WASHINGTON (AP) _ States would be required to ban driving while
texting or face the loss of highway funds under legislation being
pushed by a group of senators.
New York Sen. Charles Schumer and three other Democrats plan to
unveil the bill on Wednesday. It follows a study by the Virginia
Tech Transportation Institute that found that when drivers of heavy
trucks texted, their collision risk was 23 times greater than when
not texting.
Fourteen states and the District of Columbia ban texting while
driving.
Under the Senate proposal, states would need to outlaw texting
or e-mailing while operating a moving vehicle or lose 25 percent of
their annual federal highway funding.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Pasaden Murder
PASADENA (CNS) - A man who reportedly killed his wife with an ax in unincorporated East Pasadena today, then called sheriff's deputies to report his crime, was behind bars.
The man called the sheriff's Temple Station about 1:30 a.m. saying he had just killed his wife, according to Deputy Keith Ho of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.
When deputies arrived at the couple's home in the 100 block of Rosemead Boulevard, near Colorado Boulevard, they found Michelle Lu, 55, with multiple stab wounds, Ho said.
She was declared dead at the scene. Lt. Cheryl MacWillie of the Los Angeles County coroner's office provided her name.
Detective Richard Ramirez told a video crew at the scene that the couple's adult son was at home, found his parents fighting and grabbed what appeared to be an ax away from his father.
Sheriff's deputies were tight-lipped about what happened and refused to name the suspect.
Lu's husband, whose name was withheld, was taken into custody. The video crew described him as in his 70s.
Video from another crew indicates two men being taken away by police, but deputies could not say this morning whether the second was the son and whether he was simply accompanying his father to the station. CNS-07-26-2009 11:58
The man called the sheriff's Temple Station about 1:30 a.m. saying he had just killed his wife, according to Deputy Keith Ho of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.
When deputies arrived at the couple's home in the 100 block of Rosemead Boulevard, near Colorado Boulevard, they found Michelle Lu, 55, with multiple stab wounds, Ho said.
She was declared dead at the scene. Lt. Cheryl MacWillie of the Los Angeles County coroner's office provided her name.
Detective Richard Ramirez told a video crew at the scene that the couple's adult son was at home, found his parents fighting and grabbed what appeared to be an ax away from his father.
Sheriff's deputies were tight-lipped about what happened and refused to name the suspect.
Lu's husband, whose name was withheld, was taken into custody. The video crew described him as in his 70s.
Video from another crew indicates two men being taken away by police, but deputies could not say this morning whether the second was the son and whether he was simply accompanying his father to the station. CNS-07-26-2009 11:58
Friday, July 24, 2009
CA finally getting a budget
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The California Senate has approved a plan to close the state's $26 billion budget deficit, giving a glimmer of hope after weeks of fiscal gloom.
The complex package of 31 bills is still being debated in the Assembly.
Failure to pass any one of the bills could jeopardize the entire deal, potentially sinking California further into fiscal chaos.
Senators struggled through the early-morning hours Friday to get enough votes to pass the more controversial measures, including taking billions of dollars from cities and counties.
The compromise plan before the 80-member Assembly and 40-member state Senate was announced Monday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and party leaders of each house.
It eliminates nearly 60 percent of the deficit with spending cuts to core state services.
The complex package of 31 bills is still being debated in the Assembly.
Failure to pass any one of the bills could jeopardize the entire deal, potentially sinking California further into fiscal chaos.
Senators struggled through the early-morning hours Friday to get enough votes to pass the more controversial measures, including taking billions of dollars from cities and counties.
The compromise plan before the 80-member Assembly and 40-member state Senate was announced Monday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and party leaders of each house.
It eliminates nearly 60 percent of the deficit with spending cuts to core state services.
76 YEARS OLD AND STILL MISSING
ALISO VIEJO (CNS) - A 76-year-old Aliso Viejo woman who left her home
last week after a spat with her husband remained missing today, and authorities
were prepared to scale back the search for her.
Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Mike Jansen said an intensive
operation, using search and rescue teams, bloodhounds, cadaver dogs and
helicopters, has turned up no trace of Margot Walters, who left her Vista del
Cerro home sometime about 3 a.m. Friday.
"They've searched as much as they can now," Jansen said. "We've
exhausted our means."
No one has reported seeing the woman and despite extensive media
coverage of the search, she has not contacted anyone, although she was not
believed to have taken money or a cellular telephone, said Jim Amormino of the
Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies are expected to keep up some activity in connection with the
woman, but not on the essentially full-time basis that has marked much of the
effort so far, Jansen said.
