LOCAL

Essential California: How Santa Rosa is planning to rebuild

Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Thursday, Oct. 19, and here’s what’s happening across California: TOP STORIES Fires keep on burning After the fires in Northern California, Shelly Lanning is one of thousands of residents who have lost their homes in a region...

September archives: California politics news feed

Earthquake: 3.0 quake strikes near Pizona, Calif.

Firefighters lacked water-dropping aircraft in first hours of wildfires in wine country

Northern California fires are mostly contained. Next step: cleaning up

When a big earthquake hits, your first instinct can mean life or death

After staggering losses in California firestorm, officials expect state's largest debris-removal effort ever

Thousands displaced by Northern California's wildfires now face the region's housing shortage

Costa Mesa moves ahead on possible general plan amendment for proposed townhome project

Costa Mesa City Council members voted unanimously to process a general plan amendment request for a proposed townhome project near the downtown area. Tuesday night’s vote didn’t approve the development itself but allowed the applicant, The Olson Co., to move ahead with the process of potentially...

Newport to be reimbursed $365,000 by Civic Center builder

The lead contractor and project manager of Newport Beach’s Civic Center project has agreed to reimburse the city $365,000, more than a year after an audit identified $1.2 million in possible overbilling. The city and the company, Pasadena-based C.W. Driver, reached a settlement agreement Oct. 9....

Worker killed in forklift rollover at John Wayne Airport is identified

Orange County coroner’s officials released the name this week of a Los Angeles man who died in a workplace accident at John Wayne Airport. The man, identified as Jose Manuel Gomez, 30, suffered fatal injuries when a forklift he was operating rolled over on him at about 4:30 a.m. Monday at the airport,...

The Crowd: Pacific Symphony opening night a sensational success

Without the extended Segerstrom family, there would be no Pacific Symphony Orchestra. This fact does not diminish the contributions of so many other O.C. citizens over many years; however, Segerstrom financial support, season following season, remains a mainstay of the underpinning of classical...

Pilot Picks: Our sports staff predicts the winners of local high school football games

david.carrillo@latimes.com Twitter: @ByDCP Andrew.Turner@latimes.com Twitter: @ProfessorTurner matthew.szabo@latimes.com Twitter: @mjszabo

Edison High teacher named a California Teacher of the Year uses a ‘hands-on, minds-on’ approach

A teacher at Edison High School in Huntington Beach is one of five educators selected as 2018 California Teachers of the Year. The California Department of Education said Gregory Gardiner, who teaches environmental science and biology, will be honored by state schools Supt. Tom Torlakson at a gala...

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Ocean View vs. Westminster

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Westminster High Key Seahawks: Sr. RB Noah De Loera (135 carries for 949 yards and 10 TDs); Jr. QB Noah Hickman; Sr. WR-DB Nathaniel Washington Key Lions: Sr. QB Noah Melbon (93 of 156 passing for 1,445 yards, 10 TDs and five INTs); Jr. RB Christian Jaime (130 carries...

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Estancia vs. Costa Mesa

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Costa Mesa High Key Eagles: Jr. RB Trevor Pacheco (141 carries for 941 yards and three TDs; Jr. WR-CB Nathan Guyot; Sr. LB-WR Deshandre Kerkhoff Key Mustangs: Sr. QB Ben Swanson (84 of 162 passing for 1,003 yards, five TDs and four INTs); Sr. RB-LB Chris Romero; Sr....

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Marina vs. Huntington Beach

Where/When: Friday, 7 p.m. at Huntington Beach High Key Vikings: Sr. QB-DB Ian Green (47 of 87 passing for 874 yards, 10 TDs and five INTs; 81 carries for 287 yards and three TDs; 18 tackles); Sr. RB-SS Blaine Riederich (57 carries for 341 yards and seven TDs; 11 catches for 254 yards and three...

