ADVISORY: LASD Homicide Detectives announce $20K in reward offer, in shooting death of Isiaiah Equihua
Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance and are asking anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau. photo: LSDHB
(MYCITYTALK) Los Angeles, November 14, 2018 - Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor, Hilda Solis, is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) for the shooting of Victim Isiaiah Equihua.
The incident occurred on April 13, 2015 at approximately 10:55 p.m., when victim Isiaiah Equihua was shot and killed while sitting on a bus bench, on the corner of California Avenue and Michigan Avenue, in the city of South Gate.
The suspect was last seen running eastbound on Michigan Avenue where a compact gray sedan may have picked up the suspect shortly after. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance and are asking anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
LASD Detectives seeking witnesses in a child endangerment incident in the City of Lancaster
Suspects: 32-year-old, Sarah Nilson and 38-year-old, Vincente Calogero are currently in
custody. photo: LASD
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lancaster Station are seeking additional witnesses in a child endangerment and neglect investigation
(BMLTV) On Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 4:00 P.M., Lancaster Station Deputies responded to a Possible Child Abuse call at the 100 block of Avenue J-8 in the city of Lancaster.
Deputies contacted the suspects and determined, 38-year-old, Vincente Calogero, a white male and father of the children, and 32-year-old, Sarah Nilson, a female white, and mother of the children, had been attempting to give and/or sell their children in exchange for money or drugs.
The suspects were arrested and transported to Lancaster Station where they were booked for Felony Child Endangerment, Child Neglect, and Being under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. They are being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The minor victims, two male siblings, are in the custody of Department of Children and Family Services personnel.
Station Detectives are seeking additional witnesses. Anyone with information regarding this case who may have seen the suspects abusing the children or had the suspects approach them in order to give away their children, and/or sell their children in exchange for drugs or money, are encouraged to contact Lancaster Station at (661) 948-8466 or Detective Gore at (661) 940-3855.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Lancaster Station Detectives would like to commend the residents of Lancaster who intervened in response to the danger the children were in and contacted law enforcement. We remind the public if you see something suspicious, say something!
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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signs Gun Safety Ordinance into law
This is the latest step in the Mayor's efforts to reduce crime and make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. photo: mayors office/LOS ANGELES
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES - August 7, 2015 - Mayor Eric Garcetti today signed into law a gun safety measure that bans the possession of large-capacity magazines inside of city limits. This ordinance prohibits the ownership of magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. The measure was introduced by Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian and passed on July 28th, 2015.
“I am committed to reducing the gun violence in our city,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This ban is part of that larger effort. It will help keep our streets safer and help prevent the magnitude of mass shootings. We are sending a clear message - we will not wait for Washington to act, we are ready to act now.” Mayor Garcetti was joined today by Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, City’s law enforcement, leaders of gun safety organizations, and a survivor of gun violence.
“Los Angeles is now the largest city in California to ban the possession of large-capacity magazines,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, the author of the ban. “These magazines may not be the cause of gun violence, but when shooters use them, tragedies turn into massacres.
I introduced this legislation just one month after Sandy Hook because I believe that elected officials at all levels have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent mass shootings from taking innocent lives. More than two years later, I’m proud that LA has acted, even as Congressional leaders shamefully sit on their hands.
Our city is now at the forefront of the national dialog on how to promote gun safety and prevent gun violence, and I urge other cities, states, and the federal government to join us.”
This law was initially drafted following the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children and 6 adults. Over the last ten years, over one million people have been killed or injured by guns and, on average, a mass shooting has occurred once every two weeks. This measure will not only help prevent mass tragedies, but also reduce gun violence on our streets and in our neighborhoods.
"The City of Los Angeles is taking a courageous step today and we have that courage because of our leaders, law enforcement, coalition partners and victims and survivors who get up every day and have the courage to fight for what is right and our right—the freedom to live in a society free of gun violence," said Suzanne Verge, President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
This ban builds on Mayor Garcetti and the City's strong history as leaders in gun safety regulations. For example, the City’s biannual Gun Buyback program, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development, has led to approximately 13,696 firearms being taken off of the streets citywide.
As this measure was signed into law, the Los Angeles City Council continues debate on two subsequent gun safety measures.
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A 17 year old is taken into custody for vandalizing a LASD Transit Services Bureau patrol car
(BMLTV) May 13, 2014 - On October 2nd, 2013, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Transit Services Bureau (TSB), Crime Impact Team (CIT), were conducting a follow up investigation at the Cesar Chavez High School in Los Angeles, California. When they returned to their patrol cars, one had been vandalized. “DFW KUSH” had been permanently etched into the glass of one of the patrol cars.
TSB CIT Team Deputy Grehtel Barraza immediately began to investigate the crime and came upon numerous incidents of graffiti vandalism over the past several years and thousands of dollars of damage, including damage to Metro stations and properties.
Barraza’s investigation found that the tagger moniker “KUSH” belonged to a 17 year old male Hispanic, which she was able to trace back to living in Compton, California, and being a student at Cesar Chavez High.
On Wednesday May 7th, 2014, TSB CIT Deputies served a search warrant at the home believed to be that of “KUSH.” Several people were detained at the location. A woman who identified herself as the mother of “KUSH,” Claudia Serrano, a 38 year old female Hispanic, confirmed that a 17 year old at the location was “KUSH” and that he was part of a group known as “DFW” “Down for Whatever” or “Down for War.”
“KUSH” admitted to vandalizing the Sheriff’s patrol car and several other crimes. He was booked at the Sheriff’s Century Regional Detention Facility for violation of 594(b)(1) PC – Felony Vandalism, and 186.22(a) PC – Promoting, Furthering, or Assisting in Criminal Conduct by Gang Members, and is being held with no bail because he is a juvenile.
Serrano was found to be in possession of what appeared to be Methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, and tools for weighing and distributing illegal drugs for sale. Serrano was charged with 11377(a) H&S - Possession of a Controlled Substance and held on $10,000. Bail.
LA County Child Protective Services were called and determined that a minor child found also living in the home could be released to a relative living in the area. Additional charges could be sought against those arrested. This case remains under investigation. Deputy Barraza stated, “Any vandalism costs people money, but when you vandalize a police vehicle or property, it shows a complete disregard for the people who are here to protect you and your family. We won’t tolerate it”.
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Homicide Detectives assist Claremont PD with officer involved shooting
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2014 - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Claremont Police Department officer-involved shooting which occurred on Monday, May 5, 2014, in the 500 block of West San Jose Avenue, Claremont.
Detectives have learned that the Claremont police officer located a stolen vehicle on the 500 block of West San Jose Avenue, Claremont. The vehicle had been reported stolen on Sunday, May 4, 2014 out of the city of Montclair.
The officer made an attempt to stop the vehicle as the driver drove into a dead end alley of the location. The suspect then drove the vehicle in reverse toward the officer. Fearing the suspect would run him over, the officer fired at the suspect striking him in the upper torso.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
The suspect is a male 25 years old.
The investigation is ongoing.
by admin
The Wolf Hunters of Wall Street
by michael lewis
(NEW YORK TIMES) March 31, 2014 - Before the collapse of the U.S. financial system in 2008, Brad Katsuyama could tell himself that he bore no responsibility for that system. He worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, for a start. RBC might have been the fifth-biggest bank in North America, by some measures, but it was on nobody’s mental map of Wall Street.
It was stable and relatively virtuous and soon to be known for having resisted the temptation to make bad subprime loans to Americans or peddle them to ignorant investors.
But its management didn’t understand just what an afterthought the bank was — on the rare occasions American financiers thought about it at all. Katsuyama’s bosses sent him to New York from Toronto in 2002, when he was 23, as part of a “big push” for the bank to become a player on Wall Street. The sad truth was that hardly anyone noticed it.
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Traffic collision experts have determined the speed of vehicle crash which killed Paul Walker and Roger Rodas November 30, 2013
2005 Porsche Carrera GT seen at crash location during police investigation November
2013 in Los Angeles County. photo: lasd
Toxicology tests on both men revealed that neither had used any alcohol or drugs
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES CA., March 26, 2014 - Los Angeles County Sheriff’s traffic collision experts have determined the speed of the vehicle driven by Roger Rodas, that claimed his life and the life of Paul Walker, was between 80 and 93 Miles Per Hour MA.
“Investigators determined the cause of the fatal solo-vehicle collision was unsafe speed for the roadway conditions,” said Commander Mike Parker, North (County) Patrol Division, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
An in-depth examination was conducted with the assistance of expert investigators from the California Highway Patrol - Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).
MAIT investigators conducted a mechanical inspection of the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT’s powertrain and exhaust, throttle and fuel system, electrical system, steering and suspension, brake system, tires and wheels, and airbag control modules.
The inspection also focused on the Porsche's history, safety recalls, and repair records.
The mechanical examination revealed no pre-existing conditions that would have caused this collision.
"During the examination, it was determined that an aftermarket exhaust system had been installed which would have increased the engine’s horsepower," said Commander Parker. The tires on the car were more than nine years old.
There is evidence that seatbelts were worn by both Mr. Rodas and Walker and that the airbags deployed for both the driver and passenger.
"Toxicology tests on both men revealed that neither had used any alcohol or drugs," said Commander Parker.
The traffic collision happened at about 3:26PM on Saturday, November 30, 2013, at Hercules St. at Kelly Johnson Pkwy, which is very near the business park at the 28300 block of Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, in the city of Santa Clarita.
The posted speed limit in the area of the collision is 45 MPH.
No eyewitness contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to say there was a second vehicle and there is no evidence to indicate there was a second car involved in the collision.
Investigators sought out eyewitnesses to what happened just prior to the collision, as well as to the collision itself. Security videos and photos from local businesses along with other evidence helped skilled investigators to determine the cause of the collision and that no speed contest was taking place.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s traffic investigators documented the scene extensively after the collision.
This included writing a traffic report, photographing the scene, determining the collision’s area of impact and point of rest, measuring skid marks and location of debris, gathering physical evidence such as debris and the on-board car computer data, and examining the car itself to look for such evidence such as paint transfer to help determine whether or not it had impacted other objects or cars.
LA Sheriff’s investigators also consulted with experts from the Porsche and Michelin Corporations as part of the investigation.
The opinion of the Los Angeles County Coroner - Medical Examiner is that Mr. Rodas “died of multiple traumatic injuries. The manner of death is accident.”
The opinion of the Los Angeles County Coroner - Medical Examiner is that the cause of death of Mr. Walker is “combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries. The manner of death is accident.”
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station polices the City of Santa Clarita and the unincorporated communities of a portion of the Angeles National Forest, as well as Bouquet Canyon, Canyon County, Castaic, Gorman, Hasley Canyon, Newhall, Neenach, Sand Canyon, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Sleepy Valley, Southern Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Sunset Point, Tesoro del Valle, Valencia, Val Verde, West Hills and West Ranch.
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Federal Civil Jury clears LASD Deputies in lawsuit stemming from 2010 Rancho Palos Verdes use of force
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES Ca, March 10, 2014 - A federal court jury found in favor of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Friday in a case involving alleged wrongdoing in Rancho Palos Verdes by sheriff's deputies from the Lomita Sheriff's Station.
The lawsuit alleged that three deputies and two sergeants unreasonably attempted to detain a hit-and-run suspect, and unreasonably searched his room on October 2, 2010.
The Sheriff's Department asserted that the suspect physically resisted and spit in the face of a sergeant, thus resulting in a reasonable use of force, including taking the suspect to the ground and the use of pepper spray. He suffered minor injuries. Also, that a search that resulted in the recovery of marijuana was lawful.
During testimony, the plaintiff admitted he lied to deputies at the scene, lied to a sergeant during the use of force investigation, and lied to county attorneys while under oath during his deposition.
After two hours of deliberation, the federal civil jury returned a unanimous verdict of no liability on the part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
In his closing remarks, the Honorable Judge Otero commended the sheriff's deputies for their restraint during the use of force and said he would entertain a motion from the Sheriff's Department to recover fees from the plaintiff
Case # CV12-10578 SJO (AJWx), Steven Sartori v. County of Los Angeles, ET AL. : The federal court jury returned a verdict for the defense on Friday, March 7, 2014. The law firm representing the County of Los Angeles was Ivie, McNeill, and Wyatt - Rickie Ivie lead counsel.
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AMBER ALERT: Child abduction
(BMLTV) LONG BEACH Ca, March 10, 2014- A Child Abduction occurred on the afternoon of March 6, 2014, in the City of Long Beach California. The child/victim is Nicholas Johnston, a 12 year old white male, at 4ft. 8inches, weight at 80lbs.,w/ blonde hair and blue eyes.
The suspect/abductor is Sri Johnson, a 49 yr. old white female at 5ft. 1inches, weight at 125lbs., w/ brown hair and brown eyes.
Johnston is possibly driving a tan1998 Saturn 4 dr., w/ Ca license plate no: 4AUU679.
Law enforcement is requesting the publics assistance w/ this matter, if persons are seen or located, please! contact the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 570-9650
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It's time to try school breakfast
It's time to try school breakfast. photo: prnewsfoto/msna
National school breakfast week promotes the benefits of school breakfast for busy families
(PRN/USN) ST. PAUL, Minn., February 28, 2014 - Although the majority of Americans feel breakfast is important, hectic mornings make it difficult to fit the meal in every day.
