Randy Economy

OCCUPY OAKLAND RIOT AFTERMATH: Mayor Quan says “the Bay Area Occupy Movement has got to stop using Oakland as their playground.”

2012-01-29T00:45:00.001-08:00

The day of rioting in Oakland is now going on to Sunday. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan is being tested by Occupy members who are taking to the streets and literally running a muck.

This is the latest official statement from Oakland PD this morning.

Oakland, CA – At an 8:30 pm press briefing, Oakland officials provided updates on the Occupy activities in downtown Oakland. “Once again, a violent splinter group of the Occupy Movement is engaging in violent actions against Oakland,” said Oakland Mayor Jean Quan.

“The Bay Area Occupy Movement has got to stop using Oakland as their playground.”

Earlier today protesters unsuccessfully attempted to break into the historic Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, they charged a skirmish line at Oak Street and pelted officers with bottles, metal pipe, rocks, spray cans, improvised explosive devices and burning flares.

Oakland Police Department deployed smoke, tear gas and beanbag projectiles. By 4 pm, an Occupy crowd of approximately 300 had returned to Frank Ogawa Plaza. After a brief respite, the group returned to the streets and marched through downtown Oakland. After ignoring a dispersal order, at approximately 6:30 pm, the arrest protesters invaded the YMCA and were arrested.

Simultaneously, a different group of protesters burnt an American flag in front of Oakland City Hall before breaking into the historic building. Damage to exhibits has been reported. Officers will be making arrests onsite. “There is no excuse for the behavior we experienced this evening,” said Council President Larry Reid when responding to an inquiry about damage to City Hall. “From their own posts and their letter to the Mayor and City Council, the demonstrators’ stated intention was to provoke the police and engage in illegal activity,” said City Administrator Deanna J. Santana.

As of this release, the total arrests are estimated at 200. Three police officers and one protester have been injured and three private vehicles have been vandalized. The City of Oakland has received mutual aid from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the cities of Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, Pleasanton and Union City/Newark.

Isabella Santorum: Presidential candidates daughter rushed to hospital; Condition unknown

2012-01-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

Senator Santourm with his special daughter Isabella

Just got a note about the Rick Santorum campaign....from a reader who claims to be a "campaign insider" (huh?). Regardless...tough news...anyway you look at it....

Isabella Santorum, the three year old daughter of Rick and Karen has been admitted to the Children's Hospital in Philly.

Statement from Santorum Camp:

Verona, PA - The Rick Santorum for President campaign has issued the following statement on the admittance of Isabella Santorum to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Hogan Gidley, National Communications Director, said: "Rick and his wife Karen are admitting their daughter Bella to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia this evening. The campaign will cancel Rick's upcoming Sunday morning Florida campaign schedule. However, Rick intends to return to Florida and resume the campaign schedule as soon as is possible"

I want EVERYONE to say a "Prayer" for little Elizabeth and for the ENTIRE Santourm family!

Family always comes FIRST before POLITICS!

Rick Santorum and his entire family are strong, and great role models for EVERYONE TONIGHT! Glad he has a strong "Faith in GOD," especially in times like these....

7:40 p.m.: OCCUPY OAKLAND PROTESTERS BREAK INTO YMCA

2012-01-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

Watch live streaming video from occupyoakland at livestream.com

7:36 p.m.
Oakland Police Department Alert: "YMCA broken into by protesters. 2350 Broadway. Arrests made. Mutual aid is operational.."
6:44 p.m.:
Just saw Jordan Towers from Occupy San Francisco get arrested. He posted this pic seconds before he was led off in handcuffs....

Photo via Jordan Towers....who is now under arrest.

6:35 p.m. UPDATE:
Looks like OAKLAND POLICE ARE now conducting arrests near the "YMCA" in Oakland.

By Randy Economy

Crazy afternoon in Oakland, CA. Apparently the "Occupy Oakland" movement has been hit with tear gas canisters by local law enforcement members.

According to the Oakland Tribune just minutes ago....and Fox News just issued a "News Alert" about the situation.....(also got this LIVE FEED from the Occupy Oakland Web Feed)

OAKLAND -- Police have fired tear gas and flash bang grenades at Occupy Oakland protesters as they marched near the Oakland Museum of California. As marchers walked up Oak Street near 12th Street, a line of police blocked the path and declared it an unlawful assembly. Police then fired tear gas and some protesters tweeted rubber bullets were fired into the crowd.
The marchers turned around and began marching in the opposite direction.

