San Gabriel News, CA Local News

The (almost) forgotten tales of Disney animator’s Grizzly Flats Railroad in San Gabriel

Mon, 12 May 2025 11:57:46 +0000

Building and operating a full-scale railroad in your backyard would be a dream come true for many devoted railfans, and renowned Disney animator Ward Kimball lived that dream for more than 60 years at his Southern California home.

The iconic San Gabriel backyard railroad was dubbed the “Grizzly Flats Railroad – The Scenic Wonder of The West” by Kimball – a fanciful name for a line with 900 feet of track on two acres, surrounded by citrus groves.

I had heard of the Grizzly Flats Railroad, but my personal connection began recently while working on a volunteer project to sort photo-historian L.T. Gotchy’s enormous photo collection donated in 2023 to the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society. Gotchy, 92, died in 2014.

It was during my volunteer work, that I found Gotchy’s connection to Kimball, in a box of nostalgic images appropriately labeled “Grizzly Flats Railroad.”

Through further research, I found Dick Donat, a former friend and colleague of Gotchy’s who had extensive knowledge of the late photographer’s life and his time on the Grizzly Flats Railroad. Donat joyfully shared some of his memories of the times they spent at Kimball’s backyard railroad.

Kimball (1914 – 2002) became an animator for Walt Disney’s studios in 1934, and while art and music were his life’s work, trains were his passion. Kimball was one of Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” a group of the studio’s core animators from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Kimball and Walt Disney shared a love of trains, and that became a bond that strongly influenced both men’s careers and hobbies. Kimball’s backyard railroad inspired Disney, and his passion for trains was deeply woven into the fabric of Disneyland.

Grizzly Flats Railroad began in 1938 with Kimball’s purchase of a dilapidated wooden passenger coach for $50. His wife Betty encouraged him to go big and build a full-sized railroad on their ranch property.

In this photo from May 15, 1949, Ward Kimball is aboard his 1914 Fire Truck, with his family in front of the Grizzly Flats Station. The Disneyland Railroad station at New Orleans Square was modeled after this building. From left, Betty Kimball, Kelly, John, and baby Chloe. Ward played in a popular Dixieland jazz band known as “The Firehouse Five Plus Two,” and this fire truck was often used at the performances. (From the L.T. Gotchy Collection at the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society)

Within a few short years, Kimball’s quirky hobby blossomed into an operating piece of railroad history that included two steam locomotives, a caboose, a passenger coach, a boxcar, a depot building, a train barn, a water tank, signs, signals, a wooden windmill, and 900 feet of narrow-gauge track — 3-feet between the rails.

In the late 1940s, Gotchy, a documentary photographer and railfan extraordinaire, met up with Kimball, the ultimate railfan with a real railroad in his backyard.

Gotchy was born in Utah in 1922, and he moved to Los Angeles with his family in the 1930s. The streetcars of the Los Angeles Railway and the Pacific Electric Railway ignited his passion for railroads, and from his teens he had a camera tethered to him. He moved to Hesperia in the 1960s, and he lived there until his death in 2014.

Gotchy was a natural fit in the group who became unofficial partners, operators, and volunteers on the Grizzly Flats Railroad. Along with Kimball, they spent untold hours building, repairing and maintaining the line.

Gotchy was willing to lend his engineering and fabrication skills to projects and events on the suburban railroad. He loved Ford Model Ts, and he often brought his own Model T to Grizzly Flats, adding a touch of “period realism” to the surroundings.

In the early 1950s, Gotchy went to work for the Automobile Club of Southern California as a signposter, and he found Kimball had a passion for collecting old street signs. Gotchy supplied Kimball with many unique signs that adorned the buildings and signposts at Grizzly Flats.

This photo from 1949 shows L.T. Gotchy in a conductor’s outfit, handing train orders to engineer Ward Kimball, on the Emma Nevada. The locomotive was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1881 for the Nevada Central Railroad. It was restored by Kimball and his crew of volunteers between 1938 and 1943. (From the L.T. Gotchy Collection at the San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society)

During the peak operating years of the 1940s through 1970s, Kimball would call in his friends, volunteers, and celebrities to steam up the locomotives, and they would have a full-blown railroad shindig.

One event dubbed the “Great Model T and Locomotive Race” was held Aug. 24, 1947, and it pitted Kimball’s Emma Nevada locomotive against a 1912 Model T. The race had an official starter, and when his flag dropped, both operators gave their machines full throttle.

Donat recounted the race; “Gotchy photographed the race, and according to L.T., the Model T won the race, much to Ward’s chagrin.”

Donat shared another story that Kimball told him about finding his beloved wooden-bladed windmill.

“Ward always wanted a wooden-bladed windmill for his railroad, but he could never find one,” Donat said. “In the earlier days of World War II, Disney used to send out some of his animators to military bases, and they did the equivalent of a USO show.

“On one of these occasions, Ward was with a carload of these animators, and they got lost on a stormy night somewhere out in Riverside County. Suddenly the sky cleared, and Ward looked out the window, and there was a wooden-bladed windmill. ‘Stop the car, stop the car, he shouted!’ Ward went running up to the house and banged on the door, and he finally got somebody to answer. He said, ‘I want to buy your windmill.’ And of course, the guy was kind of stumbling around, thinking ‘what have I got here?’ Ward said ‘please, I want to buy your windmill, give me a price, I really want this for my railroad!’ The homeowner was still giving him a puzzled look, and then his eyes kind of lit up. He was looking around and over Ward, and here comes the other guys from the car, and they have put on their artist’s smocks. So they’re wearing these white coats, and they come up and say, ‘It’s alright Ward, we’ll take you back now, everything’s OK.’

Kimball said it took a personal letter from Walt Disney, and they explained that he really was sincere, and did want to buy the windmill, Donat explained, “and eventually he did, and there it was in San Gabriel.”

Kimball began donating his Grizzly Flats rolling stock to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris in 1992, and most of the equipment is now at the museum. Find details at socalrailway.org/collections/grizzly-flats/.

Betty Kimball died at age 97 in 2010 and the property was sold shortly afterward.

From 1938 to 2006, Grizzly Flats Railroad was the center of countless fantastic events, untold hours of hard work, spending time with good friends, and sharing trainloads of amazing stories.

Mark Landis is a freelance writer. He can be reached at historyinca@yahoo.com

San Gabriel woman sold fake Gucci, Louis Vuitton: DOJ

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:57:21 +0000

A San Gabriel woman is facing up to 40 years in federal prison after she was charged with importing and selling counterfeit luxury goods from Hong Kong.

Chaoyan Zhang, 33, faces four counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods or services and is scheduled to be arraigned on May 8, the United States Department of Justice said in a news release.

The DOJ said those items, including clothing and accessories from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, were imported through Zhang's employer, Mitchelle Inc., in February.

The items that were seized by law enforcement would have been worth about $1 million if they were real, but Zhang received far less for the knockoffs.

"Zhang allegedly sold approximately nine counterfeit luxury brand items to a buyer for approximately $490," the DOJ said.

If convicted, Zhang faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each count.

Easter 2025: Egg hunts and religious services in the Los Angeles area

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:48:09 +0000

Easter — April 20 this year — is the holiest day on the Christian calendar.

The celebration of Easter is the culmination of Holy Week which began on April 13 with Palm Sunday.

Depending on an individual church’s tradition, its congregation may hold services each day after Palm Sunday including Maundy/Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil on Saturday.

Christians are observing Jesus’ crucifixion and death on April 18 at Good Friday services.

For Christians, Easter stands for Jesus’ triumph over death, and for those who follow his teachings his resurrection means a promise of eternal life.

Egg hunts

Spring Egg Hunt – Northridge Recreation Center: Event includes crafts, games and jumpers, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 19. Egg hunts: ages 5 and younger, 11 a.m.; ages 6-8, 11:30 a.m.; ages 9-12, noon. Location, 18300 Lemarsh St. 818-349-7341. Flyer: tinyurl.com/mrxkvdp8

Spring Egg Hunt – Reseda Recreation Center: Event includes crafts, games and moonbounce, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 19. Location, 18411 Victory Blvd., Reseda. 818-881-3882. Flyer: tinyurl.com/2ru4n2u8

Spring Egg Hunt – Valley Plaza Recreation Center: Event includes arts and crafts and games, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 19. Location, 12240 Archwood St., North Hollywood. 818-765-5885. Listing here: tinyurl.com/3edzwurz

Sunland Recreation Center’s Spring Eggstravaganza: The event, with a “Trolls” theme, includes games and moon bounce, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 19. Egg hunts: ages 3 and younger, 12:30 p.m.; ages 4-5, 1 p.m.; ages 6-7, 1:30; ages 8-12, 2 p.m.; ages 13 and up, 2:30 p.m. Children need to bring a basket. Refreshments available for purchase at the bake sale and snack shop. Location, 8651 Foothill Blvd., Sunland. 818-352-5282. Flyer: tinyurl.com/bdht44t6

Spring Egg Hunt – Van Nuys Recreation Center: Arts and crafts and games, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 19. Egg hunts: ages 4 and younger, 11:30 a.m.; ages 5-8, noon; ages 9-12, 12:30 p.m.; 13 and up, 1 p.m. Children need to bring a basket. Location, 14301 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. 818-756-8131. Flyer: tinyurl.com/4w25pzrx

(Check this link for more “2025 Spring Events” egg hunts on April 19 held by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks: tinyurl.com/3edzwurz)

In addition, these area-wide egg hunts are listed by start time and date, April 19-20

Eggstraordinary Spring Celebration City of San Gabriel: Event, 7-11 a.m. April 19. Schedule: Pancake breakfast, pancake race (at 9 a.m.; for ages 7-16; bring your own pancake turner/spatula) and egg hunt (at 10 a.m.; for ages 12 and younger; bring your own basket), pancake race (ages 7-16; bring your own pancake turner/spatula), 7-11 a.m. April 19. Breakfast charge, $8 per plate; $30 for 4 plates. Smith Park, 232 W. Broadway, San Gabriel. 626-308-2875. www.sangabrielcity.com/1404/Eggstraordinary-Spring-Celebration

City of Gardena hosts its Hoppin’ Bunny Breakfast: Come and enjoy an “eggciting” day of breakfast, crafts, and a visit from a special guest, the Easter Bunny, 8:30-11:30 a.m. April 19. Crafts and an Easter Egg Hunt will be available to children 12 years and younger. Cost is $10 for ages 2 and up pre-sale; $12 day of event (if available). Children under 2 admitted free without a meal. Nakaoka Community Center, 1670 W. 162nd St., Gardena. For more information, call 310-217-9537 or visit cityofgardena.org/events

Belmont Heights Community Association Egg Hunt in the Heights: Grab your baskets and hop your way down to the Red Car Greenbelt to partake in a favorite event of the year, 9-9:30 a.m. April 19. The BHCA has partnered with the Port of Long Beach to scatter more than 4,000, that’s right, 4,000 treasure filled eggs throughout the park. You’ll also get a chance to take a picture with Belmont the Bunny and make some new neighborhood friends. Free to attend. www.mybelmontheights.org/

City of El Segundo’s Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza and Camp Expo: Come meet the Easter bunny and join in on all the egg hunt festivities, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 19. After hunting for eggs and meeting the bunny, check out the Camp Expo where you can learn all about the summer camps we’re offering and get a sneak peek at what we have planned for you. Free to attend. Recreation Park, 401 Sheldon St., El Segundo. For more information, call 310-524-2700.

