Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Metrolink Travel Dips 10%
After the devastating Metrolink public transportation crashes in Chatsworth and, three months later, in Rialto, which killed dozens of people, ridership on the Metrolink dips 10%.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Following is About Mayor Villaraigosa's June Trip to Israel
It is not anti-Israel, but in these hard economic times, some think it's a waste of taxpayers' money for city officials to go anywhere.
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_9420932
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_9420932
GI Bill and College
After WWII, the GI Bill was enacted by the US Government in order to financially help returning war veterans received a college education. Nowadays, returning vets from the Iraq War are finding hard to make ends meet whether they are being helped by the GI Bill or not.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9441641
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9441641
Fire Partially Destroys Universal Studios
As seen by an eye-witness - me!
Billowing black smoke covered a good section of the San Fernando Valley where the studios are located. At first, I thought they were rain clouds. Following the trail of the smoke, one could see that part of the studio back lot was literally covered with thick black smoke. It was surreal. That part of the lot made to look like "New York" was totally detroyed. Full story below.
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6670379&version=54&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Billowing black smoke covered a good section of the San Fernando Valley where the studios are located. At first, I thought they were rain clouds. Following the trail of the smoke, one could see that part of the studio back lot was literally covered with thick black smoke. It was surreal. That part of the lot made to look like "New York" was totally detroyed. Full story below.
http://www.myfoxla.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6670379&version=54&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Friday, May 30, 2008
UCLA Medical Center Scandal
It has been revealed that the UCLA Medical Center has performing liver transplants on Japanese crime bosses at the expense of law-abiding citizens waiting for theirs - and dying in the process.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ucla30-2008may30,0,717284.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ucla30-2008may30,0,717284.story
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Anti-Semitic Attacks in the Los Angeles Area
The following was taken from an article about anti-Semitic attacks in general in the Diaspora from http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/126246.
A visibly Jewish man was attacked April 12 in Los Angeles by two men with shaved heads “who spoke a language not English or Spanish,” according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which is publicizing a $30,000 reward offered by the L.A. City Council for information leading to the apprehension of the attackers.
The victim, a 58-year-old, was wearing a yarmulka when he was attacked by the two men, who called him “dirty Jew” and hit him on the side of the head before punching and kicking him once he was down.
L.A. Police report a steep rise in anti-Jewish attacks in the San Fernando Valley, with anti-Semitic vandalism and improvised bombs targeting the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus and a private home in West Hills.
A visibly Jewish man was attacked April 12 in Los Angeles by two men with shaved heads “who spoke a language not English or Spanish,” according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which is publicizing a $30,000 reward offered by the L.A. City Council for information leading to the apprehension of the attackers.
The victim, a 58-year-old, was wearing a yarmulka when he was attacked by the two men, who called him “dirty Jew” and hit him on the side of the head before punching and kicking him once he was down.
L.A. Police report a steep rise in anti-Jewish attacks in the San Fernando Valley, with anti-Semitic vandalism and improvised bombs targeting the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus and a private home in West Hills.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
LA Tries to Make Itself More Bike-Friendly Due To Rising Gas Prises
For those of you who live in Europe or Israel, you might think that we in Los Angeles are overreacting to the rise in gas prices which are, on average, about $3.90 a gallon as of this writing. Don't forget, this is Los Angeles. We depend on the car unlike any other group of people on this planet.
By the way, I'm one of those people who think biking in this city is undoable, if not dangerous, and I speak from experience.
http://www.theusdaily.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=394791
By the way, I'm one of those people who think biking in this city is undoable, if not dangerous, and I speak from experience.
http://www.theusdaily.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=394791
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ethnic Tension Between Armenians and Hispanics
On April 24, ethnic tension erupted in Grant High School (my old school), between Armenian and Hispanic students during the commemoration of the Armenian genocide by the Turks in 1915.
http://ktla.trb.com/news/ktla-schoolfight,0,4991993.story
http://ktla.trb.com/news/ktla-schoolfight,0,4991993.story
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
It Doesn't Just Happen in Israel
In early March, a documentary entitled "South Central Farm" was released to the public documenting the life of this former farming community which had become a source of food and a tremendous economic asset to South Central Los Angeles. In 2006, LA authorities destroyed this peaceful community. Although there are many differences, similarities between this community and Gush Katif can also easily be seen. The following youtube links are not part of the "South Central Farm" documentary, but they are still worth viewing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT66AsTk4iQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wusCsE9C5rw
There is precedent. In 1947, a peaceful Mexican neighborhood in Chavez Ravine was destroyed and its inhabitants expelled in order for Dodger Stadium to be built.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT66AsTk4iQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wusCsE9C5rw
There is precedent. In 1947, a peaceful Mexican neighborhood in Chavez Ravine was destroyed and its inhabitants expelled in order for Dodger Stadium to be built.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lack of US Viewers for the Oscars
In the US, the Oscar ratings hit rock bottom - about 1 million less viewers than in 2003.