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Laguna Beach vs. Saddleback

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Segerstrom High Key Breakers: Sr. QB Curtis Harrison (86 of 165 passing for 1,269 yards, 14 TDs and 10 INTs); Sr. WR-SS Adam Armstrong (30 catches for 425 yards and four TDs); Jr. WR-FS-K Sean Nolan Key Roadrunners: Sr. RB Bryan Oceguda; Sr. WR Jacob Roa; Sr. RB David...

Divorce was long taboo for Vietnamese immigrants. After years in the U.S., they're accepting it more

For years, Mimi Ho endured a long list of demands from an insistent husband and a coterie of in-laws and assorted aunts and uncles. The Vietnamese immigrant, a nanny who also sells clothes to make a living, felt she was living not in a marriage, but a state of servitude. “It was do this, do that,...

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Fountain Valley vs. Newport Harbor

When/where: Friday, 7 p.m. at Newport Harbor High Key Barons: Sr. QB Nick Welch (87 of 157 passing for 1,396 yards, 10 TDs and six INTs; 576 rushing yards and nine TDs); Sr. RB-LB Benn Vallier (81 carries for 669 yards and seven TDs); Sr. WR Adam Arganda (25 catches for 438 yards and three TDs)....

Costa Mesa girls' volleyball tested, but sweeps Godinez

Courtney Moore had a team-high 14 kills and 23 digs, helping the Costa Mesa High girls’ volleyball team clinch at least a share of second place in the Orange Coast League with a 25-22, 26-24, 25-22 win at Godinez High on Wednesday. Malia Tufuga added 11 kills and 17 assists for Costa Mesa, which...

Joe Surf: Huntington Beach’s Peter ‘PT’ Townend says ‘Surf’s up’ in China

There’s a Jamaican bobsled team, so why not a Chinese surf team? When the International Olympic Committee announced that surfing would be an official sport in the 2020 Olympics in Japan, there was rejoicing in places like Hawaii, Southern California, Brazil and Australia. In China, the reaction...

Finals rematch yields no winner between Newport Harbor and Edison

Field hockey is a sport that thrives on the east coast, but its local supporters showed up in bulk for the rematch of last year’s Tournament of Champions final. Newport Harbor High and Edison faced each other once more, their first meeting since the Sailors won it all last year. Two conferences...

Woman is sentenced to 5 years in prison for framing husband's ex-fiancee in Craigslist rape fantasy plot

A woman has been sentenced to five years in state prison in what prosecutors called a “diabolical scheme” to frame her husband’s ex-fiancee in a Craigslist rape fantasy plot. Angela Maria Diaz, 32, pleaded guilty Tuesday to 10 felony and 22 misdemeanor charges, including kidnapping, false imprisonment...

Estancia boys’ water polo routs Saddleback

Logan Richards scored seven goals as the Estancia High boys’ water polo team beat Saddleback 25-6 in an Orange Coast League game on Wednesday. The victory clinched at least third place in league, which Estancia coach Mitch White said should mean at least a wild-card berth into the CIF Southern...

CdM girls’ tennis clinches share of ‘three-peat’ with win over University

Two years ago, the Corona del Mar High girls’ tennis team beat University to end the Trojans’ 54-match winning streak in the Pacific Coast League. Times have changed, and so has the pecking order in the league. CdM is leaving next year for the Sunset League, but the undefeated Sea Kings look like...

Divers begin removing 30-year-old junk reef off Newport Beach coast

Divers are removing hundreds of old tires, plastic jugs and other junk that was dumped off the Newport Beach coast nearly 30 years ago by a man who thought he was helping the ocean environment. The cleanup began last week, the California Coastal Commission said Wednesday. “It's about time this...

CdM boys’ cross-country comes into focus with small schools Orange County title

The playoffs for fall sports are around the corner, and with that in mind, the CIF Southern Section has increased the depth of its cross-country rankings. For the first time ever, the section has expanded its polls to 16 teams per division. Teams that appear within those rankings that do not obtain...