Eggstravaganza Bonanza – City of Gardena: Hop on over for an egg-cellent time filled with egg-citing games, crafty creations, sweet treats and much more, 10 a.m.-noon April 19. Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena. Free to attend. 310-217-9537. cityofgardena.org/events

Eggstravaganza: The City of Santa Clarita presents an “egg scramble” for children ages 1-10 on April 19. The “scramble” is timed by age groups and fields at the location. Ages 1-3 (must be accompanied by a parent) at 10:15 a.m. (field 5); ages 6-7 at 10:15 a.m. (field 6); ages 4-5 at 11 a.m. (field 5); ages 8-10 at 11 a.m. (field 6). For special needs children, 10 a.m.-noon at a designated area. Organizers suggest being near the correct field for your child’s age group. The event also includes a springtime craft activity, games and a photo opportunity with Mr. E. Bunny (10 a.m.-noon). Free admission; but please consider bringing nonperishable food items for the Santa Clarita Food Pantry (drop off your items at the food pantry’s booth at the event). Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Santa Clarita Arts and Events, 661-250-3787. santaclarita.gov/events

Giant Easter Egg Hunt – Our Redeemer Lutheran Church: Event begins with live music and a greeting and prayer by the Rev. Gregory Barth, followed by egg hunts, 10:30 a.m.-noon April 19. Egg hunts are divided by age groups (up to grade 5). Children need to bring a bag/basket. Location, 8520 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka. 818-341-3460. www.our-redeemer.org. Details: www.our-redeemer.org/easter-egg-hunt

Underwater Eggstravaganza – City of El Segundo: Dive into some fun and catch floating eggs at the annual event, 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 19. The event will also feature music, candy, and prizes. Cost is $5 to $11. Register in advance. Space is limited. El Segundo Wiseburn Aquatic Center, 2240 E. Grand Ave., El Segundo. For more information, call 310-524-2300. Details on the flyer: tinyurl.com/5tttft2h

Easter Egg Hunts at Terranea Resort: The event includes egg hunts, egg decorating, egg spoon races and the Easter Bunny, starting at 10 a.m. April 20. In addition to fun and egg-citing events for the kids, families are welcomed to partake in brunch at the various eateries at the Resort. Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. For more information, call 310-494-7891 or visit terranea.com

St. Peter’s By The Sea: Easter service, 10 a.m. April 20, followed by an Easter egg hunt. Location, 6410 Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes. Details: stpeterspres.org/easter/

Easter services

Here is a sampling of Easter services date and time.

April 18

Shepherd Church: Easter services, 7 p.m. April 18; 4 and 6 p.m. April 19; 9 and 11 a.m. April 20. (Check the website for dates and services in Agua Dulce, North Hills, Simi Valley, Woodland Hills). Location, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. 818-831-9333. www.facebook.com/shepherdchurch. theshepherd.org

April 20

Church of the Good Shepherd: Sunrise service, 6 a.m. (scheduled in the church courtyard). Also, a 10 a.m. service (inside the church). Location, 400 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. 626-447-2181. cgsum.org

For the Forest Lawn services, below, find the program details when you click on each location from here: forestlawn.com/events/easter-sunrise-service/

Easter Sunrise at Forest Lawn – Covina Hills: 6 a.m. Location, Mausoleum of Christian Heritage Forecourt, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina.

Easter Sunrise at Forest Lawn – Glendale: 6 a.m. Service is in Spanish. Location, Hall of Crucifixion – Resurrection, 1712 S. Glendale Ave.

Easter Sunrise at Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills: 6 a.m. Location, Court of Libertry, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.

Easter Sunrise at Forest Lawn – Long Beach: 6 a.m. Location, Sunnyside Courtyard, 1500 E. San Antonio Drive, Long Beach.

Calvary Chapel North Long Beach: Easter Son-Rise service, 6 a.m. (outside), and also a 9 a.m. service (in-person and live stream). Location, 5722 Lime Ave., Long Beach. 562-423-0447. calvarynlb.org/

First Christian Church of North Hollywood (Disciples of Christ): Easter Sunrise service, 6 a.m., and also 9 and 11 a.m. services. Location, 4390 Colfax Ave. 818-763-8218. www.fccnh.org

Easter at Sherman Oaks Lutheran Church: Sunrise service, 6:16 a.m., traditional service, 8 a.m., and a festival service, 10 a.m. Location, 14847 Dickens St. 818-789-0215. www.facebook.com/ShermanOaksLutheran. shermanoakslutheran.org

American Martyrs Catholic Church: Easter services inside the church, 6:30 a.m. (in Latin), 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m. (live stream), noon, 1:30, and 5 p.m. (live stream). Easter services in the church’s O’Donnell Hall, 8:15 and 10 a.m. Location, 700 15th St., Manhattan Beach. 310-545-5651. americanmartyrs.org

Bethany Church: Easter Sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. (in the courtyard), and also, a 10:30 a.m. service. Location, 2250 Clark Ave., Long Beach. 562-597-2411. www.bethanylb.org/easter/

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels: Easter Masses, 7:30 a.m. (in English), 10 a.m. (in English; live stream) and 12:30 p.m. (in Spanish; live stream). Location, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Live stream services and other details: https://lacatholics.org/holyweek/. lacatholics.org/event/easter-sunday-mass/

Prince of Peace Episcopal Church: Services at 8, and 10 a.m. (Festal Choral Eucharist). Location, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. 818-346-6968. Email: office@popwh.org. www.popwh.org

Bay Shore Community Congregational Church: Easter services, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Location, 5100 E. The Toledo, Long Beach. bayshorechurch.org/ and bayshorechurch.org/events/easter-worship-services-2025/

Bethel Church Easter: 10 a.m. The celebration service is followed by a children’s egg hunt that includes the Easter story and a craft activity. Location, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley. 818-767-4488. bethelsunvalley.com

Palisades Lutheran Church – Easter: Pastor Martin Lee delivers the message, 10 a.m. Location, 15905 W. Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. 310-459-2358. Email: info@plc.cc. www.plc.cc. www.facebook.com/PalisadesLutheranChurch

Correspondent Robert Doss contributed to this report.

Trump funding freeze halts key environmental projects in Los Angeles area

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:38:46 +0000

President Trump’s federal funding freeze has halted two environmental improvement projects in Los Angeles County worth $28 million, preventing the planting of urban trees, including some that were to be used in burned out Altadena.

Six nonprofit agencies were awarded a joint grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for greening less-affluent, pollution-burdened communities. The $20 million GREEN (Green, Resilient, Energy Efficient Neighborhoods) San Gabriel Valley Collaborative grant was funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, a bipartisan law adopted by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden.

Volunteers with the group Tree People plant a tree at Fletcher Park in El Monte on Dec. 7, 2024. Funding for more tree plantings, and other environmental projects were frozen by the Trump administration’s freeze on federal dollars in late January 2025.(photo by Dale Zapata).

Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, right, poses with Nate Miller during his press conference announcing the restoration of the original olive grove of 1890s at Barnsdall Park on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Hollywood. Forty missing olive trees were being planted by Los Angeles Parks Foundations’ Park Forests initiative and Miller donated one of the trees in his grandmother’s name. Harriet Miller, who recently passed away at age 95, was the director of the Junior Art Center at Barnsdall Park for over 20 years. She was an abstract expressionist artist who graduated from Columbia University in the 1940s. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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An $8 million Southern California urban forestry grant also was frozen, explained Wes Reutimann, an organizer of the San Gabriel Valley Collaborative grant and deputy director of Active San Gabriel Valley, a nonprofit that supports environmental projects such as bike lanes and drought-resistant gardens.

The USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant was being administered by TreePeople, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that planted hundreds of trees a year before the funding stopped. The grant went to communities with insufficient tree canopies in the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, South Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, he said.

It focused on communities with fewer trees and with asphalt-created heat islands, including El Monte, South El Monte, Baldwin Park, La Puente, Lynwood, Paramount, Rialto, San Fernando, Sylmar and Altadena, all eligible for receiving new trees, Reutimann explained.

TreePeople was moving ahead with planting 3,600 public trees and was also planning on giving away 4,100 fruit trees to the public before losing the funding.

Two fruit tree giveaways, one on Feb. 1 and one set for Thursday, Feb. 13, both in El Monte, had to be canceled for lack of funding, he said.

Trump in late January put in place a sweeping freeze on federal funding, affecting pollution reduction programs, childcare education and HIV prevention research, among other programs.

After dozens of states sued, U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell issued an order unfreezing the money on Jan. 31, saying the broad freezing of funds was “likely unconstitutional.” But on Feb. 10, McConnell said the Trump administration was not following the court’s order.

Also on Feb. 10, the staff of Day One — a nonprofit and lead agency of the $20 million GREEN San Gabriel Valley Collaborative grant — could not get into the federal computer system that authorized the release of grant dollars.

“This morning, the staff of Day One tried to access it and it said: ‘The account is currently suspended.’ ” said Reutimann. “The EPA has not communicated with Day One since the inauguration of the new administration,” he added.

The GREEN project began work Jan. 1 on projects that would plant trees in parkways and school yards, add free rooftop solar and battery storage to 30 households, award 300 vouchers worth $2,000 each for people to buy cargo-style e-bikes, and funnel $3 million to complete a green street project with a bikeway in South El Monte.

When the six agencies who were divvying up the grant money submitted their invoices at the end of January, they could not be reimbursed. Reutimann said three Active SGV employees hired for the project were informed they would be furloughed if money was not restored.

“Some left other jobs to take this job,” he said, leaving these employees and the lengthy program in jeopardy.

“I am trying to remain optimistic the project will move forward,” Reutimann said. “We’ve been disappointed and frustrated due to the fact that we have a contract with the federal government and we thought that contract would be honored.”

Both projects are designed to fight the effects of global climate change. In an email to supporters, Active SGV said the GREEN project — five years in the making — was stalled after the two wildfires in January killed 29 and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, fires that may have been set in motion by fossil fuel-induced climate change.

Trees eat up carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, helping reverse the buildup of CO2 in the atmosphere that causes global warming. And by switching to cargo electric bikes, a person could take a child to school and even find room for groceries, instead of driving a gas-fueled car, Reutimann said.

If the money is restored, the GREEN project plans to help low-income communities swap out turf for native, drought-tolerant plants. It plans to build residential rain gardens at 60 households. With more soil and mulch, a rain garden can soak up storm water, which percolates into the ground water basin and later is used for potable water.

“Later this week we may face an extreme rainfall event. Capturing that rainfall and reducing flooding is something this project is designed to do,” Reutimann said.

Philadelphia churches deliver fire aid to Altadena and Pasadena faithful

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 14:05:55 +0000

One month ago, Jonathan A. Mason asked Terry Lynn O’Donnell one question: “What are we going to do about California?”

Turns out, the answer is: plenty.

Mason, pastor of Northeast Baptist Church and O’Donnell, his contemporary at The Church of Christian Compassion, mobilized their combined congregation of 1,200 in working-class neighborhoods in Philadelphia to gather $25,000 worth of emergency supplies. Then they hired two semi-trucks to deliver the goods to California.

“This is the epitome of ‘I am my brother’s keeper,’” said Anthony McFarland, pastor and founder of LIFT International in Altadena. “When one is hurting, we’re all hurting and it’s no good until we come together.”

Rev. Jonathan Mason, of North East Baptist Church in Philadelphia, visits with pastors from Altadena and Pasadena churches in San Gabriel on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 as two truck loads of supplies for Eaton fire victims, collected from Philadelphia churches, arrive. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

On Thursday, pastors from nine local churches and ministries, as well as the two pastors from Philadelphia, met the two trucks and unloaded supplies destined for fire victims. Darrin and Belen Doram, owners of the Grocery Outlet in San Gabriel, allowed the trucks to park in their lot and wait for church leaders to pick up the supplies.

Before the trucks arrived, Mason toured neighborhoods laid waste by the wildfire.

“This is what I saw: addresses with no more homes, columns with numbers and behind them, just shells and remains of houses. I saw cars parked in front of homes that were no more and families walking in the debris,” he said.

Mason said television coverage of the California wildfires did not feature communities of color “so it was important we impact communities who needed this and the pastors who lost churches and homes and are still helping.”

Aside from McFarland’s LIFT International, other churches and groups that received donations include Pasadena Church, Community Bible Church, Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Pasadena Community Coalition.

Their leaders unloaded everything from medical supplies, toiletries, water, baby formula, pet food, toys, cleaning supplies and non-perishable food for hours on Thursday, undeterred by rain.

Pastors from Altadena and Pasadena churches receive in San Gabriel on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 two truck loads of supplies for Eaton fire victims which were collected from churches in Philadelphia. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

“We thank the people of Philadelphia for their generosity and this heartfelt mission,” McFarland said.