In fact, 40 percent of moms say that their child does not eat breakfast daily, according to Kellogg's Breakfast in America survey. To garner increased participation in the School Breakfast Program, schools throughout Minnesota will recognize National School Breakfast Week from March 3-7 2014.
The 2014 National School Breakfast Week theme, "Take Time for School Breakfast" encourages parents to consider the school breakfast program as a time-saving option for those busy mornings.
"Too many children are showing up at school hungry, and hungry children can't learn," said Brenda Braulick, president of the Minnesota School Nutrition Association. "Eating breakfast at school can help families save time in the morning, and knowing that school breakfast is healthy and a great value is a huge relief for parents."
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program to all children and to promote the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles.
The Minnesota School Nutrition Association is made up of over 2,900 school foodservice professionals working hard to help children by advancing school nutrition programs in our state.
Convicted felon and registered sex offender is wanted for his alleged involvement in the assaults of a female and police officer
by admin
Chicago's "Neighborhood Heroes" take a bow during Black History Month
ATIXA Executive Director writes open letter to President Obama regarding Campus Sexual Violence Task Force considerations
(PRN) MALVERN, Pa., January. 28, 2014 - Executive Director Brett A. Sokolow of The Association of Title IX Administrators writes an open letter to President Barack Obama with his recommendations for the recently announced campus sexual violence task force:
Dear President Obama,
I've read very carefully your announcement of a task force on campus sexual violence and the memorandum you signed this week to authorize it. It's good to know that this topic continues to be a priority for your administration. The goals seem, at first blush, sufficiently noble. They include:
Duke Energy braces for rare coastal ice storm; customers advised to prepare for possible extended power outages
- Duke Energy meteorologists continue to monitor storm's path and potential impact across the Carolinas
- An additional 200 line technicians and 100 vegetation management personnel head to the coast today
- Duke Energy urges customers, especially those located in communities along the coast, to be prepared
(PRN) CHARLOTTE, N.C., January. 28, 2014 - Duke Energy is bracing for a rare coastal ice storm that is forecast to hit eastern North Carolina and South Carolina later today.
Duke Energy's team of meteorologists continues to monitor the system. Line technicians, service crews and other personnel are available throughout the company's service areas and are ready to respond to outages and emergencies, if they occur.
Also, the company is shifting an additional 300 responders from areas less likely to experience power outages to the coastal areas to assist with outage restoration.
"Storms are unpredictable. Until we are confident in the storm's path and its impact to our customers, we will keep an appropriate number of resources in our communities throughout the Carolinas to assist with restoration efforts prior to moving them to other areas," said Jeff Corbett, senior vice president of Duke Energy's Carolinas Delivery Operations.
Duke Energy urges customers, especially those located in communities along the coast, to be prepared:
Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/storms
Safety
If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Restoring power
Restoring power after an ice storm can be challenging as travel conditions are poor. Before power can be restored, crews first assess damage and determine what crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs. Because of this, customers may see damage assessors patrolling their neighborhoods before crews arrive to begin work.
Crews prioritize work to ensure the largest number of customers is restored as quickly as possible. Essential services such as hospitals and emergency responders have priority. "Our crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to complete restorations," said Corbett. "Depending on the number of outages and the amount of damage sustained, we know from past storms some customers may experience multi-day outages.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place now in the event your power goes off," he added. "We appreciate our customers and their advanced preparedness and patience as we brace for this unprecedented event."
If you lose power, please turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This will help with restoration efforts as it will reduce the immediate demand on the power lines when power is restored.
Once your power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.
So long, MetroCard: NYC Subway cards will soon see their last swipes
photo: metro mta
by rebecca greenfield
(FASTCOMPANY) January 14, 2014 - New York City MetroCards are going the way of the token, replaced by new and (hopefully) better technology.
In the very near future New York City com¬muters will no longer have to swipe dis¬pos¬able sub¬way cards through a turn¬stile to access trains. By 2019, New York's MTA plans to imple¬ment a new, yet-to-be-announced sys¬tem that will either involve "bank issued con¬tact¬less cards" (i.e., cred¬it or debit cards) or smart¬phones, Kevin Ortiz, an MTA spokesper¬son told Fast Com¬pa¬ny on the occa¬sion of the Metro¬Card's 20th anniver¬sary.
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Fire Marshal warns the public to beware of fire danger from alternative heat sources
photo: mostefficientspaceheaterreviews.com
Heating equipment: Leading cause of home fatal heating fires in U.S.
(BMLTV)SPRINGFIELD
Ill
Remember the following regarding when using space heaters/fireplaces:
Statement on the shooting death of Colorado High School student Claire Davis by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
(PRN/USN) INDIANAPOLIS, December 23, 2013 - As mothers, we are devastated by the death of Claire Davis, a 17-year-old high school student who was shot and killed in the sanctity of her American high school on Dec. 13, the day before the year anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.
Today we are all Claire's mother, and we are enraged by the continued inaction of our Congress, who sit by as eight children or teens are shot and killed every day.
What does it say about our country that we consider our children's lives so expendable? Claire was murdered by an 18-year-old high school senior who was legally able to purchase a shotgun and ammunition.
The gunman would have had to be 21 to purchase a handgun. This shooting, the 28th school shooting in America since Newtown, underscores yet again an urgent need for federal and state legislative action on new and stronger gun laws that will address the epidemic of gun violence that threatens the safety of our children and families.
In honor of Claire's life, cut short by a shooting that was avoidable and senseless, and all of the victims of gun violence in our country, American mothers will continue to fight for gun reform until Congress and our state legislatures enact real, meaningful solutions.
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms.
The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families.
In just one year, the organization has more than 100,000 members with a chapter in every state in the country. For more information or to get involved visit:
www.momsdemandaction.org
Follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter @MomsDemand.
Mary Lolita Santos wanted for multiple offenses is now in police custody
Mary Lolita Santos/ photo: HPD
(MCT) December 9, 2013 - Hawaii Island police have located 40-year-old Mary Lolita Santos of Mountain View, who was wanted in connection with a reported burglary and domestic incident in Kurtistown on August 16 and on bench warrants.
Santos was arrested in Hilo on November 20 and charged on bench warrants for second-degree theft stemming from an incident on May 19 at a store on Makala Street in Hilo and two counts of contempt of court.
While at the Hilo police cellblock over the next two days, she was also charged with shoplifting for an incident on July 12 at a store on Makala Street in Hilo, with fourth-degree theft for an incident on August 17 at a store on Henry Street in Kailua-Kona and with second-degree theft for an incident on November 13 at a store in Waiākea Plaza in Hilo.
In addition, Santos was arrested on suspicion of burglary, assault, terroristic threatening, criminal property damage, phone ripping and violation of a protective order in connection with the August 16 incident in Kurtistown.
After conferring with prosecutors, detectives released Santos on the Kurtistown offenses pending further investigation. Detectives have since forwarded those investigations to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
by admin
An Amber Alert has been activated statewide at the request of the Washington State Police
(WSP) WASHINGTON - On December 4, 2013, at 02:30 pm. Elizabeth Romero was abducted from Kennewick Washington.
Elizabeth Romero a 14 year old was Hispanic Female, 5 ft. 3 inches tall weighting 130 lbs., brown hair, and brow eyes, last seen wearing a white tank top, dark pants, backpack, and carrying a pink purse.
The suspect is Eduardo Flores-Rosalas, a 19 year old Hispanic male, 5 ft. 9 inches tall, weighing 200 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes, color of clothing is unknown.
The suspect was last seen driving a early 2000 green ford escape, with Washington temporary registration. The suspect may be in route to Mexico.
If seen please contact Kennewick Washington Police Department at 509-628-0333.
Armed suspect sets up barricade
(BMLTV) LA CRESCENTA CA, Saturday, November 30, 2013 - According to the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department, about 5PM, Friday LASD Crisis Negotiators and Special Enforcement Bureau deputies are working with Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station deputies trying to peacefully resolve an incident of an armed man at the 2600 Blk Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta.
There are Road Closures 2600 Blk Foothill Bl between Rosemont and Raymond Ave. The entire Ralphs shopping center is closed. Streets closed off around the area to keep the suspect from leaving and endangering others, and to keep public from entering the area and possibly getting hurt.
The LASD is thanking the public for their patience. LASD says they are seeking the peaceful surrender of the suspect, which takes time. As of 8:20PM we are still working to achieve the suspect's peaceful surrender.
Thousands mourn renowned leader in the Los Angeles Gay Community
(PRN) NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA, November 27, 2013 - Los Angeles's Gay Community is mourning the death of one of their most beloved members, Bob Tomasino, owner of the popular country western dance club, Oil Can Harry's, located in Studio City. The club is the oldest gay bar west of the Mississippi and has been in business continuously for 47 years. Mr. Tomasino has received awards and recognition for his generosity many times over the years.
Rev. Demarco described Bob's passing as being "A tremor in the Force," felt by many. He added, "It will be an honor to lead Wednesday night's virtual meditation for Bob." In attendance will be Bob's longtime Manager and friend, Tommy Young. Supporters and friends are gathering at the church to share the moment with Tommy. The church is located at 6161 Whitsett Avenue in North Hollywood.
According to a friend, Nick Drance "word of this 'virtual gathering' has rapidly spread to thousands of community members through social media and emails by local organizations to their patrons or club members. Characterizing Bob's greatest attribute as representing 'Light' is so universally recognized, it's surprising that so many literally describe him that way. This is what makes the sense of loss so devastating for the gay community and why the focus on the Wednesday night is on the beacon of Light that Bob is."
Perhaps the most telling statement came front Michael Lara, owner of the nearby Bullet Bar. "Words cannot express my sense of loss. I've lost a friend, a leader, and a level of a man I try to be. We've replaced our website homepage with a tribute to Bob using those words on our facebook page. Everyone, including the patrons of my establishment, view Bob much the same as I do. What he stands for means so much to so many."
"We've lost the physical presence of a dear, dear man. Our church has shown the love and respect we have for Bob many times, including presenting him with our highest level of recognition for outstanding community service, the 'Love and Justice Award," according to Rev. Bob Goss, Pastor of the MCC Church in North Hollywood.
Alan Stroik, President of Avatar, a local community service organization, described his feelings this way. "A shining light has been extinguished on Earth, a new light now exists in the Heavens!" We are blessed to have had the opportunity last month, to present him our Lifetime Achievement Award at our 30th Anniversary Dinner last month. Our club stands for Brotherhood, we feel fortunate to have been able to give our highest award that expresses this to Bob while he was still with us.
A Celebration of Life for Bob Tomasino is planned for January 2014.
Deportations: The heat is on the U.S. President Barack Obama as deportations has moved to the center of the immigration debate
A DeKalb police office is shot in South West Atlanta
(AJC) November 21, 2013 -A DeKalb County policeman assigned to the U.S. Marshals was shot in the leg in southwest Atlanta early Thursday morning.
The officer who was working with the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitives Task Force when the shooting occurred, authorities said.
Atlanta police received a call reporting shots fired around 6:45 a.m., at a home in the 2800 block of Diana Drive.
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Sheriff's Homicide investigating shooting death at 122ndSt. Western Ave in Los Angeles
UCLA travelers delayed after LAX shooting
Greg Underwood: new Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney is firm but fair
Norfolks Commonwealth Attorney sits at his desk during a 2009 interview with Melissa Troutman.
photo: brian callan
Mr. Underwood is now the top prosecutor in the city ofNorfolk at a time when crime rates are higher than averages for both Virginia and the United States
(MCT)NORFOLK - On
March 10, 2009, Greg Underwood assumed his new position as Norfolk Virginia
After spending his younger years in the NAVY, this son of a farmer fromFayetteville , North Carolina
began his law career working for the Virginia Legal Aid Society, a
non-profit organization that provides free legal advice and representation in
civil cases to low- income families and individuals in Central, Southside and Western Tidewater Virginia . He
remembers it fondly:
"That was one of the best experiences of my life…when I was getting out of law school a lot of my friends had jobs working with various silk stocking firms, and when I told them that I was going to work for Legal Aid they thought it was because I couldn’t get a job…I come from a poverty background…The reason for working with Legal Aid was to give back to the community from which I
came."
Mr. Underwood is now the top prosecutor in the city ofNorfolk
at a time when crime rates are higher than averages for both Virginia and
the United States .
By the time we met, 42 days after he’d taken office, he’d already
employed many of the strategies he promised during his campaign. The firm yet fair efficiency with which he
works is the result of nearly 17 years experience in the Commonwealth
Attorney’s offices of both Norfolk and
neighboring Virginia Beach .
Zip codes continue to determine upward mobility inAmerica
Town mourns after teacher's death
14-year-old student Philip Chism is charged without bail
(AP)DANVERS , Mass. October 23, 2013 -She had a bright smile, a preference for
pink, and an admitted overenthusiasm for the subjects she taught. The lanky boy
was just a decade younger, new to the school, with a pleasant manner but little
to say.
UNDOCUMENTED OHIO: 'The Duke Talk'
(MCT) Hi everybody. My name is Claudia Muñoz. I am undocumented and some people call me an illegal immigrant. I am fromMonterey , Mexico
Chicago United names its 2013 business leaders of color
(PRN) CHICAGO
These leaders have also demonstrated a strong commitment to public service.
