Compton News, CA Local News

Election 2024: Here are how some local races along LA County’s coast look after latest update

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 18:55:37 +0000

The residents of Long Beach and South Bay area cities seem to have chosen who should represent them in their local governments.

Now it’s just a matter of waiting to officially learn who the winners are.

See the latest election results.

County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan announced the semi-final results for Tuesday’s primary early Wednesday. The registrar’s office then provided its first post-election day update around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, with more than 1 million ballots counted — nearly 18% of eligible voters.

Here’s where the local races in Avalon, Lakewood, Paramount, Gardena and Compton stood as the latest update.

Avalon

Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall led handily with new vote totals on Wednesday afternoon with about two-thirds of the votes in her bid to win reelection against challenger Daniel Felts, who had about one-third.

The mayor, who has held the position for 10 years, represents the city of about 3,700 residents.

Incumbent councilmembers Lisa Lavelle and Yesenia De la Rose ran unopposed for a full four-year term.

Treasurer Oley Olsen also ran unopposed.

Anni Marshall (courtesy photo)

Lakewood

Two four-year seats on the Lakewood City Council were up for grabs this election, with both districts in the central part of town.

In the District 3 race, challenger Jeff Wood was in a comfortable lead with 59% of the vote. Incumbent Ariel Pe was trailing with about 41%.

District 3 is bordered by Bellflower on the north and Long Beach on the south.

Ariel Pe (courtesy photo)
Jeff Wood (courtesy photo)

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In District 4, business owner David Arellano had 64% of the vote over appointed Councilmember Vicki Stuckey, who had about 36%.

District 4 is bordered by Cerritos on the north, a small area of Bellflower on the northwest, Long Beach on the south and Hawaiian Gardens on the southeast.

Stuckey was appointed in 2022 to complete the term of retired Councilmember Diane DuBois.

David Arellano (courtesy photo)
Vicki Stuckey (Courtesy city of Lakewood)

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Residents began voting for councilmembers in five different districts, instead of a citywide vote, in 2022.

Paramount

Current Mayor Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmembers Brenda Olmos and Vilma Cuellar Stallings faced three challengers in their citywide bid for reelection: teacher Yesenia Maria Cuarenta, small business owner Jose De Leon and university administrative coordinator Carmen Patricia Gomez.

The incumbents are in the lead as of Wednesday afternoon. Olmos was leading the pack with 27%, followed by Aguayo at 20%, Stallings at about 17%, Cuarenta at 14%, Gomez at nearly 12% and De Leon at nearly 10%.

Isabel Aguayo (courtesy photo)
Brenda Olmos (courtesy photo)
Vilma Cuellar Stallings (courtesy photo)
Yesenia Cuarenta (courtesy photo)
Jose De Leon (courtesy photo)
Carmen Gomez (courtesy photo)

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Gardena

Incumbents Mark Henderson and Paulette Francis were leading in a race to retain seats on the Gardena City Council against teacher Aimee Midori Yamada, and first responder and veteran Anthony Dixon.

The top-two finishers will claim the two open council seats.

Henderson had nearly 33% of the vote. Francis with around 26% and Dixon had 23.81%, while Yamada at 17.74%.

Mark Henderson (courtesy photo)
Paulette Francis (courtesy photo)
Anthony Dixon (courtesy photo)

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Compton

Appointed Mayor Deidre Duhart had a small lead over challenger Jasper Jackson, with Fidel Marquez in third, in the race to represent District 1 on the City Council. But Duhart did extend her lead slightly when results came in Wednesday afternoon. District 1 is the northwest portion of the city.

Duhart had 42.15% of the vote and Jackson had 39.76%, while Marquez had 18.09%.

Deidre Duhart (courtesy photo)
Semi-official election results: Here are how some local races along LA County’s coast stand

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:04:10 +0000

The polls have closed, meaning the 2024 statewide primary is over — and the residents of Long Beach and South Bay area cities have chosen who should represent them in their local governments.

Now it’s just a matter of waiting to learn who the winners are.

See the latest election results.

County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan announced the semi-final results for Tuesday’s Presidential Primary Election early Wednesday. A total of 910,857 ballots were counted, with 16% of registered voters casting ballots. Many outstanding ballots remained to be counted, Logan said, but an official number was not announced. The first post-election day update is scheduled for later Wednesday, March 6.

Here’s where the local races in Avalon, Lakewood, Paramount, Gardena and Compton stood as of the semi-official results.

Avalon

Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall was leading handily with about two-thirds of the votes in her bid to win reelection against challenger Daniel Felts, who had about one-third.

The mayor, who has held the position for 10 years, represents the city of about 3,700 residents.

Incumbent councilmembers Lisa Lavelle and Yesenia De la Rose ran unopposed for a full four-year term.

Treasurer Oley Olsen also ran unopposed.

Anni Marshall (courtesy photo)

Lakewood

Two four-year seats on the Lakewood City Council were up for grabs this election, with both districts in the central part of town.

In the District 3 race, challenger Jeff Wood was in a comfortable lead with nearly 61% of the vote. Incumbent Ariel Pe was trailing with about 39%.

District 3 is bordered by Bellflower on the north and Long Beach on the south.
- Ariel Pe (courtesy photo)
- Jeff Wood (courtesy photo)
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In District 4, meanwhile, business owner David Arellano had nearly 65% of the vote over appointed Councilmember Vicki Stuckey, who had about 35%.

District 4 is bordered by Cerritos on the north, a small area of Bellflower on the northwest, Long Beach on the south and Hawaiian Gardens on the southeast.

Stuckey was appointed in 2022 to complete the term of retired Councilmember Diane DuBois.
- David Arellano (courtesy photo)
- Vicki Stuckey (Courtesy city of Lakewood)
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Residents began voting for councilmembers in five different districts, instead of a citywide vote, in 2022.

Paramount

Current Mayor Isabel Aguayo, and Councilmembers Brenda Olmos and Vilma Cuellar Stallings faced three challengers in their citywide bid for reelection: teacher Yesenia Maria Cuarenta, small business owner Jose De Leon and university administrative coordinator Carmen Patricia Gomez.

In early results, the incumbents were in the lead. Olmos was leading the pack with 27%, followed by Aguayo at nearly 20%, Stallings at about 17%, Cuarenta at nearly 14%, Gomez at around 12% and De Leon had 10%.
- Isabel Aguayo (courtesy photo)
- Brenda Olmos (courtesy photo)
- Vilma Cuellar Stallings (courtesy photo)
- Yesenia Cuarenta (courtesy photo)
- Jose De Leon (courtesy photo)
- Carmen Gomez (courtesy photo)
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Gardena

Incumbents Mark Henderson and Paulette Francis were leading in a race to retain seats on the Gardena City Council against teacher Aimee Midori Yamada, and first responder and veteran Anthony Dixon.

The top-two finishers will claim the two open council seats.

Henderson had 32.29% of the vote. Francis with around 25.36% and Dixon had 23.86%, while Yamada had 18.5%.
- Mark Henderson (courtesy photo)
- Paulette Francis (courtesy photo)
- Anthony Dixon (courtesy photo)
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Compton

Appointed Mayor Deidre Duhart had a slight lead over challenger Jasper Jackson, with Fidel Marquez in third, in the race to represent District 1 on the City Council. District 1 is the northwest portion of the city.
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13 pit bull dogs euthanized after man is mauled in Compton

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:03:00 +0000

More than a dozen pit bulls found in the backyard of a Compton home where a man was mauled to death were euthanized, the county confirmed Tuesday, saying all of the animals were linked to the attack.

Deputies responded to the 900 block of North Thorson Avenue, a residential area south of Rosecrans Avenue, around 7:10 a.m. Friday to a report of a man who had been mauled by several dogs, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Dominic Cooper, 35, of Compton, died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, which listed his cause of death as “deferred.”
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According to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, the person who reported the death told deputies the man was her boyfriend. A sheriff’s official at the scene told reporters the mauling was believed to have occurred around 7:30 or 8 p.m. Thursday, and there was surveillance video that caught at least part of the attack. The investigator said the man appeared to have been feeding the dogs when some of them began fighting, leading to the attack.

Cooper was believed to have been breeding the dogs at his home, officials said. Following the attack, the county Department of Animal Care and Control took possession of the animals — five adults and eight puppies ranging in age from four to six months.

The dogs, which were formally signed over to the county by Cooper’s father, were taken to the Downey Animal Care Center to be examined. On Tuesday, county officials confirmed that the animals had been euthanized.

“All dogs were euthanized due to evidence linking them to the attack,” according to a DACC spokesman. “Given the potential threat posed to the community, this action was deemed necessary.”
Pit bull dogs maul man to death in his Compton backyard

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:55:55 +0000

COMPTON — A 35-year-old man who may have been breeding pit bulls was found dead Friday in the backyard of his Compton home, where he was apparently mauled by the animals.

Deputies responded to the 900 block of North Thorson Avenue, a residential area south of Rosecrans Avenue, around 7:10 a.m. Friday to a report of a man who had been mauled by several dogs, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

According to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, the person who reported the death told deputies the man was her boyfriend. The man’s name was not immediately released.

A sheriff’s official at the scene told reporters the mauling is believed to have occurred around 7:30 or 8 p.m. Thursday, and there is surveillance video that depicts at least part of the attack. The investigator said the man appeared to have been feeding the dogs when some of them began fighting, leading to the ultimate attack on the man.
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According to the county Department of Animal Care and Control, there were 13 dogs total at the home, five of them adult and the others puppies ranging in age from four to six months. The victim appeared to have been “involved in breeding and selling pitbulls,” according to the county agency.