For Mason, the campaign was personification of his mantra: “It’s a blessing to be a blessing.”

“Philly was really engaged in this,” he said, adding that support came from 30 community partners, from Baptist and other Christian churches to Philadelphia city leaders, fraternities, and businesses. Pennsylvania Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams paid for the cost of one of the semi-trucks.

The collection gathered such a surplus of supplies that after a medical jet crashed in a Philadelphia neighborhood on Jan. 31, the churches were able to donate to victims on the ground.

The Philadelphia pastors’ connection to Altadena was Mason’s Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brother Ron Carter, a public relations consultant who lost three structures on his Altadena property. His main house was one of three homes on his block that survived the fire.

“I’m struggling with survivor’s guilt and being able to give back helps,” Carter said. “This collaboration is a reminder that in the face of adversity, institutions can stand together as one to benefit the residents of different states.”

McFarland’s church on Lake Avenue, which he co-founded with his wife Micheline, as well as their home of 32 years, burned down in the Eaton Fire. Their pets, a four-year-old poodle named Ziggy and a cat named Sophie, also died in the fire. Of the 200 households in his church, 17 lost their homes and 26 remain displaced.

LIFT, which means Living In Faith Together, now uses a chapel at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Lake Avenue, meeting at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Its daily 7 a.m. prayer line is going strong too, Micheline McFarland said.

“It’s always been about unity, and I believe God orders our steps,” she said. The church is showing up, especially when things are tough. It’s not for nothing, McFarland said, that the church’s website is liftaltadena.org.

She said while she’s still in shock, she is also trusting God and others to go the hard way together.

That camaraderie is inspiring, agreed Amara Ononiwu, acting director of fire aid and relief for the Clergy Community Coalition. Ononiwu, who is part of the pastoral team at Cathedral Church in Los Angeles, said one of the top priorities is finding housing for all the displaced.

“This is just one of many instances I’ve seen of people coming together,” Ononiwu said. “This is when you’ll see faith rise and do what we’re meant to do, which is love our neighbor.”

Torrance hosts Lunar New Year Celebration on Jan. 11

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 17:49:11 +0000

The Year of the Snake will be celebrated with the first Torrance Lunar New Year Celebration in Torrance, hosted by the South Bay Chinese American Association of California and other organizations, on Saturday, Jan. 11.

Officially beginning on Jan. 29, the Year of the Snake follows the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese Zodiac as a year of transformation.

This will be the association’s first such Lunar New Year Celebration in the South Bay.

The SBCAAC, Jorge Herrera Avila said, has always been about “inclusivity.”

“We want to make sure that we welcome everyone in the community to come to this,” Avila said, “regardless of their race and ethnicities.”

The Lunar New Year Celebration will take place at 7 p.m. at the James R. Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, and will feature various performances, including traditional Chinese programs, as well as Mexican folkloric dances and a Hawaiian dance group.

The first Lunar New Year Celebration in Torrance will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11. Pictured is a fan dance from 2023’s festivities. (photo courtesy of the South Bay Chinese American Association of California)

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Amy Wang, SBCAAC chair and a Palos Verdes Peninsula resident, said the organization has “successfully organized numerous charitable and impactful community events.”

“Hosting such a grand and historically significant Lunar New Year performance is a moment of immense pride and joy,” Wang said in a statement. “I am deeply moved by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers over the years. Their selfless efforts have been the heart and soul of our success.”

Avila, a recently elected San Gabriel councilmember, said he is often asked how someone of Guatemalan decent became the president of the SBCAAC. His wife is from Chongqing, China, and he has visited the country several times. But, he said, his involvement with the organization highlights its efforts in promoting various cultures.

“China have different cultures within themselves, and even within the Guatemalan culture, we have something similar, where we have different pockets of culture that’s different from one part of the region to another part of the region,” Avila said. “That’s pretty beautiful to showcase and to be aware of.”

Other organizers of the event include the American Chinese Culture Association, Chinese American Culture Exchange Association, Roundtable of Chinese American Organizations, and the JinGuo Committee.

Tickets are currently limited.

For ticket information, email SouthBayChineseinfo@gmail.com.

Rose Parade reflects deepening diversity: current Latino president, LGBTQ leader in line and more

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 11:54:08 +0000

In the past 10 years, the Tournament of Roses has welcomed its first Asian-American, African-American, Latina and Latino presidents. Meanwhile, two LGBTQ grand marshals were chosen in the last eight years and the first gay president will take the helm in 2027.

“The organization has changed considerably during my time here,” said Ed Morales, the current president of the Tournament of Roses who will lead the parade on Jan. 1.

The recent spate of diversity demonstrates a wave of change for the 136-year-old organization that more than three decades ago was was slapped with the moniker “Tournament of Racism” by some activist groups.

The group, once criticized for leadership that was once all white and and all male, has been providing increased leadership opportunities to minorities ever since the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Black activist Danny Bakewell and local leaders including Rick Cole, an upstart mayor of Pasadena, challenged the tournament in the early 1990s, with one group even threatening to launch a counter-parade.

• Also see: Rose Parade 2025 lineup: Your guide to every float, band and equestrian unit, in order

It was about that time when Morales joined the organization. The changes he saw, he said, made it possible for a Latino with grandparents and a father born in Mexico to become president.

Morales further fueled the diversity trend by choosing tennis legend and LGBTQ pioneer Billie Jean King as his grand marshal.

The current diversity is the result of seeds of change planted decades ago, Morales said.

“These things,” he said, “don’t happen overnight.”

Ed Morales crowns Lindsay Charles as the 106th Rose Queen for the Tournament of Roses. Oct. 29, 2024. ( Hans Gutknecht)

A look back

Many point to the 1993 Rose Parade when then-Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “Tournament of Racism” under his regular shirt while riding in the parade. He showed the t-shirt to a reporter after the parade ended and the story exploded. But contrary to popular lore, Cole never flashed the t-shirt during the parade.

Cole got the t-shirt from activists who objected to the choice of a grandson of Christopher Columbus as grand marshal of the 1992 parade. “I went at them head on in a very confrontational way,” said Cole, right after Cristóbal Colón was picked in the fall of 1991.

Cole, 71, in an interview weeks after returning to the Pasadena City Council after years away, said the Tournament ignored the debate that has erupted over Columbus in recent years. While celebrated for centuries for his exploration that opened the doors to the Western Hemisphere for Europeans, a more harsh spotlight has been shone on Columbus recently, sparking debate over harm done to indigenous people under his exploration and governance.

“(The choice) was clueless … it reflected my view of the myopia of being a club of aging white men,” he said on Monday, Dec. 23.

The lack of Black or Latino presidents also helped to fuel protests calling for diversity. “They didn’t admit any black people for 75 years. There was no one female or black or brown eligible (for president). It took 15 years to work your way up. They said it was paying your dues but people invited pals from work, or church or the neighborhood,” Cole said.

• Also see: Rose Parade 2025: Your ultimate guide to watching from home

In 1992 and 1993, Cole and Councilmember Katie Nack, along with business and minority leaders, joined national Black leaders, including Coretta Scott King, Bakewell and Jackson. After Jackson said he’d launch his own parade on Jan. 1, the group met with Tournament leaders and a compromise was struck in November 1993.

In 1993, the Tournament added five at-large minority and women members to the executive committee, bringing new perspectives to the once closed group. Some eventually ascended to the presidency.

The Tournament itself wants its message to be very different in 2024.

Noting decades of change, Tournament leaders today point to not just Morales, but to events and initiatives throughout the year that illustrate what Tournament of Roses CEO David Eads said represents an organization that is “a positive force for change.”

“The Tournament of Roses has evolved significantly since its founding, while cherishing traditions of joy and celebration,” he said in a statement. “At the heart of the Tournament of Roses lies a commitment to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to reflect the diverse community we serve, recognizing that diversity strengthens our organization and enriches the experiences and events we create.”

Rick Cole (Photo: rickcoleforcouncil.com)

Cole, a harsh critic for years, has himself mended fences with the Tournament and will be seated in the grandstands on Jan. 1. “I think the Tournament is far from perfect. But I am proud of the progress it has made. And that is good for everyone,” he said.

Cole credited Gerald Freeny, one of the five added to the executive committee, as “an effective champion of institutional change.” After 123 years, he became the first African American president of the Tournament, serving from 2018 to January 2019.

The next year, Laura Farber became the first Latina president of the Tournament and only the third woman in that position in 124 years. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and a native Spanish speaker.

• For more Rose Parade stories, visit here

Before those two, in 2015, Richard Chinen became the first Asian-American to serve as president.

Greg Louganis, Janet Evans and Allyson Felix were announced as the 2017 Tournament of Roses grand marshals Thursday, November 3, 2016. The three Olympic legends and Southern California natives represent the Los Angeles 2024 Olympic and Paralympic bid committee working to bring the Games back to the City of Angels in 2024. (Photo by Walt Mancini/Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

In 2017, diver Greg Louganis, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, was the first openly gay person to serve as grand marshal.

On Jan. 1, lesbian, tennis standout and women’s rights activist King, from Long Beach, will be the second openly gay athlete to serve as grand marshal.

“Important for people to see themselves”

“I am the first Latino president,” he said, proudly. “And the first president of Mexican descent, which has some significance in L.A.,” Morales said, mentioning nearly half of LA County’s 10 million residents are Latino. “It is important for people to see themselves, to see people that look like them.”

Morales honored his grandparents who emigrated from Mexico to El Paso, Texas, by inviting the Pebble Hills High School Spartan Marching Band from El Paso. He also chose the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment marching band from Moreno Valley in Riverside County. Most students from the school are first-generation graduates. Also, 25% of the students have families in the armed forces, the Tournament reported.

Morales said as a lifelong resident of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, he is influenced by many different ethnicities that make up Southern California. He remembers his aunt sharing Mexican dishes with an Italian neighbor, who brought them stuffed shells for Easter dinner. He met Vietnamese Americans while attending elementary school in San Gabriel. And the family, now living in Pasadena, still go for pizza night to Petrillo’s Pizza restaurant on Valley Boulevard in San Gabriel.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses incoming President, Ed Morales and his wife Lisa Morales, announce the 2025 Tournament of Roses theme, xe2x80x9cBest Day Everxe2x80x9d at a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

“Meeting people from different cultures is very enriching. It is a very healthy thing. When groups get polarized, the genesis of that polarization is too insular,” he said.

Morales selected King for two reasons. He’s a tennis buff and second, he admires her work as an advocate for women’s rights and for LGBTQ rights.

“I have an LGBTQ child,” he said. “It is exciting to be able to choose somebody who could be a role model for Jessie.”

Billie Jean King is announced as grand marshal of the the 2025 Rose Parade on Monday, Oct. 7. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

His child, Jessie,19, is nonbinary, and goes by “they” and “them” pronouns, Morales said. Nonbinary is a gender identity and usually describes someone who doesn’t identify as a man or a woman. Jessie attends Emerson College in Boston.

Future president Terry Madigan, will take the helm for the January 2027 parade, but will be in charge from the third week of January 2026 until early January 2027, he said. He currently serves as Tournament treasurer.

Madigan is an openly gay man and member of the executive committee, from which the presidents are named after working numerous assignments for several years. An announcement of the future presidential line-up included a mention of Terry and his husband, something he said was subtle but brought him cheers from the LGBTQ community and from fellow queer members within the Tournament’s 936 volunteers, he said.

He and his husband, Kevin Sommerfield, have been together for 30 years. They were married in San Francisco where they met before California’s Proposition 8 banned same-sex marriage in 2008. The ban was overturned by the courts and Terry and Kevin’s marriage stuck, he said. They live in South Pasadena.

“It has never become an issue for me,” saying diversity has spilled over into acceptance of gender and sexual preference in the group. “I realized long ago If I don’t want people to gossip about me I need to be honest about who I am and my life,” Madigan said on Dec. 23.

Terry Madigan is the treasurer for the Tournament of Roses. Madigan, who is openly gay, is in line to be president for the Jan. 1, 2027 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game. (photo courtesy of Tournament of Roses).

