How billionaires have sidestepped a tax aimed at the rich
By Paul Kiel, ProPublica
Series: The Secret IRS Files: Inside the Tax Records of the .001%
Fourteen years ago, Congress set out to remedy a basic unfairness in the tax code. The tax that funds Medicare, because it’s aimed mainly at wages, hits even the poorest American workers. But the wealthy could easily avoid paying their share. So lawmakers created a new type of Medicare tax to capture the kinds of income the rich often enjoy: interest, dividends and capital gains from investments.
A host of billionaires — sports team owners, oil barons, Wall Street traders and others — have managed to avoid paying it, ProPublica found.
To study who was actually paying the new tax, ProPublica analyzed its trove of IRS data containing information on thousands of the wealthiest Americans. We identified 17 people who, in the first six years of the law, 2013 through 2018, each shielded at least $1 billion in capital gains from the tax. Together, this small group, by collectively exempting more than $35 billion, saved about $1.3 billion in taxes.
Most members of the group were able to sidestep the tax because of a huge gap written into the law, which allows owners to exempt gains from the sale of their businesses. They include Donald Sterling, the disgraced former NBA team owner who avoided the tax
when he sold the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer for $2 billion in 2014. But others eluded the tax in ways that raise questions about how the law is being enforced.
One clear target of the new tax was investment professionals who rack up capital gains. Yet ProPublica found examples in the IRS data of financiers who claimed outsize profits but did not pay the tax. Tax experts contacted by ProPublica said they couldn’t think of a legitimate reason why those individuals
were exempt.
Lynn Tilton, a hard-charging private equity manager, who has been dubbed the “diva” of distressed asset investing, is one example. The biggest avoider of the new tax in the data was Jeff Yass, the Republican megadonor who sits atop one of the most profitable trading firms in the world.
Both Medicare tax and its twin, the Net Investment Income Tax, as the new levy was called, are easily avoided
by business owners. Earlier this month, ProPublica revealed how some of Wall Street’s most powerful people use a loophole to avoid paying Medicare tax on their share of their firms’ profits. Eliminating these ways around the taxes, as House Democrats proposed to do in a 2021 bill, would raise an estimated $250 billion over 10 years. Medicare, the federal program that provides health care for some 68 million seniors, is projected to run short of money in 2036.
“It becomes a pretty glaring problem when you have ultra-rich individuals layering loopholes on top of loopholes to dodge both the NIIT and Medicare taxes,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, in a statement. “To the nurse or the janitor whose taxes come straight out of their paychecks, it’s ridiculous to see these examples of fabulously wealthy individuals enjoying huge windfalls and continuing to avoid paying a fair share.”
The NIIT, together with its holes, entered the tax code as part of the Obama administration’s push to pass the Affordable Care Act. In need of ways to help pay for a major expansion of government health care subsidies, Democratic lawmakers embraced the idea of this new tax on investments.
The aim was to level the playing field. All workers pay
LA County board declares emergency over juvenile hall,
defies state's shutdown order
By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com
The Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency last week to keep Los Angeles County's one juvenile hall operating after state regulators ordered the facility to close.
The Dec. 17 proclamation, introduced in a motion by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Hilda Solis and passed with a 5-1 vote, instructs county attorneys and staff to do a series of actions necessary to keep Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey operating.
Supervisors focused their call to action on increasing staffing, based on the notion that chronically insufficient numbers of probation officers during shifts are commonplace and the root of the troubled hall's problems.
Supervisors heard hours of public comments calling the action racist and a failure to demand accountability prior to the proclamation, which initially called for county attorneys to take all actions necessary to prevent detained youth from being released from the facility due to the state's closure order. The board amended it to instruct the Probation Department to explore alternative options for housing Los Padrinos detainees accused of nonviolent offenses, such as release to communitybased step-down facilities
or to their homes with appropriate monitoring.
Barger said the emergency declaration was a "drastic" response to a dire situation — the state ordered the Los Padrinos closure when the county has no alternative location to transfer the approximately 240 youth detained there.
Los Padrinos has been plagued with management and operational issues since it reopened last year to house youth from Central Juvenile Hall in Boyle Heights and Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar, both of which the state ordered the county to close.
State regulators have identified issues at Los Padrinos that include shortstaffing, attempted escapes and allegations of violence among youths detained at the facility, sometimes witnessed by probation officers who allegedly did not intervene. In October, the Board of State and Community Corrections, which oversees detention facilities, determined Los Padrinos was unsuitable to house youth and set a Dec. 12 deadline for the LA County Probation Department to correct staffing deficiencies or close the facility.
In October, the Board of State and Community Corrections, which oversees
This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
Arcadia voters approve $358M bond measure for school district
By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com
Arcadia voters soundly approved Measure
AS to provide a $358 million school bond intended to enhance safety, security, technology and facilities, the Arcadia Unified School District announced Thursday.
The bond needed a 55% majority in the Nov. 5 election and received 13,052 yes votes, or 61.3%.
The funding is for upgrading classrooms and campus buildings to enhance safety measures designed to address immediate and long-term needs with the goal of making school facilities more efficient, secure and conducive to contemporary learning methods, according to the city.
“I’m very appreciative of the voters who supported this critical investment in our schools,” AUSD Superintendent David Vannasdall said in a statement.
“The funding formula in California forces schools to ask their communities for support to complete any significant facilities upgrades to campuses, and our community has high
expectations for an excellent education and schools for their children as they should.”
Measure AS dollars will renovate outdated classrooms, integrate new technological capabilities and develop "flexible, collaborative spaces," officials said. Newly designed classrooms and specialized learning areas are also part of the plan to accommodate the AUSD's increasing enrollment and the growing demand for specialized instruction, such as science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM programs that have become progressively more key to preparing students for future academic and workforce pursuits.
The AUSD noted safety concerns that the bond measure aims to address.
"The last couple of years have seen a record number of school shootings in the U.S.," according to the school district. "We need to keep our schools, students, and staff safe. In addition, we have other significant safety concerns, such as repairing aging roofs,
plumbing, restrooms, and deteriorating gas and sewer lines; removing asbestos and lead paint; updating outdated electrical systems and security and fire systems; and making earthquake safety repairs and improvements."
Officials said the measure reflects the school district's commitment to ensuring that Arcadia schools continue to provide a top-level education while meeting the community's changing needs.
The AUSD is one of the few Los Angeles-area school districts that has experienced enrollment growth rather than decline, and the bond measure will impact the district "for generations to come," officials said.
Of the 26 school districts in LA County that put facilities bonds on the November ballot, voters passed all except for three passed. The statewide passage rate was lower, with voters enacting 70% of school districts' bond measures.
The funding puts into action a Facilities Master
Plan the AUSD created throughout the 2023-24 school year that identified repair and improvement needs totaling over $700 million.
"It was a lengthy and rigorous process that allowed input from students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members including local police and fire officials," according to the city. "In addition to a Facilities Master Plan Committee that held meetings throughout the year, each school had meetings to provide input, and a community-wide survey was conducted allowing for further input into the future design of Arcadia Unified schools."
As with other recent voter-approved ballot initiatives — Measure I, a $218 million facilities bond passed in 2006, and Measure A, a $77 million parcel tax approved in 2017 — a citizens’ oversight committee will oversee Measure AS expenditures. More information on Measure AS is available at ausd.net.
A time-worn locker room at a school in the Arcadia Unified School District will likely be renovated with Measure AS funding. | Photo courtesy of the AUSD
Amazon Teamsters go on strike in Southern California, elsewhere
By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com
Workers at four Amazon warehouses in Southern California were on strike last week, claiming the retail giant refuses to recognize their union and negotiate fair contracts.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, announced their members in Palmdale, Victorville, Industry and San Bernardino voted to authorize strikes. The strike authorization was in response to Amazon ignoring a Sunday deadline for a collective bargaining meeting, according to the union.
Amazon Teamsters went on strike at 3 a.m. Dec. 17, joining unionized Amazon workers at facilities across the country who also went on strike.
"The corporate elitists who run Amazon are leaving
workers with no choice,"
Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien said in a statement.
“If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed. We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do
right by our members. They ignored it." O’Brien said.
“These greedy executives had every chance to show decency and respect for the people who make their obscene profits possible. Instead, they’ve pushed workers to the limit and now they’re paying the
price. This strike is on them.”
Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hards said the Teamsters have misled the public for over a year by falsely claiming they represent thousands of Amazon employees and drivers.
"The truth is that the
Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union," Hards said in a statement.
The SoCal workers are joining employees who also recently authorized similar strikes at sites located in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Illinois.
These Amazon facilities in Southern California would be affected:
-DFX4 located at 15272 Bear Valley Road, Victorville;
-DAX5 located at 15930 Valley Blvd., Industry;
DAX8 located at 600 W. Technology Drive, Palmdale; and
- KSBD air hub located at the San Bernardino International Airport.
Union officials called the work stoppage "the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history" and noted that Amazon, worth more than $2 trillion, is the secondlargest corporation on the Fortune 500 list.
SoCal man charged with allegedly acting as foreign agent
By City News Service
ASouthern California man was arrested last week on federal charges for allegedly acting on behalf of the People's Republic of China to influence a local city council election.
Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, of Chino Hills, was arrested without incident and was expected to make his initial appearance Dec. 19 in downtown Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
A criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court charges Sun with acting as an illegal agent of a foreign power. He is also charged with conspiring with another man, Chen Jun, who was sentenced to federal prison last month for acting as an illegal agent of the PRC government and plotting to target U.S.-based practitioners
of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China, federal prosecutors said.
According to the complaint, Sun served as the campaign manager and close personal confidante for an unnamed Southern California politician who was running for city council of a city in the area — not named in court papers — in 2022.
During the campaign, Sun allegedly communicated with Chen regarding his efforts to get the politician elected. Chen discussed with Chinese government officials how the PRC could "influence" local politicians in the United States, particularly on the issue of Taiwan, according to the complaint.
In November 2022, shortly after the politician was elected to the city council, Chen instructed
Sun to prepare a report on the election that was sent to Chinese government officials, who responded positively and expressed thanks, according to the complaint affidavit.
Chen also sent a message to the newly elected politician stating that the politician was "doing a good job, I hope you can continue the good
work, make Chinese people proud," the affidavit states.
About a month after the election, Chen arranged a lunch at a Rowland Heights restaurant with Sun and others, a gathering that Chen described to a PRC official as a "core member lunch," the affidavit alleges.
Court papers allege Chen subsequently
described the lunch as "successful" as participants agreed to establish a "US-China Friendship Promotional Association."
While the politician did not attend the meeting, Chen described him as being part of the association and Sun serving as vice president. "This is the basic team dedicated for us," Chen wrote to the Chinese government official, prosecutors allege.
"This case highlights the breadth of the PRC's relentless intelligence and malign influence activities targeting the United States," according to a statement from Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.
Early last year, Sun and Chen drafted two reports to PRC officials — one
of which requested an $80,000 budget to fund additional pro-PRC activities and to combat "antiChina forces" in the United States, the DOJ alleges.
After Chen and Sun discussed a planned trip to the PRC to meet with "leadership," and after Chen directed Sun to schedule a meeting with the Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, Sun and the city council member traveled to China in late August 2023, according to federal prosecutors.
The charge of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government carries a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, while the offense of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States carries a possible sentence of up to five years, prosecutors noted.
Amazon Teamsters in Southern California prepare for a holiday strike. | Photo courtesy of Teamsters/Facebook
at least 2.9% in Medicare taxes on their wages, an amount usually deducted automatically from their paychecks. The NIIT, for highincome taxpayers (defined as $250,000 and up for a married couple), subjected investment income to a 3.8% rate. That mirrored the Medicare tax rate that workers earning over the same threshold paid under the new law.
But while the tax was a bold step, the ACA’s lead negotiators had navigated various interest groups to piece the bill together and were afraid of whom their new tax might provoke. Behind closed doors, Democratic leaders hashed out a compromise that carved active business owners out of the tax.
The small-business owner is a hallowed figure on Capitol Hill, and an army of lobbyists and trade groups stand ready to mobilize against any bill that arguably disadvantages small businesses. The Democrats crafting the NIIT were wary of such a campaign.
Democrats wanted to avoid “a swing state Dem being attacked for punishing an entrepreneurial hardworking person” with the tax, said Robert Andrews, a former Democratic U.S. representative from New Jersey who was among the negotiators.
The phrase “small business” conjures images of Main Street grocers, plumbers or garage-based startups, but the types of business that benefit from the carve-out range from small to enormous. There are millions of passthrough businesses, so called because the income earned and taxes owed pass through to the owner. Only a small number of such businesses are worth $100 million or more, yet the owners of the largest businesses are likely the prime beneficiaries of the exemption.