While achieving personal success, each has contributed to the cultural, civic, and educational life ofChicago
Past BLC members include:
Music Superstar and outspoken Activist Melissa Etheridge sits down with Dan Rather for AXS TV's "THE BIG INTERVIEW," Monday, October 14, 8 p.m., ET
Compelling Hour-long Interview Covers Etheridge's Upbringing, Career, Her Battle with Breast Cancer and Her Role As a Gay Rights Trailblazer
(PRN) LOS ANGELES, October. 14, 2013 - Chart-topping, Academy Award® and Multi-GRAMMY® winning artist Melissa Etheridge discusses a broad range of subjects in a riveting interview with Dan Rather on THE BIG INTERVIEW: MELISSA ETHERIDGE, which can be seen on AXS TV, Monday, October 14, 8-9 p.m. ET (5-6 p.m. PT ).
The interview took place at the singer-songwriter's Southern California home. Etheridge covers her entire life in the all-encompassing, intimate interview -- from the Midwestern roots that shaped her, to the epiphany she had as a breast cancer survivor, to how she became enthralled with music, and finally her emergence as a gay rights leader.
Etheridge, who has been cancer free for nine years, tells Rather the positive aspects of her Oct., 2004 diagnosis and how it changed her life. Said Etheridge: "I always tell people I'm grateful for my cancer diagnosis because it was the greatest gift because it completely changed my life. I was able to stop and let my whole life and world just crash over me like a wave. And I stood there and went, 'Wow.' And for the first time I stopped everything. I had to.
I did the chemotherapy that was, it's called dose dense. Because I didn't have to work, I was able to stay home, they put this crazy chemo stuff in me. So I laid in bed for weeks. And all I had-- all I could do was think. But I thought-- I found a beautiful stillness. "There's a point, I'm sure it's what yogis go to the mountain to do to get away from life.
There's a point when your tape of life runs off the reel and there's this stillness of your own -- I got to know myself. And I got to understand spirit and body and health. And I came outta that a whole new person and excited about life, about my art. Dedicated to: I am only gonna do what I love from now on." Etheridge, who spontaneously came out publicly as a lesbian at Bill Clinton's 1993 Presidential inauguration, also explains what it was like growing up gay in Leavenworth, Kansas in the 1970s and 80s.
"When I finally realized when I'm about 15 that all my friends are, 'Oh, Joe, Bobby, Mike,' you know, and I'm 'Jodie,'" Etheridge tells Rather. "You know, I'm like -- 'Wait a minute, what am I doing?' – that it's a scary thing. It was scary for my generation, but you realize, the first time I kissed a girl I was 17 and that's when it was like, 'Oh,' it was a huge difference. "Well, it's funny, you don't try to hide it, it's hidden because it doesn't exist. And so you know what you're doing is wrong and everyone's gonna be freaked out by you."
Toward the end of the interview, Etheridge is joined by her fiancee, Emmy® Award-winning writer/producer, Linda Wallem and the conversation turns to the strides made in gay rights during their lifetimes and their reactions to the Supreme Court's rulings regarding gay marriage. Etheridge commented: "There's a little bit more sense of I'm not so afraid to hold her hand. I'm not so afraid to go to the school and, they have two mommies, you know? It's not so strange anymore. It's starting to be a part of the American fabric."
Racist rants from city employee to cost taxpayers $560,000
(CST) October 10, 2013 - Cash-strapped Chicago will spend $560,000 to compensate women victimized by the racist and sexist behavior of a Department of Transportation honcho whose uncle is a former Northwest Side congressman.
Joseph Annunzio was working as a $77,148-a-year department supervisor when he was accused of calling female co-workers “bitches,” using the n-word, “mambo” and “Magilla the Gorilla” to address African Americans and for referring to immigrants as “f - - -ing foreigners.”
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National Press Club decries crackdowns on Press Freedom in Azerbaijan
(MCT) AZERBAIJAN, October 10, 2013 - As elections drew to a close this week in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Press Club closely monitored deteriorating press freedoms in that country and the government's imprisonment of political opponents there. The Club joined 22 international organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, Article 19, Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety of Azerbaijan, Index on Censorship and PEN International in condemning the arrest of journalists, bloggers and human rights activists.
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Crosby, Stills & Nash joined forces with Tom Morello for an intimate concert at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on October 3 to defeat Proposition 32 on November ballot
(PRN) LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2012 -On Wednesday, October 3, legendary supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash and activist/musician Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, The Nightwatchman) performed a special concert at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles for thousands of members of organized labor.
The show was a benefit to help defeat Proposition 32 on the State of California's November election ballot. CSN and Morello hoped to increase awareness of the deceptive measure designed to mislead voters and increase corporations' power by gutting important campaign transparency laws.
The event started with a reception from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., and music began at 7 p.m. Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman opened the night and got the crowd revved up with a passionate acoustic set that included a moving cover of Bruce Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad" and a rendition of the uncensored version of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," where Stephen Stills, David Crosby and Graham Nash joined him onstage to sing along. He also pulled his mother on stage to help sing along with them for that final song of his set.
Morello's performance was followed by a brief anti-Prop 32 video, and then inspiring speeches by guest speakers, including acclaimed actor/producer/director Edward James Olmos, that advocated for Proposition 32's defeat. The evening closed with a set from CSN that included classics such as "Wooden Ships," "Southern Cross" and "Our House." David Crosby dedicated their performance of "Guinnevere" to his wife, and Graham Nash spoke about the importance of supporting schools when he introduced the last song of the evening: "Teach Your Children."
Thousands of middle-class workers including nurses, firefighters, teachers, 911 operators and members of the League of Women Voters oppose Proposition 32. It promises to get money out of politics, but it actually floods California with money from out-of-state corporations, CEOs and Wall Street tycoons. The real purpose is to gut campaign finance rules to create an uneven playing field that benefits a few big money interests. It does this by allowing unlimited undisclosed corporate campaign spending while prohibiting labor unions from participating in the political process entirely.
For more info you can visit http://www.truthonprop32.org
Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance and are asking anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau. photo: LSDHB
(MYCITYTALK) Los Angeles, November 14, 2018 - Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor, Hilda Solis, is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) for the shooting of Victim Isiaiah Equihua.
The incident occurred on April 13, 2015 at approximately 10:55 p.m., when victim Isiaiah Equihua was shot and killed while sitting on a bus bench, on the corner of California Avenue and Michigan Avenue, in the city of South Gate.
The suspect was last seen running eastbound on Michigan Avenue where a compact gray sedan may have picked up the suspect shortly after. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance and are asking anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
LASD Detectives seeking witnesses in a child endangerment incident in the City of Lancaster
Suspects: 32-year-old, Sarah Nilson and 38-year-old, Vincente Calogero are currently in
custody. photo: LASD
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lancaster Station are seeking additional witnesses in a child endangerment and neglect investigation
(BMLTV) On Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 4:00 P.M., Lancaster Station Deputies responded to a Possible Child Abuse call at the 100 block of Avenue J-8 in the city of Lancaster.
Deputies contacted the suspects and determined, 38-year-old, Vincente Calogero, a white male and father of the children, and 32-year-old, Sarah Nilson, a female white, and mother of the children, had been attempting to give and/or sell their children in exchange for money or drugs.
The suspects were arrested and transported to Lancaster Station where they were booked for Felony Child Endangerment, Child Neglect, and Being under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. They are being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The minor victims, two male siblings, are in the custody of Department of Children and Family Services personnel.
Station Detectives are seeking additional witnesses. Anyone with information regarding this case who may have seen the suspects abusing the children or had the suspects approach them in order to give away their children, and/or sell their children in exchange for drugs or money, are encouraged to contact Lancaster Station at (661) 948-8466 or Detective Gore at (661) 940-3855.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Lancaster Station Detectives would like to commend the residents of Lancaster who intervened in response to the danger the children were in and contacted law enforcement. We remind the public if you see something suspicious, say something!
by admin
Hyundai Motor America hosts Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
helping over 2,000 families in the Orange County Community
Share Our Selves will receive can-good, non-perishable and cash donations from Hyundai to assist families in need in the Orange County, CA area
Share Our Selves will receive can-good, non-perishable and cash donations from Hyundai to assist families in need in the Orange County, CA area
( PRNewswire) FOUNTAIN VALLEY,
Calif., Nov. 8, 2017 - Hyundai Motor
America announces it will donate 2,000 frozen turkeys to families in Orange County, California,
in time for Thanksgiving. This donation is a part of the company's ongoing
mission to help build stronger communities.
"Hyundai Motor America is committed to giving back to
the community and helping its neighbors during times of need," said Zafar
Brooks, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. "This recent donation
of 2,000 frozen turkeys is a practical way to assist families in time for
the Thanksgiving holiday. We are honored to partner with over 20 community
based organizations in distributing the turkeys and other items to insure they
get to those who are in need. "
As a part of this effort, Hyundai is conducting its annual
food drive effort at its offices with its employees from November 6 until
November 18th. The public can drop off can-goods and non-perishable items at
one of 5 other drop-off locations in Fountain
Valley:
- The Fountain Valley Senior Center, 17967 Bushard St., Fountain Valley
- Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16500 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley
- Fount Valley City Hall Building, 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley
- The Fountain Valley Bowl, 17110 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley
- Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, 10055 Slater Ave #250, Fountain Valley
In addition, Hyundai headquarters employees are
participating in a CANstruction project that will raise additional food
donations. Teams of Hyundai employees will use their creativity and skills to
building CANstruction structures using can-goods and non-perishable food items.
Each project is expected to be built with 2,000 can-good items.
The can-goods will be added to the overall food drive
donation, which will all be donated to Share Our Selves, a non-profit
organization that provides over 60,000 meals a year to Orange County
residents. The public is invited to join us by making a donation of
can-goods at one of the above locations or directly to Share Our Selves.
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain
Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of
Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.
Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor
America and are sold and serviced through 835 dealerships nationwide.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signs Gun Safety Ordinance into law
This is the latest step in the Mayor's efforts to reduce crime and make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. photo: mayors office/LOS ANGELES
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES - August 7, 2015 - Mayor Eric Garcetti today signed into law a gun safety measure that bans the possession of large-capacity magazines inside of city limits. This ordinance prohibits the ownership of magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. The measure was introduced by Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian and passed on July 28th, 2015.
“I am committed to reducing the gun violence in our city,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This ban is part of that larger effort. It will help keep our streets safer and help prevent the magnitude of mass shootings. We are sending a clear message - we will not wait for Washington to act, we are ready to act now.” Mayor Garcetti was joined today by Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, City’s law enforcement, leaders of gun safety organizations, and a survivor of gun violence.
“Los Angeles is now the largest city in California to ban the possession of large-capacity magazines,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, the author of the ban. “These magazines may not be the cause of gun violence, but when shooters use them, tragedies turn into massacres.
I introduced this legislation just one month after Sandy Hook because I believe that elected officials at all levels have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent mass shootings from taking innocent lives. More than two years later, I’m proud that LA has acted, even as Congressional leaders shamefully sit on their hands.
Our city is now at the forefront of the national dialog on how to promote gun safety and prevent gun violence, and I urge other cities, states, and the federal government to join us.”
This law was initially drafted following the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2013, which resulted in the deaths of 20 children and 6 adults. Over the last ten years, over one million people have been killed or injured by guns and, on average, a mass shooting has occurred once every two weeks. This measure will not only help prevent mass tragedies, but also reduce gun violence on our streets and in our neighborhoods.
"The City of Los Angeles is taking a courageous step today and we have that courage because of our leaders, law enforcement, coalition partners and victims and survivors who get up every day and have the courage to fight for what is right and our right—the freedom to live in a society free of gun violence," said Suzanne Verge, President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
This ban builds on Mayor Garcetti and the City's strong history as leaders in gun safety regulations. For example, the City’s biannual Gun Buyback program, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development, has led to approximately 13,696 firearms being taken off of the streets citywide.
As this measure was signed into law, the Los Angeles City Council continues debate on two subsequent gun safety measures.
by admin
CHP Investigators arrest 9-1-1 call center bomb threat suspect
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, CA - On July 28, 2015, at 3:44 PM, a female suspect made a terrorist threat via telephone to the Los Angeles Regional Transportation Management Center (LARTMC) located in Eagle Rock CA. LARTMC is home to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) L.A.
Communications Center (LACC), where the call was received. The caller threatened to injure employees and destroy the facility with a bomb and used profanity before promptly disconnecting from the call.
LACC personnel immediately notified CHP Investigators and requested assistance from Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Communications staff activated systems to re-route all cellular calls from L.A. County to our sister facilities in Ventura, Orange County and San Bernardino. Individual CHP stations had to go into self-dispatch mode in order to maintain control of calls for service. CHP and Department of Transportation (DOT) personnel then evacuated the facility to pre-designated locations.
Specially trained explosive detection canines from CHP and LAPD were utilized to search the perimeter and every single floor of the building. A thorough search of the facility revealed no explosive device or any traces of explosives to be present.
Just before 6 p.m., the “all clear” was given and employees and dispatch operations fully resumed. Although there are protocols in place to safeguard public safety when threats such as this are received, this event was a reckless misuse of the 9-1-1 system and protocols intended for use during legitimate emergencies. CHP and DOT employees also had to endure the elements and kept from their duties without good cause. Lastly, numerous hours of CHP, LAPD and LAFD resources were wasted by having to concentrate their efforts toward a non-existent emergency.
