Man Charged with Voter Registration Fraud

A 25-year-old California owner of a voter registration company has been charged with voter fraud and perjury following an investigation by the Secretary of State’s Office, the District Attorney’s office.

Mark Jacoby, (dob 4-29-83), is a professional “circulator,” an individual who collects voters’ signatures for petition drives, and runs his own company known as “Young Political Majors.” On May 27, 2006 and Nov. 21, 2007, Jacoby allegedly registered to vote listing Los Angeles addresses that were not his residence, said Deputy District Atty. Edward Miller with the Public Integrity Division, who is prosecuting the case. In order to circulate petitions in California, one must be a registered voter or qualified to register.

On Oct. 3, he was charged with two felony counts each of perjury and voter registration fraud in a complaint for arrest warrant – case BA347269. If convicted, he’s facing up to five years in state prison.

Jacoby was arrested by Ontario Police and investigators with the Secretary of State’s Office. He was released after posting $50,000 bail.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 25.

Teen with History of Suicide Attempts Goes Missing

The search is on in San Diego for 16-year-old Christian Harned, who has been missing since Thursday morning after not showing up for class at Helix High School.

According to authorities, Harned is bipolar and has a history of suicide attempts.

Harned is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, about 114 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown/blue plaid flannel shirt, jeans and sneakers.

Anyone with information on Harned is asked to call police at (619)-531-2277 or (619)-531-2000.

Dirty Politics in the Buckeye State?

Editor's note: Although this site is primarily geared towards California news, we from time to time step outside the state and see what is going on around the nation and the rest of the world.

It appears Joe the Plumber has caught the interest of more than just the McCain and Obama campaigns.

Reports show that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services ran several background checks on Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher (Joe the Plumber). The director of the agency, Helen Jones-Kelley (pictured), swears that the background checks were necessary and were not politically motivated.

The agency ran background checks on Wurzelbacher for child support, to see if he was receiving welfare assistance or owed unemployment compensation taxes.

Jones-Kelley made the revelations in a letter to Ohio Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, who requested answers on why state officials checked out Wurzelbacher.

According to Jones-Kelley, the background checks were run after the news media reported that Wurzelbacher, who is supporting John McCain, was considering buying a plumbing business with more than $250,000 in annual income.

"Given our understanding that Mr. Wurzelbacher had publicly indicated that he had the means to purchase a substantial business enterprise, ODJFS, consistent with past departmental practice, checked confidential databases ," she wrote.

"Not surprisingly, when a person behind in child support payments or receiving public assistance is receiving significant media attention which suggests that the person appears to have available financial resources, the Department risks justifiable criticism if it fails to take note and respond," Jones-Kelley added.

Wurzelbacher gained fame recently when he tossed a question at Obama during a campaign stop in Toledo.

Wurzelbacher told Obama that he was interested in buying a plumbing business, but was worried about Obama's plan to tax those making over $250,000 a year (a figure which has changed several times between Obama and vice presidential nominee Joe Biden). It was at that time that Obama made his infamous comment about "spreading the wealth" around, a comment that has riled many who view that as socialism.

By the way, Jones-Kelley for her part has donated the maximum $2,500 this year to the Obama campaign.

We cannot help but wonder if Jones-Kelley would have been as aggressive with a resident who was voting for Obama.... Our guess is no.

Body Found in Motor Home; Father Charged in Murder

A man whose daughter disappeared from her Temecula home approximately two years ago has been charged with murder after a badly decomposed body was discovered in the freezer of his impounded motor home.

Authorities reported that Clarence Eugene Butterfield was charged in Orange County on Thursday in the death of the woman. Authorities did note, however, that they are not sure it is the missong woman's body due to its state of decomposition. Medical experts plan to use dental records and DNA testing to identify the remains.

The body was found wrapped in a five-foot freezer of the motor home after a pair of impound yard employees went to the motor home to inventory the contents.

Butterfield reportedly owned and lived in the motor home on a friend's property in Capistrano Beach until he was stopped for a traffic violation in late September.

The friend reportedly then had the home removed from the property and it ended up at a towing company in San Clemente, where the discovery of the remains was made.

5 Big Bear Teens Arrested for Alleged School Plot

Five teen boys in Big Bear were arrested after allegedly plotting to bring guns to school and attack both students and staff.