Owners of passthrough businesses with significant revenue already enjoy plenty of tax perks, as ProPublica showed in previous stories.
The NIIT carve-out added to that list. The carve-out meant that when they sold their businesses, or portions of them, they’d be spared any extra charge beyond income tax on their capital gains. They’d pay a lower tax rate on those gains than on virtually any other form of investment.
“What we’re left with in terms of these gaps are nonsensical results,” said Steve Rosenthal of the leftleaning Tax Policy Center.
When Sterling sold the LA Clippers, virtually the entire $2 billion sale price was taxable capital gain, because he’d bought the team for $12.5 million in 1981. Sterling, who made his money in LA real estate, did not give the impression of someone who enjoyed owning an NBA franchise. He was notorious for deriding his own players and underinvesting in the team. But it was only a scandal, a leaked private recording in 2014 of him urging his girlfriend not to be seen “associating with Black people,” that forced him to sell after the NBA banned him.
It was the biggest payday of Sterling’s life by far. He paid substantial income tax on the capital gain from the sale, but the exemption from the NIIT saved him around $70 million. Neither Sterling, who is 90, nor his tax preparer responded to requests for comment.
In ProPublica’s database, most of the biggest winners from the NIIT carve-out were owners, like Sterling, selling their privately held businesses. Among those exempting gains of $1 billion or more were four moguls from the fossil fuel industry spared the extra tax when they sold off portions of their oil, natural gas or coal empires. The carve-out saved each of the four between $45 million and $87 million in taxes.
The NIIT carve-out was huge and costly, but it didn’t apply to all business owners. Owners who are merely passive investors in a business, for instance, must pay the NIIT on that income. And Congress singled out
Tax Records
securities traders as clearly subject to the tax.
The NIIT was targeted at “high-income people who lived off investments,” remembered Andrews. It was designed to hit “someone who is day-trading, someone who is arbitraging the market,” he said, referring to the practice of exploiting mismatched prices of securities, like stocks or bonds.
That could serve as a loose description of what Yass’ firm, Susquehanna International Group, is renowned for. Yass, a former professional poker player who thrives on taking wellcalculated risks, amassed an army of traders at Susquehanna to outwit the market. They are hired to execute computer-driven strategies that seize on advantages at the microsecond level and search for situations that, through a cleverly executed arbitrage, they can exploit. The firm deals extensively in options as well as other securities. Susquehanna has been immensely profitable; Forbes estimates Yass’ fortune at $50 billion.
From 2013 through 2018, Yass reported a total of $9 billion in capital gains on his taxes, according to ProPublica’s IRS trove, but excluded $8.5 billion of those gains from the NIIT. That saved him more than $300 million in taxes during those years. Two of Yass’ Susquehanna partners, Arthur Dantchik and Joel Greenberg, also excluded billions in gains from the NIIT during that time: $2.1 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. Together, they saved about $120 million.
In 2013 and 2014, Yass managed to wipe out not only his gains for the purpose of the NIIT but also hundreds of millions in interest and dividend income. In each of those years, his tab for a tax crafted to target traders like him amounted to $0.
Tax experts contacted by ProPublica struggled to explain how Yass and his Susquehanna partners could justify excluding their firm’s gains from the NIIT.
“Although the principal here is active in the business, the business is trading in financial instruments,” said Andrew Needham, a former attorney with Cravath, Swaine & Moore who has written extensively on how tax laws apply to hedge funds and other financial firms and now teaches at New York University School of Law. That means Yass’ gains should be subject to the NIIT, he said. “I don’t know what his theory is.”
A Susquehanna spokesperson, speaking on behalf of Yass and his partners, declined to respond to a list of questions.
Yass, a longtime libertarian, gave $95 million last election cycle to conservative groups, especially the antitax Club for Growth, putting him among the largest political donors in the country.
Yass has a history of taking bold positions on his tax returns. The IRS recovered more than $75 million from Yass after one protracted audit fight that spilled into court, and Susquehanna is currently in court fighting another audit. In an earlier story, ProPublica detailed how Yass and Susquehanna engineered the firm’s investments to transform income normally taxed at the high, ordinary rate into income taxed at the 20% long-term capital gains rate. Those maneuvers saved Yass over $1 billion in taxes.
ProPublica analyzed the tax data of hundreds of the wealthiest hedge fund and private equity managers to understand how they were complying with the NIIT. Huge, blanket exemptions among finance moguls like Yass were rare, we found, but when they did occur, the cost to the Treasury was considerable.
Tilton won fame on Wall Street as the brash, stiletto-wearing head of her own investment firm. She specialized in distressed investing: Her funds purchased both the debt and equity of over 40 struggling companies, then blended those investments
together and sold them to investors. Tilton sought out publicity — with mixed success. The Sundance Channel developed a reality show starring Tilton titled “Diva of Distressed,” but it never made it past the pilot. In 2011, she tried to convince Forbes that she was a billionaire, but the magazine disagreed, estimating her wealth at around $830 million.
Tilton has left a trail of unhappy investors. She’s been sued for fraud and racketeering, for misleading investors and pillaging the portfolio companies for her own profit. Tilton, for her part, maintained that she’d fully briefed investors and denied taking any improper compensation. She successfully fought off three major lawsuits, including one from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Tilton’s investment funds were passthrough businesses set up so that she, not her investors, would bear the tax burden. In most years, there wasn’t much of a burden to bear. But in 2016, the funds posted a $1.4 billion capital gain. While a huge gain sounds like a good thing, for Tilton it meant a big tax bill.
The income tax hit was significant for her, about $162 million after deductions. She complained about having to pay the bill in one of the lawsuits against her firm, calling it a tax on “phantom income.” As she put it later at the trial, “But let’s be clear, I was paying taxes for money received by the noteholders.”
While Tilton did pay income tax on that big gain, she claimed that the entirety of the $1.4 billion was exempt from the NIIT. That saved her about $50 million in tax.
An attorney for Tilton declined to comment for the record but said that Tilton had correctly exempted her gains because she had actively managed the funds’ investments in the portfolio companies.
Tax experts contacted by ProPublica disagreed. Brian
Galle, a professor at Georgetown Law and former federal prosecutor of tax crimes, said Tilton appeared to have invented a category of financier who is not subject to the tax. The tax clearly applies to passive investors and traders, he said. Tilton appeared to be claiming to be somewhere in between, an “active” investor but not a trader. While there is some ambiguity in the regulations surrounding the law, he said, it was a “ridiculous argument.”
Tilton, like Yass, has had her battles with the IRS. From 1996 through 2013, all but two of her tax returns drew audits, the largest change leading to $1.5 million in additional tax on one year’s return. But ProPublica’s IRS data shows no active audits of Tilton’s later returns as of mid-2020. One reason might be the devastating budget cuts to the IRS that started in 2011 and reduced enforcement staff by a third. The agency did glance at Tilton’s 2016 return, according to the data, but concluded that, although the return had “audit potential,” no agents were available to examine the return.
Similarly, there’s no indication the agency has scrutinized Yass’ NIIT obligations. As of mid-2020, the agency did not have an open audit of his tax returns for 2013 through 2017. An audit of his 2018 return was in the early stages. The IRS declined to comment. In just the last year, the IRS began to regain some of its lost enforcement muscle, hiring thousands of new revenue agents with funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. However, it’s unclear how long that resurgence will last. Congressional Republicans have continually vowed to clawback the extra enforcement money. The incoming Trump administration has supported that goal while touting a new round of tax cuts, in particular for business owners.
Republished with Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
LA deputy, a Corona resident, to plead guilty in assault on transgender man
By City News Service
ALos Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy who is a resident of Corona has agreed to plead guilty to a federal civil rights charge for assaulting a transgender man who was exercising his First Amendment rights by "flipping off" the lawman, officials announced Wednesday.
Joseph Benza III, 36, who was assigned to the Norwalk Station at the time of the February 2023 incident, was charged late Tuesday with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In a plea agreement also filed Tuesday, Benza agreed to plead guilty to the felony civil rights offense that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Benza — who has been relieved of duty, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna — is expected to make his initial appearance in Los Angeles federal court in the coming days.
The victim of the assault, a 23-year-old man identified in court documents as E.B., who weighed about half as much as Benza, suffered a concussion, contusions and abrasions, according to court documents.
"When an officer violates someone's civil rights, it corrodes trust in law enforcement and undermines the effectiveness of other officers who sacrifice to protect the public," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. "This senseless assault and subsequent attempted cover-up are an affront to our system of justice."
In his plea agreement, Benza admitted that he was responding to a domestic violence call in Whittier when he saw E.B. drive by and extend his middle finger — an expression that is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
After seeing that he had
been "flipped off," Benza abandoned the domestic violence call and closely followed E.B.'s vehicle for 1.8 miles, intending to retaliate against E.B. with force, according to the plea agreement.
After calling 911 to report that he was being followed, the victim eventually pulled into a parking lot.
Benza then parked behind E.B.'s vehicle and activated his overhead lights for the first time, court papers show.
The plea agreement states that Benza approached E.B., who was exiting his vehicle. Without giving any commands, Benza grabbed the victim, who pulled away and said, "Don't touch me."
Benza admitted in his plea agreement that he "violently body slammed" E.B. onto the ground, then punched his head and face multiple times, and pressed E.B.'s "face into the pavement."
Later that day, as he began preparing an incident report, Benza allegedly consulted with other deputies about whether he should include that he began pursuing E.B. because he had been flipped off. Three LASD sergeants counseled Benza to omit that fact from his report, the plea agreement states.
The DOJ contends that, to cover up his civil rights violations, Benza admitted that he prepared a false incident report that omitted any reference to the flip-off
and instead misleadingly stated that E.B. was stopped for having an air freshener hanging from his rearview mirror.
Benza also falsely claimed that E.B. had bitten Benza's hand with enough force to puncture the skin and cited E.B. with criminal mayhem, prosecutors said.
According to the plea agreement, Benza engaged in other obstructionist conduct by discussing with other deputies how they would delete text messages about the incident from their phones, as well as discussing making false statements to federal authorities who were investigating the incident.
During an interview with federal authorities in January, Benza allegedly made false statements, including denying that he had seen E.B. flip him off and that he had not substantively discussed the incident report with others while he was writing it, federal prosecutors said, adding that Benza admitted that a sergeant drafted substantive portions of the report.
"It is deeply troubling that a member of our department, who has since been relieved of duty, violated the trust placed in them to uphold the law by abusing their authority," Luna said. "These actions undermine the integrity of our department, the trust of our community, and the safety of those we are sworn to protect."
Surveillance camera footage shows an LA County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Benza III tackling a transgender man. | P
Monrovia
Dec. 12
At 12:28 a.m., a family disturbance was reported in the 700 block of Monterey. Officers arrived and made contact with a heavily intoxicated female subject outside the residence. She claimed she had been pushed to the ground by her sister's fiancé during an argument. The male subject was gone prior to the officers’ arrival. She was uncooperative and insisted on returning inside to assault her sister. Due to her severe intoxication and inability to care for herself, she was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period.
At 10:05 a.m., a loss prevention officer from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported that a male subject had stolen merchandise and fled. Officers located the suspect nearby and recovered the stolen items. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
At 2:10 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of West Huntington reported a male subject removing tags from items and placing them in his cart. The employee requested a no-trespass order. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect as he exited, triggering the theft sensors. The suspect was detained, and the stolen property was recovered. He was placed under citizen's arrest and transported to the MPD jail for booking.
At 9:18 p.m., officers in
the 1400 block of South Myrtle were alerted to a stolen vehicle in the area. The vehicle was located with two occupants. A traffic stop was conducted, and the occupants were contacted. An investigation determined the vehicle was stolen in Sacramento County. Stolen mail was also located in the vehicle. Both occupants were arrested and taken into custody.
At 9:59 p.m., while conducting an investigation near Myrtle and Palm, officers were alerted to two heavily intoxicated subjects yelling at each other. Officers contacted both subjects, and one was determined to be so intoxicated that he could not care for himself. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.
At 11:04 p.m., a resident in the 1800 block of Sixth reported her ex-boyfriend was at her residence in violation of a restraining order. Officers arrived, confirmed the violation, and arrested the suspect. He was transported to the Monrovia PD jail for booking.
At 8:57 p.m., officers responded to a shoplifting incident at a business in the 700 block of East Huntington. While speaking with the reporting party, officers observed a suspect walk out of the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise. The suspect entered a waiting vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted, and the subject was arrested and taken into custody.
At 9:09 p.m., while patrolling the area of Primrose and Olive, an officer observed a motorist commit a vehicle code violation and initiated a traffic stop. The officer noticed signs of intoxication in the driver. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period.
Dec. 13
At 1:30 a.m., officers patrolling a parking lot in the 100 block of West Olive were flagged down regarding an argument nearby. They located two intoxicated individuals yelling at passersby. Officers determined both subjects were too intoxicated to care for themselves. They were arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period.
