson of a structure or forest and admitted the special allegation of great bodily injury to a firefighters and of having a prior arson conviction. Superior Court Judge Norm Shapiro sentenced Lintz to 16-years in state prison. In return for his plea, three felony counts of arson in Griffith Park were dismissed. Lintz was arrested August 23rd, 2008 after hikers allegedly saw him near Griffith Park Drive shortly after a brush fire had broken out. At the time of his arrest, he was on probation for a 2007 arson fire conviction. An alcohol-related crashed is believed responsible for the death of two teenagers in the Fullerton area early this morning and also left the driver of the vehicle critically injured. The solo-vehicle accident occurred around 2:30 a.m. as a 2006 Toyota pickup truck, allegedly speeding eastbound on Coyote Hills Drive just west of Gilbert Street, lost control. Authorities say the truck went off the road, up an embankment and struck a Eucalyptus tree. Two 19-year-old passengers, a male and a female, were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released. The driver, 19-year-old Jared Berggren of Fullerton, was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange suffering from head injuries. Police allege the teens may have been drinking in a cul-de-sac on Coyote Hills Drive where alcohol was later found alcohol.
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