CHP Investigators expedited an investigation utilizing confidential means and at 9:16 p.m., arrested Margaret M. Gallagher at a residence in Ventura County for making Criminal Threats. Mrs. Gallagher admitted to placing the call and threat, she was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Government Center for violating section 422 of the Penal Code – Criminal Threats.
by admin
Reckless driver leads California Highway Patrol officers in a pursuit from Agoura Hills to Tarzana
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, CA., August 25, 2014 - Shortly after 8:30 a.m. today, an officer assigned to the West Valley Area office spotted a black Ford Explorer with paper plates traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour eastbound on U.S. 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.
The officer attempted to stop the driver but he failed to yield and began to elude the officer. Due to the dangerous speed of the suspect driver CHP immediately requested the assistance of an LAPD airship as other CHP units joined the pursuit. At one point during the pursuit the suspect driver appeared to aim the vehicle at a CHP motorcycle unit that had also joined the pursuit but did not hit the officer.
Due to heavy traffic the suspect driver exited the freeway at De Soto Avenue and continued to evade pursuing units on city streets. The driver reentered the freeway headed eastbound on U.S. 101 Freeway where he recklessly drove through heavy traffic.
The suspect driver then exited the freeway again at Tampa Ave. and drove onto Ventura Blvd. at a high rate of speed. CHP ground units lost visual of the vehicle and at 8:48 a.m. all CHP units discontinued the pursuit.
CHP communications center was then informed an LAPD Air unit was flying over a vehicle matching the same description at Tampa Ave. and Nordhoff St. LAPD followed the vehicle as it traversed Hart St., White Oak Ave., Victory Blvd., Reseda Blvd., and Oxnard St. before entering eastbound U.S. 101 Freeway again.
Once on the freeway, CHP units again gave chase to the suspect who was now using the right shoulder to pass slower traffic. The suspect vehicle then exited the freeway at Reseda Ave. Once on Reseda Ave, just south of U.S. 101 Freeway, the suspect rammed two vehicles which caused the suspect vehicle to come to a stop. The driver was apprehended and placed under arrest at 9:22 a.m.
The suspect is a 40-year-old Hispanic male with a home address in Santa Clarita. A check of the suspect revealed he was wanted on two outstanding warrant charges including one for assault with a deadly weapon. LAFD responded to the termination point of the pursuit and transported the suspect to Tarzana Hospital for a medical evaluation.
At this time, CHP is still investigating the reasons why the driver failed to yield for the officer who attempted to stop him for speeding. A check of the vehicle registration revealed the car is not reported as stolen but the registered owner did not match the driver. CHP is attempting to locate the registered owner at this time.
Once released from the hospital the suspect was transported to LAPD Van Nuys Jail where he was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading and reckless driving, as well as for the outstanding warrants.
by admin
Florence couple indicted for producing child pornography
(BMLTV) BIRMINGHAM, May 20, 2014 - Earlier this month on May 3, 2014, a federal grand
jury indicted a Florence
couple on multiple charges that they exploited a minor child in their custody
to produce child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI
Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Schwein Jr.
A 107-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Patricia Allana Ayers, 34, and her husband, Matthew David Ayers, 42, in connection with 53 pornographic images of the child produced between the summer of 2010 and January 2013. The couple has remained in jail in Lauderdale County since early last year on state child pornography, rape, and sexual abuse charges.
“I am committed to protecting children from exploitation and sexual abuse, and in no case more so than cases like this, where children are hurt by those closest to them,” Vance said.
“This case emphasizes the need for anyone with information about the potential sexual exploitation of children to report it immediately,” Schwein said. “The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children operates the Cyber Tip Line in partnership with the FBI and other federal authorities. If you have information, call the tip line at 1-800-THE-LOST.”
The indictment charges 106 counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. For each photograph involving sexual exploitation of the child, the defendant involved faces two charges:
The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent, and it is the government’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
by admin
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, CA - On July 28, 2015, at 3:44 PM, a female suspect made a terrorist threat via telephone to the Los Angeles Regional Transportation Management Center (LARTMC) located in Eagle Rock CA. LARTMC is home to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) L.A.
Communications Center (LACC), where the call was received. The caller threatened to injure employees and destroy the facility with a bomb and used profanity before promptly disconnecting from the call.
LACC personnel immediately notified CHP Investigators and requested assistance from Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Communications staff activated systems to re-route all cellular calls from L.A. County to our sister facilities in Ventura, Orange County and San Bernardino. Individual CHP stations had to go into self-dispatch mode in order to maintain control of calls for service. CHP and Department of Transportation (DOT) personnel then evacuated the facility to pre-designated locations.
Specially trained explosive detection canines from CHP and LAPD were utilized to search the perimeter and every single floor of the building. A thorough search of the facility revealed no explosive device or any traces of explosives to be present.
Just before 6 p.m., the “all clear” was given and employees and dispatch operations fully resumed. Although there are protocols in place to safeguard public safety when threats such as this are received, this event was a reckless misuse of the 9-1-1 system and protocols intended for use during legitimate emergencies. CHP and DOT employees also had to endure the elements and kept from their duties without good cause. Lastly, numerous hours of CHP, LAPD and LAFD resources were wasted by having to concentrate their efforts toward a non-existent emergency.
CHP Investigators expedited an investigation utilizing confidential means and at 9:16 p.m., arrested Margaret M. Gallagher at a residence in Ventura County for making Criminal Threats. Mrs. Gallagher admitted to placing the call and threat, she was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Government Center for violating section 422 of the Penal Code – Criminal Threats.
by admin
Reckless driver leads California Highway Patrol officers in a pursuit from Agoura Hills to Tarzana
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, CA., August 25, 2014 - Shortly after 8:30 a.m. today, an officer assigned to the West Valley Area office spotted a black Ford Explorer with paper plates traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour eastbound on U.S. 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills.
The officer attempted to stop the driver but he failed to yield and began to elude the officer. Due to the dangerous speed of the suspect driver CHP immediately requested the assistance of an LAPD airship as other CHP units joined the pursuit. At one point during the pursuit the suspect driver appeared to aim the vehicle at a CHP motorcycle unit that had also joined the pursuit but did not hit the officer.
Due to heavy traffic the suspect driver exited the freeway at De Soto Avenue and continued to evade pursuing units on city streets. The driver reentered the freeway headed eastbound on U.S. 101 Freeway where he recklessly drove through heavy traffic.
The suspect driver then exited the freeway again at Tampa Ave. and drove onto Ventura Blvd. at a high rate of speed. CHP ground units lost visual of the vehicle and at 8:48 a.m. all CHP units discontinued the pursuit.
CHP communications center was then informed an LAPD Air unit was flying over a vehicle matching the same description at Tampa Ave. and Nordhoff St. LAPD followed the vehicle as it traversed Hart St., White Oak Ave., Victory Blvd., Reseda Blvd., and Oxnard St. before entering eastbound U.S. 101 Freeway again.
Once on the freeway, CHP units again gave chase to the suspect who was now using the right shoulder to pass slower traffic. The suspect vehicle then exited the freeway at Reseda Ave. Once on Reseda Ave, just south of U.S. 101 Freeway, the suspect rammed two vehicles which caused the suspect vehicle to come to a stop. The driver was apprehended and placed under arrest at 9:22 a.m.
The suspect is a 40-year-old Hispanic male with a home address in Santa Clarita. A check of the suspect revealed he was wanted on two outstanding warrant charges including one for assault with a deadly weapon. LAFD responded to the termination point of the pursuit and transported the suspect to Tarzana Hospital for a medical evaluation.
At this time, CHP is still investigating the reasons why the driver failed to yield for the officer who attempted to stop him for speeding. A check of the vehicle registration revealed the car is not reported as stolen but the registered owner did not match the driver. CHP is attempting to locate the registered owner at this time.
Once released from the hospital the suspect was transported to LAPD Van Nuys Jail where he was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading and reckless driving, as well as for the outstanding warrants.
by admin
Florence couple indicted for producing child pornography
A 107-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Patricia Allana Ayers, 34, and her husband, Matthew David Ayers, 42, in connection with 53 pornographic images of the child produced between the summer of 2010 and January 2013. The couple has remained in jail in Lauderdale County since early last year on state child pornography, rape, and sexual abuse charges.
“I am committed to protecting children from exploitation and sexual abuse, and in no case more so than cases like this, where children are hurt by those closest to them,” Vance said.
“This case emphasizes the need for anyone with information about the potential sexual exploitation of children to report it immediately,” Schwein said. “The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children operates the Cyber Tip Line in partnership with the FBI and other federal authorities. If you have information, call the tip line at 1-800-THE-LOST.”
The indictment charges 106 counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. For each photograph involving sexual exploitation of the child, the defendant involved faces two charges:
- enticing or coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating an image of the conduct
- as the parent, legal guardian, or person having control of a minor, permitting that child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing an image of it.
The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent, and it is the government’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
by admin
A 17 year old is taken into custody for vandalizing a LASD Transit Services Bureau patrol car
(BMLTV) May 13, 2014 - On October 2nd, 2013, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Transit Services Bureau (TSB), Crime Impact Team (CIT), were conducting a follow up investigation at the Cesar Chavez High School in Los Angeles, California. When they returned to their patrol cars, one had been vandalized. “DFW KUSH” had been permanently etched into the glass of one of the patrol cars.
TSB CIT Team Deputy Grehtel Barraza immediately began to investigate the crime and came upon numerous incidents of graffiti vandalism over the past several years and thousands of dollars of damage, including damage to Metro stations and properties.
Barraza’s investigation found that the tagger moniker “KUSH” belonged to a 17 year old male Hispanic, which she was able to trace back to living in Compton, California, and being a student at Cesar Chavez High.
On Wednesday May 7th, 2014, TSB CIT Deputies served a search warrant at the home believed to be that of “KUSH.” Several people were detained at the location. A woman who identified herself as the mother of “KUSH,” Claudia Serrano, a 38 year old female Hispanic, confirmed that a 17 year old at the location was “KUSH” and that he was part of a group known as “DFW” “Down for Whatever” or “Down for War.”
“KUSH” admitted to vandalizing the Sheriff’s patrol car and several other crimes. He was booked at the Sheriff’s Century Regional Detention Facility for violation of 594(b)(1) PC – Felony Vandalism, and 186.22(a) PC – Promoting, Furthering, or Assisting in Criminal Conduct by Gang Members, and is being held with no bail because he is a juvenile.
Serrano was found to be in possession of what appeared to be Methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, and tools for weighing and distributing illegal drugs for sale. Serrano was charged with 11377(a) H&S - Possession of a Controlled Substance and held on $10,000. Bail.
LA County Child Protective Services were called and determined that a minor child found also living in the home could be released to a relative living in the area. Additional charges could be sought against those arrested. This case remains under investigation. Deputy Barraza stated, “Any vandalism costs people money, but when you vandalize a police vehicle or property, it shows a complete disregard for the people who are here to protect you and your family. We won’t tolerate it”.
by admin
Homicide Detectives assist Claremont PD with officer involved shooting
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES, May 6, 2014 - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Claremont Police Department officer-involved shooting which occurred on Monday, May 5, 2014, in the 500 block of West San Jose Avenue, Claremont.
Detectives have learned that the Claremont police officer located a stolen vehicle on the 500 block of West San Jose Avenue, Claremont. The vehicle had been reported stolen on Sunday, May 4, 2014 out of the city of Montclair.
The officer made an attempt to stop the vehicle as the driver drove into a dead end alley of the location. The suspect then drove the vehicle in reverse toward the officer. Fearing the suspect would run him over, the officer fired at the suspect striking him in the upper torso.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
The suspect is a male 25 years old.
The investigation is ongoing.
by admin
The Wolf Hunters of Wall Street
by michael lewis
(NEW YORK TIMES) March 31, 2014 - Before the collapse of the U.S. financial system in 2008, Brad Katsuyama could tell himself that he bore no responsibility for that system. He worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, for a start. RBC might have been the fifth-biggest bank in North America, by some measures, but it was on nobody’s mental map of Wall Street.
It was stable and relatively virtuous and soon to be known for having resisted the temptation to make bad subprime loans to Americans or peddle them to ignorant investors.
But its management didn’t understand just what an afterthought the bank was — on the rare occasions American financiers thought about it at all. Katsuyama’s bosses sent him to New York from Toronto in 2002, when he was 23, as part of a “big push” for the bank to become a player on Wall Street. The sad truth was that hardly anyone noticed it.
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Traffic collision experts have determined the speed of vehicle crash which killed Paul Walker and Roger Rodas November 30, 2013
2005 Porsche Carrera GT seen at crash location during police investigation November
2013 in Los Angeles County. photo: lasd
Toxicology tests on both men revealed that neither had used any alcohol or drugs
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES CA., March 26, 2014 - Los Angeles County Sheriff’s traffic collision experts have determined the speed of the vehicle driven by Roger Rodas, that claimed his life and the life of Paul Walker, was between 80 and 93 Miles Per Hour MA.
“Investigators determined the cause of the fatal solo-vehicle collision was unsafe speed for the roadway conditions,” said Commander Mike Parker, North (County) Patrol Division, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
An in-depth examination was conducted with the assistance of expert investigators from the California Highway Patrol - Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).
MAIT investigators conducted a mechanical inspection of the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT’s powertrain and exhaust, throttle and fuel system, electrical system, steering and suspension, brake system, tires and wheels, and airbag control modules.
The inspection also focused on the Porsche's history, safety recalls, and repair records.
