Saturday, July 31, 2010

Spaccia-ed OUT! Acting Maywood City Manager Angela Spaccia throws in towel after bilking Bell for $375K a year




Above, a stroll down Memory Lane here in Maywood compliments of CNN News from 2006.  This community has been a lightning rod of controversy locally and nationally and it is BACK in the headlines.....

BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 31, 2010

Maywood, CA:

Well, it looks like we won't have Angela Spaccia to kick around in Bell or Maywood, or any other small enclave here in our neck of the woods.

Yep, ole' Angela is out of another job and tonight taxpayers in Maywood are breathing a sigh of relief.

Acting Maywood city manager Angela Spaccia resigned yesterday.  She is one of the "Bell Millionaire" city employees who was caught raking in an ungodly salary year in and year out when no one was paying much attention outside of these small tiny stamp sized municipalities on the outskirts of Downtown LA.

Spaccia was the ding dong assistant city manager of  Bell, who made $376,288 annually for doing just about zippola. Wait a minute.  I wanna job like that.  You would think with all of my "political" ties in California, that someone would be showing the Pirate some big lovin...  lol.

Spaccia now leaves Maywood "without a leader." Big deal, or is this a BIGGER PAYOFF than meets the eye.

Remember, ol' Ang orchestrated Maywood's move last month to lay off almost every worker in the city government and wipe out the Maywood Police Department.  Nice move, girl.

So, the trail of political bodies are beginning to stack up.  When will we actually see handcuffs and raids on homes and more city halls?

Stay tuned.  ...getting tons of inside scoop that I will be breaking over the next few weeks.

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SATURDAY at 6 p.m.: LA COUNTY FIRE UPDATES DATA ON CROWN FIRE

This map shows the incorporated areas in Los A...Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 31, 2010
5:55 p.m.

Agua Dulce, CA

Here is the latest from the Los Angeles County Fire Department regarding the Crown Fire up in the Palmdale area.

Things are beginning to get under control, and hopefully this pesky fire will soon be dust.


Name: Crown IC
Status: 62 % Contained 13918 Acres
Personnel: 1320
Start Date: Thursday July 29th at 2:32 pm
Last Update: July 31st at 3 pm
Additional Information:
Last nights weather allowed fire crews on the ground to continue to strengthen control west flank lines of the fire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department appreciate the cooperation of residents in complying with evacuation orders. First responders will continue to be working in the affected areas and firefighters will continue to construct lines, work on any remaining hot spots and patrol the area.
Access is also now open from Elizabeth Lake Road to Godde Hill and Bouquet Canyon. Access will be limited to residents only. Access continues to be limited to residents only in the following area: Godde Hill Road from Elizabeth Lake Road to 60th Street West and Avenue N.
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WEEK RECAP: Pamela Bridgewater one step closer to becoming US Ambassador to Jamaica

Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
Saturday, July 31, 2010
2:45 p.m. PST


Washington, DC

The new US Ambassador-designate to Jamaica Pamela E. Bridgewater is one step closer to being confirmed by the United States Senate.

This past week, Bridgewater faced the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee for a confirmation hearing, and so far it appears to be smooth sailing for the Virginia native Diplomat.

I just returned from a two week working trip from Kingston, Jamaica where I am documenting the amazing works of the Mustard Seed Communities and its Founder Catholic Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon.

I wish Ms. Bridgewater good luck, and I hope to have to opportunity to visit her and to get her thoughts about the state of relations between and the works of the Mustard Seed Community in Jamaica during my next trip to Kingston in a couple of months.


Miss Bridgewater told the Foreign Relations Committee that if she is confirmed as Ambassador she will, among other things, seek to forge closer ties between the United States administration and the Jamaican Government.

Official presidential portrait of Barack Obama...“I welcome the chance to serve as US Ambassador to Jamaica. Having served there earlier in my career, the major political parties considered me an honest and fair player then and I hope those in Government, some of whom I’ve known for many years, will continue to view me in this light,” she said.

The US-Ambassador-designate highlighted Jamaica's importance in combating drug trafficking and international crime organizations.