Deputies with dogs combed the canyons near Aliso and Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park for Walters. The home she shares with her husband is next to
the park.
Walters has been described as about 5 feet 6 inches and 130 pounds, with
brown hair and gray eyes, Amormino said.
The area adjacent to the home "is a greenbelt area," Jansen said.
"After a while, you're going to need some water."
It is not considered a habitat area for mountain lions, which roam
toward the eastern edge of Orange County, across a ridge from the area adjacent
to the Walters' home, Jansen said.
Walters' husband has issued pleas for his wife's return during the
search, telling reporters that the fight between them was a minor one and he
would never harm his wife.
"I called her a name and she didn't like that," Egon Walters told the
Orange County Register. "Please forgive, forgive, for everyone's sake. I want
you back and everyone wants you back."
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
last week after a spat with her husband remained missing today, and authorities
were prepared to scale back the search for her.
Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Mike Jansen said an intensive
operation, using search and rescue teams, bloodhounds, cadaver dogs and
helicopters, has turned up no trace of Margot Walters, who left her Vista del
Cerro home sometime about 3 a.m. Friday.
"They've searched as much as they can now," Jansen said. "We've
exhausted our means."
No one has reported seeing the woman and despite extensive media
coverage of the search, she has not contacted anyone, although she was not
believed to have taken money or a cellular telephone, said Jim Amormino of the
Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies are expected to keep up some activity in connection with the
woman, but not on the essentially full-time basis that has marked much of the
effort so far, Jansen said.
Deputies with dogs combed the canyons near Aliso and Wood Canyons
Wilderness Park for Walters. The home she shares with her husband is next to
the park.
Walters has been described as about 5 feet 6 inches and 130 pounds, with
brown hair and gray eyes, Amormino said.
The area adjacent to the home "is a greenbelt area," Jansen said.
"After a while, you're going to need some water."
It is not considered a habitat area for mountain lions, which roam
toward the eastern edge of Orange County, across a ridge from the area adjacent
to the Walters' home, Jansen said.
Walters' husband has issued pleas for his wife's return during the
search, telling reporters that the fight between them was a minor one and he
would never harm his wife.
"I called her a name and she didn't like that," Egon Walters told the
Orange County Register. "Please forgive, forgive, for everyone's sake. I want
you back and everyone wants you back."
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
Gas prices are down like the economy
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular
gasoline in Los Angeles County declined today for the 33rd time in 34 days,
dropping four-tenths of a cent to $2.841. The average price is 2.2 cents
less than a week ago, 17.8 cents less than a month ago and $1.569 less than a
year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price fell 31 consecutive days, rose two-tenths of a cent
Wednesday, then declined two-tenths of a cent Thursday.
The Orange County average price declined today for the 18th time in 19
days, falling three-tenths of a cent to $2.832, 2.1 cents less than a week ago,
18.1 cents less than a month ago and $1.526 less than a year ago.
However, slight price increases nationally over the past two days are
"probably not a good sign for Southern California prices decreases to
continue," said Automobile Club of Southern California spokesman Jeffrey
Spring, "but this could be a plateau, rather than the start of another price
spike."
"Crude oil prices have risen on the world market, but demand remains
flat and supply is plentiful," Spring said.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
gasoline in Los Angeles County declined today for the 33rd time in 34 days,
dropping four-tenths of a cent to $2.841. The average price is 2.2 cents
less than a week ago, 17.8 cents less than a month ago and $1.569 less than a
year ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price fell 31 consecutive days, rose two-tenths of a cent
Wednesday, then declined two-tenths of a cent Thursday.
The Orange County average price declined today for the 18th time in 19
days, falling three-tenths of a cent to $2.832, 2.1 cents less than a week ago,
18.1 cents less than a month ago and $1.526 less than a year ago.
However, slight price increases nationally over the past two days are
"probably not a good sign for Southern California prices decreases to
continue," said Automobile Club of Southern California spokesman Jeffrey
Spring, "but this could be a plateau, rather than the start of another price
spike."
"Crude oil prices have risen on the world market, but demand remains
flat and supply is plentiful," Spring said.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Economy and the Weather both Hot as Hell
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Southland once again will bake under sizzling
temperatures today, with the region's heat wave showing no clear sign of
dissipating.
The National Weather Service forecast highs today in the low 100s in the
San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Pomona valleys and the mountains
of Los Angeles County, other than the Santa Monica range.
Because the humidity level -- now at the 20-30 percent level -- is
expected to make the heat particularly uncomfortable in the mountains, an
excessive heat warning will be in effect for mountain areas until at least 8
tonight.
