GOCALIFORNIA

Women's Job Fair Set for March 26 in Sacramento

2009-03-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

A women's job fair will be held Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Doubletree Hotel, 2001 Point West Way. The event is being hosted by www.womenjobfairs.com .

For further information on the event and to obtain directions and a list of attendees, call (516) 433-1148.

Staples Center Job Fair Set for March 16

2009-03-11T22:12:00.001-07:00

Don’t miss this opportunity to apply to jobs with some of the top sports and entertainment companies in Southern California, as Staples Center will host a job fair on Monday, March 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For only $30, attend the career fair and the hockey game immediately after, as the Los Angeles Kings take on the Nashville Predators.

Employers Scheduled to Attend*

AEG
LA Kings
LA Clippers
LA Sparks
LA Sol
LA Galaxy
Chivas USA
GRAMMY Museum
Power 106/ Movin’ 93.9
ESPN Radio / Radio Disney
High Desert Mavericks
US Army

For further information, visit: aegworldwide.teamworkonline.com .

JOBS TO AVOID: No One with More than 5 Years Experience

2009-03-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: As a public service to readers of this blog, we want to expose those who are trying to take advantage of people in these tough economic times. More to the point, we want to highlight companies and individuals who are attempting to get people to work for peanuts! Here is one such advertisement:

Beverly Hills Weekly is seeking a reporter who can cover it all from education to city council and beyond.

Beverly Hills Weekly is a community paper with a circulation of 15,000 and a readership of some of the most influential people in Southern California. We do not cover entertainment news. Applicant must be available to attend Tuesday night city council and school board meetings. B.A./B.S. degree required. (College newspaper writing experience OK) Perfect position for a recent college graduate.

This is not the position for a journalist with more than 5 years paid experience. Salary is negotiable. Southern California residents only.

Fax resume and no more than 2 clips (if available) to: (310) 887-0789 or email to josh@bhweekly.com. Absolutely NO PHONE CALLS. NO OUT OF STATE RESUMES.

JOBS TO AVOID: $5 Per Article

2009-03-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Reply to: job-6hh7v-1066460191@craigslist.org Date: 2009-03-08, 7:52PM PDT

We are looking for several writers to write a variety of articles on life in Los Angeles County for a new website that aims to be a local resource to the community. We will need articles on local community events and functions, attractions, reviews of local restaurants, sports events, opinions of community, city and county politics, effects of the economy of current living conditions, the school system and children's programs, issues within the school systems that need exposure and many more topics that will help to give a diverse depiction of real life within Los Angeles County. Articles need to be between 750-1000 words and the author will be given credit for writing the articles. If you are interested please submit a 300-500 word writing sample for review to mycityexplorer@gmail.com. If selected we will supply you with general topics and keywords that need to be worked into the articles regularly. We are paying $5 per article. We are looking for a diverse look at life in Los Angeles so if you are a college student or senior citizen, your opinion and writing is important to us. We are looking for a number of writers who can take a list of topics and run with it. Writers will be paid electronically via paypal or by business check by mail if you do not have an online payment processor.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Promotes Businesses on Trip

2009-03-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

Addressing the California Business Reception, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently concluded his trip promoting California business and the state’s global leadership in information communications technology at CeBIT 2009 in Hannover, Germany.

As the first official state partner with CeBIT, a technology trade fair for digital business solutions and information and communications technology (ICT), California companies were spotlighted among over 5,000 exhibitors and half a million attendees.

“As I’ve said before, California is not only the eighth-largest economy in the world - we are the high-tech capital of the world and the biotechnology capital of the world - and I’m proud to have showcased our great state here at the world’s largest technology trade fair,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “Especially in the middle of this difficult global economy, it’s terrific to see so many companies from California seize this tremendous opportunity to network with organizations from across the globe, sharing their innovative technologies and pumping up their businesses.”

During his two-day CeBIT Exhibition promotional tour, the Governor met with various business and elected officials including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Lower Saxony Minister President Christian Wulff and Hannover Lord Mayor Stephan Weil. In his meeting with Chancellor Merkel, discussions focused on economic stimulus and California’s desire to collaborate with other nations like Germany on climate change.

The Governor also delivered remarks at several events including CeBIT’s Opening Ceremony, where he spoke to over 2,000 audience members. The Governor also toured the CeBIT exhibition fair grounds which showcased California companies and included 27 separate exhibit halls spanning over 10 million square feet of exhibition space. Many California companies, including a state delegation of 51 small and medium-sized businesses, showcased the state’s innovative ICT in several key industries including green technology, entertainment, Internet-based services, TeleHealth, security, consumer electronics, digital content generation and distribution, aerospace, and research and technology at CeBIT 2009.

Additionally, the Germany-California ICT Summit was the star attraction of the Partner State program, giving the two entities the opportunity to step-up collaboration and stimulate increased bilateral business.

For more information about CeBIT 2009, visit at www.cebit.de/

Sacramento Bee Cutting More Than 100 Positions

2009-03-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Bee will eliminate 128 jobs, or 11 percent of its workforce, as revenue continues to fall in the staggering newspaper industry.

Among the cuts will be 29 jobs in the newsroom, 8 in advertising, 62 in circulation and 23 in production. Those surviving the cuts face wage decreases of up to 6 percent and could be forced to take a week of unpaid leave.

The layoffs are the latest in a series of cutbacks at the 152-year-old newspaper, one of 30 daily newspapers under the direction of Sacramento-based McClatchy Co.

San Diego County Posts 8.6% January Unemployment Rate

2009-03-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

The numbers continue to be grim in the job market for San Diego, as the county's unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in January, an increase from a revised 7.5 percent rate in December and above the year-ago estimate of 5.1 percent, previously noted by the California Employment Development Department.

Trade, transportation and utilities marked the largest decline — 8,400 jobs — while retail lost 6,200, mostly in general-merchandise and clothing stores.

The hospitality sector did away with nearly 5,000 jobs, 91 percent of which were in restaurants and bars. Professional and business services removed 4,500 positions.

New Look Coming on March 9

2009-02-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

GOCALIFORNIA will be unveiling a new look come Monday.

With many of us dealing with a troubling economy, GOCALIFORNIA will now focus on business-related articles. We will look at how California companies are doing, what the best and worst places are to look for work in the state, how the budget crisis is impacting residents, where the housing market is best and worst, and so on.

We also plan to profile businesses statewide and provide columns from financial experts on how best to make it through these difficult times.

Thank you for reading, and we look forward to unveiling a new beginning Monday!

Coming Soon.....

2009-02-03T22:45:00.001-08:00

GOCALIFORNIA has not forgotten about you.

We are working on some new formats for coverage and will be unveiling them soon.

In the meantime, visit our sister sites at: dailyinsurer.blogspot.com
goatlanta-ga.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Father of 'Heroes' Actress Pleads No Contest in Assault

2009-01-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

The father of "Heroes" actress Hayden Panettiere has pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor battery after assaulting his wife on Aug. 11.

Beverly Hills Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel sentenced Alan Lee Panettiere, 49, to 24 months probation, ordered him to complete 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and ordered him to pay $400 in fines. The judge also issued a protective order requiring that the defendant not harm or annoy the victim.

Panettiere was arrested in August after he allegedly assaulted his wife at their West Hollywood home.

7 Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide at L.A. Home

2009-01-27T13:01:00.001-08:00

Seven bodies were discovered in a Los Angeles home early Tuesday morning, victims of an apparent murder-suicide.

According to authorities, the father, who fatally shot his wife, five children and himself in the Wilmington section of Los Angeles, forwarded a note to KABC-TV noting that the couple had just been fired from a medical center and that the shootings were planned.

The man claimed that prior to the firing, an administrator told the couple they should not have come to work and told them, "You should have blown your brains out," KABC-TV reported.

The note went on to say that the husband and wife worked as medical technicians at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center.

Police reported that the victims included two sets of twins and an 8-year-old girl.

Prostitution, Marijuana Seen as Possible Money Fixes

2009-01-26T16:45:00.000-08:00

Legalizing prostitution and marijuana could be the ticket out to decreasing the state's present $41 billion deficit, according to some financial pros.

According to David Lazarus, a financial writer for the Los Angeles Times, both pot smoking and prostitution are very popular "sins" that, if legalized and taxed, could produce millions or even billions in extra revenue for California.

A number of Lazarus's financial industry colleagues have backed the proposals, though there is more positive energy for the marijuana side than the prostitution side.

In order for these ideas to make progress, they both would have to go before the voters as ballot measures.

Companies Sued Following Naval Accident

2009-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

Seven companies are being sued by relatives of three sailors who died when a helicopter crashed off the San Diego coast during a Navy training mission. The companies manufactured and sold the aircraft and its parts.

The lawsuit alleges that several parts of the MH-60S helicopter were defective and caused the crash in January 2007, which killed four people in all.

Named in the lawsuit are the helicopter's manufacturer, Sikorsky Aircraft, and other companies that manufactured components for the aircraft: Alcoa, Pacific Scientific, Hi-Shear Corp., Parker-Hannifin Corp. and General Electric.

The helicopter departed for the training exercise Jan. 26, 2007, from the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, some 50 miles from shore.

The victims were Lt. j.g. Laura J. Mankey of West Hills; Lt. Adam Dyer, 28, of Lafayette, La.; Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Helman, 27, of New Richmond, Wis.; and Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Will, 29, of Warren, Mich. They were members of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 assigned to the North Island Naval Air Station.

Man Tries to Drown Police Dog Before Arrest

2009-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Carlsbad police reported Sunday that a drunken-driving suspect who fled on foot into a lagoon refused to surrender and attempted to drown a police dog before being arrested.

Lavar McKiernan, 34, who was to be booked on charges of felony driving under the influence, felony evading causing injuries, and attempting to harm a police dog, was moved to Tri-City Hospital in Oceanside, where he was being held under guard Sunday morning.