Alex Da Silva: "So You Think You Can Dance" choreographer convicted of rape sentenced to 10 years in prison

2012-01-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

Alex Da Silva....BAD DANCER!

"Da Silva could have easily charmed the pants off of any woman with his sultry, sexy and smooth moves, why he had to resolve to raping them I will never. I guess inorder to begin to comprehend something like that one would have to get into the mind of a sociopathic rapist."

---Post from You Tube

LOS ANGELES – A salsa dance instructor who worked as a choreographer on the FOX television show “So You Think You Can Dance” was sentenced today to 10 years in state prison for raping one female victim and assaulting another with intent to rape. Judge Kathleen Kennedy, who denied a defense motion for a new trial, ordered Alex Da Silva, 43, to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Deput
y District Attorney Martha Carrillo with the Sex Crimes Division prosecuted the case. Judge Kennedy said it was clear Da Silva “does not respect women” and “believes he is entitled to do whatever he wants when he wants.” A jury in September convicted Da Silva of raping a 22-year-old woman in August 2002 and assaulting a 25-year-old woman in March 2009 with intent to commit rape. The victims were either dancers or aspiring dancers who met him through his dance instruction classes. The jury was hung on four counts involving two additional female victims and Judge Kennedy today dismissed those charges.

CECILIO RODRIGUEZ: Popular Hawaiian Singer Sentenced after Pleading to Sexually Molesting Two Sisters

2012-01-28T13:56:00.000-08:00

WTH?

Say it ain't so....!

Man, oh man. I love these guys music. Seen them here at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Got a clip of a CCPA past concert below. So, sad....

LOS ANGELES – A popular Hawaiian singer was given a six-year suspended state prison on Friday today after pleading no contest to sexually molesting two young sisters in the 1990s, the District Attorney’s office announced. Cecilio Rodriguez, 67, of the singing group Cecilio and Kapono, pleaded to sexually molesting the first victim between 1996 and 1998, and sexually molesting her sister between 1997 and 1999, said Deputy District Attorney Adrian Roxas. Rodriguez was on tour at the various times of the assaults and staying with their family in their Carson home.

One victim, now 21, was between seven and eight years old at the time of the assault and her sister, now 23, was between eight and nine years old when she was sexually molested. The crimes were discovered last year when one of the women revealed the assault to her father after she refused to visit Rodriguez in Hawaii, Roxas said. Both victims tearfully addressed Superior Court Judge Gary Hahn, telling the judge how Rodriguez had violated their parents trust. Judge Hahn ordered Rodriguez to complete 365 days in jail and 52 weeks of sexual offender counseling and placed him on five years formal probation. If he violates his probation, he face the full six year state prison term. Rodriguez, who was arrested in Hawaii in 1992 for similar assaults on two girls, also was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Roxas said Rodriguez pleaded open to the court, meaning it was not part of a plea agreement. The L.A. County Sheriff's Department’s Special Victim’s Bureau investigated the case and arrested Rodriguez in September at LAX.

MATTHEW CLOUTMAN arrested after wild afternoon in Whiiter on Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer

2012-01-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Just got an update from the Whittier Police Department on Friday's WILD afternoon that literally shut down a wide swatch of the hillside community.

"On January 27, 2012 at approximately 11pm, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau entered the residence where the suspect had barricaded himself. After they searched the premises, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident.

Arrested: Matthew Cloutman is a 36-year-old male and a resident of West Covina. Matthew is being charged with attempted murder of a peace officer and a parole warrant."

Cloutman is now in a huge mess.

He should have just surrendered when they came to arrest him on that "Warrant Search." Anyway.... everything is back to "normal" so to speak.

Bree'anna Guzman: Murder of 22-year-old woman in Los Angeles makes me wonder about humanity in our "world around us." Friends take to Facebook to raise funds, awareness! Please DONATE!

2012-01-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Visit the Facebook Page: "Praying for Bree'anna Guzman."

By Randy Economy

I never knew 22-year-old Bree'anna Guzman from Los Angeles, but her passing has sent a shiver up my spine and anger in my thoughts...

I want to share a few feelings...and to for EVERYONE'S help

According to her friends, Bree-anna was a "bright light" and someone "who loved everyone." Her murder cannot go unnoticed. Yesterday a Caltrans crew found Bree'anna's body along a crowded freeway off-ramp.