"The combination of temperature and humidity will create dangerously
hot conditions, with heat index values climbing to 100 degrees or more" in
mountain regions, according to an NWS advisory.
The heat index is a measure of discomfort based on humidity and heat,
which could peak at 105 in mountain areas today, forecasters said.
The Antelope Valley is expected to experience highs of 108 today. On
Tuesday, the mercury climbed to 107 in Lancaster, setting a record for a July
21, besting the one set in 2006, when the temperature in the city reached 106.
How much longer the heat wave will last was not certain this morning as
meteorologists struggled to forecast the departure of a strong upper-level high-
pressure system that has been parked over the West for several days.
One computer model indicates that it will push eastward starting Monday
or Tuesday, but another one shows the system staying put, said meteorologist
Jamie Meyer in a telephone interview from the NWS office in Oxnard.
In any event, we will not see "a whole lot of change anytime soon,"
she said.
The NWS forecast highs today of 74 in Avalon; 75 at Newport Beach; 76 at
LAX; 85 in Long Beach; 88 in Anaheim; 89 in downtown L.A.; 90 on Mount
Wilson; 93 in San Gabriel; 94 in Burbank; 96 in Pasadena; 102 in Woodland
Hills; 104 in Newhall; and 106 in Palmdale and Lancaster.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
temperatures today, with the region's heat wave showing no clear sign of
dissipating.
The National Weather Service forecast highs today in the low 100s in the
San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Pomona valleys and the mountains
of Los Angeles County, other than the Santa Monica range.
Because the humidity level -- now at the 20-30 percent level -- is
expected to make the heat particularly uncomfortable in the mountains, an
excessive heat warning will be in effect for mountain areas until at least 8
tonight.
"The combination of temperature and humidity will create dangerously
hot conditions, with heat index values climbing to 100 degrees or more" in
mountain regions, according to an NWS advisory.
The heat index is a measure of discomfort based on humidity and heat,
which could peak at 105 in mountain areas today, forecasters said.
The Antelope Valley is expected to experience highs of 108 today. On
Tuesday, the mercury climbed to 107 in Lancaster, setting a record for a July
21, besting the one set in 2006, when the temperature in the city reached 106.
How much longer the heat wave will last was not certain this morning as
meteorologists struggled to forecast the departure of a strong upper-level high-
pressure system that has been parked over the West for several days.
One computer model indicates that it will push eastward starting Monday
or Tuesday, but another one shows the system staying put, said meteorologist
Jamie Meyer in a telephone interview from the NWS office in Oxnard.
In any event, we will not see "a whole lot of change anytime soon,"
she said.
The NWS forecast highs today of 74 in Avalon; 75 at Newport Beach; 76 at
LAX; 85 in Long Beach; 88 in Anaheim; 89 in downtown L.A.; 90 on Mount
Wilson; 93 in San Gabriel; 94 in Burbank; 96 in Pasadena; 102 in Woodland
Hills; 104 in Newhall; and 106 in Palmdale and Lancaster.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
Bringing some REALITY to POLITICS
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Reality TV star Randal Pinkett says he'll consider running for lieutenant governor in New Jersey if -- and when -- an offer is made.
The season 4 "Apprentice" winner tells The Associated Press he's met with Gov. Jon Corzine, but the governor has not asked him to be his running mate.
Pinkett is an African-American businessman who co-chaired Newark Mayor Cory Booker's transition team.
Corzine reportedly backed off Pinkett after the choice received negative reaction from some Democrats and newspaper editorial pages.
Corzine must make his lieutenant governor selection by Monday.
Republican Chris Christie has picked Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno (gwah-DAHN'-oh) as his running mate.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
The season 4 "Apprentice" winner tells The Associated Press he's met with Gov. Jon Corzine, but the governor has not asked him to be his running mate.
Pinkett is an African-American businessman who co-chaired Newark Mayor Cory Booker's transition team.
Corzine reportedly backed off Pinkett after the choice received negative reaction from some Democrats and newspaper editorial pages.
Corzine must make his lieutenant governor selection by Monday.
Republican Chris Christie has picked Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno (gwah-DAHN'-oh) as his running mate.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
Would you DIE for an iPhone?
GUANGZHOU, China (AP) -- An employee at a factory that makes iPhones in China killed himself after a prototype went missing, and Apple Inc. responded Wednesday by saying its suppliers are required to treat workers with dignity and respect.
The dead worker, Sun Danyong, 25, worked in product communications at Foxconn Technology Group, a Taiwanese firm that makes many Apple products at a massive factory in the southern city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong.
