Whittier News, CA Local News

Election 2024: Linda Sánchez pulls ahead in CA-38 as early election results roll in

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 07:14:16 +0000

Incumbent Rep. Linda Sánchez appears to have taken a comfortable lead in the 38th congressional district race Tuesday night.

The first round of votes released by the Orange County Registrar of Voters and L.A. County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, put the 11-term Democrat from Whittier well ahead of the pack and Eric Ching, a Republican from Walnut, in second place.

Pastor John Sarega and entrepreneur Robert Zhang Ochoa are also vying for the seat.

Results will be updated regularly until the counting is complete.

The top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party preference, will advance to the general election in November.

CA-38, anchored in Los Angeles County but spans a portion of Orange County, includes La Habra, Diamond Bar, La Habra Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Mirada, Los Nietos, Norwalk, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Rowland Heights, Santa Fe Springs, Walnut, Whittier and parts of Downey and Industry.

According to state data, Democrats account for 48.1% of all the registered voters in the district, while 23% are Republicans and 22.7% are no party preference voters.

Sánchez, who last year became the first woman to helm BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm, is partaking in efforts to galvanize the Latino vote and elect Latino Democrats to Congress. The daughter of immigrants from Mexico, Sánchez is a strong advocate for a pathway to citizenship for “Dreamers,” young immigrants brought to the U.S. unlawfully through no fault of their own.

See the latest election results.

Ching, a Walnut councilmember, has focused his campaign on border security, being tough on crime, the right to bear arms and the economy. He was defeated by Sánchez by about 16 percentage points in 2022.

Ochoa, who bills himself as a common-sense Christian conservative, wants to lower crime, homelessness, inflation, gas prices, illegal drugs, illegal immigration and healthcare costs, among others.

Sarega ran for this seat in 2022 as well. He placed third in the primary and did not advance to the general.

Too many low-income families don’t tap tax credits that offer big cash refunds

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:03:46 +0000

When it comes to filing income tax returns, most Americans worry that they will owe money to the federal government or a state tax collection agency.

But for thousands of low-income Los Angeles County residents each year, often the opposite is true. The IRS and the state Franchise Tax Board owe them money. But due to uninformed tax preparers or because people fail to file their taxes at all, residents are unknowingly short-changed millions of dollars.

In fact, about $500 million in tax credits that L.A. County residents qualify for are left on the table each year, say nonprofit groups working to reverse the situation.

“Filing taxes and getting the refunds you qualify for is difficult and time-consuming and far too many people don’t get the cash they should as a result,” said Teri Olle, director of Economic Security California (ESCA), the nonprofit spearheading a pilot program to connect more residents with tax-return preparer groups who don’t charge for their service and get more low-income people to file.

Research has found that a significant number of low-income Californians, including a disproportionate number of Black, Latino and indigenous households, are missing out on cash payments offered through state and federal tax credits and stimulus programs, ESCA reported.

The group has a goal of connecting with 3,000 low-income families in L.A. County who qualify for tax credits and refunds through a new program called Claim Your Cash. The group is working with people who receive county services, linking them up with free tax preparers who know about the applicable tax credits that are available.

A poster advertises the ESCA’s “Claim Your Cash” program. The pilot program began in February 2024 with partnerships with LA County agencies and the Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC). (courtesy image)

When someone gets county benefits, the county worker calls the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and gets the individual an appointment — something ESCA calls “a warm handoff.”

ESCA has trained staff at the following county departments: Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Department of Consumer Business Affairs (DCBA), Justice Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD), Department of Public Health Home Visits Program, Aging and Disability (DPH-HV), Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).

ESCA has also paid for and trained extra staff at the Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC) in Los Angeles to connect visitors with the program. ESCA and KYCC collectively raised philanthropic funding and county funding to support the expansion of the VITA capacity.

Too many people who get some kind of county service are not claiming tax credits they are qualified to claim, ESCA reported. Some of the tax credits are so obscure not even tax preparers know about them, said Monica Lazo, Southern California program director for ESCA on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The list includes two federal credits:

Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — provides up to $7,830 depending on income and family size. Taxpayers and any qualifying children need valid Social Security numbers. Also, taxpayers with no children must be between the ages of 25-65.

Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) — provides up to $2,000 per child. The qualifying child must have a Social Security number and the number must be issued before the due date of the tax return. Parents with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may claim the CTC as long as the qualifying child has a valid Social Security number.

The California credits include:

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) — provides up to $3,529 this year, either as cash back or reduction in taxes owed, depending on income and family size. Must earn less than $30,950.

Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) — can get up to $1,117 per household, either through cash or a reduction in owed taxes. Applicants don’t need a Social Security number. “Because people did not know about it, not many people claimed it last year,” Lazo said.

Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) — provides up to $1,117 for transitioning foster youth who were ages 18 to 25 at the end of the tax year. “Last year, this credit (FYTC) went into effect. And last year we had a low number of folks claim it,” Lazo said.

If some people are qualified for multiple tax credits, the combined amount coming back to them could add up to as much as $10,000, Lazo said.

But even if it is, say, $2,500, that can be significant to low-income families. “When you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, it makes a big difference,” Lazo said.

She said studies have shown that that low-income families return 75% of their tax refund monies to the local economy.

Lazo said there are many myths surrounding income tax returns held by low-income families.

First, many believe that filing an income tax return and claiming these tax credits will cut off other income sources. “Folks think ‘If I get tax credits, then I will not continue to get my (other) benefits.’ This is not true,” Lazo said.

And some folks who are undocumented and only have a Tax ID number are afraid to file because they fear a visit from immigration officials. But Lazo said that they show the government they are participating in the economy, by filing their tax returns or paying owed taxes.

Some do not file returns because they say they’ve earned too little income. That is not a disqualifier, Lazo said. “Some people I’ve talked to think they just drive Uber and don’t qualify. But actually they do.”

They are setting up a new location at the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs offices in Whittier later this month, she said. “We are in partnership with different county agencies. We have buy-in from them.”

“If you live outside of L.A. County we will not turn you away,” Lazo said. “People for example who live in Riverside County but commute to L.A., they may want to get their taxes done after work.”

To get more information, call the Claim Your Cash Hotline at: 1-888-844-3276 or visit: www.claimyourcashla.com to connect to locations all over Los Angeles County where ESCA is partnering with VITA tax preparers.

Suspect identified in Whittier double slaying — his cousins were the victims

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:05:38 +0000

Authorities continued searching on Wednesday for a 33-year-old man suspected of a weekend shooting in Whittier that left two of his cousins dead and a third critically injured.

The medical examiner’s office identified the two men killed as Gabino Perez Martinez, 40, and Rodrigo Perez Almodovar, 33.

Martinez died in a parking lot and Almodovar died in a trailer.

Investigators don’t yet know the motive behind the Feb. 11 shooting in the 13400 block of Lambert Road.

None of the victims is the registered owner of the trailer, parked in an alley near a business on Lambert.

Noe Urias Perez was last seen driving a red 2004 Nissan XTerra with a roof rack and the license-plate number of 7NOC727. He is considered to be armed and dangerous, police said.

Police asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call them at 562-567-9240 or to submit an anonymous tip at 562-567-9299.

Central Basin general manager placed on leave pending investigation

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 07:58:33 +0000

Central Basin Municipal Water District’s board has placed General Manager Alex Rojas on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the legitimacy of contracts tied to a company accused of paying bribes to Rojas at his previous job.

Though the water agency’s board approved the investigation back in September, it could not reach a consensus on what to do with Rojas, who continued to lead the district despite his arrest in 2022 for allegedly accepting bribes while he was the superintendent in the Bassett Unified School District.

A narrow majority wanted to place him on leave over the potential connection to his criminal case, but the district’s general counsel at the time advised that protections in Rojas’ contract required the support of six of seven board members to take any “adverse action” against him.

The board hired a new attorney in December who appears to have a different interpretation. This time, the vote to place Rojas on leave Wednesday, Feb. 7 passed with four votes in favor, one against and two board members absent.

Rojas could not be reached for comment.

The board’s vice president, Juan Garza, said the leave is effective immediately and will last until the investigation into the district’s work with Capstone Partners Group is resolved and a related forensic audit is completed.

The contract with Capstone faced little scrutiny until last year, when a deposition revealed that Capstone owner Manuel Jaramillo secretly worked for the Del Terra Group, a company that county prosecutors allege paid $400,000 in bribes to Rojas while he served as superintendent in Bassett. Capstone, set up with help from Del Terra’s owner, also paid Del Terra directly for the use of at least one other employee, according to Jaramillo’s testimony.

Garza stressed that Rojas would be able to return to duty if the findings determine that Capstone’s hiring was above board.