No one noticed her body for hours, and it appears that she was killed and literally "tossed" on the side of the road. Excuse, but, what the hell is going on in our community. This has outraged me, and tonight I stand in unity with her family in demanding justice, and answers.

"It looks like this person was just tossed basically off the side of the freeway over there. Doesn't look like somebody tried to hide the body," LAPD Commander Andrew Smith is quoted on last night's newscast on an LA news broadcast.

Speechless. Just without words.

We now know that Bree-anna was a young mother of two small children. They will never see her smiling face again, and this tragedy will have a lasting effect for generations.
Wake up people. Wake up NOW.

Her friends have started a support page on Facebook to help raise funds and awareness about her murder.

Visit the Facebook Group called "Praying for Bree'anna Guzman."

I challenge ALL of my readers to help by joining this Group, and making a small donation (or large....).

I made my contribution at 7:11 p.m. Friday night, and I intend to do more...not less...

Join me. Take a few minutes to do the same.

ALSO... PLEASE....Share your thoughts below this post....

(Update at 6 p.m.) BREAKING NEWS: US Marshall's shot at while serving search warrant in Uptown Whittier. House now surrounded by law enforcement

2012-01-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

LOCATION OF US MARSHALL SHOOTING SITUATION IN WHITTIER, CA.

Update: 6:07 p.m.: SWAT has surrounded the location where the alleged suspect is being held. NBCLA is reporting that tear gas cans have been released. Still no word on the name of the suspect. No members of law enforcement have been injured. Street closures still continue in the immediate area. If you are by Washington and Broadway, share your thoughts with my BLOG readers at the end of this post.

RrE

UPDATE: 4:00 p.m.: Map of area where US Marshall's are located right now in Whittier.

Suspect fires at US Marshals during an attempted arrest of wanted subject

January 27, 2012

Whittier, CA--On Friday, January 27th at approximately 12:37pm U.S. Marshals were shot at during the surveillance and attempted arrest of a male, parolee wanted for a carjacking warrant. The incident took place in the 6000 block of Washington Ave in Uptown Whittier. Whittier Officers were assisting the Marshal's Office on a surveillance of the suspect when the suspect exited the building and shot at the Marshals, who were in the rear area of the property. The suspect immediately barricaded himself in another building on the property. Law Enforcement personnel on scene did not return fire and no one was injured at this time.

Several other occupants of the property ran from the residence and it is unknown their relationship with the suspect.

The Los Angeles County Special Enforcement Bureau was called to the scene to handle the incident. At this time we have no further information as the situation is still developing. Whittier Police are working in conjunction with the Marshal's office and the LA County Sheriff's Department.

By Randy Economy

I just got a call from Norwalk community leader Mark Hyland into Los Cerritos Community News who said that he was in the immediate area of Washington Avenue and Beverly Boulevard in Whittier and saw that the entire area was shut down by several members of the US Marshall's Office and that helicopters had landed at a local school campus.

Another local newsgroup is reporting that U.S. Marshals were shot at during the surveillance and attempted arrest of a male parolee wanted for carjacking in Whittier.

Hyland, who is a Norwalk community leader, said that the "place was swarming with Marshall's."

No word if anyone was hit by gun fire.

Keep u posted....thanks Mark for the tip....

Scary....

Nick Burresch, Phillip Reinig: Two men gunned down in La Habra. Suspect(s) at large

2012-01-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF DOUBLE MURDER.

By Randy Economy

Horrific shooting in La Habra yesterday resulted in the death of two adult men. Nick Burresch, 24, and Phillip Reinig, 30 were gunned down outside of a home at the 5000 block of South Clifton Street last night at around 7:15ish.

Witnesses are saying that "six to eight" shots were fired at the two men. La Habra Police Department Officials.

I am going to follow up on this case for Los Cerritos Community News later this afternoon at www.loscerritosnews.net.

....also....just got off phone with the Watch Commander at the La Habra Police Department. Here is the "official" press statement about the shootings...

"At approximately 7:15 p.m., the La Habra Police Department received calls of shots fired in the 500 block of S. Clifton. When officers arrived on scene, they found two gunshot victims outside a residence. The men were later identified as Nick Burresch, 24 years old, of La Habra and Phillip Reinig, 30 years old, also of La Habra. The Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel rendered aid at the scene and Burresch and Reinig were transported to an area hospital for further treatment, however, both succumbed to their injuries.