Although Apple and Foxconn have confirmed Sun's suicide, they have not provided details about the circumstances, which have been reported by the state-run Southern Metropolis Daily, one of the region's most popular papers.
There's tremendous pressure on employees dealing with Apple's new products to maintain a high-level secrecy over the gadgets, traditionally launched amid great suspense and a big marketing buzz. Apple is also a constant target of prying journalists, rabidly faithful customers and competitors who make great efforts to try to steal a peek at its latest technology.
Sun was responsible for sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, and on July 13 he reported that he was missing one of the 16 fourth-generation units in his possession, the newspaper reported. His friends said company security guards searched his apartment, detained him and beat him, the paper reported.
In the early morning of July 16, Sun jumped from the 12th floor of his apartment building, the paper said.
Jill Tan, an Apple spokeswoman in Hong Kong, issued only a brief statement about the incident.
"We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death," Tan said. "We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect."
The hot-selling iPhone has helped make Apple immune to the global recession. On Tuesday, the Cupertino, California-based company said its earnings jumped 15 percent in the third quarter -- growth propelled by laptop and iPhone sales.
More than 5.2 million iPhones were sold in the third quarter -- seven times what it sold at the same time last year -- and the spike in sales was partly because of a newly released version of the device, the company said.
One of Apple's most important manufacturing partners has long been Foxconn, owned by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. -- the world's biggest contract manufacturer of electronics. The corporate behemoth has also produced computers for Hewlett-Packard Co., PlayStation game consoles for Sony Corp. and mobile phones for Nokia Corp.
Foxconn said in a statement its security chief has been suspended and turned over to the police.
The security official, Gu Qinming, was quoted by the Southern Metropolis Daily as saying he never hit Sun. Gu reportedly said after three security personnel searched Sun's apartment and did not find the phone, the employee was ordered to go to Gu's office on July 15.
The security chief said he didn't think Sun was being truthful about the phone, the paper reported.
"I got a bit agitated. I pointed my finger at him and said that he was trying to shift the blame," Gu was quoted as saying.
He added, "I was a little angry and I pulled his right shoulder once to get him to tell me what happened. It (the beating) couldn't have happened," the paper reported.
Local police declined to respond to questions from The Associated Press.
Foxconn executive Li Jinming said in a statement that Sun's death showed the company needed to do a better job helping its employees with psychological pressures.
"Sun Danyong graduated from a good school. He joined the company in 2008. He had an extremely bright future. The group and I feel deep pain and regret when a young person dies like this."
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
The dead worker, Sun Danyong, 25, worked in product communications at Foxconn Technology Group, a Taiwanese firm that makes many Apple products at a massive factory in the southern city of Shenzhen, near Hong Kong.
Although Apple and Foxconn have confirmed Sun's suicide, they have not provided details about the circumstances, which have been reported by the state-run Southern Metropolis Daily, one of the region's most popular papers.
There's tremendous pressure on employees dealing with Apple's new products to maintain a high-level secrecy over the gadgets, traditionally launched amid great suspense and a big marketing buzz. Apple is also a constant target of prying journalists, rabidly faithful customers and competitors who make great efforts to try to steal a peek at its latest technology.
Sun was responsible for sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, and on July 13 he reported that he was missing one of the 16 fourth-generation units in his possession, the newspaper reported. His friends said company security guards searched his apartment, detained him and beat him, the paper reported.
In the early morning of July 16, Sun jumped from the 12th floor of his apartment building, the paper said.
Jill Tan, an Apple spokeswoman in Hong Kong, issued only a brief statement about the incident.
"We are saddened by the tragic loss of this young employee, and we are awaiting results of the investigations into his death," Tan said. "We require our suppliers to treat all workers with dignity and respect."
The hot-selling iPhone has helped make Apple immune to the global recession. On Tuesday, the Cupertino, California-based company said its earnings jumped 15 percent in the third quarter -- growth propelled by laptop and iPhone sales.
More than 5.2 million iPhones were sold in the third quarter -- seven times what it sold at the same time last year -- and the spike in sales was partly because of a newly released version of the device, the company said.
One of Apple's most important manufacturing partners has long been Foxconn, owned by Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. -- the world's biggest contract manufacturer of electronics. The corporate behemoth has also produced computers for Hewlett-Packard Co., PlayStation game consoles for Sony Corp. and mobile phones for Nokia Corp.
Foxconn said in a statement its security chief has been suspended and turned over to the police.
The security official, Gu Qinming, was quoted by the Southern Metropolis Daily as saying he never hit Sun. Gu reportedly said after three security personnel searched Sun's apartment and did not find the phone, the employee was ordered to go to Gu's office on July 15.