According to authorities, the five were arrested Wednesday after other teens at Big Bear High School reportedly overheard them making suspicious comments.

A search of the teens' homes reportedly turned up drug pipes, cash and gang-related writings and pictures. Authorities reportedly did not discover any weapons in the homes.

A pair of adults were also taken into custody on unrelated charges during the searches.

Soccer Coach Arrested for Alleged Sex with Girl

A 32-year-old American Youth Soccer Organization coach was arrested for allegedly conducting a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female on his team.

According to authorities, Wildomar resident David McGregor was arrested Wednesday for reportedly having sexual intercourse with a minor in the home of her parents in Menifee. McGregor was released on $25,000 bail.

Authorities reported that the girl's mother contacted police over the weekend when she discovered a number of inappropriate text messages on her daughter's cell phone reportedly between the girl and McGregor. The messaging had reportedly been going on for approximately six months.

McGregor reportedly coached the girl's AYSO soccer team for three years, conducting practices at the Bell Mountain Middle School in Menifee.

WANTED: Unbiased Journalism at MSNBC

Editor's note: Although this site is primarily geared towards California news, we from time to time step outside the state and see what is going on around the nation and the rest of the world.

We've watched for a number of nights now the folks at MSNBC in an effort to hear the other point of view.

What is amazing is that the entire hour of Keith Olbermann's show, and usually most of the hour that follows in Rachel Maddow, is left-wing propaganda for two hours. Olbermann is by far worse than Maddow, and that is saying something.

The folks pictured here (clockwise - Olbermann, Maddow, Chris Hayes (The Nation), Jonathan Alter (Newsweek) and Howard Fineman (Newsweek) were on in recent nights stating why Obama should be president, why McCain's campaign is a mess, why Palin has been a disaster, and on and on and on.

If MSNBC ever wants to join the big boys of the news world, maybe a little unbiased coverage would be a start. That is unless you're fans of places like the Daily Kos, moveon.org and The New York Times. If that is the case, you'll love these folks!

TeamSarah.org Reaches 40,000 Members

Today (Oct. 29), Team Sarah, a grassroots coalition of diverse women dedicated to advancing Gov. Sarah Palin's Vice Presidential candidacy announced the explosive growth of www.teamsarah.org.

“Governor Sarah Palin is a strong, independent leader who is inspiring women across America to do all they can to help elect the McCain-Palin ticket,” said actress Janine Turner, star of Northern Exposure and Team Sarah Member. “They love her character, moral fiber, intellect, feistiness, and spunk. She is the essence of the independent spirit of America -- the pioneer spirit -- the type of spirit that made and makes America great. On www.teamsarah.org, that spirit is translating into action, as motivated women step up for McCain-Palin in these final days of the campaign.”

The Team Sarah Web site was launched on Sept. 19, and its membership has swiftly grown to over 40,000 members nationwide in a few short weeks. Membership has doubled in the past week.

“These women can ensure victory for John McCain and Sarah Palin on Election Day, and Team Sarah is excited to energize and activate them,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, Team Sarah co-founder and Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund president.

Last weekend, Team Sarah hosted an historic Million Woman Townhall that contacted over one million registered women voters on Saturday, Oct. 25. Over 100,000 women participated live on the line, posing questions to a panel of women leaders including First Lady Laura Bush, Jeri Thompson, actress Janine Turner, pollster Kellyanne Conway, policy expert Barbara Comstock, Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund President Marjorie Dannenfelser and Susan B. Anthony List General Chairman Jane Abraham.

Panelists answered questions about the McCain-Palin ticket and encouraged women to support John McCain and Governor Palin by bringing three friends with them to vote on Election Day.

Team Sarah is a grassroots coalition of diverse women dedicated to advancing Sarah Palin's Vice Presidential candidacy.

UPDATE: Palin Effigy Removed from Home

After a long meeting with the mayor, the West Hollywood homeowners who displayed a mannequin dressed like Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin agreed Wednesday evening to remove the figure.

According to a Los Angeles County Sheriff's spokesman, Mayor Jeff Prang had a "long heart-to-heart" with the homeowners.

Earlier in the day, neighbors covered up the Palin mannequin with sheets, in what was described as a friendly protest.