According to authorities, just before 1 a.m. Sunday, Carlsbad police Officer Samantha Alexander tried to stop McKiernan at Carlsbad Boulevard and State Street, near the Army and Navy Academy, after his vehicle reportedly nearly crashed into three parked cars

McKiernan drove off with Alexander in pursuit, rear-ended a vehicle and ran into a telephone pole before heading into the Buena Vista Lagoon west of Carlsbad Boulevard, about a half-mile from where the chase started.

Other Carlsbad police officers, assisted by an Oceanside police dog and the San Diego Police Department's Able helicopter, pursued McKiernan to the lagoon, where he was spotted hiding in about 4 feet of water.

After being given several opportunities to surrender, police went into the water along with the dog to arrest the suspect.

McKiernan attempted to drown the dog, who was not injured, three times before he was arrested.

Man Arrested After More Than 200 Dead Animals Found

2009-01-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Police in Temecula have arrested a man on suspicion of animal cruelty for allegedly mistreating his dogs and cats. According to authorities, more than 200 of the animals were discovered dead on his property.

Authorities say that Elisao Gilbert Jimenez, 66, was taken into custody Friday after a search of his residence in the 39000 block of Liefer Road showed a number of dogs and cats "in poor health."

Deputies were dispatched to Jimenez's home to assist Department of Animal Services officers with a vicious dog, and when they looked in the back of the suspect's property, they discovered more than 200 dog and cat carcasses.

Animal Control Officers reported discovering 204 dead animals in plastic bags in different stages of decomposition. They also located more than 82 dogs and nearly three dozen ferel cats.

Southern California May be Overdue for Big Quake

2009-01-25T08:40:00.001-08:00

According to a new study to be published next week, Southern California may be overdue for a powerful earthquake along the infamous San Andreas fault line.

New research conducted by scientists at the University of California, Irvine, claims large quakes have rumbled along the fault roughly every 137 years over the last 700 years. Previously, scientists had figured major earthquakes occurred on the line every 200 years or so.

Scientists analyzed the Carrizo Plain section of the San Andreas fault, which has not been witness to a massive earthquake since 1857, when one hit at an estimated magnitude of 7.9.

Oceanside Plane Crash Injures 2 People

2009-01-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

Two people were injured Saturday morning in Oceanside when a small plane struck a power pole and crashed on the street near Oceanside Municipal Airport. The crash also resulted in a 25,000 gallon raw sewage spill.

The single-engine Cessna Skyhawk crashed at about 10:50 a.m. according to the Federal Aviation Administration, injuring the pilot and his passenger.

Police say the plane was only about 12 feet off the ground when it hit a support pole for overhead power lines about a quarter-mile from the Oceanside Municipal Airport.

The plane sheered off a sewage valve, and 25,000 gallons of sewage were released before it was halted.

Schwarzenegger Presses Obama on Auto Emissions

2009-01-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

In only his first full day on the job, President Barack Obama was expecting to hear from a famous governor.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles, sent a letter Wednesday to Obama requesting he give California and other states permission to implement tough tailpipe-emission standards.

Schwarzenegger believes Obama's backing would help move America toward global leadership on addressing climate change. If granted, the decision would change a 2007 conclusion by the Bush administration.

The letter details the fact that states do not have authority to impose greenhouse gas standards for new cars, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

According to the Bush administration, such goals can only be met by regulating fuel-efficiency standards, something that falls under the auspices of the federal government.

Former Tustin High Athletic Trainer to be Arraigned

2009-01-21T15:43:00.000-08:00

A former athletic trainer at Tustin High School was to be arraigned today on charges that could send her to prison for nearly eight years if she's convicted of having a sexual relationship with an underage male student.

According to authorities, Hope Jacoby, 23, was taken into custody on Dec. 19 and released on $100,000 bail in connection with allegations that she had sex with the student last year, when he was between 16 and 17 years old. Authorities reported that Jacoby worked for a company hired by the school to train its athletes in various sports, and that she had submitted a letter of resignation.

Court documents say that Jacoby is charged with eight felony counts: four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, three counts of oral copulation of a minor and one count of distributing pornography to a minor. She faces up to seven years and eight months in prison, if convicted.

Danville Looks to Welcome Home Sullenberger

2009-01-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

Danville officials are hoping to welcome home the world's most famous pilot this weekend, as U.S. Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger III is scheduled to return to California.

Sullenberger was the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight #1549 in New York's Hudson River last Thursday with 154 passengers and crew on board after engine failure.

Sullenberger, 57, who was invited to and expected to attend President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration in Washington Tuesday, brought the crippled plane to a safe landing some three minutes into the flight after it was reportedly hit by birds after take off from New York's LaGuardia Airport. The reported bird strike took out both engines.

The proposed plan for this weekend is to have the ceremony take place at the Danville Community Center on Front Street.

So.Cal Median Home Price Drops Nearly 35 Percent

2009-01-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

The median home price in Southern California fell almost 35 percent in December from a year ago, but home sales rose steadily as buyers snapped up low-cost foreclosures, according to new information released by MDA DataQuick.

According to the company, the median home price in a six-county region of Southern California was $278,000 last month, compared to $425,000 a year ago at that time. The median price for the area peaked at $505,000 in mid-2007.

Foreclosures accounted for 55.7 percent of December's sales in the region.

Koreatown Fourplex Collapse Injures 3 People

2009-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

At least three people were injured last evening when the front of a two-story fourplex collapsed near Los Angeles' Koreatown.

According to authorities on the scene, four families were impacted by the collapse. Those families were expected to be allowed back into the building today to recover belongings before the building is razed.

The collapse happend around 9 p.m. last night at 1625 S. Westmoreland Ave., near Washington Boulevard.

According to fire officials, approximately 20 to 30 people were inside the building when the front portion collapsed.

Coast Guard Suspends Search for Elderly Couple

2009-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard officials say they have suspended the search for an elderly couple who are believed to have gone overboard last week during a Carnival Cruise trip between Long Beach and Mexico.

According to authorities, the search ended in the waters off of San Diego County Saturday morning.

The couple, whose names were not released, are believed to be a 90-year-old man and his 79-year-old wife.

Crews searched throughout the night, covering the route of the Carnival Paradise ship, which started in Long Beach and stopped in Santa Catalina Island and Ensenada. The couple were aboard the ship when it left Monday, but they were missing when it returned to port early Friday.

According to ship officials, the couple's cabin door was double-locked from the inside with a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the handle. Their belongings were discovered inside and the door heading from the cabin to the private balcony was unlocked.

Marines, Sailors Need Permission to Visit Mexico

2009-01-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Permission denied?

Marines and sailors in San Diego County looking to make a run south of the border to Mexico must obtain written permission from their superiors as a result of escalating violence in Mexico.

The directive from Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland impacts some 40,000 Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, according to The North County Times. The ruling also impacts armed forces stationed at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.

At least 5,300 people were killed in drug violence in Tijuana last year, and at least 12 have been killed so far this year.

Armed forces wanting permission to visit Mexico must be at least 18 and agree to use the buddy system by traveling with at least one other person who is also 18 or older. They must also carry the telephone numbers of the American Consulate in Tijuana, the border Shore Patrol and their unit command. Finally, before they exit the country, they must register online with the American Consulate in Tijuana.

Brea Search Continues for Missing 82-Year-Old

2009-01-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

Searchers will continue working their way through a Brea landfill today in hopes of discovering what happened to an 82-year-old woman who went missing from an assisted care facility in Laguna Niguel.

Authorities were searching a landfill close to the 1900 block of Valencia Avenue late Thursday afternoon, after Sara Mowry was reported missing by her son on Tuesday. The son reportedly went to visit the woman at the facility, but she was not present. The woman's walker, hearing aid, purse and medications were reportedly left behind.

According to authorities, there are some questions regarding the woman's checking account, but police would not elaborate.

Anyone with information in Mowry's disappearance is asked to call (866) TIP-OCSD.

L.A. County Asst. Fire Chief Pleads Not Guilty in Dog's Death

2009-01-15T16:13:00.001-08:00

A plea of not guilty was offered this week by a Los Angeles County assistant fire chief accused of assaulting his neighbor's six-month-old puppy last November to where it had to be put down.

Glynn Johnson, 54, who is free on $100,000 bail, faces an animal cruelty charge, with sentence-enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony in connection with the reported beating.

Johnson, who claims he hit the dog in self-defense, is slated to return to court next month for a felony settlement conference.

According to Johnson, the dog (Karley) got loose from its property and he was returning it to the owner when a confrontation between he and the animal took place.

A local vet informed sheriff's investigators that Karley had a shattered skull and appeared to have suffered a broken jaw.

San Fran Police Make Arrests at Israeli Consulate

2009-01-15T10:57:00.001-08:00

Police made several arrests this morning as protestors in San Francisco chained themselves together to block the entrance to the Israeli Consulate on Montgomery Street.

The protestors, whose action had been organized on several Web sites, were demonstrating against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

In all, four people were arrested for refusing to leave the scene.

Police Search for Possible Westminster Rapist

2009-01-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Police in the Westminster area are following up on a report from a 45-year-old woman who said she was beaten unconscious during an attempted rape.

According to authorities, the alleged incident took place early Wednesday morning on Main Street between Hoover and Olive Streets.

Police, who say the suspect's sketch draws similarities to a sketch of another suspect in two reported assaults on women last summer, report the suspect in this incident kidnapped the woman and threw her into his vehicle. The woman escaped, but was again grabbed and then reportedly attacked in a bushy area.

The attacker is described as a white or Latino man, about 20 to 25 years of age, with a thin build and dark hair.

Anyone with information on these attacks can call Westminster police detectives at (714) 898-3315, ext. 336 or 340.

Former Transit Officer Arrested in Deadly Shooting

2009-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

A former Bay Area transit police officer who allegedly killed an unarmed man on a train platform has been arrested.

According to authorities, Johannes Mehserle, 27, was in custody Tuesday evening in Nevada under a fugitive warrant issued from California.

Witnesses reported that Mehserle fired into the back of 22-year-old Oscar Grant on Jan. 1 while the man was lying facedown on a train platform at a station in Oakland.