“The Jamaican Government, civil society and business leaders have indicated that they’re willing to confront the criminal organisations that have the country’s democracy and have hindered economic growth. This is a historic opportunity for Jamaica to build a strong, more prosperous country.

“I believe that my experience will help me, if confirmed, to advance our interest in Jamaica. Bringing interested parties to the table to find areas of common ground and giving honest messages in ways that resolve problems are hallmarks of my experience,” Mrs. Bridgewater said.

On June 10, President Barack Obama announced his intention to nominate Miss Bridgewater to the post.

Here is more about her career:

Pamela E. Bridgewater is a career member of the Foreign Service with the rank of Minister.  She has served since 2008 as a Senior Inspector in the Office of Inspector General. She has also served as Ambassador to Benin and Ghana.

Ambassador Bridgewater was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa in 2002; she was appointed the State Department’s Special Coordinator for Peace in Liberia, and later headed the U.S. delegation to the Liberian Peace Talks. Overseas postings were in Belgium, Jamaica, South Africa and the Bahamas, where she was Deputy Chief of Mission. In Washington, she served in the Bureaus of European Affairs, Human Resources, Oceans and Environmental Affairs, Intelligence and Research. Ms. Bridgewater received a B.A. with honors from Virginia State University and a Master of Arts from the University of Cincinnati.
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CROWN FIRE UPDATE: 62% Containment. Amazing video from CNN

Large BonfireImage via Wikipedia


By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Palmdale, CA

Mother Nature is sending a gift to the residents of Palmdale today as the stubborn Crown Fire is now getting under control with calmer winds and a cooler airstream from above.

Firefighters had the fire 62 percent contained and expected to make more progress as the day went on, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Evacuation orders have been lifted, residents are returning back home, and more than 1,000 firefighters continue to work on the ground and in the air to douse the flames.

14,000 acres have been destroyed and dozens of structures and homes have been lost.

CNN had some amazing footage on their website today, and I wanted to post it here.

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Friday, July 30, 2010

9 PM FRIDAY CROWN FIRE UPDATE: 13,000 acres burned. 20% containment, 1300 fire fighters on scene



Stillingia linearifolia, Agua Dulce, Californi...Image via Wikipedia
BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 30, 2010
9 p.m.

RAW VIDEO FROM 
THE LA DAILY NEWS.

Agua Dulce, CA

Here is an official update on the raging Crown IC Fire in the community of Agua Dulce.

  • The fire was reported at Thursday July 29, at 2:22pm.
  • 13,000 acres have burned. 
  • Currently 20% containment

Evacuation Centers are:
  • Agua Dulce Elementary School 11311 Frascati Street
  • Marie Kerr Park 2730 West Rancho Vista Blvd
  • Acton Community Center 3748 Nickels Ave (Closed)
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MAMMA MAX: Congresswoman Maxine Waters is heading to "ethics" trail over breaking House Rules

Maxine watersImage via Wikipedia
BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 30, 2010
8:30 p.m.

Washington, DC:

Los Angeles Congresswoman Maxine Waters is in deep political and legal trouble tonight.

The outspoken powerful Los Angeles Democratic Member of Congress has chosen to go through an ethics trial, like the one lined up for New York Rep. Charles Rangel, rather than accepting charges made by an ethics subcommittee.

WWW.POLITICO.COM is breaking the news tonight about the agreement that was reached on Friday.
 
The back-to-back trials of a pair of black lawmakers represent an unprecedented use of an ethics adjudication system that has rarely been used by House members accused of breaking House rules.

Waters' case revolves around allegations that she improperly intervened with federal regulators to help a bank that her husband, former Ambassador Sydney Williams of the Bahamas, owned stock in and on whose board he once served.

Waters denies any wrongdoing.

"Congresswoman Waters has chosen to go through an adjudicatory subcommittee hearing, rather than accept any of the counts from the investigative subcommittee," the source told POLITICO.


If a panel of ethics committee investigators can prove charges against Waters to a separate subcommittee of lawmaker-jurors, the full ethics committee will recommend a punishment to the full House.

From the PROJECTS in ST. LOUIS to the HALL OF POWER....