The county collected the animals, and the father of the man who died agreed to sign the animals over to the custody of county DACC.

“The animals will be safely transported to the Downey Animal Care Center for impoundment and thorough examination by the center’s staff veterinarian,” according to the agency.

It was unclear if any of the animals will be euthanized.

“Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family and friends of the victim,” DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said in a statement. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts and ensure the safety and well-being of both the community and the animals involved.”
Election 2024: Here’s a roundup of some local races along LA County’s coast

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 06:01:25 +0000

The 2024 statewide primary is just a few weeks away — but federal and state races aren’t the only elections on the ballot.

Plenty of cities along Los Angeles County’s coast have local elections on March 5. Here’s a roundup of them.

Avalon

Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall will will try to win reelection agaiinst challenger Daniel Felts.

The mayor represents the entire city of about 3,700 for two years.

In her candidate’s statement on lavote.gov, Marshall said she has been mayor of Avalon for 10 years and touted her experience on various projects, including workforce housing, transient rental licenses and Cabrillo Mole renovation.

The Cabrillo Mole Ferry Revitalization Project is currently in the works to repair the city’s wharf to “maintain its safety and reliability and increase its life expectancy,” to improve the “overall tourist experience,” according to the city of Avalon website.

A campaign website or statement for challenger Daniel Felts could not be found.

Incumbent councilmembers Lisa Lavelle and Yesenia De la Rose are running unopposed for a full four-year term.Treasurer Oley Olsen is running unopposed as city treasurer.

Lakewood

Two four-year seats on the Lakewood City Council will be up for grabs on March 5.

Current Mayor Ariel Pe and Jeff Wood will face off in the District 3 race, while business owner David Arellano and reserve deputy Vicki Stuckey compete to fill the District 4 seat.

Residents began voting for councilmembers in five different districts, instead of a citywide vote, in 2022.

District 3 and 4 are in the central part of Lakewood. District 3 is bordered by Bellflower on the north and Long Beach on the south. District 4 is bordered by Cerritos on the north, a small area of Bellflower on the northwest, Long Beach on the south and Hawaiian Gardens on the southeast.

David Arellano grew up in Lakewood and is a small business owner of Preferred Auto Design in Bellflower.

Arellano coached girls track at Mayfair and Lakewood High School while volunteering as a soccer coach in youth sports. He has also been the chair of the board of directors for the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

His priorities, according to his campaign website, include community safety, economic development, infrastructure, and spearheading community engagement in city events and programs.

Pe has lived in Lakewood for five decades and is a small business owner.

His priorities, if reelected, include ensure a financial foundation for the city, strengthening public safety, and supporting community events and mentoring programs, according to his campaign website.

Pe, according to his website, has been involved in numerous community organizations, including the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Lakewood. He currently serves as president of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, vice president of Los Angeles County League of California Cities, and Lakewood Regional Medical Center.

Vicki Stuckey was appointed in 2022 to complete the term of retired councilmember Diane DuBois.

She has served on various Lakewood city commissions, according to her website, including the Public Safety Commission and the Planning and Environment Commission.

Stuckey began her law enforcement career in 1985 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and retired in 2019 as the captain of the Altadena Sheriff’s station, according to her campaign website.

Stuckey has also been involved in other organizations, including the Rotary Club of Lakewood, Friends of Lakewood Library, the Lakewood Regional Medical Center and the African American Quilter of Los Angeles.

Wood, meanwhile, is seeking his fourth term on the Lakewood City Council.

Wood’s priorities, according to his website, are public safety, maintaining parks and recreation programs, supporting local businesses, and advancing capital improvement projects.

Wood has also served on regional boards, including as president of California Contract Cities Association and the Southern California Association of Government’s Regional Council. He serves on local committees as well, including the city’s Audit and Measure L committees and the Schools Committee.

Wood, according to the city’s website, has career experience in “risk management, business continuity, occupational safety and health, and emergency management.”
- Jeff Wood (courtesy photo)
- Vicki Stuckey (Courtesy city of Lakewood)
- Ariel Pe (courtesy photo)
- David Arellano (courtesy photo)
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Paramount

In Paramount, a city with about 52,500 people, current Mayor Isabel Aguayo and Councilmembers Brenda Olmos and Vilma Cuellar Stallings are running for reelection.

Vying to replace them in the citywide election are teacher Yesenia Maria Cuarenta, small business owner Jose De Leon and university administrative coordinator Carmen Patricia Gomez.

A lifelong resident of Paramount, Isabel Aguayo is seeking her second term on the City Council. Safety, education and recreational opportunities are important issues in the city, according to her candidate statement. A goal of Aguayo’s, she said, is creating more recreational programs in the city, including adult sports and adaptive recreation.

Cuarenta said she is running for Paramount City Council to focus on quality of life issues and for an accountable and open city government.

Cuarenta is currently a school board member for the Paramount Unified School District. She was elected to the school board in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

Cuarenta, a California School Board Association delegate, helped form the school district’s office of Equity, Diversity and Support Systems, according to the district’s website.

Cuarenta is a member of the Paramount Kiwanis Club and a member of the Paramount Historical Society, Paramount’s Parent Teacher Association and The Paramount Women’s Club, according to the school district’s website.

De Leon, meanwhile, said in his candidate statement that he would advocate for cleaner air and for more affordable housing.

Other issues include increasing safety in parks by adding more light, demanding more transparency from the city and stopping wasteful spending.

Olmos, a health care professional, backed the creation of Paramount’s Back to School program, which supplied students with school supplies, and other programs while she was on City Council.

Other programs that are moving the city forward, according to Olmos’ candidate statement, are student scholarships, homelessness intervention programs, the Chats & Snacks program — which promotes conversations with the mayor — and partnerships with the school district and business community.

Cuellar Stallings said the city has had notable accomplishments recently, according to her candidate statement, including the installation of new playground equipment at all major parks in the city and new businesses on Paramount Boulevard.

Other accomplishments include the expansions of the Little Library and Back to School Supplies programs, citywide repaving that’s set to begin soon, expansion of seniors’ programs, and the Los Angeles Kings Iceland skating rink.

Carmen Patrica Gomez could not be reached for comment and no campaign website was available.
- Isabel Aguayo (courtesy photo)
- Brenda Olmos (courtesy photo)
- Vilma Cuellar Stallings (courtesy photo)
- Yesenia Cuarenta (courtesy photo)
- Jose De Leon (courtesy photo)
- Carmen Gomez (courtesy photo)
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Gardena

Incumbents Mark Henderson and Paulette Francis will compete against teacher Aimee Midori Yamada, and first responder and veteran Anthony Dixon to fill two City Council seats in Gardena, which has about 59,700 residents.

Dixon was working for the Los Angeles County Fire Department as part of the Fire Department Lifeguard Division when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks happened.

So at 33, he joined the military and spent 11 years in the Army National Guard, where he served two tours in Iraq and Kuwait, according to his campaign website.

Dixon began work for McCormick Ambulance at 18 years old and became an EMT and was eventually promoted to supervisor before joining the LA County Fire Department, where he fought fires to working at the Lifeguard Division.

Dixon is a California State Fire Fighters Association board member, senior vice commander at VFW Post No. 3261 in Gardena, a member of the Gardena Kiwanis Club and the liaison advisor for the Gardena High School Key Club.

Incumbent Francis has lived in Gardena for nearly five decades and was first elected in March 2020, according to the city’s website.

Francis, who has worked in aerospace, real estate and government service professions; and is the president of California Educational Solution, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and children, according to the city’s website.

Francis has also been involved in various city organizations, including serving as chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee of Gardena, president of the Gardena Valley Democratic Club, and commissioner on the Gardena Recreation and Parks Commission and the Planning & Environmental Quality Commission.

Incumbent Henderson, according to his website, was first elected in March 2015, is an advocate for responsive government, a champion for technological advances and wants to help promote local businesses.

Henderson is a U.S. Navy veteran and currently works at the Los Angeles Community College District as the district manager of College Technology Services.

Henderson has lived in Gardena for 35 years and has been active as a volunteer youth sports coach, Gardena Pop Warner volunteer city commissioner, and board president of PVJOBs Inc. and Brothers Inc. Youth Leadership.

Henderson was a delegate to the Southern California Association of Governments, West Basin Water Association alternate, Centennial Youth Services delegate, Gardena Rent Mediation board member, chair of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission, and chair of the Racial Equity Housing Committee, according to his campaign website.

In a campaign statement, Aimee Midori Yamada said she is focused on the city’s youth.

Yamada served Gardena’s community for decades as a PTA member and PTSA board secretary at her children’s and grandchildren’s schools, according to the statement. Yamada founded the Isami taiko group at Gardena Buddh
Petition seeks to decertify LA County undersheriff for contradictory testimony on deputy gangs

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:54:33 +0000

An attorney is urging the state to decertify the second-highest-ranking official in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, accusing her of committing perjury last year during a civil trial when she denied the existence of deputy gang activity at the Compton sheriff’s station.

Alan Romero, who represented sheriff’s Lt. Larry Waldie in a failed $26 million whistleblower retaliation lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department, filed a petition this week with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training seeking decertification for Undersheriff April Tardy.

Waldie alleged in a Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit that he was targeted and demoted while serving as acting captain at the Compton station after speaking out against the undue influence of a deputy subgroup there known as the Executioners. The jury found Waldie engaged in whistleblowing activity, but that it was not a substantial factor in how he was treated.

The decertification petition submitted to POST on Monday alleges Tardy committed perjury when she untruthfully testified at Waldie’s trial that there was no deputy gang activity at the Compton station or a deputy work slowdown in 2019 led by alleged Executioners’ “shot caller” Deputy Jaime Juarez.