Grant and others had been removed a train after reports of fighting, as New Year's Eve revelers were heading home after midnight celebrations.

Dozens of Taggers Arrested in Police Sweep

2009-01-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Law enforcement arrested dozens of taggers during an early morning sweep today in the San Gabriel Valley and southeast Los Angeles County. Authorities also confiscated weapons, narcotics and tools used for tagging.

In all, 51 people were arrested for a variety of crimes, including weapons and drug possession, while another 36 were detained for probation or parole violations, officials said.

The raids involved more than 300 law enforcement officials and included personnel from the Sheriff’s Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the California Department of Corrections, the California Highway Patrol, the County Police and officers from the cities of Azusa, Downey and Whittier.

Man Allegedly Was to Sell Daughter Into Marriage

2009-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

A Greenfield man is under arrest after police say he allegedly tried to sell his 14-year-old daughter into marriage in return for $16,000, 100 cases of beer and several cases of meat.

According to police, authorities only got wind of the deal after Marcelino de Jesus Martinez, 36, went to them to get his daughter back because payment wasn't made as promised.

Martinez was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, while 18-year-old Margarito de Jesus Galindo was in custody on suspicion of statutory rape. Investigators think the daughter went willingly with Galindo, but she's under California's legal age of consent and can't legally marry.

According to police, arranged marriages involving underage girls have become a problem in this small Central Coast farming community.

Murder Trial Witness Dies in San Diego Area

2009-01-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

National City police are investigating the death of a man who was a key witness in the murder trial of a Ramona man who strangled his wife and buried her in the backyard.

Sean Turner, 25, was found dead Sunday night at the San Diego area home he shared with his grandmother in National City.

Turner, who is the stepson of defendant Keith Harold Turner, suffered from acute diabetes and had been in the hospital almost once a week for the past year.

Turner testified for the prosecution in the trial of his stepfather, convicted last month of voluntary manslaughter in the death of his wife, Toby Turner, 44. Jurors discredited Sean Turner's testimony, noting his variation of stories and a prior drug history.

The elder Turner is to be sentenced later this month.

Woman Puts Her Virginity Up for Sale

2009-01-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

Just how much is a woman's virginity worth these days? For one San Diego woman, she hopes the answer is many dollars.

A 22-year old woman is putting her virginity on the auction block to pay for college.

Natalie Dylan, which is not her real name, already has a degree in women's studies. Now, however, the woman hopes to pay for an advanced degree in family and marriage therapy with the proceeds from the auction. According to the most recent bid, one man is willing to pay $3.7 million for a night with 'Natalie.'

Dylan said she got the idea from her sister who paid for her college education by prostituting herself for three weeks, according to the London Telegraph.

"I think me and the person I do it with will both profit greatly from the deal," Dylan informed the paper.

State Offices Closing Twice a Month Starting in February

2009-01-09T23:04:00.000-08:00

Many state offices will be closed on the first and third Fridays of each month, beginning in February, as a money-saving move to help ease California's growing budget deficit, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told state agencies Friday.

The announced closures come after Schwarzenegger's executive order last month that state workers must take two unpaid days off each month between February and the end of June 2010.

Mandatory furloughs are part of Schwarzenegger's demands to help correct the state's estimated $40 billion budget deficit over the next year and a half.

State services requiring 24-hour operation, such as prisons and hospitals, will remain open, but employees there will be required take unpaid time off on other days.

Man Nabbed for Bringing Guns to LAX

2009-01-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Bringing guns to the airport proved a no-no for a local man on Friday as he was arrested without incident.

According to the police, the man was stopped on his way to LAX with an SUV loaded with handguns, rifles and loaded ammunition magazines.

Airport Police officers halted the vehicle shortly before 11 a.m. at a checkpoint on westbound Century Boulevard at Sepulveda Boulevard. In all, police intially reported there were three dozen guns in the vehicle.

San Diego Mom Admits Stealing from Girl Scouts

2009-01-08T21:45:00.001-08:00

A former volunteer bookkeeper with the Girl Scouts did more than just see how cookie sales were going.

Janet Daily, 36, of Rancho Santa Fe, pleaded guilty Thursday in a San Diego court to a felony embezzlement charge for stealing some $10,000 over an 18-month period from troops in North County. She faces the maximum of a year in jail when she is sentenced in March.

Daily, the mother of two young girls and a Girl Scouts volunteer for the last seven years, was charged with two felony grand theft counts by an employee.

After investigators began to question some missing money in the Girl Scouts accounts, Daily admitted to them that she had taken the money over the past year and a half because her family was having financial problems.

Moderate Quake Hits Southern California

2009-01-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

A moderate earthquake hit Thursday evening at 7:49 p.m. in San Bernardino, with shaking noted from Los Angeles 55 miles to the west and south to Orange County.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, with the quake initially being reported as a 4.5-magnitude quake. The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported it at 4.9, then 5.0.

According to the USGS, the quake struck near the San Jacinto fault, which is part of the San Andreas Fault system.

State May Issue IOUs Instead of Tax Rebates

2009-01-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

As if California's budget crisis is not bad enough, now comes this little tidbit from the state.

State officials say they are bracing for the possibility of delaying tax refunds to millions of Californians, along with student grants and payments to vendors, as the latest round of budget negotiations between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislators fell apart.

With a budget gap reported at just under $42 billion, State Controller John Chiang has said that as early as Feb. 1, his office may begin issuing promissory notes if lawmakers have not resolved the budget crisis. California has done this only once before since the Great Depression -- in 1992.

According to California's Constitution, schools and bondholders get first rights to any cash in the state's coffers. The initial folks to receive IOUs instead of payments would be business and individual taxpayers who are expecting refunds, local governments and recipients of grants from the California Student Aid Commission.

Last year, more than 10 million taxpayers obtained state refunds totaling $8 billion.

El Monte Police Search for Pair who Abducted Woman

2009-01-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

The search is on for a pair who reportedly tried to con a female shopper at a local mall in El Monte, then abducted her and required her to withdraw money from an ATM when that did not work.

According to police, the female suspect may be wanted for countless crimes in both Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Police report the most recent crime took place five days before Christmas at the Valley Mall, when a male suspect dropped a bag containing a gold chain, and the female suspect then told the victim to retrieve it so they could sell it. The victim reportedly refused to get involved.

When the woman would not comply, the female suspect reportedly pulled out a knife and forced the victim into a white Ford Explorer, where she was driven to her home, ordered pick up her bank card, then driven to a Bank of America in nearby San Gabriel. The woman withdrew $400 dollars from an ATM and passed it on to the female suspect.

According to police, the female suspect in the crime is Hispanic, approximately 45 years of age, 5' 8" tall, and weighs over 200 pounds.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at (626) 705-1981.

State Notes Settlement with Blue Shield

2009-01-06T13:43:00.001-08:00

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced that the California Department of Insurance (CDI) has reached an agreement with Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company to offer new health insurance to 678 consumers whose policies were rescinded between Jan. 1, 2004 and May 31, 2008, reimbursing them for out-of-pocket medical expenses and implement significant changes in its underwriting and claims practices.

Under the terms of the settlement covering allegations of unfair claims handling and improper rescission practices, Blue Shield will immediately offer coverage to 678 consumers whose individual, family, or short-term health policies were previously terminated without subjecting them to medical underwriting or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Any medical expenses that would have been covered under the rescinded policies that are not covered by another source will be reimbursed or paid by Blue Shield. An expedited independent arbitration process has been established to resolve any disputes regarding these expenses.

As part of the settlement, Blue Shield has agreed to make significant changes to its application forms, underwriting process, agent/broker training, notification to consumers and providers of an investigation regarding information in the application and oversight of its claims handling. It has also agreed to establish an independent third party review process for rescissions going forward. Blue Shield is subject to up to a $5 million penalty if corrective actions are not implemented in the prescribed timeline.

For details about eligibility under this settlement, call Blue Shield at 888-575-3439.

Bell Gardens Councilman Offers Guilty Plea

2009-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

A Bell Gardens Councilman accused of embezzling campaign funds has pleaded guilty to multiple counts, the District Attorney’s Office announced.

Deputy District Attorney Max Huntsman of the Public Integrity Division said Mario Beltran, 31, pleaded to four misdemeanor counts including failing to file campaign disclosure forms and failing to deposit cash contributions, all violations of the Political Reform Act.

The charges stem from the defendant’s reported failure to report to authorities how he was spending campaign funds entrusted to him and his failure to deposit and account for cash given to him.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge George Lomeli ordered Beltran back for sentencing on Feb. 12. The defendant must resign from office prior to sentencing.

Beltran is expected to receive four years of probation during which time he may not hold elected or appointed office and may not seek elected office or lobby. Seven counts of grand theft, one count of perjury and one count of failing to deposit cash will be dismissed at sentencing as part of a negotiated plea agreement.

In a previous prosecution in 2007, the defendant was convicted by a Downey jury of a misdemeanor charge of filing a false police report.

The current indictment came after a hearing in which political and business leaders testified before the grand jury that Beltran told contributors that he was using the money he was raising for his re-election when, in fact, he used it to pay for his legal defense. The defendant also reportedly used campaign funds to pay for a cell phone under another person’s name and failed to report it, prosecutors said.

Locklear Gets 3 Years Probation

2009-01-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

Actress Heather Locklear had a DUI charge dismissed today after pleading no contest to a lesser charge of wreckless driving..

Under the terms of the plea deal with prosecutors, Locklear, 47, will serve three years' informal probation, pay $700 and complete a 12-hour DMB road safety class.

Locklear, who has starred in such shows as T.J. Hooker, Dynasty and Melrose Place, was charged with driving under the influence of drugs in November after her September arrest.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Locklear at the time of her arrest showed "obvious impairment" when an officer spotted her car parked on a highway and blocking a lane in Montecito.