At 7:46 a.m., a business in the 800 block of Royal Oaks reported that an unknown suspect had cut a gate open, entered the property, and stolen items overnight. This investigation is continuing.
At 12:06 p.m., an employee from a store in the 1600 block of South Mountain reported a suspicious subject inside the store. Officers arrived and made contact with the subject. An investigation revealed he was in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested and taken into custody.
Dec. 14
At 1:28 p.m., a grand theft was reported at a store
in the 100 block of West Foothill. The caller reported merchandise had been stolen. Officers arrived but were unable to locate the suspect. This investigation is continuing.
Dec. 15
At 2:26 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Huntington and Fifth observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period.
At 11:14 a.m., a caller reported her son was assaulted at a business in the 900 block of West Duarte. Officers contacted the son, who stated he was physically assaulted by two individuals. He did not wish to pursue charges and signed a refusal to prosecute.
At 1:34 p.m., a resident in the 300 block of East Lime reported holiday decorations were stolen from their front yard. This investigation is continuing.
At 9:28 p.m., a business in the 400 block of West Foothill reported a customer had made criminal threats against the business manager. This investigation is continuing.
At 9:49 p.m., a caller in the 300 block of Terrace View reported a residential burglary. Officers determined entry was gained through a window, and property was stolen. This investigation is continuing.
At 10:51 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of California regarding a driver repeatedly hitting a gated entrance to a residential complex. Officers contacted the female driver and determined she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period.
Dec. 16
At 2:17 a.m., officers witnessed a solo vehicle col-
lision in the area of Myrtle and Evergreen. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation confirmed the driver was intoxicated. He was arrested and transported to the MPD jail for a sobering period.
At 5:32 a.m., residents in the 600 block of South Primrose reported a subject running and yelling in the street. Officers determined the subject was a danger to himself and others. He was transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
At 7:44 a.m., an officer patrolling the 1300 block of South Myrtle noticed graffiti on a wall. Graffiti removal was notified. This investigation is continuing.
At 1:41 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 1800 block of South Mayflower. A dog ran into the roadway and was struck by a vehicle. The dog returned to its residence, and the owner was notified.
At 2:50 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the area of Huntington and Myrtle. Officers contacted the involved parties, and no injuries were reported.
At 3:16 p.m., an employee from a business in the 600 block of West Huntington reported a male subject had stolen merchandise. Officers located the subject, who was found in possession of the stolen items and a knife. He was arrested and taken into custody.
At 5:50 p.m., a vehicle struck a pedestrian in the area of Shamrock and Evergreen. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital for treatment. This investigation is continuing.
At 6:15 p.m., officers responded to a parking lot in the 100 block of East Lime regarding a fight between a male and female in a vehicle. The male driver fled as officers arrived. He was later located hiding near a home and was arrested after attempting to flee again.
Dec. 17
At 1:15 a.m., a subject
going through trash was reported in the 1000 block of South Fifth. Officers located a female subject with an active warrant. She was arrested and taken into custody.
At 2:17 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of West Huntington reported a male subject exposed himself in front of her. Officers arrested the suspect and took him into custody.
At 8:38 p.m., a motorist in the 800 block of South Mayflower reported his vehicle was damaged by juveniles throwing fireworks. Officers checked the area but did not locate the suspects. This investigation is continuing.
Dec. 18
At 1:39 p.m., a bank customer in the 200 block of South Myrtle reported money missing from her account. This investigation is continuing.
At 2:30 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of McKinley reported her son was making concerning statements. Officers determined he was a danger to himself and transported him to a medical facility for evaluation.
At 2:48 p.m., a juvenile stole merchandise from a store in the 100 block of West Foothill. Officers located the juvenile, arrested him, and released him to his mother.
At 3:04 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of East Cypress regarding a male subject without clothes on. The subject was found to have an outstanding no-bail warrant and was arrested.
At 4:34 p.m., a facility in the 100 block of North Mountain reported a resident missing. The resident was later located in Los Angeles and returned to the facility.
At 7:21 p.m., a driver reported being rear-ended while exiting a freeway in the area of Huntington and Evergreen. Parties complained of pain, and MFD provided treatment. The driver at fault was cited.
Los Angeles
Burbank
Burbank launches Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program
The City of Burbank’s Community Development Department has launched the Burbank Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program (BPAP). This program offers residents access to a library of preapproved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans, streamlining the permitting process by significantly reducing the permit issuance timeframe and making it easier for residents to build ADUs in the community. The city has created a library consisting of ADU designs that have been reviewed and approved by city staff to ensure compliance with Burbank’s Building and Municipal Codes, including one of its own that staff created. These preapproved plans are ready-to-use and aim to expedite the permitting process by eliminating the need for architectural, structural, life safety, and energy compliance plan checks during review. Residents, architects, engineers, and designers can learn more about the BPAP program or enroll by visiting the BPAP program webpage or contacting the Community Development Department’s Building Permits and Plan Check Division at 818-238-5220.
Long Beach
Long Beach welcomes 4 newly elected councilmembers
Four newly elected councilmembers for the City of Long Beach have been sworn into office. Councilmembers from Districts 2, 6 and 8 were sworn in during the Dec.17, 2024, City Council Meeting held at the Long Beach Civic Chambers, while Council District 4 was sworn in earlier
this month. The four elected councilmembers include: Cindy Allen, Council District 2 (second term), Daryl Supernaw, Council District 4 (third term), Dr. Suely Saro, Council District 6 (second term), and Tunua ThrashNtuk, Council District 8 (first term). During the Council Meeting, with an 8 to 0 vote, Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga was named Vice Mayor.
San Gabriel
San Gabriel says farewell to Councilman Harrington
Dec. 17, the San Gabriel City Council held their Reorganization where they said farewell to Councilmember John R. Harrington after 13 years of public service. “His legacy will forever be part of the San Gabriel community,” read a statement from the city. Councilmember Tony Ding was re-elected to the City Council and newly elected Councilmember Jorge Herrera Avila was welcomed to San Gabriel.
Arcadia
Chanukah gelt drop and menorah lighting to be held in Arcadia
Celebrate Chanukah with a gelt drop and menorah lighting, hosted by the Chabad of Arcadia. It’s fun for the whole family at the Arcadia Transit Plaza on Dec. 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Glendale
Glendale PD receives approval for 23 new police officer positions
The Glendale Police Department received unanimous support and approval from the Glendale City Council, at last week’s City Council meeting, to grow the Department’s ranks by 23 new police officers over the coming years. The 23 new
police officer positions will include more patrol officers, traffic motorcycle officers, and additional school resource officers. Over the past 18 months, the Department hired 37 officers to address the many vacancies within its ranks. “The city of Glendale continues to be one of the safest midsized cities in the country,” Glendale Police Chief Manny Cid told council members at its December 17 meeting, noting Glendale’s recent decades of residential and commercial growth. “This strategic staffing initiative is vital to the Glendale Police Department keeping pace the growth of our community and having the resources to maintain the level of public safety and police services we expect in our Glendale community.”
Orange County
Slander to perform at Time Nightclub in Costa Mesa
Celebrate the New Year weekend and experience the emotional highs and bass-heavy drops of Slander live at Time Nightclub on Dec. 27 at 10 p.m. Known for their signature "heaven trap" sound and powerful anthems like "Love Is Gone," Slander delivers a show filled with passion, energy, and unforgettable moments. General admission is $95. To purchase tickets, visit https://timenightclub.com/ event/slander-concerts-nearme-orange-county-edmconcerts-live-music-tonight2024-dec-27-near-me/.
Anaheim
Countdown to the New Year at Anaheim GardenWalk
Celebrate New Year's at the Countdown to 2025 event at the STC GardenWalk in Anaheim. This free New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 and
STARTING
runs until 1 a.m.. on Jan. 1, 2025. The event promises an unforgettable evening with a vibrant dance party featuring live bands, DJs, and captivating performances across multiple stages. Attendees can also explore a lively street fair filled with carnival attractions and diverse vendors.
Riverside
Riverside County
Riverside County observes Homeless Person’s Memorial Day
Riverside University Health System (RUHS) and the County of Riverside Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS) marked National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at locations throughout Riverside County. The event, known as The Longest Night, coincides with the winter solstice—the year’s longest night—and commemorates those who have experienced physical and behavioral health challenges or died while experiencing homelessness. “We remain steadfast in our mission to uplift those facing homelessness by providing critical resources and care,” said Board of Supervisors Chair and Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington. “Events like these help us honor those we’ve lost while continuing the fight for solutions that bring hope and change.”
City of Riverside
City of Riverside urges residents to protect homes from wildfires
Wildfires pose a serious risk to Riverside’s neighborhoods, particularly in WildlandUrban Interface (WUI) areas. Protect what matters most by clearing roofs, gutters, and yards of dead leaves, pine needles, and debris regularly.
Firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials should also be stored at least 30 feet away from structures. Residents should maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space around their property by removing dry plants, trimming overgrown vegetation, and creating spacing between trees and shrubs to slow fire spread. Finally, residents should sign up for RiversideAlert and Alert RivCo to receive real-time emergency updates. Visit RiversideCA.gov/Wildfire and make wildfire preparedness your priority.
San Bernardino
San Bernardino County
WWII veteran posthumously honored with high school diploma
The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), in partnership with San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, honored veteran Marvin N. Minter posthumously with a high school diploma on Dec. 16 as part of the 16th Annual Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project. Minter was a World War II veteran whose high school education was interrupted in 1943 to enlist in the Army. His recognition was largely due to the curiosity and research conducted by his great-granddaughter Peyton Brown, who was born after his passing in 2000 to Hardy Brown II and Sonietta Brown. Among many profound discoveries, Peyton learned that her great-grandfather had not graduated from high school, encouraging her family to apply for Operation Recognition. Minter served in General Patton’s Third Army in a predominantly Black unit during a time of segregation and later supported the logistics operation Red Ball Express, providing necessary supplies to Allied forces after the primary landing on
D-Day.
City of San Bernardino
Countdown 2024 to ring in the New Year in San Bernardino
Intergalactic beings are visiting San Bernardino’s NOS Events Center this New Year's Eve for . Whether you're looking to groove to some space tunes or are simply hoping to get probed, Presented by Insomniac, Countdown is the place to be on New Year's Eve. Tickets start at $139.95. For more information, visit https://countdownnye.frontgatetickets.com/.
Code Enforcement assists Sheriff with record-breaking cannabis bust
A coordinated effort earlier this month by the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement team, the Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) resulted in the largest cannabis seizure in the county’s history. Authorities discovered over 45 tons of processed cannabis at a residential property in Oak Hills. The cannabis was successfully removed and destroyed in just two days. The case originated in November, when Code Enforcement received a complaint about a large, unpermitted structure being built on the Oak Hills property. A second complaint followed about a strong cannabis odor. On Dec. 9, the Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at the property, with support from Code Enforcement’s Cannabis Enforcement Unit to address county code violations. The warrant led to the discovery of a massive stockpile of cannabis stored inside the unpermitted structure. Given the size of the haul, the Sheriff’s Department requested additional assistance from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement for the removal effort.
California expert sounds alarm on avian flu’s threat to humans, livestock
By Dawn Attride for Sentient Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for California News Service reporting
for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration
Avian flu, also known as H5N1, continues to infect hundreds of cattle, and is making its way into humans. Since avian flu isn’t as easily spread among people for now, the main concern is for those in contact with cows, such as the dairy workers who have reported infections. However, as of November 13, 2024, a teenager in British Columbia — who seemingly had no contact with animals - is now in critical condition, making it Canada’s first human case of bird flu.
Since 2022, the current strain of the virus in the United States has infected over 100 million birds and is remarkable in its “scope and scale” to move beyond its usual avian host, and into mammals at a concerning rate, experts say. Wastewater detection shows the virus present in California, Texas and Michigan, among other states. As of this writing, there have been 53 confirmed human cases in the United States. All, except one, were exposed to infected cattle or birds, according to the
CDC. Unlike Canada’s critical patient, all U.S. cases reported mild symptoms.
A potential ‘win-win’ solution
“No matter how you look at it, we’re in a pretty unique and extraordinary position. We’ve never had an outbreak of an animal-borne virus this large in the last five to 10,000 years of human history since we first domesticated animals for food,” Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor and expert in poultry disease modeling at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, tells Sentient. One of the main reasons for that is how we farm, he says. A California-native, Pitesky has seen hundreds of dairy facilities in the Central Valley alone overlapping or overtaking natural wild bird habitats, such as wetlands. As a result, these wild birds, particularly waterfowl, start congregating near dairy and poultry farms, leading to more interactions with farmed animals, and increasing the risk of avian flu spread. Pitesky’s lab researches how we can shift waterfowl habitat away from livestock
farms, for example by restoring wetlands.