“We are confident his return would be successful once the results are finalized and their findings demonstrate our agency and its operation have never been compromised under his leadership,” he said.

The district’s newly hired general counsel, Victor Ponto, will serve as acting general manager until the board can find a replacement. Garza said the board intends for Ponto, a lawyer with the firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, to stay in the role for a short period of time due to the need for someone with more expertise.

The administrative investigation, contracted out to an Alabama-based accounting firm, is expected to review how Capstone was selected and the work it performed.

Central Basin, a water wholesaler that serves 1.6 million people from 24 cities and unincorporated areas in Southeast Los Angeles County, hired Capstone in November 2020 to provide construction and project management services.

Public records show the company was formed just three days before it submitted its bid.

Jaramillo voluntarily terminated Capstone’s contract with Central Basin in August 2022, the same month that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Rojas and Del Terra’s owner, Luis Rojas, who isn’t related, on 18 counts, including money laundering, bribery, perjury and embezzlement.

That case is still pending. Both Alex Rojas, who has been at the helm of Central Basin since August 2020, and Luis Rojas have denied the allegations.

In an interview last year, Rojas said he was not aware of Capstone’s close ties with Del Terra prior to the termination of the contract. Though he sat in on interviews, he did not participate in the scoring, he said.

Capstone’s bid rose to the top because its proposed team included water infrastructure experts well-known in the industry, Rojas said at the time. The team members in the proposal provided resumes listing public projects they had worked on without mentioning any current or previous employers.

Garza, the board vice president, said he is hopeful the forensic audit and investigation will clear up any concerns about the contract and ultimately restore trust in the water agency.

“I think this is the first step,” he said.

Poignant, powerful messages behind two 2024 Rose Parade floats

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 07:46:21 +0000

They traveled the hard way first.

But come New Year’s Day, three families will hopefully feel a singular rush of time, memory, love and sadness, when two floats honor their loved ones at the 135th Rose Parade.

When the “Cowgirls Rule” float drives down Colorado Boulevard, it will be accompanied by a riderless horse. Tammy Pate’s saddle will be strapped to it, a sweet tribute to the cowgirl life trailblazer who died on Dec. 22. She was 56.

The Cowboy Channel will also dedicate its broadcast to Pate, founder of an annual showcase of cowgirls and master artists. She was considered a pioneer in celebrating cowgirl art and the cowgirl lifestyle.

“No one exemplified the traits of the American cowgirl more than Tammy Pate,” said Raquel Gottsch, CEO of the Cowboy Channel. “Tammy was a true pioneer for women in our industry. She was respected by all for her grit, kindness, and the immeasurable impacts she made on the world of Western sports. She was a champion for equality and the quintessential cowgirl.”

Gottsch added, “When we launched the Cowgirl Channel and conceptualized Cowgirls Rule, it was an ode to cowgirls everywhere and to celebrate people just like Tammy. It’s our humble privilege to have Tammy’s personal saddle ride through the parade … and dedicate all of our networks’ broadcast coverage to her. She will be sorely missed, but we look forward to honoring her with the rest of America this New Year’s Day. Her spirit and legacy will be felt during the parade and for generations to come.”

The Cowboy Channel has been a staple in the Rose Parade since 2008. Its float highlights the mission of its sister channel, The Cowgirl Channel, launched early this year, with programming that celebrates the resilience and strength of Western women in sports.

Riding on the float will be world champion rodeo stars Hailey Kinsel, who is a barrel racer and Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, ranked No. 1 in the world in barrel racing. California-born country music singer Annie Bosko will also perform.

A posse of cowgirls from the Cowgirl Historical Society will flank the float on horseback and they will lead Pate’s riderless horse down the parade route.

JJ Hampton, who is a breakaway roper, will also be riding on the float. She said Pate is exactly what a cowgirl represents.

“A great hand, hard-working and willing to step up and help her family and friends,” Hampton said. “A true leader and cowgirl.”

Tears were never far away for Leslie Eskildsen of Coto de Caza. She and her daughter Emma are staying this week in Pasadena to see her husband’s floral portrait on the OneLegacy float “Woven Together: The Dance of Life.”

Her late husband Paul was a swimmer and water polo player at Muir High School in Pasadena, Class of ‘76. He spent many holidays decorating Rose Parade floats as a Boy Scout. In a bittersweet full circle, his widow and daughter are decorating his floral likeness for another float, a step toward healing, she said.

“It’s very emotional, we used Cream of Wheat shaded in four or five shades of brown, and we blended them together to make his jawline, his laugh lines. His glasses we did in espresso, and we put a small piece of rice in his eye, which gives it a little glimmer,” Leslie Eskildsen said. “It was very tedious but it came together.”

Eskildsen was 59 when he died of a brain injury on Dec. 27, 2017. He saved four people’s lives with the donation of his heart, liver, kidney and lungs. And the lives of 66 people were made better because of Eskildsen’s donations of bone, skin, tissue and corneas.

The compassion and generosity of registering to be a donor was par for the course for a man who was passionate about serving others, his family said.

A graduate of Westmont College with a degree in comparative religion, Eskildsen loved scuba diving, Texas Hold’em, horseback riding and politics.

The OneLegacy Donate Life float’s main feature is a Butterfly Dancer figurehead in an intricate headdress. Traditional woven baskets full of corn and fruit will be decorated with the floragraphs of donors. Transplant recipients will ride on the float and living donors will walk alongside it.

Tom Mone, chairman of the OneLegacy Donate Life float committee and chief external affairs officer at the nonprofit, said the sadness felt when people like Eskildsen are gone should be tempered with who they were.

“There has seldom been a better metaphor for the life-giving power of organ donation and transplantation, that has long been symbolized by the metamorphosis of the butterfly … of donors and families sharing life with transplant recipients … who are forever grateful,” Mone said.

Gottsch, of the Cowgirl Channel, agreed, saying she feels blessed her network has contributed to the pageantry and tradition of the Rose Parade. It’s important to celebrate what we know and value, she added, including the people we love, even if only in memory.

If only in watching sunlight gleam off a saddle or a floral portrait as it rolls down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day.

Anissa V. Rivera, columnist, “Mom’s the Word,” Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News, Azusa Herald, Glendora Press and West Covina Highlander, San Dimas/La Verne Highlander. Southern California News Group, 181 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 209 Monrovia, CA 91016. 626-497-4869.

DA apologizes to 2 men wrongfully convicted as teens of murders in Culver City, Whittier

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:55:22 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the exonerations Wednesday of two men who were serving extensive prison sentences for killings that prosecutors now say they did not commit.

Gascón, during a downtown news conference, formally apologized to Giovanni Hernandez and Miguel Solorio.

“It’s truly devastating when people are wrongfully convicted, especially when they were so young at the time of their arrest,” Gascón said. “In the case of Mr. Solorio, he was 19 years old. Mr. Hernandez was just 14 years old.

MISIDENTIFIED IN LINEUP: Man wrongfully imprisoned for 25 years in fatal Whittier drive-by shooting to be freed

“These cases not only highlight the tragic impact on the lives of those directly affected but also underline the impact to the family and friends left behind. I am committed to ensuring that lessons are learned from this grave error — and that steps are taken to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future.”

Hernandez was arrested and later convicted for a 2006 drive-by shooting in Culver City that killed 16-year-old Gary Ortiz, according to the District Attorney’s Office. He initially submitted a claim for a review of his case to the District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit in 2015, but it was denied. Another claim was submitted in 2021 with the help of the Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic at Loyola Law School.

According to the D.A.’s Office, the ensuing investigation “resulted in new exculpatory evidence and new statements from witnesses previously not interviewed or contacted at the time of the original investigation.” The investigation also reviewed cell phone records showing Hernandez was not at the location of the shooting, while backing his insistence he was home at the time, prosecutors said.

Solorio was arrested in 1998 for a drive-by shooting in Whittier that killed 81-year-old Mary Bramlett. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to Gascón’s office, Solorio was assisted by the Northern California Innocence Project in his appeal for a review of his case, and that review “led to the conclusion that Solorio was misidentified as his brother Pedro Solorio in a photo lineup.”

Speaking at the news conference Wednesday, Solorio spoke about the possibility of errors in the use of photo lineups, saying other prisoners who were convicted through the use of such a process should have their cases reviewed.

Column: Meet the Doo Dah Parade’s Queen Natalie, who proclaims merriment during her reign

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 07:58:23 +0000

Natalie Flores knows how to make an entrance.

Her world debut, at 9 pounds, 8 ounces, came after doctors told her mother she wouldn’t survive.

“I was a miracle baby,” said this year’s Queen of the Doo Dah Parade in Old Town Pasadena. “I arrived with some pizazz.”

