Grappling with increasingly crowded Southland freeways, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board on Thursday said it will seek to convert some of Los Angeles County’s most popular car-pool lanes to toll roads.
Under the plan, solo drivers could use the car-pool lanes if they pay a toll.
Vehicles with two or more occupants – which currently use the lanes for free – would also pay a toll, although less than solo drivers.
It’s unclear how the plan would apply to hybrids. . .
Sudanese protesters demand death for teddy teacher
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Hundreds of Sudanese Muslims, waving green Islamic flags, took to the streets of Khartoum on Friday demanding death for the British teacher convicted of insulting Islam after her class named a teddy bear Mohammad.
“No one lives who insults the Prophet,” the protesters chanted, a day after school teacher Gillian Gibbons, 54, was sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation from Sudan.
In a bid to secure her early release, Lord Ahmed, a Muslim peer from Britain’s ruling Labor party in the House of Lords upper house, left London on Friday. . .
Did kin aid disposal of Stacy Peterson’s body?
The night Stacy Peterson went missing, her police officer husband’s stepbrother confided to a close friend that he believed he had just helped dispose of the 23-year-old woman’s body, the friend said Friday on TODAY.
The stepbrother, Tom Morphey, so feared Drew Peterson and was so distraught that he might have helped Peterson remove his wife’s body from the couple’s Bolingbrook, Ill., home that he tried to take his own life two days later, according to Morphey’s friend, Kevin Martinek Jr.
“His eyes were sunken in the back of his head,” Martinek told TODAY co-host Meredith Vieira in describing Morphey’s appearance at his home shortly before 11 p.m. on Oct. 28. . .
Some Parents Complain About School’s Treatment Of Collapsed Boy
The 11-year-old boy, Austin Cook, became dizzy and collapsed during his physical education course while running laps at John Muir Elementary School. He was treated by paramedics and underwent surgery at a hospital, but died later in the day.
Complaining parents said the other children who were running with Cook were told to continue running around him, as he lay waiting for paramedics. They believe it was insensitive to compel the other children to continue running after they witnessed their schoolmate’s collapse. One child told KNBC that she felt the supervising physical education instructors were also insensitive to Cook when he slowed down prior to his collapse.
But the school said they were not insensitive and that once the paramedics arrived, the other children were led away from the scene. . .
I’M NOT THERE (AND YOU SHOULDN’T BE EITHER)
A listener sent me an e-mail and asked if I saw this movie. Well, no, and I hadn’t planned on it. I knew it was something on the life of Bob Dylan, but he never much appealed to me, so I passed. Then, I thought, why not. And now I wonder “why”? Did you ever go to a museum, and probably a modern art museum is the best example of this, and look at the artwork, and just stare? Because you just don’t get it? And maybe there are people there that dragged you to this place, and they’re all enthralled, but all you can think of is, “when do we get out of here?” This experience was sort of like that for me. (more…)
Thursday, November 29th, 2007
The GOP Debate: They Came Out Swinging
The questions in last night’s Republican presidential debate may have come from ordinary Americans but most of the answers the candidates gave were aimed directly at their primary opponents. In the most contentious GOP debate thus far, Mitt Romney squared off in direct and contentious exchanges with the two candidates challenging his front-runner status in the first two states of the primary season.
In the opening minutes, Romney and Rudy Giuliani sparred over illegal immigration, with the former New York City mayor defending his city’s policies and refuting the characterization that he ran a sanctuary city. In turn, Giuliani accused Romney of having a weaker record on illegal immigration as governor of Massachusetts and several times referred to an incident where illegal immigrants were hired to work on Romney’s property.
Romney appeared to get the upper hand in the exchange, challenging Giuliani on his charge and the sometimes vocal audience sounded a note of apparent disapproval at the mayor’s line of attack. Tensions have risen between the two candidates over the past week, especially on crime, an issue that caused sparks between the two tonight as well. Romney has led most polls in New Hampshire in recent months but Giuliani has begun focusing on the state and sharpening his criticism of Romney. . .
ADA Lawsuits Again Hit Local Businesses
They’re at it again. Regardless of whether you think they’re champions of the disabled, or scammers trying to make a quick buck, a new volley of lawsuits have been filed against Los Angeles area businesses alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In complaints filed against two Eagle Rock mini-mall owners, quick settlements of $6000 to $9000 dollars were sought to avoid legal battles that could cost between $15,000 to $40,000 to defend.
As Boulevard Sentinel readers will remember, in the spring of 2006, self proclaimed Disability Rights Advocate James Cohen did about the same thing, sending dozens of letters out to businesses in Eagle Rock and Highland Park threatening similar suits. Pete’s Blue Chip was sued in small claims court and lost. They had to pay $1000.
This time, however, a real law firm is involved. . .