An investigation into these homicides is ongoing. Currently, there is no suspect information or possible vehicle description available. Anyone whomay have witnessed this crime is strongly urged to contact the La Habra Police Department at (562) 905-9750 or the department’s anonymous tip line (562) 905-9611. Reporting parties call also utilize Orange County Crime Stoppers by going to their website at www.occrimestoppers.org and submitting their tip online or calling 855-TIP-OCCS (847-6227)."

END ANIMAL ABUSE: District Attorney Announces $5,000 Reward for Dog Fighting Tipster

2012-01-26T23:38:00.000-08:00

www.foundanimals.org

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

One of the GREATEST humane organizations in Los Angeles County is a group called Found Animals and is overseen by Gary Karlin Michelson, M.D. They rescue abused and seized dogs right here in our community. The Los Angeles County District Attorney is cracking down of animal fighting. Thanks Dr. Gary for helping our four legged friends. Here is a news release from the DA's office...and time for all of us the pay attention!
Randy Economy

LOS ANGELES – District Attorney Steve Cooley announced today the most recent $5,000 reward paid by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to an anonymous tipster who led authorities to an Antelope Valley couple deeply immersed in the blood sport of dogfighting.

“Guinness,” an 11-month-old black-and-white m
ale pitbull mix, attended the morning news conference with his owner, Carissa Cole of Santa Monica. “Guinness” is one of 14 dogs rescued from the Lake Los Angeles home of convicted dogfighters Jesse and Yvette Jimenez, whose handwritten records included blow-by-blow narratives dating back to the mid 1990s. “It is my hope that anyone who becomes aware of this criminal activity will use the LA County dogfighting tip line to help put these brutal criminals behind bars,” Cooley said. “Often animal fighting is associated with a subculture of violence, gangs, drugs and gambling.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

This vile practice will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County.” Since 2009, HSUS and a private local organization have jointly funded a tip line where callers can report dogfighting 24 hours a day in English and Spanish. District Attorney Cooley expressed his gratitude to both organizations for their financial commitment to keeping the tip line viable.

The District Attorney’s Office and HSUS recognized the tipster with a symbolic check. In keeping with the tip line’s confidentiality policy, however, the caller’s name was not released. Deputies who executed a search warrant at the home of Jesse and Yvette Jimenez discovered 11 adult pitbulls – all bearing scars or fresh injuries – and three puppies. Among the adult dogs was a female pitbull, believed to have borne several litters, whose teeth had been manually filed down to the pulp for the purpose of breeding her without injury to her partner.

Found Animals Foundation coordinated the rescue efforts for the seized dogs. The criminal investigation of the Jimenez residence additionally revealed drugs with children in the home. Defendant Jesse Jimenez, 44, is scheduled to surrender to authorities tomorrow to begin serving 365 days of actual time, meaning he must serve the entire duration of his county jail term. Jimenez pleaded no contest on Nov. 30, 2011, to 31 felony counts including dog fighting, willful animal cruelty and animal neglect. Co-defendant Yvette Jimenez, 42, pleaded

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

no contest to one count of willful animal cruelty and two counts of felony dogfighting on Nov. 30, 2011.

She was sentenced to three years of formal probation, completion of an animal cruelty counseling program and restitution. The defendant was ordered released after serving 274 days of actual time in county jail. “This is yet another case of animal cruelty that warrants state prison but is ineligible due to AB109,” the District Attorney said, contrasting Eduardo Jimenez’s one-year county jail term with pre-AB109 dogfighting sentences of up to five years in state prison. The District Attorney made a call to action for the public to call or write state legislators for the purpose of petitioning that animal cruelty cases be added to the list of prison-eligible crimes.

The Jimenez case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Samantha Macdonald and investigated by Deputy Sheriff Robert Ferrell of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Rachel Montez-Kemp of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control testified as an expert witness during the preliminary hearing in the case. Other partner agencies including the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control and Karma Rescue also were present at the news conference. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which boasted the first animal cruelty case coordinator in the country in 2007, is a nationally recognized pioneer of animal cruelty prosecutions and initiatives

DEMI MOORE: Hooked on Nitrous Oxide is no "laughing matter."

2012-01-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

Demi Moore (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

By Randy Economy Hollywood, Ca Scary situation going on with actress Demi Moore. She is in a hospital and is reportedly "hooked on nitrous oxide." Huh? Laughing gas? Yep. Amazing to see that Nitrous is now the new "drug of choice" for some celebs. I first met Demi back in the 1980's when she was hanging out in the "club scene" in China Town here in Downtown LA. I hope she gets the help she needs, because this is serious.... Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or sweet air,^[1] is a chemical compound with the formula N₂O. It is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. It is known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoric effects of inhaling it, a property that has led to its recreational use as a dissociative anesthetic. It is also used as an oxidizer in rocketry and in motor racing to increase the power output of engines. At elevated temperatures, nitrous oxide is a powerful oxidizer similar to molecular oxygen.