“In many ways, that’s kind of a win-win solution. It creates a natural habitat for waterfowl — which we’ve lost a lot of — and then also reduces and mitigates the potential for exposure to viruses,” Pitesky says. (It’s also good for mitigating climate change.)
Another concern is that avian flu spread to a pig in a backyard farm for the first time in the U.S. this October. Pigs can pick up multiple infections at the same time, which can create a perfect storm in terms of creating a virus that can be easily spread among humans — an example being the swine flu pandemic in 2009.
More needs to be done on the public health side, Pitesky tells Sentient, to avoid human-animal interaction. “An RNA virus [such as avian flu] can mutate really easily. The more that we keep tempting fate by having the virus interact with humans, the greater the potential for the virus to eventually get snake eyes - if you will - as far
as how it can adapt to different hosts, including us.”
A resurgence of raw milk could help the virus spread
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a controversial far-right politician, recently promoted drinking raw milk on X, citing the Republican movement to “Make America Healthy Again.” Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who President-elect Donald Trump has nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is also a proponent of raw milk. Raw milk can contain a host of other microbes that cause infection and should be
avoided to prevent avian flu infection, seeing as a growing number of cattle herds now have the virus. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced they will start testing bulk raw milk for the virus.
The CDC continues to say the current public health risk of avian flu is low, but that hasn’t stopped health organizations from gearing up to be prepared. In Canada, several influenza vaccines are “authorized for use,” as is a federal manufacturing agreement to scale up vaccine production if there is an avian flu pandemic. In early
October, the U.S. invested $72 million in vaccines against avian flu “as part of national preparedness.” With the upcoming change in national leadership, however, time will tell if preparing for avian flu remains a priority.
As the virus continues to spread, Pitesky recommends those with backyard chickens or other wild birds use caution when handling birds. For now, anyway, the CDC still advises consumers to avoid raw milk, practice good hygiene and avoid poultry and dairy farms, if possible.
USC study: More than 1.4 million children have lost family to overdose
By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service
Anewstudyfound more than 1.4 million children in the U.S., including many in California, have lost a family member to overdose, emphasizing the collateral damage of the drug epidemic.
The study focused on children younger than 18 as of 2019 who had lost one or more parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts or uncles, or cousins to overdose.
Emily Smith-Greenaway, professor of sociology at the University of Southern California-Dornsife and a co-author of the report, explained the effects overdoses have on those left behind.
“Being exposed to drug overdose is a particularly pernicious experience in young kids’ lives, because we know drug overdoses are really traumatizing deaths to undergo,” Smith-Greenaway explained. “There’s probably a lot of hardship leading up to the death. Those deaths are probably very confusing for young kids to process and to understand.”
Researchers found most kids who lose family members to drug overdose are between ages 10 and 18. Data show the reach of the problem is getting dramatically worse, because kids younger than 10 are experiencing drug overdoses in
Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash
their family at younger ages relative to their slightly older peers.
A 2024 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychia-
try looked at children who have lost parents to overdose and found the highest rate among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native families.
Smith-Greenaway pointed out there is currently no system in place to identify, track or monitor children affected by overdose and offer them specialized counseling.
“We need clear supports for identifying this population,” Smith-Greenaway urged. “But then also providing them the supports to ensure that there’s not a cyclical trauma here that replicates across generations.”
Help is out there for parents or caregivers in California looking after a child who is coping with loss due to overdose. Some options include the website of the nonprofit Eluna, or Ronnie’s House of Hope, based in Palm Desert.
Disclosure: The University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters Arts and Sciences and USC Price School of Public Policy contribute to Public News Service’s fund for reporting on Arts and Culture, Cultural Resources, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, visit https://www.publicnewsservice.org/dn1.php.
Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash
Reports: Transmission grid plans must take wildlife into account Newsom declares emergency as bird flu spreads to SoCal cattle
By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service
The power grid will need to be dramatically upgraded and expanded in the coming years to handle the transition to renewable energyand two new reports look at the impact on wildlife, both on and off-shore.
The placement of large onshore power grids can greatly affect migratory species such as mule deer, elk, and sage grouse.
Veronica Ung-Kono is a clean-energy policy transmission specialist and staff attorney with the National Wildlife Federation.
"Proactively planning transmission development helps to strike a balance," said Ung-Kono, "that can help wildlife have their needs met while also helping people have access to low-cost and clean energy."
Ung-Kono said more
research is needed because there's still a lot we don't know about the implications for wildlife as more transmission lines crisscross the landscape.
A second report on offshore wind farms recommends buffer zones around the floating turbines and anchoring plans that avoid sensitive habitat like coral reefs.
It also says cables must be shielded and buried to reduce impacts from electromagnetic fields.
Co-author Shayna Steingard - an offshore wind senior policy specialist with the National Wildlife Federation - said if it's done right, the cleanenergy transition will preserve habitat, and slow ocean warming and sealevel rise linked to climate change.
"I think climate change
By City News Service
presents an existential threat to all species, particularly ocean species," said Steingard. "The threats from offshore wind development pale in comparison to the threat from not addressing climate change. There is no climate solution without offshore wind."
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind development. So far, site surveys are underway for the five wind farms planned off the California coast, but none has been approved.
Disclosure: National Wildlife Federation contributes to Public News Service’s fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Endangered Species & Wildlife, Energy Policy, Water. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, visit https://www.publicnewsservice.org/dn1.php.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to bolster the statewide response to bird flu in dairy cows — an outbreak that has now expanded from the Central Valley to Southern California.
According to the governor's office, Avian influenza A, or H5N1, was detected last week in cattle at four Southern California dairies. The exact locations were not disclosed. Previous California infections in cattle had been limited to the central part of the state, where 641 dairies had confirmed cases between Aug. 30 and early December.
State officials had been conducting a regionalized containment effort in Central California, but the discovery of cases in Southern California led to the emergency declaration calling for "a shift from regional containment to statewide monitoring and response to active cases."
"This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak," Newsom said in a statement. "Building on California's testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus."
There have been 34 reported human cases of bird flu in California, with all but one of them definitively linked to infected cattle, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The source of the other case remains unknown, however, there have been no known cases of human transmission of the virus in the state.
There have been 61 human cases reported nationally.
The virus was first detected in cattle in March in Texas and Kansas. According to the CDC, there have now been 865 confirmed cases in cattle in 16 states.
Offshore wind turbines such as these in Maine are currently in the planning stages at sites off of the coast of Morro Bay and Humboldt. | Photo courtesy of Jack Shapiro/Natural Resources Council of Maine
Gov. Gavin Newsom meets with FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf on Dec. 14 to discuss local, state and federal efforts to address Bird Flu. | Photo courtesy of the governor's office
SoCal Starbucks workers join nationwide strike over labor disputes
By City News Service
Starbucksworkers
Monday are set to expand a nationwide strike against the coffee giant, three days after a walkout closed one of the company's Burbank locations at Alameda Avenue and Shelton Street.
The strike, led by Starbucks Workers United, began Friday morning in key markets, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. Walkouts are expected to expand daily and impact hundreds of stores nationwide by Christmas Eve, the union said.
On Sunday, union
baristas in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis will join others who have already begun strikes in Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Pittsburgh and Seattle. Workers shut down dozens of stores Saturday, and their walkouts are expected to keep growing through the final days of holiday shopping before Christmas.
"The few disruptions we have experienced this week have had no significant impact to our store operations. Only a small handful of our US stores have been impacted," a Starbucks
representative told City News Service Saturday.
"We respect our partners' right to engage in lawful strike activity, and we appreciate the thousands of partners across the country who are continuing to support each other and deliver the Starbucks experience for our customers," the company added.
The union is accusing Starbucks of failing to honor earlier commitments to improve collective bargaining and resolve legal disputes. Starbucks Workers United says the company proposed an economic
package with no new wage increases for union baristas and a guarantee of only 1.5% in future years.
"Nobody wants to strike. It's a last resort, but Starbucks has broken its promise to thousands of baristas and left us with no choice,"
Fatemeh Alhadjaboodi, a bargaining delegate, said in a statement. "In a year when Starbucks invested so many millions in top executive talent, it has failed to present the baristas who make its company run with a viable economic proposal."
Starbucks maintains it
is committed to reaching an agreement and is willing to return to the bargaining table, claiming the union was the one to cut off negotiations.
"It is disappointing they didn't return to the table given the progress we've made to date. Since April we've held more than nine bargaining sessions over 20 days," according to a statement from the company.
"We've reached over thirty (30) meaningful agreements on hundreds of topics Workers United delegates told us were important to them, including many
economic issues."
The company said it offers an average wage of more than $18 an hour and provides what it calls bestin-class benefits, including health care, free college tuition, paid family leave and stock grants.
Meanwhile, baristas at the Starbucks on Sunset Boulevard and La Brea Avenue filed a petition Friday with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election, seeking to join more than 520 Starbucks locations across the country where baristas are unionized.
Top holiday food and drink ranked via national poll, online ordering data
By Alex Orellana, Stacker
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, people are filled with excitement to see family and friends, and kitchens begin to buzz with the familiar aroma of festive dishes. According to a recent Instacart survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults by The Harris Poll, 88% are gearing up to cook festive meals for occasions like Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's Eve.
This report explores the food and drink trends surrounding Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's using Instacart purchase data from the 2023 holiday season — as well as a recent Harris Poll survey.
Winter holidays: Deliciously diverse traditions
'Tis the season to serve holiday dishes at various gatherings, with 67% of those surveyed saying family traditions are a top influence when selecting winter holiday dishes. Leading on the nostalgia front, a notable 73% of women (vs. 61% of men) and the same percentage of married individuals (vs. 62% not married) find themselves most influenced by these time-honored practices. Boomers (70%) are also
more likely than Gen Z and millennials (61% and 63% respectively) to tap into their family favorite recipes for the holidays.
When it comes to the different generations, Gen Z and millennials stand out as particularly budget-savvy. Nearly one in three Gen Z (32%) and millennials (30%) consider the cost of ingredients a top priority when planning their holiday feast. And among those who make holiday dishes, 31% of Gen Z and 34% of millennials are adventurous in the kitchen, desiring to experiment with new recipes.
Main dish masterpieces
Turkey (56%) and ham (52%) are the most preferred festive staples on holiday tables. However, the younger generations are venturing beyond the traditional, favoring chicken dishes (47% Gen Z and 43% millennials vs. 28% Gen X and 21% Boomers) and enjoying vegetarian or vegan options (13% Gen Z and 11% millennials vs. 6% Gen X and 4% Boomers).
Sipping Into the Season:
Fun beverages can add to the festive atmosphere of the holidays — and hot choco-
late is the clear frontrunner warming the hearts of Americans everywhere. According to the survey findings, here are the top five seasonal sippers Americans say are among their favorite winter holiday beverages:
1. Hot chocolate - 58%
2. Eggnog - 42%
3. Cider - 26%
4. Mulled wine - 13%
5. Hot toddy - 13%
Gearing up for gift giving
During the week before Christmas last year, Instacart data showed an unmissable trend: customers were largely focused on preparing their gifts. Gift wrapping paper is a great proxy to measure giftgiving behavior, and orders containing wrapping paper peaked on Dec. 23 — just two days before Christmas. In addition, these are the top five items that surged the week before Christmas, per Instacart purchase data:
Ribeye roast
Christmas cards
Gift wrap
Gift tags
Stockings
Sugar and spice delights
For many, the holidays aren't complete without a batch of festive cookies. In
fact, 41% of Americans look forward to them each year. But which cookie is the real crowd-pleaser? According to this survey, the top five favorite holiday cookies are:
1. Chocolate chip - 57%
2. Sugar - 52%
3. Peanut butter - 40%
4. Gingerbread - 33%
5. Snickerdoodle - 32%
While some cookies may fly off the plate at a holiday party, some tend to linger a bit longer. Our survey found that the least favorite cookies are:
1. Oatmeal raisin - 21%
2. Molasses - 19%
3. Peppermint or mint chocolate - 17%
4. Meringues - 16%
5. Biscotti - 15%
Instacart has created the Candy Cane Index to answer questions like, Is it too early to start hanging holiday lights? There's been a lot of talk over the past few years about starting the holidays earlier and earlier, so Instacart looked within its grocery catalog to see if there was a clear indicator of this trend. It turns out that candy cane purchases are the most closely related item to the beginning of Christmas festivities, so this variable is
named the Instacart Candy Cane Index.
Early holiday spirit shines with candy canes and latkes
According to the Instacart Candy Cane Index, orders containing candy canes passed a critical seasonal threshold a full week earlier in 2023 compared to 2017. The earliest this happened was in 2020 (Nov. 30) and 2021 (Nov. 29), when people were social distancing and craving holiday joy sooner than ever before.