A dash of feisty fun is how Flores hopes to kick off the 44th occasional Doo Dah Parade at 11 a.m. Nov. 19, on Raymond Avenue at 85 E. Holly Street. Hailed as the twisted sister of the Rose Parade, “the Doo” started as a grassroots campaign in 1978 to focus on the eccentric and satirical.

This year, it returns to its old route in historic Old Pasadena, and boasts its biggest lineup yet, with more than 90 entries from art cars and mutant vehicles to rockers, performance artists, political pundits, dancing troops and mad inventor floats.

Natalie Flores of Los Angeles will reign over the 44th Occasional Doo Dah Parade this Sunday, with the parade stepping off at 11 a.m. in Old Pasadena. (Photo courtesy of Anissa Rivera)

Reigning over them all will be Flores, also known as Queen Mama’s Sunshine, a bow to her mother Minerva, who she hopes will be well enough to ride along the parade with her. Flores’ royal court includes her husband Michael Blackner and their children Iris, 5, and Miles, 1.

“This is a really amazing community,” Flores said. “It’s adding joy and goodness into the world when the news has us in a funk, and reminds us to tune in. There’s a whole life going on outside of the doom and gloom and a lot of it is silly and creative fun.”

The Doo Dah Parade heads south on Raymond Avenue, turns west on Colorado Boulevard, and ends at Pasadena Avenue at 1 p.m.

The Light Bringer Project, the Pasadena arts and education nonprofit, and the Doo Dah Preservation Society, produce the event, including the tryouts that brought Flores the Doo Dah crown. The first Doo Dah “Quing” – a blend of king and queen — Robby Ravenwood of Long Beach, was chosen, too. Clayton Louks is the parade’s “King for Life.”

The Arizona-born Flores will be giving out seed packets on parade day, the better to highlight her own nonprofit Nourish L.A., which feeds more than 1,000 people every weekend. The group also composts leftovers and hosts community events such as clothing drives and gardening days.

Nourishment is both food and connection, “so we’re here to spread the love one bag of groceries at a time,” Flores said.

As a gardener and community advocate, she said her platform includes “not forgetting our roots and the incredible gifts we’ve been given on this planet, be it nature or one another.”

Flores’ companions on the parade route include Vick and the Lassoed Hicks; the Million Mrs. Roper March; A Hoot in the Little Pink Suit; the Black Forest Gump; Everybody’s Favorite Church Mother; Flying Baby Home Run Border Crossing Field Goal; Dressed to Kill KISS Tribute Band; Taco Tuesdays Bicycle Club; the Highland Park Thursday Evening’s Society Circuit Bending Marching Band and Ladies’ Auxiliary.

The whole point is to have fun in the most imaginative, inclusive Doo Dah way.

“Let’s cultivate creativity in our communities,” Flores said. “(All the arts) is a way of self-expression and innovation that feeds the soul and is a conduit for healing.”

The official after-party is at Old Towne Pub (enter at 34 E. Holly St.). Cover charge, $5. Also, local restaurants are offering Doo Dah specials. For more information, pasadenadoodahparade.info

This story has been updated to reflect that Robby Ravenwood is the first Doo Dah “Quing” and that Clayton Louks is the parade’s “King for Life.”

Veterans Day: LA County throngs turn out under sunny skies to honor those who served

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 16:42:15 +0000

Blue skies and ideal weather welcomed Southern Californians who turned out by the thousands to honor their myriad neighbors who served the nation in the armed forces.

Among the most homespun of tributes, the San Fernando Valley Veterans Day parade returned on Saturday at 11:11 a.m. as it does on the holiday each year.

Condor Squadron due a flyby at the star of the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
U.S Marine logo displayed during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
ROTC color guard march with the arm forces flags during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Wreaths across America vets wave to the crowd during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Vets on choppers roar down the street during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Vets signs displayed during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
U.S. Navy vet displays medals during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Sergeant Joe Vidal(R) U.S. Army 1944-1945 WWII area 2023 Honorary Grand Marshal waves the American to the crowd during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Marine Corps League Semper Fidelis vets wave to the crowd during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Condor Squadron due a flyby at the star of the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Vehicles line up with Veterans during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
People wave the American flag at the start of the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)
Wendy’s honoring all veterans during the 20th Annual San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade Saturday, Mission Hills CA, Nov 11, 2023. Photo by Gene Blevins/Contributing Photographer)

Expand

Regarded widely as the biggest Veterans Day event in Los Angeles County, the parade held to its tradition of allowing only vets and their families ride in the 1.1-mile-long procession, which wound from Laurel Canyon and San Fernando Mission boulevards in Mission Hills, down Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and finally to Paxton Street at the Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima.

Sen. Caroline Menjivar, D-Panorama City, served as the grand marshal.

Menjivar served in the Marine Corps from 2009-16, enlisting when she was 20, shortly after receiving an associate’s degree in fire technology from Los Angeles Valley College. She had hoped to be a Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter, but a hiring freeze prompted by the recession delayed that plan.

“When I was in high school, I was part of the Police Academy Magnet where our main teacher was a Marine veteran,” Menjivar, a Reseda High School graduate, said. “Each time we ran, we would run to a Marine Corps cadence. We would do mini-obstacle courses copied after the courses Marine recruits had to complete.

“He spoke about the camaraderie, the physicality needed to be a Marine, and the fact that they were known as the best. I wanted to be part of that, I wanted to be ready for the fire department when they started hiring again, and I loved being on teams, so I joined the Marine Corps.”

Menjivar was mainly stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego and served as a radio operator and platoon sergeant. She was briefly stationed at Camp Pendleton where she also worked as a military police officer.

Menjivar was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal and twice awarded the Marine Corps Reserve Medal.

What asked what she learned in the Corps, Menjivar responded, “It’s all relative! When I think about boot camp, when I think about all the things I did while in the Corps, nothing seems as hard as what I went through.

“Those 10-mile hikes, out in the field without showering, standing at attention under the sun, working out all the time, getting screamed out, sleepless nights, really early mornings, and ‘hurry up and wait,’ is the bar I compare everything to. I am very flexible, I can adjust on the spot, I can be in uncomfortable situations, I can work forever, I follow direction, I’m a team player and, overall, the leadership skills I’ve learned are invaluable.”

Menjivar called “wearing the uniform, especially the dress blues,” the highlight of her Marine Corps service.

“The camaraderie is what I miss the most, which is why I will light up each time I am around another Marine,” Menjivar said. “I loved being at the shooting range, shooting all types of weapons, throwing grenades, but my favorite was practicing with a an M249 light machine gun.

“It definitely didn’t hurt to be a sergeant in charge of about 50 Marines and leading their daily schedules, especially as a woman.”

Menjivar said her service in the Marine Corps “made me the person I am today.”

“The Marine Corps saved my life,” she said. “I was dealing with familial issues, trying to find a place to land, to feel part of something bigger and Marine Corps did just that.

“It was the best decision I could have made. I got to work with all types of people from across the country and now have friends in every corner of the states. Marines, no matter if we’ve never met will always be there for each other, because we are ‘Semper Fidelis.”‘

The popular parade, which draws thousands of Angelenos, was founded by Fred A. Flores, a U.S. Marine veteran.

“Veterans Day is about honoring our veterans and their family members for their sacrifices, their service and commitment to our country and community we live in,” said Flores, who thanked state Assemblywoman Luz Rivas and Los Angeles City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez for their help with the parade.

“When we inaugurated this parade, we had no idea how the

Man wrongfully imprisoned for 25 years in fatal Whittier drive-by shooting to be freed

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:13:14 +0000

A California man who has spent 25 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit was exonerated and ordered released by a judge on Thursday after prosecutors agreed he had been wrongly convicted.

Miguel Solorio, 44, was arrested in 1998 for a fatal drive-by shooting in Whittie and eventually sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Superior Court Judge William Ryan overturned Solorio’s conviction during a Los Angeles court hearing that Solorio attended remotely.Attorneys with the California Innocence Project petitioned for Solorio’s release, arguing that his conviction was based on faulty eyewitness identification practices.

In a letter last month, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said it had “confidently and definitively” concluded that Solorio is entitled to be released.

The Innocence Project said the case against Solorio relied heavily on a now-debunked method of identifying a suspect that results in contaminating the witnesses’ memory by repeatedly showing photos of the same person over and over.

In Solorio’s case, before it was in the news four eyewitnesses shown his photo did not identify him as the suspect, and some even pointed to a different person. But rather than pursue other leads, law enforcement continued to present the witnesses with photos of Solorio until some of them eventually identified him, his lawyers said.

“This case is a tragic example of what happens when law enforcement officials develop tunnel vision in their pursuit of a suspect,” said Sarah Pace, an attorney with the Innocence Project at Santa Clara University School of Law. “Once a witness mentioned Solorio’s name, law enforcement officers zeroed in on only him, disregarding other evidence and possible suspects, and putting their own judgment about guilt or innocence above the facts.”