Have you seen missing San Clemente mother?
SAN CLEMENTE - It’s been more than six weeks since family members have seen Heather Lynn Gould, a 30-year-old mother of two who was reported missing by her fiance Nov. 9, authorities said.
Gould was last seen at her home in San Clemente on Oct. 15 by her fiance, Jeremy Smits, and two small children, ages 3 and 1, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
It was about 8:30 p.m. when Smits said he decided to go to sleep while she stayed up with their two children. By 7 a.m. the next morning, Smits said he woke up to the sound of the children crying and Gould was nowhere to be found. . .
Study finds U.S. immigration at record level
Immigration over the past seven years was the highest for any seven-year period in U.S. history, bringing 10.3 million new immigrants, more than half of them without legal status, according to an analysis of census data released by the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington.
One in eight people living in the United States is an immigrant, the survey found, for a total of 37.9 million people, the highest level since the 1920s.
The survey released Wednesday was conducted by Steven Camarota, director of research at the center, which advocates reduced immigration. . .
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
Out on a limb over trimming fiasco
Everybody’s got a horror story about a bureaucratic nightmare, but if you can top this one, call me collect at your earliest convenience.
Ann Collard was seven months pregnant with her third child in June when an abatement notice came from the Glendale Fire Department. She and her husband, Mike, were ordered to clear some foliage and maintain 5 feet of “vertical clearance between roof surfaces and overhanging portions of trees.”
The Collards knew their oaks and sycamores needed a trim. And so they talked to neighbors, did a little research and called a recommended tree trimmer based in Orange County. . .
O.J. Simpson Pleads Not Guilty
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 28 — O.J. Simpson pleaded not guilty today to a dozen charges, including kidnapping and armed robbery, stemming from a confrontation in a hotel room here on Sept. 13.
If convicted, Mr. Simpson could face up to life in prison.
Unlike Mr. Simpson’s famous “absolutely, 100 percent not guilty” proclamation when he was arraigned on murder charges in the killings of his ex-wife and her friend in 1994, this time the former football star and actor offered his plea without theatrics, a simple but firm “Not guilty. . .
Injured joggers get $49 million from Dana Point
Two women left permanently disabled after being struck by a car while jogging along Pacific Coast Highway reached a $49-million settlement Tuesday with the city of Dana Point.
The lawsuit brought by Carol Daniel, 42, and Stacy Neria, 35, both mothers of three who live in San Clemente, was scheduled to go to trial Tuesday. Instead, it ended with one of the largest settlements in Orange County history.
The women were hit April 8, 2006, by William Todd Bradshaw, who fled the scene. Bradshaw, who had three previous drunk-driving convictions, was arrested several days later, convicted and sentenced to four years in prison. . .
Drew Peterson Called In Sick on Night of Wife’s Disappearance
The husband of Stacy Peterson did not show up to work on the night that the 23-year-old woman disappeared, FOX News confirmed Wednesday.
Stacy Peterson, a mother of two and Drew Peterson’s fourth wife, was reported missing Oct. 29 by her family after she failed to show up to a friend’s house.
Drew Peterson, who recently resigned as an officer from the Bolingbrook police department, was scheduled to work at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 but called in to take a personal or sick day, Bolingbrook police Lt. Ken Teppel told FOX News. . .
Separated at birth? Drew Peterson and Mark Geragos
Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
Colorado mayor’s sympathy for immigrants costs him his job
GREELEY, COLO.—Tom Selders is still baffled at how quickly the city he served for years turned on him.
The two-term mayor of this conservative farm town had been a political fixture for nearly two decades. A businessman who prided himself on bringing efficiency to city government, Selders infuriated his constituents after jumping into the national debate over illegal immigration. In May he spoke at an open forum in Washington about the effects of last year’s immigration raid on a meatpacking plant here, which led to the detention of 262 undocumented workers.
“Many families and children were devastated by parents being arrested and detained,” Selders said. “Children—citizens of the United States—were left without parents. . .
Viability of sex-offender law in doubt
SACRAMENTO——Law enforcement leaders who pushed for a ballot initiative requiring sex offenders in California to be tracked by satellite for life are now saying that the sweeping surveillance program voters endorsed is not feasible and is unlikely to be fully implemented for years, if ever.
Under the measure, approved overwhelmingly a year ago, sex offenders must be strapped with global positioning system devices that can record their whereabouts even after they finish parole and leave the criminal justice system.
Despite their qualms, law enforcement groups contend that the benefits of Proposition 83, popularly known as Jessica’s Law, outweigh its problems, and they insist that many of the flaws can be fixed. But in interviews and testimony to a state board, they have cited complications with almost every aspect of the provision requiring lifetime monitoring. . .
Texan a vigilante or brave law abider?