http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/env-et-goldstein27feb27,0,7126419.story
http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/env-et-goldstein27feb27,0,7126419.story
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Cyber Pranksters
Coming on the heels of the deadly shooting incident in Winnetka, a new phenomenon is occurring - cyber users notifying the LAPD SWAT teams in Southern California of a tragedy taking place - and it's all a joke. Sometimes, the cyber users don't even live in California.
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_8291447
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_8291447
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Writers Strike has Ended But...
the way TV productions do business might have some adverse effects on writers.
http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1352635220080214
http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1352635220080214
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Spies for China
Below is part of an article that appeared in www.washingtontimes.com regarding a Southern California resident being one of four who were arrested on charges of spying for China.---------
A second case involving China included the arrest yesterday in California of a former Boeing engineer who was indicted on charges of economic espionage and acting as an unregistered Chinese agent.
Dongfan "Greg" Chung, 72, of Orange, Calif., was a former Rockwell International engineer until the company was bought by Boeing in 1996. A naturalized U.S. citizen, Mr. Chung held a secret clearance and worked at Rockwell and Boeing facilities in Downy, Calif., and Huntington Beach, Calif., respectively, court papers show.
He is charged with providing Boeing proprietary information on the space shuttle and U.S. military aircraft and helicopters to China beginning in 2002.
A second case involving China included the arrest yesterday in California of a former Boeing engineer who was indicted on charges of economic espionage and acting as an unregistered Chinese agent.
Dongfan "Greg" Chung, 72, of Orange, Calif., was a former Rockwell International engineer until the company was bought by Boeing in 1996. A naturalized U.S. citizen, Mr. Chung held a secret clearance and worked at Rockwell and Boeing facilities in Downy, Calif., and Huntington Beach, Calif., respectively, court papers show.
He is charged with providing Boeing proprietary information on the space shuttle and U.S. military aircraft and helicopters to China beginning in 2002.
Director Spielberg Quits Olympics
Steven Spielberg has quit his position of artistic director of the Beijing Olympics because of the Chinese support of the Sudanese government over its policy of ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Apparently, he was under pressure from other Hollywood celebrities.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/12/AR2008021203044.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/12/AR2008021203044.html
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Man Kills His Entire Family and a Police Officer
A day after a college student was kidnapped in Woodland Hills leading to a manhunt by the LAPD (I was wondering why all the main roads leading to Woodland Hills were cordoned off), a man in neighboring Winnetka killed his entire family and a member of the LAPD SWAT team this morning. In a radio interview, LA Coucilman Dennis Zine, himself a 40 year veteran of the LAPD and a founder of the SWAT team, was near tears on hearing of the officer's death.
http://www.knx1070.com/5-Victims--1-SWAT-Officer-Dead-in-Winnetka-Standof/1614328
http://www.knx1070.com/5-Victims--1-SWAT-Officer-Dead-in-Winnetka-Standof/1614328
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Party Cancelled
Vanity Fair magazine's annual Academy Award party has been cancelled due to the ongoing writers strike.
http://www.amherstdaily.com/index.cfm?sid=106041&sc=60
http://www.amherstdaily.com/index.cfm?sid=106041&sc=60
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Unease In and Around Hollywood
Will there be an Oscars ceremony this year, or will go the way of the Golden Globes and be cancelled? As of this writing, no one knows the answer to that. But local businesses that rely on the high volume of work generated by the Oscars are, understandably, anxious.
http://www.sfvbj.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=08109181.8091702.1583530.92063902.8622203.291&aID2=121801
http://www.sfvbj.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=08109181.8091702.1583530.92063902.8622203.291&aID2=121801
Bacteria at Local Beaches
The recent rains have caused unhealthful runoff into the ocean causing a high count of bacteria. A "rain advisory" remains in effect.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8173463
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8173463
Block Party Turns Into a Riot
Police tried to break up a block party on 30th St. but the party-goers refused to leave. Consequently, things got ugly. My thanks to Susan Laufer of Princeton NJ for providing me with this article.
http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/01/28/News/Riot-Forces.Break.Up.Party-3170685.shtml
http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/01/28/News/Riot-Forces.Break.Up.Party-3170685.shtml
Monday, February 4, 2008
No Happy Ending to the Writers Strike?