See related story at: gocalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/10/will-liberals-be-outraged-by-this.html

Is L.A. Times Covering for Obama?

The Los Angeles Times continues to say no to the release of a reported video that depicts Barack Obama celebrating with a former PLO operative at a dinner in Chicago five years ago.

Reports say the tape shows Obama toasting Rashid Khalidi, a well-known PLO backer who has made anti-Israeli remarks over the years. The newspaper did a story about this very matter back in April, but says it will not release video of the gathering that Obama attended or comment on who else attended. Reports say that radical Bill Ayers was also in attendance.

Obama, who has denied any close associations with Ayers, has also denied any formal relationship with Khalidi.

Reports say that Obama noted during the 2003 event his talks with Khalidi and his wife, stating the discussions had been "consistent reminders to me of my own blind spots and my own biases... It's for that reason that I'm hoping that, for many years to come, we continue that conversation -- a conversation that is necessary not just around Mona and Rashid's dinner table," but around "this entire world."

While the economy is surely number one on the minds of Americans, it is legitimate to question some of Obama's associations over the years.

The refusal of The Los Angeles Times to release the video only adds more fuel to the fire. If there is nothing to hide, simply put the tape out there for everyone to see. Then again, maybe the hierachy at the newspaper has a vested interest in just who wins next Tuesday?

Editor's note: Readers interested in seeing the tape should call the newspaper at: 1 800 528 4637 ext. 73464.

Police Arrest Man for Alleged Interaction with Kids

Police in Long Beach have arrested a man on suspicion of showing pornographic materials to children and attempting to lure them from their homes.

Derek Christopher Nixon, 26, was arrested in Torrance and booked into jail. Through a warrant, detectives reportedly discovered evidence they believe Nixon used in his alleged attempt to lure children away from their homes.

The reported crimes took place over a nearly one year span, with the victims ranging in ages from five years old to 11.

Nixon is in jail on a $240,000 bail.

If someone suspects they may have been a victim of Nixon's, they are asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 570-7878.

Did Marines Save Woman's Life?

A pair of Marines checking on a comrade may have saved the life of his young wife.

According to authorities, two Marines went to the home of a friend Monday afternoon in Fallbrook to check on him after he failed to report to work. Once there, they reportedly discovered the Marine, 28, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his wife, 23, who was taken to Palomar Hospital, in critical condition. Authorities believe it may have been an attempted murder-suicide.

According to neighbors, the couple, parents of young twins, had been renting the house for several months.

Will Liberals be Outraged by This Display Too?

One man in West Hollywood has a bizarre sense of humor for Halloween.

A mannequin resembling Sarah Palin hanges from a noose in front of his home. The mannequin comes complete with glasses, a beehive wig and a red business suit. People are passing by to take pictures of the effigy, and tour buses have included the display on their daily routes.

The home of Chad Michael Morrisette also offers an effigy of Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, popping out of a chimney surrounded by fake flames.

Neighbors say whether it's Halloween or not, the display has got to be removed.

Some concerned callers have reported the display as a hate crime so a special hate crime unit is investigating, according to a local sheriff's office.

According to Morrisette, "I know if we had done it with Barack Obama, people would've probably thrown things through our windows. The image of a hanged black man is a lot more intense than the image of a hanged white woman -- for our country -- in the history of our country." Then again, this display by Morrisette could be viewed as violence against women.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if our friends on the 'Left' will be outraged by this. Our guess is probably not.

Can you imagine, though, if it were Jill Biden or Nancy Pelosi hanging from the house???

UPDATE: Temecula Teen Missing; May be With Man

The search is on for a 15-year-old Temecula girl, who may be with a man headed for San Jose.

Claudia Yat was last seen a week ago at a family birthday party in South L.A. Near 89th Street and Broadway. Her parents reported her missing when she did not come home the following day.

According to police, Yat could be traveling with a man headed to the San Jose area in a blue car. She is about 5 feet tall and weighs 105 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple shirt, blue jeans and black sandals.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives Maria Tomes and Freddy Arroyo at (213) 485-2511 or call the LAPD's 24-hour tip line, (877) LAW-FULL.