Tardy’s court statement contradicts sworn testimony she provided in 2022 to the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, which is investigating the existence of deputy gangs within the Sheriff’s Department, Romero alleges.

There, Tardy attempted to portray herself as a reform-minded candidate for undersheriff, testifying in an “inapposite, irreconcilable and mutually exclusive manner” that she had moved Juarez from the Compton station because he was the leader of the Executioners, the petition states.

However, after Sheriff Robert Luna appointed her as undersheriff, Tardy allegedly disavowed and began to “unwind” her COC testimony about deputy gangs at the Compton station, Romero said.

“What offends me the most is the total impunity and her lack of hesitation to lie in court,” Romero said Thursday. “I am seeking to impose some (sanctions) on an undersheriff who lies in court.”

Luna refused to address the petition.

“Out of respect for the process, the Sheriff will refrain from commenting on the specific allegations of the petition while the administrative process runs its course, but he reiterates his confidence in the ability and character of Undersheriff Tardy,” the LASD said in a statement.

Claims she misspoke

During the trial involving Waldie, Romero repeatedly questioned Tardy about her oversight commission testimony regarding the work slowdown at the Compton station involving the Executioners.

“As you sit here today, is it your testimony that you transferred Juarez from Compton to Industry because of the slowdown?” he asked Tardy, according to a court transcript.

“I never transferred him to Industry Station,” she replied. Tardy went on to testify that she misspoke to the COC about the slowdown. “What I meant to say was I confirmed that there was an allegation of a work slowdown at the station,” she said.

Department ‘wanted her to lie’

Romero claims that after Tardy was appointed undersheriff in December 2022, she knew the Sheriff’s Department would face civil liability if she stuck with her COC testimony acknowledging the existence of a deputy gang at the Compton station.

“She is a smart, intelligent person who does her homework and didn’t misspeak at the COC hearing,” he said. “The sheriff’s department wanted her to lie in court and that’s exactly what she did. Nothing happened to her.”

The petition submitted to POST states, “the change in testimony and refusal to materially explain the discrepancies in her sworn testimony before two different tribunals was the product of hubris and belief in total non-accountability.”

Climb through the ranks

Tardy, who has worked for the Sheriff’s Department since 1994 and is the agency’s first female undersheriff, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tardy has risen steadily through the ranks since she began her career at the Sybil Brand Institute for Women, where she served as a line deputy and training officer before transferring to Temple sheriff’s station in 1999.

In 2001, Tardy was promoted to gang investigator and transferred to the Operation Safe Streets Bureau at the Compton station. Five years later, Tardy became a sergeant and, in 2011, was promoted to a lieutenant at Men’s Central Jail, where she remained for two years before moving to the Carson station.

She has also served as captain of South Los Angeles station and as chief of the LASD’s Central Patrol Division.

Capital & Main reported in March 2023 that Tardy has a tattoo on her ankle that signifies her dedication to a station she was assigned to early in her career. However, several Sheriff’s Department sources told the publication the tattoo signifies membership in the V Boys deputy gang.

POST, which is responsible for setting minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement, declined to comment this week on whether the agency has received the petition.

“All complaints we receive are reviewed in due course, and investigations into matters that are referred to the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board with a recommendation for decertification become public at that time under state law,” spokesperson Meagan Poulos said.

In 2021, the state Legislature gave POST additional authority to certify peace officers and suspend and decertify officers for serious misconduct.

The Civilian Oversight Commission did not respond to a request for comment.

Deputy gangs probe

In March 2022, the COC launched an investigation of deputy gangs that included interviews with former and current LASD employees along with a review of court filings, deposition transcripts, public statements by department representatives, reports relating to prior investigations, and media reports. The COC has also conducted numerous public hearings, most of which involved witness testimony under oath.

In February 2023, the COC released a sweeping 70-page report detailing the history and proliferation of Los Angeles County deputy gangs that have purportedly existed since at least 1973.

Gang members work at various patrol stations, bureaus and jails, and, in addition to the Executioners, identify themselves by names such as the Banditos, Regulators, Spartans, Reapers, Rattlesnakes, Cowboys, Vikings, Wayside Whities, 3000 Boys, and 4000 Boys, according to the report.

Recent media reports also have revealed the existence of a new gang known as the Indians, who allegedly operate out of the City of Industry sheriff’s station.

Deputy gang members allegedly often have matching and sometimes sequentially numbered tattoos and use language and gestures associated with street gangs.

Some deputy gangs have engaged in acts of violence, placed fellow deputies at risk of physical harm, celebrated officer-involved shootings, and created a climate of fear and retribution to those who speak publicly about the misconduct of members, the report says.
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Villanueva downplays gangs

The COC places much of the blame for deputy gangs on former Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who trained at the East L.A. Station and is believed by the panel to have shown favoritism toward the station and its deputies.

Villanueva, during testimony before the COC earlier this month, denied that he had been untruthful about the existence of deputy gangs. He also defended his decision not to judge deputies based on any tattoos they might have.

“There are a lot of deputies with tattoos, and if you try to eliminate all the deputies with tattoos with no evidence of misconduct, you are going to create a gargantuan public safety crisis,” he told the COC.

City News Service contributed to this report
Carson awards commendation to sheriff’s deputy for foiling robbery in progress

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:28:47 +0000

The City Council this week recognized a sheriff’s deputy for thwarting an armed robbery in progress after walking into a 7-Eleven store in Carson earlier this month.

Deputy Luis Cisneros, a nine-year veteran with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, received a certificate of commendation from the panel for his “quick response and valor.” He was presented the award, along with a 7-Eleven polo shirt, in the company of his wife, his mother, Sheriff Robert Luna and Carson officials.
- Carson Councilmember Arleen Rojas gives a bouquet of flowers to the wife of LASD Deputy Cisneros during a commendation ceremony at a city council meeting in Carson on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros, surrounded by family, colleagues and city officials, holds a plaque commemorating the moment he stopped a robbery in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes looks at LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros and his run-in on a robbery at a local 7-Eleven, during a commendation ceremony at the Carson city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros holds a plaque commemorating the moment he walked into a 7-Eleven store and stopped a robbery in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros holds a plaque commemorating the moment he walked into a 7-Eleven store and stopped a robbery in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- A reminder of the moment he stopped a convenience store robbery in progress, LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros holds up a 7-Eleven polo shirt gifted by the Carson City Council during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros gives a speech during a commendation ceremony for him after he foiled a robbery at a 7-Eleven, at a Carson city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Chief Robert Luna speaks about Sheriff’s Deputy Luis Cisneros and his run-in with a crew of robbers at a 7-Eleven in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Chief Robert Luna speaks about Sheriff’s Deputy Luis Cisneros and his run-in with a crew of robbers at a 7-Eleven in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros holds a plaque commemorating the moment he walked into a 7-Eleven store and stopped a robbery in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros holds a plaque commemorating the moment he walked into a 7-Eleven store and stopped a robbery in Carson, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
- LASD Deputy Luis Cisneros, middle right, holds hands with his wife during a commendation ceremony at a Carson city council meeting after he stopped a robbery at a 7-Eleven, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (Photo by Raphael Richardson, Contributing Photographer)
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“Over the past seven years, I have been honored to work with the City of Carson,” Cisneros said during this week’s council meeting. “The city has become my home away from home, and I’ve given it my all, every call, every high-risk incident, has been for the well-being of Carson and its residents.”

Cisneros added that he is grateful for the support from the city and the training he has received from the sheriff’s academy.

“Without it,” he said, “none of this would have been possible.”

In the early morning of Jan 13, Cisneros made a quick stop at a Carson 7-Eleven store on the 1700 block of Avalon Boulevard, near Victoria Street.

He was there to check in on the clerk, with whom he had spoken with earlier that day. But unbeknownst to him, moments before his arrival, a group of people burst into the store and demanded the clerk open the cash register.

In a surveillance video that captures the exchange, one suspect could be seen pointing a gun to the clerk’s face as the deputy walked in.

“I was honestly really surprised. As soon as I walked in and what I saw, the first thing that came to mind was surprise,” Cisneros, 32, said during a Thursday evening interview. “It really felt like time stopped for a little bit, like everything was going super slow motion and I couldn’t really believe what was happening.”

Despite his shock, Cisneros instantly pulled out his weapon and called for backup.

The four suspects were all apprehended and taken into custody without incident.

“I’m blessed of the outcome of the incident and more so of the investigation due to our major crimes detectives,” Cisneros said during the council meeting. “I’m humbled by the praise and support so far and I just want to say, truly, thank you.”

Luna, who attended the Tuesday, Jan. 23, City Council meeting, said it isn’t easy to walk in on a robbery in progress — and that Cisneros’ “response was amazing.”

“When I called him a couple of days later just to congratulate him and tell him what an awesome job he did, he was one of the most humble men I’ve ever spoken to,” Luna said. “So be proud that he doesn’t hesitate and he loves this community, he loves his job and I believe he’s a true representation of the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”

Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, whose husband and son are former law enforcement officers, said she understands the daily experience of family members waiting for those in the force to return home safely.

“The first responsibility after doing what you have to do is coming home safe to your wife,” Davis-Holmes told the young couple, who are expecting their first child.

The mayor also expressed her pride and appreciation on behalf of Carson to Cisneros.

“We are so grateful for your service,” Davis-Holmes said.

Detectives were able to link the suspects to a string of such incidents that have been happening in other cities, including Lakewood, Long Beach, Signal Hill and Compton, as well as in the Los Angeles area, Capt. Damon Jones, commander of the Carson sheriff’s station, said in an interview on Thursday.