Hollywood writers may not find a very friendly atmosphere in the studios they work for should the strike end soon.
http://origin.dailynews.com/ci_8160097
http://origin.dailynews.com/ci_8160097
Tenants and Landlords Fight Sex Offenders
A public safety plan was proposed to allow landlords and tenants to report any suspicious behavior. This will tend to crack down on sex offenders.
http://origin.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8164627
http://origin.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8164627
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tainted Meat in Schools
Schools across Southern California are scrambling to find tainted meat in cafeterias that apparently originated from a slaughterhouse in Chino.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-beef3feb03,0,4674797.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-beef3feb03,0,4674797.story
Role of Women in Hollywood
According to a recent study, women make up just 15% of the top behind-the-scenes positions in Hollywood.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/business/news/e3i87c4dcd1982d089b08b234e797019fcf
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/business/news/e3i87c4dcd1982d089b08b234e797019fcf
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Racial Tensions at Kennedy High School
There were many instances of racially motivated fights at LA high schools over the past few years. The below link is just the latest example.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8130464
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8130464
Housing Crisis Makes Credit Hard to Come By
Due to the present housing crisis facing LA and the nation, thousands of homeowners are suddenly finding it extremely difficult to borrow against their property.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-loans1feb01,0,6255734.story
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-loans1feb01,0,6255734.story
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Craqcking Down On Illegal Immigrants
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is making a determined and forceful effort to arrest and deport individuals who have immigrated here illegally.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8104586
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8104586
High School Honors Three Who Have Fallen
South High School in Torrance honored its third former student who was killed in battle in Afghanistan.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-southhigh29jan29,0,2949404.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-southhigh29jan29,0,2949404.story
Falling Prices
US home prices have fallen steeply since the start of the economic slowdown. Homes in Southern California, especially, have been hit hard.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-homes30jan30,0,6271844.story
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-homes30jan30,0,6271844.story
Mortgage Company Losses
Countrywide Home Loans, the nation's premier home lending institution has posted a loss of $422 million in the fourth quarter.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-countrywide30jan30,0,6886024.story
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-countrywide30jan30,0,6886024.story
Monday, January 28, 2008
Anti-Semitic Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations in LA Area
The following is part of an article that appeared on www.pslweb.org - the Party for Socialism and Liberation-----
One of the largest U.S. actions was in Anaheim, south of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Arab American community, where well over 500 people waved Palestinian flags and held signs and banners demanding justice for Palestine. Arab American youth chanted "End the siege of Gaza now!" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!" while marching. Muna Coobtee, ANSWER Coalition, chaired the rally, which featured speakers from local Arab and Palestinian groups, nearby mosques, student groups and a representative of the La Riva/Puryear Party for Socialism and Liberation presidential campaign. Speakers mourned the death of Dr. George Habash, founder of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and urged support for the March 15 mass march to stop the war in Los Angeles and the upcoming Al-Awda convention commemorating 60 years since "al-Nakba" (the creation of the state of Israel and forced "ethnic cleansing" of over 750,000 Palestinians).
One of the largest U.S. actions was in Anaheim, south of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Arab American community, where well over 500 people waved Palestinian flags and held signs and banners demanding justice for Palestine. Arab American youth chanted "End the siege of Gaza now!" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!" while marching. Muna Coobtee, ANSWER Coalition, chaired the rally, which featured speakers from local Arab and Palestinian groups, nearby mosques, student groups and a representative of the La Riva/Puryear Party for Socialism and Liberation presidential campaign. Speakers mourned the death of Dr. George Habash, founder of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and urged support for the March 15 mass march to stop the war in Los Angeles and the upcoming Al-Awda convention commemorating 60 years since "al-Nakba" (the creation of the state of Israel and forced "ethnic cleansing" of over 750,000 Palestinians).
Rain Storms in California
Heavy rains caused havoc in California including one fatality.