Final Plans Underway for Rose Parade, Rose Bowl

2008-12-31T17:08:00.000-08:00

The bands are set, the teams are set, and even the weather appears to be good once again as locals and visitors prepare for tomorrow's 120th annual Tournament of Roses Parade as curbside campers seek the perfect viewing spot along the parade route.

Campers began staking their spots on sidewalk space beginning at noon Wednesday. All people and property such as blankets and chairs must stay on the curb until 11 p.m. At that time, spectators may relocate to the blue honor line.

The parade starts at 8 a.m. Thursday and will last approximately two-and-a-half hours.

The parade kicks off at Ellis Street & Orange Grove, then continues North on Orange Grove, then East on Colorado Blvd. to Sierra Madre Blvd., then north on Sierra Madre Blvd. to Paloma Street -- a total of 5 1/2 miles. Among the things visitors may not bring to the parade are backpacks, coolers and large bags.

A curfew is in effect for those under 18 from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday.

Parade Freeway Closures:

Long Beach (710) Freeway

Northbound California Ave. on ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 10 a.m., Jan. 1
Northbound Del Mar Blvd. on ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 10 a.m., Jan. 1
Southbound Del Mar Blvd. off ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to Noon, Jan. 1

Foothill (210) Freeway

Westbound and eastbound Sierra Madre Blvd. off ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 6:00 p.m., Jan. 1

Ventura (134) Freeway

Eastbound Orange Grove Blvd. off ramp from 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
Westbound Orange Grove Blvd. on ramp from 2 a.m. to noon, Jan. 1

Street Closures

Pasadena Avenue, between Columbia St. and Del Mar Blvd., 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to 10 a.m., Jan 1.
Orange Grove Blvd. between Colorado Blvd. to Columbia St., 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
Colorado Blvd. between Orange Grove Blvd. & Sierra Madre Blvd., 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
Sierra Madre Blvd. between Colorado Blvd. & Paloma St., 8 p.m., Dec. 31 to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
Green St. between Orange Grove Blvd. & Grand Ave., 7 a.m., Dec. 31 to 1 p.m., Jan. 1
Colorado Street Bridge, 2 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 1
Northbound Hill Ave. between Del Mar Blvd. & Cordova St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 1
Corson St. between Pasadena Ave. to Walnut St., 9 a.m. to Noon, Jan. 1
Terrace St. between Colorado Blvd. & Green St., 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 1

Police ask anyone who witnesses unusual behavior at the parade to report it to Pasadena police at (626) 744-4241.

At 1:30 p.m. PST, Penn State and USC will meet in the annual gridiron contest at the Rose Bowl.

Former San Diego Teacher Arraigned in Child Porn Case

2008-12-30T14:26:00.000-08:00

A former San Diego middle school teacher was arraigned in federal court Monday on suspicion of possessing child pornography.

Jay Kylee Bain, 37, was a teacher at La Presa Middle School in Spring Valley. Bain, who currently works at General Dynamics, was placed in federal custody and scheduled to appear in court at 2:30 p.m. Friday, for a bail hearing.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Bain possessed several computers containing hundreds of images of minors engaged in sexual activity between 2005 and Aug. 7.

Bain allegedly sent graphic photographs of himself to one of his former seventh-grade students in 2005. He reportedly had sexually based e-mail conversations with the female student between November 2005 and October 2006.

Although the statute of limitations ran out on those alleged actions, a divorce this year between Bain and his wife led to the wife reportedly discovering a number of pornographic images on computer disks at his home. That reported finding led to investigators gathering evidence on Bain to persue him.

If convicted, Bain is looking at up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Santa Gunman Planned to Flee to Canada

2008-12-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

The gunman dressed as Santa Claus who killed nine people Christmas Eve at a family party before turning the gun on himself had reportedly planned to escape to Canada, according to authorities.

Investigators looking into the mass murder at the house on Knollcrest Drive in Covina say that Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, was going to flee to Canada.

Police reported they discovered $17,000 in cash on Pardo and a plane ticket for a Dec. 25 flight departing from LAX to Canada. According to officials, Pardo was severely burned when he set the house on fire. He was found with 3rd degree burns to his arms and legs with the Santa suit burned into his skin. Police found Pardo dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his brother's home in Sylmar.

Police report Pardo apparently shot some of his nine victims execution-style in a plot to destroy his ex-wife's family after a costly divorce that was just finalized in the last week.

Several people who survived the attack were wounded and are in the hospital recovering from their injuries.

Pardo's ex-wife, 43-year-old Sylvia Ortega, and her parents, Joseph and Alicia Ortega, are considered among the dead, but the ensuing fire that Pardo set is making it difficult to identify bodies.

Gunman Dressed as Santa Claus Kills 8 in Covina

2008-12-25T18:04:00.001-08:00

Police in Covina say the death toll now stands at eight following a shooting rampage and fire at a house Christmas Eve.

According to authorities, the gunman, who showed up at a house party dressed as Santa Claus, opened fire, then set the house ablaze. Police are still searching for the couple who owned the home and the alleged gunman's former wife.

Police report that the primary suspect, 45-year-old Bruce Jeffrey Pardo (pictured), took his life earlier this morning at his brother's residence in Sylmar. According to police, Pardo reportedly had marital problems and his estranged wife or members of her family may have been in attendance at the party.

Due to the fire, authorities said identifying the bodies was difficult.

Thanking the Troops for All They Do

2008-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Many of us take for granted the freedoms we enjoy here at home.

For those of us who are able to celebrate Christmas today with loved ones, we ask that you stop for a moment and remember the many brave men and women in our armed forces.

Stationed in dozens of countries that include Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Japan, Germany and more, thank you to all of our service personnel who not only keep us safe at home, but offer freedom to millions around the world. For this, we say THANK YOU!

If you have not already, we encourage you to take a moment and send a card, care package, etc. to our troops overseas. Getting a gift from home is a wonderful reminder of all this country has to offer.

Sites such as www.uso.org can direct you to how you can support our troops.

To all troops here at home and abroad.....Merry Christmas.

Action Heats Up South of the Border

2008-12-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

The saying goes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or in the case of Laura Zuniga, the beauty is in a jail cell tonight.

Authorities in Mexico reported the arrest of Zuniga, a current Mexican beauty queen from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, and seven others late Monday evening. The suspected gang members arrested along with Zuniga were in two vehicles loaded with guns, ammunition, and money.

Miss Sinaloa 2008 Zuniga, 23, was nabbed just before midnight on Monday at a military checkpoint in Zapopan, just outside the colonial city of Guadalajara.

Zuniga was a passenger in one of two trucks, where soldiers discovered a large stash of weapons, including a pair of AR-15 assault rifles, .38 specials, 9mm handguns, nine magazines, 633 cartridges and $53,300 in U.S. currency.

Zuniga is from the Pacific coast state of Sinaloa, the base of the drug cartel of the same name. It was not reported whether Zuniga and the men were being investigated for drug ties. State police identified one of the men captured with her as the brother of an alleged drug trafficker from Ciudad Juarez, a city on the U.S. border. The man taken into custody was reportedly Zuniga's boyfriend.

According to Zuniga, the occupants of the vehicles were planning to travel to Bolivia and Colombia to go shopping.

Alleged Gang Member Has Run-In with Santa Claus

2008-12-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

An alleged gang member got more than a lump of coal for flashing gang signs in a photo he took while sitting on Santa's lap.

Uriel Oliva, 18, was arrested recently after visiting with Santa at the Village Mall in Orange.

According to police, Oliva was under a court order not to associate with members of his street gang, engage in gang activity or hang out at the Village Mall when the photo was taken last Tuesday.

The photo showed Oliva and two other members of the Orange County Criminals gang. Oliva's probation officer reportedly noticed the photo on a keychain during a probation check.

Oliva, who will have a pre-trial hearing next month, has pleaded not guilty on three misdemeanor counts of violating court orders. He faces up to 18 months in jail.

Woman Fatally Shot by Police in La Habra

2008-12-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

Orange County authorities reported today that a law enforcement officer fatally shot a woman in her 60s late Monday evening who reportedly showed a weapon when he confronted her.

According to authorities in La Habra, the shooting in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street occurred after someone called 911.

Sheriff's deputies and La Habra police went to the address, where they reportedly confronted the woman who brandished a gun. The victim's name was not released.

Californian Allegedly Tosses Toddler from Car

2008-12-22T14:41:00.001-08:00

A San Rafael man was arrested for allegedly tossing a two-year-old boy from a moving car early Saturday morning in El Paso, Texas.

According to authorities, Alfonso Israel De Leon 34, allegedly threw the boy from the car and then crashed into a guard rail. The suspect was arrested and was charged with injury to a child.

El Paso police reported that they believe De Leon was driving through El Paso en route to California with two children, the victim and a four-year-old girl.

Witnesses reportedly witnessed what turned out to be the boy, along with other objects being tossed from the car.

De Leon was booked into the El Paso County Jail and was still there on a $100,000 bond.

Hermosa Beach Police Arrest Alleged Delivery Driver

2008-12-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

Police in Hermosa Beach arrested a man who reportedly posed as a delivery driver and stole packages from the porches of Hermosa Beach homes.

Christopher Brown Porterfield, 44, was arrested late Saturday evening after a witness reported viewing someone reportedly taking packages from homes on Circle Drive.

The witness reportedly confronted Porterfield, and he said he was a delivery man. Porterfield then took off without taking the package. A witness recorded Porterfield's license number and he was arrested shortly thereafter, reportedly with stolen packages in the vehicle.

Porterfield was booked and released on $20,000 bail.

Woman Pleads No Contest in Stalking Walton

2008-12-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

A woman charged with stalking Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton has pleaded no contest and was ordered to stay away from him for three years.

Deputy District Attorney Ann Ambrose with the Stalking Unit said Stacy Elizabeth Beshear, 35 of El Segundo, entered the plea to one count of misdemeanor stalking before Judge Hector Guzman. She was sentenced to three years probation, ordered to attend weekly counseling sessions for one year and ordered to stay away from Walton’s home, where he practices with the Lakers and at Laker games for three years.

