Thursday, September 30, 2010

JOE GUBENCIO ORTIZ: Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Undercover Officer Pleads

LA DA Steve Cooley ArrivesImage by NoHoDamon via Flickr
LA County DA'S OFFICE...ON A ROLL!

LOS ANGELES – A 26-year-old man accused of striking an undercover narcotics officer with his vehicle pleaded guilty today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.

Joe Gubencio Ortiz of Los Angeles pleaded to one count of attempted murder and admitted an allegation of great bodily injury. Ortiz also pleaded guilty to one count of selling heroin.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza said Ortiz would be sentenced on Oct. 26 in Department 100 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Under the terms of a negotiated plea agreement, the defendant faces a state prison term of 12 years.

The charges stem from an incident in November 2007 in which Ortiz conducted a narcotics transaction during an undercover surveillance operation by Los Angeles Police Department narcotics enforcement detail detectives.

As the defendant pulled in to his driveway, officers moved in to make an arrest. Ortiz then backed out at a high rate of speed nearly striking one of the officers. As a second officer stood in the street, Ortiz struck him with his vehicle. The officer’s injuries included two broken legs.

Deputy District Attorney John Colello of Crimes Against Peace Officers Section is assigned to the case.
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Carol Eleana Vega: Huntington Park woman pleads "No-Contest" in hit and run death of Guadalupe Colemenares, 19, and injury of two others.

Downtown Los Angeles as seen from my American ...Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Graphite - Latest GenerationImage via WikipediaLOS ANGELES – A Huntington Park woman charged with the hit-and-run death of a teenage girl pleaded today, the District Attorney’s Office announced.

Deputy District Attorney James Toro said Carol Eleana Vega, 29, pleaded no contest to one count each of leaving the scene of an accident, a felony, and vehicular manslaughter, a misdemeanor.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Drew Edwards ordered Vega to appear for sentencing on Nov. 2. She faces a maximum sentence of five years. The defendant pleaded open to the court, meaning the plea was not a negotiated settlement with the District Attorney’s Office.

On Sept. 25, 2009, Guadalupe Colemenares, 19, and two others were crossing the street at a marked crosswalk on Sixth and Lorena streets in Los Angeles when the defendant struck the three pedestrians and fled, prosecutors said.


Guadalupe died from her injuries and a second victim, suffered serious injuries. A third person sustained minor injuries.  The two others injured were her aunt Rita Colemenares and her 14 year old cousin who was not named due to the fact that she is a minor.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Manuel Lopez Gomez: "Prue magic" by the newest "Conductor" at the LA Philharmonic at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts! BRAVO MANNY!


MANUEL LOPEZ GOMEZ:  
Here is a clip from his conducting talents (Tchaikovsky's Francesca da Rimini" Part One) with the  Youth Symphony Orchestra, in Caracas-Venezuela on November 19, 2007.  Video from YOU TUBE

By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 29, 2010
10:56 p.m.

Cerritos, CA

Amazing.  Truly amazing.

I just returned from the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts to see the awe inspiring Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Conductor Manuel Lopez Gomez.

The concert was made possible because of the generous donation from our hometown hero Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe...and with sponsorship from the City of Cerritos, and the LA County Arts and Humanities Commission.

BTW:October is "Arts Month" here in California, and Cerritos is totally in the groove for the next 30 days.
The mega-star of the concert was Conductor Manuel Lopez, and it just so happened to be his grand "DEBUT" with the legendary white baton and with the LA Phil.  He actually "Tweeted" to is friends that
"Today is my debut with The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra @LAPhilAwe, only in LA!

Lopez has a smooth style, energy and raw emotion.  Everyone was thrilled tonight in Cerritos. The 91 Freeway would have come to a "stand still" if they only knew the magic that was being performed at the Bloomfield Avenue off ramp.

I was honored to sit in a box on the stage.  I was literally sitting in the violin section, and gave Conductor Lopez lots of "high fives" and "thumbs ups!" If he was nervous, he didn't show it.