The district attorney’s letter noted that “new documentable scientific consensus emerged in 2020 that a witness’s memory for a suspect should be tested only once, as even the test itself contaminates the witness’s memory.”

The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has up to five days to process Solorio’s release from Mule Creek State Prison southeast of Sacramento.

Two detained by Whittier police after hours-long chase on LA, OC freeways

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:44:49 +0000

A man and a woman were detained Sunday night by Whittier police after leading authorities on an hours-long vehicle chase that began in Laguna Beach.

The car pursuit came to an end near the intersection of Glengary Avenue and Whittier Boulevard around 6:45 p.m. Sunday.

The suspects exited the sedan and were detained nearby at the Travel Inn, according to Whittier police Lt. Sam Reed and a videographer at the scene.

Although it was initially reported as a kidnapping, Reed said that was not the case.

“There was no kidnapping,” Reed said. The man detained had a $10,000 misdemeanor warrant for his arrest, which had originated in Indiana for allegedly contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Detectives from Laguna Beach were en route to Whittier to arrest the two people, Reed said.

The relationship of the man and the woman was not disclosed.

La Habra Heights Fire Department Assistant Chief Arrested For Impersonating Officer

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:25:08 +0000

LA HABRA HEIGHTS (CBSLA) — A La Habra Heights Fire Department firefighter was arrested on Thursday for allegedly impersonating a police officer on several occasions.

Timothy Peel. (Photo Credit: Las Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

An investigation from the Sheriff’s Public Corruption Unit revealed that Timothy Peel, Assistant Fire Chief with the department unlawfully detained a number of people using a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that was equipped with lights and a siren. According to their investigation, Peel made an unknown amount of traffic stops.

Peel, 34-years-old, was arrested from his Whittier residence on Thursday and booked on felony charges including impersonating a peace officer and false imprisonment.

He was released from jail after posting $100,000 bail. However, he is set to appear in court in Downey on Monday.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have been detained by Peel was asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at (213) 229-1700.

Free Drive-Through COVID Test Site Opens In Whittier

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 23:40:29 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — The City of Whittier has opened a free drive-through COVID-19 test site to serve the community and the surrounding areas.

The site, located at Guirado Park at 5760 Pioneer Blvd., will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The site was opened in partnership with GUARDaHEART.

“We are honored to support the city and community of Whittier in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing on-site PCR swab testing in the face of the Omicron surge. We can manage the risk of spread by identifying infected individuals who can then self-isolate per the CDC recommendations,” said GUARDaHEART Foundation Chairman Douglas S. Harrington.

Children as young as one year old can be tested and anyone under 18-years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

The tests are free however those with insurance must have their insurance card uploaded on the registration form. Identification will be required at appointment check-in.

Those looking to get tested must register at guardaheart.org.

Julia Skye Portugal De Aguilar, 23, Found After Being Reported Missing From Whittier

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 22:44:34 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — A 23-year-old woman who was reported missing from Whittier on Monday has been found, authorities said Tuesday.

Julia Skye Portugal de Aguilar was last seen around 7:15 a.m. in the 12900 block of Racimo Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

On Tuesday afternoon, the LASD reported that she had been found unharmed.

Further details were not released.

2 Hurt In Fiery Wreck On 605 Freeway In Whittier

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:29:57 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – Two people were hurt in a fiery wreck on the 605 Freeway in Whittier Monday morning.

Dec. 20, 2021. (CBSLA)

At around 5:20 a.m., a vehicles that was traveling south on the 605 Freeway, near Washington Boulevard, went into the center divider and somehow ended up in the northbound lanes.

A motorcycle and three vehicles were believed to have been involved, California Highway Patrol told CBSLA.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed that two people were taken to local hospitals with undisclosed injuries.

The circumstances of the crash were still unclear.

Several northbound and southbound lanes were closed, but have since reopened.

Whittier Man Found Dead In House Fire

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:56:33 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – A fire on Colima Road in Whittier on Sunday resulted in one fatality, when fire crews found the body of a man inside of the burnt building.

The authorities were first alerted of the incident at 5:40 a.m., when the owner of the house saw his back house engulfed in flames.

After crews were able to extinguish the fire, their inspection revealed the body of a man. That man was not the homeowner.

His identity has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but an early report from the Whittier Daily News disclosed that no other injuries occurred.

Whittier Man Killed In Shooting On Wednesday

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 23:24:12 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – According to a report from Los Angles County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives, a man was found dead near an unincorporated area of Whittier on Wednesday.

Authorities first reported to the scene on at 6:50 a.m., where they found Victor Wu, 46-years-old, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

The shooting took place near Lambert Road and First Avenue.

An investigation has been launched to determine motive and look for a suspect. At this time there is not suspect information available.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

3 Teens Arrested In Armed Robbery Spree Across LA County

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:30:45 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Three teen boys have been taken into custody in connection with a slew of armed robberies at gas stations and convenience stores that occurred earlier this week across Los Angeles County.

The robberies occurred in Norwalk, Bellflower, Pico Rivera, Whittier, Downey and the city of Industry, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

The robberies occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, the sheriff’s department said.

On Tuesday, sheriff’s detectives were able to identify the robbery suspects’ car and license plate. That same day, a deputy in Bellflower spotted the vehicle, which was carrying the three suspects, and pulled it over.

The three teens were positively identified as the armed robbers by several witnesses and victims, the sheriff’s department said.

In the car, deputies also found $1,000 in cash and evidence from the robberies, the sheriff’s department said. However, a handgun that was used in the robberies remains missing.

Man Shot, Wounded By LA Deputies In Whittier

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 00:25:42 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – A man was shot and wounded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies in Whittier early Wednesday morning.

Dec. 15, 2021. (CBSLA)

According to a report issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau, several SWAT deputies were on scene to execute what was labeled as a “high risk” search warrant.

The deputies reportedly made their presence known before forcefully entering the residence when no response was given.

The nature of the shooting was revealed in a statement from Sheriff’s Lieutenant Charles Calderaro, “When the deputies made entry into the residence, an individual produced a handgun, pointed it at the deputies and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.”

The suspect was taken to a hospital following the incident, and as of Wednesday afternoon he was in critical but stable condition.

The shooting occurred in the 12400 block of Shoemaker Avenue at 4:42 a.m.

Authorities also removed the handgun from the scene.

An investigation has been launched by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities Located Missing Whittier Man On Wednesday

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 01:32:22 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – Sheriff’s deputies were searching for a Whittier man on Sunday afternoon.

Anthony Ray Madison, aged 62-years-old, was reported missing on Sunday, December 5. He was last seen at 7:00 a.m. on East Crewe Street in Whittier, near the Candlewood Country Club.

Authorities reported that as of Wednesday morning, Madison was found, though there was no further information provided.

Madison is African American, and stands at 5-foot 8-inches. He weighs around 200 pounds, has brown eyes and a shaved head. Madison suffers from schizoaffective disorder.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to call the Sheriff’s Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500.

Family Of 18-Year-Old Garret Hayward, Killed By Suspected DUI Driver, Hold Emotional Vigil

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 06:41:46 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – An emotional vigil was held Saturday for a teenage driver killed by a suspected drunk driver.

“He was my best friend and buddy. I miss him so much,” Damon Hayward said of his 18-year-old son, Garret.

The 18-year-old’s life was cut short in a deadly DUI crash.

Hayward was overcome with emotion with grief has he shared memories of Garret.

Loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil near the intersection of Lambert and Colima in Whittier, where the teen was hit and killed while he was on his way to pick up his girlfriend, at around 5:30 a.m. last week, to shop on Black Friday.

Authorities said he had the green light when he was hit and his vehicle burst into flames. The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

“You see these things on TV, but you never think it will happen to you, but it does. You better tell everybody, your loved ones, how much you love them,” the victim’s aunt, Angela Paredes, said.

The teen’s uncle, Paul Paredes, told CBSLA how proud the family was of Garret.

“A lot of goals ahead of him he wanted to accomplish. He was a smart kid. We were very, very proud of him,” he said.

Police said the suspected drunk driver, 34-year-old Darrell Jewett, initially ran from the scene, but was later arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI.

The teenage Hayward was a freshman at Cal State Channel Islands and was studying to become a doctor.

Relatives said their faith is helping them endure the unimaginable loss. They want to see the driver responsible punished to the fullest extent of the law.

“The important thing is we need to get these people off the street. People like this who are causing these problems, killing innocent people,” the victim’s father said.

A memorial of flowers and candles mark the spot where Hayward took his last breaths.