Beshear was arrested Sept. 18 after she pulled up to his car and pretended to fire gunshots at him with her hand, officials said.

Ultimate Fighter, Wife Found Dead in Laguna Niguel

2008-12-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

Justin Levens, a mixed martial arts fighter and his wife, Sarah McLean-Levens, were found shot to death in their Laguna Niguel condo on Wednesday, with police saying it appears to be a murder-suicide.

The 28-year-old Levens, who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and other fighting federations, was found along with his wife in their bedroom. The wife's mother reportedly discovered the bodies.

Autopsies were planned for today.

Bail Set at $1M for Alleged Drunk Driver

2008-12-17T16:39:00.000-08:00

A Santa Ana man who allegedly killed a 20-year-old nursing student with his vehicle Sunday night has had his bail set at $1 million.

Takayuki Saito, 41, surrendered his Japanese passport in a Santa Ana courtroom Tuesday when prosecutors argued he posed a flight risk.

Saito appeared in court to enter a plea stemming from the death of Kaydee Campbell, who had stopped on the freeway to assist a crash victim.

A nursing student at St. Francis University in Indiana, Campbell, the daughter of Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Craig Campbell, was home for Christmas break when she was struck by the vehicle.

Arraignment on two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence causing bodily injury was postponed until Jan. 14. Saito also faces a sentencing enhancement for great bodily injury.

Campbell, who had attended Rancho Santa Margarita High School, was allegedly struck by a 1992 black Toyota 4-Runner driven by Saito near the Red Hill Avenue off-ramp of the northbound Santa Ana (5) Freeway in Tustin.

A 16-year-old girl who was involved in a prior crash that Campbell stopped to assist remained in serious condition as of today.

Saito reportedly has several previous citations, including one for evading police, but the majority were for items like driving without lights in the dark and failure to obey traffic signs.

Body Discovered Close to Hiking Trail

2008-12-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

Authorities in the Altadena area reported that a male body was discovered early Wednesday in close proximity to the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.

The body was located near a popular hiking trail sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Authorities reportedly were not sure if the man was a hiker. There was also no word on whether the death was by homicide or suicide.

UPDATE: Roof Collapse Injures People in Anaheim

2008-12-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

More than a dozen people were injured this morning in Anaheim as a roof collapsed at an adult educational center. The Southern California region is currently under a flood watch as heavy rains and mountain snows are impacting the area.

At least 13 people were injured, and all were transported to area hospitals.

According to authorities on the scene, the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program was holding a medical back-office training class at its Career and Technical Institute located at 1617 East Ball Road when the roof collapsed shortly before 9:30 a.m..

Anaheim Fire Department officials reported that a drain situated above one of the classrooms in the educational center failed. Water then gathered on the roof, causing it to collapse.

Flood Watch Posted for Southern California

2008-12-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Last month it was fires and now it is flooding.

Officials in Southern California are warning residents of the potential for flooding as a cold, wet and windy storm intensified early Monday, threatening flooding in Southern California burn areas and causing slick driving conditions.

The California Highway Patrol had reported more than three dozen traffic collisions on local freeways overnight, while large amounts of snow has forced the closure of Interstate 15 through the Cajon Pass. Flooding was also noted along the 105 Freeway near LAX and the 118 Freeway in Chatsworth.

The storm is expected to deposit up nearly three-quarters of an inch to 1 1/2 inches of rain on coastal and valley areas and up to twice that amount on the foothills and mountains.

Areas in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties that were impacted by recent wildfires are also being closely watched.

Homeowners and residents in all recent burn areas were encouraged to prepare their properties ahead of the rainstorms by getting sandbags from Los Angeles City Fire stations. Fire officials note when sandbags are filled and deployed properly, they redirect water and debris flows away from homes and property.

Residents will not be able to rest after Monday's storm, as another storm is possible Tuesday night and Wednesday.

No More Texting and Driving as of Jan. 1

2008-12-13T16:40:00.001-08:00

California has a gift for you come Jan. 1. If you are caught texting while driving, be prepared to receive a fine.

CHP officials sent out a reminder Friday to all the media outlets asking them to inform people that texting while driving will be illegal starting the first of the year.

A new state law will go into effect aimed at preventing accidents and collisions, as SB-28 prohibits a person using "an electronic wireless communications device to write, send or read text-based messages while operating a motor vehicle."

Drivers are subject to $20 fee for the first offense, and $50 for each subsequent offense.

Unlike SB-33, which focuses on teens, and SB-1613, which allows cell phone usage accompanied by a headset for adults, SB-28 is for all drivers.

For further information on the new cellular phone and text laws, visit California Department of Motor Vehicles' Web site.

3 KFC Employees Suspended for Prank

2008-12-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Three Kentucky Fried Chicken Employees in Anderson ordered up some trouble with a recent incident.

According to company officials, the trio was suspended for bathing in a deep sink used to clean dishes.

The prank was discovered when one of the young women posted photos on a social networking site of the trio posing and cavorting in the steaming water in their underwear and swim wear.

A manager at the fast-food restaurant south of Redding reports the trio was reprimanded and suspended Tuesday. Company officials said no manager was on site when the incident took place as the restaurant was in the process of closing for the evening.

Los Angeles Man Sentenced in Ax Killing of Dog

2008-12-11T11:13:00.001-08:00

A 37-year-old Los Angeles man who pleaded no contest last month to killing his brother’s basset hound with an ax was sentenced this week.

Deputy District Attorney Theresa Mitchell said Rudy Fernandez was sentenced to 294 days in county jail, five years of probation and 120 days in a mental health program. At the time of sentencing, the defendant had already served his jail term.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Anne H. Egerton ordered the defendant to attend a mandatory 48-session animal cruelty program and pay $500 in restitution to the Los Angeles City Department of Animal Services. Additionally, Fernandez may not own, possess, maintain or harbor any animals for the duration of his probation.

Fernandez pleaded no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty on Nov. 4.

On March 13, 2008, the defendant reportedly unsuccessfully attempted to strangle the dog, first with his hands and then by pinning it to the ground with his feet and placing a wood fencepost to its neck, Los Angeles Police Department Animal Cruelty Task Force authorities said.

Fernandez, who was in charge of the animal’s care while his brother was incarcerated, then reportedly used an ax to strike the dog’s head, fracturing its skull and killing the animal. Newton Division patrol officers found the bloodied dog in a trash bin when they responded to an animal cruelty investigation.

If the defendant violates the conditions of his probation, he faces up to three years in state prison with no credit for time spent in custody.

Trust Fund in Works for Survivor of Jet Crash

2008-12-10T15:37:00.001-08:00

A trust fund is being set up to assist the husband who lost his wife, two daughters and mother-in-law in Mondays's deadly fighter plane crash in San Diego.

Dong Yoon, who was at work at the time of the horrific accident, was the only member of the family to survive, as the fighter jet plowed into the family home and another home.

The pilot, who ejected and survived the crash, was attempting the land the plane at the nearby Miramar air base after he lost both engines on the F/A-18D Hornet. The plane had taken off from the USS Abraham Lincoln off the coast of San Diego during a training mission.

A trust fund is in the process of being established for Dong Yoon, however, until then, donations can be made out and sent to:

Dong Yoon c/o Korean United Methodist Church 3520 Mt. Acadia Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111

See related story at: gocalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/12/update-search-on-for-4th-victim-of.html

Women Allegedly Looted Homes of Fire Victims

2008-12-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Two women have been arrested in Yorba Linda for allegedly looting homes following recent wildfires.

According to authorities, the two were arrested Monday when police reportedly discovered copper pipes in their vehicles. The aree had been ravaged by wildfires a few weeks back, as more than 100 homes were destroyed.

Police were summoned to investigate a suspicious van outside a charred home early Monday and arrested the pair at that time.

Gwendolyn Smith, 36, and Elisha Haas, 19, were booked for investigation of possession of stolen property. Police also reportedly discovered a switchblade and drug paraphernalia inside the van.

The majority of Yorba Linda's destroyed homes have been razed by insurance companies and have fences surrounding them, according to police.

UPDATE: Search on for 4th Victim of Plane Crash

2008-12-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Editor's note: Authorities confirmed this afternoon that a fourth body, that of a baby girl, was discovered in the debris of one of the homes destroyed by the plane crash and fire.

Authorities in San Diego continued this morning searching for the fourth victim of yesterday's deadly F/A-18D plane crash in the city's University City section.

At approximately noon yesterday, a distressed fighter plane that had taken off from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln crashed onto a street in the UC community after the pilot reported engine problems. The pilot safely ejected from the plane shortly before it went down.

Three bodies were found in one home, while a second home was apparently empty when it was destroyed by the crash and ensuing fire. The plane crash-landed on a street and plowed into the two homes, setting off a massive fire. Six other homes suffered damages from the crash and fire.

The deceased victims in the home were identified as a 36-year-old Korean woman, her daughter, and the child's grandmother. The fourth victim, a baby girl, had not been found as of this morning.

View home video at: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Home_Video_from_the_Crash_Site_San_Diego.html

UPDATE: 2 Dead in Fighter Plane Crash

2008-12-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Two people were confirmed dead Monday afternoon following the crash of an F-18 fighter plane into a San Diego residential neighborhood.

See related story below for more information.

UPDATE: F-18 Crashes in San Diego Neighborhood

2008-12-08T13:25:00.001-08:00

An F-18 fighter plane based out of San Diego's Miramar Air Base crashed shortly before noon into a residential neighborhood in San Diego's University City.

According to reports, the pilot ejected safely from the aircraft prior to impact. At least two houses were set on fire by the crash, but as of 1 p.m. there were no reports of deaths or serious injuries to the pilot or those on the ground.

The plane was a two-seat F/A-18 Hornet, from the 3rd Marine Air Wing's training squadron, which was returning from a training mission when it went down.