Madigan, 60, like Morales, joined the Tournament during the tumultuous time of diversity tensions and protests. Both said they are products of the new, inclusive atmosphere at the Tournament.

“At that point, the leadership had an opportunity to turn our backs on the world. They chose to look out to the world,” he said. “That is when this diversity journey began.”

Madigan, who is a retired personal chef, also serves on the board of the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center, which is based in El Monte. The group hosted kickoffs for the group’s Pride tour at the Tournament House for two consecutive years, Morales said. Morales attended the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center’s grand opening/reception on Oct. 19 with Madigan.

He said the parade’s theme, “Best Day Ever,” meaning the experience of seeing the parade in person or on TV as a joyous day, will be something for everyone. “It is universal. It belongs to everybody, not just one group,” he said.

Madigan is hoping the new Tournament leadership will continue reflecting the melting pot of people in Pasadena and beyond, well into the future.

“The world is changing. And we need to change with the world. And we are,” Madigan said.

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Free fun things to do in August in Southern California

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:20:31 +0000

Why sit home because it’s hot? Get on out there. Here’s a list of free things to do this month that won’t cost you anything.

The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture will offer free admission on Aug. 1. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Aug. 1, Riverside: Free admission at both Riverside Art Museum (Julia Morgan Building) and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture 6-9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month during the Riverside ArtsWalk,that celebrates arts and culture in Riverside and the Inland Empire. riversideartscouncil.com/artswalk-venues

The Long Beach Municipal Band will perform free concerts Aug. 1 at Recration Park and Aug. 2 at El Dorado Park West. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham)

Aug. 1-2, Long Beach: Municipal Band concerts will have the theme “Music to My Ears.” 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Recreation Park (4900 E. 7th St.) and Aug. 2 at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Road). visitlongbeach.com/blog/summer-of-music-the-long-beach-municipal-band

The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena offers Free First Fridays, with complimentary admission on the first Friday of each month (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Aug. 2, Pasadena: Norton Simon Free First Fridays: If you’ve never been to this marvelous art museum, you should go. It’s free monthly on the first Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. There’s a lot to see so I’d get there early. It showcases the immense collection of the late billionaire Norton Simon, including masterpieces of painting and sculpture by artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Raphael, Van Gogh and more. Free parking. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena nortonsimon.org

Aug. 3, Los Angeles: Free concert on the Music Center plaza in downtown L.A. 7 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Bring picnics, blankets and chairs. A DJ from KRCW will spin tunes, and then Grammy-winning Americana artist Gaby Moreno will perform. Paid parking. L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles. musiccenter.org

Joshua Tree National Park, like all national parks, will offer free admission on Aug. 4 in honor of the anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Aug. 4, multiple locations: Free National Parks Day. Every National Park Service site will be free to visit in honor of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, signed in 2020. (Note however that some parks still require reservations). The best way to enjoy these free days is to get there at the crack of dawn, enjoy a day of nature and, then, when it starts getting packed, go eat or head home. (The next free day will be Sept. 28.) nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.html

A girl poses for a photo with a police officer during National Night Out in the Historic Mission District in San Gabriel. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Aug. 6, San Gabriel: The city will observe National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. (Check your city for National Night Out events in your area). Petting zoo, face painting, K-9 demonstrations, bounce house, balloon artist and food trucks. Sponsored by the San Gabriel Police Dept. Mission Playhouse Parking Lot. 320 S. Mission Drive. sangabrielcity.com

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is free for everyone on the second Tuesday of the month and free to Los Angeles County residents every day after 3 p.m. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Aug. 13, Los Angeles: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is free to all on the second Tuesday of the month, but also free for L.A. County residents every day after 3 p.m. The largest art museum complex on the West Coast, this collection includes everything from David Hockney paintings to ancient artifacts to free arts workshops. (Note that part of the museum is currently under construction.) Paid parking. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles lacma.org/tickets

Aug. 17, Los Angeles: Sister Sledge will deliver disco hits of the ’70s starting at 8 p.m. on the Music Center Plaza in downtown L.A. You don’t need tickets, but RSVP in advance online. Also, note free dance lessons will be offered on the plaza on Aug. 16. You’ll have to pay to park. L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles. musiccenter.org

Aug. 31, Redlands: Mountain Grove Labor Day weekend concert featuring Holy Crow, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 31. 27511 San Bernardino Ave., Redlands, mtgrove.com/events/

Various dates

Torrance Summer Nights (Aug. 4, 10, 17, 23-25, 31): All events at Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd. unless otherwise noted. Bring chairs, picnics and blankets. Aug. 4 Sangre Nueva Salsa Band. 5 p.m.; Aug. 10. Family Karoake Party Little Mermaid 5 p.m. at Nakano Theatre; 3330 Civic Center Dr.; Aug. 17. Movie Kung Fu Panda 4 at 7:45 p.m.; Aug. 23-25 Tryst & Nomad Art Fair, 12-6 p.m. Del Amo Crossing, 21535 Hawthorne Blvd.; Aug. 31 Petty Theft, Tom Petty Tribute 5 p.m. torranceca.gov/services/cultural-services-arts-and-classes/torrance-summer-nights

The Queen Mary is offering free ship admission for its “Meet Me at the Mary” Tuesday happy hours. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Long Beach Queen Mary (Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27): Free ship admission for “Meet Me at the Mary” Tuesday happy hours 4-8 p.m. in the Observation Bar. (Ages 21+) Live music and drink specials. Parking discounted $10. Must reserve online in advance. queenmary.com/whatsondeck

OC Parks Sunset Cinema (Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ): Activities begin at 6 p.m., movies start at sunset. Bring your chair and blanket. Aug. 2 “Frozen II” (2019) at Irvine Regional Park; Aug. 9: “Napoleon Dynamite” (2004) at Irvine Regional Park; Aug. 16: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) at Laguna Niguel Regional Park; Aug. 23: “13 Going on 30” (2004) at Laguna Niguel Regional Park; Aug. 30: “The Goonies” (1985) at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach ocparks.com

Concerts in Orange County Parks (Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22): Live music under the stars on Thursday evenings. All ages. Bring a blanket and chair. Food trucks available. Sponsored by OC Parks. Aug. 1: Ozomatli at Mile Square Regional Park; Aug. 8: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Mile Square Regional Park; Aug. 15: The FABBA Show (Abba tribute) at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach; Aug. 22: Jimmy’s Buffet at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, ocparks.com

Movies In the Park, Riverside (Aug. 2, 9): Movies begin at dusk. Aug. 2: “The Super Mario Bros Movie” at La Sierra Park, 5215 La Sierra Ave.; Aug. 9: “Elemental” at Orange Terrace Park, 20010 Orange Terrace Parkway. riversideca.gov/calendar/event/movies-park-0

The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach is free every Sunday. (Photo by Brittany M. Solo, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

Long Beach Museum of Latin American Art (Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 ): The museum is free every Sunday and always has interesting exhibits. Free docent-led tours are offered at 2 p.m. Sundays. Free advance tickets are recommended and can be booked online. Parking is free. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. molaa.org/visit

The Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles is free every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. (Photo by Richard Vogel, The Associated Press)

Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles (Aug. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28): The Autry is free every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. but reservations are required and limited.. Parking is free, too. Learn about Native American and cowboy ways of life, using historical artifacts such as stagecoaches, serapes, beaded clothing, firearms, photos and more. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org/free

Sierra Madre Movies in the Park (Aug. 2 and 16): Aug. 2: “Kung Fu Panda”; Aug. 16: “Haunted Mansion.” Movies begin at dusk. 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. cityofsierramadre.com/

Whittier Summer In The Park (Aug. 1, 8, 10): Aug. 1 Anything for Salinas/Selena Tribute; Aug. 8: Pop Vinyl pop and Top 40. Aug. 10: Screening of the film “Jumanji” starting at dusk. All events at Parnell Park, 15390 Lambert Rd. whittierprcs.org/recreation/summer-in-the-park

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Movies In the Park, Riverside (Fridays, July 12, 19, 26): Bring a chair and blanket to hang out on the lawn. Movies begin at dusk. July 12: “Wonka” at Reid Park, 701 N. Orange St.; July 19: “Kung Fu Panda 4” at Bryant Park, 7950 Philbin Ave.; July 26: “Trolls Band Together” at Lincoln Park, 4261 Park Ave.

Long Beach Municipal Band concerts (July 2-31): “Music to My Ears” theme. 6:30 p.m. start time. July 2 at Whaley Park, 5620 E. Atherton St.; July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 at Los Cerritos Park, 3750 Del Mar Ave.), July 9, 16, 23, 30 at Bixby Annex Park (aka Bixby Bluff Park) on Ocean Boulevard; July 11, 18 at Recreation Park, 4900 E. 7th St.) and July 5, 12, 19, 26 at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Road). longbeach.gov

The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach has free admission on Sundays. (Photo by David Allen, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA), Long Beach (July 7, 14, 21, 28 ): The museum is free every Sunday and always has interesting exhibits. Free docent-led tours are offered at 2 p.m. Sundays. Free advance tickets are recommended and can be booked online. Parking is free. 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. molaa.org/visit

The Autry Museum of the American West has free admission on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 1-4 pm with advance reservations. (Photo by Richard Vogel, The Associated Press)

Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles (July 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31): The Autry is free every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. but reservations are required and limited.. Parking is free, too. Learn about Native American and cowboy ways of life, using historical artifacts such as stagecoaches, serapes, beaded clothing, firearms, photos and more. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org/free

Visitors are back enjoying the Norton Simon Museum on May 27, 2021. Three guests view ‘Woman with a Book’ by Pablo Picasso. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Norton Simon Free First Fridays. Pasadena (July 5): If you’ve never been to this marvelous art museum, you should go. It’s free monthly on the first Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. There’s a lot to see so I’d get there early. It showcases the immense collection of the late billionaire Norton Simon, including masterpieces of painting and sculpture by artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Raphael, Van Gogh and more. Free parking. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena nortonsimon.org

The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo will have a free event featuring classic and custom cars on March 23. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres, Contributing Photographer)

Chevy show at Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum, El Segundo (July 27):

“Tri-Five Chevy Show” celebrates Chevy passenger cars from the years 1955, 1956, and 1957. Live music, food trucks and more. 10 am to 2 pm. Free admission, $15 to register a car. This museum features original and custom cars from the 1930s to the 1950s. Coffee, pastries, food truck and raffle. Open to all. 610 Lairport St., El Segundo. https://automobiledrivingmuseum.org/event/tri-five2024

An attendee walks past a K-rail mural during the art walk located in the Arts Colony in downtown Pomona on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. The art walk takes place on the second Saturday of every month. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Second Saturday ArtWalk, Pomona (July 13): This monthly event in the Pomona Arts Colony brings crowds to the streets as art studios, galleries, shops and more stay open late. 6-10 p.m. 119 W. 2nd St, Pomona. downtownpomona.org/events

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is free for all on the second Tuesday of the month and free to L.A. County residents every day after 3 p.m.. (Photo by Ed Crisostomo, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles (July 9): The museum is free to all on the second Tuesday of the month, but also free for L.A. County residents every day after 3 p.m. The largest art museum complex on the West Coast, this collection includes everything from David Hockney paintings to ancient artifacts to free arts workshops. (Note that part of the museum is currently under construction.) Children 17 and under who live in L.A. County can sign up for the NexGen program, where they can get in free any day and bring one person with them. Bank of America cardholders get in free the first full weekend of every month (Only the cardholder). Paid parking is nearby, beware of street parking in the afternoon — you could be towed. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles lacma.org/tickets

OC Parks Sunset Cinema (July 12, 19, 26 ): Activities begin at 6 p.m. movies start at sunset. Bring your chair and blanket. July 12: “Trolls Band Together” at Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Ave., Irvine; July 19 Barbie at Yorba Regional Park, 7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; July 26: “National Treasure” at Yorba Regional Park. ocparks.com

Concerts in Orange County Parks (July 11, 18. 25). Live music under the stars on Thursday evenings. All ages. Bring a blanket and chair. Food trucks available. Sponsored by OC Parks. July 11: Flashback Heart Atttack at Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Ave., Irvine; July 18: A Thousand Horses at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange; July 25 No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt & Gwen Stefani at Irvine Regional Park. ocparks.com

Canada Geese come up from the water at Whittier Narrows in South El Monte on Monday, July 9, 2018. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Pasadena Star News/SCNG)

Nature’s Open Door at Whittier Narrows Natural Area and Nature Center. (July 22) Open house featuring numerous organizations. Bird walk at 8 a.m. Other programs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.1000 S. Durfee Ave., South El Monte parks.lacounty.gov/whittier-narrows-natural-area-and-nature-center/

Mountain Grove summer concert series, Redlands. (July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) Concerts at the Mountain Grove shopping center, 7 p.m. On the food court lawn. Bring a lawn chair. July 3: Woody Garcia; July 10: Rolling Stone tribute band; July 17: Tom Petty tribute band; July 24: Twisted Gypsy Fleetwood Mac cover; July 31: Michael Jackson tribute. 27511 San Bernardino Ave., Redlands, mtgrove.com/events/

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Mass for slain San Gabriel Valley Bishop David O’Connell draws hundreds

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 17:15:53 +0000

More than 800 people gathered at the San Gabriel Mission Church on Saturday, Feb. 24, to remember San Gabriel Valley Bishop David O’Connell, a year and one week since the beloved Los Angeles Catholic priest was fatally shot at his Hacienda Heights home.