Instacart anticipates this year the trend will keep pace with 2023, likely with an increase for candy cane purchases on or around Dec. 3.
A Hanukkah favorite: Bring out the sour cream and applesauce to enjoy alongside classic Jewish latkes. On the first day of Hanukkah last year, orders for latkes increased by an impressive 2,626% compared to the yearly average. Instacart data also showed that purchases for latkes jumped around other notable Jewish observances of Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur in early April and mid-September in 2023.
New Year's tradition: Black-eyed peas for luck and prosperity
According to Southern tradition, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is considered to bring luck and prosperity in the year ahead. On New Year's Eve, the share of orders that contained black-eyed peas spiked 2,480% above the yearly average order share. Georgia alone ordered black-eyed peas 217% more often than the overall national average. Survey method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Instacart from September 19-23, 2024, among 2,077 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. The article was copy edited from its original version. Republished with CC BY-NC 4.0 license.
Report: Alleged Chinese spy op linked to Arcadia councilwoman
By City News Service
ASouthern California man arrested last week on federal charges for allegedly acting on behalf of the People's Republic of China to influence a local election is engaged to an Arcadia City Councilwoman, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Times reported Sunday that the local politician listed as "Individual 1" in the criminal complaint against Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, of Chino Hills, is Arcadia City Councilwoman Eileen Wang, who won her District 3 seat on Nov. 8, 2022.
Two sources familiar with the investigation told the Times Wang is "Individual 1."
The complaint described Sun as Individual 1's campaign manager and business partner and said the address Sun registered with the DMV was a home owned by Individual 1, now identified as Wang.
The criminal complaint filed Dec. 19 in Los Angeles federal court charges Sun with acting as an illegal agent of a foreign power. He is also charged with conspiring with another man, Chen Jun, who was sentenced to federal prison in November for acting as an illegal agent of the People's Republic of China — also known as PRC — and plotting to target U.S.based practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China, federal prosecutors said.
According to the complaint, Sun served as the campaign manager and close personal confidante for the then unnamed Southern California politician who was running in 2022 for a seat on the city council of a San Gabriel Valley city that was not named in the court papers.
During the campaign, Sun allegedly communicated with Chen regarding his efforts to get the politician elected. Chen discussed with Chinese government officials how the PRC could "influence" local politi-
cians in the United States, particularly on the issue of Taiwan, according to the complaint.
China has ongoing hostilities against Taiwan and is opposed to any formal declaration of its independence. China continues to claim control over Taiwan, citing a 1971 United Nations General Assembly resolution.
Wang has not been charged with any crime and it is unclear whether she was aware of Sun or Chen's alleged activities on behalf of the Chinese government.
Her Arcadia City Council website identifies her as a longtime resident, educator and the "daughter of proud immigrants who came to California seeking their American Dream."
Wang has not commented on the criminal charges
against Sun or confirmed their engagement.
During her campaign, Wang cited concerns about public safety and homelessness and vowed to be a " strong voice for her neighborhood and take a direct role in addressing resident and public concerns she had seen and heard throughout her 15 years of community service."
Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park, honored Wang as one of the "2024 Congressional Women of the Year," an honor "given to women nominated by people in their own cities and communities." No information was given about how Wang was nominated.
In a statement cited by the Times, Chu said Wang had a history of public service to her commu-
nity and was the "first Asian American woman elected to the Arcadia City Council in 119 years. She was a leader in the community, helping to establish a new Health committee, supporting new affordable housing projects and implementing crossroads pallets at street intersections.
"When we honored her, the entire city council and the leaders of the Arcadia community came out to support her," Chu's statement continued. "I do not personally know Mike Sun, nor does my husband. We have seen him accompany her to events, but we have never engaged in a conversation with him."
Former Walnut City Councilman Joaquin Lim told the Times the Chinese government has little to gain from a politician
Chinese people proud," the affidavit states.
About a month after the election, Chen arranged a lunch at a Rowland Heights restaurant with Sun and others, a gathering that Chen described to a PRC official as a "core member lunch," the affidavit alleges.
Court papers further allege Chen subsequently described the lunch as "successful" as participants agreed to establish a "US-China Friendship Promotional Association."
Wang did not attend the meeting, but Chen described "the politician" as being part of the association with Sun serving as vice president. "This is the basic team dedicated for us," Chen wrote to the Chinese government official, prosecutors allege.
"This case highlights the breadth of the PRC's relentless intelligence and malign influence activities targeting the United States," according to a statement from Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.
serving at the local level.
"That's one of the angles — an anticipation of this person running for higher office," he said. "This is not just happening in America. It's happening in England. It's happening in Australia, it's happening in Canada. When I read about Eileen, I said, ‘OK, well, I'm just surprised, in this case it's the San Gabriel Valley.'"
Shortly after Wang was elected, Chen allegedly instructed Sun to prepare a report on the election that was sent to Chinese government officials, who responded positively and expressed thanks, according to the federal complaint affidavit.
Chen also sent a message to Wang stating that she was "doing a good job, I hope you can continue the good work, make
Early last year, Sun and Chen drafted two reports to PRC officials — one of which requested an $80,000 budget to fund additional pro-PRC activities and to combat "anti-China forces" in the United States, the DOJ alleges.
After Chen and Sun discussed a planned trip to the PRC to meet with "leadership," and after Chen directed Sun to schedule a meeting with the Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, Sun and Wang traveled to China in late August 2023, according to federal prosecutors.
The charge of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government carries a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, while the offense of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States carries a possible sentence of up to five years, prosecutors noted.
Eileen Wang. | Photo courtesy of the city of Arcadia
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Probates Notices
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF WEN-CHIN LI
Case No. 24STPB13196
To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-itors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of WEN-CHIN LI
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Wei Hung in the Supe-rior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Wei Hung be appointed as personal representative to ad-minister the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administra-tion authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objec-tion to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held on Feb. 7, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 4 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your ap-pearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowl-edgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: PETER Y HONG ESQ SBN 213620
PETER Y HONG APC 150 N SANTA ANITA AVE STE 300 ARCADIA CA 91006 CN112657 LI Dec 23,26,30, 2024 EL MONTE EXAMINER
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: YAN WANG
CASE NO. 24STPB09851
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of YAN WANG.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JESSIE J CHIU in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JESSIE J CHIU be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests the decedent's WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow
the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/21/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 44 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner PENG GAO - SBN 243339
LAW OFFICES OF GAO PENG 159 E LIVE OAK AVE #209 ARCADIA CA 91006
Telephone (626) 446-6588
12/26, 12/30/24, 1/2/25 CNS-3881707# EL MONTE EXAMINER
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: SANDRA COLLIER AKA SANDRA COLLIER-CARTER CASE NO. 24STPB13417
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contin-gent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of SANDRA COLLIER AKA SANDRA COLLIER-CARTER.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by THOMAS KENT CARTER in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that THOMAS KENT CARTER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authori-ty will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very im-portant actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interest-ed person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/29/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court
and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledge-able in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner
LINDA MCLARNAN-DUGAN - SBN 169190
LAW OFFICES OF LINDA MCLARNAN-DUGAN
150 N. SANTA ANITA AVE., SUITE 300 ARCADIA CA 91006
Telephone (626) 296-8670 12/26, 12/30/24, 1/2/25 CNS-3881575# DUARTE DISPATCH
Public Notices
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Zi Jie Yang aka Zijie Yang FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24PSCP00520
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 400 Civic Center Plaza , Pomona Ca 91366, East Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Zi Jie Yang aka Zijie Yang filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Zi Jie Yang aka Zijie Yang to Proposed name Drake J. Yang 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 01/17/2025 Time: 8:30AM Dept: G. Room: 302 The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Arcadia Weekly DATED: November 20, 2024 Salvatore Sirna JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 ARCADIA WEEKLY
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Derik Johnson, Chavaune Johnson, Zion, Josiah, Selah, Promise, Israel, FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24VECP00592 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, Ca 91401, North West Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Derik Johnson filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Derik James Boyd Johnson to Proposed name Servant Of The Word Of God; b. OF Chavaune Marie Johnson to Proposed name Chavaune My Servant ; c. OF Zion to Proposed name Zion My Servant ; d. OF Josiah to Proposed name Josiah My Servant ; e. OF Selah to Proposed name Selah My Servant ; f. OF Promise to Proposed name Promise My Servant ; g. OF Israel to Proposed name Israel My Servant 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING a. Date: 01/27/2025 Time: 8:30AM Dept: U. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Azusa Beacon DATED: December 13, 2024 Virginia Keeny JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. December 19, 26, 2024, January 2, 9, 2025 AZUSA BEACON
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
DRY DOCK STORAGE
3131 SOUTH PECK ROAD MONROVIA, CA 91016
The contents of the storage units below
consists mainly of household and or office goods.
The contents of: Jenean Carter MS76 Delvin Manuel MS48
Kimberly Reed MS357, MS153 Victor Zaravia MS11
will be sold on Friday January 10, 2025 at 10:00 am
For additional information contact Dry Dock Storage at the above address or call (626) 445-8762 9am-5pm daily
Publish December 19, 2024 & December 26, 2024, IN THE MONROVIA WEEKLY
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to satisfy Extra Space’s lien, by selling personal property belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated.
900 W. Foothill Blvd, Azusa, CA, 91702 on January 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM
Ivonne Sanchez Rene Ballejo
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Publish December 26, 2024 in the AZUSA BEACON
Extra Space Storage on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 115 E Lime Ave Monrovia, Ca, 91016
January 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Water Damage Rescue Dana Geisler
Kamari Barnes
Beverly Jackson
Billy Gomez Jesus Barbosa
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Publish December 26, 2024 in the MONROVIA WEEKLY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE
(UCC Sec. 6105) Escrow No. 90253-GB
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a bulk sale is about to be made. The name(s), business address(es) to the Seller(s), are: Continental Business Service of Covina, Inc., 1338 Center Court Drive, Suite 103 & 104, Covina, CA 91724
Doing Business as: Continental Business Service of Covina Inc.
All other business name(s) and address(es) used by the Seller(s) within three years, as stated by the Seller(s), is/ are: None
The location in California of the Chief Executive Officer of the Seller(s) is: None
The name(s) and address of the Buyer(s) is/are: Maged Sidhom, CPA, INC., 451 West Bonita Ave, Ste 20, San Dimas, CA 91773
The assets to be sold are described in general as: Client List, Goodwill, Fixtures & Equipment and are located at: 1338 Center Court Drive, Suite 103 & 104, Covina, CA 91724
The bulk sale is intended to be consummated at the office of: Eastland Escrows, Inc., 302 E. Rowland Street, Covina, CA 91723 and the anticipated sale date is January 14, 2025
The bulk sale is subject to California Uniform Commercial Code Section 6106.2
YES
The name and address of the person with whom claims may be filed is: Eastland Escrows, Inc., 302 E. Rowland Street, Covina, CA 91723 and the last date for filing claims by any creditor shall be January 13, 2025, which is the busi-ness day before the sale date specified above.
Dated: 12/18/2024
Buyer: Maged Sidhom, CPA, Inc.
By: S/ Maged Sidhom, CPA 12/26/24
CNS-3881193# AZUSA BEACON
Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates,
www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Published December 26, 2024 in the DUARTE DISPATCH.
File No: 0099-6257
Notice Of Sale Of Collateral TO: Luz E. Garcia and Martha Cardoza Valdez, Notice Is Hereby Given, pursuant to Section 9610 of the California Uniform Commercial Code, of the public sale of that certain mobile home generally described as follows: 2020 Creekside Manor Mobile Home which is located at 12700 Elliot Ave., Space 151, El Monte, CA 91732 and registered with the Department of Housing and Community Development under Decal No. LBO4763 and the following Serial and Label/Insignia Number(s): Serial Number(s) 009000HA004598A 009000HA004598B Label/Insignia Number(s) NTA1934874 NTA1934873 The Undersigned Will Sell Said Collateral On January 15, 2025 AT 11:00 A.M., Behind The Fountain Located In Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA 91766. Such sale is being made by reason of your default on June 1, 2024 under that certain Security Agreement dated October 1, 2020, between you, as debtor, and, 21ST Mortgage Corporation as secured party, and pursuant to the rights of the undersigned under said Security Agreement and Section 9610 of the California Uniform Commercial Code. At any time before the sale, you may redeem said collateral in accordance with your rights under Section 9623 of the California Uniform Commercial Code, by tendering the estimated amount of $89,659.32 in payment of the unpaid balance of the obligation, secured by the property to be sold, including expenses reasonably incurred by the undersigned in retaking, holding, and preparing the collateral for disposition, in arranging for the sale, and for reasonable attorney’s fees and for reasonable legal expenses incurred in the foreclosure. It will be necessary to contact the agent for updated figures after the date of this notice. Such tender must be in the form of cash, certified check, or cashier’s check drawn upon a California bank or savings institution, and may be made payable to 21ST Mortgage Corporation, and delivered to the undersigned at Steele, LLP, 17272 Red Hill Avenue, Irvine, California 92614, or at the place and time of sale. There is no warranty relating to title, possession, quiet enjoyment, or the like in this disposition. This Firm May Be Collecting A Debt And Any Information We Obtain Will Be Used For That Purpose. The sale date shown on the attached notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to the public as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether the sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (877) 440-4460 or visit this Internet Website address www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 00996257. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Dated: December 18, 2024 21ST Mortgage Corporation By: /s/ Raymond Soriano Steele, LLP, as Agent Tel: (949) 222-1161. steelllp0099-6257. Published December 26, 2024 EL MONTE EXAMINER
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF BULK SALE
(Division 6 of the Commercial Code) Escrow No. 016268MC
(1) Notice is hereby given to creditors of the within named Seller(s) that a bulk sale is about to be made on personal property hereinafter described.