Victim said she had 'inside story' about a disappearance, witness testifies in Robert Durst murder case

Shortly before she was shot to death inside her Benedict Canyon home, Susan Berman told a close female friend she had the “inside story” about the disappearance of the wife of a male friend in New York with whom she was angry and disappointed, according to testimony Wednesday in the murder case...

Costa Mesa gives Bootlegger's microbrewery the green light

After about 2½ hours of discussion and debate, the Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a proposal to open a Bootlegger’s Brewery in town. The council’s vote affirms a Planning Commission decision to allow the microbrewery to open a location in 2,703 square feet of existing building...

Burroughs polo dispatches Burbank, heads into league tourney as No. 1 seed

BURBANK — It was a festive atmosphere Wednesday afternoon when the Burroughs High boys’ water polo team took on Burbank in a crosstown rivalry matchup. Although the Indians were fighting to finish the league regular season in a tie for first place, they were surprisingly relaxed. The Bulldogs,...

Burbank police investigate ‘suspicious’ fire that engulfed car in flames

A car caught fire in an underground parking garage Monday evening and damaged two other vehicles in the process, according to the Burbank Police Department. The Burbank police and fire departments first received word around 10:20 p.m. of a Toyota Highlander on fire in the 1800 block of Grismer...

Ex-L.A. Sheriff Lee Baca to stay out of prison while he appeals his conviction

Former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca won a reprieve Wednesday when an appeals court ruled he could remain free while he appeals his conviction on charges of obstruction of justice and lying. Baca, 75, was convicted this year for his role in a 2011 scheme by Sheriff’s Department officials...

Hoover water polo makes quick work of rival Glendale

GLENDALE — In front of a packed and noisy pool deck on a warm afternoon, the Hoover High and Glendale boys’ water polo teams met in their annual Pacific League cross-town rivalry match. That was all that David Ashkharian needed to ignite him. “It’s always fun getting to play in a rivalry game because...

Suspect in Burbank burglary may have been casing neighborhood

Police are on the lookout for a man suspected of burglarizing a Burbank home and possibly casing two others in the same neighborhood early Monday. A family living in the 1200 block of North Parish Place reported a burglar had broken into their home sometime around 1:55 a.m. Sgt. Derek Green, a...

Crescenta Valley boys' water polo downs Arcadia, stays in Pacific League hunt

LA CRESCENTA – Perhaps the most wide-open Pacific League boys’ water polo championship race this century will include a stalwart in Crescenta Valley High. The Falcons remained in a three-way tie atop the league standings heading into the league with an 8-4 victory over visiting archrival Arcadia...

Huntington Beach and Long Beach team up on a bid for Amazon’s HQ2

The cities of Huntington Beach and Long Beach have crossed county lines in a bid to lure Amazon into building its planned second headquarters along the Southern California coast. On Wednesday, the cities proposed that one site in Huntington and two in Long Beach — a region they’re pitching as the...

Passing the California bar exam shouldn't be made easier, court says

The California Supreme Court decided Wednesday not to lower the passing score on the state’s licensing examination for lawyers. The state’s bar exam has long been one of the toughest to pass in the nation. Last year, California had the lowest rate of passage of any state, and its average score...

Father of Huntington Beach woman killed in Las Vegas shooting files wrongful death suit

The father of a Huntington Beach woman who was fatally wounded during a mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas this month filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the operator of the Mandalay Bay resort and others, alleging wrongful death and negligence. Andrea Castilla, an Estancia High...

Edison, Los Alamitos battle for Sunset League supremacy

WEEK 8 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS EDISON VS. LOS ALAMITOS When/where: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Huntington Beach High Key Chargers: Sr. QB Griffin O’Connor (92 of 156 passing for 1,329 yards, 12 TDs and seven INTs); Sr. WR-DB David Atencio (34 catches for 604 yards and seven TDs; three INTs, 15 tackles);...