“We gather this morning for this memorial mass for Bishop Dave O’Connell, it is a moment to give thanks to God for his life and his ministry among us and celebrate his beautiful life,” said L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez to parishioners, after he and priests from all over the Los Angeles diocese followed a procession led by his picture.

It was one year ago, Feb. 18, when O’Connell, 69, was found shot and killed in the bedroom of his Hacienda Heights home. The priest’s death stunned Southern California’s Roman Catholic community, including Pope Francis, who had appointed him to administer churches in the San Gabriel Valley under Gomez.

O’Connell was long on the front lines of leading and organizing for the poor, and for helping migrants find a foothold.

His ministry in the Southland began in 1979, mostly serving South L.A. It would grow to serve the poor and the marginalized – a theme that ran through his work, even when he was named auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles by Francis in July 2015.
2 Women Robbed At 99 Ranch Supermarket In San Gabriel, 3 Suspects Sought

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:20:07 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — Police Monday released surveillance video showing a man steal a woman’s purse at a San Gabriel Grocery store, knocking her to the ground.

“So many people around,” one witness said of the brazen attack. “All the video cameras on.”

According to the San Gabriel Police Department, three suspects robbed the Asian woman inside of the 99 Ranch Market, 140 West Valley Boulevard, in San Gabriel Square Saturday at about 8:41 p.m.

“The lady got hurt right here, scratches,” the witness said, pointing to his head. “I saw a little bit of bleeding.”

While they were fleeing the scene, police said they robbed another Asian woman in the parking lot of the store. The women, both in their 40s, had their purses stolen.

“On the way back to their car, they robbed that lady also,” the witness said. “The girl (with her mom) was frightened.”

The suspects were described as three African American men in their 20s. Police said they believed the crimes to be strong-armed robberies with no weapons used.

A motive was not immediately known, though authorities said they believed the robberies to be isolated incidents based on preliminary information.

The witness said he thinks the trio targeted the shopping center, which has mostly Asian-owned businesses and Asian customers, looking for women carrying designer crossbody bags. He said he saw the men walking up and down the aisles before hand, seemingly casing the store.

“They were just wandering around,” he said.

The witness said the violent crimes were a shock to the local Asian community and urged shoppers to speak up if they see something suspicious and to be aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with additional information was asked to call the San Gabriel Police Department Detective Bureau at 626-308-2835.

Man Fatally Shot In San Gabriel

Wed, 19 May 2021 04:01:51 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — A man was fatally shot Tuesday evening in San Gabriel.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting happened at about 6:10 p.m. in the 500 block of West Norwood place, between Valley Boulevard and the 10 Freeway.

The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities did not immediately release a suspect description or possible motive.

Anyone with information is asked the call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

John David Corey Charged With Setting Fire That Devastated San Gabriel Mission

Tue, 04 May 2021 19:21:43 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — A 57-year-old man was charged Tuesday with setting the fire that caused extensive damage to the San Gabriel Mission last summer.

SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA-JULY 11, 2020-The 249-year-old San Gabriel Mission caught fire overnight and burned most of the roof and interior. The cause is unknown at this time.(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

John David Corey, a convicted arsonist also known as Joker, was charged with two felony counts of arson of an inhabited structure, one count each of arson during a state of emergency, first degree residential burglary and possession of flammable material, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

The case has been filed for warrant, and a date of arraignment has not yet been set, the District Attorney’s Office said.

SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA-JULY 11, 2020-The 249-year-old San Gabriel Mission caught fire overnight and burned most of the roof and interior. The cause is unknown at this time.(Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Prosecutors say Corey broke into the historic mission on July 11 and started the fire, which spread to the roof and along the length of the church. The church’s wood and pews were completely gutted, but firefighters were able to get control of the flames before they reached the altar and museum. The mission’s concrete exterior remained standing.

“The loss to the mission was in the millions of dollars, but the loss to the community is immeasurable,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.

The mission had been closed due to the pandemic and had been scheduled to reopen for mass a week before the fire. At the time of the fire, the mission was undergoing renovations so many of its priceless artifacts had already been removed for safekeeping and were not lost to the fire.

Father John Molyneux, pastor of the San Gabriel Mission, says the fire has rocked the faith of the entire community.

“But we are resurrection people. And we look ahead to the future with a renewed sense of hope,” he said.

The church is undergoing restoration work now, and they hope to have the roof repaired in time for the mission’s 250th anniversary in September.

Intact ‘La Dolorosa’ Painting Found In Charred Rubble Of San Gabriel Mission

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:45:20 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — An intact “La Dolorosa” painting was found recently in the rubble of the San Gabriel Mission’s main sanctuary, which was destroyed in a fire in July.

(credit: Daniel Macias/Angelus News)

The painting of Our Lady Of Sorrows was found on her Feast Day on Sept. 15, according to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Angelus News. It had been found under a burnt crossbeam.

The 249-year-old San Gabriel Mission caught fire and burned most of the roof and interior. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles says most of the valuable artwork inside the mission had been removed months before the July 11 fire. The mission was being renovated in preparation for its 250th anniversary in September 2021.

The “La Dolorosa” painting had hung above the sanctuary’s baptistry, and was left with some holes and blistering, according to Angelus News. An insurance company has pledged to restore the painting.

The source of the fire at the mission is still under investigation.

Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake Strikes Near South El Monte

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 15:40:33 +0000

SOUTH EL MONTE (CBSLA) — A 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Los Angeles area late Friday night, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The quake was centered less than two miles west-southwest of South El Monte and occurred at 11:38 p.m. Several aftershocks have occurred across the Los Angeles Basin since then.

The focal point of the earthquake was almost the same location as the M5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987, according to seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones.

There have been reports that the quake was felt in La Habra, Long Beach, Oxnard, Ontario, Pasadena, near the Beverly Hills area, and other regions throughout L.A. County.

Some residents said they felt jolts from about three seconds to possibly up to a minute-long.

All 106 fire stations in the city of Los Angeles activated, each checking their areas for damage, according to Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas.

RELATED: Earthquake Preparedness 101: How To Be Ready Before, During, After A Quake

This is one of the largest earthquakes in the Los Angeles Basin in a few years.

Jones said that 5% of the time, an initial earthquake may actually be a foreshock that is preceding a larger earthquake.

There is also an approximately 50% chance that an aftershock around 3.0 magnitude strength could be felt, according to Jones.

There were no reports of extensive damages or injuries in the city of L.A. on Friday night, Chief Terrazas said.

A preliminary survey has thankfully found no earthquake damage or injuries within the City of LA. Please follow @LAFD for emergency alerts & visit https://t.co/rpbvSN8Yg6 for essential disaster planning info. #StaySafe

— Chief Terrazas (@LAFDChief) September 19, 2020

The Los Angeles Police Department also said there were “no significant incidents to report” related to the earthquake, but urged residents to have plans in place should aftershocks occur.

Per our Department Operations Center, fortunately there are no significant incidents to report related to the 4.6 magnitude earthquake.

Be prepared for potential aftershocks & only use 911 for emergencies. You can use 877-ASK-LAPD for non-emergencies in the City of Los Angeles.

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) September 19, 2020

Call 911 for emergencies or dial 877-275-5273 (877-ASK-LAPD) for non-emergencies in the City of Los Angeles.

Check out the interactive USGS map for a more detailed look at the impacted areas.

Feds: San Gabriel Woman Allegedly Sold ‘Purported Cocaine’ That Caused Several Pasadena Overdoses; 2 Were Fatal

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 22:44:40 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A San Gabriel woman faces a federal charge for allegedly selling drugs that caused several overdoses in Pasadena.

Marisol Bolanos Hernandez, 35, was charged Friday with one count of drug distribution resulting in serious bodily injury, according to federal prosecutors. Bolanos was taken into custody Thursday by DEA agents.

Prosecutors say the defendant sold narcotics to several men who overdosed on Sept. 11, two of whom died.

One man and his friend were found unresponsive at a Pasadena location that night and taken to local hospitals. One of the men recovered, but the second died two days later.

The survivor, identified by prosecutors as A.C., was saved by a dose of Narcan. His urine sample tested positive for cocaine, prosecutors said. A.C. told Pasadena police he bought cocaine from a woman he called “Mari,” and shared it with his friend who died, and they both lost consciousness after taking the “purported cocaine,” an affidavit said, which also noted Bolanos was identified by A.C. out of a six-photo lineup.

Pasadena police seized white powder residue from the location, but it has not yet been tested, according to an affidavit.

Prosecutors allege Bolanos also sold the substance to two other overdose victims that night. Both of those victims were hospitalized, but survived. The affidavit said phone records linked Bolaros to a fifth, fatal overdose that night.

Bolanos was detained by Pasadena police Wednesday, and prosecutors say she admitted selling what she believed to be cocaine to three of the overdose victims, including A.C., on Sept. 11.

If convicted as charged, Bolanos faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Building That Houses 250-Year-Old San Gabriel Mission Sustains Extensive Damage In Fire

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 05:45:17 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — The building that houses the 250-year-old San Gabriel Mission sustained extensive damage in a fire on Saturday morning.

“It’s such a historical place — a lot of memories for me and a lot of memories for the whole community,” said one parishioner.

Flames raced through the mission on Junipero Serra Drive and Mission Road around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. Firefighters were able to stop the blaze before it reached the altar and the museum.

Inside, the wood and pews were completely gutted, while the exterior — which is made of concrete — still standing.

“It’s so sad. It’s tragic for the city. It’s our jewel,” said parishioner Sara Guitierrez.

The mission has remained closed for services as a result of the pandemic and was under renovation. It was scheduled to reopen next week for mass.

Founded 250 years ago, the mission has been inside this building which has been standing for 215 years. It previously survived the Northridge quake.

The facility brings with it a long history of the establishment of missions in the state of California.

Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez tweeted, “Our beloved San Gabriel Mission, founded in 1771, devastated by fire before dawn. St. Junípero Serra, pray for this land that you helped to found.”

Serra is recognized as one of the most important Spanish missionaries in the world. He founded nine of the 21 missions in California, but among some advocates, he is regarded as a controversial figure who forced California Native Americans to convert to Catholicism and destroyed their tribes and culture.

The California Catholic Conference of Bishops released a statement defending Serra’s impact, saying “he made great sacrifices to defend and serve the indigenous population.”

Last month, crowds knocked down a statue of Serra in downtown Los Angeles and protested at other locations about public depictions of the missionary. As a precaution, the San Gabriel Mission removed its Serra statue shortly after the protests.

The cause of the mission fire remains under investigation. Meanwhile, leaders are already taking steps to rebuild. A fire restoration fund has been set up for the church and is available on the San Gabriel Mission Catholic Church website.