(2) The name and business addresses of the seller are: Huiwen Lim, 10050 Garvey Avenue, #201, El Monte, CA 91733
(3) The location in California of the chief executive office of the Seller is: SAME
(4) The names and business address of the Buyer(s) are: Peter Fan, 10060 Garvey Avenue, #201, El Monte, CA 91733
(5) The location and general description of the assets to be sold are All business assets of that certain business located at: 10050 Garvey Avenue, #201, El Monte, CA 91733.
(6) The business name used by the seller(s) at that location is: CA Dealer Training School
(7) The anticipated date of the bulk sale is 01/14/25 at the office of Sincere Escrow, 935 S. San Gabriel Blvd. San Gabriel, CA 91776, Escrow No. 016268-MC, Escrow Officer: Margaret Chiu.
(8) Claims may be filed with Same as "7" above.
(9) The last date for filing claims is 01/13/25.
(10) This Bulk Sale is subject to Section 6106.2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
(11) As listed by the Seller, all other business names and addresses used by the Seller within three years before the date such list was sent or delivered to the Buyer are: NONE
Dated: December 18, 2024 Transferees: S/ Peter Fan 12/26/24
CNS-3881674# EL MONTE EXAMINER
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 978 PAGES 70 AND 71 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT THEREFROM UNIT 1 TO 25 INCLUSIVE AS SHOWN ON THE CONDOMINIUM PLAN REFERRED TO IN PARCEL 1. ALSO EXCEPT THEREFROM AN UNDIVIDED 50% INTEREST IN ALL OIL, GAS AND MINERAL RIGHTS IN AND UNDER SAID LAND AS RESERVED BY MERVIN LUSTIGER AND THELMA LUSTIGER, HUSBAND AND WIFE, IN THE DEED RECORDED AUGUST 10, 1962, AS INSTRUMENT NO. 5097, IN BOOK D1719, PAGE 58, OFFICIAL RECORDS. ALSO EXCEPT THEREFROM UNTO THE GRANTOR 50% HEREIN ALL OIL, GAS AND OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES BELOW A DEPTH OF 500 FEET FROM THE SURFACE THEREOF, BUT WITHOUT THE RIGHT OF SURFACE ENTRY.
Report: November housing affordability improves in LA city from previous month
By City News Service
Home prices in the city of Los Angeles dropped slightly in November compared to the previous month, but they were still significantly higher than housing prices one year ago, the California Association of Realtors announced.
The $822,000 median price of an existing singlefamily home last month reflected a 1.6% drop from October's $835,720 sales price in the LA metro area. The November figure was a 4.7% increase from $785,000 one year ago, according to the report.
In Los Angeles County, $937,030 was required to purchase a single-family home last month, a 2.0% decrease from October. A year ago, $897,990 was the cost of a single-family home, CAR said.
Home prices in Orange County also increased last month, from $1.35 million in October to $1.37 million in November. In November 2023, the same home cost $1.3 million, according to the survey.
Riverside County saw a 1.1% drop to $628,000 for a single-family home in November, from $635,000 in October. The price one year ago was $610,400, CAR stated.
November's statewide median home price was $852,880, down 4% from October but up 3.8% from $821,710 in November 2023. Year-to-date statewide home sales edged up 3.1%, the survey said.
Also statewide, California had its largest yearly increase in existing home sales since June 2021 in
November, but overall, the housing market remained changeable. Despite a double-digit growth rate from their year-ago level, sales of existing singlefamily homes remained well below the pre-COVID norm of 400,000 units, according to the realtors association.
November's sales pace statewide climbed 1.1% from the 264,870 homes sold in October and was up 19.5% from a year ago, when a revised 224,140 homes were sold on an annualized basis.
"Mortgage rates continue to remain elevated, leading to challenges for many buyers," CAR President Heather Ozur said in a statement. "However, home prices are growing at a moderate pace and housing supply is increasing, indi-
cating some hope that the market will continue to improve next year."
Four of the five major regions in California increased in median price
from a year ago in November. The Central Coast had the biggest climb from a year ago with a jump of 7.9%, while Southern California saw a 3.1% increase, CAR said.
The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 26 days in November, up from 21 days in November 2023.
Judge to hearing closing arguments in Orange County informant scandal case
By City News Service
ASan Diego County Superior Court judge overseeing an evidentiary hearing alleging governmental misconduct in a Sunset Beach murder case was expected to hear closing arguments on Friday on whether the defendant can still get a fair trial from Orange County prosecutors. The case against Paul Gentile Smith in the 1988 killing of 29-year-old Robert Haugen was reassigned to San Diego County Superior Court Judge Daniel B. Goldstein because the claims of governmental misconduct involve Orange County Superior Court Judge Ebrahim Baytieh when he prosecuted Smith. Smith's attorney, Scott Sanders of the Orange County Public Defender's Office, argued in court papers that the case must be dismissed due to what
he argued was a conspiracy to conceal the illegal use of jailhouse informants to incriminate Smith on the murder and an attempt to kill the lead investigator in the case.
"Numerous reports, recordings, and transcripts related to witnesses Jeffrey Platt and Paul Martin were systematically concealed from defendant in response to well-founded concerns about the impact those disclosures would have on the prosecution's case, including the concern that lawful disclosure would have revealed a Sixth Amendment violation and prevented the testimony of informant Arthur Palacios," Sanders wrote.
Sanders accused Baytieh of deciding to hide the evidence with help from former Orange County Sheriff's Department Sgt.
Wert,
The four "intended to keep hidden forever both what they concealed and their knowledge about how
the concealment had been accomplished, and have remained steadfast in their commitment to that objective since 2009," Sanders said.
Sanders also argued that during the hearing, which
began in April, they "testified untruthfully... about their participation in the concealment and deception, as well as about their recollection of key events."
Sanders referred in his court papers to the case he made uncovering the informant scandal as the attorney for Scott Dekraai, the worst mass killer in the county's history. In that case, Sanders got the Orange County District Attorney's Office booted from the prosecution and ultimately won the dismissal of the death penalty as an option for state prosecutors who took over the case.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Seton Hunt conceded in his final brief in the case that there was what prosecutors called a Massiah violation in which a defendant represented by
counsel was illegally questioned by informants. But, he said, dismissal of the case was unwarranted.
"The appropriate remedy is to grant the defendant a new trial and to exclude the informant evidence in the new trial," Hunt wrote. "The victim's family and society deserve justice and the defendant can and will receive a fair retrial."
Hunt argued that the case can be made against Smith without any evidence about what he told informants while in custody.
"Defendant brutally tortured and murdered victim Robert Haugen before lighting his body on fire in 1988," Hunt said.
"Nearly 20 years after the murder, after he had tortured and lit his own girlfriend on fire, DNA tied defendant to the murder."
| Photo by SteveAllenPhoto999
Ray
former Sgt. Donald Voght and former sheriff's investigator Bill Beeman.
| Image courtesy of Orange County
LA County approves $7.5 million settlement over ex-deputy sex abuse
By City News Service
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a proposed $7.5 million settlement of a lawsuit filed against the county and a now-imprisoned former sheriff's deputy who pleaded no contest to sexually abusing three daughters of a woman he previously dated.
Sean Essex was sentenced in June to 40 years in state prison after pleading no contest to sexrelated charges. He had been a sheriff's deputy for 22 years before he was arrested in April 2022.
He admitted sex-related
charges involving four girls who were between 7 and 13 years old at the time of the crimes, prosecutors said at the time.
Three of the victims were related to a woman Essex had dated about 20 years earlier, a prosecutor told a judge at an August 2022 hearing. According to a case summary provided to the Board of Supervisors ahead of Tuesday's meeting, those three victims were the woman's daughters. The woman sued the county on behalf of herself and her daughters in 2022.
"The deputy sheriff
would frequently stop by the plaintiffs' family home wearing his department
November unemployment rate in LA County rises, drops in Orange County
By City News Service
Los Angeles County's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.0% in November, up from a revised 5.9% in October, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.
The 6.0% rate was above the rate of 5.3% from November 2023.
The November unemployment rate in Orange County was 4.0%, down from a revised 4.2% in October. The year-ago estimate was 3.8%.
Statewide, California's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.3% in November, and 4.0% for the nation during the same period, the EDD reported.
Total non-farm employment in Los Angeles County increased by 14,900 jobs between October and November to reach 4.62 million.
Private education and health services had the largest increase over the year with 42,600 jobs, advancing to a total 981,200 positions. The growth was mainly driven by a surge in health care and social assistance, according to EDD.
summarizing the lawsuit's allegations. "On several occasions, the deputy sheriff drove the plaintiffs individually, in his patrol vehicle to get food for the family. During this time, he engaged in unlawful sexual acts with them. Other times, lewd acts occurred when the deputy sheriff was off duty in his personal vehicle."
Essex "separated from the department in November 2022," according to the statement from the sheriff's department.
uniform, driving a marked department patrol vehicle," the document stated,
"This individual's egregious actions do not align with the values upheld by
the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the dedicated law enforcement professionals who serve our communities with pride every day. The department sets a standard of the utmost ethical, moral and professional conduct for all its personnel. Department members who engage in any misconduct, particularly criminal behavior targeting vulnerable populations, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," the department added in its statement.
Baldwin Park awarded 750 trees to expand urban canopy
By Staff
TreePeople, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and Active San Gabriel Valley (SGV), has awarded the City of Baldwin Park hundreds of trees for increased residential and public shade to combat the impacts of climate change and extreme heat.
This initiative is funded by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grant Program and will provide Baldwin Park with 500 fruit trees for private residential yards and 250 trees for city rightof-way areas.
“I am thrilled that Baldwin Park has been selected to receive over 700 trees as part of this transformative initiative,” said Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila. “This partnership allows us to not only combat the challenges of climate change and extreme heat but also to enhance the quality of life for our residents. These trees will provide shade, improve air quality and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
TreePeople is collaborating with Active SGV, the largest community-based environmental organization in the San Gabriel Valley, to rally the Baldwin Park community around this greening initiative and ensure the success of expanding the urban tree canopy.
“Tree canopy is crucial to cooling urban centers and saving lives,” said Marcos Trinidad, TreePeople’s Senior Director of Programs. “Our goal is to
plant trees, build community resilience and empower residents to take control of their environment.”
Baldwin Park will host the fruit tree giveaway for residents during the appropriate planting season to ensure the health and success of the newly planted trees. Additionally, the city will organize a Street Tree and Fruit Tree Event in April as part of the city’s Earth Week Community Beautification and in June as part of the city’s Wellness and Nature Walk.
| Photo by Lightboxx/Envato
Photo by gibblesmash asdf on Unsplash
| Photo courtesy of Canva
& S Fresh Express Inc (CA-3685571, 1908 Elm Street, Alhambra, CA 91803; Shane Thwin, President. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 17, 2024.
NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).
Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024255183 NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Lensworks Rentals (2). LENSWORKS , 3975 Landmark St Suite700, Culver City, CA 90232. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed: WORKS CAMERAS LLC (CA-201708610338, 3975 Landmark St Suite700, Culver City, CA 90232; Stephen Gelb, Member. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 17, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024252288
(4).
Lynwood (5). Catalyst Cannabis Lynwood (6). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary Lynwood , 51105116 E. Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, MI 48240. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Catalyst –Lynwood LLC (CA-202253319531, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; Elliot Lewis, Managing Member. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 12, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024257526 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as A Farm, 1718 Floradale Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: A1 Meat Inc (CA-C3639363, 1718 Floradale Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733; Rogers Chui, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 20, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024252321 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst
Lancaster (2).
Cannabis
Lancaster (3).