The security chief said he didn't think Sun was being truthful about the phone, the paper reported.
"I got a bit agitated. I pointed my finger at him and said that he was trying to shift the blame," Gu was quoted as saying.
He added, "I was a little angry and I pulled his right shoulder once to get him to tell me what happened. It (the beating) couldn't have happened," the paper reported.
Local police declined to respond to questions from The Associated Press.
Foxconn executive Li Jinming said in a statement that Sun's death showed the company needed to do a better job helping its employees with psychological pressures.
"Sun Danyong graduated from a good school. He joined the company in 2008. He had an extremely bright future. The group and I feel deep pain and regret when a young person dies like this."
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
Sunday, July 19, 2009
THE HANGOVER STILL HANGING ON
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 19, 2009-- Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures' summer smash hit "The Hangover" has added another milestone to its record-breaking run. On Sunday, July 19th, the Todd Phillips-directed comedy became the top-grossing R-rated comedy of all time, breaking the record previously held by "Beverly Hills Cop," which has stood for almost 25 years. To date, the film has earned an astounding estimated $235.9 million dollars and is still drawing large audiences after more than six weeks in release.
The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, who said, "This is one record I don't think any of us anticipated crossing. We continue to be amazed by the resilience of 'The Hangover' in a very competitive summer season, and the buzz just keeps building as word-of-mouth shows no sign of diminishing."
Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, stated, "Audiences are obviously in a mood to laugh and 'The Hangover' more than fits that bill. We are all understandably thrilled, but the person who deserves the most credit is the remarkable Todd Phillips. We applaud him and the amazing cast, along with everyone who had a hand in making the film."
Filmmaker Todd Phillips remarked, "I couldn't be happier that audiences everywhere are having as much fun watching 'The Hangover' as we had making it. The response to the movie has been overwhelming, and I want to thank my entire cast and crew and, of course, all our friends at Warner Bros."
From director Todd Phillips, "The Hangover" is a new comedy about a bachelor party gone horribly wrong. Two days before his wedding, Doug (Justin Bartha) and his three buddies (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis) drive to Las Vegas for a blow-out night they'll never forget. But when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning with pounding headaches, they can't remember a thing. Their posh hotel suite is beyond trashed and the groom is nowhere to be found. With no clue about what happened and little time to spare, the trio must attempt to retrace their bad decisions from the night before in order to figure out where things went wrong and hopefully get Doug back to L.A. in time for his wedding. However, the more they begin to uncover, the more they realize just how much trouble they're really in.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Green Hat Films Production of a Todd Phillips Movie: "The Hangover," starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha and Jeffrey Tambor. The film is directed by Phillips from a screenplay by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore. Todd Phillips and Dan Goldberg produced, with Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, William Fay, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender and J.C. Spink serving as executive producers.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, who said, "This is one record I don't think any of us anticipated crossing. We continue to be amazed by the resilience of 'The Hangover' in a very competitive summer season, and the buzz just keeps building as word-of-mouth shows no sign of diminishing."
Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, stated, "Audiences are obviously in a mood to laugh and 'The Hangover' more than fits that bill. We are all understandably thrilled, but the person who deserves the most credit is the remarkable Todd Phillips. We applaud him and the amazing cast, along with everyone who had a hand in making the film."
Filmmaker Todd Phillips remarked, "I couldn't be happier that audiences everywhere are having as much fun watching 'The Hangover' as we had making it. The response to the movie has been overwhelming, and I want to thank my entire cast and crew and, of course, all our friends at Warner Bros."
From director Todd Phillips, "The Hangover" is a new comedy about a bachelor party gone horribly wrong. Two days before his wedding, Doug (Justin Bartha) and his three buddies (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis) drive to Las Vegas for a blow-out night they'll never forget. But when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning with pounding headaches, they can't remember a thing. Their posh hotel suite is beyond trashed and the groom is nowhere to be found. With no clue about what happened and little time to spare, the trio must attempt to retrace their bad decisions from the night before in order to figure out where things went wrong and hopefully get Doug back to L.A. in time for his wedding. However, the more they begin to uncover, the more they realize just how much trouble they're really in.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Green Hat Films Production of a Todd Phillips Movie: "The Hangover," starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Heather Graham, Justin Bartha and Jeffrey Tambor. The film is directed by Phillips from a screenplay by Jon Lucas & Scott Moore. Todd Phillips and Dan Goldberg produced, with Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, William Fay, Scott Budnick, Chris Bender and J.C. Spink serving as executive producers.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
This home has an owner
WESTCHESTER (CNS) - A real estate agent made a startling discovery while
showing a house in Westchester -- a body on the living room floor, police
said today.