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/29/news/state/13_31_551_27_08.txt
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/29/news/state/13_31_551_27_08.txt
Rent Control (or lack of it) in the Los Angeles Area
A common misconception that is held by people around the world is that the Los Angeles area is controlled by Los Angeles. This is false. As a result, what might be true for areas that ARE controlled by LA may not be true for those areas that are not. For example, there is no rent control for those people who don't live under LA's jurisdiction. Consequently, poor people, especially the elderly, are being forced to vacate their homes.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rent28jan28,0,7822882.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-rent28jan28,0,7822882.story
Thursday, January 24, 2008
School Health Cuts
The schools of the Los Angeles Unified School District could soon be forced to close many of its health clinics.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8059324
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8059324
Navigating LA's Bureaucracy
A local organization based in Sherman Oaks is trying to help new businesses overcome LA's stifling bureaucratic red tape - but apparently, it's an uphill battle.
http://origin.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8059318
http://origin.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8059318
Museum Raid
Authorities raid several museums in Southern California looking for stolen artifacts.
http://www.wvva.com/News/index.php?ID=20439
http://www.wvva.com/News/index.php?ID=20439
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Documentary About LA Gangs
"Made in America" is a documentary that is being shown at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah. The two gangs that are featured are still active today. Below is part of an article that was posted on www.LAist.com.
Made in America tells the story of the rise of the two most notorious gangs in Los Angeles: the Crips and the Bloods. Through dozens of interviews with both current and former gang members on both sides, Peralta provides a clear glimpse into a violent, despairing world that is seldom seen. These interviews are fascinating in the way Peralta is able to extract true humanity from what most would consider stone-cold killers. What's more, his exploration of the history that preceded the formation of the gangs--the racist housing codes that established South Central Los Angeles, the collapse of the L.A. industrial base after World War II, the 1965 uprising in Watts--provides a framework wherein the origin of the Crips and Bloods can be more fully understood. Made in America is a documentary that everyone should see when it ultimately reaches theaters.
Made in America tells the story of the rise of the two most notorious gangs in Los Angeles: the Crips and the Bloods. Through dozens of interviews with both current and former gang members on both sides, Peralta provides a clear glimpse into a violent, despairing world that is seldom seen. These interviews are fascinating in the way Peralta is able to extract true humanity from what most would consider stone-cold killers. What's more, his exploration of the history that preceded the formation of the gangs--the racist housing codes that established South Central Los Angeles, the collapse of the L.A. industrial base after World War II, the 1965 uprising in Watts--provides a framework wherein the origin of the Crips and Bloods can be more fully understood. Made in America is a documentary that everyone should see when it ultimately reaches theaters.
Gang Violence at Birthday Party
Police are investigating a gang shooting at a birthday party that left 2 people dead. This is common in the the LA area and is the second such incident so far this year.
http://www.gazettes.com/murders1242008.html
http://www.gazettes.com/murders1242008.html
Mall Lockdown
The LAPD locks down an entire shopping mall in order to catch bank robbers.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bank23jan23,1,1429040.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=5&cset=true
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bank23jan23,1,1429040.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=5&cset=true
Disturbing Scenes at Orange County Jail
Police are seen using undue force against inmates.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ocjail23jan23,0,5444017.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ocjail23jan23,0,5444017.story?coll=la-home-center
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A Plan to Alleviate the Water Shortage in Southern California
...but some of the less affluent communities surrounding LA are pessimistic.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-water20jan20,0,5461319.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-water20jan20,0,5461319.story?coll=la-home-center
End of LA's Airport Committee?
A committee assembled by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to promote flights outside of Los Angeles will meet later this month, and there could be an unpleasant item on the agenda: disbanding itself.
http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=16037226.8680126.1576341.3009115.5124076.784&aID2=121248
http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aID=16037226.8680126.1576341.3009115.5124076.784&aID2=121248
Friday, January 18, 2008
Slumlord Pleads "No Contest"
The manager of a run-down apartment near downtown Los Angeles has pleaded no contest in court in answer to charges that he sought, by various means, to drive out tenants.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-landlord19jan19,0,7448146.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-landlord19jan19,0,7448146.story?coll=la-home-center
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Dismal Sales Shutter Stores
The Christmas holiday season is usually the biggest sales period in the year. But a slowing national economy has severely hurt many retailers.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-retail18jan18,0,5155488.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-retail18jan18,0,5155488.story?coll=la-home-center
Hospital Dumping
For many years, it has been common practice for hospitals to rid themselves of poor patients with no health insurance by driving them to skid row and dumping them there. The below link is the latest example of this.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jan17/0,4670,HomelessDumping,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jan17/0,4670,HomelessDumping,00.html
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Most Recent Casualty From Iraq
As of this writing, over 400 Californians were killed in Iraq. The below article is about the most recent such death.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-death16jan16,1,7582576.story?coll=la-headlines-california
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-death16jan16,1,7582576.story?coll=la-headlines-california
Safety at MacArthur Park
New surveillance cameras installed at MacArthur Park to reduce crime don't seem to be working as expected.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-camera16jan16,1,7702188.story?coll=la-headlines-california
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-camera16jan16,1,7702188.story?coll=la-headlines-california
Showdown Between Bush and Environmentalists
Environmentalists have long ago succeeded in banning the use of sonar during navy exercizes in the waters off of Southern California. President Bush is expected to override the ban.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sonar17jan17,0,738138.story?coll=la-home-center
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sonar17jan17,0,738138.story?coll=la-home-center
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Fatal Fight
Fights ending in fatalities are common in Los Angeles. The latest such incident occurred today at the Beverly Center near Beverly Hills.