One of thirteen children, Waters was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Remus and Velma Lee Carr Moore. She graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis, and moved with her family to Los Angeles, California, in 1961. She worked in a garment factory and as a telephone operator before being hired as an assistant teacher with the Head Start program at Watts in 1966.

She later enrolled at Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles), and graduated with a sociology degree in 1970. In 1973, she went to work as chief deputy to newly-elected City Councilman David S. Cunningham, Jr..

Waters entered the California State Assembly in 1976. While in the assembly she worked for divestment of state pension funds from any businesses active in South Africa, a country then operating under the policy of apartheid. Waters eventually ascended to the position of Democratic Caucus Chair for the Assembly.




Upon the retirement of Augustus F. Hawkins in 1990, Waters was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California's 29th congressional district with over 79% of the popular vote; she has been re-elected each time (now in the California's 35th congressional district), with at least 70% of the popular vote
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BREAKING ON CROWN FIRE: 8,000 Acres burned. 5% CONTAINMENT AS OF FRIDAY MORNING AT 11 A.M. EVACUATIONS LIFTED

This map shows the incorporated areas in Los A...Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
http://www.economy4abc.blogspot.com/
July 30, 2010
11:00 a.m.

This is an update from the Los Angeles County Fire Department regarding the Crown Fire up in Agua Dulce as of 11 a.m. on Friday, July 30th.

Crown Fire:

  • Fire was reported at Thursday July 29, at 2:22pm.
  • 8000 acres have been burned.
  • All evacuations are now lifted.
  • Currently the blaze is at 5% containment.
  • Evacuation Centers are:
    •Agua Dulce Elementary School 11311 Frascati Street
    •Marie Kerr Park 2730 West Rancho Vista Blvd
    •Acton Community Center 3748 Nickels Ave (Closed)
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Thursday, July 29, 2010

CROWN FIRE HITS YOU TUBE: AMAZING CLIPS BEING UPLOADED TONIGHT

YouTubeImage via Wikipedia

From You Tube viewer "Espeelover"

Helicopters are seen flying around fighting the "Crown" fire. Viewed from Quartz Hill/Palmdale


BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 29, 2010
11:11 p.m.

Tonight, home videos from the dangerous Crown Fire are beginning to hit "You Tube" and I wanted to post a few for my many readers who are turning here to my blog for more details.



This is from you tube viewer Lipperstripper1
(btw....great name lipperstripper....lol)


this is a video of the crown and briggs fire in agua dulce *its only the smoke though* the video skips alot because i took footage at different times so dont complain these videos were took on the way back to lancaster from burbank and some footage was in lancaster alone so enjoy!

So, stay safe, and keep them videos coming. 
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CROWN FIRE UPDATE: Two evacuation centers set up in Agua Dulce and Acton

Los Angeles County Fire DepartmentImage via Wikipedia
BREAKING NEWS
By Randy Economy
July 29, 2010
10:35 p.m.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has just announced that two "Evacuation Centers" have been opened to deal with the residents who are living in the Agua Dulce and Acton community tonight due to the out of control "Crown Fire."
  • Agua Dulce Elementary School 11311 Frascati Street
  • Acton Community Center 3748 Nickels Ave
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CROWN FIRE UPDATE: 4,500 acres destroyed, 2,200 people evacuated, 500 Fire fighters on scene

Buffalo In The Leona Valley, Los Angeles Count...Image by respres via Flickr
Breaking News
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 29, 2010
10:10 p.m.


Leona Valley, CA:

It is beginning to look like this Crown Fire in the Los Angeles County area around Palmdale, is now totally out of control, and is forcing thousands of residents from their homes, businesses, and ranches.
 
So far, as of 10 p.m. on Thursday night,. many homes and other structures were burning in the rustic and rural area of Leona Valley.  This place is also the home to many head of wild buffalo, and lots of animal sanctuary's.

LV is a quiet community of around 2,220 people who are now under a mandatory evacuation.

Inspector Matt Levesque, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said the blaze has burned more than 4,500 acres within the past six hours.

The fire is now generating its own wind, which can hamper firefighting efforts and can cause untold damage to surrounding areas and communities with embers that can float for miles at a time.