WFTV Takes on Biden; Obama Camp Cries Foul

Editor's note: Although this site is primarily geared towards California news, we from time to time step outside the state and see what is going on around the nation and the rest of the world.

Is the heat finally being turned up on the Obama campaign?

A Florida TV station threw some tough questions (www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7EUeJa45kc) at Democratic VP nominee Joe Biden the other day as the race for the White House winds down. It appears the questions were too tough for the longtime senator, as the Obama campaign has said no more interviews with WFTV.

Anchor Barbara West quoted Karl Marx and asked Biden how Obama's remark in Ohio to "Joe the Plumber," about spreading the wealth wasn't being Marxist.

"Are you joking?," Biden asked.

West replied, "No."

West questioned also Biden about his comments that if Obama wins the election Nov. 4, he would be tested early on as president and wanted to know if Biden was implying America was no longer the world's leading power.

"I don't know who's writing your questions," Biden responded.

The Obama camp then said no to a WFTV interview with Biden's wife Jill, according to an Orlando Sentinel blog.

"This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best for the duration of the remaining days until the election," wrote Laura McGinnis, Central Florida communications director for the Obama campaign, according to the Sentinel.

Maybe all the media after all isn't in the tank for Obama....

Palin Supporters Take to Phone Lines Oct. 25

This Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. EST, Team Sarah (www.teamsarah.org) will be calling one million women voters in battleground states and invite them to participate in a live, free tele-townhall over the phone. They will be able to ask questions and get answers from a panel of distinguished women leaders. This has never been done before! Imagine one million women voters on one phone call!

You don't want to miss this. To listen to the call in real time, go to www.townhall.com/blog beginning at 11 a.m. EST on Saturday, Oct. 25th. Townhall will be streaming the Million Woman Call LIVE.

But if you cannot listen to the call live, check back Saturday afternoon. Team Sarah will post a recording of the first ever Million Woman Call.

If you have any questions, e-mail Emily@teamsarah08@gmail.com.

Cover Up at Helix High School?

At a press conference earlier this week in San Diego, Grossmont Union board member Jim Kelly and a pair of candidates running for a seat on the board requested that the president and vice president of the board resign.

Kelly claims that vice president Larry Urdahl and president Priscilla Schreiber are not aware of what is taking place at one of its schools, stating that child rapes have happened a number of times.

Four teachers have been convicted of having inappropriate relationships with students at Helix High School. Kelly also states that there are a pair of other cases the district is allegedly covering up by removing school files.

Urdahl responded that the allegations are bogus, and that no evidence of child abuse has been uncovered other than what was already presented.

Urdahl also implied that Kelly's timing with his comments is politically motivated.

SDSU Female Killed When Car Hits Tree

A San Diego State University coed was killed early Thursday morning when her car hit a tree in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego.

According to authorities, Jennifer Laurie Brainerd, 21, died at the scene after her 2001 Volkwagen slammed into a tree and caught fire. Brainerd was ejected from the car, according to police. The crash happened around 1:20 a.m. at Pomerado and Willow Creek roads.

Police said speeding appears to be a factor in the one-car accident.

Brainerd was reportedly driving home from work at Rock Bottom Brewery in La Jolla when she crashed.

A page with more information about Brainerd was created at: www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSob=c&GSlh=1&GRid=30808416&

Photo: NBCSandiego.com

Dentist Arrested for Alleged Misconduct in Office

A San Juan Capistrano dentist is under arrest for allegedly molesting female patients.

According to authorities, Ghassan Mehtar was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of sexual battery. Mehtar, who has an office at 32281 Camino Capistrano, was in jail on $25,000 bail.

Authorities report that a 26-year-old female patient alleged that Mehtar inappropriately touched her and also pulled up part of her clothing so he could see her breasts as she was seated in a dentist chair. She was not under anesthesia at the time of the alleged incident.

Other female patients, mostly Latinas who knew very little English, had reportedly complained to office staff about Mehtar's actions but had not gone to authorities.

Olbermann Only Presents One Side of Story Again

Editor's note: Although this site is primarily geared towards California news, we from time to time step outside the state and see what is going on around the nation and the rest of the world.

As if often the case, fair and balanced are two words not associated with MSNBC.