Sheriff’s Homicide Unit Investigating Fatal Shooting In Whittier

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 06:19:43 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – Authorities on Tuesday responded to the shooting death of a male victim at 11900 Leland Ave. in Whittier.

The incident was reported at approximately 8:14 p.m., according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Police said that the male victim, who has not been identified, was declared dead at the scene.

No other information was immediately available.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at LACrimestoppers.org

One Killed After Car Careens Into Building In Violent, Fiery Collision In Whittier

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 16:45:19 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – At least one person was killed when a car careened into a building in Whittier early Friday morning in a fiery collision.

Nov. 26, 2021. (CBSLA)

The two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of East Lambert and South Colima roads at about 5:30 a.m.

The impact sent one of the vehicles slamming into a building. The car became engulfed in flames, which also spread to the building as well.

At least one person was killed and a second was taken to a hospital in unknown condition, California Highway Patrol confirmed.

The circumstances of the crash were still unclear.

Man, 46, With Schizophrenia Reported Missing In Whittier

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:06:15 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — Authorities are seeking the public’s help to locate a 46-year-old man with schizophrenia who was reported missing in Whittier.

Lamario Wiggins was last seen around 7 a.m. on Thursday in the 13700 block of Crewe Street, near the Candlewood Country Club, according to Deputy Eva Jimenez of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

Wiggins is described as a Black man standing 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes and a goatee.

He was last seen wearing a blue camouflage jacket and blue jeans and is known to frequent the Compton, Long Beach and South Los Angeles areas.

Anyone with information on Wiggins’ whereabouts was asked to call the Sheriff’s Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Whittier Parents Rally Against California’s Proposed COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate For All Schoolchildren

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:04:57 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — Parents in Whittier joined a statewide protest Monday against the proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all schoolchildren.

(credit: CBS)

The rally at Parnell Park was one of many that took place Monday across the state as part of a coordinated “school sit-out.” It was organized by critics who say the COVID vaccine has not undergone enough testing to make parents feel safe about giving it to their children.

Parents at the rally carried signs that said, “My Body, My Choice,” “Freedom Not Force,” and “I Am Mama Hear Me Roar.”

Organizer Monique Holguin says the group believes parents should have the right to choose.

“We are not anti-vax, we are anti-mandate with the loss of choice. Because you can’t mandate something that is gonna require multiple boosters like the flu shot, and with the variant changes, are not going to be continuously effective,” she said.

California was the first state to mandate vaccination against COVID-19 for all schoolchildren who were eligible, in order to continue in-person learning. With the Pfizer vaccine now approved for emergency use for children ages 5 to 11, the mandate would cover all students from elementary through high school, in public or private schools.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said he expects the mandate to go into effect by January.

Charlene Bohorquez Of Whittier Arrested After Counterfeit COVID-19 Vaccine Cards From China Intercepted By Homeland Security

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:02:26 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — A Whittier woman faces charges of selling counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine cards she allegedly ordered online from a vendor in China.

Charlene Bohorquez, 31, was arrested last Friday after a package containing counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine cards from China was intercepted by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The cards were being sent to Bohorquez at an address in an unincorporated area of Whittier, according to Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials.

A search of the Whittier home turned up dozens of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine cards and other evidence, authorities said. Detectives from the sheriff’s Health Authority Law Enforcement Task Force questioned Bohorquez, who sheriff’s officials say admitted she had ordered the cards online with the intention of selling them to people reluctant to get vaccinated. Bohoroquez also told detectives she had previously sold other counterfeit vaccine cards in the past, according to sheriff’s officials.

Black market vaccine cards are a growing problem, particularly as a mandate requiring proof of vaccination to dine in at restaurants or enter the indoor areas of venues and other businesses has gone into effect in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.

Bohorquez was arrested on suspicion of possessing and sales of a counterfeit or deceptive identification document. She was released with a citation to appear in court at a future date.

Anyone with information about the case can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Major Crimes Bureau Sgt. Michael Mileski at (562) 946-7037.

Whittier Restaurants Hit By Burglars During Power Outage

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:03:11 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – Two small Whittier restaurants were hit by burglars during a scheduled power outage in the early morning hours Monday.

The burglaries occurred at around 2 a.m. at El Camino Family Restaurant and Pizzamania, both located side-by-side in the same strip mall in the 13000 block of Telegraph Road.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the burglars smashed the front windows and took an undisclosed amount of cash from both restaurants.

Both sustained hundreds of dollars in damage, the sheriff’s department said.

The circumstances of the scheduled power outage were not immediately confirmed. It’s unclear if surveillance cameras captured the break-ins.

Burglars struck two of our local favorites, El Camino and Pizzamania during a scheduled power outage. The forced entry caused hundreds of dollars in damages to small businesses already struggling from the pandemic. #VictimsMatter #SupportLocalBusinesses #SeeSomethingSaySomething pic.twitter.com/EcXxISGDz6

— LASD Norwalk Station (@NorwalkLASD) November 8, 2021

Three Teenagers Critically Wounded At Halloween House Party In Whittier

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 19:53:06 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – A suspect remains at large Saturday after a shooting that began as a fight at a Halloween party in Whittier, which spilled onto the streets to a nearby vigil and left three teenagers in critical condition at a hospital, authorities said.

The age of the male shooting victims range from 15 to 19 years old, according to a watch commander at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Pico Rivera station.

They were listed in critical, but stable condition at an area trauma center, he said.

Deputies were dispatched at 10:56 p.m. Friday to the 10000 block of Obregon Street in response to a report of a fistfight, which was then upgraded to a possible gunshot victim call, he said.

“There was a Halloween party and, at one point, several individuals were involved in a fight, which went onto the street,” he said. “At one point, a male armed himself with a handgun and shot three victims. There was also a vigil nearby.”

Paramedics were dispatched to the location at 11:03 p.m. in response to a report of gunshots, and rushed three people to an area trauma center, according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher.

No suspect information was released.

Anyone with information was asked to call 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.

Murder Suspect Chased Down By K9 After Being Forced Out Of Rosemead Motel Room With Tear Gas

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 16:47:07 +0000

ROSEMEAD (CBSLA) — A standoff at a Rosemead motel ended dramatically Tuesday night after police shot tear gas into a murder suspect’s room to force him out.

(credit: CBS)

Authorities say its Special Enforcement Bureau were sent at about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday to a motel in the 1000 block of San Gabriel Boulevard to help Whittier police with a murder suspect holed up in one of the rooms. The motel and surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Deputies and police spent hours trying to talk the man out of the room before a tactical team moved in and fired tear gas inside the room. Sky 9 was overhead to see the man stumble out, waving a white towel, appearing to surrender.

But a few moments later, he tried to make a run for it. He made it to a wall on the motel’s property before a K9 unit chased him down. He was taken into custody at 8:45 p.m. without further incident.

The suspect’s name was not released, and police did not release further details about the murder he was wanted for.

Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting Sunday In Unincorporated LA

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 01:11:26 +0000

Whittier (CBSLA) – A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy from the Pico Rivera station fatally shot a man in an unincorporated section of L.A. County near Whittier Sunday.

The shooting occurred just before 5 p.m. near the intersection of Obregon Street and Eduardo Avenue, according to L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Eva Jimenez.

The man died at the scene, Jimenez said. His age was not immediately released.

His name will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.

There was no immediate word on the events that led up to the deputy-involved shooting, Jimenez said, though a gun was recovered at the scene.

No deputies were injured during the incident.

Small Brush Fire Burns Near Whittier Narrows Golf Course

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 23:34:14 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – The Los Angeles County Fire Department has dispatched a full 1st Alarm brush fire assignment near 8640 Rush St. between Walnut Grove Ave. and Dead End. Units on the Lincoln Fire have reported a 2 acre brush fire near the Whittier Narrows Golf Course. The Lincoln Fire has burned an estimated 10 acres.

** UPDATE ** #GolfFire is currently standing at 3.5 acres in medium to heavy brush. Progressive hoselays are proceeding. The area around the #GolfFire has natural fire barriers. #LACoFD #GolfFire

— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) October 1, 2021

Forward Progress Stopped On Rosemead Fire Burning In Whittier Narrows Area

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 01:17:13 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — Crews were able to stop the forward progress of brush fire burning Friday in a wash in the Whittier Narrows area.

The Rosemead Fire erupted around 1:10 p.m. near Rosemead Boulevard and Gallatin Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

By 6 p.m., fire crews had stopped the forward progress of the fire that burned a total of 52 acres. Mop-up operations were commencing and were expected to extend through the night, L.A. County Fire said.

#RosemeadFire | Helitanker 55 makes a water drop in front of the #RosemeadFire #LACoFD #MontebelloFD #RosemeadFire pic.twitter.com/jLTZQ2phBh

— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) September 24, 2021

Rosemead Blvd. was initially closed between San Gabriel Blvd. and Gallatin Rd. due to the fire.