The encounter happened in a 1,900-square-foot house at 8917 Kittyhawk
Ave. about 7 p.m. Saturday, according to police and a camera crew.
Police told a Newsreel video crew the agent, who was preparing to show
the three-bedroom, two-bath house couldn't find the key in the lockbox on the
door, then went with the client to the backyard and found a broken window.
Inside was the body of a man in his 30s on the living room floor.
It was unclear how long the man had been dead, but detectives put on
masks when they went inside. A white car on the street may have belonged to the
victim, Newsreel reported.
Police confirmed the basic facts, but detectives don't know what
happened, LAPD spokeswoman Rosario Herrera said.
The body was turned over to the coroner's office for an autopsy, which
should establish the cause of death.
The apparently bank-owned house is priced at $539,000 and listed by the
Modern Realty Co., which specializes in foreclosures and bank-owned properties,
according to its Web site.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
showing a house in Westchester -- a body on the living room floor, police
said today.
The encounter happened in a 1,900-square-foot house at 8917 Kittyhawk
Ave. about 7 p.m. Saturday, according to police and a camera crew.
Police told a Newsreel video crew the agent, who was preparing to show
the three-bedroom, two-bath house couldn't find the key in the lockbox on the
door, then went with the client to the backyard and found a broken window.
Inside was the body of a man in his 30s on the living room floor.
It was unclear how long the man had been dead, but detectives put on
masks when they went inside. A white car on the street may have belonged to the
victim, Newsreel reported.
Police confirmed the basic facts, but detectives don't know what
happened, LAPD spokeswoman Rosario Herrera said.
The body was turned over to the coroner's office for an autopsy, which
should establish the cause of death.
The apparently bank-owned house is priced at $539,000 and listed by the
Modern Realty Co., which specializes in foreclosures and bank-owned properties,
according to its Web site.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Slow Getaway
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A massive tortoise who left the circus and took his show on the road for six days has been found and is expected to be back with his circus family soon.
The 114-pound male tortoise named Berta didn't make it very far. He had traveled just two miles when he was spotted on a golf course less than a week after his July 7 escape during a show in Madison, Wis.
Alain Zerbini, owner and producer of Florida-based Zerbini Family Circus, says he expects to have Berta back in a few days. A friend of Zerbini picked up Berta from the Humane Society in Madison on Friday.
Zerbini says the tortoise has been "part of the family" for 10 years.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
The 114-pound male tortoise named Berta didn't make it very far. He had traveled just two miles when he was spotted on a golf course less than a week after his July 7 escape during a show in Madison, Wis.
Alain Zerbini, owner and producer of Florida-based Zerbini Family Circus, says he expects to have Berta back in a few days. A friend of Zerbini picked up Berta from the Humane Society in Madison on Friday.
Zerbini says the tortoise has been "part of the family" for 10 years.
THIS IS FROM AN AP ARTICLE
Hospital here she comes
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Actress Mischa Barton, taken to a hospital Wednesday
on a 72-hour psychiatric hold, could be released today.
Barton, 23, called police about 3 p.m. Wednesday and, after talking to
her at her Westside home, officers decided to take her to a hospital --
reportedly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center -- under Section 5150 of the state's
health and welfare code.
Barton's publicist, Craig Schneider, issued a statement that said Barton
"was safely transferred to medical treatment for which she remains
hospitalized, as per the recommendation of her doctor."
Barton could be discharged as early as this afternoon. But if doctors
decide her mental state has not improved, they could request a 14-day hold.
Barton missed the Thursday night premiere of her latest movie,
"Homecoming," in New York City.
The actress, probably best known as Marissa Cooper on "The O.C.," is
set to appear in the upcoming series "The Beautiful Life," which is scheduled
to start production Wednesday.
Barton's representative told the Los Angeles Times her participation
"will ultimately be contingent on her progress and doctor's orders." The show
premieres Sept. 16.
She pleaded no contest to a driving while intoxicated charge and was
given probation after an arrest in December 2007. In May 2007, Barton was
taken from a Malibu beach party to a hospital because of what was reported to
be a reaction to cold medicine, the Los Angeles Times reported.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
on a 72-hour psychiatric hold, could be released today.
Barton, 23, called police about 3 p.m. Wednesday and, after talking to
her at her Westside home, officers decided to take her to a hospital --
reportedly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center -- under Section 5150 of the state's
health and welfare code.
Barton's publicist, Craig Schneider, issued a statement that said Barton
"was safely transferred to medical treatment for which she remains
hospitalized, as per the recommendation of her doctor."
