Staples Center Job Fair Set for March 16

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: $5 Per Article

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:

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.

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

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.

Koreatown Fourplex Collapse Injures 3 People

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.

Man Nabbed for Bringing Guns to LAX

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.

Moderate Quake Hits Southern California

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.

El Monte Police Search for Pair who Abducted Woman

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.

Los Angeles Man Sentenced in Ax Killing of Dog

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.

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

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

Los Angeles Looks to Pay $13M to Finalize Lawsuits

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."

UPDATE: Several Wildfires Continue Burning

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

To date:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: Wildfires Kill One; Still Burning

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

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

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

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

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

6 Dead in Murder-Suicide in Los Angeles Area

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

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

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

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

Police Search for Man Who Hit Teen at McDonald's

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: Train Crash Kills at Least 17 Outside L.A.

At least 17 people were killed Friday evening outside of Los Angeles when a commuter train and freight train hit head-on.

The Metrolink train reportedly departed Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and was going northwest to Moorpark in Ventura County. The trains impacted at about 4:30 p.m. in the Chatsworth area of the San Fernando Valley.

Resuce crews were working into Saturday morning still searching for any survivors along with bodies that may still be on the wrecked Metrolink commuter train. Authorities say more than 100 people were injured.

Overnight, rescue teams worked with hydraulic jacks to keep the passenger car from falling over and other specialized rescue equipment to slowly break into the metal.

Former L.A. Resident Pleads Guilty to 2 Murders

A man who fled Los Angeles County more than nine years ago pleaded guilty Tuesday to murdering his estranged wife and her teenage son at the family home in 1998. He was sentenced to spend the remainder of his life in prison.

Fu Lin Wang, 61, entered the plea before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Wesley, who immediately imposed sentence.

Authorities filed a felony complaint for arrest warrant against Wang in early March of this year. The resulting news stories carried in Chinese-language publications across the country led to a tip and the arrest of Wang in Chicago’s Chinatown in mid-March. He waived extradition and was returned to Los Angeles.

Wang, who also had been featured on television’s “America’s Most Wanted,” pleaded guilty to the first-degree murders of his estranged wife, Carol Lee, and his stepson, 18-year-old Michael Chu. The victims were shot to death at the family home in Alhambra on Dec. 14, 1998. Wang and Lee’s 9-year-old daughter was home at the time, but was not harmed.

Wang admitted the special circumstance of multiple murders. He also admitted he personally used a handgun to commit the crimes and had two prior serious or violent felony convictions in 1995. The convictions for assault with a firearm and shooting into an inhabited dwelling were counted as strikes.

The defendant’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Frederick Brennan, concurred and the plea was accepted by Wesley.

The judge sentenced the defendant to life without the possibility of parole for the special circumstance murders, plus 75 years to life for the murder of his estranged wife and the related gun use and prior conviction allegations.

UPDATE: American Flight Makes Emergency Stop

An American Airlines jet made an emergency landing this morning at Los Angeles International Airport.

Reports say smoke was detected in the cabin of AA Flight #81 prior to landing. Passengers were evacuated via inflatable chutes.

The plane was bound for Honolulu from Los Angeles. No injuries were reported.

Accident Sends 2 to Hospital With Critical Burns

A rental truck accident Sunday evening in Los Angeles sent two people to USC Medical Center with critical burn injuries.

The accident happened when a Ryder truck overturned and caught fire on the southbound side of I-5 at the connector to eastbound I-10.

The accident shut down the freeway interchange in downtown for several hours, with the road reopening shortly after midnight.

UPDATE: 5.4 Earthquake Hits E-SE of Los Angeles

An earthquake recorded at 5.4 magnitude shook Southern California this morning, startling residents from Los Angeles to San Diego.

There were no reports of injuries or immediate damages, although several buildings in Los Angeles reportedly swayed for a few seconds.

Preliminary reports from the U.S. Geological Survey said the quake, which hit at 11:42 a.m., was centered 29 miles east-southeast of downtown Los Angeles near Chino Hills in San Bernardino County.

Los Angeles to Bag Plastic in Stores in July 2010

Get ready to say goodbye to plastic bags at your local supermarket.

The Los Angeles City Council voted today to prohibit plastic shopping bags from stores, beginning July 1, 2010. Shoppers can either bring their own bags or pay 25 cents for a paper bag.

The council's unanimous vote could eventually lead to a state measure. California is considering an Assembly bill that would prohibit plastic bags in 2012 and force shoppers to pay at least 15 cents per paper bag.

In 2007, San Francisco gave approval to the nation's first bag ban, which took effect in November.