Tag: California

No One Is Banning Books in Your School Library

Commentary While reading the California Education Code the other day, I made a stunning discovery. School districts are allowed to burn books. Is California that far ahead on the road to totalitarianism? Though it seems like we’re living in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” where school districts can technically burn books, the reason for the law…


President Biden Approves California’s Major Disaster Declaration

In response to heavy storm damage, the federal government will be providing aid to the state of California, as announced by the White House April 3, after President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration. While storms have persistently pounded the state this season, the statement notes that relief is aimed at assisting local recovery…


Man Gets 26 to Life for Killing Stepmother in Lake Forest

FULLERTON, Calif.—A 30-year-old man was sentenced April 3 to 26 years to life in prison for killing his stepmother with a pick axe in Lake Forest nearly a decade ago. Oscar Luis Morlett III was convicted March 2, but because he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, jurors had to determine whether he was…


California Snowpack Breaks Record as Drought Conditions Ease

The snowpack in California is at its highest level in decades, bringing drought relief to several regions as well as concerns about flooding from the upcoming snowmelt. Electronic readings from 130 snow sensors throughout California show that the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent was at 61.1 inches on April 3, which is 237 percent of…


California Lifts State’s COVID Mandates on Healthcare Facilities and Providers

California has lifted all government-enforced COVID protocols, with the state no longer requiring medical professionals to wear masks, allowing local management to apply their own protocols. The lifting of mandates came into effect on Monday. Californians can be mask free inside any healthcare setting, including high-risk locations, elderly care centers, places that serve people experiencing homelessness,…


Reparations Proposals Would Cost California $800 Billion: Economists

Economists estimated this week that reparations under consideration for black Californians could cost $800 billion, findings they provided to the state’s Reparations Task Force during meetings in Sacramento March 29 and 30. After two days of discussion, the panel suggested the responsibility of determining individual payment amounts lies with state lawmakers. Established in May of…


Department of Labor Report Reveals Sweatshop-Like Conditions in Southern California

The Southern California garment industry is under scrutiny after a U.S. Department of Labor report released last month highlighted the prevalence of labor rights violations. While many consumers believe a ‘Made in USA’ label—at national retailers such as Lulus, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, for example—ensures workers earn at least minimum wage, data compiled in the…


Fiery Crash Kills Woman, Injures 3 Others in Hollywood Area

A fiery single-vehicle crash in the Hollywood area Monday left a woman dead and three other people injured, two critically, authorities said. It happened about 2:30 a.m. in the 8200 block of Sunset Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The vehicle—a Tesla X—apparently crashed in Hollywood and came to fiery rest in…


2nd Suspect Arrested in Connection with Fatal Fallbrook Mall Shooting

WEST HILLS, Calif.—A second suspect was behind bars April 3 in connection with a weekend shooting at the Fallbrook Shopping Center in West Hills that left one person dead and three others injured. Amy Waters, 33, is suspected of helping the shooting suspect flee the scene by picking him up and then leading police on…


Infant Killed, Parents Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Orange County

A suspected DUI driver allegedly rammed into a couple pushing their infant in a stroller, killing the baby, April 2 in Los Flores, an unincorporated neighborhood bordering Mission Viejo, California, police said. Daniel Lenihan, 54, of San Clemente, was driving a 2017 Hyundai Sonata on the east sidewalk of Antonio Parkway, south of Oaktree Lane…