UPDATE: O.J. Gets Up to 33 Years in Jail

2008-12-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

Former NFL great O.J. Simpson was sentenced today to up to 33 years behind bars for armed robbery and kidnapping during a failed attempt in September of 2007 to regain sports memorabilia from two collectibles dealers in a Las Vegas hotel room.

Simpson, 61, who will be eligible for parole after 2017, was led away in handcuffs and shackles following the sentencing before Judge Jackie Glass.

Simpson's co-defendant, Clarence "C.J." Stewart, was sentenced to at least 15 years behind bars.

Among those in the courtroom to hear the sentencing were Fred and Kim Goldman, the father and sister of murder victim Ron Goldman.

Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson were murdered in June of 1994, a crime O.J. Simpson was found not guilty of a year later.

Trio Charged in Abuse of Teen Boy in Tracy

2008-12-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

A California couple and the one-time guardian of a boy who escaped his captors earlier this week, were charged today with kidnapping and torturing the teen, a boy that authorities describe was sometimes kept shackled inside their home and abused with a baseball bat, belt and knife.

Kelly Layne Lau and husband Michael Schumacher were charged with 13 counts of abuse, and former guardian Caren Ramirez, whom the boy labeled as an aunt, was charged with 10 counts.

According to the San Joaquin County District Attorney's office, the trio were also charged with corporal injury to a child, child abuse and aggravated mayhem. The three could receive life sentences if they are convicted.

The boy escaped from the couple's home in Tracy on Monday and fled with a chain still attached to his foot to a nearby fitness center. Employees at the fitness center took him and called authorities, who later arrested the couple at their nearby home. Ramirez was later arrested in the Berkeley area.

Lau, 30, and Schumacher, 34, are being held on $2.2 million bail, while Ramirez, 43, is being held at the county jail.

See related story at: gocalifornia.blogspot.com/2008/12/couple-arrested-charged-with-torturing.html

Nunez, 3 Others Arrested for Alleged Stabbing

2008-12-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

The son of former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez is among four young men, who went searching for revenge after being turned away from a fraternity party the night a San Diego Mesa College student was stabbed to death, then tried to destroy evidence, according to an arrest warrant released yesterday.

According to authorities, Esteban Nunez, 19, and three others were brought back to San Diego on Wednesday to face murder charges in the death of a student from Concord. The four suspects were arrested Tuesday in Sacramento.

The four are charged with one count of murder, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor count of vandalism for the Oct. 2 death and face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted of murder. Nunez, Rafael Garcia, Ryan Jett and Leshanor Thomas, all 19, face the same charges.

After reportedly being turned away from a fraternity party near San Diego State University, Esteban Nunez and the others moved on to a friend's apartment, where they drank beer and rum.

The four left the apartment and later encountered a group of men exiting a fraternity party around 2 a.m. Two of the stabbing victims interviewed in the hospital informed police they were challenged to a fight.

A felony complaint filed in San Diego County Superior Court said the defendants used a knife or multiple knives to injure the four men.

Luis Santos, a 22-year-old student at San Diego Mesa College, died at the scene.

Police also say there may have been gang implications in the event, noting in the arrest warrant, that the four defendants belonged to a "close-knit group of friends who call themselves 'THC' aka The Hazard Crew."

Hip Hop Artist Charged in Death of Hollywood Man

2008-12-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

A Swedish Hip Hop artist was charged with murder Tuesday in the death of a Hollywood pianist who was killed during an alleged road rage incident last month, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced.

An amended complaint charging 34-year-old David Moses Jassy with one count of murder, along with an additional count of assault with a deadly weapon, was filed prior to the defendant’s scheduled arraignment today.

Jassy originally was charged on Nov. 25 with assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident. At the time the case was filed, an autopsy had not been performed on the victim, 55-year-old John Osnes. Prosecutors said at the time that the case remained under investigation.

The murder count alleged that Jassy personally used a “deadly and dangerous weapon, to wit, automobile,” to commit the crime. The additional assault charge also alleged an automobile was the deadly weapon.

Osnes was crossing a street in Hollywood around 1 a.m. on Nov. 23 when a rented vehicle driven by Jassy moved into the crosswalk. Authorities said Osnes, a pedestrian rights advocate, struck Jassy’s car on the hood. Jassy, police said, got out and punched the victim in the face. When Osnes bent down to retrieve his glasses, police said, the defendant kicked him in the head and drove away.

Several witnesses, including an off-duty Anaheim police officer, tried to stop Jassy from driving away, authorities said. The police officer took the license number of the vehicle, which was traced to Jassy. The defendant was arrested several hours later.

He remains in custody on $1 million bail. He faces a possible life-with-parole prison term.

O.J. Could Get 18 Years in Prison for Las Vegas Act

2008-12-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Former NFL great O.J. Simpson could be looking at 18 years in a Nevada prison for his reported role in the gunpoint robbery and kidnapping of two sports memorabilia dealers, according to documents filed yesterday.

A jury back in October convicted Simpson and another man of a dozen charges in the Sept. 13, 2007, encounter with two sports memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas casino hotel room.

Simpson, 61, who claims he went to the room to retrieve personal items, family photos and sports mementos that had been stolen from him years earlier, is currently being held in the Clark County jail in Las Vegas.

Lawyers for the former NFL star and co-defendant Clarence "C.J" Stewart filed briefs asking Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass for minimum prison terms of six years when the pair are sentenced this Friday.

A brief filed by Stewart's lawyer refers to a confidential recommendation by the state Parole and Probation Division that the two men serve sentences totaling 18 years for two counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon and two counts of armed robbery.

Simpson was acquitted of murder in Los Angeles in the 1994 slaying of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman, who were killed in front of Brown's condo.

Search Goes on for Individuals After SDSU Attack

2008-12-02T16:54:00.001-08:00

Authorites reportedly are continuing to search for six men who allegedly took part in a sexual assault of a woman last month in a frat house at San Diego State University

According to authorities, three men forced a woman inside a bedroom at the Kappa Alpha Fraternity house at approximately 1:30 a.m. Nov. 15 and sexually assaulted her while three other men stood guard. The victim escaped after a seventh man entered the room and interrupted the attack, according to campus police.

One suspect was described as a black male, heavy set and around 5' 10" with a goatee. The other suspects were all described as black males who wore white and black T-shirts.

Anyone with information on the assault should call campus police at (619) 594-1991.

Tip Line Important in Solving Denison Case

2008-12-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

One week after police made an arrest in the killing of Santa Barbara City College student Brianna Denison, word is now coming out that a tip line played a key role in catching the alleged killer.

Denison's alleged killer, James Biela, 27, was arrested last week in Reno, Nev.

Denison, 19, was kidnapped from a friend's home last January as she slept on a living room couch. Her body was discovered nearly a month later in a business park in south Reno. Denison had been strangled and her body had been left at the discovery scene for approximately a week.

Three other women were sexually attacked near where Denison was abducted from between October and December of last year.

For more on this story, visit: www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/02/cold.case.arrest/index.html

Couple Arrested, Charged With Torturing Teen Boy

2008-12-02T10:34:00.001-08:00

A Tracy couple were arrested late Monday and charged with torture and other counts after a teenager appeared at the nearby In-Shape Sports Club with a chain locked to his ankle, stating he had just fled his captors.

According to authorities, Kelly Lau Schumacher, 30, and Michael Schumacher, 34, were arrested late Monday.

The husband and wife had been taken into custody for questioning earlier Monday at their home in Tracy, where the emaciated boy was allegedly held against his will. A search of the residence reportedly turned up evidence implicating the couple of torturing the boy, who authorities believe ran away last year from a foster home in Sacramento.

Bail for the husband was set at $1.2 million, while the wife's bail was not disclosed.

$1.43M in Disaster Aid Approved for Fire Victims

2008-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Californians who suffered losses from the wildfires are approved for more than $1.43 million in disaster assistance, so far. Approximately $1.2 million of that amount is in the hands of applicants.

"It's important for homeowners, renters and business owners to call FEMA's toll-free registration number 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or go online at www.fema.gov and register for federal-state aid if they had wildfire damages," said Mark Neveau, federal coordinating officer.

The current federal-state disaster aid tally is:

1,419 applicants registered
$1,431,640 in grants approved for housing assistance.
655 home inspections completed
1,994 applicant visits to either Local Assistance Centers (LACs) or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).

Kaiser Doc Faces Charges of Sexual Assault

2008-12-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Authorities say a doctor who practiced part-time as a physician at Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Anaheim and La Palma is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting three female patients under the guise of performing routine medical exams.

According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, David Hung Do, 38, was arrested late last week at his Garden Grove home. He was released on $100,000 bail and will be arraigned at the North Justice Center in Fullerton on a date to be determined.

Between July 2007 and June 2008, prosecutors allege, Do sexually assaulted three women, ages 28 to 46, at Kaiser hospitals and urgent care facilities, where he was a general practitioner.

Do is accused of touching the victims' breasts and vaginas under their clothing. The touching was unnecessary and unrelated to the medical treatment needed by the women, according to prosecutors.

UPDATE: 2 Dead in Toys R Us Shooting

2008-11-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

A shooting at a Toys R Us in Palm Desert late this morning left two people dead.

According to Riverside County authorities, a call came in saying shots were fired inside the store at approximately 11:35 a.m.

One juvenile was reportedly in custody and the store went into immediate lockdown following the shooting.

There was no word on identifications of the two fatally injured.

Did Suspect Murder Brianna Denison?

2008-11-26T08:17:00.001-08:00

A press conference has been scheduled for today in Reno, Nevada as police may have caught the man who murdered Santa Barbara City College student Brianna Denison back in January in Reno.

According to authorities, James Biela, 27, was arrested late Tuesday on murder and other charges, including first-degree kidnapping and sexual assault. He was booked into the Washoe County Jail.

Three other women were sexually attacked near where Denison was abducted from between October and December of last year.

Fire Regions Brace for Possible Mudslides

2008-11-25T13:36:00.001-08:00

Southern California residents impacted by last week's wildfires now have another threat on their hands - mudslides.