The mechanical examination revealed no pre-existing conditions that would have caused this collision.
"During the examination, it was determined that an aftermarket exhaust system had been installed which would have increased the engine’s horsepower," said Commander Parker. The tires on the car were more than nine years old.
There is evidence that seatbelts were worn by both Mr. Rodas and Walker and that the airbags deployed for both the driver and passenger.
"Toxicology tests on both men revealed that neither had used any alcohol or drugs," said Commander Parker.
The traffic collision happened at about 3:26PM on Saturday, November 30, 2013, at Hercules St. at Kelly Johnson Pkwy, which is very near the business park at the 28300 block of Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, in the city of Santa Clarita.
The posted speed limit in the area of the collision is 45 MPH.
No eyewitness contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to say there was a second vehicle and there is no evidence to indicate there was a second car involved in the collision.
Investigators sought out eyewitnesses to what happened just prior to the collision, as well as to the collision itself. Security videos and photos from local businesses along with other evidence helped skilled investigators to determine the cause of the collision and that no speed contest was taking place.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s traffic investigators documented the scene extensively after the collision.
This included writing a traffic report, photographing the scene, determining the collision’s area of impact and point of rest, measuring skid marks and location of debris, gathering physical evidence such as debris and the on-board car computer data, and examining the car itself to look for such evidence such as paint transfer to help determine whether or not it had impacted other objects or cars.
LA Sheriff’s investigators also consulted with experts from the Porsche and Michelin Corporations as part of the investigation.
The opinion of the Los Angeles County Coroner - Medical Examiner is that Mr. Rodas “died of multiple traumatic injuries. The manner of death is accident.”
The opinion of the Los Angeles County Coroner - Medical Examiner is that the cause of death of Mr. Walker is “combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries. The manner of death is accident.”
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station polices the City of Santa Clarita and the unincorporated communities of a portion of the Angeles National Forest, as well as Bouquet Canyon, Canyon County, Castaic, Gorman, Hasley Canyon, Newhall, Neenach, Sand Canyon, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Sleepy Valley, Southern Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Sunset Point, Tesoro del Valle, Valencia, Val Verde, West Hills and West Ranch.
by admin
Federal Civil Jury clears LASD Deputies in lawsuit stemming from 2010 Rancho Palos Verdes use of force
(BMLTV) LOS ANGELES Ca, March 10, 2014 - A federal court jury found in favor of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Friday in a case involving alleged wrongdoing in Rancho Palos Verdes by sheriff's deputies from the Lomita Sheriff's Station.
The lawsuit alleged that three deputies and two sergeants unreasonably attempted to detain a hit-and-run suspect, and unreasonably searched his room on October 2, 2010.
The Sheriff's Department asserted that the suspect physically resisted and spit in the face of a sergeant, thus resulting in a reasonable use of force, including taking the suspect to the ground and the use of pepper spray. He suffered minor injuries. Also, that a search that resulted in the recovery of marijuana was lawful.
During testimony, the plaintiff admitted he lied to deputies at the scene, lied to a sergeant during the use of force investigation, and lied to county attorneys while under oath during his deposition.
After two hours of deliberation, the federal civil jury returned a unanimous verdict of no liability on the part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
In his closing remarks, the Honorable Judge Otero commended the sheriff's deputies for their restraint during the use of force and said he would entertain a motion from the Sheriff's Department to recover fees from the plaintiff
Case # CV12-10578 SJO (AJWx), Steven Sartori v. County of Los Angeles, ET AL. : The federal court jury returned a verdict for the defense on Friday, March 7, 2014. The law firm representing the County of Los Angeles was Ivie, McNeill, and Wyatt - Rickie Ivie lead counsel.
admin
AMBER ALERT: Child abduction
(BMLTV) LONG BEACH Ca, March 10, 2014- A Child Abduction occurred on the afternoon of March 6, 2014, in the City of Long Beach California. The child/victim is Nicholas Johnston, a 12 year old white male, at 4ft. 8inches, weight at 80lbs.,w/ blonde hair and blue eyes.
The suspect/abductor is Sri Johnson, a 49 yr. old white female at 5ft. 1inches, weight at 125lbs., w/ brown hair and brown eyes.
Johnston is possibly driving a tan1998 Saturn 4 dr., w/ Ca license plate no: 4AUU679.
Law enforcement is requesting the publics assistance w/ this matter, if persons are seen or located, please! contact the Long Beach Police Department at (562) 570-9650
admin
It's time to try school breakfast
It's time to try school breakfast. photo: prnewsfoto/msna
National school breakfast week promotes the benefits of school breakfast for busy families
(PRN/USN) ST. PAUL, Minn., February 28, 2014 - Although the majority of Americans feel breakfast is important, hectic mornings make it difficult to fit the meal in every day.
In fact, 40 percent of moms say that their child does not eat breakfast daily, according to Kellogg's Breakfast in America survey. To garner increased participation in the School Breakfast Program, schools throughout Minnesota will recognize National School Breakfast Week from March 3-7 2014.
The 2014 National School Breakfast Week theme, "Take Time for School Breakfast" encourages parents to consider the school breakfast program as a time-saving option for those busy mornings.
"Too many children are showing up at school hungry, and hungry children can't learn," said Brenda Braulick, president of the Minnesota School Nutrition Association. "Eating breakfast at school can help families save time in the morning, and knowing that school breakfast is healthy and a great value is a huge relief for parents."
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program to all children and to promote the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles.
The Minnesota School Nutrition Association is made up of over 2,900 school foodservice professionals working hard to help children by advancing school nutrition programs in our state.
Convicted felon and registered sex offender is wanted for his alleged involvement in the assaults of a female and police officer
Kevin Anthony Briggs, handcuffed and in custody.
photo: Los Angeles FBI
Violent fugitive may be traveling in California
photo: Los Angeles FBI
Violent fugitive may be traveling in California
(MCT) LOS ANGELES, February 21, 2014 - This advisory was issued this evening in multiple media
markets throughout California and in Mexico based on information indicating the
subject described below is heading south from where he was last seen in
northern California (San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland).
Kevin Anthony Briggs, a convicted felon and registered sex
offender, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the assaults of a female and
a police officer in Bozeman,
Montana. He also is known as
Aimee MacIntire, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Briggs, Kevin A. Briggs, Timothy McCoy,
James Meismer, James Zenon Meismer.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for
information leading to the location and arrest of Kevin Anthony Briggs who is
wanted for state charges of aggravated assault, attempted sexual intercourse
without consent, assault on a police officer and escape. Briggs is wanted on
federal charges of Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP).
Authorities believe Briggs purchased a one-way bus ticket to
Spokane, Washington,
on February 1, 2014, from Missoula,
Montana. Information developed
during the investigation suggests he traveled to the Bay area and may be
heading south to Mexico.
Briggs has a violent criminal history and should be
considered armed, dangerous or possibly suicidal.
Briggs is described to be a white male, 5’5” to 5’7” and 120
to 150 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a sunburst tattoo around
his right nipple, a tattoo in his armpit and a tattoo on his lower lip. He has
a double "snake bite" piercing on his bottom lip. He also has a belly
button piercing and pierced ears. Briggs was last wearing gray sweatpants, a
dark-colored hooded jacket or parka, black shoes and a dark baseball cap.
Briggs is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with
information as to the identity or whereabouts of this fugitive should refrain
from approaching him and is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
by admin
Chicago's "Neighborhood Heroes" take a bow during Black History Month
ComEd launches "The Power of One" campaign
(PRN) CHICAGO,
February 3, 2014 - Diane Latiker, a mother of eight and grandmother to 13,
began her outreach by opening her home as a safe haven to kids on the block.
Her compassion to help a few has created an award-winning non-profit
organization, "Kids off the Block," dedicated to providing more than
1,500 young people positive alternatives to gangs, drugs, truancy, violence,
and the juvenile justice system. Today she has a center that services nearly 50
young people each day for tutoring, counseling or activities such as sports,
drama, dance and music.
In honor of Black History Month, ComEd launched its
"Power of One" campaign to recognize unsung heroes, like Diane, who
are making a difference in the community. The campaign profiles 28 inspiring Chicago-area
"Neighborhood Heroes," and their unique stories of how they are
powering lives.
"We are pleased to honor our heroes for their
remarkable contributions to their neighborhoods and Chicago's rich African American
heritage," said Kevin Brookins, senior vice president of strategy and
administration, ComEd. "For more than 100 years, ComEd has been committed
to serving the communities where our customers and employees live and work, and
this campaign is an extension of this longstanding commitment."
"The Power of One" campaign includes videos
profiling the neighborhood heroes. Beginning Feb. 1, all heroes will be
profiled on ComEd's website ComEd.com/PowerOfOne, and its social media channels Facebook.com/ComEd and
Twitter (@ComEd). In
addition, the heroes will be highlighted in a series of radio, out of home,
print and digital advertisements.
ComEd also invites the general public to nominate someone to
be the next featured neighborhood hero. Visit ComEd.com/PowerOfOne and click on
the "Nominate" section for more information.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based
Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's leading competitive energy
provider, with approximately 6.6 million customers. ComEd provides service to
approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's
population. .
ATIXA Executive Director writes open letter to President Obama regarding Campus Sexual Violence Task Force considerations
(PRN) MALVERN, Pa., January. 28, 2014 - Executive Director Brett A. Sokolow of The Association of Title IX Administrators writes an open letter to President Barack Obama with his recommendations for the recently announced campus sexual violence task force:
Dear President Obama,
I've read very carefully your announcement of a task force on campus sexual violence and the memorandum you signed this week to authorize it. It's good to know that this topic continues to be a priority for your administration. The goals seem, at first blush, sufficiently noble. They include:
- Provide educational institutions with best practices for preventing and responding to rape and sexual assault.
- Build on the federal government's enforcement efforts to ensure that educational institutions comply fully with their legal obligations.
- Improve transparency of the government's enforcement activities.
- Increase the public's awareness of an institution's track record in addressing rape and sexual assault.
- Enhance coordination among federal agencies to hold schools accountable if they do not confront sexual violence on their campuses.
- Best practices for prevention
and response need to be separate goals. 90% of campus resources
expended on sexual violence are expended on response, with too little
invested in prevention. So, on the prevention front, perhaps your task
force might tell campus presidents that prevention — specifically primary
prevention — can actually be effective at making sexual violence less
frequent.
They aren't convinced of this, and the empirical support is weak, so they spend their few resources on response, for fear of being publicly slapped for non-compliance by the Office for Civil Rights.
It will be hard within 90 days to fund studies that will demonstrate what the prevention best practices are, and which are most effective in specific contexts, but I'd focus on applications of bystander engagement, social normative marketing, environmental management and engaging men as allies as some of the most promising.
Some campuses lack the will to tackle the prevention challenge, though most have sincere willingness and zero resources. Funding the research on what is effective will convince presidents that prevention is worth the investment, and they may more efficiently reallocate resources between prevention and response. The more we effectively prevent, the less we have to expend on response. - Best practices for response
are important to identify as well, but a list of practices is worthless
without the appropriate training. Such training should: 1) ensure that
those on the front lines of campus intake know how to provide a quality
response that minimizes secondary and tertiary victimization, 2) provide
the right information in a crisis, and 3) empower victims to make an
informed choice about what is in their best interest.
Right now, campuses largely lack a culture of training, and are already bombarded with training mandates under Title IX and the newly enacted (by you, on March 7th, 2013) SAVE Act that they can't meet. Campuses need well-staffed prevention and response offices, equipped to train thousands of students and employees on what to know, what to do, and who to tell. Those mostly don't exist, so how will the messages of your task force actually be delivered?
Very truly yours,Brett A. Sokolow, Esq.
Executive Director
Duke Energy braces for rare coastal ice storm; customers advised to prepare for possible extended power outages
- Duke Energy meteorologists continue to monitor storm's path and potential impact across the Carolinas
- An additional 200 line technicians and 100 vegetation management personnel head to the coast today
- Duke Energy urges customers, especially those located in communities along the coast, to be prepared
(PRN) CHARLOTTE, N.C., January. 28, 2014 - Duke Energy is bracing for a rare coastal ice storm that is forecast to hit eastern North Carolina and South Carolina later today.
Duke Energy's team of meteorologists continues to monitor the system. Line technicians, service crews and other personnel are available throughout the company's service areas and are ready to respond to outages and emergencies, if they occur.
Also, the company is shifting an additional 300 responders from areas less likely to experience power outages to the coastal areas to assist with outage restoration.
"Storms are unpredictable. Until we are confident in the storm's path and its impact to our customers, we will keep an appropriate number of resources in our communities throughout the Carolinas to assist with restoration efforts prior to moving them to other areas," said Jeff Corbett, senior vice president of Duke Energy's Carolinas Delivery Operations.
Duke Energy urges customers, especially those located in communities along the coast, to be prepared:
- Check your supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc.
- Ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA weather radio is on hand.
- Do not attempt to heat your home with a gas grill or by bringing a generator inside.
- Only operate such equipment outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Follow manufacturer instructions.
- Check on family members, friends and neighbors who have special medical needs or who are elderly to ensure they have necessary emergency supplies.
- Encourage them to determine now what action they would take in the event of an extended power outage.
Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766)
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/storms
Safety
- Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging.
- Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines.
- Please report downed power lines to Duke Energy and your local police department.