In another rant and rave at the end of his show Wednesday evening (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27310526/), MSNBC's Keith Olbermann went off on Sarah Palin's comments regarding the role of the vice president.

Olbermann went to great pains to mention that Palin reportedly had a number of gaffes in defining the VP role. One small problem....

Olbermann failed, however, to mention how Sen. Joe Biden, who has been in the Senate for more than 30 years and is the Democratic VP nominee, messed up his remarks (www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/03/biden-gets-veep-role-wrong/) a few weeks back at the debate he had with Palin when asked about the vice presidency.

Meantime, don't hold your breath on Olbermann to report on Biden's gaffes.

Miss Louisiana Teen USA Arrested, Booked

Editor's note: Although this site is primarily geared towards California news, we from time to time step outside the state and see what is going on around the nation and the rest of the world.

Our loser of the day award goes to Miss Louisiana Teen USA, who lost her crown two weeks shy of her reign ending.

According to authorities, Lindsey Evans and three friends skipped out on a $46.07 restaurant bill last weekend. In doing so, she was not only arrested, but stripped of her title by pageant officials.

"Lindsey Evans has been part of an organization that believes in opportunities when earned and consequences when warranted. Due to recent circumstances, Lindsey has been relieved of her duties as Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2008 effective immediately," the group's executive director Paula Miles said in a prepared statement. "RPM Productions, Inc. wishes Lindsey success in her future endeavors."

After walking out on the bill, Evans reportedly left her purse in the establishment and had gone back to get it. The problem is, police were already on the scene. Not only did authorities find her driver's license, but they also reportedly discovered some marijuana in the purse.

Evans was booked and released on bond.

Our advice to Ms. Evans...pay the bill next time!

For video on this story, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_MyD3KZ-c

Santa Anas Up Fire Danger Around Southern Cal

While they are not predicted to be as intense as last week, strong winds blowing from the Mexican Border to the Orange and Riverside county lines have firefighters keeping a close eye on fire conditions.

Red-flag warnings have been issued as the strong winds and high temperatures take over the weather scene today.

Temperatures in the inland parts of San Diego are expected to reach the mid-to-upper 90s today, coupled with humidity levels dropping throughout the day.

Fire officials warn residents to take precautions as the slightest sparks can set off a fire with the very dry brush that is around much of the state. There is no rain predicted in the near future to ease the dry conditions.

Fate of La Jolla Harbor Seals Up in the Air

The on-going controversy about whether or not to relocate the harbor seals from La Jolla's Children's Pool beach continued Tuesday as a judge took under submission a decision on whether San Diego should be immediately ordered to remove them.

Last month, Superior Court Judge Yuri Hoffman denied San Diego's request for extended time to comply with a 2005 ruling by Judge William Pate, who ordered the city to restore the area to its "pre-seal" condition within six months by removing sand buildup and cleaning up the water. Last month, Hoffman ordered the city to find out what permits are needed to comply with the order to start dredging.

In court on Tuesday, City Attorney Michael Aguirre informed Hoffman that Pate's 2005 ruling did not "expressly provide" for the removal of the seals from the Children's Pool area. Aguirre said that if the judge ordered the city to remove the seals right away, San Diego would have to have someone on location 24 hours a day to "shoo the seals away." Aguirre urged Hoffman to allow the city get all of its permits in place prior to moving the seals.

A 1931 state law granted the Children's Pool from the state to the city, provided it be used as a "bathing pool for children."

Another hearing on the seals is slated for Oct. 24.

OC Man Pleads Guilty to Bilking $28M From Investors

An Orange County man missed the cut and faces jail time after pleading guilty to using $28 million from investors in a firm that did not exist in order to support his unprofitable golf companies.

Colin Nathanson, 59, offered the guilty plea on Monday in Santa Ana, stating that he got hundreds of people to invest in an Internet-based technology firm that did not exist. He reportedly did this to furnish a lavish lifestyle for himself.

According to prosecutors, Nathanson, who could get 120 years in prison when sentenced next February, took the investor money to finance his failing Giant Golf Company and Play Big Enterprises, which sold clubs and accessories.

He reportedly also used the income to pay off gambling expenses and three houses.

Deleon Found Guilty in Yacht Murders

An Orange County jury has found Skylar Deleon, 29, guilty of three counts of first-degree murder and special circumstances for financial gain and multiple victims in the deaths of three people.

