Category: Southern California

California Fentanyl Bills in Limbo Again After Special Hearing

SACRAMENTO—Six pieces of fentanyl legislation were reconsidered by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on April 27, as the issue of punishment versus prevention took center stage, with the eight-member panel deferring many for later discussion. “It’s a lot of excuse-making, instead of addressing the real problem,” Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), a committee member, told The…


Narcotics Suspect Arrested for Allegedly Biting Finger Off Los Angeles Police Officer

LOS ANGELES—A man who was escorted off a Metro B (Red) Line train for suspected possession of drug paraphernalia was arrested April 27 after he allegedly became combative and bit off a portion of a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) sergeant’s finger. According to the LAPD, officers were on routine patrol on the Red Line…


Landslide Damages Cultural Center, Halts Rail Service in San Clemente

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.—A landslide beneath part of the Casa Romantica Cultural Center in San Clemente sent dirt and debris cascading down a hillside April 27, heavily damaging the center’s concrete terrace and shutting down all rail service in the area. The slide occurred early Thursday afternoon, prompting Metrolink to shut down rail service south of…


California Cost of Living Analysis: Exodus Edition

While historically people have been willing to pay higher prices to live in California, recent migratory patterns showing net outflows suggest that some are choosing to move in search of more affordable options. From housing to fuel, commodities, and services, Californians fork over more than the majority of the country for routine expenses, and according…


How People Are Pushed out of California by Cost of Living

While historically people have been willing to pay higher prices to live in California, recent migratory patterns showing net outflows suggest that some are choosing to move in search of more affordable options. From housing to fuel, commodities, and services, Californians fork over more than the majority of the country for routine expenses, and according…


Irvine Halts Electrification Plans After Federal Court Overturns Nation’s First Natural Gas Ban

Plans for the City of Irvine to require newly constructed buildings to be fully electric starting next month were postponed by city officials April 25 after a federal ruling shut down similar plans for another city earlier this month. The Ninth Circuit Court, out of San Francisco, ruled banning natural gas piping in newly constructed…


3 Orphaned Bear Cubs Rehabilitated and Returned to San Bernardino National Forest

SAN DIEGO—Three orphaned bear cubs, rehabilitated by the San Diego Humane Society’s (SDHS) Ramona Wildlife Center, are back in the wild April 27. The cubs spent nine months at the wildlife center and were released April 26 in the San Bernardino National Forest near Clark’s Ranch. “It is always our goal to rehabilitate and return…


Man Shot by Deputy in San Diego After Short Standoff

SPRING VALLEY, Calif.—A 45-year-old man who allegedly threatened his roommates and charged at sheriff’s deputies while wielding a metal bedframe was shot by a deputy and seriously injured in Spring Valley, authorities said April 27. Deputies from the Rancho San Diego substation were dispatched just before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to a home in the 3600…


Gov. Newsom’s Successor, Part 2: President or Vice President Newsom?

Commentary (Part One of this two-part series is “The Early Candidates Announce.”) On April 25, President Joe Biden launched his 2024 reelection bid. To me, at least, even in the heavily rehearsed and edited announcement video, he looked frail and partly incoherent. Americans seem to agree. An NBC News poll released the day before showed…


Umberg Vows to Carry on With Fentanyl Crackdown in California Despite Committee’s Rejection

SANTA ANA, Calif.—Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) said April 26 he’s done trying to get a bill cracking down on fentanyl dealers out of a state Senate committee after it was rejected again this week, and will instead support efforts to seek an initiative from voters to change the law. Umberg sponsored the bill with…