If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Restoring power
Restoring power after an ice storm can be challenging as travel conditions are poor. Before power can be restored, crews first assess damage and determine what crews, equipment and supplies will be needed to make repairs. Because of this, customers may see damage assessors patrolling their neighborhoods before crews arrive to begin work.
Crews prioritize work to ensure the largest number of customers is restored as quickly as possible. Essential services such as hospitals and emergency responders have priority. "Our crews will work as quickly and safely as possible to complete restorations," said Corbett. "Depending on the number of outages and the amount of damage sustained, we know from past storms some customers may experience multi-day outages.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place now in the event your power goes off," he added. "We appreciate our customers and their advanced preparedness and patience as we brace for this unprecedented event."
If you lose power, please turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This will help with restoration efforts as it will reduce the immediate demand on the power lines when power is restored.
Once your power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.
So long, MetroCard: NYC Subway cards will soon see their last swipes
photo: metro mta
by rebecca greenfield
(FASTCOMPANY) January 14, 2014 - New York City MetroCards are going the way of the token, replaced by new and (hopefully) better technology.
In the very near future New York City com¬muters will no longer have to swipe dis¬pos¬able sub¬way cards through a turn¬stile to access trains. By 2019, New York's MTA plans to imple¬ment a new, yet-to-be-announced sys¬tem that will either involve "bank issued con¬tact¬less cards" (i.e., cred¬it or debit cards) or smart¬phones, Kevin Ortiz, an MTA spokesper¬son told Fast Com¬pa¬ny on the occa¬sion of the Metro¬Card's 20th anniver¬sary.
Read more
Fire Marshal warns the public to beware of fire danger from alternative heat sources
photo: mostefficientspaceheaterreviews.com
Heating equipment: Leading cause of home fatal heating fires in U.S.
(BMLTV)
“This is very dangerous time for fires and carbon monoxide
poisoning. During this rough winter it is imperative to remind the public
of the proper use of space heaters and other ways to stay warm,” said State
Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. “Although space heaters provide heating,
they could also bring major safety concerns if adequate safety precautions are
not followed.”
In Illinois
in 2012, 67 home fires were caused by alternative heaters and 67 other fires
were linked to chimneys and fireplaces. The OSFM recommends giving
heating equipment three feet of space between the device and anything that can
burn, including people. It is also important to make sure there is
adequate overhead clearance for space heaters.
The OSFM also reminds residents about the risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning caused by many furnaces, fireplaces and kerosene space
heaters. It is important to keep all systems and fireplaces well
maintained and clean. If a kerosene space heater is used, make sure it is
vented to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Illinois Carbon Monoxide Detector Act (430 IL CS135)
requires that every dwelling unit shall be equipped with at least one approved
carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room
used for sleeping purposes. Every structure that contains more than one
dwelling unit shall contain at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in
operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.
Working smoke alarms must be placed at a maximum of 15 feet from sleeping
quarters, at least one on each level (including basements).
Remember the following regarding when using space heaters/fireplaces:
• All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn
at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as furniture, bedding,
paper or other flammable items.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. Pets should also be kept away from them.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• When using electric space heaters, make sure they are UL rated.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall outlet, not to extension cords.
• If kerosene space heaters are used, look for UL rated labels. Make sure the heater is vented to avoid carbon monoxide problems.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave a room or go to bed.
• Wood burning fireplaces should only be used by adults.
• Wood fireplaces should always be kept clean to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation.
• Light the fireplace using a utility lighter or long match.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters. Pets should also be kept away from them.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• When using electric space heaters, make sure they are UL rated.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall outlet, not to extension cords.
• If kerosene space heaters are used, look for UL rated labels. Make sure the heater is vented to avoid carbon monoxide problems.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave a room or go to bed.
• Wood burning fireplaces should only be used by adults.
• Wood fireplaces should always be kept clean to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation.
• Light the fireplace using a utility lighter or long match.
These are reminders, we have done this before. Be smart and
fire safe.
For more information on fire safety please visit OSFM website www.sfm.illinois.gov or www.nfpa.org/safetytips.
For more information on fire safety please visit OSFM website www.sfm.illinois.gov or www.nfpa.org/safetytips.
Statement on the shooting death of Colorado High School student Claire Davis by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
(PRN/USN) INDIANAPOLIS, December 23, 2013 - As mothers, we are devastated by the death of Claire Davis, a 17-year-old high school student who was shot and killed in the sanctity of her American high school on Dec. 13, the day before the year anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.
Today we are all Claire's mother, and we are enraged by the continued inaction of our Congress, who sit by as eight children or teens are shot and killed every day.
What does it say about our country that we consider our children's lives so expendable? Claire was murdered by an 18-year-old high school senior who was legally able to purchase a shotgun and ammunition.
The gunman would have had to be 21 to purchase a handgun. This shooting, the 28th school shooting in America since Newtown, underscores yet again an urgent need for federal and state legislative action on new and stronger gun laws that will address the epidemic of gun violence that threatens the safety of our children and families.
In honor of Claire's life, cut short by a shooting that was avoidable and senseless, and all of the victims of gun violence in our country, American mothers will continue to fight for gun reform until Congress and our state legislatures enact real, meaningful solutions.
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms.
The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families.
In just one year, the organization has more than 100,000 members with a chapter in every state in the country. For more information or to get involved visit:
www.momsdemandaction.org
Follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter @MomsDemand.
Mary Lolita Santos wanted for multiple offenses is now in police custody
Mary Lolita Santos/ photo: HPD
(MCT) December 9, 2013 - Hawaii Island police have located 40-year-old Mary Lolita Santos of Mountain View, who was wanted in connection with a reported burglary and domestic incident in Kurtistown on August 16 and on bench warrants.
Santos was arrested in Hilo on November 20 and charged on bench warrants for second-degree theft stemming from an incident on May 19 at a store on Makala Street in Hilo and two counts of contempt of court.
While at the Hilo police cellblock over the next two days, she was also charged with shoplifting for an incident on July 12 at a store on Makala Street in Hilo, with fourth-degree theft for an incident on August 17 at a store on Henry Street in Kailua-Kona and with second-degree theft for an incident on November 13 at a store in Waiākea Plaza in Hilo.
In addition, Santos was arrested on suspicion of burglary, assault, terroristic threatening, criminal property damage, phone ripping and violation of a protective order in connection with the August 16 incident in Kurtistown.
After conferring with prosecutors, detectives released Santos on the Kurtistown offenses pending further investigation. Detectives have since forwarded those investigations to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
by admin
An Amber Alert has been activated statewide at the request of the Washington State Police
(WSP) WASHINGTON - On December 4, 2013, at 02:30 pm. Elizabeth Romero was abducted from Kennewick Washington.
Elizabeth Romero a 14 year old was Hispanic Female, 5 ft. 3 inches tall weighting 130 lbs., brown hair, and brow eyes, last seen wearing a white tank top, dark pants, backpack, and carrying a pink purse.
The suspect is Eduardo Flores-Rosalas, a 19 year old Hispanic male, 5 ft. 9 inches tall, weighing 200 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes, color of clothing is unknown.
The suspect was last seen driving a early 2000 green ford escape, with Washington temporary registration. The suspect may be in route to Mexico.
If seen please contact Kennewick Washington Police Department at 509-628-0333.
Armed suspect sets up barricade
(BMLTV) LA CRESCENTA CA, Saturday, November 30, 2013 - According to the Los Angeles Sherriff’s Department, about 5PM, Friday LASD Crisis Negotiators and Special Enforcement Bureau deputies are working with Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station deputies trying to peacefully resolve an incident of an armed man at the 2600 Blk Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta.
There are Road Closures 2600 Blk Foothill Bl between Rosemont and Raymond Ave. The entire Ralphs shopping center is closed. Streets closed off around the area to keep the suspect from leaving and endangering others, and to keep public from entering the area and possibly getting hurt.
The LASD is thanking the public for their patience. LASD says they are seeking the peaceful surrender of the suspect, which takes time. As of 8:20PM we are still working to achieve the suspect's peaceful surrender.
Thousands mourn renowned leader in the Los Angeles Gay Community
(PRN) NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA, November 27, 2013 - Los Angeles's Gay Community is mourning the death of one of their most beloved members, Bob Tomasino, owner of the popular country western dance club, Oil Can Harry's, located in Studio City. The club is the oldest gay bar west of the Mississippi and has been in business continuously for 47 years. Mr. Tomasino has received awards and recognition for his generosity many times over the years.
Rev. Demarco described Bob's passing as being "A tremor in the Force," felt by many. He added, "It will be an honor to lead Wednesday night's virtual meditation for Bob." In attendance will be Bob's longtime Manager and friend, Tommy Young. Supporters and friends are gathering at the church to share the moment with Tommy. The church is located at 6161 Whitsett Avenue in North Hollywood.
According to a friend, Nick Drance "word of this 'virtual gathering' has rapidly spread to thousands of community members through social media and emails by local organizations to their patrons or club members. Characterizing Bob's greatest attribute as representing 'Light' is so universally recognized, it's surprising that so many literally describe him that way. This is what makes the sense of loss so devastating for the gay community and why the focus on the Wednesday night is on the beacon of Light that Bob is."
Perhaps the most telling statement came front Michael Lara, owner of the nearby Bullet Bar. "Words cannot express my sense of loss. I've lost a friend, a leader, and a level of a man I try to be. We've replaced our website homepage with a tribute to Bob using those words on our facebook page. Everyone, including the patrons of my establishment, view Bob much the same as I do. What he stands for means so much to so many."
"We've lost the physical presence of a dear, dear man. Our church has shown the love and respect we have for Bob many times, including presenting him with our highest level of recognition for outstanding community service, the 'Love and Justice Award," according to Rev. Bob Goss, Pastor of the MCC Church in North Hollywood.
Alan Stroik, President of Avatar, a local community service organization, described his feelings this way. "A shining light has been extinguished on Earth, a new light now exists in the Heavens!" We are blessed to have had the opportunity last month, to present him our Lifetime Achievement Award at our 30th Anniversary Dinner last month. Our club stands for Brotherhood, we feel fortunate to have been able to give our highest award that expresses this to Bob while he was still with us.
A Celebration of Life for Bob Tomasino is planned for January 2014.
Deportations: The heat is on the U.S. President Barack Obama as deportations has moved to the center of the immigration debate
(The Hill) November 27, 2013 - The charged subject of
deportations has moved to the center of the immigration debate as President
Obama has come under growing pressure from allies to review his
administration’s policy.
Immigration reform has been a winning political issue for Democrats, but some pro-immigrant advocates have become impatient with stalled comprehensive immigration reform legislation on Capitol Hill.
Read more
Immigration reform has been a winning political issue for Democrats, but some pro-immigrant advocates have become impatient with stalled comprehensive immigration reform legislation on Capitol Hill.
Read more
A DeKalb police office is shot in South West Atlanta
(AJC) November 21, 2013 -A DeKalb County policeman assigned to the U.S. Marshals was shot in the leg in southwest Atlanta early Thursday morning.
The officer who was working with the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitives Task Force when the shooting occurred, authorities said.
Atlanta police received a call reporting shots fired around 6:45 a.m., at a home in the 2800 block of Diana Drive.
Read more
Sheriff's Homicide investigating shooting death at 122nd
(BMLTV) November 9, 2013 - Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the
shooting death of an unidentified male.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
There is no further information at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. I
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
There is no further information at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. I
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may
call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting
the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the web site http://lacrimestoppers.org.
UCLA travelers delayed after LAX shooting
(DAILYBRUIN) November 2, 2013 - Their luggage in tow,
thousands of people filed out of Los
Angeles International
Airport
Exits to the airport became temporary crosswalks for the
airport visitors who had been stuck inside for hours after a gunman opened fire
inside Terminal 3, killing one Transportation Security Administration officer
and wounding at least six others.
Jeff Muhr was flying in from Sacramento to visit his daughter for UCLA
Parents’ Weekend. He said he noticed four or five helicopters circling the
airspace as his flight landed at LAX at 10:20 a.m.
He had a feeling something was wrong, but couldn’t tell
exactly what was going on.
About 9:30 a.m. Friday morning, airport police responded to
reports of a gunman at Terminal 3, officials said.
Police arrived at the scene within moments and pursued the
suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia, through the
security checkpoint and into the back of the terminal, closer to the gates,
officials said at a press conference Friday afternoon.
Greg Underwood: new Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney is firm but fair
Norfolks Commonwealth Attorney sits at his desk during a 2009 interview with Melissa Troutman.
photo: brian callan
Mr. Underwood is now the top prosecutor in the city of
(MCT)
After spending his younger years in the NAVY, this son of a farmer from
"That was one of the best experiences of my life…when I was getting out of law school a lot of my friends had jobs working with various silk stocking firms, and when I told them that I was going to work for Legal Aid they thought it was because I couldn’t get a job…I come from a poverty background…The reason for working with Legal Aid was to give back to the community from which I
came."
Mr. Underwood is now the top prosecutor in the city of
He knows by now that “people want a prosecutor who’s
going to be hard on crime, but people also want a prosecutor who’s going to be
fair. I’ve prosecuted murder cases where the defendant’s mother said
‘Well, Mr. Underwood, thank you.’
A few years later, one mother approached him at the mall and asked if he remembered her. “No,” he replied.
“You prosecuted my son. I just want to tell you that I think you’re very fair,” she explained. That meant a lot to him.