According to the jury, Deleon murdered three people, including a couple who were tied to an anchor and thrown off their yacht off the California coast. The penatly portion of Deleon's trial will start on Wednesday.

Tom and Jackie Hawks, whose bodies were never found, were thrown from their yacht in 2004 during a cruise to show the vessel to Deleon, whom they thought was a prospective buyer.

Prosecutors say that Deleon feigned interest in buying the boat and went on a test cruise where he and two other men overpowered the Hawkses, forced the couple to sign over ownership of the boat, tied them to the anchor and dropped them into the Pacific Ocean.

Deleon, who changed his name from John Jacobson Jr., his wife Jennifer Deleon, 24, Alonso Machain, 22, Myron Gardner Sr., 33, and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 40, were accused of playing roles in the murder of the Hawks' to take their boat and life savings.

Deleon was also found guilty of murdering John Jarvi, of Anaheim, in 2003. According to prosecutors, Deleon met Jarvi in a work furlough program while serving jail time for burglary, and murdered him in Mexico after Jarvi gave him $50,000.

Hef's Newest Girls Pack Quite the Punch

As noted in the story below (Shannon Sisters Come to Hef's Aid), Hugh Hefner has moved in a pair of 19-year-old twins to the Hollywood Playboy mansion.

As it turns out, Karissa and Kristina Shannon apparently have a tough side to them. Reports say the dynamic duo were busted for aggravated battery, after Karissa reportedly hit a woman over the head with a beer bottle at a party in January before both "jumped" the woman and left the victim concussed.

It was also reported that last November, Karissa was arrested after kicking her twin sister in the face, according to E! Online.

A police report states that Kristina was "extremely drunk" prior to the fight in January with the woman, a former colleague from a Hooters-style restaurant, Wing House.

Hopefully Hef keeps the girls busy and out of the public eye for a while. Then again, it does make for good news...

Shannon Sisters Come to Hef's Aid

In light of another rough week on Wall Street, John McCain down in the polls, and our IRA looking as successful as the Detroit Lions, we figured we'd end the session on a positive note.

Since Holly Madison and Hugh Hefner have apparently called it quits, we were concerned that Hefner may not be getting as much attention as needed.

Have no fear....the Shannon sisters (Karissa and Kristina) are here. The twins (pictured third and fourth from the left from a My Space page) have apparently been occupying Hef's time since his break up with Madison. Now don't forget Hef still has other "girlfriends" sharing his bedroom.

We wish the Shannon sisters and Hef all the best. Heck, Hef sure doesn't mourn the loss of a break up for too long.

Nancy Reagan Hospitalized Following Fall

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was hospitalized following a fall at her Bel Air home that resulted in a broken pelvis.

Mrs. Reagan, 87, reportedly fell last week at home, but did not get checked by a doctor until Monday when she went to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center because of persistent pain. She is reportedly undergoing some physical therapy, but will not need surgery.

Mrs. Reagan was hospitalized three days earlier this year after a similar fall at the hillside home she shared with President Reagan following their time in the White House. The 40th President died June 5, 2004, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Photo: Fox News

UPDATE: Several Wildfires Continue Burning

Several wildfires continue to burn in Southern California Tuesday morning, fueled by Santa Ana winds and dry brush.

To date:

• Two major fires -- the Marek and Sesnon blazes -- have burned more than 15,000 acres in the hills and mountains north of Los Angeles.

• At Camp Pendleton, near Oceanside, a fire has burned more than 3,000 acres and forced the evacuation of Marines from their barracks and other personnel from the base.

• A fast-moving fire east of San Diego that started early Tuesday led to the evacuation of 300 homes in the Campo area, near the Mexican border.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Monday, and local officials are urging President Bush to issue a federal disaster declaration.

The Marek fire, burning at the northeastern end of the valley, had charred nearly 5,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest, according to officials.

That fire destroyed 39 homes, including some 30 mobile homes, and five outbuildings in the Lopez Canyon area.

In October of 2007, fires fueled by Santa Anas destroyed 2,196 homes and burned a combined 800 square miles in Southern California.