Mr. Lopez looked like a seasoned pro on the Cerritos Center stage.

His energy and talent will make the LA PHIL super cool with his generation!

Oh, the LA Phil also got a couple standing OVATIONS, BRAVO Manny, BRAVO!

Here is more about Mr. Lopez:

The young conductor of 26 years of age, MANUEL LOPEZ, is a product of the internationally recognized State Foundation for the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela (FESNOJIV - Fundación del Estado para el Sistema Nacional de Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela), commonly known as “El Sistema.” Manuel began his musical studies on the violin at the age of 6, and joined the Youth Orchestra of Venezuela in 1999, subsequently touring with the orchestra to the United States, Uruguay, Argentina, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Manuel also served as concertmaster of the Youth Orchestra of Caracas for 4 years under the baton of Maestro Gustavo Dudamel.

Active internationally as a conductor, Manuel Lopez has recently guest conducted the Orquesta Sinfonica de Bahia (Brazil), the Orquesta Sinfónica “Carlos Chávez” de Ciudad de México, and the Orquesta Sinfónica Gulbenkian (Portugal). He is also a frequent guest conductor of the Teresa Carreno Youth Orchestra and the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela and continues to perform as violinist with the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra.

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NOW: Fiorina-Boxer Debate on Public Radio. Listen LIVE!

Patt MorrisonImage via WikipediaBy Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 29, 2010
1:15 p.m.



Pasadena, CA

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and her Republican challenger Carly Fiorina ARE DEBATING LIVE RIGHT NOW on KPCC.

The debate is co-hosted by La Opinión.

Patt Morrison from the LA Times is the Moderator/Referee.

The debate will be rebroadcast tonight at 7 p.m.



BOXER - FIORINA SENATE DEBATE HERE
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BREAKING: 7.2 MEGA EARTHQUAKE: NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA

Orthographic map of IndonesiaImage via WikipediaBy Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 29, 2010
11:01 a.m. PST

PapuaIndonesia

A major earthquake hit near the south coast of Papua, Indonesia today registering at 7.2.
Major damages are being reported.   Tsunami warnings have been issued.

A 6.6 earthquake also rocked the area right before the major 7.2 shaker.

Here are the details.
Magnitude7.2
Date-Time
  • Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 17:11:24 UTC
  • Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 02:11:24 AM at epicenter
Location4.920°S, 133.783°E
Depth12.3 km (7.6 miles)
RegionNEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Distances
  • 109 km (68 miles) NNW (334°) from Dobo, Aru Islands, Indonesia
  • 307 km (191 miles) WSW (246°) from Enarotali, Irian Jaya, Indonesia
  • 433 km (269 miles) NE (38°) from Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia
  • 638 km (396 miles) ESE (103°) from Ambon, Moluccas, Indonesia
  • 993 km (617 miles) ENE (66°) from DILI, East Timor
Location Uncertaintyhorizontal +/- 13.7 km (8.5 miles); depth +/- 2.6 km (1.6 miles)
ParametersNST=143, Nph=146, Dmin=279.4 km, Rmss=1.36 sec, Gp= 25°,
M-type=centroid moment magnitude (Mw), Version=6
Source
Event IDus2010bubv
















Magnitude6.6
Date-Time
Location4.930°S, 133.752°E
Depth21.2 km (13.2 miles) (poorly constrained)
RegionNEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
Distances105 km (65 miles) NNW of Dobo, Kepulauan Aru, Indonesia
310 km (195 miles) WSW of Enarotali, Papua, Indonesia
885 km (550 miles) NNE of DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia
2985 km (1850 miles) E of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
Location Uncertaintyhorizontal +/- 6.4 km (4.0 miles); depth +/- 24.5 km (15.2 miles)
ParametersNST= 88, Nph= 88, Dmin=278 km, Rmss=1.07 sec, Gp= 32°,
M-type=body wave magnitude (Mb), Version=6
Source
Event IDus2010bubm
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BREAKING: PAUL RICHARDS, EX-MAYOR OF LYNWOOD RE-SENTENCED TO 188 MONTHS in FEDERAL PRISON...THAT'S 16 YEARS....FOR POLITICAL CORRUPTION

The only "protective custody" availa...Image via Wikipedia BREAKING FROM CITY NEWS SERVICE!
The former mayor of Lynwood was re-sentenced today to 188 months in federal prison, one of the longest terms ever handed down in a federal political corruption case, federal prosecutors said.