9500 Block of Graham Street in Cypress is scene where suspect shoots at apartment complex

2012-01-26T00:58:00.000-08:00

By Randy Economy
Wild night in Cypress on Wednesday. Just got a couple of notes from readers, as well as an "alert" from the Cypress Police Department about a shooting that took place over on the 9500 Block of Graham Street. At about 6:48 p.m., the Cypress Police Department received a report of a suspect firing a handgun at an apartment complex in the 9500 Block of Graham Street. When Cypress PD officers arrived moments later and confronted the suspect, he exited the apartment complex on foot. Then, the suspect was contacted and was armed with a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The suspect immediately complied with officers and was taken into custody. It was determined the suspect was visiting family in the apartment complex and an argument led to the suspect arming himself. The suspect fired two shots in the courtyard of the complex before attempting to leave. At the time of the incident, the suspect was a restrained person and prohibited from being at the location and from possessing a firearm. No one was injured during the incident. As soon as the suspects name is released, I will update this post.

PHOTO: ARIZONA GOVERNOR JAN BREWER THROWS HER FINGER IN PRESIDENT OBAMA'S FACE DURING AIRPORT GREETING. WHITE HOUSE PRESS POOL DETAILS RELEASED!

2012-01-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

GOV. JAN BREWER LOST HER MIND IN ARIZONA THIS AFTERNOON,

just ASK PRESIDENT OBAMA

By Randy Economy
So much for "The Arizona Welcome Mat" for President Barack Obama today from that bizarre and outlandish Governor Jan Brewer...

Image via Wikipedia

Got this from You Tube. I was the third person to see this clip, so it literally is "hot off the computer." Apparently, the Commander in Chief, showed up to Arizona this afternoon a day after his State of the Union Address and Brewer apparently got in the President's face and stuck her finger in his face....and well...it is already going "viral." This voice over of this clip is from a guy who calls himself "marvintheboon." Yikes. There are certain ways to greet a President of the United States, Jan, and today you struck out, girl!

UPDATE:
A WHITE HOUSE PRESS POOL REPORTER JUST POSTED THIS INFORMATION

The following is a White House pool report filed shortly after President Barack Obama's arrival in Chandler, Arizona:

"President Obama arrived in Phoenix at 3:15 pm local time, finding the chilly weather of Iowa giving way to sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60s.

He stepped off Air Force One at 3:28 pm and was greeted by Gov. Jan Brewer. She handed him a handwritten letter in an envelope and they spoke intensely for a few minutes. At one point, she pointed her finger at him. Afterwards, (I) spoke with the governor.

"He was a little disturbed about my book, Scorpions for Breakfast," Brewer said. "I said to him that I have all the respect in the world for the office of the president. The book is what the book is. I asked him if he read the book. He said he read the excerpt. So."

Asked what aspect of the book disturbed him, Brewer said: "That he didn't feel that I had treated him cordially. I said I was sorry he felt that way but I didn't get my sentence finished. Anyway, we're glad he's here. I'll regroup."

On the letter, she said it was personal letter asking him to sit down with her to discuss the "Arizona comeback."

She said she "reiterated an invitation that I've extended to him before with regards to coming to arizona and going to the border with me." She said she would take him to lunch.

"We've had a remarkable comeback here and I want to share that with him."

She said the president brought up the book.

"I thought we probably would've talked about the things that were important to him and important to me, helping one another. Our country is upside down. Arizona was upside down. But we have turned it around. I know again that he loves this country and I love this country."

Brewer is not going to Intel for the visit.

Obama was also greeted by Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and Mesa Mayor Scott Smith.

During his brief stop at the airport, Obama worked the rope line.

Obama was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, among them the mother of a 2 1/2 month old baby girl. The President grabbed the baby, as her mother took a picture with her phone, uttering "Oh my God!" in disbelief

The President was given a basketball and a jersey, that Marvin Nicholson took care of. One of the greeters got the president to sign on his cast.

An update, filed at 4:11 p.m.

Obama arrived at the Intel campus after a brief ride in the motorcade, which was greeted by thick crowds of onlookers lining the streets.