Heavy rain is forecast over the next few days for the greater Los Angeles area, leading to the possibilities of mudslides.

The heaviest rain is expected Tuesday and Wednesday, then again later in the week. The National Weather Service reports up to two inches of rain is likely in Southern California mountain areas.

Some 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by three wildfires that scorched parts of Southern California last week, resulting in tens of thousands of evacuations.

Wal-Mart to Compensate Overcharged Customers

2008-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported it will trim $3 off the price of any item when a California customer is overcharged because of a problem with its price-scanners.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced the move in a settlement with the retailer after authorities found pricing errors throughout the state.

Investigators discovered 164 stores in 30 counties made scanning errors, according to the attorney general's office. On average, customers who were overcharged paid an extra $8.40 at the checkout.

The investigation started nearly three years ago amid allegations that Wal-Mart stores in California were charging prices higher than those advertised on store shelves and signs.

To settle the lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court, Wal-Mart agreed that when an employee becomes aware that a customer is charged above the currently listed price for an item, Wal-Mart will give the customer a $3 price-cut on the item, according to the attorney
general's office. If the item is less than $3.00, the customer will get it for free.

Wal-Mart will also pay $1.4 million in restitution, civil penalties and reimbursement for investigative costs.

Former Teacher Gets 2 Years for Filming Girls

2008-11-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

A former San Francisco area teacher has been sentenced to two years behind bars after pleading no contest to secretly filming girls in a school bathroom.

David Lista, 36, a former Millbrae teacher, entered the no contest plea back in August on a pair of felony counts related to drug and child porn possession, along with two misdemeanor counts of improper peeping. Lista had taught English at Mills High School for a decade.

Lista was arrested earlier this year after the school discovered images of female students on his computer from pinhole cameras he allegedly installed above bathroom stalls and under classroom desks. Child porn and drugs were reportedly discovered during a search of his home.

Pair of San Diego State Frats Suffer Penalties

2008-11-24T14:36:00.001-08:00

A pair of San Diego State fraternities were hit with penalties following their involvement last Spring in a major drug bust on campus.

School officials noted that the Theta Chi fraternity has been expelled for at least three and a half years for its role in the drug-ring scandal, while Phi Kappa Psi was suspended for 18 months.

Members from both fraternities were among more than 100 people taken into custody earlier this year as part of Operation Sudden Fall.

During the drug bust investigation, agents allegedly discovered evidence of widespread drug-dealing among some fraternity members. Drugs reportedly involved included marijuana, cocaine and Ecstasy.

HIV Victim Awarded $12.5 Million from Ex-Husband

2008-11-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

A man who infected his former wife with the HIV virus while they were married has been ordered to pay her $12.5 million, following a ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge.

Although the names of the two individuals were not revealed, Judge Rolf Treu awarded the victim $7.5 million in general damages and $5 million for past and future lost earnings. Treu did not award the woman any punitive damages in her case, stating he did not have information on the man's assets to make such a determination.

Prior to the start of the trial, both parties agreed to have the case decided by Treu rather than have it go before a jury.

The former couple, who were both diagnosed with HIV in October of 2000, married in July 2000 and divorced in October 2003.

Aid Available for Wildfire Victims

2008-11-24T08:35:00.001-08:00

The federal disaster declaration for the wildfires that began Friday, Nov. 13, opens the door for recovery assistance for residents of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and Santa Barbara counties, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES).

Disaster assistance may include:

Grants from FEMA for rental payments for temporary housing, if not covered by insurance, if you cannot live in your home or apartment. Initial assistance may be provided for up to two months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Payments may be extended after the initial period based on a review of your needs.
Grants from FEMA for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) which can cover uncompensated losses for personal property, including automobiles, up to $40,000 for both homeowners and renters, and up to $200,000 for homeowners for physical damage to their primary residence. SBA loans also may be used to pay for insurance deductibles.
Low-interest business loans are also provided by SBA for up to $2 million for uncompensated physical losses suffered by businesses of any size and private, nonprofit organizations. Additionally, working capital loans are available for economic injuries sustained by small businesses and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes in the declared counties and the adjoining counties. The combination of the two business loans cannot exceed $2 million.
Grants from FEMA and the State of California to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by your insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
Grants administered by the California Department of Social Services' (CDSS) State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP) may assist with eligible items not already addressed by the FEMA grant, SBA or insurance. Individuals who receive a maximum FEMA grant will have their applications automatically transferred to SSGP for consideration. Additional information is available by calling 1-800-759-6807.
Loans from the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence.
Tax relief guidance for people and businesses affected by the wildfires is provided by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). California matches the postponement period announced by the Internal Revenue Service giving affected taxpayers an automatic postponement to Feb. 11, 2009, for returns that would have been due between Nov. 13, 2008, and Feb. 11, 2009. Taxpayers who have questions can call FTB toll-free at 1-800-852-5711, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to Apply for Assistance:

If you live in one of the declared counties, you can apply for aid from FEMA, SBA and the state by phone from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. To register, call (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or go online at www.fema.gov (TTY 800-462-7585). Completing the application takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. You don't have to visit a Local Assistance Center (LAC) to register.

Man Shot Dead at Hollywood Scientology Building

2008-11-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

A man who reportedly was wielding a pair of Samurai swords was shot dead today on the grounds of a Scientology building in Hollywood.

According to authorities, the unidentified man came towards three guards at approximately noon in the parking lot of the Scientology Celebrity Centre, when one of the guards shot him. Detectives were questioning the guard to see what the swordsman's motive might have been and determine whether the shooting was justified.

The Celebrity Centre includes a seven-story Norman-revival landmark that towers over the Hollywood freeway and at one time was a residential hotel for movie stars.

Tennis Great Arrested Outside Basketball Arena

2008-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Tennis legend Jimmy Connors was arrested outside the campus arena where UC Santa Barbara and top-ranked North Carolina were playing a basketball game Friday evening.

According to authorities, the eight-time Grand Slam champion was taken into custody Friday night after refusing to comply with an order to leave an area near the entrance of the Thunderdome following a confrontation.

A Santa Barbara County jail employee said Connors, who lives in the Santa Barbara area, was booked and released.

EXCLUSIVE: Networking Helps Biz Professionals

2008-11-22T13:26:00.001-08:00

By Carrie Podber

Social Networking - You’ve heard the term, you know you need to be part of it but what does it really mean and how do you get the most out of it?

Social Networking is about building relationships in an online environment. The concept originated with the dating sites, where people where afforded the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in the interest of forming personal relationships. Followed by MySpace, which began with bands placing profiles to share their music and Facebook, for students, which allowed for friends to keep in touch and share pictures. These are all Social “Personal” Networking sites so how do you utilize Social Network for “Business”?

Shortly after the inception of MySpace, echain community launched its first prototype and beta test, for the business community to build relationships, collaborate and share knowledge and advice. Several years later when Facebook opened up its community to the masses the term “Social Networking” became widely accepted.

echain is a business social network that differentiates itself from the dozens of other sites out there. Built by an entrepreneur that understands the value of relationships to the success of business, it helps build relationships among its members in all states, that otherwise would not have had an opportunity to meet. The site has community blogs, individual blogs, personal profiles, business profiles, videos, represents trusted products and services and offers group health insurance to all its participating members.

In today’s economy, business people are much more aware of the value of their time and the necessity of meeting the right people. echain facilitates introductions online so that you can maximize your offline time. It functions as a Social Marketing, Social Media and cost effective Public Relations community ranging from entrepreneurs to medium sized companies seeking to showcase and grow their business through the power of relationships.

echain is a monthly membership community and in the process of working with several non profits/charities/causes and will be donating a portion of proceeds to participating organizations. Each month the member chooses which organization their monthly membership fee is allocated to. The mission is to help everyone grow business, build strategic, synergistic and revenue relationships by working together as a community.

Please visit us online at www.echaincommunity.com and set your profile up today!

EVENT: Annual Light Festival Kicks Off in L.A. Nov. 25

2008-11-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

The 13th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power holiday lights event in Griffith Park kicks off Tuesday night with a display of lights spanning a mile of Crystal Springs Drive. The holiday tradition attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The event is committed to offering a green LA holiday, a pedestrian only and vehicle free event goes through Dec. 7 with Bike Night launching. The driving route, walking and shuttles all run Dec. 8-30. Time: 5 to 10 p.m. Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 367-1255. or visit www.dwplightfestival.com

CAR: Orange County 'Starter' Home Incomes Drop

2008-11-21T22:37:00.000-08:00

So you really want to live in the OC?

According to a just released report from the California Association of Realtors, the minimum income necessary to purchase an Orange County starter home last summer dipped to $85,800.

A year earlier, the minimum income to purchase a starter home in the OC was more than $120,000 a year, and the minimum income was approximately $170,000 in the fall of 2005, just before the housing slump began.

The estimated price of an Orange County starter home this summer was just below $440,000, according to CAR. The typical starter home cost $604,000 only three summers ago.

CAR also reports that more than half of households statewide can afford the typical California starter home.

Pair of LAX Baggage Handlers Arrested for Thefts

2008-11-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

Two baggage handlers at Los Angeles International Airport were arrested recently for allegedly stealing more than 280 items from passenger suitcases.

The employees were taken into custody for theft of property after the suspected stolen items were discovered at their residences, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to authorities, one of the suspects admitted that he had been stealing from passengers' luggage for nearly one year. It's thought the items for the most part were stolen from luggage checked for outgoing international flights.

The items are expected to be placed on display this Saturday for victims to identify and reclaim.

The items can be found at Ahmanson Recruit Training Center, 5651 West Manchester Ave. in Los Angeles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Los Angeles Looks to Pay $13M to Finalize Lawsuits

2008-11-21T10:42:00.001-08:00

The city of Los Angeles will reportedly pay out some $13 million to finalize lawsuits from the turbulent 2007 May Day demonstration that injured dozens.

The $13 million reportedly does not include claims filed by some journalists who were also injured.