Onward America plans demonstration Sunday in Laguna Beach

The man who organized an August demonstration that drew more than 2,500 people to Laguna’s Main Beach, including thousands in opposition, plans to return to the same location Sunday, albeit with a different focus. Johnny Benitez, founder of the group Onward America, said Tuesday that he wants greater...

300-gallon sewage spill closes water around Balboa Pier

A portion of the ocean around the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach is closed to swimmers after 300 gallons of raw sewage leaked from a pumping tank below the pier into the water Wednesday. The Orange County Health Care Agency said the water 1,000 feet upcoast and 1,000 feet downcoast of the pier will...

Fountain Valley police to get 11.5% pay raise over 3 years

Fountain Valley police officers will receive a series of pay raises totaling 11.5% over the next three years under a package approved by the City Council on Tuesday. Officers and sergeants will get raises of 4% this year, 4% next year and 3.5% the year after. The previous base salary range was...

Fountain Valley moves to ban recreational marijuana businesses

The Fountain Valley City Council took a step Tuesday toward banning recreational marijuana-related businesses in town. The council voted 4-0, with member Mark McCurdy abstaining, to approve the first reading of an ordinance to ban all commercial marijuana activity such as shops and delivery services,...

Weekly Football Previews: Crescenta Valley faces Burbank in battle for Pacific

Over the last three-plus seasons, the Crescenta Valley High football team has had its way with the Pacific League. The defending league champion Falcons have scooped up two of the last three titles, are 23-2 in league play dating back to 2014, and are currently riding a 12-game league winning streak....

Glendale Community College football seeking consistency, victory

For the second straight season, the Glendale Community College football team has begun its campaign with six consecutive defeats. Glendale’s losing skid last season came to a close against Pasadena City College. Glendale will look to continue that pattern when it meets Pasadena in an American Metro...

Newport-Mesa selects map for adjusting school trustee zone boundaries

After a yearlong debate about how to adjust trustee zone boundaries to make them more equal in population, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board on Tuesday unanimously approved a map labeled Map G, which critics contend was created with minimal public input. The boundary adjustment is...

College Update: Gangi has career-best effort for Nevada football

The following are updates on area athletes at the collegiate level. Ty Gangi (St. Francis High, 2014) University of Nevada football junior: The former Golden Knights standout keeps coming up with big performances this season as quarterback for the Wolf Pack. Gangi had a stellar performance Saturday,...

In Theory: Would more religion mean less violence?

In an opinion column called Spiritual Politics, writer Mark Silks reacts to televangelist Pat Robertson’s recent contention that disrespect and a lack of godliness has led to a rise in violence and mass shootings like the one in Las Vegas earlier this month. “When there is no vision of God, the...

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Edison vs. Los Alamitos

When/where: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Huntington Beach High Key Chargers: Sr. QB Griffin O’Connor (92 of 156 passing for 1,329 yards, 12 TDs and seven INTs); Sr. WR-DB David Atencio (34 catches for 604 yards and seven TDs; three INTs, 15 tackles); Sr. DE-RB Hunter Griggs (five sacks, 36 tackles; 25 carries...

Charming, funny ‘Lagunatics’ is worth your support

If you heard a joke about goats every year for 25 years, would you still laugh? What about traffic, tourists or parking? Somehow “Lagunatics” has been making fun of its beloved city for a quarter of a century with a recurring stable of topics, yet the jokes somehow never get old. Why? Because if...

Quiet zones, pedestrian and bike paths may come with Metro’s San Fernando Road project

  Metro officials held a community meeting earlier this month about the latest updates for the proposed interim improvements tied to the grade-separation project that would improve safety along two hazardous railroad crossings along San Fernando Road. The Metro project plans to replace two railroad...