Later in the afternoon, Rosemead Blvd. was closed between Durfee Ave. and Beverly Blvd, Lincoln Ave. was closed between San Gabriel Blvd. and Ave. De La Merced and San Gabriel Blvd. was closed between Santa Anita Ave. and Lincoln Ave.

Los Angeles County and Montebello fire departments were on the scene working to control the flames.

No structures were immediately threatened.

2 LA County Sheriff’s Deputies Allegedly Filed False Reports To Cover Up Excessive Force After 2018 Pursuit Ended In Deadly Gun Battle

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 18:03:16 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies face charges of filing a false report to cover up the alleged use of excessive force during their response to a deadly deputy-involved shooting in 2018.

Woodrow Kim, 39, and Jonathan Miramontes, 30, were each charged Wednesday with one count of felony filing of a false report. Kim also faces a felony count of assault under the color of authority.

“Peace officers must do their job lawfully and truthfully,” District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement. “There is no place in law enforcement for officers who use illegal force then lie to cover up their crime or the crime of another officer.”

At the scene of a shootout which left two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies wounded and a suspect dead in East L.A. Sept. 19, 2018. (CBS2)

According to Greg Risling of the District Attorney’s Office, Kim and Miramontes were among the deputies who responded to a car chase that ended in Ruben Salazar Park with an exchange of gunfire that wounded two other deputies and killed one of three suspects on Sept. 19, 2018. One was arrested, and at the time, authorities said “a second suspect was somehow injured.”

After pursuing a pedestrian in their patrol vehicle, prosecutors say Kim allegedly opened the driver’s side door of his vehicle and knocked him to the ground. It’s unclear if the pedestrian injured by the patrol vehicle door is the same person who was “somehow injured.”

Both deputies allegedly lied in their reports about what transpired, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

Man Found Shot To Death In Whittier Street

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 13:38:29 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – A man was found shot to death on a street in Whittier early Wednesday morning.

July 14, 2021. (CBSLA)

The victim was discovered with gunshots wounds in the middle of the street in the area of South California Avenue and East Mar Vista Street at approximately 4 a.m. He died at the scene. He was not identified.

It’s unclear where the shooting itself occurred. There was no word of a motive or any suspect information.

Whittier police are investigating.

Families Across The Southland Are Gathering Outdoors To Enjoy Fourth Of July

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 01:43:32 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – Across the southland, families are gathering outdoors to enjoy the Fourth of July.

The Palomera family, most of whom live in Los Angeles, celebrated the Fourth at Whittier Narrows Recreation Center.

“It’s something exciting,” Adriana Palomera said. “Everybody’s waiting for this day to get together.”

In Montebello, Ray Kender’s Phantom Fireworks stand could not keep up with demand.

“We could’ve had more product, we could’ve sold more inventory, but you know, they give so much and we sell out and that’s it,” Kander said.

For many residents, this Independence Day has taken on new meaning after a year of restrictions related to the pandemic.

“Last year, we didn’t get to celebrate it and I’m just happy that this year is a little bit better, you know. Masks are off and people are getting together a little bit more, and yeah, it’s a happy day to celebrate,” Rawon Tawll told CBSLA’s Jeff Nguyen.

It’s important to note that safe-and-sane fireworks are not allowed everywhere. Cities like LA, Burbank and Pasadena strictly prohibit any fireworks and will give residents a citation.

One Person Killed In Multivehicle Wreck on 605 Freeway In Whittier

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 14:11:39 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – One person was killed in a multivehicle crash on the 605 Freeway in Whittier early Friday morning.

June 25, 2021. (CBSLA)

The wreck occurred at 2:28 a.m. on the northbound 605 Freeway near the Rose Hills Road exit.

At least five vehicles and big-rig were involved, according to California Highway Patrol’s incident information page. One car crashed into a center divider and a truck went down an embankment.

The exact circumstances of the crash were not confirmed.

A Sig Alert was issued and the northbound lanes of the 605 Freeway were shut down. They remained closed as of 6:30 a.m.

Officers Fatally Shoot Suspect On Whittier’s Greenway Trail

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 22:07:26 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — Police shot and killed a suspect in the Whittier area Friday.

The police shooting happened in the 12400 block of Mar Vista Street, on the Greenway trail between Mar Vista Street and 5 Points intersection at about 12:20 p.m.

(credit: CBS)

One person was hit by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. The gender and age of the suspect was not released. Police did not release details about what led up to the shooting, and it’s not known what the person was suspected of doing.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives are also on the scene of the shooting, which will also be investigated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s shooting team.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call the sheriff’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Pursuit Of Stolen U-Haul Ends In Bellflower With Truck On Fire, Suspect In Custody

Wed, 12 May 2021 00:20:45 +0000

BELLFLOWER (CBSLA) – The male driver of a stolen U-Haul lead authorities on a two-hour pursuit that began in Orange County and made its way into Los Angeles County and back again Tuesday morning, traversing several area freeways in the process, before the U-Haul caught fire in Bellflower and the suspect was captured while trying to escape.

A pursuit with a stolen U-Haul traversed Los Angeles and Orange counties before ending in a fire and arrest in Bellflower, Calif., on May 11, 2021. (CBSLA)

The pursuit began at around 4:50 a.m. when Buena Park police came upon a U-Haul towing a trailer which had been reported stolen out of Irvine back on May 5, according to Irvine police.

Buena Park police officers started the chase, which made its way from the westbound 91 Freeway to the northbound 605 Freeway, and then onto the westbound 60 Freeway. The chase then wound its way onto the northbound 5 Freeway in Pasadena.

California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit.

May 11, 2021. (CBSLA)

The suspect briefly exited the freeway in Los Feliz, and then jumped back onto the southbound 5 Freeway a little after 5:30 a.m. The U-Haul made its way south into Commerce in southeast L.A. County.

By 6 a.m., the chase has wound its way back onto the eastbound 91 Freeway in Cerritos.

May 11, 2021. (CBSLA)

The suspect made his way south into Anaheim, where he again briefly exited the freeway and then jumped back onto the westbound 91 Freeway. The suspect continued to drive despite hitting spike strips and losing both front wheels.

The front passenger tire caught fire at around 6:30 a.m., but the suspect refused to stop, continuing to move on the westbound 91 Freeway in Cerritos.

A little after 6:45 a.m. the entire cab caught fire in Bellflower. The suspect exited the freeway at Bellflower Boulevard, jumped out of the truck and tried to make a run for it.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Fire crews extinguished a blaze that tore through the cab of a U-Haul truck during a pursuit that ended in Bellflower Tuesday morning. https://t.co/RPLFy3zE2X pic.twitter.com/tzT5sfcy97

— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) May 11, 2021

He jumped fences, and took off a jacket and backpack, hiding them and before trying to get into a nearby apartment building.

“He asked me, if you let me come in your house, I’ll give you a $1,000 right now, I just need to use a bathroom for 45 minutes,” witness Katonya Gross told CBSLA. “I’m like, ‘No, I’m not letting you in my house!'”

Another neighbor pretended to help, walking the suspect out before alerting officers to where he was.

“I didn’t know the case, I didn’t know the situation, I just knew, he was the culprit and he needed to get out of my apartments, that was pretty much it,” witness Terrence Martin said.

A few minutes before 7 a.m., he was captured by CHP officers and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies a few blocks away.

May 11, 2021. (CBSLA)

Meanwhile, L.A. County Fire Department crews arrived and extinguished the U-Haul fire, but not before it had completely torched the cab.

The name of the suspect and the exact charges he faces were not confirmed. The items inside the U-Haul, which included a motorcycle, did not appear to have sustained damage.

“He’s looking at multiple charges of felony evading, three stolen vehicles, which are all felonies, and I believe he had some drug paraphernalia as they were searching him,” CHP Officer Marcos Iniguez said.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch a suspect get taken down by authorities in Bellflower after leading them on a two-hour pursuit in a stolen U-Haul. https://t.co/RPLFy3zE2X pic.twitter.com/D2WOdy5fKF

— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) May 11, 2021

Police have not yet released the man’s name, but said he is a 47-year-old resident of Orange County and was found with drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest.

Family Of 61-Year-Old Woman Killed By A Falling Tree At Daughter’s Wedding Settles With Company Hired By City Of Whittier

Wed, 05 May 2021 23:14:32 +0000

NORWALK (CBSLA) – The family of 61-year-old Margarita Mojarro’s, who was killed by a falling 80-foot tree at her daughter’s 2016 wedding in Whittier, have settled with the tree care company hired by the city. Mojarro’s family had also previously reached a tentative $28 million settlement with the city.