AIG Sub to Pay San Diego $1.625M to Settle Claim

Lexington Insurance Co., a subsidiary of AIG, will pay the City of San Diego $ 1.625 million to settle a claim brought by the city to recoup lost revenues from a Chargers game that was canceled as a result of the 2003 wildfires.

According to the city attorney's office, San Diego officials determined the Oct. 27, 2003, Monday Night Football game between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins could not be played at Qualcomm Stadium because of ash and smoke, so the game was moved to Tempe, Arizona, which at the time was home to the Arizona Cardinals. As a result, the city lost out on about $500,000 from its cut of stadium sales, taxes and other revenues.

Following the fires, city officials filed a claim with Lexington Insurance Co. in an effort to recover some of the money. The claim was intially denied, so city officials sued the insurer in 2006 in an effort to recover the money.

Lexington Insurance recently said it would pay the city $1.625 million to close the lawsuit.

Hayward BART Station Closed Following Shooting

The Hayward BART Station was closed this afternoon following a shooting that wounded two people, one seriously.

The shooting reportedly took place shortly after 12:30 p.m. outside the station after a group of men gathered prior to the violence breaking out.

According to authorities, a male teen came into the station and fell to the floor near an agent's booth. He was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A second victim, reportedly a middle-aged man, was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

No arrests were reported as of mid-afternoon.

Sand Dune Collapse Kills 11-Year-Old Boy

Authorities still do not know what led to the collapse of a sand dune on Saturday afternoon in Santa Cruz that killed an 11-year-old boy.

According to authorities, three boys were trapped beneath the dune at Natural Bridges State Beach after they had reportedly been digging there.

The two boys who escaped the collapse were 9 and 10 years old. Volunteers tried to rescue the third boy, but were unable to.

UPDATE: Wildfires Kill One; Still Burning

Authorities reported Monday that a pair of Los Angeles area wildfires that are being driven by strong Santa Ana winds have killed a man, while destroying several dozen mobile homes.

The fires continued to threaten neighborhood outside of downtown Los Angeles, along with forcing evacuations.

Firefighters continued to battle a 3,700-acre blaze in the San Fernando Valley's northeastern corner as a new blaze formed at midmorning a few miles to the west in mountains above the Porter Ranch area.

The fatality reportedly occurred at the first fire. The victim was a man who appeared to be a transient living in a makeshift shelter, according to authorities.

A number of "suspicious" fires involving a few acres were reported Monday at various areas in the county, some near the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway, according to authorities. Officials urged people to call authorities if they witness anything suspicious.

Police Investigate 8-Year-Old Girl's Hanging

Authorities in Rialto are investigating the hanging death of an 8-year-old girl.

According to police, the girl was found hanging from the top of a bunk bed with a belt situated around her neck early Wednesday morning. Police have not ruled whether it was an accident or a suicide.

The girl, whose bedroom was reportedly locked, was seen about an hour before being discovered doing homework in her room. There were no apparent signs of foul play.

6 Dead in Murder-Suicide in Los Angeles Area

Reported financial troubles may have led to a Los Angeles area man killing his family over the weekend, then turning the gun on himself.

According to authorities, Karthik Rajaram, 45, an unemployed industry worker, shot and killed his wife, Subasari, 39, three sons, ages 19, 12, and 7, mother-in-law, 69, and then himself in a rented upscale home in a gated community of Porter Ranch in the San Fernardo Valley.

Police discovered the bodies on Monday after checking on the family when the wife did not show up at a neighbor's home to head to work.

Police reportedly discovered a handgun near the father's body and suicide notes were also reportedly uncovered. Karthik Rajaram was reportedly a one-time millionaire who was unemployed and, apparently lost his money due to stock market setbacks.

Bus Crash Kills 8, Injures Dozens

A bus bound for a casino flipped over Sunday evening on a rural road in Williams, killing at least eight people. The accident also injured dozens of other passengers. The accident scene was about 60 miles north of Sacramento.

Authorities reported early Monday that the bus driver, Quinton Joey Watts, 52, was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence. Watts suffered serious injuries and was still hospitalized as of Monday morning.

The bus reportedly had an invalid license plate from Texas and was headed for the Colusa Casino Resort after leaving Sacramento. Many of the passengers were reportedly Laotian.