Lancaster (4). Catalyst Cannabis Lancaster (5). Catalyst Cannabis Co. – Lancaster (6). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary Lancaster , 42020 4th St E, Lancaster, CA 93535. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Catalyst – Lancaster LLC (CA-202359313534, 42020 4th St
E, Lancaster, CA 93535; Elliot Lewis, Managing Member. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 12, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024256514 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as SKE Management, 17540 Mayerling Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Evelyn Teichner, 17540 Mayerling Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 19, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).
Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024255063
NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – Florence (2). Catalyst Cannabis – Florence (3). Catalyst Florence (4). Catalyst Cannabis Florence (5). Catalyst Cannabis Co – Florence (6). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary South LA Florence (7). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary Florence , 316 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90301. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: 316 FLORENCE HOLDINGS LLC (CA-201924010489, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; DOMENICA SOTO, MANAGER. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 17, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024255722 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – South Figueroa (2). Catalyst Cannabis –South Figueroa (3). Catalyst Cannabis Co. – South Figueroa (4). Catalyst South Figueroa (5). Catalyst Cannabis South Figueroa (6). Catalyst – Century (7). Catalyst Cannabis – Century (8). Catalyst Cannabis – Century Blvd (9). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary South LA – FIGUEROA , 10020 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90003. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: 11500 VERMONT HOLDINGS LLC (CA-201924010367, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; Elliot Lewis, MANAGING MEMBER. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 18, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 202452324 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – Pomona (2). Catalyst Cannabis Co – Pomona (3). Catalyst Cannabis – Pomona (4). Catalyst Pomona (5). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary Pomona , 401 Pine Ave, Long Beaco, Ca 90802. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business
under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: EEL – POMONA LLC (CA-201922710518, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; Elliot Lewis, MEMBER. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 12, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024255704 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – El Monte (2). Catalyst El Monte (3). Catalyst – Valley Blvd (4). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary El Monte (5). Catalyst Cannabis – El Monte , 12154 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91732. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: EEL – EL MONTE LLC (CA-201907010236, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; Elliot Lewis, MANAGING MEMBER. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 18, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024252096 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – Cherry (2). Catalyst – 405 (3). Catalyst 405 (4). Catalyst Cannabis Co – 405 (5). Catalyst Cannabis Co – Cherry (6). Catalyst Cannabis – 405 (7). Catalyst Cannabis – Cherry (8). Catalyst Cherry (9). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary Long Beach – Cherry , 3170 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Alternative Therapeutic Solutions, Inc. (CA-3236714, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; Elliot Lewis, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 12, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024257420 NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Corner Office Latinas (2). Diana Bernal , 6730 N Ruthlee Ave, San Gabriel, CA 91775. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Diana O’Leary, 6730 N Ruthlee Ave, San Gabriel, CA 91775 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 20, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024251742
NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst Bellflower (2). Catalyst – Bellflower (3). Catalyst Cannabis Bellflower (4). Catalyst Cannabis – Bellflower (5). Catalyst Cannabis Co. – Bellflower (6). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary Bellflower , 9032 Artesia Blvd Building B, Bellflower, CA 90706. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business
name or names listed herein on
December 2024. Signed: Catalyst –Bellflower LLC (CA-202354616819, 9032 Artesia Blvd Building B, Bellflower, CA 90706; Elliot Lewis, Managing Member. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 12, 2024.
NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).
Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024252115 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – Pine (2). Catalyst Cannabis – Pine (3). Catalyst Pine (4). Catalyst Cannabis Pine (5). Catalyst Cannabis Co – Pine (6). Catalyst Cannabis Co. DTLB (7). Catalyst Cannabis DTLB (8). Catalyst – DTLB (9). Catalyst Cannabis –Downtown Long Beach (10). Catalyst – Downtown Long Beach (11). Catalyst DTLB (12). Catalyst Cannabis – DTLB (13). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary – DTLB (14). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary – Downtown Long Beach , 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Casey Crow Collective (CA-C3984907, 433 Pine Ave Unit 500, Long Beach, CA 90802; Elliot Lewis, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 12, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024255728 NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). CATALYST –BELMONT SHORE (2). CATALYST BELMONT SHORE (3). CATALYST CANNABIS CO BELMONT SHORE (4). CATALYST CANNABIS BELMONT SHORE (5). CATALYST CANNABIS CO – BELMONT SHORE (6). CATALYST CANNABIS DISPENSARY LONG BEACH – BELMONT SHORE , 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: 562 DISCOUNT MEDM, INC. (CA-C3296184, 5227 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90803; Elliot Lewis, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 18, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 202456834 NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Attractive Nails & Spa, 200 W Foothill Blvd #2, Azusa, CA 91702. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Kelvin Chau, 2451 Parkway Dr, El Monte, Ca 91732 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 19, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).
Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 2024256458. The following person(s) have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: F& j dollar plus, 12601 Harris Avenue, Lynwood, CA 90262.
Mailing Address, 13680 Telegraph Rd, Whittier, CA 90604. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed on: October 12, 2022 in the County of Los Angeles. Original File No. 2022221777. Signed: Filiberta Moctezuma Moctezuma, 12601 Harris Avenue, Lynwood, CA 90262 (Owner). This business is conducted by: a individual. This statement was filed with the Los Angeles County RegistrarRecorder on December 18, 2024. Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024256017
NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as 49th St, 3812 Florence Ave, Bell, CA 90201. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: Daniel D Andrade, 3812 Florence Ave, Bell, CA 90201 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 18, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).
Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024255124
NEW FILING.
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst –Normandie (2). Catalyst Cannabis – Normandie (3). Catalyst Cannabis Normandie (4). Catalyst Normandie (5). Catalyst Cannabis Normandie (6). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary South LA – Normandie (7). Catalyst Cannabis Dispensary – Normandie , 8300 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044. Mailing Address, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 2024. Signed: 1539 Manchester Holdings LLC (CA-201924010532, 401 Pine Ave, Long Beach, Ca 90802; Timothy Lewis, Member. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on December 17, 2024. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2024252419 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Catalyst – Venice Blvd (2). Catalyst Cannabis –
File your DBA with us at filedba.com
Pasadena
City Notices
Notice of Public Hearing City Council
Master Plan Amendment and Termination of Development Agreement for Fuller Theological
Seminary Master Plan
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant, Fuller Theological Seminary, has submitted a Master Plan Amendment application to amend their Master Plan, which was adopted in 2006. The Amendment would revise the Master Plan’s boundaries to include only 29 Fullerowned properties (15 “core” properties and 14 “non-core” properties); subdivide 261 N. Madison Avenue into two lots and change the General Plan land use designation from Institutional to Medium Mixed Use and the Zoning from Public-Semi Public (PS) to Central District Residential Multi-Family (CD-RM-87) for one of the newly created lots; and terminate the Development Agreement. In addition, the Amendment provides that the 14 “non-core” properties owned by Fuller would be subject to the Master Plan until sold or leased for non-Fuller purposes. No development is proposed as part of the Amendment.
PROJECT LOCATION: Fuller Theological Seminary Master Plan area, bounded by Corson Street and the 210 Freeway to the north, Union Street to the south, Madison Avenue to the east and Los Robles Avenue to the west, in Pasadena CA.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: An Addendum to the 2015 Pasadena General Plan Environmental Impact Report (GP EIR) (State Clearinghouse No. 2013091009) was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Cal. Public Resources Code Section 21000, et. seq., as amended) and its implementing guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq.). This Addendum found that the proposed Amendment will not result in any potentially significant impacts that were not already analyzed, and no conditions described in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: On October 9, 2024, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve the staff recommendation with an additional recommended condition of approval that allows Fuller to provide shared parking with neighboring commercial and residential uses.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council will conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed Zoning Code Amendments and proposed environmental determination. The hearing is scheduled for:
Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Robinson Park Recreation Center, Multi-Purpose Room 1081 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103. The meeting agenda will be posted by Friday, January 10, 2025, at https://ww2.cityofpasadena. net/councilagendas/council_agenda.asp.
Public Information: All interested persons may submit correspondence to correspondence@cityofpasadena.net prior to the start of the meeting. During the meeting and prior to the close of the public hearing, members of the public may provide live public comment. Please refer to the agenda when posted for instructions on to how to provide live public comment. If you challenge the matter in Court, you may be limited to raising those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing, or in written correspondence sent to the Council or the case planner at, or prior to, the public hearing.
For more information about the project:
Contact Person: Melanie Hall, Planner
Phone: (626) 744-7101
E-mail: mhall@cityofpasadena.net
Website: www.cityofpasadena.net/planning
Mailing Address:
Planning & Community Development Department Planning Division, Community Planning Section 175 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
ADA: To request a disability-related modification or accommodation necessary to facilitate meeting participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office as soon as possible at (626) 744-4124 or cityclerk@ cityofpasadena.net. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability.
Publish December 26, 2024, January 2, 9, 2025 PASADENA PRESS
Probate Notices
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF
Cynthia Marie Midget
Case No. PROVA2401039
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Cynthia Marie Midget
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Jennifer R. Midget in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Jennifer R. Midget be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)
The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held on January 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM in Dept. F1. located at 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, Ca 92335.
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Kristine M. Borgia SB#27677
Kristine M. Borgia Law Corporation 3963 11th Street Suite 202 Riverside, Ca 92501 951.823.5138 December 19, 23, 26, 2024 SAN BERNARDINO PRESS
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
RICHARD ODIN JOHNSON AKA RICHARD O. JOHNSON CASE NO. 24STPB13769
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contin-gent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of RICHARD ODIN JOHN-SON AKA RICHARD O. JOHNSON.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MARTIN ALLEN JOHNSON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MARTIN ALLEN JOHNSON be ap-pointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authori-ty will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very im-portant actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons
unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)
The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interest-ed person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/10/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 99 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledge-able in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner DAVID F. CALKINS - SBN 314924
500 N. BRAND BLVD., 20TH FLR GLENDALE CA 91203
Telephone (818) 392-8222 12/19, 12/23, 12/26/24 CNS-3880566# GLENDALE INDEPENDENT
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARIA NDUATI AKA MARIA KALONDU NDUATI AKA MARIA KALONDU MASAI CASE NO. 24STPB14029
To all heirs, beneficiar-ies, creditors, contin-gent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interest-ed in the WILL or estate, or both of MARIA NDUATI AKA MARIA KALONDU NDUATI AKA MARIA KALONDU MASAI.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by HENRY MA-SAI in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGE-LES.
THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that HENRY MASAI be appointed as per-sonal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION re-quests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representa-tive to take many actions without obtain-ing court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con-sented to the proposed action.) The independ-ent administration authority will be grant-ed unless an interest-ed person files an objection to the peti-tion and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/16/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hear-ing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CRED-ITOR or a contingent creditor of the dece-dent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal repre-sentative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representa-tive, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California stat-utes and legal
authori-ty may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attor-ney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is availa-ble from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner
LINDA M. VARGA - SBN 149988
HENRY J. MORAVEC III - SBN 149989
MORAVEC, VARGA & MOONEY 2233 HUNTINGTON DRIVE, STE. 17 SAN MARINO CA 91108
Telephone (626) 793-3210 12/19, 12/23, 12/26/24
CNS-3880468# PASADENA PRESS
NOTICE OF SUBSEQUENT PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:
MAGDALENA TORRES CASE NO. 21STPB05944
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contin-gent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MAGDALENA TORRES.
A SUBSEQUENT PETITION FOR PRO-BATE has been filed by IRENE TORRES-GOMEZ in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.
THE SUBSEQUENT PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that IRENE TORRES-GOMEZ be appointed as personal repre-sentative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE SUBSEQUENT PETITION requests the decedent's WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.
THE SUBSEQUENT PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)
The independent admin-istration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/07/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 79 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.
Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledge-able in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner
MICHAEL G. EBINER, ESQ.
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: AMY ALLISON WOODALLOJEDA CASE NO. 24STPB14040
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of AMY ALLISON WOODALL-OJEDA.