According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in April 2017, the tree that toppled over during the Dec. 2016 wedding was overwatered and allowed to grow on an unsafe 20% grade. The tree was a Blue Gum eucalyptus that had become “acutely diseased,” according to the lawsuit. “Before plaintiffs knew what was happening, the massive, multi-thousand-pound tree was upon them and they could not escape its path of destruction.”

A half-dozen people were treated at a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, but the bride’s 3-year-old niece was hospitalized and in critical condition from traumatic brain injury, as a result of the incident.

The terms of the settlement with West Coast Arborists LLP, the company contracted by the city, were not made public. A cross-complaint against the West Coast Arborists by the City of Whittier is also pending.

In earlier court proceedings, lawyers for the City of Whittier stated that the accident was “a tragic stroke of nature,” but that there was no basis for determining the city was at fault or liable under California law.

The family’s attorney, however, said the city knew about the dangerous condition of the tree, located in a popular spot for photos, and that it had the means and authority to protect visitors to the park.

Dog Dies In Whittier House Fire Visible From 605 Freeway

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:06:01 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — A fire at a Whittier home prompted evacuations early Thursday, but not before a dog perished in the flames.

(credit: Oscar Mazariegos)

The fire broke out at a home’s garage in the 2000 block of Kaydel Road in Whittier at about 3:15 a.m. Flames shot up so high at one point, they were visible from the 605 Freeway.

Firefighters were able to put the fire out within 30 minutes, but neighbors and horses in the area were evacuated briefly. No injuries were reported, but one woman said her dog died in the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

1 Injured After Building Facade Collapses In Whittier

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 02:27:12 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — One person was injured Friday evening after a building facade collapsed in Whittier.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said a total of five businesses were impacted by the Friday evening collapse. (CBSLA)

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the collapse happened at about 5:30 p.m. in the 8500 block of Norwalk Boulevard.

Fire crews searched the debris but did not find any additional victims. The one person injured was said to have suffered minor injuries.

The fire department said five businesses were impacted by the collapse.

Whittier City Council Considers Censuring Member Who Attended Capitol Trump Rally

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 06:56:45 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – The Whittier City Council considered a motion that ultimately failed Tuesday night to censure a council member for attending a pro-Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol that led to riots and multiple deaths.

Two city council members voted to censure Councilmember Jessica Martinez because she was at the rally and used her social media accounts to “further conspiracy theories about the election,” they said.

The council members said her actions violated her oath of office by taking public partisan positions.

A video posted on Martinez’s Twitter page shows the January 6 rally in Washington D.C.

pic.twitter.com/vajINuAkbE

— Jessica Martinez (@JessicaFor57th) January 6, 2021

Martinez said she was nowhere near the riots and was exercising her First Amendment right by peacefully attending the rally. She maintains she did nothing wrong.

“The only desire I had was to show up and have my voice heard. If that is un-American, if that is violating my oath of office, then I am guilty,” Martinez said Tuesday.

One member of the online meeting Tuesday said by posting the tweets it was inciting violence.

“I am not responsible for the people that broke into Congress and did those atrocious acts,” Martinez added.

Martinez said she has received death threats in the last few days.

Tuesday the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned law enforcement across the nation that a number of groups were calling for the “storming” of federal, state, and local courthouses as Inauguration Day approaches.

It was reported Tuesday a Los Angeles Police Department employee attended the rally in Washington, D.C. in support of President Donald Trump ahead of the riot at the Capitol.

The employee, who has not been identified, was told to speak to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles about any possible involvement or information regarding the incident, even though the employee reportedly left the rally before the attack.

Husband Charged With Fatally Shooting Estranged Wife At Whittier Kohl’s

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 01:38:54 +0000

BELLFLOWER (CBSLA) — A man accused of gunning down his estranged wife inside of a Kohl’s store in Whittier days before Christmas was charged Monday with murder and child abuse.

A woman was fatally shot Dec. 22 inside of a Kohl’s store in Whittier. The suspect, 41-year-old Enrique Acosta, was arrested early the following morning. (Whittier Police Department)

Prosecutors allege 41-year-old Enrique Acosta violated a protective court order related to a 2019 domestic violence conviction and fatally shot 46-year-old Yvonne Annette Acosta Dec. 22, though it was not immediately clear if that protective order named Acosta’s estranged wife.

According to police, officers were called out to Whittwood Town Center on Whittier Boulevard at about 5:30 p.m. for reports of shots fired. Yvonne Acosta was found on the floor inside the store and died at the scene. Acosta was taken into custody hours later in the Barstow area.

In addition to murder and violation of a court order, Acosta was also charged with one count each of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death, possession of a firearm by a felon and hit-and-run resulting in property damage. A gun allegation is also included in the complaint.

According to the complaint, Acosta was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 2000 in connection with a 1998 case. According to court records, he was sentenced to 12 years as a result of a guilty plea.

Acosta is being held in lieu of $2 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in a Bellflower courtroom.

One Person Killed In Wreck On 605 Freeway In Whittier

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 15:31:42 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – One person was killed in a violent wreck on the 605 Freeway in Whittier Christmas morning.

Dec. 25, 2020. (CBSLA)

The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. on the northbound 605 Freeway near Washington Boulevard.

One person died at the scene, according to California Highway Patrol. It’s unclear if anyone else was hurt.

The circumstances of the crash and the number of vehicles involved were not confirmed.

The northbound lanes were closed for several hours but have since reopened.

Woman Killed In Shooting Inside Whittier Kohl’s, Husband Arrested

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:50:03 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — A woman was shot and killed inside a Kohl’s department store in Whittier Tuesday evening. The suspected gunman, believed to be the victim’s estranged husband, was captured early Wednesday morning.

Enrique Acosta. (Whittier Police Department)

The shooting occurred at around 5:30 p.m. at a store in the 15ooo block of Whittwood Lane.

According to Whittier police, a man and a woman started arguing near the registers when the man pulled out a gun and shot the woman.

“It was chaos, from what I understand,” Officer Hugo Figueroa, a spokesperson for the Whittier Police Department, said. “A lot of people were in panic mode after they heard the gunshot and saw the victim down on the ground.”

He then ran away on foot — leaving behind stunned and terrified customers and workers.

Police said the victim, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was hurt.

“She just called me crying,” Memo Torres, the father of a Kohl’s worker, said Tuesday night. “She only heard shots, that’s it. She only heard just the gun going on.”

(CBSLA)

At about 2 a.m. Wednesday, the suspect, 41-year-old Enrique Acosta, was arrested in Barstow, Whittier police said. He was booked into jail on murder charges.

Police told CBSLA the two had been separated for about a year. A child witnessed the shooting but was not hurt. It’s unclear exactly how the child is connected to Acosta and the victim.

The Kohl’s store remained closed Wednesday while police continue to investigate.

It’s unclear if police have obtained surveillance photo of the shooting.

Acosta is being held on $1 million bail.

‘Transformative’: Mount Saint Mary’s, Whittier College, YMCA Of Los Angeles Receive Million-Dollar Gifts From Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 21:26:53 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Mount Saint Mary’s University, Whittier College, the YMCA of Los Angeles and several other several non-profits serving disadvantaged communities in Southern California received million-dollar gifts from MacKenzie Scott, a philanthropist, author and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife.

(Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

Scott, who had pledged to give away billions away after her divorce from one of the richest men on the planet, wrote in a Medium post that she gave away more than $4.1 billion in gifts to 384 organizations across the country. There was a theme among her chosen recipients – food banks, emergency relief funds, organizations assisting with debt relief or providing employment training, and colleges catering to historically marginalized and underserved people.

“This pandemic has been a wrecking ball in the lives of Americans already struggling,” Scott wrote in a Medium post announcing the gifts. “Economic losses and health outcomes alike have been worse for women, for people of color, and for people living in poverty. Meanwhile, it has substantially increased the wealth of billionaires.”

Mount St. Mary’s University called the $15 million gift from Scott “transformative.”

“The vast majority of our students come to us from vulnerable communities, and their lives are transformed at Mount Saint Mary’s,” Dr. Linda McMurdock, vice president for student affairs at the university, said in a statement. “It will make an immediate difference in our students’ lives.”

Whittier College says the $12 million unrestricted donation from Scott will go toward providing additional need-based scholarships and support its racial justice and equity action plan, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Gender Equity Center, environmental justice work, and faculty diversity efforts.

“Whittier prides itself on being a national model for providing access to higher education to students from all backgrounds,” President Linda Oubré said in a statement. “It is also an affirmation that the innovative work we are doing at Whittier College is having an impact and being recognized beyond our campus.”

Oubré said the gift is the largest from a single donor in Whittier College’s history.