The previous Commonwealth Attorney, Jack Doyle, mentored Mr. Underwood while he served as Senior Deputy Commonwealth Attorney. “I learned a lot from him about how to deal with people, how to treat and interact with people,” he recalls, “I could be
rough around the edges sometimes, and I have been very pro-prosecution at one time. But when you’re a young prosecutor it’s about reputation building…about doing the hardest cases.”
According to Mr. Underwood, young prosecutors tend to always go for the maximum penalty for crime. “Once you age in the system, you realize that there’s a balance [between crime and punishment],” he says. “You begin to realize that it’s about people respecting you not because they fear you but because they think you’re fair.”
During his campaign, Mr. Underwood declared that he would combine experience with vision to make the dream of no violence inNorfolk a reality by providing for safe
schools, safe neighborhoods and safe businesses. I asked him to explain
how he planned to do this:
"Most schools have what they call a school resource officer. What I’d like for my prosecutors to do is meet at least on a monthly or quarterly basis with those school resource officers to identify potential problems in the school and potential problematic students.
That hasn’t been done before."
He also wants his prosecutors to be a regular part of school events and serve as mentors for kids. His goal is to see kids “not for the first time not in court but for the first time in the community…that’s how I want my prosecutors to think, that’s how I want them to be engaged. I want them to have the same passion that I have.”
Educating about the real consequences of criminal activity involves discussing the facts, for instance, that if you are riding with someone in a stolen car or driving a passenger that has a gun and tries to rob a store, you will be prosecuted as a participant in
that crime whether you knew about it or not. For our new top prosecutor, if people understand the law, they’ll give greater consideration to whom they hang around. He elaborates that it’s all about choice:
I think that we don’t necessarily have all bad children, those who get caught up in crime. I think a lot of them are good kids that…make bad choices. I think that if they know the consequences of their decisions and the choices that they make I think they’d
think twice about those choices.
Mr. Underwood plans to promote safe neighborhoods by combating the rise in violent crime involving firearms. “We have already implemented the prosecution of all brandishing of firearm charges. That’s a misdemeanor that hasn’t been prosecuted in the
past.”
Since taking office, Mr. Underwood has also mandated the prosecution of all misdemeanor concealed firearms charges. He explains, “If you have a concealed weapon on you, and it’s a firearm, before the defendant – if we can stop people from concealing firearms we might stop some of the shootings from going on and we may be able to get some guns off the street.”
In order to promote safe businesses, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office also works with Retail Alliance’s Loss Prevention Task Force to teach businesses how to avoid victimization.
Mr. Underwood also feels that churches and faith-based organizations play a special role in creating safe communities. He says:
Churches have an obligation to the members of their congregation and to the community…not only to be aware of the social harms like crime and homelessness and feeding the hungry, they need to be proactive…and I think most churches believe that they have that obligation.
When I asked Mr. Underwood if there was anything keeping him awake at night, he paused before revealing, “The thing that bothers me the most is the youth violence…it doesn’t keep me up but it’s a constant bother because everyday you read about some young person being killed…or arrested for murder.”
While we discussed crime prevention strategies, Mr. Underwood acknowledged the success of the arts in preventing young people from participating in or returning to violence, drugs and crime. He supports Young Audiences, a national non-profit started inNorfolk
that has presented performing and visual artists and programs to children since
1955 and often works with at-risk kids and young adults.
As far as what leads kids into lives of crime, Mr. Underwood had the following to say:
I think some of it is peer pressure…there are gangs or association of gangs, whatever you want to call it, where kids might not feel as if they’re getting the attention that would otherwise get at home, so they associate with these groups. I don’t think it has anything to do with single-parent households and I don’t think it’s necessarily poverty related… That’s not to say that those aren’t factors that might contribute, but I don’t think that’s the overriding cause.
I know too many single moms who work hard to raise their kids correctly, and then I know kids that have both parents in the home and they come from affluent families and [for them] it’s a thrill thing.
Mr. Underwood doesn’t believe in the statement that in order for things to get better, they have to get worse. When I ask for his thoughts, he said it was “ironic” that I mentioned the phrase, because:
This past Sunday in church my pastor talked about a scripture that talked about [how] we can get God’s blessings…that we can get his grace, perhaps [if] we commit more sin. And that’s kinda what that statement is saying: things need to get worse before they can get better…I don’t agree with that at all.
After our recording devices were off, our Commonwealths Attorney printed me an email sent to him by a girl he had prosecuted for robbing an 80-year-old man in 2006. In it she told him she had moved toMaryland and was trying to move on with her
life after serving time.
A few years later, one mother approached him at the mall and asked if he remembered her. “No,” he replied.
“You prosecuted my son. I just want to tell you that I think you’re very fair,” she explained. That meant a lot to him.
The previous Commonwealth Attorney, Jack Doyle, mentored Mr. Underwood while he served as Senior Deputy Commonwealth Attorney. “I learned a lot from him about how to deal with people, how to treat and interact with people,” he recalls, “I could be
rough around the edges sometimes, and I have been very pro-prosecution at one time. But when you’re a young prosecutor it’s about reputation building…about doing the hardest cases.”
According to Mr. Underwood, young prosecutors tend to always go for the maximum penalty for crime. “Once you age in the system, you realize that there’s a balance [between crime and punishment],” he says. “You begin to realize that it’s about people respecting you not because they fear you but because they think you’re fair.”
During his campaign, Mr. Underwood declared that he would combine experience with vision to make the dream of no violence in
"Most schools have what they call a school resource officer. What I’d like for my prosecutors to do is meet at least on a monthly or quarterly basis with those school resource officers to identify potential problems in the school and potential problematic students.
That hasn’t been done before."
He also wants his prosecutors to be a regular part of school events and serve as mentors for kids. His goal is to see kids “not for the first time not in court but for the first time in the community…that’s how I want my prosecutors to think, that’s how I want them to be engaged. I want them to have the same passion that I have.”
Educating about the real consequences of criminal activity involves discussing the facts, for instance, that if you are riding with someone in a stolen car or driving a passenger that has a gun and tries to rob a store, you will be prosecuted as a participant in
that crime whether you knew about it or not. For our new top prosecutor, if people understand the law, they’ll give greater consideration to whom they hang around. He elaborates that it’s all about choice:
I think that we don’t necessarily have all bad children, those who get caught up in crime. I think a lot of them are good kids that…make bad choices. I think that if they know the consequences of their decisions and the choices that they make I think they’d
think twice about those choices.
Mr. Underwood plans to promote safe neighborhoods by combating the rise in violent crime involving firearms. “We have already implemented the prosecution of all brandishing of firearm charges. That’s a misdemeanor that hasn’t been prosecuted in the
past.”
Since taking office, Mr. Underwood has also mandated the prosecution of all misdemeanor concealed firearms charges. He explains, “If you have a concealed weapon on you, and it’s a firearm, before the defendant – if we can stop people from concealing firearms we might stop some of the shootings from going on and we may be able to get some guns off the street.”
In order to promote safe businesses, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office also works with Retail Alliance’s Loss Prevention Task Force to teach businesses how to avoid victimization.
Mr. Underwood also feels that churches and faith-based organizations play a special role in creating safe communities. He says:
Churches have an obligation to the members of their congregation and to the community…not only to be aware of the social harms like crime and homelessness and feeding the hungry, they need to be proactive…and I think most churches believe that they have that obligation.
When I asked Mr. Underwood if there was anything keeping him awake at night, he paused before revealing, “The thing that bothers me the most is the youth violence…it doesn’t keep me up but it’s a constant bother because everyday you read about some young person being killed…or arrested for murder.”
While we discussed crime prevention strategies, Mr. Underwood acknowledged the success of the arts in preventing young people from participating in or returning to violence, drugs and crime. He supports Young Audiences, a national non-profit started in
As far as what leads kids into lives of crime, Mr. Underwood had the following to say:
I think some of it is peer pressure…there are gangs or association of gangs, whatever you want to call it, where kids might not feel as if they’re getting the attention that would otherwise get at home, so they associate with these groups. I don’t think it has anything to do with single-parent households and I don’t think it’s necessarily poverty related… That’s not to say that those aren’t factors that might contribute, but I don’t think that’s the overriding cause.
I know too many single moms who work hard to raise their kids correctly, and then I know kids that have both parents in the home and they come from affluent families and [for them] it’s a thrill thing.
Mr. Underwood doesn’t believe in the statement that in order for things to get better, they have to get worse. When I ask for his thoughts, he said it was “ironic” that I mentioned the phrase, because:
This past Sunday in church my pastor talked about a scripture that talked about [how] we can get God’s blessings…that we can get his grace, perhaps [if] we commit more sin. And that’s kinda what that statement is saying: things need to get worse before they can get better…I don’t agree with that at all.
After our recording devices were off, our Commonwealths Attorney printed me an email sent to him by a girl he had prosecuted for robbing an 80-year-old man in 2006. In it she told him she had moved to
She asked him for advice about how to get the felony
expunged from her record, which was preventing her from finding
employment. Expunging her record is impossible, and he reiterated the
fact that kids don’t understand the lifelong consequences of their actions. “We have to reach kids before they reach court,”
he repeats.
The email is one of his main motivators. He brings it up often with his prosecutors. “I want them to remember it whenever they have to decide whether a juvenile should be prosecuted with a felony.” He’s not soft on crime; he sees the big picture.
Until the dream of no violence inNorfolk
becomes a reality, residents can be assured that our new Commonwealth Attorney,
Greg Underwood, has the experience, determination and compassion to work
toward such a lofty goal. The challenge doesn’t seem to daunt him.
For Mr. Underwood, prevention and rehabilitation can break cycles of crime by buffering both sides of the legal system to reduce both first time and repeat criminal offenses. They are necessary compliments to fair, firm enforcement of the law.
The email is one of his main motivators. He brings it up often with his prosecutors. “I want them to remember it whenever they have to decide whether a juvenile should be prosecuted with a felony.” He’s not soft on crime; he sees the big picture.
Until the dream of no violence in
For Mr. Underwood, prevention and rehabilitation can break cycles of crime by buffering both sides of the legal system to reduce both first time and repeat criminal offenses. They are necessary compliments to fair, firm enforcement of the law.
by melissa troutman
Zip codes continue to determine upward mobility in
Poverty and income inequality rise nationwide, according to
2013 opportunity index
(PRN/USN) BOSTON , Oct.
28, 2013 - Opportunity Nation released last week the 2013 Opportunity Index, the
nation's most comprehensive measure of economic, educational and civic factors
that influence the upward mobility of Americans. While the data shows
modest growth – 2.6 percent – in Opportunity Scores nationwide
between 2011-2013, the zip code where a person is born still largely determines
his or her chances of success.
The Opportunity Index is an interactive online tool that focuses on the conditions present in different communities that expand or
constrain upward mobility. The Index is designed to connect economic,
educational, civic and community factors together to help identify obstacles to
opportunity and economic mobility and develop concrete solutions.
The 16 interconnected factors include unemployment and
poverty rates; preschool enrollment and high school graduation rates; access to
healthy food and safe neighborhoods. The Opportunity Index was jointly
developed by Measure of America and Opportunity Nation in 2011. The Index gives
policymakers and community leaders a powerful tool to advance
opportunity-related issues and work, advocate for positive change, and track
progress over time.
In 2013, Vermont ranked
#1 out of all 50 states and Washington ,
D.C. ; Nevada ranks last for the third year in
a row.
"While we are pleased to see some improvement in the
conditions that expand opportunity for Americans, the fact is your zip code can
still determine your chances in life," said Mark Edwards, executive
director of Opportunity Nation. "The data discredits the widely held
belief that Americans have equal opportunities across the country to climb the
proverbial economic ladder."
In comparison, low-income children born in Canada and a dozen European countries stand
a better chance of improving their lot in life than low-income children born in
the U.S.
"The Index shows the interconnected conditions present
in America 's
communities that impact upward mobility and access to opportunity,"
said Kristen Lewis, Co-Director at Measure of America. "GDP and
unemployment rates do not give the whole picture of opportunity."
Highlights from the 2013 Opportunity
Index Data:
Slightly over half of states (26) and Washington , D.C.
One in seven young adults between the ages of 16-24 are not
in school and not working (called "disconnected" or
"opportunity" youth)
Forty-six (46) states experienced a drop in median household
income in 2013, and income inequality increased in 39 states over three years
Forty-nine (49) states reported an increase in poverty since
2011
Forty-four (44) states have experienced a drop in their
violent crime rate – a major improvement in community health and civic life
since 2011
Opportunity varies greatly depending on where you live,
perhaps more than at any point in recent American history, given the growing
inequality in the U.S.
right now. It is encouraging to see some improvements in some regions, but much
work remains. The implications of these findings are especially troubling for
our nation's young people.
There are an estimated 5.8 million "disconnected
youth" (16-24 year olds not in school and not working). These numbers have
remained stagnant for the past three years. The data show that the percentage
of people living in poverty and the number of disconnected youth correlate most
closely with Opportunity Scores. As youth disconnection and poverty climb, the Opportunity
Index tumbles.
Overall, location continues to greatly determine the
availability of economic, education and civic and community opportunities in
the United States .
"This runs counter to the vision of our country as a
land of opportunity," said Edwards. "We all need to work together to
jumpstart the American Dream for the next generation."
Opportunity Nation is a bipartisan, multi-sector national
campaign comprised of more than 275 businesses, educational institutions,
nonprofits, civic organizations and individuals working together to expand
economic mobility and close the opportunity gap in America.