Leona Valley is an agricultural "wonderland" here in Los Angeles County, and is located a stones throw from nearby Palmdale and are known around the globe for its tasty read cherries and wine grapes.  Also the hills of LV also have many wild buffalo that roam free.
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BREAKING: Downey City Council fires City Attorney Edward Lee who also represents embattled City of Bell. Will the fall out continue to more city halls?

Official seal of City of DowneyImage via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
Friday, July 29, 2010


DOWNEY -

Fall out from the current scandal in Bell, California has spread to the nearby community of Downey.

Tonight, the Downey City Council fired City Attorney Edward Lee after a heated closed door session.

Lee also serves at the city attorney in Bell and served as legal counsel when that City Council approved huge salaries for its top administrators over the past several years.

The Downey City Council voted 3-to-2 in closed session on Thursday night to toss Lee out of City Hall and terminate its contract with the law firm Best, Best & Krieger, where Lee is a partner of that firm.


Downey City Councilman Mario Guerra told the Associated Press tonight that he "had no problems with the legal advice his city has received," from Lee, but was distressed to how Lee was conducting himself during recent council meetings in Bell.

Lee also serves as city attorney for several other municipalities.  So, knowing how these city hall work, and the political games and the millions of real dollars that are stuffed in the pockets of "real local officials," I just wonder what city is going to be next.

Huntington Park?  Cudahy?  Maywood? Hello, anyone paying attention over in Bell Gardens?
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OUTTA HERE: Ellen De Generes quits American Idol. Will Elton John be the next one "in?"

Ellen DeGeneres at the 1997 Emmy Awards (cropped)Image via Wikipedia
BREAKING NEWS:
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 29, 2010
5:20 p.m.

Hollywood:

Ellen is "out," and could Elton John be "in" as the next judge on American Idol

Ellen DeGeneres dropped a bombshell today saying that she is leaving as host of "American Idol."

Fox confirmed the news this afternoon.

“A couple months ago, I let FOX and the AMERICAN IDOL producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me,”  DeGeneres said. “I told them I wouldn’t leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on IDOL and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be.”

So who will be replacing Ellen on the Idol judging table?

Could Sir Elton John be the new Simon Cowell?

I hope so. Stay tuned.

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David Edward Albert: Former Employee of Passive Arts Studio Charged with Murder of owner John Lavine

INGLEWOOD – A former bondage club employee was charged today with murdering of the club’s owner, killing his dog and setting fire to the building located near Los Angeles International Airport.


David Edward Albert, 53 (dob 11-4-56), is scheduled to be arraigned today at Inglewood Superior Court, Department 5. He was charged in case no. YA078696 with one count of murder with the special allegation of personal use of a handgun, one count of arson and one count of cruelty to an animal, said Deputy District Attorney David Cheng. He is being held on $2.09 million bail.

This crime has been reported all over the globe during the past 48 hours.

The Simi Valley resident is suspected of shooting Passive Arts Studio owner John Lavine several times in the head, then starting a fire at the building located at 10914 S. La Cienega Blvd. The fire was reported about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Lavine’s charred body was discovered inside, along with the body of his dog.

Sheriff’s deputies found Albert allegedly hiding in some bushes across the street from the fire with blood on his clothes. He was later arrested.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.  Great job by law enforcement and by District Attorney Steve Cooley to make sure than justice is served in this crime.

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BREAKING: Camp Fire and Crown Fire burning out of control in Acton and Agua Dulce.

Foothill Boulevard (Southern California)Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 29, 2010
3:42 p.m.

ACTON -- Two wildfires have been sparked within the past few hours and are burning out of control in the rugged and rural areas of Acton and Agua Dulce here in Northwest Los Angeles County.

Two of the blazes have been dubbed the "Camp Fire" in Acton and Agua Dulce, are burning about five miles apart.

The "Crown Fire" is currently burning north of Sierra Highway at Anthony Road.

The "Camp Fire" is burning south of the 14 Freeway near Soledad Canyon Road. That fire broke out just after 2:20 p.m. according to Los Angeles County Fire officials.

These two fires have already scorched around 50 acres of heavy thick brush.

Fire officials say no structures are threatened at this point.