http://www.knbc.com/news/15039712/detail.html
http://www.knbc.com/news/15039712/detail.html
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Golden Globe Awards Cancelled
Hollywood's Golden Globe Awards have been cancelled this year due to the Writers Strike.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_7954664?nclick_check=1
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_7954664?nclick_check=1
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Cedars-Sinai Hospital Medical Lapses
The prestigious hospital is cited for mishandling of critical medical cases.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cedars10jan10,1,423088.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=2&cset=true
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cedars10jan10,1,423088.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=2&cset=true
Orange County and the Sex Trade
Women from poor countries are lured to Orange County and forced to go into the sex trade.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parsons10jan10,1,3927616.column?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parsons10jan10,1,3927616.column?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Hollywood Actors to Steer Clear of Golden Globe Awards
Members of the Screen Actors Guild, which include such celebrities as Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, and George Clooney, are likely to stay away from this years Golden Globe Awards in support of the writers strike.
http://www.7days.ae/en/2008/01/06/actors-to-boycott-awards.html
http://www.7days.ae/en/2008/01/06/actors-to-boycott-awards.html
Happenings in Orange County
The following piece of information appeared in ocbj.com, an on-line magazine dealing with news from Orange County.
EDUCATION The former finance director of Aliso Viejo’s Soka University of America pleaded innocent last week to charges he embezzled $1.7 million from the private university during seven years. Kiyoshi Hatanaka, 52, of Aliso Viejo left his job at university in early 2006 after allegations arose that he had created sham university accounts at a Los Angeles bank to gamble large sums at casinos in Temecula and Las Vegas, officials said. He was indicted on eight counts of embezzlement and eight counts of money laundering. A trial date has been scheduled for Feb. 12.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS 84 of 112 OC companies on a Bloomberg stock index closed lower in 2007.
Distressed homes made up 24% of OC homes for sale in late December, up from 23% two weeks earlier.
EDUCATION The former finance director of Aliso Viejo’s Soka University of America pleaded innocent last week to charges he embezzled $1.7 million from the private university during seven years. Kiyoshi Hatanaka, 52, of Aliso Viejo left his job at university in early 2006 after allegations arose that he had created sham university accounts at a Los Angeles bank to gamble large sums at casinos in Temecula and Las Vegas, officials said. He was indicted on eight counts of embezzlement and eight counts of money laundering. A trial date has been scheduled for Feb. 12.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS 84 of 112 OC companies on a Bloomberg stock index closed lower in 2007.
Distressed homes made up 24% of OC homes for sale in late December, up from 23% two weeks earlier.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Other LA Crime
Although homicides are down, other serious offenses have increased according to LA County Sheriff Lee Baca.
http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2008/01/region_sees_ris.php
http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2008/01/region_sees_ris.php
Homicide Report
The following article, below, first appeared on www.latimesblogs.latimes.com/homicidereport/. It has been partially copied here It lists all homicides in LA County alone since January 2.
Downtown LA: Joseph Cosina,19, was shot multiple times at 1024 South Grand Ave at about 1:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, and was taken to California Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two other men where also shot and a woman was stabbed. All three victims were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries. Police officials said the shooting was related to an argument that started inside a nightclub, the Crash Mansion, and escalated outside the club's parking lot. More to come.
Compton: A man was shot in the 15700 block of South Tarrant Ave. at about 6:04 p.m., Thursday Jan. 3. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounched dead.
West LA: A man was shot by an LAPD officer in the 1800 block N. Sawtelle Blvd at about 2:12 a.m., Friday Jan. 4. The man was about to be pulled over for running a red light when he suddenly stopped his vehicle, stepped out and pointed a gun at the officer. The man was also a suspected serial robber. More to come
Highland Park: A latino man was shot multiple times in the 900 block of Milwaukee Ave. at about 8:10 p.m, Thursday Jan.3.