A little more from the Brewer-Obama encounter.

It was clear from the moment they greeted one another that this would not be a run-of-the-mill encounter between the president and a local official. At one point, she was pointing her finger at him and at another, they were talking at the same time, seemingly over each other.

He appeared to walk away from her while they were still talking, and she confirmed that by saying she didn't finish her sentence.

When Brewer spoke with your pooler, the AP and an NBC producer for several minutes afterwards, she appeared a bit flustered and taken aback by the conversation. Asked if she was, that's when Brewer said, "I'll regroup."

ABOVE IS WHAT BREWER SAID TO OBAMA ON A ARIZONA RADIO SHOW TODAY ABOUT HER BOOK SCORPIONS FOR BREAKFAST.

VISIT LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Related articles

HARRY BURKHART: New Charges Added in Hollywood Arson Case

2012-01-24T22:14:00.000-08:00

HARRY BURKHART is in a HEAP of DEEP SHIT TROUBLE. Today the "ALLEGED" HOLLYWOOD FIRE BUG was OFFICIALLY CHARGED WITH 100 FELONY COUNTS OF ARSON. Found a RARE photo of Harry Burkhart on a You Tube vid clip that I put here on my blog. Whaddauthink? Is this guy dealing with a full tank of gas, or is he totally gonzo? Hit my comment section below.
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles County prosecutors today added 63 additional counts of arson against the 24-year-old man suspected of setting nearly 50 fires that terrorized Los Angeles residents over the New Year’s weekend, the District Attorney’s office announced. Harry Burkhart is scheduled to appear for arraignment this afternoon in case No. BA392381 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Department 30, 210 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Prosecutors will ask that his $2.8 million bail be raised to reflect the additional charges. Deputy District Attorney Sean Carney of the Target Crimes Division said prosecutors amended the complaint to bring the total number of arson charges to 100 after reviewing new evidence from an ongoing investigation. The complaint alleges an accelerant was used. Burkhart is now charged with 75 counts of arson of property, 19 counts arson of an inhabited structure, two counts of arson of an uninhabited structure, two counts of attempt to burn and two counts of possession of flammable material. The charges involve 49 arson fires in Hollywood, West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles between Dec. 30 and Jan. 2. No deaths or serious injuries were reported. But property damage to homes and automobiles was in the millions of dollars. Most of the fires were started in automobiles. In many cases, flames spread to structures. Burkhart, who travels on a German passport but purportedly was born in Chechnya, was staying with his mother in Hollywood. She currently is in federal custody on fraud-related crimes. Her immigration/extradition cases are pending in federal court. If convicted, he faces more than 80 years in state prison.

TOMIKA JOHNSON: Former CHP Officer Convicted Marcus Lemons

2012-01-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

SO GLAD that JUSTICE has been served in the criminal trial of Tomika Johnson, a former California Highwaty Patrol Officer who was found guilty of killing her husband Marcus Lemons, two years ago next month. This was one of those "bizarre" murders out of the scene of a CSI episode.

LOS ANGELES – A former CHP officer was found guilty today of fatally shooting her husband in the head nearly three years ago shortly after they left a Compton restaurant, the District Attorney’s office announced. The jury of eight men and four women deliberated a day before finding Tomiekia Johnson, 32, guilty of the first-degree murder of her 31-year-old husband, Marcus Lemons, of Feb. 21, 2009. The jury also found true the special allegations of personal discharge of a firearm and discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury. Johnson, who has been out on bail during the trial, collapsed under the defense table as the verdict was being read. Paramedics were called and she was taken out of the court room handcuffed to a gurney. Judge Robert J. Perry remanded her into custody. Deputy District Attorneys Natalie Adomian and Stephanie Sparagna with the Justice System Integrity Division prosecuted the case. Lemons was fatally shot as he was sitting in the passenger side of Johnson’s BMW near a 91 Freeway off-ramp about 11 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2009. She then drove the car to her parents home in Compton and had her mother call police. Johnson is facing 50 years to life in prison when she returns to court March 9 for sentencing

JEFFREY HUBBARD: Former Beverly Hills Superintendent Convicted of Misappropriation. Heading TO THE SLAMMER, BABY!

2012-01-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Poor Hubbard.... Heading to the SLAMMER!

LMAO....
This CROOK finally is getting his DUE JUSTICE. I HATE WHEN SCHOOL or PUBLIC OFFICIALS STEAL FROM OUR CHILDREN. HAVE A NICE FOUR YEARS IN JAIL, JEFF...