PASADENA, TEXAS —When he saw two men pry into his neighbor’s house with a crowbar one afternoon earlier this month, Joe Horn did what many people would do: He called 911.
But when police had not shown up by the time the suspects were about to leave, the 61-year-old retiree did something most people probably would not: He stepped outside with his 12-gauge shotgun and killed them.
“I’m not going to let them get away with this,” Horn told the 911 dispatcher, who responded: “Property’s not worth killing someone over. . .
Malibu fire started near cave area
Investigators on Monday concluded that the Malibu fire started in the vicinity of a cave in Corral Canyon known for being a late-night party hangout.
Authorities said they still don’t know whether the Saturday morning blaze was intentionally set but are convinced that people who were at the cave at that time know what happened.
“We believe there are witnesses who have yet to come forward [and who] can provide crucial information to assist us in this investigation,” said L.A. County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore. . .
Monday, November 26th, 2007
L.A. mayor, reporter end their affair, sources say
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and television news reporter Mirthala Salinas have ended their romantic relationship, two sources familiar with the situation said Friday.
Months after revelations about the affair damaged the mayor’s political standing and devastated Salinas’ broadcasting career, the two sources said the relationship disintegrated weeks ago.
“They broke up earlier in the fall. They’ve both moved on. And Antonio is focused on his relationships with his kids,” said one person who said he learned about the breakup in October. . .
Fires stoke opposition to Malibu campsites
With Malibu enduring its third significant wildfire of the year, some residents say this weekend’s Corral fire has strengthened their resolve to oppose a controversial plan to expand camping in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The specter of new campgrounds in arid hills and canyons is “just a scary scenario,” said Ed Meyer, a four-year resident of Malibu whose home overlooks Malibu Canyon.
“There are no fire towers here,” he added. “You’re in a risky fire area. You know [campers are] going to sneak in hibachis and light little campfires. . .
Tustin middle school students suspended for repeated hugging
TUSTIN – Eighth-grader Noah Stillman was suspended and stayed home from school Wednesday after hugging a girl on Tuesday. This is the third time that he’s been sent home after hugging.
A few parents and some students picketed in front of Hewes Middle School Wednesday morning for about an hour with signs that included “Honk for hugs,” “Hugging is not a crime” and “Stop the war on hugs.”
Students who continue to hug after at least one warning violate the state’s education code for defiance of authority, according to Principal Tracey Vander-Hayden. . .
Wednesday, November 21st, 2007
Peterson Stalked Me, Says Ex-Fiancee Who Got Away
Drew Peterson, the former police sergeant who is suspected in the disappearance of his fourth wife and possibly the murder of his third, had yet another fiancee who now says he stalked her and arrested her on false charges.
With Peterson “it was always a power thing, it was always a control thing,” said Kyle Piry, an Illinois woman who was engaged to the police officer in the 1980s. She talked about Peterson’s “smirky smile,” his charms and his sudden bouts of anger.
“I was engaged to Drew some 20 odd years ago and I broke it off for various reasons,” Piry, 53, told ABCNEWS.com. The Bolingbrook, Ill., officer resigned last week from the force amid a mounting investigation. . .
If my bra is a threat to national security, we’re in big trouble
“Bleeep!”
The airport metal detector makes that ear-zapping, high-pitched squeal.
I don’t usually set off airport metal detectors. Most women don’t. It’s men who tend to make those door frames squeak. Men, with their metal belt buckles, their heavy watch straps, their pockets full of keys and loose change. I can’t remember the last time I set off an airport scanner—at least not in Canada. . .
S.F. approves ID cards that exclude gender
Next year, San Francisco will issue municipal identification cards showing the usual name, birthdate and photo.
What the card won’t include: gender.
When other cities considered issuing ID cards without regard to legal status, the debate was over illegal immigrants. In San Francisco, where the Board of Supervisors approved such an ID on Tuesday, transgender activists added gender to the discussion. . .
City won’t endorse Hunt if Carona steps down
SAN CLEMENTE – The City Council backed off Tuesday night on a plan to endorse former sheriff’s Lt. Bill Hunt for Orange County sheriff if indicted Sheriff Mike Carona steps down permanently.
On a 5-0 vote, the City Council chose not to send a letter asking the Orange County Board of Supervisors to consider appointing Hunt if the sheriff’s job becomes vacant. Councilman Wayne Eggleston had asked two weeks ago that the letter be drafted and placed on the council’s agenda.
San Clemente is a sheriff’s contract city. Hunt was chief of police services in the coastal community from 2003-2006 until he ran for sheriff against Carona last June and lost. Carona then placed Hunt on administrative leave and ordered an investigation into statements Hunt had made during the campaign. In December, Hunt was demoted to deputy but he chose to retire rather than accept the demotion. . .