CHP Officer Injured In Collision On Westbound 10 Freeway

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 23:27:05 +0000

MONTEREY PARK (CBSLA) — A California Highway Patrol officer was rushed to the hospital in unknown condition after a collision on the westbound 10 Freeway at New Avenue on Sunday afternoon.

CHP said at 1:46 p.m. that the number two through four lanes were blocked in response to the collision. All lanes reopened shortly after 3 p.m.

Additional details were immediately available from CHP about the condition of the officer or the circumstances leading up to the collision.

More information will be provided once it is known.

San Gabriel Man Dies After Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms, Widow Says He Was Never Tested For Coronavirus

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 00:02:54 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A San Gabriel man died Monday after experiencing flu-like symptoms, but his widow said doctors never tested him for the novel coronavirus despite his worsening symptoms.

Julio Ramirez was 43, a father of two and the picture of health, according to his wife Julie Murillo.

“No medical conditions that I knew of,” she said. “And he’s never been on meds.”

Murillo said her husband started getting sick last Monday after traveling domestically through Los Angeles International Airport. She said he told her that he sat next to someone who was coughing.

“That’s when he called Kaiser to see if he could go in because he was having fever, he was achey and he started getting like a little dry cough,” Murillo said.

RELATED: LA County Coronavirus Cases Climb Towards 300; 2 Deaths Confirmed

Murillo, Ramirez’s wife of three years, said his doctor at Kaiser Downey prescribed him Tamiflu and cough medicine over the phone. And on Wednesday, she said Ramirez called Kaiser again.

“And a doctor was supposed to call him back,” she said. “And he said he never got a call back.”

By Friday, Murillo said Ramirez was struggling to breathe so she took him to an urgent care facility.

“They started asking questions, but they were more concerned if he had traveled outside the county, not in the states,” she said.

Murillo said her husband was taken to an empty room and a doctor called him over the phone. She said he was given an x-ray and was told someone would call him with the results.

She said he was never examined by a doctor or tested for the novel coronavirus.

“I think that when they saw me pushing him in a wheelchair and seeing that he couldn’t breathe that they should have, somebody should have physically seen him,” she said through tears.

On Monday morning, Murillo found her husband dead in his bed. She was tested for the virus on Monday and has been self-quarantined ever since — waiting for the results and grieving alone.

“I am to the point that I get paranoid that if I am crying and I have a runny nose, is that one of the symptoms,” she said.

Kaiser Permanente said it could not comment on the case due to patient privacy, but said that they are committed to giving patients adequate and proper care.

The coroner’s office said it would not do an autopsy because Kaiser said Ramirez died of pneumonia, so Murillo is paying for an independent autopsy to find out if her husband died of the coronavirus.

San Gabriel Valley Man Obtained $147M In Digital Currency Scam, Feds Say

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 21:40:59 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A 62-year-old San Gabriel Valley man scammed more than 70,000 people to the tune of $147 million in a massive digital currency scheme, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Over a two-year period from 2013 to 2015, Steve Chen of Bradbury received large sums of money ranging from $1,000 to $30,000 from people who believed they were investing in a new digital currency, which Chen told them was backed by billions of dollars’ worth of amber and precious gems, the U.S. attorney’s office reports.

However, the entire operation was a bogus sham which Chen operated through seven fraudulent companies out of the same Arcadia address, prosecutors said.

One of those fake companies was called U.S. Fine Investment Arts, Inc. (USFIA).

Chen “falsely promoted USFIA as a successful multi-level marketing company that extracted amber and other gemstones from non-existent mines it ‘owned’ in the United States, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Mexico,” the DA’s office said in a news release.

Chen also offered fake bonuses such as cash, travel, luxury cars, L.A.-area homes and visas for immigrant investors, authorities said.

He has since agreed to plead guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of tax evasion, the U.S. attorney’s office reports. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison once he pleads guilty. He is due in court March 10.

“Mr. Chen’s promises to investors were as worthless as his non-existent mines and phony digital currency,” U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna wrote in a statement. “This case should remind all investors that trappings of success may convey legitimacy, but everyone should exercise extreme care when considering giving hard-earned money to any outfit promoting trendy products and extravagant profits.”

Anyone who believes they were victimized by the Chen can visit the following website set up by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which brought its own case against Chen back in 2015.

The FBI, IRS and Homeland Security Department assisted in the investigation.

Missing Hiker, 73, Raising Alarm Bells For Rescuers Near La Crescenta

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 06:15:12 +0000

LA CRESCENTA (CBSLA) — A 73-year-old hiker has been missing for more than a day near La Crescenta, officials said Sunday.

The man got separated from his group sometime Saturday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reports. The man and his friends were hiking a 6-mile route near La Crescenta on Mt. Waterman.

There is growing concern for the man as it was not clear what he had in the way of provisions.

He was later identified as Eugene Jo.

Officials called off the search Sunday evening after dark because of dangerous conditions. They planned to renew the search for the man at daylight Monday.

The search is being led by LASD, but agencies from the Antelope and San Gabriel valleys have been added to the search to aid in the hunt.

Teams were fanning out for miles in the Angeles National Forest.

Temperatures have been favorable, say search organizers. There was no word on the hiker’s experience level.

San Gabriel Neighborhood Still Reeling From Deadly Stand-Off

Sat, 08 Jun 2019 02:02:14 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — A San Gabriel neighborhood tonight is still reeling from a deadly stand-off Thursday.

Sheriff’s investigators spent the day searching for explosives amid charred ruins of the home near Saxon Ave. and Brighton St., where an hours-long standoff that included fires, fireworks, rubber bullets, a robotic officer, SWAT and a neighborhood evacuation ended in the death of the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Jose Salvador Meza.

RELATED STORY: Flames, Smoke Visible At Home Where Armed Barricade Suspect — Now Dead — Allegedly Shoots Shotgun Toward Traffic

Friday’s investigation meant keeping some neighbors away as the bomb squad did its work.

“It’s very devastating … a young man gone and … the home. It’s very devastating. It’s a sad moment for the neighborhood and a sad moment for the family,” one woman said.

Thursday’s stand-off started with a call to police around noon from a family member of the suspect who said the suspect had a gun. A man identifying himself as the suspect’s cousin spoke to CBS2/KCAL9 Friday.

“We all go through some ups and downs. We all have problems,” he said.

It remains unclear if the suspect was shot by deputies during the incident.

Mudslides, Downed Trees As Heavy Rains Continue To Pummel Southland

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 21:10:49 +0000

MALIBU (CBSLA) – The Southland is getting no respite from the stormy weather that has dumped several inches of rain since last week, with Los Angeles County likely to see steady showers throughout the day Monday as wildfire burn areas continue to experience mudslides and flooding.

The Pacific Coast Highway — which has been intermittently closed throughout the weekend — was shut down in both directions as of 1:30 p.m. Monday between Broad Beach Road in Malibu and Las Posas Road in Ventura County. Only residents were being allowed through.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard was also shut down between the PCH and Grand View Drive due to a mudslide. Caltrans crews were conducting repairs and there was no word on when it would reopen. Mulholland Highway remained closed between Kanan Dume and Las Virgenes roads.

Meanwhile, a flash flood warning expired at 12:15 p.m. for the Woolsey Fire burn area in L.A. and Ventura counties.

Mulholland Highway snake (just east of Kanan Road) is currently closed due to line work and huge boulders blocking the roadway. pic.twitter.com/TrWrXhXtAY

— CHP – West Valley (@CHPWestValley) February 3, 2019

Kanan Dume Road and Malibu Canyon Road were all open Monday after being shut down over the weekend due to flooding and debris flows.

With no vegetation to hold hillsides in place, there is the ongoing risk that too much water could send charred debris flowing into neighborhoods.

On Saturday, A construction worker was rescued after falling into a large sinkhole on Yerba Buena Road, near Yellow Road, north of Leo Carrillo State Park in the hills above Malibu. An excavator and its operator fell into the sinkhole. The road was shutdown indefinitely.

An excavator was swallowed up by a sinkhole on Yerba Buena Road north of Malibu. Feb. 3, 2019. (CBS2)

In the 300 block of North Arroyo Drive in San Gabriel, a large tree came crashing down on onto a parked car overnight Sunday. There were no injuries.

In the Hollywood Hills, two homes were temporarily evacuated Sunday after a portion of a deck collapsed on a hillside above. Officials determined erosion was to blame. No one was hurt.

Los Angeles County was expected to see up to 1 ½ inches of rain Monday, with up to 2 1/2 inches of rain in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills, the National Weather Service reported.

The Grapevine area could see snowfall late Monday and into Tuesday, with 8 to 16 inches of snowfall in elevations above 6,500 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains.

The showers should move out late Tuesday into Wednesday, with the next chance of rain Friday evening into Saturday, NWS Meteorologist Curt Kaplan said.

Rainfall totals for the year beginning Oct. 1, 2018, are above average and well above the previous rainfall year, Kaplan said. Downtown Los Angeles has seen 12.40 inches so far, with the average 7.5 inches and only 1.89 inches the previous year by this date, he said. The Sierra snow pack is 115-120 percent of normal.

Public Works is cutting up a large tree that fell on a car in San Gabriel. It’s been a busy wet weekend for this crew @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/necdOLZ2Xd

— Lesley Marin (@lesleymarin) February 4, 2019

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

‘We Thought It Was A Bomb’: SUV Crash Survivor Speaks

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 01:29:50 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — Alicia Zepeda says she thought it was a bomb.

Police say the driver who did it was having medical issues.

CBSLA’s Tom Wait sat down with the woman who was close to being killed at her San Gabriel home.

“We heard like a loud boom. We thought it was a bomb,” said Zepeda.

Zepeda describes the horrifying moment an SUV careened through her bay window covered in Christmas decorations. She and her friend were in the room, only a couple of feet from where the vehicle came to a stop.

“Glass just shattered everywhere. We were just in shock. I don’t know how we got out of there. I don’t even remember jumping over the pool table,” said Zepeda.

Zepeda was behind a pool table. It pinned her back. She had to jump out and go through the back door to escape.

“I ran to the street and the first car there I told him ‘please help me. There’s a car in my living room. There’s a man in there.’ I was just screaming for help,” said Zepeda.

Zepeda says the man was not conscious and his foot was apparently stuck on the accelerator. You can see the burned rubber from the tires. Pieces of the SUV are still in the living room along with all of the destroyed Christmas decorations and other cherished belongings.

“The insurance does not cover my personal items,” said Zepeda. “The owner’s insurance just covers the damage to the building.”

Seeing her home like this is not easy for Zepeda or her family, but they know this accident could have been much worse.

“I’m fine and my friend is too. I’m just sore and aching. And we can’t get it out of our minds. I haven’t slept. I haven’t slept because I keep think about the car coming in,” said Zepeda.

The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the damage.

Police: Suspected Hit-And-Run Driver Who Killed 1-Year-Old, Grandmother Has At Least 3 DUIs

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 01:56:34 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — A hit-and-run driver who allegedly killed a 22-month-old girl and her grandmother in San Gabriel has been arrested, and police said he has a history of driving under the influence.

Dennis Perez, 48, allegedly struck 59-year-old Meiyu Li and her granddaughter Paisley Chen with his pickup truck near intersection of Live Oak Street and Del Mar Avenue Friday night as Li pushed the child to a pre-Halloween party in a stroller. Police received an anonymous tip about Perez, as a well as dash-cam and security video of his blue Chevy S-10 leaving the area.

Perez reportedly did not stop the vehicle until he turned onto Las Tunas and kept driving. He has been booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. It is not clear if Perez was impaired at the time of the incident.

“I immediately saw how affected the officers were — not only the officers, notifying the next of kin,” said San Gabriel Police Capt. Fabian Valdez. Police confirmed Perez has more than three DUIs, but would not say if Perez had a valid drivers license.

Dennis Perez is suspected of killing Meiyu Li, 59, and her granddaughter 22-year-old Paisley Chen in a hit-and-run in San Gabriel on Oct. 26, 2018. (SOURCE: San Gabriel Police Dept.)