Barton could be discharged as early as this afternoon. But if doctors
decide her mental state has not improved, they could request a 14-day hold.
Barton missed the Thursday night premiere of her latest movie,
"Homecoming," in New York City.
The actress, probably best known as Marissa Cooper on "The O.C.," is
set to appear in the upcoming series "The Beautiful Life," which is scheduled
to start production Wednesday.
Barton's representative told the Los Angeles Times her participation
"will ultimately be contingent on her progress and doctor's orders." The show
premieres Sept. 16.
She pleaded no contest to a driving while intoxicated charge and was
given probation after an arrest in December 2007. In May 2007, Barton was
taken from a Malibu beach party to a hospital because of what was reported to
be a reaction to cold medicine, the Los Angeles Times reported.
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
CA PLANNING A CAR SALE?
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The state of California is planning to have a giant used car sale next month.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced plans Friday to sell off 15 percent of the state's approximately 40,000 light vehicles, a step officials said would generate $24.1 million over the next year.
The announcement comes as state officials are trying to erase a $26.3 billion budget deficit.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear said the idea for the sale came from state employees, who provided tips about workers taking home vehicles when they shouldn't and other cars sitting unused in state garages.
The sale will be held Aug. 28 and 29 in Sacramento."
THIS IS FROM AN AP NEWS ARTICLE
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced plans Friday to sell off 15 percent of the state's approximately 40,000 light vehicles, a step officials said would generate $24.1 million over the next year.
The announcement comes as state officials are trying to erase a $26.3 billion budget deficit.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear said the idea for the sale came from state employees, who provided tips about workers taking home vehicles when they shouldn't and other cars sitting unused in state garages.
The sale will be held Aug. 28 and 29 in Sacramento."
THIS IS FROM AN AP NEWS ARTICLE
5 year old girl allegedly killed by her mom
"LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A 5-year-old girl apparently was stabbed to death by
her 30-year-old mother, who then slit her wrists and died, police said today.
The two were discovered about 9:40 a.m. at a home in the 300 block of
Vista Place near Garvanza Park, Los Angeles police Officer Rosario Herrera
said.
The girl had been stabbed multiple times, and the mother's wrists were
cut, said Herrera, adding that the information was preliminary. There was no
immediate word on a motive.
Both the mother and daughter were dead at the scene. Their names were
withheld pending notification of their next of kin."
CNS-07-18-2009 10:44 (FTP)
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
her 30-year-old mother, who then slit her wrists and died, police said today.
The two were discovered about 9:40 a.m. at a home in the 300 block of
Vista Place near Garvanza Park, Los Angeles police Officer Rosario Herrera
said.
The girl had been stabbed multiple times, and the mother's wrists were
cut, said Herrera, adding that the information was preliminary. There was no
immediate word on a motive.
Both the mother and daughter were dead at the scene. Their names were
withheld pending notification of their next of kin."
CNS-07-18-2009 10:44 (FTP)
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
Friday, July 17, 2009
STERIODS ARE FOR DOPES
AIGLE, Switzerland (AP) -- The International Cycling Union has suspended two Spanish riders who tested positive for the banned blood-boosting drug CERA.
The UCI said Friday that Inigo Landaluze tested positive in two blood samples last month, one taken during the Dauphine Libere race in France and the other out of competition.
Ricardo Serrano tested positive in a sample from the Tour of Switzerland.
The UCI provisionally suspended the riders until the Spanish cycling federation holds disciplinary hearings.
Neither rider is competing in the Tour de France.
The 32-year-old Landaluze won the Dauphine in 2005, although suspicions of doping shrouded the victory. The 30-year-old Serrano is already suspended for previous doping problems.
THIS IS FROM AN ASSOCIATED PRESS ARTICLE
The UCI said Friday that Inigo Landaluze tested positive in two blood samples last month, one taken during the Dauphine Libere race in France and the other out of competition.
Ricardo Serrano tested positive in a sample from the Tour of Switzerland.
The UCI provisionally suspended the riders until the Spanish cycling federation holds disciplinary hearings.
Neither rider is competing in the Tour de France.
The 32-year-old Landaluze won the Dauphine in 2005, although suspicions of doping shrouded the victory. The 30-year-old Serrano is already suspended for previous doping problems.
THIS IS FROM AN ASSOCIATED PRESS ARTICLE
Family wants the public's help for Justice
"LONG BEACH (CNS) - The family of a 46-year-old Long Beach man who was
shot to death one year ago today is asking the public to held solve the crime.