Healthcare workers administer free flu shot vaccinations to patients at a YMCA location in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. The annual U.S. flu vaccine campaign has been cast into disarray by Covid-19, with people staying away from pharmacies, schools, offices, hospitals and other places where they typically get their shots. (credit: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles did not specify the amount of its gift from Scott, but called it “historic” and said it would allow the non-profit to scale up its emergency support programs and recover from the loss of being forced to close its branches due to the pandemic.

Other local non-profits Scott chose as beneficiaries include United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Goodwill of Southern Los Angeles County, the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, and community investment fund Genesis LA; the YWCA San Gabriel Valley; and Meals on Wheels ad Goodwill of San Diego County, and the San Diego Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

PIH Health Hospital In Whittier Brings In Portable Morgue As COVID-19 Infections Surge

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:18:51 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — It’s not being used yet, but PIH Health Hospital in Whittier has brought in a mobile morgue as the current wave of infections, hospitalizations and deaths stretch resources thin across Los Angeles County.

(credit: CBS)

A portable morgue has been set up outside PIH Health Hospital, 12401 Washington Blvd., as part of the hospital’s surge protocol. However, a hospital spokesperson says the trailer is not yet being used and there is still room in the hospital morgue.

That the portable morgue is still unused is cold comfort to ICU nurse Andrew Lara. He says about 90% of the hospital’s COVID-19 patients in their ICU are intubated on ventilators, and their resources are dwindling fast.

“As they become more acutely short of breath, we will put them on a device known as a high-flow oxygen device, and that gives them 100% oxygen but at a high rate of speed to force that oxygen down into their lungs,” Lara said. “We are out of that. We don’t have high-flow devices because we’ve exceeded that capacity.”

COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna received emergency authorization Friday and have already arrived in Southern California. The first vaccinations of Southern California’s healthcare workers will take place Monday.

But the vaccine won’t help those who have already been infected, and are in intensive care.

“We hear the Zoom calls, we hear the pleas for help, we see the desperation and anxiety and our patients are just scared,” he said.

Lara, who has been working as a nurse for two decades, was recently elected to the Pico Rivera City Council. One reason he ran was to raise awareness about the changes he believes are needed to prepare communities for future public health emergencies. He said he will be among the health care workers vaccinated later this week, and also plans to be part of a public education effort to publicize the risks versus the benefits of the vaccine.

Whittier City Council Officially Opposes LA County Dining Ban

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 18:22:01 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) – The Whittier City Council passed a resolution Wednesday opposing the controversial dining ban implemented by Los Angeles County public health officials.

A waiter takes an order at The Butchers Daughter restaurant along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Calif., on Nov. 23, 2020. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)

The Whittier City Council’s resolution formally opposes the resolution, which was upheld Tuesday by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in a narrow 3-2 vote.

The ban, which took effect late Wednesday night and will last for a period of at least three weeks, limits all restaurants in L.A. County to only offering take-out, drive-thru and delivery services. Eateries are no longer allowed to serve patrons outdoors, as they have been for the past several months.

Only the city of Pasadena, which has its own health department, is exempt from the ban.

“I have never experienced the kind of pushback I am hearing,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said of the ban at Tuesday’s board meeting. “The public doesn’t think that that recommendation is right, and they don’t think it’s going to work, and they are really losing faith and trust in the decisions that we’re making.”

The outdoor dining ban is in addition to a curfew order California public health officials put in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for all 41 purple-tier counties, which includes every county in Southern California. It lasts through at least Dec. 21. L.A. County extended the curfew one hour, to 6 a.m.

Under the order, all gatherings, movement and non-essential work is now allowed between those hours. Residents are, however, allowed to do such things as go to the grocery or drug store, walk their pets or pick up takeout.

Whittier’s resolution also calls for the city to “supplemental support to local restaurants and businesses negatively impacted by the new public health measures and request additional funding from the County for business relief,” the city wrote in a news release.

RELATD: One In Every 145 People In LA County Infected With COVID-19 And Transmitting It To Others

Whittier, like several other cities across the region, closed one of its popular shopping areas, Greenleaf Avenue, to vehicle traffic in order to give restaurants and stores more space for outdoor dining and shopping.

L.A. County could also soon be enacting a stricter safer-at-home order. L.A. County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said this week that order would include no public or private gatherings of people not in the same household, limiting outdoor permitted activities to only 50% capacity, indoor essential retail to 35% capacity and indoor non-essential retail to 20% capacity.

One Person Killed, Several Hurt in Violent Whittier Wreck

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:55:07 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — One person was killed and several others were hurt when a car careened into a light pole in Whittier Wednesday night.

Nov. 11, 2020. (CBSLA)

An Audi sedan carrying six people crashed near the intersection of Carmenita Road and Imperial Highway at 10:30 p.m., according to California Highway Patrol Officer Steve Carapia.

Officers arrived to find one person dead at the scene, Carapia said. The victim was not immediately identified. At least one person was left trapped and had to be extricated by Los Angeles County firefighters.

Several people were taken to local hospitals. It was unclear exactly how many people were hurt and what the nature of their injuries were.

The exact circumstances of the crash were not confirmed. The Audi was traveling north on Carmenita Road and a Toyota was traveling south on Carmenita when the Audi attempted to make a left turn and crashed into the light pole, Carapia said.

Speed may have been a factor in the crash, Carapia added. It’s unclear if drugs or alcohol also played a role.

‘Organization Of Second Chances’: Formerly Incarcerated Man Now Helping Others Get Back On Their Feet

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 05:17:10 +0000

WHITTIER (CBSLA) — More than two decades have passed since Wesley Crunk was incarcerated. In that time he has not only rebuilt his life, but helped others do the same.

“The guys I’m coming into contact with may have never held a hammer, don’t know how to read a tape measure, probably have never held a job before,” Crunk said. “I know what it’s like to not know what you’re gonna do and to not know what you can do”

Crunk, who 21 years ago never could have imagined his role as mentor-in-chief for the Brother’s Keeper program in Whittier, now helps train people in the art of carpentry in a program sponsored by the Southwest Carpenter’s Training Fund.

“It was back in 1999, I was actually just released from being incarcerated,” he said. “I knew that I wanted to do something. I didn’t want to be in that boat anymore, but I actually didn’t know what I was even eligible to do.”

Crunk was sentenced to Folsom State Prison at the age of 18. He got married while there and was out for a month before being sent back for another five years.

“My wife, she had supported me the entire time that I was incarcerated,” he said. “So, when it was time for me to come home — you know, I’m a man, I got pride — I was trying to figure out how I was gonna repay the favor and carry my load.”

The training program taught Crunk how to not only build a structure, but how to build a life. During his training, he learned how to drive a forklift, read a tape measure, hammer a nail and, ultimately, highly-skilled, highly-paid carpentry.

Now he works to make the same difference to for the next generation of young men, many of whom are trying to rebuild their lives just like him.

“We mess up, but he give you that tough love that you need to motivate you and push you out there,” Jonathan Johnson said.

The new recruit is just a couple of weeks into his training, but he’s already learned a number of life lessons — “punctuality and hustle” — that have served Crunk well.

Crunk has been free for the past 21 years and is a proud father, provide and lifelong Brother’s Keeper.

“They call us the organization of second chances,” he said. “If you are willing to be punctual, willing to hustle and have a good attitude, it can be a very rewarding career.”

And as for the young men he’s helped mentor?

“I actually consider them all success stories,” he said. “It’s more rewarding than my paycheck sometimes.”

Woman Extradited From Australia Charged For Fatal 2017 Hit-And-Run That Killed Bicyclist In Whittier

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 23:01:39 +0000

BELLFLOWER (CBSLA) — A woman who authorities say fled to Hong Kong and Australia was charged Friday in the 2017 hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist in Whittier.

Andrea Dorothy Chan, aka Andrea Dorothy Reyes, was charged with a felony count each of hit-and-run driving resulting in death and vehicular manslaughter. Chan was also charged with a misdemeanor count of destroying or concealing evidence and faces allegations of causing great bodily injury.

Andrea Dorothy Chan, aka Andrea Dorothy Reyes (credit: Whittier Police Department)

Prosecutors say Chan, 35, ran over 46-year-old Augustin Rodriguez, who was on a bicycle, and dragged him under her car for a period of time on Jan. 13, 2017. She then had her vehicle fixed and stored in Idaho before leaving the country, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The FBI located Chan in Hong Kong and issued an international warrant for her arrest. She then moved to Australia, where she was arrested in Adelaide in April of 2018. She arrived back in Southern California Thursday after a year-long extradition process.

If convicted as charged, Chan faces a possible maximum sentence of more than 11 years in state prison. She is scheduled to make her first appearance in court Monday.