Free legal help hot line established for fire victims

A group of legal organizations has established a free hot line to help fire victims navigate disaster-related challenges. Victims of fires anywhere in California may call (415) 575-3120 with questions about landlord-tenant issues; life, medical and property insurance; emergency aid applications;...

Huntington Beach music director celebrates 40 years at the helm

The Huntington Beach Concert Band was on the verge of dissolution when Tom Ridley stepped in as its director. Now he’ll be celebrated with a tribute concert Sunday for leading the group for 40 years. “It’s been a great ride with great people,” Ridley said. “The band is my second family.” When Ridley,...

Weekly Football Previews: Burbank at Crescenta Valley; Muir at Burroughs

BURBANK AT CRESCENTA VALLEY •WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday •WHERE: Glendale High •RECORDS: The Bulldogs are 5-2, 4-0 in the Pacific League; the Falcons are 7-0, 4-0 •LAST WEEK: Burbank defeated Pasadena 42-0; Crescenta Valley defeated Burroughs, 38-14 •OUTLOOK: This is a game that has created a great deal...

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Los Amigos vs. Bolsa Grande

Where/When: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Bolsa Grande High Key Lobos: Jr. OL-LB Andrew Contreras (54 tackles); Sr. TE-LB Saul Robles (48 tackles and one blocked field goal); So. RB-DB Joseph Garcia (44 tackles, 10 sacks, and one fumble recovery) Key Matadors: Sr. QB Andrew Guillen; Sr. RB-OLB Elian Gallegos;...

Tempers flare as Costa Mesa council approves new firefighters contract

Tempers flared Tuesday night as Costa Mesa City Council members exchanged verbal barbs before eventually approving a new contract with the Costa Mesa Firefighters Assn. Supporting the contract were Mayor Katrina Foley, Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Genis and Councilman John Stephens, who praised it as a...

Scarecrow contest goes on in Costa Mesa after resident strives to keep it alive

Originally, all Olga Reynolds wanted to do was make a scarecrow. About six weeks ago, the Costa Mesa resident — who hails from “Westside, best side,” as she puts it — dropped by the Costa Mesa Historical Society to see how to enter the scarecrow contest in this year’s Scarecrow and Pumpkin Festival...

Firefighters snuff Diamond Bar blaze; portion of northbound 57 Freeway reopened

Firefighters gained the upper hand on two brush fires in the hills next to the 57 Freeway in Diamond Bar on Wednesday morning. The fires had burned a combined 15 acres and were fully contained as of 10 a.m., authorities said. No one was injured and no structures were damaged, authorities said. ...

Firefighters face rough terrain as they battle Mt. Wilson blaze

Firefighters were still battling a 50-acre wildfire that is threatening the historic Mt. Wilson Observatory and a collection of vital communications towers in the San Gabriel Mountains. The fire was 25% contained as of 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, said Angeles National Forest spokeswoman Seneca Smith....

Week 8 High School Football Preview: Corona del Mar vs. Northwood

When/where: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Newport Harbor High Key Sea Kings: Sr. QB Nathaniel Espinoza (74 of 115 passing for 1,165 yards, 13 TDs and one INT; 56 carries for 346 rushing yards and four TDs); Sr. WR TaeVeon Le (30 catches for 590 yards and eight TDs); So. WR-S John Humphreys (28 catches for...

TimesOC: Vulnerable Republicans back away from hardline immigration stances

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, Oct. 18. Here’s what’s been happening around O.C. Top story Vulnerable Republicans back away from hardline immigration stances For years, Orange County Republicans, such as Reps. Ed Royce and Mimi Walters, have drawn from a familiar GOP playbook on immigration. But...

Essential California: Female lawmakers, staffers and lobbyists speak out on 'pervasive' harassment in California's Capitol

Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Wednesday, Oct. 18, and here’s what’s happening across California: TOP STORIES From Weinstein to Sacramento A state legislator who was groped by a male lobbyist weeks after she was sworn into office. A legislative staffer-turned-lobbyist...