Cisneros’ arrest of the suspects played a crucial role in apprehending individuals, most of whom are juveniles, who are connected to convenience store robberies, Jones said, including those involved in a Compton street takeover that happened at the beginning of this month, which resulted in a large mob looting a bakery, Jones said.

“I know the investigation that our Major Crimes Bureau is doing is still ongoing,” Jones said. “But I think they were able to determine that all of those people involved were related to all of those various robberies that occurred in the entire proximity.”

It’s unclear if the suspects are still in custody because they are juveniles, Jones said.

The sheriff’s department’s department’s Major Crimes Bureau is working with the district’s attorney’s office, Jones said, “to ensure that the appropriate charges are put forward and held against them and that they’re held accountable for not only this robbery but some additional robberies that were done throughout LA County.”

As for Cisneros, he planned to visit the 7-Eleven clerk at some point Thursday night.

“I’ve actually tried to go back a couple of times, but he was not on shift,” Cisneros said during Thursday’s interview. “So I’m actually going to try to go back later tonight and see if he’s there.”
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  A woman tries to keep looters out of Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food in Compton on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Image from surveillance video via KCBS2/KCAL9)
  Looters ransack Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food in Compton on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Image from surveillance video via KCBS2/KCAL9)
  A worker makes repairs to the entrance of Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food in Compton after it was ransacked on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. As of Friday morning, Jan. 5, a GoFundMe for the bakery has raised $38,569. (Image from GoFundMe)
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“We are also blessed from the generosity of strangers who have reached out and offered their help. But we are especially thankful for our dedicated, hardworking staff, who have worked with us nonstop to clean up the store and replace the damaged goods so that we can partially reopen our doors.”

About 100 people reportedly were involved in the street takeover, and a vehicle was on fire in the area, police said.

Surveillance footage from outside the bakery, as seen on KCBS2/KCAL9, showed a white Kia Soul slamming into the entrance twice while in reverse, moments before dozens of people flood inside.

Cameras inside the bakery show suspects ransacking the business, where they allegedly took lottery tickets, cash and merchandise, leaving behind a massive mess and considerable damage.
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The bakery once again began serving its regular daily customers when it reopened at 6 a.m. Friday, Ramirez said. The family will be baking and selling traditional bread Saturday for the Day of the Three Kings holiday.

The family has an active GoFundMe page, where over $53,045 has been raised through 346 contributions since it launched two days ago. The link to the GoFundMe page is https://gofund.me/84bb64d7.

“If you live locally and want to help our business, we invite you to come down to our store and shop here!” Ramirez said. “Your economic support lifts our spirits and lets us know that we will be able to continue having our doors open for many more years to come.”

Long Beach hospital’s first 2024 baby arrives 2 weeks early

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 16:51:50 +0000

A baby boy named Javier was the first baby born in 2024 at Memorial Care Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach.

He arrived two weeks early.

Parents Lucerito Quevedo and Javier Gomez welcomed their baby boy at 1:38 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1 at the Cherese Mari Laulhere Birth Center. Little Javier weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces.

He is the first child born to the couple, who live in Compton.

“It was definitely an eventful and exciting way to ring in the new year,” Lucerito Quevedo said in a release sent out by the hospital. “We didn’t imagine that Javier would be born on New Year’s Day, since his due date was supposed to be January 14.”

The parents received a “First Baby Basket” stuffed with onesies, receiving blankets, bathing items and diapers from the care team at Miller Children’s & Women’s.

Ralphs illegally rejected hundreds of job seekers based on minor criminal convictions, state alleges

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 16:36:21 +0000

The Ralphs grocery store chain violated the rights of hundreds of Southern California job seekers by asking them on employment applications whether they had a criminal record and then denying them positions for minor misdemeanor convictions such as excessive noise and simple marijuana possession, according to a first-of-its-kind lawsuit filed by the state.

The California Civil Rights Department lawsuit, filed Thursday, Dec. 21, in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Compton-based Ralphs violated the state’s Fair Chance Act, aimed at reducing barriers to employment and supporting community reintegration for individuals previously involved in the criminal justice system.

Ralphs has repeatedly ignored the law by screening out qualified applicants based on criminal convictions that do not have an adverse relationship with the duties of the job for which they were applying, the suit states.

“The Fair Chance Act is about giving every Californian an opportunity to thrive,” Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish said in a statement. “We can’t expect people to magically gain the economic and housing stability needed to reintegrate into their communities and stay out of the criminal legal system without a fair chance at steady employment, particularly when the job has nothing to do with a past offense.”

The CRD is seeking monetary damages for individuals who were denied or lost jobs due to Ralphs’ screening practices and a court order requiring the company to comply with the Fair Chance Act.

Officials with Ralphs, which has more than 25,000 employees at more than 85 stores in California, and its parent company, Kroger, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The Fair Chance Act, enacted in 2018, prohibits employers with five or more workers from asking about an applicant’s conviction history before making a conditional job offer. It also requires specific procedures for considering that history and limits convictions that can be considered to disqualify applicants.

Since the law went into effect, the Civil Rights Department has investigated hundreds of complaints alleging discrimination in employment decisions based on criminal history information and has secured about 70 settlements.

The CRD lawsuit states Ralphs solicits applications for store positions via an online form that includes multiple questions seeking disclosure of the applicant’s criminal history and convictions.

Ralphs allegedly failed to perform individualized assessments of applicants’ criminal history, denying some of them jobs solely on their score on a preset matrix. The company also provided inadequate notifications to applicants explaining why their provisional job offers had been revoked, the suit says.

Allegedly more than 75% of job applicants whose employment offer was withdrawn were not provided a way to contact Ralphs to contest the decision, as required by the Fair Chance Act. Those who were provided a method to reach the company were given only a phone number, without being told it was a fax line, the lawsuit states.

Ralphs also continues to refuse employment to hundreds of applicants based on criminal histories that do not justify denial due to the nature, severity, and recency of the offense and without consideration for the duties of the job they are seeking, the lawsuit alleges.

Multiple candidates allegedly lost job offers based on convictions for a single misdemeanor count of excessive noise. Others who had convictions for simple cannabis possession in states where it remains illegal were also disqualified, according to the suit.

One applicant allegedly was denied a job with Ralphs based on two 5-year-old, out-of-state juvenile misdemeanor convictions that would have been sealed had they taken place in California.

“These types of convictions, and hundreds more like them, do not bear any direct and adverse relationship with the duties of any job at a grocery store, including the grocery clerk positions that are the vast majority of the positions Ralphs denied on the basis of conviction history,” the lawsuit states.

“They were not legitimate grounds for a decision by Ralphs to withdraw a conditional offer that had already been made based on the applicant’s application and interview.”

Compton Cuts Ribbon On $8 Million Project To Repair Its Pothole-Ridden, Cracked Streets

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 23:16:41 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — The streets in Compton have been cracked and potholed for so long, street improvement projects getting underway this week are a cause for celebration.

(credit: CBS)

Lawmakers are investing more than $8 million to repair nearly 8 miles of Compton’s streets. The project is set to be completed by this summer.

An investigation by 2 On Your Side had found that giant potholes were making driving dangerous, damaging cars, and even slowing down first-responders in emergencies.

“The city chose five streets to be selected for reconstruction because they were among the highest priority streets in the city,” Compton Mayor Emma Sharif said. “It takes months, if not years, of preparation, financing, and planning for the work that you see here to get underway.”

A proverbial ribbon, which was more like the size of a banner, was cut Tuesday on the project by a construction tractor.

The work will range from filling potholes, street repaving, to full street reconstruction.

$10,000 Reward Offered For Information In Shooting Death Of 16-Year-Old Ricardo Trujillo Ramirez

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 02:15:28 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Sheriff’s detectives were set to announce the reward of $10,000 for information on the killing of 16-year-old Ricardo Trujillo, it was announced Sunday.

The teenager was shot to death about 11:45 p.m. on September 24 as he was leaving a party in Compton with a group of his friends, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Eva Jimenez.

Trujillo and his friends were confronted by a group of people as they left the party. One of the people pulled out a handgun and shot the teenager, Jimenez said.

Trujillo died at the scene.

The announcement of the reward will come Monday at 10 a.m. at the LASD’s homicide bureau office at 1 Cupania Circle in Monterey Park, according to Jimenez.

The reward was sponsored by L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell of the 2nd District and later approved by the Board of Supervisors.

For questions and information contact the LASD’s Information bureau at 213-229-1850. Tipsters can call the LASD’s homicide bureau at 323-890-5500.

Beaches Closed To Swimmers In Long Beach After LA River Sewage Spill In Compton

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 21:46:55 +0000

LONG BEACH (CBSLA) — Swimming areas off Long Beach were temporarily closed Tuesday following a sewage spill into the Los Angeles River.

About 12,000 gallons of sewage was discharged into the L.A. River Monday, prompting the closure of swimming areas west of Belmont Pier in Long Beach.

“The sewage spill occurred in the City of Compton due to a grease blockage causing sewage to overflow from a manhole,” the Long Beach Health Department tweeted.

Long Beach has about seven miles of public beach, and city officials say its Recreational Water Quality health inspection team is monitoring water quality along the affected beach sites until they comply with state water quality standards. Water samples are already collected and routinely tested at Long Beach’s public beaches to monitor bacterial levels.

For more information about Long Beach recreational beach water quality, call (562) 570-4199 or visit longbeach.gov/beachwaterquality.

Ag Startup And Walmart Building Tech-Operated Indoor Farm In Compton

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 06:47:58 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A massive indoor farm in the heart of Compton could ultimately become the new standard when it comes to growing fresh produce, and some are already calling it the future of farming.

