Category: Southern California

Palmdale Man Convicted of Illegally Importing Ancient Roman Mosaic

LOS ANGELES—A Palmdale man was found guilty June 21 of illegally importing a 2,000-pound ancient mosaic depicting the Roman god Hercules dating from the era of the Roman Empire by using fraudulent documents in hopes of avoiding import duties. Yassin Alcharihi, 56, was convicted of one federal count of entry of falsely classified goods. U.S….


Homeless Man Stabbed in Burbank; Suspect Sought

A homeless man was stabbed in Burbank, and an investigation was underway on June 21, police said. Officers were sent to the 1500 block of North Victory Place at about 11 p.m. on June 20, according to the Burbank Police Department. “An employee of Wendy’s … called the Burbank Police to report a man standing…


California Bill Allowing Minors to Consent to Mental Health Care Stirs Controversy Amid Gender Ideology Debate

The California senate judiciary committee has voted in favor of controversial proposed legislation that opponents involved in the national debate over gender ideology have called “child emancipation” and “state sanctioned kidnapping.” State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblywoman Wendy Carillo (D-Los Angeles), the authors of Assembly Bill 665, claim the criticisms of the bill…


California Bill Would Expand College Financial Aid to Asylum Seekers

A California bill that would expand college financial aid to those seeking asylum passed the state Assembly and will now be heard in the state Senate. Currently, Cal Grant financial aid awards are available only to U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, such as those who possess a visa or those who are a part of…


California AG Announces Collaborative Agreement to Address Organized Retail Theft Crime

Retailers in California are joining forces with online marketplaces and the state’s top law enforcement agency to stop the spread of retail theft in the state. A statement (pdf)—signed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and a group of 12 retailers and online companies—released June 20 highlights the threats to public safety and the economy due…


3 Teens Arrested in Shooting That Injured Year-Old Girl, Mother in South Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES—Three teenage boys were arrested Wednesday in connection with a shooting that injured a year-old girl and her 20-year-old mother at a hamburger stand in South Los Angeles, with police saying the attackers mistook the woman and her friend for rival gang members. The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. June 5 at 81st Street…


San Clemente Closes Beaches Earlier, Hires Security Following Attack on Marines

San Clemente city councilors approved an ordinance on June 20 to change the city’s beach hours, now closing at 10 p.m. daily instead of midnight. The beaches will reopen at 4 a.m. as usual. The council also voted 4–1—with Mayor Chris Duncan opposed—to hire a private security firm to assist law enforcement in maintaining public…


Huntington Beach Advances Ordinance Screening Children’s Library Books for ‘Obscene’ Content 

The City of Huntington Beach is moving forward on June 22 with a proposal to require the city’s libraries to screen children’s books for obscenity and pornographic content. The City Council voted 4–3 to approve the proposal, introduced by Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark, which directs the city manager and city attorney to develop several…


Affirmative Action Debate Brings Racist Attack on California Republican

Commentary Affirmative action has brought nothing but division. That’s still happening at a time when California is the most diverse polity in human history. The latest comes from Fox News: “Calif. Democrat accuses Muslim colleague of White supremacy for not backing race-based law: Calif. Republican says bill allows state to ‘discriminate based on race when…


Romanian Couple Plead Guilty to Laundering $1.4 Million From Thefts Targeting Elderly

SAN DIEGO—A Romanian husband and wife pleaded guilty June 20 to laundering money that federal prosecutors allege was proceeds from a string of thefts targeting elderly victims across San Diego County. Eduard Ghiocel, 47, and Floarea Ghiocel, 48, were charged along with four others with taking part in 17 jewelry thefts in “elderly communities” in…