Opportunity Nation partnered with Measure of America, A
Project of the Social Science Research Council, to create the Index in 2011.
The Opportunity Index is a unique tool that measures the economic, educational
and community factors that contribute to the expansion or constriction of
upward mobility for Americans where they live. The Index measures the climate
for upward mobility across the country, ranking all 50 states and Washington , D.C.
Town mourns after teacher's death
14-year-old student Philip Chism is charged without bail
(AP)
Sometime on their last day at the school together
Tuesday, prosecutors say, teacher Colleen Ritzer and 14-year-old student Philip
Chism crossed paths, and he killed her.
Ritzer’s body was later found in the woods behind Danvers High School
Ryan Kelleher, who had Ritzer for algebra and played
soccer with Chism, said none of it made sense.
UNDOCUMENTED OHIO: 'The Duke Talk'
(MCT) Hi everybody. My name is Claudia Muñoz. I am undocumented and some people call me an illegal immigrant. I am from
“I know what the world
has done to my brother and how narrowly he has survived it. And I know, which
is much worse, and this is the crime of which I accuse my country and my
countrymen, and for which neither I nor time nor history will ever forgive
them, that they have destroyed and are destroying hundreds of thousands of
lives and do not know it and do not want to know it.”
― James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time
Again, my name is Claudia. I was born in Mexico where I
lived until I was fifteen. At the age of 15,16 I started coming back and forth
to the United States because
the situation in Mexico
was very difficult. Violence was escalating. The economic situation
got much worse. And at the age of 16 my family decided to move, my
sisters decided to move to Austin ,
Texas United
States . I have lived in Texas for the last
twelve years. I consider myself a Texan. And it has
been quite a journey.
Chicago United names its 2013 business leaders of color
Multiracial executives recommended to increase diversity on
corporate boards
Chicago United is proud to have honored and showcased 244
board-ready candidates through its BLCpublications biennially between 2003 and
2011.
These talented men and women, who have demonstrated innovation and management excellence, have rendered service in 135 corporate directorships.
The BLC publication continues to introduce diverse board candidates who drive global competitiveness.
These talented men and women, who have demonstrated innovation and management excellence, have rendered service in 135 corporate directorships.
The BLC publication continues to introduce diverse board candidates who drive global competitiveness.
These leaders have also demonstrated a strong commitment to public service.
While achieving personal success, each has contributed to the cultural, civic, and educational life of
Past BLC members include:
- First Lady Michelle Obama
- Valerie B. Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama
- Don Thompson, chief executive officer of McDonald's Corp.
- Amir Shahkarami, chief executive, Exelon Nuclear Partners
- Sue Ling Gin, chief executive officer, Flying Food Group LLC
- Luis Sierra, president BP Aromatics—the
- Lou Nieto, board member, AutoZone and Ryder System Inc.
"The Business Leaders of Color publication is
an inspirational resource and can be of great assistance to board nominating
committees," said Gloria Castillo, president of Chicago United.
"Today, talent that drives innovation and transformational change is imperative for high-performing boards. We're proud to present this sixth edition of Business Leaders of Color and we're even more thrilled to showcase these outstanding men and women."
"Today, talent that drives innovation and transformational change is imperative for high-performing boards. We're proud to present this sixth edition of Business Leaders of Color and we're even more thrilled to showcase these outstanding men and women."
These individuals were selected from a nominations pool of
more than 110 exceptionally qualified nominees from a wide variety of product
and service industries. They will be honored at Chicago United's 45th Anniversary
Gala and Bridge Awards presentation on November 19 at the Hilton
Chicago.
The 2013 Business Leaders of Color are:
1. Leo Alaniz, Senior Vice President – Strategy and Global
Marketing (Corporate and Institutional
Services), Northern Trust
2. Paula Allen-Meares, Chancellor, University of Illinois
at Chicago
3. Leslie J. Anderson, Senior Vice President, Regional Head
of Business Banking, BMO Harris Bank N.A.
4. Anthony A. Armada, President, Advocate Lutheran General
Hospital
5. Erik D. Barefield, Senior Managing Director, Mesirow
Advanced Strategies, Inc.
6. Earl J. Barnes, II, Vice President and General Counsel,
Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
7. Stephen W. Beard, Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Heidrick & Struggles
International, Inc.
8. Enrique Beckmann, President, Pathology Associates and
Pathology Consultants of Chicago
9. Jerome Byers, President, Citibank Central Region U.S. , Head of Small Business Banking, Citibank U.S.
10. D. Marie Carr, Principal, PwC LLC
11. Donna Cooper, President, Advocate Dreyer Medical Clinic
12. Kermit R. Crawford, President, Pharmacy, Health and
Wellness, Walgreen Co.
13. Ana Dutra, former Global Lead of Board Effectiveness,
EVP, Korn/ Ferry Leadership and Talent Consulting, Korn/ Ferry International
14. Manny Favela, CFO Latin America
15. Guillermo Garcia, President, GSG Consultants
16. Sunil Garg, Senior Vice President, Chief Information
& Innovation Officer, Exelon
17. Maurice Grant, Principal, Grant Schumann, LLC
18. Cheryl A. Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief
Procurement Officer, Sourcing & Procurement Solutions, Allstate Insurance
Company
19. Michael J. Hernandez, Equity Partner and Firm Diversity
Officer, Franczek Radelet P. C.
20. Patricia Brown, Holmes Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP
21. Lisa Haley, Huff Treasury Management Market Manager:
Middle Market & Commercial Banking, Public Funds Sector, PNC Bank
22. Miroslava Mejia Krug, Senior Vice President for Finance
and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Roosevelt University
23. Jeongling Liu, President, ADI Medical
Paul E. Martin, Corporate Vice President and Chief
Information Officer, Baxter International Inc.
24. Joseph Q. McCoy, Partner and National Co-Chair Airport
Concessions Industry Practice Group, Bryan Cave LLP
25. Juan J. Mir, Senior Vice President, PNC Bank
26. Jackie Clark Muhammad, Founder, Chief Executive Officer,
Solutions Associates Consulting, Inc.
27. Kevin Newell, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand
& Strategy Officer, McDonald's USA
28. Tracey Patterson, Senior Manager / Technology Executive,
Accenture
Cathy Peng, Chief Business Development Officer,
Ethertronics, Inc.
29. Juliette W. Pryor, Executive Vice President / General
Counsel / Chief Compliance Officer, US Foods
30. Ram Raju, Chief Executive Officer, Cook County
31. Kwame Y. Raoul, Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
32. Sreeram Reddy, Vice President, Global Oils and Liquid Products,
McDonald's Business Unit, Cargill Inc.
33. Stephen Rhee, Chief Operations Officer and Managing
Director, Aon eSolutions
34. Z. Scott, Partner, Chicago
35. Patrick R. Scotto di Luzio, Head, Personal Segment
Management, BMO Harris Bank N.A.
36. Cedric Shaw, Group President, Illinois Tool Works Inc.
37. Donna N. Smith, Executive Vice President and Head of
Middle Market & Regional Banking, Associated Bank
38. Maurice S. Smith, Divisional Senior Vice President,
Business Development and Subsidiary Management, Health Care Service Corporation
39. Kurt A. Summers, Jr., Senior Vice President, Grosvenor
Capital Management
40. John P. Trainor, Publisher / General Manager, HOY
41. Valerie J. Van Meter, Senior Vice President, Central
Bank Services and Chief Diversity Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
42. Yman Huang Vien, Chairman, President & Chief
Executive Officer, American Metro Bank
43. David Wade, Vice President, Air BP Americas
Music Superstar and outspoken Activist Melissa Etheridge sits down with Dan Rather for AXS TV's "THE BIG INTERVIEW," Monday, October 14, 8 p.m., ET
Compelling Hour-long Interview Covers Etheridge's Upbringing, Career, Her Battle with Breast Cancer and Her Role As a Gay Rights Trailblazer
(PRN) LOS ANGELES, October. 14, 2013 - Chart-topping, Academy Award® and Multi-GRAMMY® winning artist Melissa Etheridge discusses a broad range of subjects in a riveting interview with Dan Rather on THE BIG INTERVIEW: MELISSA ETHERIDGE, which can be seen on AXS TV, Monday, October 14, 8-9 p.m. ET (5-6 p.m. PT ).
The interview took place at the singer-songwriter's Southern California home. Etheridge covers her entire life in the all-encompassing, intimate interview -- from the Midwestern roots that shaped her, to the epiphany she had as a breast cancer survivor, to how she became enthralled with music, and finally her emergence as a gay rights leader.
Etheridge, who has been cancer free for nine years, tells Rather the positive aspects of her Oct., 2004 diagnosis and how it changed her life. Said Etheridge: "I always tell people I'm grateful for my cancer diagnosis because it was the greatest gift because it completely changed my life. I was able to stop and let my whole life and world just crash over me like a wave. And I stood there and went, 'Wow.' And for the first time I stopped everything. I had to.
I did the chemotherapy that was, it's called dose dense. Because I didn't have to work, I was able to stay home, they put this crazy chemo stuff in me. So I laid in bed for weeks. And all I had-- all I could do was think. But I thought-- I found a beautiful stillness. "There's a point, I'm sure it's what yogis go to the mountain to do to get away from life.
There's a point when your tape of life runs off the reel and there's this stillness of your own -- I got to know myself. And I got to understand spirit and body and health. And I came outta that a whole new person and excited about life, about my art. Dedicated to: I am only gonna do what I love from now on." Etheridge, who spontaneously came out publicly as a lesbian at Bill Clinton's 1993 Presidential inauguration, also explains what it was like growing up gay in Leavenworth, Kansas in the 1970s and 80s.
"When I finally realized when I'm about 15 that all my friends are, 'Oh, Joe, Bobby, Mike,' you know, and I'm 'Jodie,'" Etheridge tells Rather. "You know, I'm like -- 'Wait a minute, what am I doing?' – that it's a scary thing. It was scary for my generation, but you realize, the first time I kissed a girl I was 17 and that's when it was like, 'Oh,' it was a huge difference. "Well, it's funny, you don't try to hide it, it's hidden because it doesn't exist. And so you know what you're doing is wrong and everyone's gonna be freaked out by you."
Toward the end of the interview, Etheridge is joined by her fiancee, Emmy® Award-winning writer/producer, Linda Wallem and the conversation turns to the strides made in gay rights during their lifetimes and their reactions to the Supreme Court's rulings regarding gay marriage. Etheridge commented: "There's a little bit more sense of I'm not so afraid to hold her hand. I'm not so afraid to go to the school and, they have two mommies, you know? It's not so strange anymore. It's starting to be a part of the American fabric."
Racist rants from city employee to cost taxpayers $560,000
(CST) October 10, 2013 - Cash-strapped Chicago will spend $560,000 to compensate women victimized by the racist and sexist behavior of a Department of Transportation honcho whose uncle is a former Northwest Side congressman.
Joseph Annunzio was working as a $77,148-a-year department supervisor when he was accused of calling female co-workers “bitches,” using the n-word, “mambo” and “Magilla the Gorilla” to address African Americans and for referring to immigrants as “f - - -ing foreigners.”
read more
National Press Club decries crackdowns on Press Freedom in Azerbaijan
(MCT) AZERBAIJAN, October 10, 2013 - As elections drew to a close this week in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the National Press Club closely monitored deteriorating press freedoms in that country and the government's imprisonment of political opponents there. The Club joined 22 international organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, Article 19, Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety of Azerbaijan, Index on Censorship and PEN International in condemning the arrest of journalists, bloggers and human rights activists.
read more
Crosby, Stills & Nash joined forces with Tom Morello for an intimate concert at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on October 3 to defeat Proposition 32 on November ballot
(PRN) LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2012 -On Wednesday, October 3, legendary supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash and activist/musician Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, The Nightwatchman) performed a special concert at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles for thousands of members of organized labor.
The show was a benefit to help defeat Proposition 32 on the State of California's November election ballot. CSN and Morello hoped to increase awareness of the deceptive measure designed to mislead voters and increase corporations' power by gutting important campaign transparency laws.
The event started with a reception from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., and music began at 7 p.m. Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman opened the night and got the crowd revved up with a passionate acoustic set that included a moving cover of Bruce Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad" and a rendition of the uncensored version of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," where Stephen Stills, David Crosby and Graham Nash joined him onstage to sing along. He also pulled his mother on stage to help sing along with them for that final song of his set.
Morello's performance was followed by a brief anti-Prop 32 video, and then inspiring speeches by guest speakers, including acclaimed actor/producer/director Edward James Olmos, that advocated for Proposition 32's defeat. The evening closed with a set from CSN that included classics such as "Wooden Ships," "Southern Cross" and "Our House." David Crosby dedicated their performance of "Guinnevere" to his wife, and Graham Nash spoke about the importance of supporting schools when he introduced the last song of the evening: "Teach Your Children."
Thousands of middle-class workers including nurses, firefighters, teachers, 911 operators and members of the League of Women Voters oppose Proposition 32. It promises to get money out of politics, but it actually floods California with money from out-of-state corporations, CEOs and Wall Street tycoons. The real purpose is to gut campaign finance rules to create an uneven playing field that benefits a few big money interests. It does this by allowing unlimited undisclosed corporate campaign spending while prohibiting labor unions from participating in the political process entirely.
For more info you can visit http://www.truthonprop32.org
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