Sources told CBS2 News Perez has a drinking problem, a secret he revealed when he tried to hide his truck in his family’s backyard.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

Vigil Held For Father Of 2 Bludgeoned To Death At Santa Monica Pier

Sun, 23 Sep 2018 06:13:15 +0000

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — A vigil was held Saturday evening for Steven Cruze Jr., the father of two who was found bludgeoned to death early Thursday at the Santa Monica Pier.

Tonight, family and friends of the 39-year-old avid fisherman, wrote on balloons and released them at the end of the Santa Monica pier in his honor.

KCAL9’s Jeff Nguyen spoke to Cruze’s devastated loved ones.

Cruze sometimes slept underneath the pier friends said to get a head start on the commute to one of his two jobs.

“I’m missing him more and more,” said his mother Debbie.

Cruze lived in San Gabriel but worked two jobs in Marina Del Rey. Authorities initially and erroneously believed Cruze was homeless.

In addition to being hard-working, his family said he also loved to fish at the pier – and that is how his family wanted to remember him.

“It’s tough. That’s all I can say. It’s tough. Now, shoot, I can’t even come with my nephew over here no more. And that hurts,” said his uncle Steve Smith.

Cruze’s death comes after three homeless men were beaten with a a baseball bat in downtown LA last Sunday. Two of those men died, a third is still hospitalized. They were beaten while they slept.

The crimes were caught on security video. They show the suspect with a distinctive walk because of his bowed legs.

A fourth homeless person suffered critical injuries after he was attacked at an encampment early Saturday morning.

It’s unclear if Cruze’s case is connected to the other four.

But his mother is hoping to get closure for her grandsons who are 9 and 12.

She’s especially concerned about James, the older one.

“If we don’t find him, get him any justice, it’s just going to haunt him all his life if we don’t do nothing. He’s just so angry. He and his dad were really close,” said Cruze’s mom.

Police don’t have any leads. They believe the person who murdered Cruze did so in a robbery.

The family has set up a GoFundMe account.

Son James spoke of his father. Simple, eloquent and touching all at once.

“Hi I’m James. My Daddy was murdered under the Santa Monica Pier 9/20/18 he was the best daddy. He taught me how to fish and told me to be nice to everyone. I want to give my daddy a nice funeral. Thank you, James.”

Man, 80, Allegedly Shoots Wife And Son In San Gabriel

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 05:14:08 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — A man and a woman were shot Sunday in an unincorporated area of San Gabriel and the man who allegedly shot the pair was arrested, a sheriff’s lieutenant said.

It happened just before 2 p.m. in a home on the 6300 block of Muscatel Avenue in a residential neighborhood, sheriff’s Lt. Marsha Williams said.

The shooter has been identified as 80-year-old Adrian Ness. The victims have been identified as his wife and son.

Ness was taken into custody at the Sheriff’s Temple station and booked on two attempted murder charges. He is being held on $2 million.

The suspect’s wife is also believed to be in her 80s. The son’s age was not revealed but both victims were said to be in critical condition following surgery.

The shooting reportedly happened during a domestic violence situation.

KCAL9’s Crystal Cruz reported from the scene and said the exact cause of the shooting is unknown.

But one neighbor told her off-camera that the father and son were “having problems.”

3 Restaurants Destroyed In Massive 2-Alarm Blaze In San Gabriel Strip Mall

Wed, 16 May 2018 20:30:36 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) – A large two-alarm fire destroyed three restaurants in a San Gabriel strip mall Wednesday morning.

(CBS2)

The fire was reported at 6:19 a.m. at Valley Boulevard and New Avenue, according to Verdugo Fire Communications Center dispatchers. Plumes of black smoke and flames could be seen shooting hundreds of feet into the air.

“Coming this way it almost looked like an aircraft had gone down,” witness Chester Weaver said.

San Gabriel Fire Department crews were battling the blaze when they realized the roof was about to give way and collapse.

“They had started to remove themselves, and it did go ahead and collapse, so at that point, we pulled everyone off,” San Gabriel Fire Division Chief Art Stafford told CBS2.

(Kandiss Crone/CBS2)

There were no reported injuries.

Three restaurants in the strip mall were destroyed, according to the fire department. They were closed at the time.

“From what I’ve heard there were some workers, but they were immediately evacuated,” San Gabriel Fire Division Chief Art Stafford told CBS2. “There were no businesses in operation at the time.”

The fire is believed to have started in an attic space.

Valley Boulevard was shut down in both directions between New and Prospect avenues for several hours. It reopened fully just before 2 p.m.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the blaze. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was called in to assist with the investigation.

Police Pursuit Ends With 1 Of 3 Suspects Running Into Hospital

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 05:39:38 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA) — A person in a possibly stolen vehicle that was being pursued by police ran into a hospital in San Gabriel late Friday.

Police were following a white Scion, which might have been stolen, for reckless driving on the 210 Fwy.

The driver got off the freeway near San Marino Avenue and Las Tunas Drive before a passenger ran off and into nearby San Gabriel Hospital.

After the driver and another passenger were placed in police custody, LAPD set up a perimeter around the hospital and found the third person.

Police said they did not believe the person entered the hospital, but officers and security personnel monitored the entrances. K-9 units were also deployed in the area.

The hospital was not placed under lockdown.

San Gabriel Lawyer Admits Running $50 Million Visa-Fraud Scam

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 06:08:13 +0000

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California attorney has pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering as part of a scheme authorities say collected more than $50 million from wealthy Chinese investors seeking green cards.

Authorities say 35-year-old Victoria Chan pleaded guilty Monday to visa fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.

California Investment Immigration Fund (PHOTO: CIIF, Internet Archive)

She faces up to 45 years in prison when sentenced July 9.

Under the federal government’s EB-5 visa program, foreign investors who commit to spending at least $500,000 on job-creating projects can apply to obtain green cards granting permanent residency.

Chan admitted filing about 130 applications for such visas in exchange for construction projects that were never built.

Authorities say she used much of the money to buy properties for herself. She also returned some to the green-card applicants.

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast rewritten or redistributed.)

Pursuit Suspect Arrested In San Gabriel After Officer-Involved Shooting

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 17:02:23 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — A suspect who led police on a chase in an SUV into a San Gabriel neighborhood and ran off after exchanging gunfire with officers has been arrested.

Police conducting a traffic stop at about 4:30 a.m. gave chase when the driver fled the scene, leading officers into a cul-de-sac where he got out and ran off.

(credit: CBS)

It’s not clear if the suspect was injured in the officer-involved shooting. The suspect was taken into custody shortly before 9:30 a.m.

The eastbound 10 Freeway Del Mar Avenue carpool lane offramp and the westbound Del Mar Avenue offramps and onramps were closed at about 5:40 a.m. to allow police to search the area. The SigAlert for the closure was canceled at about 11:30 a.m.

Off-Duty LAPD Officer Shoots 2 Burglars Breaking Into His San Gabriel Home

Wed, 16 Mar 2016 05:10:27 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — An off-duty Los Angeles police lieutenant shot two burglars, he said, tried to break into his San Gabriel home Tuesday.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, two young men broke into the officer’s house in the 600 block of Los Olivos Drive through the kitchen window around 10:15 a.m.

The officer confronted the intruders. As they tried to get away, one of them reached for his waistband. That was when the officer opened fire, investigators said.

One suspect was shot in the leg and ended up in the driveway.

Dr. William Loskota, a neighbor, heard the homeowner yelling for help and called 911. “I thought it was something crashing. I went outside. Joe was there. I thought he was shot. He was down with the person he’d shot in his driveway. He had his gun in his hand. The guy was down,” Loskota said.

The retired anesthesiologist said the suspect on the ground was crying and told him he was 17 years old and had been shot in the stomach.

Investigators said the second burglar was hit in the stomach and leg. He hopped into a getaway car with two more suspects. All three were all arrested at a hospital.

Police said the homeowner is a 29-year veteran of the LAPD. He currently works at the Pacific Division.

Deadly Stabbing Investigation Underway In San Gabriel

Wed, 09 Mar 2016 13:16:59 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — Homicide detectives Wednesday investigated the circumstances surrounding the stabbing death of a man that took place in the city of San Gabriel.

Just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were sent to the 9100 block of Huntington Drive for report of a stabbing incident, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Upon their arrival, paramedics pronounced an adult Hispanic man dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.

At this time, no suspect description has been provided.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

San Gabriel Man Found Floating In Huntington Harbor Dies 7 Days Later

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:53:10 +0000

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are investigating the death of a 27-year-old San Gabriel man found floating in Huntington Harbor.

Caanan So was discovered floating in the Marina near 16847 Bolero Lane on Dec. 12, according to the Orange County coroner’s office. He was taken to a hospital, where he died at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, seven days after he was found, according to the coroner’s office.

So had attended a party near the Marina on the night he was found in the water, according to the coroner’s office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

Homicide Detectives Investigate Shooting Death Of Man In San Gabriel

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 13:55:02 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — Homicide detectives investigated the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a man in San Gabriel on Monday.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers were sent to the 1900 block of South Brighton Street for report of an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the San Gabriel Police Department.

“When they arrived at the location, they found a male Hispanic adult suffering from an apparent gunshot wound,” said Deputy Trina Schrader.

Paramedics transported the victim to a hospital where he later died. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.

According to detectives, the suspect is an adult man who was last seen running eastbound from the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident has been urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

Locals Plead For Better Traffic Safety After Car Seriously Injures 10-Year-Old

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 05:31:17 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — After 10-year-old Alexys Garcia was struck by a car near her school, residents of San Gabriel are pushing for more traffic safety regulations and crossing guards.

It was just last week when Garcia was leaving Jefferson Middle School and was struck by a car.

“She had a skull fracture, broken jaw, cheekbone fracture and fractured pelvis,” said Joeanna Garcia, the victim’s aunt.

Garcia’s family and friends showed up to the City Council meeting in San Gabriel on Tuesday with the hopes of enacting new safety regulations.

The family claims that the accident could have been prevented if a crossing guard were looking out for Alexys.

San Gabriel made a statement, saying: “City officials have already begun to reach out to their parents in Temple City and L.A. County to analyze the incident and the intersection, and the city is committed to determining whether there are ways to prevent it from happening again.”

Dan Garcia, the victim’s uncle, argues that the city needs to improve traffic safety right away.

“We need to invest in more crossing guards, and we need to invest in better traffic mitigation,” he said.

Alexys was supposed to go to a concert Thursday for her birthday, but her family has canceled plans as she will remain in a hospital for at least a few more days.

No decisions were made at Tuesday night’s council meeting, as it was just an open discussion.

Tackling ‘Mansionization,’ San Gabriel Places Moratorium On Home Teardowns And Additions

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 06:18:31 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — Seeking to preserve the historic character of its neighborhoods, the San Gabriel city council on Tuesday issued a moratorium on demolishing existing houses — many of them single-story structures — to make way for newer mansions.

The adopted ordinance is effective immediately and prohibits the city from issuing permits to homeowners looking to demolish existing houses or build second story additions on existing homes until the city updates its development standards, The Pasadena Star-News reported.

The two dozen applications already submitted to the city for new construction or demolition will be allowed to move forward.

The moratorium is a response to outcry from residents that “mansionization” is altering San Gabriel’s historic feel as quaint streets become overrun by garish “McMansions.”

“This is an issue that trancends the city of San Gabriel,” San Gabriel City Planner Mark Gallatin said. “It’s an issue that cities throughout the Los Angeles region are dealing with.”

There is also a ballot measure being put forward by Arcadia residents to limit house footprint and height.

Crews Shoring Up San Gabriel Valley Home After Part Of It Collapsed

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:33:20 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) —Construction crews worked Tuesday to shore up a red-tagged house in the San Gabriel Valley after its backyard collapsed into a wash following heavy rain.

Homeowner Ona Hu said she thought the loud noise she heard around 5:30 a.m. was an earthquake. “I was sleeping, right? I then I heard, ‘Boom!'” she said.

The loud noise was the backyard of her house in the 5300 block of Pondosa Street crumbling into a wash.

A county inspector said the deluge caused a temporary retaining wall to collapse, sending dirt underneath the driveway into a flood channel next to the house.

“You know that’s really scary. And then I wake the kids up,” Hu said.