LOS ANGELES – The former superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District was found guilty today of giving a female former facilities director more than $20,000 in unauthorized gifts and increasing her car allowance without board approval, the District Attorney’s office announced. The seven-man, five-woman jury found Jeffrey Hubbard, who is now the superintendent of the Newport Mesa Unified School District, guilty of two counts of misappropriation of public funds. He was found not guilty of a third count. Judge Stephen Marcus allowed Hubbard, who turns 55 on Thursday, to remain free on his own recognizance and ordered him to return to court Feb. 23 for sentencing. He faces up to five years in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Max Huntsman with the Public Integrity Division prosecuted the case. Hubbard was convicted of ordering former facilities director Karen Anne Christiansen to be paid $20,000 in two payments, a stipend that was never authorized by the board. Hubbard also was found guilty of having her $150-a-month car allowance increased to $500 a month without board approval. Huntsman argued that email exchanges between Hubbard and Christiansen suggested a “special relationship existed between the two. Christiansen, 53, was sentenced on Jan. 5 to four years, four months in state prison and tentatively ordered to pay the district just over $2 million after being convicted of negotiating contracts between the school district and a firm with which her company had a consulting agreement, and for backing a school bond measure that benefited her firm.

The Newport Mesa Unified School District also issued the following STATEMENT TODAY....

Dr. Jeffrey Hubbard, N-MUSD Superintendent, has been found guilty on two of three felonymisappropriation of public funds charges by the jury at his trial in Department 102 of the Los Angeles Superior Court. The charges all pertained to actions taken in his capacity as superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District over six years ago.

There was no allegation of illegal activity during his tenure as Superintendent of Newport-Mesa Unified School District, where he has been employed since 2006.

To avoid acting precipitously in regard to charges that had no connection with Newport-Mesa, and to observe Dr. Hubbard’s legal right to be judged by a jury of his peers, the school board has refrained from action in the past year. At the same time steps were taken to assure that the school district would continue to move ahead while Dr. Hubbard’s personal legal issues were brought to closure.

Board President Dave Brooks has called for an immediate closed session of the N-MUSD School Board in accordance with Brown Act requirements to review the Board’s legal options regarding the superintendent’s employment contract and next steps in light of the outcome in the case. The closed session will be scheduled as soon as possible and further announcements will be forthcoming.

Kyle Williams: The MOST LONELY man in San Francisco

2012-01-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry, Kyle.

By Randy Economy

San Francisco

Been watching one of the greatest NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Games between the San Francisco 49er and the New York Giants. This is going to go down as a "CLASSIC." Just saw 49er Kyle Williams make the mistake of his career. Poor guy. NY Giants are heading to the SUPER BOWL. 17-14.

Kenya gets hit with a rare 5.2 earthquake. Kenya? WTH?

2012-01-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Big earthquake in Kenya today. Kenya?
As is Africa, Kenya? Yep.
Measured 5.2. Here are the details.

Magnitude	5.2
Date-Time	Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 21:03:36 UTC Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:03:36 AM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	3.623°N, 36.038°E
Depth	15.2 km (9.4 miles)
Region	LAKE RUDOLF REGION, KENYA
Distances	74 km (45 miles) NE of Lodwar, Kenya 185 km (114 miles) NE of Moroto, Uganda 258 km (160 miles) WNW of Marsabit, Kenya 549 km (341 miles) N of NAIROBI, Kenya
Location Uncertainty	horizontal +/- 18.4 km (11.4 miles); depth +/- 6.8 km (4.2 miles)
Parameters	NST= 90, Nph= 90, Dmin=542.1 km, Rmss=0.86 sec, Gp= 76°, M-type=body wave magnitude (Mb), Version=3
Source	Magnitude: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D) Location: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
Event ID	usc0007q8x

WATCH Rep. Gabrielle Giffords emotional video on her retirement from Congress! Lets get Mark Kelly to take her place!

2012-01-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

"Arizona is my home, always will be. A lot has happened over the past year. We cannot change that. But I know on the issues we fought for we can change things for the better. Jobs, border security, veterans. We can do so much more by working together. I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover. I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week. I'm getting better. Every day, my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country. Thank you very much."

By Randy Economy
I have been touched about the announcement that Rep. Gabby Giffords is stepping down from Congress this week. She is one of the most amazing and brave women on the entire planet. There is a PERFECT replacement for Gabby....her incredible husband Astronaut Mark Kelly.