Firefighters have been busy all day here in the Southland. Another fire was knocked down in the Fairmont community that is located just west of Lancaster....30 acres were burned.
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

UPDATE ON WEST FIRE: 25% Contained. 800 Firefighters on duty. More than 30 structures already destroyed

Map of California highlighting Kern CountyImage via Wikipedia


By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 28, 2010
4:22 p.m.


Here is the latest news on that huge fire up in Kern County....

Name: West Fire
Status/Notes:
25% Contained - 1,400 acres
Personnel:
800
Structures Threatened: 150
Structures Destroyed: 30
Date Started:
July 27, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Last Update: July 28, 2010 at 11:30 AM
 

TEHACHAPI, CA – The West Fire is now 25% contained. Update on acreage is 1400. A Cal Fire Type 1 Management Team will be transitioning over at 12:00P.M. The California Governor is scheduled to arrive at the Command Post at 1:00P.M.  This is located at Tehachapi High School at 801 Dennison Rd.  There are approximately 800 personnel assigned to the incident made up of Kern County Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and Cal Fire.  Assisting agencies are Kern Co. Sherriff, California Highway Patrol, Tehachapi Police Dept., Red Cross, and various county services.

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REMEMBERING SGT. DANIEL LIM: Cypress resident killed in Afghanistan roadside bombing

Seal of the United States Department of DefenseImage via Wikipedia
BREAKING NEWS
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 28, 2010
11:33 a.m.

CYPRESS - Today, the community is remembering the life of Sgt. Daniel Lim of Cypress who was killed in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan,

According to the Department of Defense, Sgt. Lim, age 23,  was killed at a roadside bombing while riding in a military vehicle in Qalat, Afghanistan this past  Saturday.

The improvised explosive device also killed Staff Sgt. Conrad A. Mora, 24, of San Diego, Spc. Joseph A. Bauer, 27, of Cincinnati, and Private First Class Andrew L. Hand, 25, of Enterprise, Ala.

The four were assigned to the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade.

Funeral plans have not been announced.
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VICTIM OSCAR CORNEJO: Senseless Shooting in South L.A. leaves police searhing for suspects. Public urged to help solve crime...

The Los Angeles Police Department sealImage via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
July 28, 2010
11:11 a.m.


Los Angeles:  It was a senseless crime that did not have to happen on our sometimes violent and dark streets.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) 77th Homicide Squad detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect who was involved in a shooting in South Los Angeles this past weekend.

On July 24, 2010, at around 2:00 a.m., 34-year-old Oscar Cornejo was pushing his bicycle to his residence in the 11300 block of Success Avenue in LAPD’s Southeast Area.

There were five male Blacks standing just north of the location, where Cornejo was walking.  The suspect walked away from the group towards Cornejo, pointed a revolver at him and shot Cornejo.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics rushed the victim to a local hospital.  Cornejo is in a critical condition and is not expected to recover from his injuries.

The motive for the shooting is unknown. The suspect and weapon are outstanding.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division, 77th Homicide Squad Detectives Stacy Szymkowiak or Roger Fontes at 213-485-4341.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.
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US District Judge Susan Bolton blocks controversial parts of Arizona Immigration law....

Great Seal of the State of ArizonaImage via Wikipedia

Well, the controversy over Arizona's new tough immigration law has hit a huge snag, 24 hours before it goes into effect.
A federal judge has blocked the most controversial parts of the new Arizona's immigration law from taking effect, including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws

The overall law will still take effect Thursday, but without the provisions that angered opponents - including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws.

"There is a substantial likelihood that officers will wrongfully arrest legal resident aliens under the new (law)," Bolton ruled. "By enforcing this statute, Arizona would impose a 'distinct, unusual and extraordinary' burden on legal resident aliens that only the federal government has the authority to impose."

The law was signed by Republican Gov. Jan Brewer in April and immediately revived the national debate on immigration, making it a hot-button issue in the midterm elections.

The law has inspired rallies in Arizona and elsewhere by advocates on both sides of the immigration debate. Some opponents have advocated a tourism boycott of Arizona.


Judge Bolton also blocked parts of the bill required immigrants to carry their papers at all times and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public place
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