The L.A. City Council will need to approve the $13 million settlement, and the total could increase due to journalists' claims filed at the state level.

Back on May 1, 2007, members of the Los Angeles Police Department attempted to break up a protest in MacArthur Park, but they were using rubber bullets and batons during a mostly peaceful protest.

As a result of the actions that took place, two commanding officers were reassigned, one ended up resigning, and a number of police officers still face a possible termination over what happened on that day.

In response, the police issued a statement, noting, "Through the administrative process, we trust that each of the officers involved will be given a fair review that will evaluate their actions in the context of what they had been ordered to do, the tools and training they were given to accomplish those tasks, and the conditions under which they were operating."

La Jolla Man Guilty of Second-Degree Murder

2008-11-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

La Jolla resident Seth Cravens, 22, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of surfer Emery Kauanui in May of 2007.

According to authorities, Cravens punched Kauanui in the head during a fight in a residential neighborhood in May of 2007 after Cravens and several friends had a run-in with Kauanui at a neighborhood bar earlier in the evening. Kauanui hit his head on the pavement following the punch and was hospitalized, dying less than a week later at a San Diego hospital.

Cravens was convicted on the jury's sixth day of deliberations. The panel had indicated Monday it was deadlocked 11-1, but the stalemate was broken after several more hours of talks.

Cravens was also convicted of four counts of assault, and one count each of battery and making a criminal threat in connection with violent incidents dating back to 2005 that were unrelated to Kauanui's May 24, 2007, death. Jurors acquitted Cravens of two counts of assault and one count of battery.

Cravens is looking at a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison when sentenced on Jan. 12.

Three other males involved in the altercation pleaded guilty to lesser charges resulting from Kauanui's death and were sentenced to time in local custody.

Suicide Pact Discovered in Deaths of OC Family

2008-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Just released information points to a suicide pact in the deaths of five family members in the Orange County area earlier this year. Officials did say, however, that no note was left behind.

According to officials, Manas Ucar, 58, was shot to death by his wife, Margrit, who then took her own life in their San Clemente home. Three other family members, twin daughters and a grandmother, reportedly died of prescription drug overdoses. Their decomposed bodies were discovered May 25 after family members became worried.

The twin girls, Grace and Margo, 21, were found on a bed, their grandmother on a chaise lounge and their parents in a closet.

All but Ucar's wife had reportedly ingested a number of prescription drugs, including Vicodin.

Hollywood Fire Hits Clothing Store

2008-11-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

An early morning fire in Hollywood hit a two-story clothing store on North Cahuenga Blvd.

According to officials, the fire started shortly after midnight on the second floor of an Alife clothing store at 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd. The fire was put out in just under an hour.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and there was no word on damages.

State Tax Help Available for Wildfire Victims

2008-11-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) announced special tax relief for California taxpayers affected by the recent wildfires in Southern California.

"By immediately claiming a disaster loss on their tax returns, those who lost their homes or suffered property damages can quickly get some financial relief,” said State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang. “The FTB can also help them replace tax records and other important paperwork lost in the fires.”

The wildfires were declared a Federal disaster this week, and affected taxpayers are able to claim disaster losses in the current or prior tax year. Claiming the loss on a 2007 tax return filed earlier this year will allow FTB to issue refunds as quickly as possible.

Counties declared a major disaster area are: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Santa Barbara. Specifically included were the Tea Fire in Santa Barbara County, the Sayre fire in Los Angeles County, and Triangle Complex (formerly named Freeway Complex) fire in Orange and Riverside Counties.

Taxpayers claiming the disaster loss should write “Southern California Wildfires 2008” in red ink at the top of their tax return to alert FTB to expedite the refund. If taxpayers are e-filing, they should follow the software instructions to enter the disaster information. Taxpayers can get FTB’s amended 2007 tax return or original 2007 tax return at FTB’s Web site, ftb.ca.gov.

Taxpayers needing copies of lost or damaged state returns should complete Form FTB 3516, “Request for Copy of Tax Return,” available online. Disaster victims can receive copies of tax returns for free. Print “Southern California Wildfires 2008” in red ink at the top of the request.

To learn more about disaster losses, refer to publications FTB 1034 “Disaster Loss” at ftb.ca.gov IRS 547, “Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts” at irs.gov. or the

Taxpayers who have questions about their accounts can call FTB toll-free at 800.852.5711 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Assistance Available for Fire Victims

2008-11-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

With displaced residents of the weekend fires now returning to their neighborhoods, several home and business owners are now finding themselves facing dozens of questions before they rebuild.

To help navigate the insurance recovery process, the Insurance Information Network of California offers the following advice to those whose property has been damaged or destroyed:

Call your insurance agent or insurance company and report the damage. Most homeowner policies cover additional living expenses and will advance money if there is a need for temporary shelter, food or clothing. For insurance claim contact numbers, visit the IINC Web site at www.iinc.org.
If your home or business has been damaged but not destroyed, make temporary repairs where possible to prevent any further damage. Save receipts for supplies and materials purchased as the insurance company will reimburse for any reasonable expenses for these temporary repairs.
Prepare for the adjuster’s inspection. Take the time to inspect the property in advance and note anything that you would like the adjuster to see. Provide the adjuster with a list of the damaged items, photographs, receipts, bills and any other relevant paperwork. Doing so will help the adjuster correctly determine the value of destroyed property. Information on how to create an inventory and free inventory software is also available at the IINC Web site at www.iinc.org.
Maintain a recovery diary or log of all phone calls, emails and meetings about the insurance claim.
Be wary of those seeking your business. Contractors, public adjusters and attorneys may all try to get you to sign on the bottom line. Check licenses of contractors and public adjusters with the State Contractors License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov) and the California Department of Insurance (www.insurance.ca.gov). Be aware that if you sign a contract with an outside claims intermediary, your insurer is precluded from working with you directly. In addition, intermediaries’ fees in most instances are not paid by insurers; they are incurred and paid by policyholders.

To view a copy of the brochure, “Settling Insurance Claims After a Disaster,” visit the IINC Web site at http://www.iinc.org/articles/282/1/Settling-Claims-After-A-Disaster/Page1.html.

Photo: Courtesy of Reuters

State Fund Extends Credit for Its Fire Victims

2008-11-18T14:00:00.001-08:00

California's State Compensation Insurance Fund announced it will extend credit to policyholders who have suffered financial loss or business disruption caused by the fires in Montecito, Orange County and Sylmar.

To date, more than 900 residences and structures have been lost due to the flames and more than 35,000 acres burned and an untold number of businesses have suffered damages.

"With the fires being concentrated in densely populated areas, we understand that these fires have caused significant hardship to some of our policyholders," said State Fund President Jan Frank. "We are prepared to help our policyholders through credit relief as they return to normal operations."

Dedicated customer service lines have been set up to provide assistance to policyholders. State Fund will work with employers who are unable to report payroll figures or submit payments or have been cancelled for credit for reasons related to the fires.

State Fund representatives will review accounts and grant a 30-day credit extension, a 3-month payment plan or if necessary, withdraw cancellation and reinstate the policy.

Policyholders are encouraged to contact the customer service line, 800-388-0902 to make arrangements.

Firefighters Get an Upper Hand on Wildfires

2008-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

Although conditions have swung in the favor of firefighters in Southern California, officials report that it will be a few more days before they will likely have control of several blazes that have destroyed or damaged more than 800 homes in the greater Los Angeles area.

Blazes have roared from Santa Barbara to Anaheim since Thursday, as high temperatures, high winds, low humidity and dry conditions have made for a deadly mix. To date, some 35,000 acres of land have been scorched.

The worst losses have been in the Sylmar area where hundreds of homes were lost in the Oakridge Mobile Home Park.

The largest of three fires, the Freeway Complex fire, had scorched approximately 24,000 acres in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Most of the damage was in Orange County in the suburbs of Anaheim and Yorba Linda, with more than 100 homes reportedly destroyed.

Finally, the Tea fire in the Santa Barbara area destroyed more than 100 homes. Officials reported it was 80 percent contained as of Monday morning.

Police Capture Killer Wanted in SiPort Murders

2008-11-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Authorities on Saturday captured Jing Wu of Mountain View and placed him under custody for his alleged involvement in the shooting deaths of three co-workers at his former place of employment on Friday in Santa Clara.

According to authorities, Wu, 47, allegedly shot the CEO and the vice president of SiPort Inc., along with an unidentified woman. Wu had reportedly been recently let go from the company, which produces semiconductors.

Wu was booked into the Santa Clara County jail on three murder counts.

UPDATE: Pair of Major Fires Continue to Blaze

2008-11-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Firefighters continue to battle a pair of blazes that have destroyed dozens of homes north of Santa Barbara and in the northwest part of the San Fernando Valley.

The newest blaze started up Friday evening, burning dozens of homes and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. To date, four injuries (three to firefighters) have been reported.

According to authorities, the Sylmar Fire has resulted in the nearly complete loss of the Oakridge Mobile Home Park.

To date, 2,600 acres have burned, with more than 1,000 structures threatened by uncontrolled flames.

Evacuations Centers

Sylmar High School
13050 Borden Avenue, Sylmar

San Fernando High School
11133 O'Melveney Avenue, San Fernando

Kennedy High School
11252 Gothic Avenue, Granada Hills

Chatsworth High School
10027 Lurline Avenue, Chatsworth

Road Closures

5 Freeway closed in Newhall Pass. Vehicles are being taken off the freeway northbound at the 118 freeway and southbound at the 126 freeway.

210 Freeway closed in both directions between the 5 freeway the 118 freeway.

118 Freeway connection roads closed at the 405 Freeway.

405 Freeway closed northbound at the 118 Freeway.

14 Freeway closed at San Fernando Road.

Meantime, some 80 miles to the west, the Santa Barbara blaze continues in the community of Montecito, which has done major damage to a number of homes and Westmont College.

Officials report that up to 200 homes may be lost or damaged, while 13 people have been injured.

On a bright note, fire officials said they are gettng a hold on that blaze.