Walmart, and the startup company Plenty, said it’s environmentally friendly, the produce is going to taste better and that the fruits and vegetables will be hitting the shelves be the end of the year.

“I view what we’re doing is…we’re just using new tools,” said Nate Storey, the cofounder of Plenty, an agricultural tech startup.

Even the farm equipment looks different, with robotic arms and LED lights to replicate the best part of the sun, and a facility that’s able to avoid the weather and seasonality altogether. Storey said they’re able to bring the crops indoors and out of the elements, which allows the produce to grow at the best possible rate, in the perfect environment of a daily basis.

“We’re pretty excited to bring pesticide-free food to people, in many instances, for the first time,” Storey said.

The multimillion dollar partnership between Plenty and Walmart will operate inside and use a fraction of the space they would need to plant the crops outdoors.

Plenty already has an indoor farm in San Francisco, but there’s another one being built in Compton to serve Walmarts in Southern California.

“Farming as we know isn’t going away any time soon,” said Joshua Viers, a professor in the department of Civil and Environment Engineering at UC Merced.

The professor said this new tech will not only create new jobs, but enhance old ones.

“It’s not to displace agriculture labor. It’s actually to re-skill and up-skill these individuals so they can operate in the farming future,” Viers said.

Shopper Kenya Allen said she’s not thrilled with her current Walmart produce.

“As soon as you buy it, it goes bad in, like, a couple of days.”

She said she welcomes the change, that is if it’s not too good to be true.

“If it’s something that will better serve the planet, like reduce emissions and allow more people who actually need the food, if it will make it more affordable, then yes, I would be interested in trying that,” Allen said.

According to Plenty, the new Compton farm will be up and running by the end of this year.

Reward In Murder Of Compton Teen Tioni Theus Jumps To $110K

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 20:23:36 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible in the shooting death of a 16-year-old girl, whose body was dumped alongside the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles, has increased to $110,000.

An undated photo of Tioni Theus, who was found shot to death at the side of the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles on Jan. 8, 2022. (Credit: Nafeesah Kincy)

Tioni Theus’ body was discovered Jan. 8 on the side of the freeway on the Manchester Avenue on-ramp near South Figueroa Street.

During a news conference Wednesday, Assistant California Highway Patrol Chief Jesus Holguin said that California Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a $50,000 reward, which brings the total possible reward money being offered for the capture of Theus’ killer to $110,000, which includes another likely $50,000 pledged by the L.A. City Council, and $10,000 from L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

“We’re very confident that we’re moving forward in a positive direction and hopefully have some good news in the very near future,” Holguin said during a Zoom news conference in which L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon joined other elected officials.

Gascon said there is evidence indicating that “this young girl may have been the victim of human trafficking,” and noted that the investigation into her death is ongoing.

“We need the public’s help,” Gascón said. “Please help bring Tioni’s murderer to justice, and if you have any information, please contact the CHP.”

Last Saturday, a group of activists gathered and pushed for elected officials to offer a reward for information in the girl’s killing. They said then that the absence of a reward in the killing of the young Black girl stood in stark contrast to the $250,000 reward offered in the search for the killer of 24-year-old Brianna Kupfer, a Pacific Palisades resident and UCLA grad student who was fatally stabbed Jan. 13 inside a boutique furniture store in Hancock Park.

Tioni was last seen Jan. 7 after telling a family member she was going to meet a friend to go to a party, officials said. No further information was provided, and no suspect description was available.

The investigation is being handled by the CHP, but the LAPD offered investigative assistance. LAPD Chief Michel Moore told the Police Commission the CHP hasn’t yet identified a suspect and does not yet have a description of the suspect or involved vehicle.

Theus resided in Compton and attended Centennial High School.

Woman Killed In Compton Shooting; Authorities Searching For Suspect

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 01:43:33 +0000

COMTPON (CBSLA) — Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigators are currently searching for the suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred in Compton on Friday afternoon.

A woman, who’s identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was fatally shot on the 1400 block of West 155th Street, near the Compton/Woodley Airport.

The shooting was reported just before 2:00 p.m. on Friday, and when authorities arrived the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation is underway as authorities search for a suspect and motive in the incident.

Anyone with information on the shooting was asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Authorities Investing Fatal Shooting In Compton

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 01:56:04 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday in Compton.

Reported just prior to 1 a.m., authorities arrived on the scene at Compton Boulevard and Lime Street to find a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

He was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wound shortly later. The victim’s name is withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the incident, and are seeking information on a suspect and motive.

Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Coroner Identifies Kordell Bell, 25, As Man Fatally Shot In Compton

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 20:41:04 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A 25-year-old man who was fatally shot in Compton, where another man was also shot but survived, was identified Tuesday.

The man was identified as Kordell Bell of Los Angeles, according to the coroner’s office.

The shooting occurred about 12:40 p.m. Dec. 18 in the 2000 block of 120th Street, according to Deputy Alejandra Parra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Information Bureau.

Bell suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and the other man was wounded in one of his legs, Parra said.

Both men were taken by ambulance to a hospital, where Bell was pronounced dead and the other had stable vital signs, she said.

Witnesses told detectives they saw two gunmen get out of a burgundy vehicle, walk a short distance and open fire on two men who were in the front yard of a home working on a car, Parra said. The gunmen ran back to their vehicle and fled the scene.

Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call detectives at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

1 Man Dead, Another In Stable Condition After Shooting In Compton

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 23:36:28 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Two men were shot in Compton Saturday, one fatally.

Scene of a shooting investigation in Compton on Dec. 18, 2021. (credit: CBS)

The shooting occurred about 12:40 p.m. in the 2000 block of 120th Street, according to Deputy Alejandra Parra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Information Bureau.

One man suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body and the other was wounded in one of his legs, Parra said.

Both men were taken by ambulance to a hospital, where one was pronounced dead and the other had stable vital signs, she said.

Witnesses told detectives they saw two men get out of a burgundy vehicle. “They walked up approximately two houses from where they opened fire on two men who were in the front yard working on a car,” Parra said. They ran back to the vehicle and fled the scene.

Officers encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact LA County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5000. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by using the LA Crime Stoppers website.

Authorities Investigating Body Found In Compton Brush Fire

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 19:39:44 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation following the location of a body at the scene of a Compton brush fire on Friday evening.

The fire was reported just before 10:30 p.m. on Friday at a vacant lot located on South Gibson Avenue, which prompted a response from authorities, who found the body.

It is unclear if the person, an unidentified man, died from the fire or from another cause.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

18th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down Underway in Compton

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:01:11 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – An event that has taken place for years in Compton is set to happen once again throughout Saturday. The Homeless Veterans Stand Down event began at 8 a.m. and was scheduled to last through 6 p.m., located at 700 Bullis Road in Compton.

Of the many amenities provided to the homeless veterans community, this year’s shortlist contains one more option – COVID-19 vaccination.

On top of that, hot showers, clothing, sleeping bags, backpacks, food, haircuts and more will be available for the crowd of hundreds of people expected to meet at the 18th annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down event in Compton.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are to be provided for all participants in the event, while the team will hand out various Christmas gifts, including gift cards to McDonald’s and some grocery stores.

Information for housing, medical and legal purposes will be available for attendees.

Some organizers of the event spoke with CBS reporters to discuss the event, including Lestean Johnson with the Compton Chamber of Commerce. “It’s important because first of all, we should ‘reach one, teach one.’ We have the homeless, and they’re vets. These are people who have fought for our country, fought for our freedom. We have a philosophy that until all the homeless vets are off the street, we will continue to do this no matter what city we’re in. It’s important that we get our vets off the street.”d

On the variety of services available at the event, Johnson highlighted a couple of specific groups, including HUD-VASH, one of the V.A.’s homeless programs that works to provide housing to those who need it.

“Today we have the DMV on site, they will actually be giving IDs, they’ll take the picture and give them IDs, which is really important, because we can’t find them. When homeless don’t want to be found you can’t find them,” Johnson continued, “We have claims from the V.A., trying to get them into the system. If they get them into the V.A. system, some of them qualify for benefits. If we can get them benefits, we can get them out. … A lot of non-profits always come together for this particular event. ”

The event runs in association with the City of Compton, the Compton Chamber of Commerce, Volunteers of America – Los Angeles, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Stand Together, a non-profit organization from Torrance whose mission is to combat homelessness in the veteran community.

It is estimated that of the 40,000 veterans nationwide, 10% of them live in the Los Angeles area. While the V.A. continues to fight to combat veteran homelessness, they have placed nearly 7,000 individuals in permanent housing with the use of vouchers.

However, there are still 1 million veterans at risk for homelessness in America, due to varying reasons, including post-traumatic stress disorder, social isolation, substance abuse and unemployment.

An approximate 10% of the United States homeless demographic is made up of veterans.

Charlie Lonon, fondly referred to as “Miss Charlie”, the founder of the event years ago, said the event is still extremely important to her, telling reporters, “It’s important to me because of the young people that were coming back from the service, and they didn’t have a job. Not only that, they’re homeless and we needed to do something for them. So, Stand Down was a good thing to do and we never leave anyone behind. We have to do what we have to do. Get them their benefits so they can get into the V.A. and get the services that they need.”

Woman, 56, Reported Missing From Compton Found, Authorities Announced

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 03:10:27 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who sought the public’s help Wednesday in locating a 56-year-old woman with an undisclosed intellectual disability that went missing from Compton, announced that she had been found.

Sharon Gillam Doggan was last seen near the 2600 block of East 130th Street in Compton.