Paul H. Richards II, who was originally sentenced in 2006, was convicted of a host of federal corruption charges, including "honest services" fraud, related to a scheme that defrauded residents by funneling city business, including exorbitant no-bid contracts, to a "consulting company" controlled by him and his family.

U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner today rejected the 54-year-old's bid to be released from custody.

Instead, the judge upheld most of the charges of which Richards was convicted in 2005 and imposed the same sentence he issued four years ago, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

After he was sentenced the first time, Richards took his case to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which initially affirmed his convictions and sentence.

However, in the wake of this summer's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court limiting the scope of the"honest services" fraud statute to schemes involving kickbacks and bribery, Richards' case was sent back to Los Angeles federal court for reconsideration.

In his rulings today, Klausner held that Richards was properly found guilty of a bribery or kickback scheme to deprive Lynwood of its right to his honest services, and to cause the city losses of more than $2.5 million.

In addition to upholding the honest services fraud convictions, Klausner also held that Richards was properly convicted of mail fraud to deprive Lynwood of money or property, extortion, money laundering and making false statements to the government.


Klausner dismissed several honest services fraud counts that the government conceded were invalid in light o the high court's ruling, but those dismissals did not affect Richards' sentence.

Klausner also denied Richards' bid to be released on bond while he again asks the 9th Circuit to review his case.

In denying bond, Klausner found that Richards posed a flight risk and a danger to the community, and that he was unlikely to succeed in a second appeal, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Klausner today also re-sentenced Richards' sister, Paula Cameo Harris, to six years in prison, prosecutors said.

A third defendant in the case, Bevan Atlee Thomas, lost his motion to vacate his judgment and will continue serving a 10-year prison sentence.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

BROWN-WHITMAN DEBATE #1: WHO WON? TAKE THE POLL

Photo of California Attorney General (and form...Image via Wikipedia
Jerry Brown
Meg Whitman.  Randy Economy Photo (Copyright)
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 28, 2010
7 p.m.



Davis, CA:


The first debate between California Governor wannabes Republican Meg Whitman and  Democrat Jerry Brown just took place at UC Davis.


Who do you think won?  Who are you going to vote for in November?

Take my poll at www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
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CEASAR MEZA: Valinda man wanted for Attempted Murder. Be on the look out....

USA - CA - Los Angeles County SheriffImage by conner395 via Flickr
Cesar Meza....your WANTED, PAL!
 By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com

September 28, 2010
2 p.m.

Valinda, CA

Hail Cesar?  Not this crook.  How about..
"Paging Cesar Meza...." where is this dangerous man here in our 'neck of the woods?'

Time to turn your self in Cesar....

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has put out an "alert" to our community to find a man wanted for "attempted murder."

The suspect is Cesar Meza and here is why he is a "Wanted" man.

On September 23rd 2010, at 3:12 a.m. Industry Station deputies were summoned to a residence in the  1400 block of Rama Street in West Valinda in response to a 911 call for service.  The caller reported that their mother was being beaten by their father.

When deputies arrived, they found the victim in the entryway of the residence.  The victim was bleeding from multiple stab wounds to the upper torso.

The suspect, who had fled from the scene prior to the arrival of deputies, was quickly identified as the victim’s estranged husband, SUSPECT CESAR MEZA. 

Meza and the suspect and victim have been separated for the last eight months. 

Meza apparently forced his way into the victim’s residence and was waiting for her to return when he attacked her with a knife, stabbing her repeatedly.