“Basically, the concrete has collapsed into the pipe, the water thing. The gas meter is connected to the concrete, and it’s falling down with it,” Hu’s son, Allen Wang said.

For the past year, construction has been underway right next to Hu’s home. It is part of the San Gabriel Trench Project to lower the railroad tracks below ground level for a new rail line.

The family said they have noticed holes in their flooring prior to Tuesday morning’s collapse.

Crews have been shoring up the collapsed area. But it’s unclear if the house is livable.

“If the home is unlivable; we’re a public agency; we are required to compensate the family,” Paul Hubler of the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority said.

Mark Christoffles of the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority is in charge of the trench project. “We feel bad about the whole situation. We are relocating them for the moment, temporarily,” he said. “Hopefully, they don’t lose the entire structure, but if they do, we will replace it for them.”

The residents were evacuated after their house was red-tagged. They have been offered to stay in a hotel while they wait to hear the fate of their home they have been living in since 2008.

The trench project is being funded from transportation bonds approved by California voters.

Financially Challenged San Gabriel Food Pantry Faces Shutdown

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 23:51:41 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — A San Gabriel food pantry that has handed out food to families in need for 30 years will shut its doors next month if it cannot raise enough money to overcome significant financial challenges.

The People for People food pantry opened in 1984 with financial support from local churches. But over the years, as congregations changed, the food pantry lost that steady stream of funding.

The bills kept stacking up, however. The pantry’s expenses include utility bills, rent and repairs to its refrigerator and refrigerated truck.

Volunteer Sandy Tramell said the pantry closing would be a major blow to families and senior citizens in need.

“There are a lot of people who have a really hard time making it through the month with the food they can afford to get,” she said, fighting back tears. “So it’s sad to see it close.”

If the food pantry cannot raise enough money to cover its expenses, it will close as soon as Sept. 15.

Sewage Line Break Displaces Residents Of San Gabriel Assisted Living Facility

Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:58:18 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — Eight residents of a San Gabriel assisted living facility remained displaced Saturday following a sewage line break, police say.

Forty-seven people were evacuated from Vista Cove Care Center, located near the intersection of South Santa Anita Avenue and South Arroyo Drive, after the incident was reported around 7:15 p.m. Friday.

The displaced residents included 36 convalescent facility patients and 11 apartment residents, Lauren Gold, public information officer for the City of San Gabriel, told City News Service.

A spokesperson for the San Gabriel Police Department told CBS2/KCAL9 eight residents were displaced and transported.

Crews were working late into Friday evening to repair the break.

A preliminary investigation suggests the overflow was linked to construction work for the Alameda Corrido-East railroad project, located near the facility, Gold said.

Crews were still cleaning up the scene early Saturday morning.

RELATED STORY:

Crews Respond To Assisted Living Facility In San Gabriel After Sewage Line Break

Crews Respond To Assisted Living Facility In San Gabriel After Sewage Line Break

Sat, 06 Jun 2015 06:00:06 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — Authorities have responded to an assisted living facility in San Gabriel following a break in a sewage line.

The incident at the Vista Cove Care Center unfolded about 7:15 p.m. Friday, and prompted a dozens of ambulances to respond to the scene.

No one as of 11 p.m. had been evacuated from the center as officials were trying to determine the severity of the break.

Between 30 to 80 people could be affected as a result of the situation, but no injuries have been reported.

If necessary, the patients would be moved to other assisted living facilities.

“Right now, we’re kind of in a holding pattern to determine whether or not the sewer system is going to be restored. If that’s the case, we’re good. If not, we’re going to have a pretty significant event,” said one firefighter.

This is a breaking news report. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Police Chase Possible DUI Suspect From East LA To San Gabriel

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 05:45:36 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police pursued a possible DUI suspect in East LA in a chase that started on the northbound 5 Freeway as the driver briefly went on the 710 Freeway.

The unidentified suspect was speeding and often drove on the wrong side of the road, police said.

Most of the chase occurred on side streets and without headlights.

The driver also drove over sidewalks and through red lights.

He was going too fast to make a PIT maneuver, police said.

The driver hit a fire hydrant in the Alhambra area, disabling his vehicle.

The CHP approached the man and ordered him out of the vehicle.

The suspect was ordered to lay flat on the ground. He was apprehended, handcuffed and taken into custody.

At least six patrol cars chased the suspect.

During parts of the chase, Sky9’s Stu Mundel said the driver was moving in excess of 60 mph and “making a lot of dangerous turns.”

Pasadena Man Charged With Murdering Sister, Wounding Nephew

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 22:10:01 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 30-year-old Pasadena man was charged Monday with murder, attempted murder and assault with a firearm in connection with shooting and killing his sister and wounding his nephew.

Johnny Goins, who was arrested Thursday night by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies at a mall in Moreno Valley, was expected to be arraigned sometime Monday afternoon in Alhambra on the three felony charges.

The complaint also includes a sentence-enhancing allegation that Goins personally used a firearm, causing great bodily injury and death.

Goins is accused of going to his 32-year-old sister’s apartment in the 5100 block of Rosemead Boulevard in San Gabriel on Thursday morning and shooting her, Deputy District Attorney Kevin Keeland said.

Tanya Goins’ teenage son was also struck by gunfire, but his injuries were not life-threatening, according to the prosecutor, who plans to recommend that the defendant’s bail be set at $3.05 million.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces up to 52 years to life in prison.

RELATED: Woman Killed, Boy Wounded At San Gabriel Apartment Shooting

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

Coroner’s Office ID’s San Gabriel Woman Killed Thursday

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:31:51 +0000

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A woman who authorities believe was shot dead by her brother at a San Gabriel apartment on Thursday morning was identified by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office on Saturday.

Coroner’s Lt. David Smith identified the woman as 32-year-old Tanaya Goins. She suffered a single gunshot wound, and was pronounced dead at the scene in the 5100 block of Rosemead Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies were called to the scene at 6:40 a.m., following a report of shots fired. In addition to Goins, they found a 13-year-old boy, believed to be her son, who had minor injuries.

About 14 hours later, Riverside County deputies arrested the woman’s brother, Johnny Goins, 31, at a mall in Moreno Valley, according to Los Angeles County Deputy Trina Schrader.

Officials have said they believe the killing was the result of a domestic dispute, and Johnny Goins was identified as a suspect. Following his arrest, he was turned over to Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials, Schrader said, to be booked for suspicion of murder.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

Woman Killed, Boy Wounded At San Gabriel Apartment Shooting

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 17:41:26 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — A woman was fatally shot Thursday at an apartment complex in San Gabriel, and authorities say her brother is wanted in connection with the shooting.

Deputies responded to a shots fired call around 6:40 a.m. in the 5100 block of Rosemead Boulevard and discovered the body of a black woman in her 30s inside a unit, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said.

A 12-year-old boy, believed to be the woman’s son, also suffered minor injuries in the shooting. He was taken to a local hospital in unknown condition for treatment.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives identified the prime suspect in the shooting as 31-year-old Johnny Goins, the brother of the victim. He remains at large.

“It appears this was the result of some sort of family or domestic dispute,” said Lt. Victor Lewandowski of the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Firefighters Rescue Construction Worker From 40-Foot Trench In San Gabriel

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 17:38:26 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters Monday rescued a construction worker who had fallen in a 40-foot trench in San Gabriel.

The incident was reported around 8:30 a.m. at a construction site at Main and Ramona streets, according to the San Gabriel Fire Department.

It was unclear how the man fell into the trench, which was six feet wide.

He was hoisted up at 9:35 a.m.

His condition was unknown.

Man Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Shooting Of Pomona SWAT Officer

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 03:04:37 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A suspected motorcycle gang member has pleaded not guilty to gunning down a Pomona police officer.

City News Service says 36-year-old David Martinez entered the plea Wednesday in Los Angeles to a charge of murder with special circumstances. Prosecutors haven’t decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Authorities say a Pomona SWAT officer, Shaun Diamond, was shot on Oct. 28 as he helped serve a warrant at a home in the Los Angeles suburb of San Gabriel.

A shotgun blast struck Diamond in the head and he died the next day.

Los Angeles County prosecutors say Diamond was part of multiagency police operation targeting members of the Mongols motorcycle gang.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Pomona SWAT Officer Shot In Head ‘Clinging To Life’

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 18:20:22 +0000

SAN GABRIEL (CBSLA.com) — A Pomona SWAT officer was shot Tuesday morning while serving a search warrant at a San Gabriel Valley home.

Officer Shaun Diamond, 45, was shot in the back of the head as he helped serve a warrant at a home in the 100 block of San Marino Drive in San Gabriel, the Pomona Police Department said. Diamond was one of several officers trying to open the outer door of the home when “the interior door opened and he was met with gunfire.”

Sheriff’s Lt. Eddie Hernandez said one shot was fired from a shotgun, apparently striking Diamond in the back of the head, even though the officer was wearing a Kevlar helmet.

Preliminary information indicated that officers did not return gunfire, Nishida said.

“The officers at this point didn’t have a clear shot at the suspect,” he said. “The suspect, we’re being told, laid on the ground and put the firearm to his side. Also the (suspect’s) father was in the way and at that point it became a rescue operation to get the officer some medical attention. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.”

The suspect was identified as David Martinez, 36, of San Gabriel.

Martinez’s father was also injured when the shot was fired. Hernandez said the man was struck in the left arm above the elbow.

Martinez was booked on suspicion of attempted murder on a peace officer and was being held on a $4 million bail. Sheriff’s officials said Martinez has a criminal history that includes assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.

Diamond began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department, then joined the Pomona department in 2006, Pomona police Chief Paul Capraro said. Diamond joined the SWAT team in 2008.

“He’s a top notch guy — a great sense of humor and just a wonderful human being,” Lt. Mike Keltner said Diamond.

The shooting occurred while officers were serving a search warrant that stemmed from a larger investigation involving outlawed motorcycle gangs, according to police.

“Motorcycle gangs, just like typical other gangs, are involved with drugs, laundering money, weapons, violence — anything that enhances their gangs,” Keltner said.

Numerous other warrants related to that investigation were also served throughout the LA area.

A command post was set up in the area of Las Tunas and San Marino avenues in San Gabriel.

Hesperia Lawmaker To Protest San Gabriel Mountains ‘Land Grab’

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 20:30:18 +0000

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — A Southern California lawmaker is set to protest what he says is a “federal land grab” by the Obama Administration.

KNX 1070’s Bob Brill reports Assemblyman Tim Donnelly issued a warning ahead of a scheduled visit by President Obama to the San Gabriel Mountains, where he is expected to declare 600,000 acres of the land as a “national monument.”

Any move by the White House to take control of a large swath of land adjacent to the Angeles National Forest and portions of the San Bernardino National Forest could force the closure of popular local attractions such as the Mount Baldy ski resort, the Burro Canyon shooting range and hiking and biking trails, according to Donnelly.

New permit, parking and access fees could be imposed and local mineral and water rights could also be affected by the designation, Donnelly said.

Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks) will announce a planned protest at a Pasadena park where Mr. Obama is set to speak Friday, according to Donnelly’s office.

HR 4858 (PDF), a bill authored by Pasadena Congresswoman Judy Chu to designate the land a National Recreation Area, is currently being reviewed by a Congressional committee.

But Donnelly alleges Chu is hoping to bypass Congressional oversight by having President Obama make the declaration using an executive order.

“What we see here is somebody trying to make a name for themselves, in this case Congresswoman Judy Chu, but she’s doing it and ramrodding it over the objections of a huge portion of the community,” said Donnelly.

Among those objectors: Glendora Mayor Judy Nelson, who has registered her opposition to the plan as a private citizen and not in her official capacity for the city of Glendora.

“The reason for [monument declarations] is to protect and preserve, which means restrict and regulate,” said Nelson.

In addition to the planned protest, a number of citizens and elected officials were expected to deliver letters of opposition to Chu’s office Monday.

The San Gabriel Mountains provide over 70 percent of open space in Los Angeles County and host over 3 million visitors a year, nearly as many visitors as major national parks like Yellowstone, according to Chu’s office.