Sharon Gillam Doggan was last seen on Dec. 7 around 10:30 a.m. near the 2600 block of East 130th Street, according to Deputy Eva Jimenez of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

Authorities did not release any further details.

LA County Pays $2.75M To Compton Man With Mental Illness Beaten By Deputies

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 19:47:01 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a $2.75 million settlement to a Compton man with mental illness who was beaten by L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies during an arrest in 2014.

Barry Montgomery after he was assaulted by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies on July 14, 2014. (CBSLA)

On the evening of July 14, 2014, deputies confronted then-29-year-old Barry Montgomery in Enterprise Park after smelling what they believed to be marijuana, according to the sheriff’s department at the time.

According to a summary provided to the board by sheriff’s deputies, Montgomery swore at the deputies, name dropped a Compton-based street gang, and then told them, “I’m going to kill both of you with my deuce-deuce.”

The alleged reference was to a .22 caliber handgun.

Montgomery then landed an unprovoked punch, hitting one deputy’s shoulder when the man ducked, according to the pair of sworn officers.

When the two deputies called for backup, a third deputy arrived on the scene. All three admitted to punching Montgomery multiple times in a struggle they characterized as trying to get him under control while fearing he was reaching for a weapon.

According to family members at the time, Montgomery had been diagnosed as a schizophrenic with Tourrets syndrome, was very timid and was on medication that night he went to the park to play basketball.

“They beat him for no reason, because he doesn’t respond. He does not respond, he does not talk,” a family member said.

Montgomery was ultimately handcuffed and taken to a hospital with several injuries. He suffered facial fractures — including a fractured eye socket — and seven broken ribs, among other injuries, according to Paulette Simpson-Gipson, then-president of the Compton branch of the NAACP.

He was eventually charged with a felony count of resisting arrest and a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession. During a preliminary hearing, two of the three deputies offered conflicting testimony about their use of force. The charges were eventually dropped after the court declared Montgomery mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered outpatient treatment with the Department of Mental Health.

In August 2014, the NAACP called for a federal investigation and alleged Montgomery was beaten for 25 minutes while handcuffed.

“We see no justification for the brutality inflicted to Mr. Barry Montgomery,” Simpson-Gipson said at the time. “The beating is a clear violation of his civil rights.”

In their suit against the county, Montgomery’s family alleged that the deputies fired their weapons, shot Montgomery with a stun gun and dragged him into a nearby restroom to assault him, according to the board summary.

In 2015, the sheriff’s department Executive Force Review Committee found the three deputies’ actions were within department policy.

Compton Homeowner Shoots, Kills Attempted Robbery Suspect, Deputies Say

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:15:00 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A knife-wielding attempted robbery suspect was shot and killed by a homeowner in Compton early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Dec. 7, 2021. (CBSLA)

The shooting occurred at around 6:15 a.m. in the 1500 block of West 156th Street.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the homeowner exited his home and was getting into his car in the driveway when the attempted robbery suspect, a man in his 30s, approached him holding a knife.

The homeowner, who was armed with a gun, opened fire on the suspect, hitting him several times in the upper torso.

He died at the scene, the sheriff’s department said. His name was not immediately released.

Both the homeowner’s gun and the suspect’s knife were recovered at the scene, the sheriff’s department said.

The homeowner was being questioned by detectives and was cooperative, the sheriff’s department said. He was also not identified. It’s unclear if he will face any charges.

Woman Leads Deputies On Wild Pursuit Through Compton In Bread Truck

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 15:04:53 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A suspect behind the wheel of a bread truck lead deputies on a wild pursuit through Compton Thanksgiving night.

Nov. 25, 2021. (CBSLA)

The pursuit with the truck started at around 9:10 p.m. at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Wilmington Avenue when deputies attempted to pull the driver over for reckless driving, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The driver refused to stop and a chase ensued.

Sky2 was over the scene as the truck lumbered its way through the city of Compton, with the female driver going onto sidewalks and smashing into trees.

Deputies laid down spike strips in an effort to slow the suspect down. Although the tires started smoking, and she momentarily stopped in a parking lot, she took off again.

The truck eventually came to a stop at South Atlantic Drive, near Atlantic Avenue, and the woman jumped out and tried to run.

About a half-dozen deputies caught up with her and took her into custody.

The woman was not immediately identified. It’s unclear if the truck had been reported stolen.

Family Of James Vargas Holds Candlelight Vigil For Father Shot And Killed Last Week

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 03:03:30 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Dozens of grieving family and friends gathered Saturday to honor James Vargas at the location he was shot and killed nearly a week ago.

The 30-year-old father of two was shot in the chest early Sunday morning on 92nd Street and Central Avenue in South LA in front of his wife and two kids when they were walking from a family gathering to a taco stand.

Family members and the Los Angeles Police Department have told CBSLA Reporter Rick Montanez that Vargas had no ties nor any affiliations with gangs. They don’t know why anyone would do this.

My brother is never going to come back. And it’s going to affect me, my family, his kids, his wife, over something that should’ve never happened,” Billy Vargas, James’ brother said.

Witnesses have said the murderer walked up to James Vargas and asked “where” he was from.

Before he had a chance to respond, James Vargas was shot. He was transferred to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

His family is looking for any help in tracking down the suspect. The Vargas family hopes that LAPD homicide detectives make an arrest soon.

Although devastated, Billy Vargas said he appreciates everyone celebrating his younger brother’s life at the candlelight vigil.

“I’m happy that everyone came out here to celebrate James and the love he showed to everyone and to see the impact he left on everyone,” Billy Vargas said.

St. Johns Well Child And Family Center Kickoffs ‘Vaccine Roadshow’ In Push To Vaccinate Kids Ages 5 To 11-Years-Old

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 02:03:01 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A healthcare center teamed up with a local school district in a big push to get COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5-10 in communities of color, and while some parents are excited about getting their kids vaccinated, others remain skeptical.

“Nervous,” is how 9-year-old Jennifer Marquez described herself before she and her cousin got vaccinated at a free event put on by Compton Unified School District.

(credit: CBS)

Angella Marquez, Jennifer’s sister already received the COVID-19 vaccine, but came to support her sister.

“It’s important to me to be safe from other people who have the virus and me from not getting it,” she said.

The district teamed up with St. Johns Well Child and Family Center as part of the clinic’s “Vaccine Roadshow,” which offers the shot to kids ages 5-11, now that they’re able to get them.

Some parents, though, are still worried about vaccinating their children and asked questions at a town hall about how safe and effective the vaccine is for kids.

Superintendent Darin Brawley said while he’s thankful there’s been no major outbreak within the district, he’s seen how the virus has had a negative impact on student learning.

“We’re typically looking at 4-6 individuals that become close contacts that we have to quarantine as a result of one child coming down with the virus that is in close proximity to other kids,” the superintendent said.

School officials said the forum was especially important for Compton Unified, as communities of color often lack information and access to resources.

One parent that spoke with CBSLA said she’s not ready to get her children vaccinated and wants to see more research on the safety.

“For them to be telling us to go ahead and give these vaccines to 5-years-old without any history of what it does to your body, I just think it’s wrong as a parent. I want to protect my son and my daughter,” said Maria Pasaye.

St. Johns “Vaccine Roadshow” kicked off today and will travel to nine other communities for town halls and provide the vaccine to those who want their children to have it.

Family And Friends Hold Prayer Vigil For Slain Compton Pastor Reginald Moore

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 02:07:03 +0000

Friends and family at a prayer vigil for Reginald Moore, who was shot and killed in Compton on October 24.

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A prayer vigil was held for Associate Pastor Reginald Moore on Saturday.

The vigil was held near the Compton intersection where Moore, 67, was shot on October 24.

He was leaving a Bible study that he had just finished leading at Upper Room Christian Center. Moore was still holding his Bible when he was shot in the chest.

Friends and family are unsure who, or why, Moore was shot, as he had no known enemies. He was a pastor for more than 20 years after leaving a life on the streets.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Moore’s last sermon was on anger and how you should take that emotion to God, instead of others.

A known family man with children and grandchildren, Moore’s life was dedicated to turning people towards God and finding the best in Him, turning that towards their own individual lives – something he had personal experience in.

Those who attended the vigil had the intention of making a change in their community, hoping that his death would be an eye-opener into the senseless violence that plagues the streets.

There are no known suspects in Moore’s murder, however a gray sedan was said to have fled the scene on Compton Boulevard and Dwight Avenue. Investigators are still searching for a motive in the incident as well.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

One Dead In Compton Shooting On Saturday

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 01:53:27 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Authorities have reported that one person is dead following a shooting at 10AM on Saturday morning in Compton.

An investigation is ongoing, following the shooting on the 200 block of North Bowen Avenue at, where one man was shot. The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 2:30PM.

The man was found by Sheriff’s deputies on a driveway nearly a block away from an area where he and his friends had been standing.

Deputy Shawn Du Busky of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department reported that: “unknown persons in a compact car exchanged
gunfire with an unknown individual on foot near the intersection of North Bowen Avenue and East Palmer Street. Both fled the area after the shooting. It appears the victim was an innocent bystander struck by a stray bullet.”

Homicide detectives who investigated the crime scene did not provide descriptions of the suspects or the weapon used, which was not found.

Authorities ask that anyone with information about the shooting call homicide detectives at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Man Found Shot To Death In Compton

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 19:47:41 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A man was shot to death Saturday in Compton.

The shooting occurred at about 9:25 a.m. in the 600 block of East Pine Street, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

The sheriff’s department urged anyone with information about the homicide to call them at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

School Bus Involved In Crash In Compton

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 14:45:34 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A school bus was involved in a multivehicle collision in Compton Tuesday morning which left two people hurt.