The victim was transported to a local hospital by paramedics in critical condition.  She immediately underwent emergency surgery. Her current condition is “critical but stable.”

The following vehicle has been associated with Meza: 

  • A 1999  four-door Lexus GS300 
    • Black in color chrome wheels
Meza should be considered armed and dangerous.  If seen, please immediately notify law enforcement by calling 911. 

This case is being investigated by Detectives at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department - Industry Station.  Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in apprehending Suspect Meza.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322 and may remain anonymous. 

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SALLY MENKE: Noted Film Editor for Quintin Tarantino found dead near Griffith Park

Sally Menke and The Q!
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 28, 2010
11:24 a.m.



Griffith Park, CA

Sad news out of Hollywood today.

Sally Menke, the longtime film editor for Quentin Tarantino has been found dead near Griffith Park today.  I was a huge fan of her work.  She was one of the best in Hollywood.


Menke, 56, went hiking with her dog amid the extreme heat Monday, was discovered dead early Tuesday morning by searchers in Beachwood Canyon, according to police sources.


Award-winning film editor Menke,  worked on such movies as "Pulp Fiction," "Kill Bill" and "Jackie Brown."

Menke went on a hike in the famed Griffith Park, and her body was found at the bottom of a ravine near 5600 block of Green Oak Drive according to published reports.

Her body was found at around 2 a.m. this morning.
 
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PROPS 19, 23, 25: Californians now SUPPORT LEGALIZING POT; OPPOSE GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION, and SUPPORT revamping State budget passage requirement. How you gonna vote? Let me know...!

Marijuana red eyesImage via WikipediaThis kid CAN'T WAIT for the CALIFORNIA POT LAW TO PASS IN NOVEMBER!  
Be careful what you wish for...dude, nice bloodshot eyes...

By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 28, 2010
12:20 a.m.

The Golden State, USA

Well, well, well.

Looks like Californians are going to go "GREEN" this upcoming November election.

The wildly controversial "Marijuana Law" is starting to gain huge popularity with those California voters who plan on casting a ballot in this Fall campaign.  The California Field Poll has some new numbers and political junkies are going over all the digits.


With about six weeks remaining until the November 2 statewide election, more likely voters in California now say they are inclined to vote Yes than No (49% to 42%) on Proposition 19, the initiative to legalize marijuana and tax its production, distribution, and sale.


An earlier July Field Poll found the initiative trailing by four points.
So, where are the wild "pot fans" here in California?  First is the San Francisco Bay Area (59% of voters are supporting the prop) followed by Los Angeles County (58%) .

The biggest opposition comes from the Central Valley.  Voters in the "hot bed" of California are now opposed nearly two to one.

In addition, of the 71% of the electorate who reside in coastal counties, Prop. 19 is favored 54% to 38%. By contrast, inland county (Riverside, San Bernardino, Tahoe, Imperial Valley) voters take an opposite view and are on the No side 52% to 37%.

GREENHOUSE LAW IS FULL OF GAS WITH VOTERS?
Voters continue to oppose Proposition 23, the initiative to suspend AB32, the state’s greenhouse gas reduction law until the state's unemployment rate drops below 5.5%. Opponents currently outnumber supporters by eleven points 45% to 34%, similar to twelve-point deficit in July.  Do your homework on this one voters.  Get educated.

PASS THE BUDGET BY A MAJORITY...not a SUPER MAJORITY LEADS
By a 46% to 30% margin, likely voters remain supportive of Proposition 25, the initiative to allow the state legislature to pass budgets with a simple majority vote. However, this sixteen-point Yes-side advantage is down significantly from a 45-point lead in July (65% to 20%). The proportion of undecided voters is also greater now than previously.  Gridlock in Sacramento might become a thing of the past if this one passes.
So, how are you going to vote? Hit my comment section.  Let the VOTING BEGIN!!!!
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Monday, September 27, 2010

HOME VIDEO : Fire in Thousand Oaks is now 50 Percent contained. 51 acres burned. AMAZING Video clips hitting You Tube.