Note to Mark: Please consider running to replace Gabby. She is on the road to recovery. It is going to take time. But, America needs YOU to continue her legacy, and to continue being a champion for ALL the people in your District.

America is better because of Gabby and Mark. Let's celebrate her decision.

DEATH OF JOE PATERNO: Not so fast! Some news outlets are already reporting his passing. Sons take to Twitter to "fight" rumor

2012-01-21T21:47:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

By Randy Economy

Coach Joe Paterno is NOT DEAD, regardless what a couple of news outlets here in LA reported tonight...

Got a couple of notes....

Two news networks here in Los Angeles actually announced the death of Paterno on the news casts earlier tonight.

SHAME ON KTLA NEWS (CHANNEL 5) FOR LEADING THEIR NEWS CAST ON SATURDAY NIGHT ABOUT THE DEATH OF COACH PATERNO. ALSO... EYEWITNESS NEWS HERE IN LA ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT PATERNO HAD DIED.

I HATE when NEWS OUTLETS "JUMP THE GUN" on major stories that involved the "possible" passing of a well known figure. As a journalist here in Southern California, it drives me NUTS when IRRESPONSIBLE, NON FACT CHECKING, TELEVISION NEWS programs RUN with a STORY just to be "FIRST" with the NEWS. This is a CLASSIC case in point. Wonder if KTLA will issue a RETRACTION?

From the Associated Press a couple of hours ago...

""Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications,"

family spokesman Dan McGinn.

"His doctors have now characterized his status as serious.

"His family will have no comment on the situation and asks that their privacy be respected

during this difficult time," he said.

Paterno's sons Scott and Jay both took to Twitter Saturday

night to refute reports that their father had died.

Wrote Jay Paterno: "I appreciate the support (and) prayers.

Joe is continuing to fight."

Hervey Medellin id'ed as victim in Hollywood Hills grizzly murder; Is this a gay love triangle gone terribly wrong. (UPDATED SUNDAY NIGHT Jan. 22, 2012)

2012-01-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

By Randy Economy

SUNDAY NIGHT, JAN. 22, 2012 UPDATE:
I had previously reported that the victims boyfriend had been "led off" in cuffs. Not so fast. No arrests have been made....
But...this case is full of drama....
I use to live literally around the corner from the apartment where Hervey lived on Whitley Avenue in Hollywood. This is a "crazy neighborhood" that literally goes "24/7."

Keep u posted. Hit my comment section. Sound Off. What do you know or thing about this case?

My original blog post....

The victim in the grizzly Hollywood Sign Murder is Hervey Medellin, who works for a Mexican airline. Appears that Medellin lived in a Hollywood apartment near the rugged, hillside park where his head, hand and one foot was located.

Could this be a "gay love triangle" about to play out.

This is going to become one of the biggest crime cases for a long long time here in Hollywood.

Stay tuned.

As soon as the name of the man who is arrested, I will update my blog.

Crazy....

Gustavo Alonzo Sanchez Garcia: Another horrific murder claims the life of 17 year old from Whittier

2012-01-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

Gustavo Alonzo Sanchez Garcia, 17, Identified As Shooting Victim On Norwalk Boulevard

Location of murder was at the 8300 block of Norwalk Boulevard

Randy Economy

• Fri, Jan 20, 2012

I wanted to post this from Los Cerritos Community News today. We are having too many young people being killed in our area. My heart

Image via Wikipedia

goes out to the family and friends of 17 year old Gustavo Alonzo Sanchez Garcia, who was killed in an alley off of Norwalk Boulevard in Los Nietos. Here is my post from www.loscerritosnews.net

Detectives were busy this morning investigating a shooting death of a teenager in an alley in unincorporated Whittier on Norwalk Boulevard.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's found a 17-year old male with a single gun shot to his chest at the 8300 block of Norwalk Boulevard.
Detectives are looking for a suspect leaving the scene in a dark gray compact vehicle. Coroner's officials have identified the murder victim as Gustavo Alonzo Sanchez Garcia of Whittier. An autopsy hasn't been scheduled.

CLIP: Newt Gingrich RIPS the CRAP out of JOHN KING and CNN in South Carolina

2012-01-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Image by DonkeyHotey via Flickr

CNN's John King had his rear in ripped into by GOP Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich last night at the South Carolina Debate. What a moment. This will go down in history. Here is the clip everyone is talking about today....