Sept. 28, 2021. (CBSLA)

The crash involving the school bus and two other vehicles occurred at Avalon Boulevard and 132nd Street at 6:15 a.m.

It’s unclear if any students were aboard the bus.

Los Angeles County Fire Department crews and California Highway Patrol officers were on scene.

Two people were taken to a hospital with injuries, the fire department said. None of the patients were from the bus.

16-Year-Old Ricardo Ramirez Shot To Death On Compton Street

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:40:22 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting in Compton late Friday night as a 16-year-old boy.

Ricard Trujillo Ramirez of Lomita was shot and killed on a Compton street, the Los Angeles County County coroner’s office reported Monday.

At 11:50 p.m. Friday, L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 900 block of East Pine Street, near North Locust Avenue, on an assault with a deadly weapon call. They arrived to find Ramirez lying in the street with at least one gunshot wound to the upper torso, the sheriff’s department said.

He died at the scene.

There was no word on a motive. It’s unclear if the shooting was gang-related. There was also no suspect information.

Anyone with information on the case should call the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.

One Dead In Compton Shooting

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 14:31:22 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A man was shot and killed in Compton and detectives Saturday are continuing their investigation.

Deputies were called at 11:50 p.m. Friday to the 1900 block of East Pine Street near North Locust Avenue regarding an assault with a deadly weapon and discovered the victim lying in the street with at least one gunshot wound to the upper torso, said Deputy Armando Viera Jr. of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no suspect information at this time and the investigation is ongoing, Viera said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online.

Hopefuls Line Up For Chance At Powerball And Mega Millions Jackpots, Each Offering Up More Than $400 Million This Weekend

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 00:56:16 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Two giant lottery jackpots are up for grabs this weekend with both Powerball and Mega Millions offering up more than $400 million each for anyone with the right numbers.

A customer that purchased a lottery ticket Wednesday at the General Store in Compton won $2.5 million, matching all the number with the exception of the Powerball.

“Woo, $2.5 million, that’s a jackpot for me. I don’t about anyone else,” lottery player Darrell Perkins said.

“Congratulations, somebody,” Sharon Steward, a lottery customer said. Asked if she thinks the winner could’ve been her neighbor, Steward said simply, “Well, they ain’t talking.”

The store’s owner gets a piece of the Wednesday’s lucky ticket, about $12,000, but those buying tickets now are hoping for their own win. With both Powerball and Mega Millions offering up more than $400 million each this weekend, most customers are playing both.

Asked why she’s purchasing lottery tickets Friday, Steward didn’t hesitate.

“Because I wanna be a winner. I’m going on 70-years-old, it’s my turn,” she said.

The line to buy lottery tickets at the Blue Bird in Hawthorn was out the door. Some of the hopefuls already know what they’d spend their winnings on, if they got the chance.

“I plan on winning it big, maybe a house or a yacht,” Vonna Pilot, who was buying tickets, said.

Maria Ansalmar felt the same.

” I don’t know, maybe a mansion?” she said.

For others, a more practical approach seemed to make sense.

“Probably take care of a lot of bills that I have. The pandemic put a damper, like I said, on employment,” Phil Rivas, said.

“Number one, I’ll pay my tithe,” said Steward, “and then get a better house and then, my grandkids.”

While $2 tickets add up fast, customers buying their lottery tickets seemed to feel like it’s a small price to pay for a little hope and the chance of good luck.

“It’s worthy for somebody who needs it,” Rivas said.

“Everyone is here hoping for an opportunity to do better for their family,” said another lottery customer from her spot in the line.

It’s only been a few weeks since Powerball added a third drawing on Mondays, giving folks another chance to win and another jackpot.

The Mega Millions drawing happens Friday night, with Powerball’s on Saturday.

Compton’s 90221 Celebrates With ‘Date Meets Zip’ Commemorative Postmark

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:49:57 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Compton, where you at? On Thursday, the city celebrated 90221, which happened to be the date – Sept. 2, 2021.

(credit: CBS)

The U.S. Post Office on South Santa Fe Avenue celebrated the confluence of numbers with a special “Date Meets Zip” event Thursday. Workers at the post office handed out a specially-designed postmark and stamped envelopes for customers.

“It’s just another opportunity to interact with our customers, to let them that know that we’re doing our best,” the Postal Service’s Carla Player-Rowe said. “Of course, this last year, going into our second year of the pandemic, it’s been a lot of stress on all, everyone.”

The South Santa Fe Avenue postal office will hand out these commemorative letters and postcards for the next 30 days.

But Compton residents should keep in mind that this won’t be the last “Date Meets Zip” moment. Compton is also home to 90222, 90223 and 90224, so the city will be able to mark those numerical milestones for the next three years.

Traquan Bell Of Compton Arrested In Series Of Downtown LA Jewelry Store Robberies, Thefts

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:08:57 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A Compton man has been arrested in a series of jewelry store robberies and thefts in Downtown LA and police believe he may be responsible for other crimes.

(credit: LAPD)

Traquan Bell, 32, of Compton, was arrested Friday in Costa Mesa. He is being held without bail.

According to the LAPD, Bell is suspected of snatching $31,075 worth of jewelry from the owner of a jewelry store in the 600 block of South Hill Street on March 23, then crashing through the store’s glass door while running away. In a July 8 robbery, Bell allegedly took $40,000 worth of gold chains. Less than a month later, police say Bell walked into another store in the same block as the other stores that had been robbed and took $77,1770 worth of jewelry on Aug. 2.

Detectives believe Bell may have been behind other robberies and grand thefts in the area are seeking information or more victims who may have information about other possible crimes. Anyone with information can call Central Robbery Detective Brian Richardson at (213) 996-1875.

Firefighters Battle Second-Alarm Blaze At Compton Auto Body Shop

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 14:04:28 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Firefighters were battling a second-alarm blaze Friday at a body shop in Compton.

(credit: CBS)

Heavy smoke was spotted coming from A&J Body Shop at the corner of Compton Boulevard and Pearl Avenue at about 6:30 a.m. A second alarm was declared about a half hour later.

Video from Sky 2 showed flames and heavy smoke billowing from the building’s roof and vents.

No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is not known.

The area around the building was blocked off while crews work to make sure the fire is out.

Deputy-Involved Shooting In Compton Leads To Large Law Enforcement Presence

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:26:33 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A deputy-involved shooting led to a large law enforcement presence in Compton Thursday.

The shooting happened around 5:05 p.m. in the 14900 block of Atlantic AvenueCompton. It appears to have happened at a motel, according to CBSLA reporter Desmond Shaw.

The motive for the shooting or what lead up to it is unclear.

It is unclear if there were any injuries in the shooting.

(This is a developing story. Check back for updates).

Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan, 5 Others Charged With Election Fraud

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 17:45:20 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan and five others were charged Friday with election fraud, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced.

(credit: Compton City Council)

Galvan and former Compton City Council candidate Jace Dawson, both 34, were charged with working together to help Galvan retain his District 2 seat. Dawson also faces a charge of trying to bribe a registrar employee as she was counting ballots on election night.

“While we do not have all of the details regarding the charges brought against Councilman Galvan, the City takes any charges of elections fraud extremely seriously,” a statement from Compton Mayor Emma Sharif said in part.

Four others were also charged in the case – 34-year-old Toni Morris, 48-year-old Kimberly Chaouch, 61-year-old Barry Reed, and 51-year-old Reginald Streeter all allegedly registered to vote at Dawson’s address in Compton, even though they didn’t live there. All four are charged with voting illegally in the election.

Galvan had won a tight election over his challenger, Andre Spicer, 855 to 854.

Galvan and Dawson pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday, and are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 17. The four other defendants will be arraigned at a later date, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Father Finds Missing 14-Year-Old Son Shot Dead In Compton Alley

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:45:26 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A 14-year-old boy who had been reported missing was found shot to death in Compton Tuesday night.

The deceased boy was found by his father a little before 9 p.m. in the 4200 block of East San Luis Street.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the boy’s family discovered him missing on Sunday and reported it to authorities the following day.

On Tuesday night, while out searching, the boy’s father found his son in a travel trailer parked in an alley, the sheriff’s department said. He had a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

Sheriff’s deputies responded and pronounced the boy dead at the scene. His name was not immediately released.

No suspects have been arrested in the killing and there was no word on a motive. It’s unclear exactly when the shooting may have occurred.

Our Lady Of Victory In Compton Hosts Popup Vaccine Clinic Sunday

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:36:30 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – St. John’s Well Child and Family Center hosted a popup vaccine clinic outside Our Lady of Victory Church in Compton Sunday after worship services.

Adrian Saucedo, who is ready to start the ninth grade, was one of about 100 people who took advantage of the vaccine clinic.

“To feel safer, that’s the main reason I want it,” Saucedo said. “I wanna be prepared and stay on school.”

President of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center, Jim Mangia, said the lack of vaccine prevalence in communities with a large immigrant population are generally the result of a lack of time.

“We’re really trying now to reach the most difficult, the most hesitant and those who have least access to healthcare care services and to the vaccine,” Mangia said. “A lot of it has to do with people having three jobs and raising four kids. So, when do they have time to get the vaccine?”

According to Mangia, it’s also about getting the message across that everyone, regardless of immigration status, is eligible to get the vaccine.

“We believe everyone has a fundamental human right to health and what we need for health right now is the COVID vaccine,” he said.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell said that clinics like this one are making a difference.

“I think the secret sauce is at the community where people have the opportunity to ask their questions one on one,” Mitchell said. “It’s making sure you have access to physicians and other trusted voices. To be here and have your Catholic priest tell you this is the responsible thing to do for your family is a big deal.”