Palin Did Her Job, Now Up to McCain

As many of you who read this site know, the menu on here is often California news. From time to time, we look at national and world events.

Some of us live in divided households when it comes to politics. Having said that, we naturally will then have split decisions on last night's vice presidential debate.

While I thought Sarah Palin held her ground and did not harm the ticket, I can say the same for Joe Biden. I felt both did what they had to do.

Palin had to re-establish herself and go back to her appearance at the RNC last month. She did that and then some last night.

What made many of us cheer even louder was Palin's opening comment that the moderator and Biden may not hear the questions that were being asked answered the way they would like to hear them. She set the tone for the evening and talked about energy, taxes, Iraq, healthcare, etc. in a way that the average American would understand and appreciate.

As for the claims from the left that Palin does not comprehend the issues, etc. this is not a college class on history or political science. This is about who will best govern for middle class America. It is about time those on the right show a little spunk to the likes of Gwen Ifill, Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson, Brian Williams, Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, etc. Just because you do not hold three degrees from Harvard, Yale and Oxford does not mean you cannot be in the conversation.

As for Biden, although he can be long winded at times, I felt he created no major gaffes, although he did make several inaccurate remarks regarding John McCain's views, as did Sarah Palin when it came to Barack Obama.

The attention now turns to next Tuesday evening's second presidential debate in Nashville. I for one hope McCain takes the gloves off and goes after Obama. He let him off the hook at the first debate.

For someone who says that he will not win any Mr. Congeniality awards, it is time for McCain to fight for the presidency. Otherwise, get ready for President Obama in a little over three months.

Olbermann, MSNBC = No Credibility

As many of you who read this site know, the menu on here is often California news. From time to time, we look at national and world events.

We start this message off by saying that there are plenty of blowhards on the right who need to get a life.

That being said, we took in another episode of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" tonight on MSNBC. To say it is a little biased towards the left would be like saying that Kobe Bryant is a fair basketball player.

For what seems like the 545th time in barely a month, okay, a little bit over the top, but you get the point, Olbermann attacked Sarah Palin and John McCain tonight.

His attacks on Palin have been particularly interesting. Olbermann hit Palin over her recent interview with CBS' Katie Couric. Now even those of us on the right will say it was not Palin's best performance. But hitting her over the head about not being able to name a Supreme Court decision she took issue with and totally ignoring Joe Biden and Barack Obama's gaffes on the campaign trail is biased beyond recognition.

Maybe we were in the restroom or getting our dinner out of the microwave and missed it, but we've yet to hear Olbermann go on about Biden's infamous gaffe in his interview with Couric. You know, the one where Biden said that FDR went on TV in 1929 to reassure the nation following the stock market crash.

Ummmm...the problem with Biden's response to Couric was that Herbert Hoover was actually sitting in the White House at the time and television had yet to be invented (something no doubt Al Gore would like to take credit for if he had been around).

Olbermann does not even attempt to be partially balanced with his hour long babble fest. It is a simple left wing hit attack on anything wearing elephant clothing.

We know this will come as a shock to Olbermann, but there are many of us out there who didn't go to Harvard, Yale or Oxford and can still figure out that 2+2=4. We don't need left wing talking points shoved down our throats for an hour. You might actually want to present both sides and let the viewers decide. Then again, if you actually did that, people might actually not support your candidate from Illinois.

Criticize Fox News all you want, but at least folks like Alan Colmes, Juan Williams Kirsten Powers, Howard Wolfson, Lanny Davis, etc. are on there either regularly or as guest contributors to give the other side.

One thing we've come to realize in watching Olbermann is that he does fit right in with the Democratic mascot. And we were not referring to the term mule.....

Police Search for Man Who Hit Teen at McDonald's

Authorities in Los Angeles are looking for a man who reportedly assaulted a female teenager at a McDonald's counter after she complained about him moving to the front of the line.

According to police, the teen, her 5-year-old niece and a friend were in line last month at the McDonald's in South Los Angeles. The suspect and two young boys moved toward the counter when the 16-year-old started arguing with the man regarding who was first in line.

Police say the girl, who was treated for her injuries, swore at the man, who then got upset and punched the teen in the face several times.

He reportedly left the scene with the two young boys in a red pickup truck.