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by LOREN OJEDA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that LOREN OJEDA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with limited authority. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 01/22/25 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner SHANNON H. BURNS - SBN 125359
HINOJOSA & FORER LLP 2215 COLBY AVE. LOS ANGELES CA 90064
Telephone (310) 473-7000 Ext 125 12/26, 12/30/24, 1/2/25 CNS-3881315# PASADENA PRESS
fictitious business name or names listed herein on July 1, 2019. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Daniel Woltjer, Treasurer. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on November 6, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240010278
Pub: 12/05/2024, 12/12/2024, 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024 San Bernardino Press
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240010780
The following persons are doing business as: Brakes For All, 473 E Carnegie Dr #200, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Mailing Address, 473 E Carnegie Dr #200, San Bernardino, CA 92408. S K S Industries, Inc. (CA, 473 E Carnegie Dr #200, San Bernardino, CA 92408; Allen Chachi, President. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Allen Chachi, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on November 26, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a)
of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240010780 Pub: 12/05/2024, 12/12/2024, 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024 San Bernardino Press
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240010979
The following persons are doing business as: InnerTrans4mation, 3200 E Guasti Rd Suite 101, Ontario, CA 91761. Mailing Address, 3200 E Guasti Rd Suite 101, Ontario, CA 91761. MyLinda Criddell. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ MyLinda Criddell, CEO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on December 4, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240010979 Pub: 12/12/2024, 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025 San Bernardino Press
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
File No. FBN20240011230
The following persons are doing business as: ROA & KA LLC, 15329 Palmdale Rd, Ste V, Victorville, CA 92392. Mailing Address, 15329 Palmdale Rd, Ste V, Victorville, CA 92392. ROA & KA LLC (CA, 15329 Palmdale Rd, Ste V, Victorville, CA 92392; Larry H Johnson, Secretary. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Larry H Johnson, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on December 9, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920.
A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240011230 Pub: 12/12/2024, 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025 San Bernardino Press
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
File No. FBN20240010893
The following persons are doing business as: PACCAR FINANCIAL USED TRUCK CENTER, 15594 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335. Mailing Address, 15594 Valley Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335. PACCAR FINANCIAL CORP. (WA, 777 106th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004; Michael R. Beers, Secretary. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on October 1, 2017. By signing below,
I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Michael R. Beers, Secretary. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on December 3, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240010893
Pub: 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025 San Bernardino Press
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20240011251
The following persons are doing business as: SNOW PEAK MT. TOP COMMUNICATIONS, 11401 Raywood Flat Road, Morongo Valley, CA 92256. Mailing Address, 133 Seeman Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024. (1). Stephen J Mascaro, 133 SEEMAN DRIVE, Encinitas, CA 92024 (2). Betty D Mascaro, 133 SEEMAN DRIVE, Encinitas, CA 92024 . County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a married couple. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Stephen J Mascaro, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on December 9, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious
Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: 20240011251 Pub: 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025 San Bernardino Press
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Personable Pediatrics 4149 Chestnut St Riverside, CA 92501
Riverside County Mailing Address, 700 East Redlands Blvd Suite 741, Redlands, CA 92373. Riverside County Chris Delos Reyes Arca MD, PC (CA, 4149 Chestnut Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Riverside County This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)
s. Chris Arca, President Statement filed with the County of Riverside on December 2, 2024 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.
Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202414860 Pub. 12/19/2024, 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025 Riverside Independent
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: TRINI'S CLUB, 1562-1/2 WEST FIFTH STREET SAN BERNARDINO CA 92411; MAILING ADDRESS: 15621/2 WEST FIFTH STREET SAN BERNARDINO CA 92411 County of SAN BERNARDINO. The full name of registrant(s) is/ are: SILVANO ROSAS. This Business is conducted by a/ an: INDIVIDUAL. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name/names listed above on: NOT APPLICABLE. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). /s/ SILVANO ROSAS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of SAN BERNARDINO County on 12/03/2024 indicated by file stamp above.
NOTICE--in accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a Fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years From the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 et seq., business and professions code) 2955558-PP SAN BERNARDINO PRESS 12/19,26 2024, 1/2,9 2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20246705018. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: (1). BLOOMING WITH POTENTIAL (2). BWP , 327 S OLIVE ST, APT B, ANAHEIM, CA 92805. Full Name of Registrant(s) BLOOMING WITH POTENTIAL LLC (CA, 327 S OLIVE ST, APT B, ANAHEIM, CA 92805. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on September 10, 2024. (1). BLOOMING WITH POTENTIAL (2). BWP . /S/ BRIANNA ARREDONDO, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on December 13, 2024. Publish: Anaheim Press 12/26/2024, 01/02/2025, 01/09/2025, 01/16/2025
detention facilities in California, deemed Los Padrinos unsuitable to house youth, and gave the county until Dec. 12 to correct staffing deficiencies or close the facility. The BSCC's followup inspection found that the problems were persisting, and the closure deadline remained in place.
County officials said there was no alternative but to keep the facility operating in defiance of the closure order.
The county's proclamation acknowledged longstanding shortfalls at the facility, but took issue with the BSCC's Los Padrinos shutdown order and finding that the facility is often not adequately staffed. Supervisors also were at odds with the BSCC's decisionmaking process and the nearly three-month period to correct deficiencies or face closure, regardless of the complexity or persistent nature of a facility's problems.
"The BSCC's model unfortunately fails to recognize that many problems simply cannot be 100% solved in that 90-day time period — particularly when many of the underlying problems are personnelrelated and must, by law, be resolved in compliance with civil service and collective bargaining rules that usually operate under timelines that vastly exceed 90 days," according to the motion.
"It bears repeating that the county respects the BSCC and its staff, and shares its goal of ensuring youth in Probation custody receive appropriate care. But regardless of the county's disagreement with the merits of the BSCC's findings and how it is structured, the fact remains that the BSCC appears to be demanding the closure of LPJH and appears poised to support legal action to shut it down. The county must act urgently to address the resulting grave safety and security perils to the youth and the public. The county has no other place to house these youth — particularly
given that, among other things, BSCC itself has not approved any other county facilities to do so."
The motion revealed that defense attorneys have started legal actions seeking the release of youth being held at Los Padrinos, contending the facility is operating illegally. Also, "a very high percentage of the youth in LPJH have a history of serious, violent offenses — such as murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery and carjacking," and other detainees have "serious mental health issues," according to the motion.
"If LPJH is closed, there is nowhere for them to go, except back into the community."
Hours of public comments featured many advocates, activists and former detainees who criticized the emergency declaration as racist and
Juvenile hall
explore real alternatives."
Many speakers called on the county to shut the facility down and release the youth to their families.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath voted against the motion, which she said "doesn't unlock authority" the probation department does not already have. Horvath added that the emergency proclamation reinforces a scenario that subjects youth to unsafe conditions while not requiring accountability measures by the Probation Department for the agency's historic failures in managing Los Padrinos and other juvenile halls.
To try to better ensure full staffing, the proclamation calls for the Department of Human Resources and other relevant agencies to hasten the recruitment and hiring of probation officers to fill vacancies at the facility, to offer incentives up to
in collaboration with our state partners and others."
In a statement on Dec. 18, LA County Probation Department Chief Guillermo Viera-Rosa said the proclamation's "drastic and decisive measures are needed to root deep-seated
nally included a discussion of Los Padrinos, but that was removed from the agenda because of the recently failed inspection.
The L.A. County Deputy Probation Officers’ Union, AFSCME Local 685, has blamed the county for inade-
lenge. He said that while the Probation Department has been rotating nondetention staff into Los Padrinos to complete shift staffing, the issue of officers who "call out" and fail to report to work remains a problem. Some shifts have as many
issues plaguing our only secured youth facility."
"We also strongly
replete with language that demonized youth without acknowledging the Probation Department or county's responsibility for the years of deficiencies in the juvenile detention system.
Probation officers "don't show up to work and keep their jobs? What kind of leadership is that?" one speaker asked. Other public hearing participants slammed the tenor of the motion for painting youth detainees as "murders, robbers and rapists" and failing to "hold probation accountable and
$24,000 for lateral transfers and to consider hiring any qualified peace officer in the state, such as reserve officers and 120-day retirees.
"While we have many solutions that are working, the scale and speed at which these solutions are being implemented need to be expanded and expedited, respectively," according to the motion. "Proclaiming a local emergency to address this critical crisis will provide the county with additional tools to accelerate and expand its response
support the Board of Supervisors' directive to pursue legal strategies to prevent the premature release of youth and to ensure public safety is upheld," VieraRosa said. "At the same time, we remain committed to providing care and services to youth, recognizing that they deserve a secure, supportive, and rehabilitative environment."
The county Probation Department is appealing the BSCC's closure order.
The BSCC's meeting scheduled for Dec. 18 origi-
quate staffing. In an October statement that followed the unsuitability ruling, the union said “chronic understaffing and untenable working conditions” have “put an immense burden” on Los Padrinos officers.
"Our members are dedicated professionals who have built careers in juvenile rehabilitation and public safety field supervision, and we understand the stakes," the union's executive board said in a statement following the county supervisors' proclamation. "This is about ensuring the safety of youth and officers in Probation facilities, providing critical field supervision to protect our communities, and delivering on our mission to support rehabilitation while safeguarding the workforce that makes it possible. We must work together to keep Los Padrinos open."
Several supervisors blamed persistent understaffing as the primary issue affecting Los Padrinos and said the facility's woes have been intensified by the number of officers who fail to show up for work.
Viera-Rosa told the board the staffing shortfalls are improving, but maintaining adequately staffed work shifts is still a chal-
as 18% of officers who don't report for duty, and an overall average of about 14% who fail to show up, VieraRosa said.
"The reasons for them not showing up are vast, and legitimate in some cases, such as not feeling safe," he added.
Dozens of probation officers have been suspended this year, including some accused of remaining idle and watching during violent clashes involving youths at Los Padrinos.
Also during the Dec. 17 meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a proposed $30 million settlement of a 2022 federal classaction lawsuit alleging the county failed to ensure safe and habitable conditions for more than 7,000 detainees at county juvenile facilities since 2014.
The lawsuit alleged youth detainees did not have access to warm bedding and clothing, restrooms, toiletries, private showers and sanitary food. The suit also claimed youths were not provided required access to exercise, recreation or religious services, and officers allegedly used shackles and pepper spray excessively in the facilities, two of which are shut down.
Isabella Suleiman from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition speaks at the Dec. 17 LA County Board of Supervisors meeting against the emergency proclamation to keep Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall operating despite a state shutdown order. | Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County
Chief Probation Officer Guillermo Viera-Rosa testifies at the Dec. 17 county board meeting. | Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County
LA deputy mayor placed on leave following FBI investigation over bomb threat
By City News Service
Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Brian Williams was on administrative leave last week following an investigation into a bomb threat he allegedly made against City Hall earlier this year, Mayor Karen Bass' office announced.
The Mayor's Office was notified that the FBI searched Williams' home Dec. 17 as part of their investigation, according to a statement from the office.
"The mayor takes this matter very seriously," Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said in a statement Dec. 19. "When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation."
According to a Los Angeles Police Department statement, the agency's initial investigation determined Williams was likely the "source of the threat."
"Due to the department's working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI," LAPD said in a statement. "The FBI remains the investigating agency."
"No additional information is being released," the LAPD added.
A representative for the FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Williams joined Bass' office in March 2023. He was tasked with working closely with critical safety departments such as police, fire, Los Angeles World Airports police, and emergency. Prior to his appointment, Williams served seven years as the executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.
Williams also previously served as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, where he was responsible for the management and oversight of the Department of Transportation, Public Works and Information Technology Agency.
New LA County committee to focus on complaints against sheriff's department
By City News Service
The Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission last week established a new committee to evaluate and reform how the Sheriff's Department handles complaints from residents about deputy misconduct.
The nine-member commission unanimously approved the creation of the Complaints Ad Hoc Committee, tasked with recommending policy and procedural changes to simplify the process for residents to file complaints against Sheriff's Department personnel and address related issues.
Commissioners Arthur Calloway II, Luis Garcia, James Harris and Hans Johnson will serve on the ad hoc committee. They are expected to review best practices from other large law enforcement agencies and propose reforms to improve LASD's complaint handling processes.
The committee also aims to ensure complaints are investigated promptly,
appropriate disciplinary actions are taken and complainants receive timely updates.
"For too long, we have been told by members of the public that the LASD complaints process is broken; that it is not working," Robert Bonner, the chair of the LA Sheriff's Civilian Oversight Commission, said in a statement Dec. 19.
"It is time for the commission to take a hard look at how the Sheriff's Department handles complaints of misconduct against its deputies," he added. "If the LASD is going to investigate its own, it is imperative that there be effective oversight and visibility into the process."
The committee was partly created because the oversight commission has been denied access to information about LASD's complaint process, with officials citing county counsel's advice that such details are confidential, despite
repeated requests from commissioners.
"When residents file a complaint, whether to the LASD, to the commission, or to the Office of Inspector General, it is important that we all — individually and collectively — have a seamless process as this is critical to ensuring a solid foundation for building trust between our communities and law enforcement," Calloway said in a statement.
According to Sharmaine Moseley, executive director of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, the committee will explore creating an online complaint form and developing a database or dashboard for tracking complaint data.
The Complaints Ad Hoc Committee will meet in January. Experts, residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting to share their experiences related to LASD's complaint practices and processes.
Los Angeles City Hall. | Photo courtesy of Michael J Fromholtz/Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
The LA County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission meets in downtown Los Angeles. | Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission/Facebook