Mitchell added that there’s still a lot of work left to do, with only 63% of the county fully vaccinated and cases on the rise due to the highly contagious Delta variant.

There are 26 St. John’s Well Child and Family Centers in South LA, East LA and Compton, and just like if you go get a vaccination at a city or county site, they’re all free.

Compton Woman Wins $50,000 In California’s Vaccine Lottery

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 17:19:57 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — There are many benefits to getting vaccinated, but for one Compton women, it paid $50,000.

(credit: CBS)

Pamela Jackson was one of the many Californians who won $50,000 in the vaccine lottery. The money was set aside from the state lottery for those who became vaccinated, and was a special incentive to boost the vaccination effort.

“I can’t say it enough. Everybody needs to get it,” Jackson said. “Think about your families. Just think about people. You know, everybody needs to get it.”

The state’s “Vax for the Win” program ended earlier this month. However, people who got their first shot between May 27 and July 18 are still eligible to collect a $50 incentive card. Free tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain may also still be available at select vaccination sites.

Deputies Respond To Report Of Shooting In Compton, Discover One Victim Shot And Killed

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 03:34:08 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – Sheriff’s deputies were called to a house on West 156th Street and South Barclay Avenue around 5:46 p.m. with reports of a shooting.

Deputies rushed into the home with guns drawn. Officers said that one man was shot and killed, and that he was lying outside when they arrived at the scene.

Attempts to revive the victim were unsuccessful.

No information regarding the circumstances of the shooting have been released or whether deputies have any suspects in the incident.

Victor Sosa Wanted In Fatal Stabbing Of 19-Year-Old Girlfriend, Daisy Delao

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:51:28 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Help is needed Wednesday to capture a 25-year-old man wanted in the murder of his girlfriend.

(credit: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Victor Hugo Sosa was identified this week by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as the suspect in the murder of his girlfriend, Daisy Delao.

Delao, 19, was found stabbed to death on Feb. 23 in an alley of the 1400 block of Long Beach Boulevard in Compton. Authorities did not release other details about the murder.

Sosa was described as a Hispanic man about 5-foot-6 and 130 pounds. He is known to use his skateboard and use public transportation.

Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about Sosa or the murder can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Bicyclist Shot To Death In Compton

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 11:48:41 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – A man was shot and killed while on a bicycle in Compton early Monday morning.

June 21, 2021. (CBSLA)

The shooting occurred at 12:05 a.m. at Linsley Street and White Avenue.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a report of gunshots to find the victim with a single gunshot wound to the upper torso. He died at the scene. He was not immediately identified.

The circumstances of the shooting were unclear.

There was no word on a motive or whether the shooting may have been gang-related. There was no suspect information.

Voters In Compton’s June 1 General Municipal Election Can Vote Through Holiday Weekend, Hours And Locations Announced

Sun, 30 May 2021 06:24:25 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Voters in Compton’s general municipal election on June 1 can cast their ballots early and in-person through the holiday weekend.

The Los Angeles County Registrar’s Office also announced several mobile voting centers.

Mobile voting center locations and hours include:

Saturday, May 29: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Davis Middle School, in the front quad

Sunday, May 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Burrell-Macdonald Park, in the parking lot

Monday, May 31: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lueders Park, in the parking lot

Tuesday, June 1 (election day): 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Compton College, in the student lounge

City Of Compton Suing LASD Over Alleged ‘Minutes Fraud’

Thu, 27 May 2021 00:37:46 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Compton city officials Wednesday announced their plan to sue the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Officials allege LASD cheated the city out of more than $22 million by fraudulently billing for time deputies were supposed to be spending keeping Compton safe. (CBSLA)

“We are here to demand that Sheriff Villanueva get a handle on his department and address the widespread fraud and malfeasance running rampant in Compton station,” Mayor Aja Brown said.

Officials allege LASD cheated the city out of more than $22 million by fraudulently billing for time deputies were supposed to be spending keeping Compton safe.

“We believe that a theft of historic proportions has taken place resulting in damages which potentially amount to millions in taxpayer dollars,” Damon Brown, Compton City Attorney, said.

Attorneys for the city have filed a claim for damages against the sheriff’s department, alleging fraud and breach of contract among other things. According to attorneys, the city agreed to pay more than $22 million in exchange for 700,800 minutes of crime suppression and 858,720 minutes of special assignment crime suppression.

However, the attorneys allege the sheriff’s department committed “minutes fraud” by using city-funded minutes for non-crime suppression duties.

“What that means is that we have deputies that are saying they’re at locations that they’re not at,” attorney Jamon Hicks said. “We have deputies that are saying they are patrolling the streets of the residents when they are not.”

“The result is major understaffing at Compton station, lack of responsiveness for calls for service, and increased crime and danger to our community,” Brown said.

But, Sheriff Alex Villanueva disputed the allegations.

“To call it a fraud, that might be a little bit of a stretch,” he said.

Villanueva said that during the pandemic, when the court system was closed down, the department flooded all of the patrol stations with extra personnel. In addition, he said he never got a single complain that they were not complying with the contract.

“We have, I think, about 45 contracts, and we measure the minutes and there’s a rate we have to get close to the 100%, either slightly above or slightly below,” he said. “If we’re missing that target, I don’t think it’s going to be the grand conspiracy that the outgoing mayor of Compton wants it to be, but we’ll definitely take the allegations seriously.”

Villanueva said the department was in the process of conducting an audit and would take action on the findings of the audit.

Firefighters Battle Blaze At Apparently Abandoned Store In Compton

Wed, 26 May 2021 13:46:05 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) — Firefighters are battling a blaze at a store that appears to be abandoned in Compton.

(credit: CBS)

The fire was first reported at about 5:42 a.m. Wednesday morning at Alondra Boulevard and Atlantic. The large plume of smoke from the fire was visible from the 710 Freeway.

Video from Sky 2 shows the roof of the store was fully engulfed in flames.

The building’s façade says “Vision Thrifty” and “Bargain” over the entrance, but it’s unclear if the store remains in business.

City Of Compton Accused Of Squandering Thousands Of Dollars In COVID Relief

Wed, 26 May 2021 06:26:26 +0000

COMPTON (CBSLA) – The city of Compton is being accused by activists of squandering COVID-19 relief funding, facing allegations that it wasted food that was meant to go to struggling residents, along with spending tens of thousands of dollars on customized face masks.

Last month, Tia Walker took photos of dozens of food pallets in the dumpster at Lueders Park, the site of the Compton Food Pantry. (Photo by Tia Walker)

The city was hit especially hard by the pandemic, struggling with high infection rates, high poverty levels and high unemployment.

“I want more transparency,” Tia Walker, a Compton resident and activist, said. “We have a transparency issue in Compton.”

Last month, Walker took photos of dozens of food pallets in the dumpster at Lueders Park, which is the site of the Compton Food Pantry, run by the Chamber of Commerce and funded by the city of Compton’s United Relief Fund.

“There was food in those boxes, every single last one of those boxes,” Walker said.

According to city documents, the chamber received more than $80,000 for the pantry between June and November of 2020.

“I was angry, but I wanted to get answers first,” Walker said. “So I decided to post on Facebook and see if there was a reasonable explanation.”

One of the chamber’s board members responded to Walker’s post with a comment that read, “hardly anyone was coming to get the food” and the “pantry can’t take it back to the store.”

“When you have this many people going hungry,” Walker said. “When you have people sleeping on the streets in Compton, and homelessness, there should be no dumpsters full of food.”

Compton launched its relief fund last spring, at the beginning of the pandemic: $200,000 of that fund was donated by Dr. Dre, along with entrepreneur and record executive Jimmy Iovine.

CBSLA went through city receipts, and found that while some of the money went for testing and meal giveaways, more than $35,000 went to “Made in Compton” face masks.

“That is a lot of money,” said Adolfo Varas, executive director of the Compton Latino Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve gotten over 50,000 face masks with them getting them donated.”

Varas is a vocal critic of how the city has spent the relief funds.

“We don’t know if the face masks that they purchased was given out to the Compton community,” Varas said. “We don’t know what was those face masks were used for.”

The city of Compton provided CBSLA the following statement regarding the masks:

“While disposable masks can be given out for one-time use, cloth masks were also necessary for residents who needed them and for essential workers.”

The city also provided CBSLA with the following statement regarding the food pantry:

“The Food Pantry is, of course, focused on limiting food waste to the extent possible. That said, if food spoilage occurs during transit, the pantry cannot serve that food to the residents as it is may pose a threat.”

The chamber sent CBSLA its own statement, calling Walker’s photos “deceptive.” The statement goes on to say that “dishonest cheats can and do set up a manipulative photograph to make staged circumstances incredibly disturbing.”

“I took the pictures as a concerned resident of Compton,” Walker said. “I have nothing to gain from posting those pictures, putting myself out here and asking questions.”

CBSLA’s investigation discovered that during the time the Compton Chamber of Commerce was collecting tens of thousands of dollars from the city, it was also in bad standing with the Franchise Tax Board.

As soon as CBSLA inquired about this, the chamber settled its debt. According to a city spokesperson, the chamber continues to receive $20,000 a month for its food pantry.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dre’s management team had no comment on his donation or how the funds were spent.

The city will hold a runoff election in June for a new mayor.

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Voters In Compton’s June 1 General Municipal Election Can Vote Through Holiday Weekend, Hours And Locations Announced

City Of Compton Suing LASD Over Alleged ‘Minutes Fraud’

Firefighters Battle Blaze At Apparently Abandoned Store In Compton

City Of Compton Accused Of Squandering Thousands Of Dollars In COVID Relief