Tag: California

Woman Admits to Stealing Over $70,000 From Homeless Individuals in Government Checks

A former employee of a San Diego homeless center pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud July 20 for stealing over $70,000 in government checks meant for the homeless. Charisse Elaine Alexander, 55, worked at the San Diego Day Center for Homeless Adults—also known as the Neil Good Day Center—in April 2021, where she…


Cruising Is Legal Again in the California Town That Inspired ‘American Graffiti’

The city council of Modesto, California, on July 11 voted unanimously to repeal the 1990 ban on cruising, to the applause of local car aficionados. Many locals were happy because they believe the car culture promotes unity. They said cruising brings friends and family together. They also see it as an opportunity to bring money…


California Faces Policy Desert as Insurance Companies Halt New Coverage: Expert

“Believe it or not, California has some of the lowest rates in the United States out of any state, because of … rate suppression,” said Chris Hebard, president of Hebard Insurance Solutions, a Northern California-based agency that offers home, auto, farm, and other net worth insurance for both personal and business use, on a recent…


Southern California Hiker, 71, Dies After Trek in Blistering Death Valley Heat

DEATH VALLEY, Calif.—A Southern California outdoor enthusiast died Tuesday after collapsing following an hours-long hike in Death Valley National Park, the world’s hottest place. The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that 71-year-old Steve Curry died of what officials believe were heat-related causes. His death occurred just hours after speaking to a Times reporter about hiking…


Wastewater Sewage Rates Will Rise for San Clemente Residents

San Clemente residents can expect wastewater sewage rates to rise by 30 percent over the next five years after the San Clemente City Council voted 4–1 July 18 in favor of the rate hikes, with Mayor Pro Tem Steve Knoblock abstaining. Such rates will increase by 9.5 percent as soon as October. Going forward, rates…


California School District Votes to Inform Parents of Child’s Gender Status, State Superintendent Escorted out of Meeting

Chino Valley Unified teachers must notify parents if their child identifies as transgender under a new policy approved by the district’s board at a July 20 meeting, where fierce debate took place among the community and the state’s top education official was escorted out of the meeting. The board voted 4–1 to approve the policy…


Los Angeles Vigil Mourns Those Killed in China’s Persecution of Falun Gong

Over 200 followers of the spiritual practice Falun Gong gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles on July 18 for a candlelight vigil to mourn fellow practitioners who had endured brutal persecution in China that has been ongoing for 24 years. Wearing yellow shirts printed with “Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance”—the core principles of…


Orange County Uses Drone to Battle Mosquitos

After the heavy rains this winter, officials in Orange County, California have added a new tool to their arsenal to fight off summer mosquitos. Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control are now using drones to attack mosquito development in marshes, large ponds, and parks. Because the insects promulgate by laying their eggs in water, the…


El Cholo Restaurant Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Cancer Cure Fundraiser

The owners of El Cholo are celebrating the Mexican restaurant’s 100th anniversary by selling naming rights to its booths for charity. The restaurant, which now has six locations across Southern California, is offering guests an opportunity to permanently put their names on 100 booths as part of an effort to raise $1 million for children’s…


Army Vet Convicted of Sex Assault Murder of Elderly Neighbor in Garden Grove

A 36-year-old U.S. Army veteran was convicted on July 20 of fatally beating a 68-year-old neighbor during an attempted rape in Garden Grove nearly six years ago. Michael Aon Varela was convicted of murder with a special circumstance allegation of murder during an attempted rape. It was Mr. Varela’s second trial. A previous jury deadlocked…