Long Beach: John Fernandez,25, was shot in the 1900 block of Pine Avenue at about 12:05 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 1. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died at 11:15 a.m. Three other people were also shot and taken to the hospital; one is in critical condition. According to Long Beach police officials, Fernandez was among a group of people celebrating the new year in the backyard of a house. The suspect shot Fernandez and the crowd, then fled.
Downtown LA: Joseph Cosina,19, was shot multiple times at 1024 South Grand Ave at about 1:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, and was taken to California Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two other men where also shot and a woman was stabbed. All three victims were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover from their injuries. Police officials said the shooting was related to an argument that started inside a nightclub, the Crash Mansion, and escalated outside the club's parking lot. More to come.
Compton: A man was shot in the 15700 block of South Tarrant Ave. at about 6:04 p.m., Thursday Jan. 3. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounched dead.
West LA: A man was shot by an LAPD officer in the 1800 block N. Sawtelle Blvd at about 2:12 a.m., Friday Jan. 4. The man was about to be pulled over for running a red light when he suddenly stopped his vehicle, stepped out and pointed a gun at the officer. The man was also a suspected serial robber. More to come
Highland Park: A latino man was shot multiple times in the 900 block of Milwaukee Ave. at about 8:10 p.m, Thursday Jan.3.
Long Beach: John Fernandez,25, was shot in the 1900 block of Pine Avenue at about 12:05 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 1. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died at 11:15 a.m. Three other people were also shot and taken to the hospital; one is in critical condition. According to Long Beach police officials, Fernandez was among a group of people celebrating the new year in the backyard of a house. The suspect shot Fernandez and the crowd, then fled.
Rain Storm in California
Pounding rain in Los Angeles and throughout California is causing havoc from the northern to the southern end of the state.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080104/ap_on_re_us/winter_storm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080104/ap_on_re_us/winter_storm
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Schools Vandalized
McKinley Ave. Elementary School was one of many such schools in the LA area that were vandalized over the Christmas/New Year holiday. According to some teachers, this is a common problem when schools are closed during holidays.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-school3jan03,1,804836.story?track=rss
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-school3jan03,1,804836.story?track=rss
LA Area Population Statistics for 2007
The population increase in Los Angeles and neighboring counties is slowing down dramatically according to journalists Sharon Bernstein and Paloma Esquivel.
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pol/515353647.html
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pol/515353647.html
Indicted Orange County Sheriff Says He'll Return to Work
Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona, who was indicted for corruption, says he'll return to work. OC Superviser John Moorelach is insisting that he step down.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-carona4jan04,0,7357299.story?coll=la-home-local
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-carona4jan04,0,7357299.story?coll=la-home-local
Trouble Ahead for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Economists see an economic slowdown at LA's busiest ports that could affect large sections of the LA metropolitan area.
http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_D_warehousing04.24564c5.html
http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_D_warehousing04.24564c5.html
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Rogue Police Officers Go to Trial for Staging Home Invasion Robberies
Two former cops are set to go on trial for staging home robberies. Some people in the LAPD say that they might be part of a gang that specializes in this.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_7862499
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_7862499
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Hispanic vs. Black Gangs
Even though homicides and other violent crimes in Los Angeles have declines sharply in the past few years, violence between Latino and black gangs continue.
http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_7849122?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com
http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_7849122?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com
Tackling LA's Problems
Los Angeles has many problems. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has promised to find solutions for all of them in 2008. The question is though, is he able to?
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_7845382
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_7845382
Torture in LA Jails?
An inmate alleges he was pepper-sprayed by police for no apparent reason. According to him, this type of thing happens often.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-inmate1jan01,1,2382287.story?track=rss
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-inmate1jan01,1,2382287.story?track=rss
Driving Becoming a Nightmare on Highland Ave.
Residents say Hollywood gentrification has drawn more drivers eager to show off their wheels -- sometimes with fatal results.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-race1jan01,1,5681978.story?track=rss
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-race1jan01,1,5681978.story?track=rss
Heavy Rainstorm to Occur in the Southland
A heavy rainstorm is expected in the Los Angeles area in the coming days, according to meteorologists, wreaking havoc on the roads, and in areas that were victim to last summer's wildfires.
http://cbs2.com/local/storms.heaviest.rain.2.621299.html
http://cbs2.com/local/storms.heaviest.rain.2.621299.html
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