Edwin Dewitt Holman was shot around 8:30 p.m. July 17, 2008, near South
Street and Locust Avenue, said Officer Jackie Bezart of the Long Beach Police
Department.
Holman was found in an alley, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds,
Bezart said. He died at a hospital.
Investigator are hoping witnesses will come forward with information
that leads to an arrest, Bezart said.
"Homicide detectives have very little information to go on at this time
and are asking for the public's help," Bezart said.
Relatives of the victim and homicide investigators plan to be at the
shooting scene today to underscore their call for public help.
Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting was urged to contact Long
Beach Police Department homicide Detectives Mark McGuire or Hugo Cortes at
(562) 570-7244. "
CNS-07-17-2009 03:58 (FTP)
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
shot to death one year ago today is asking the public to held solve the crime.
Edwin Dewitt Holman was shot around 8:30 p.m. July 17, 2008, near South
Street and Locust Avenue, said Officer Jackie Bezart of the Long Beach Police
Department.
Holman was found in an alley, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds,
Bezart said. He died at a hospital.
Investigator are hoping witnesses will come forward with information
that leads to an arrest, Bezart said.
"Homicide detectives have very little information to go on at this time
and are asking for the public's help," Bezart said.
Relatives of the victim and homicide investigators plan to be at the
shooting scene today to underscore their call for public help.
Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting was urged to contact Long
Beach Police Department homicide Detectives Mark McGuire or Hugo Cortes at
(562) 570-7244. "
CNS-07-17-2009 03:58 (FTP)
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
the big G's- Google and Government
LOS ANGELES (CNS ) - Frustrated by a slow, antiquated, crash-prone
computer system, the city of Los Angeles is weighing a plan to replace its e-
mail and records retention software with a service provided by Google, it was
reported today.
The move that could allow the Internet giant to retain sensitive records
transmitted by the police and other municipal agencies, the Los Angeles Times
reported.
If approved by the City Council, responsibility for protecting the
internal data and public records would be shifted from the city to Google,
according to a report submitted this week to a council committee that will
weigh the proposed $7.25 million contract, The Times reported.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa favors the effort to modernize the e-mail
system, which his spokesman, Matt Szabo, described to The Times as "Pac-Man-
era technology."
The current system "has got to be the slowest, most inefficient, crash-
prone e-mail system in the history of mankind," Szabo added.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman, Lt. John Romero, said it
would be inappropriate for his agency to comment while a contract is being
negotiated.
But acting City Administrative Officer Ray Ciranna, the city's top
financial advisor, told The Times that the LAPD has raised questions about
Google's ability to shield sensitive arrest information.
L.A city officials also question whether Google, as keeper of the
records, would have to respond to public information requests, The Times
reported.
"Release of this data by Google without appropriate review by the city
attorney could compromise the city's position regarding pending or potential
litigation," according to a staff report quoted by The Times.
City officials hope to have the Google system installed before Dec. 31.
If the council misses that deadline, the city could be required to pay for
continuing maintenance on the current GroupWise e-mail system, according to The
Times.
CNS-07-17-2009 04:40 (FTP)
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
computer system, the city of Los Angeles is weighing a plan to replace its e-
mail and records retention software with a service provided by Google, it was
reported today.
The move that could allow the Internet giant to retain sensitive records
transmitted by the police and other municipal agencies, the Los Angeles Times
reported.
If approved by the City Council, responsibility for protecting the
internal data and public records would be shifted from the city to Google,
according to a report submitted this week to a council committee that will
weigh the proposed $7.25 million contract, The Times reported.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa favors the effort to modernize the e-mail
system, which his spokesman, Matt Szabo, described to The Times as "Pac-Man-
era technology."
The current system "has got to be the slowest, most inefficient, crash-
prone e-mail system in the history of mankind," Szabo added.
A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman, Lt. John Romero, said it
would be inappropriate for his agency to comment while a contract is being
negotiated.
But acting City Administrative Officer Ray Ciranna, the city's top
financial advisor, told The Times that the LAPD has raised questions about
Google's ability to shield sensitive arrest information.
L.A city officials also question whether Google, as keeper of the
records, would have to respond to public information requests, The Times
reported.
"Release of this data by Google without appropriate review by the city
attorney could compromise the city's position regarding pending or potential
litigation," according to a staff report quoted by The Times.
City officials hope to have the Google system installed before Dec. 31.
If the council misses that deadline, the city could be required to pay for
continuing maintenance on the current GroupWise e-mail system, according to The
Times.
CNS-07-17-2009 04:40 (FTP)
THIS IS FROM A CITY NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE
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