Official seal of City of Thousand OaksImage via Wikipedia


Video from Doug Konzen via You Tube.

By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
September 27, 2010
10:49 p.m.


Thousand Oaks, CA


It didn't take long, but the brush fire burning near Highway 101 in Thousand Oaks this afternoon and tonight is now on You Tube. 

Here are a couple of the vid clips that I wanted to share with my many readers up in Ventura County tonight.

Here is an update from the Ventura County Fire Department.



This clip is from Ted Benson, Jr. from RMG News/Ventura County Star. (BTW: VCS is a GREAT GREAT NEWSPAPER.  FANTASTIC REPORTERS!  GREAT WORK TED!)

The blaze, near the Ventura Center for the Performing Arts is now 50 percent contained.  The last report to the media is that the fire is at 51 acres. 
  • GPS mapping has provided the more accurate acreage figure. 
  • Full containment is expected by tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. 
  • No structures have been damaged and there have been no injuries to firefighters or civilians. 
  • Firefighters will be working the fire thoughout the night. 
  • Fire started off the 101 Freeway at Hampshire Road.
  • Temps soared to over 112 degrees in Ventura on Monday during the blaze.
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JONATHAN FAJARDO: Death Penalty given to 22-year old gang member in murders of Cheryl Green and Christopher Ash

Downtown Los Angeles saw heavy development fro...Image via WikipediaThanks again to the Media Relations staff over at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.  

This high profile case dates back to 2006 with the murders of Cheryl Green and Christopher Ash of LA.   

Judge David Wesley is pictured below.  Photo from the Christian Monitor.  He presided over this Trial.


RrE


LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles jury today recommended that a 22-year-old gang member be put to death for the racially motivated killing of a teenage girl and the murder of a potential witness to the slaying.

Jonathan Fajardo was convicted on Sept. 9 of the 2006 first-degree murders of Cheryl Green, 14, and Christopher Ash, 25. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Wesley said Fajardo will be formally sentenced on Jan. 6, 2011.
Co-defendant Daniel Aguilar, 23, also was convicted of murdering Ash. Aguilar was sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Deputy District Attorneys Gretchen Ford and Karen Brako jointly prosecuted the case.

As to both defendants, jurors found true special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, gang killing and murder of a witness. In the case of Fajardo, jurors additionally found true a special circumstance allegation of multiple murders and that the killing of the teen aged girl was racially motivated.

Jurors, who deliberated less than two days during the guilt phase of the trial, also convicted Fajardo of seven counts of attempted murder and possession of a weapon while in custody.

Four other gang members have been charged. Three are awaiting trial and a fourth, who testified against Fajardo and Aguilar, is due back in Judge Wesley’s court later this week.
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EDWIN SUNMIN LEE, 39: Man who was killed on 105 Freeway in "double-up" car crash at Garfield Avenue was an-Ex LAPD officer turned bail bondsman, and family man.

An almost burnt-down lit candle on a candle ho...Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
September 27, 2010
7:05 p.m.
PARAMOUNT -
Update:  10:24 p.m.

Family and friends are showing a great outpouring of love and support tonight in wake of this tragic death that occurred early Monday morning.

Ed Lee is being remembered as a dedicated father, and friend and loving son who was "the life of the party."

I hope they find the 3 people responsible for this tragic accident and death.
RIP
We now know the name of the victim who died in that horrific "double-up" car crash early Monday morning at the Garfield Avenue on-ramp to the 105 Freeway.
The motorist killed has been id-ed as Edwin Sunmin Lee, 39 of Hacienda Heights.  Lee is a former Los Angeles Police officer turned bail bondsman.
Lee retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in April 2005 after he confessed to a felony charge for filing a false police report. Lee died  at the crash scene at 2:33 a.m., according to law enforcement.

It took nearly 30 minutes to extricate him from the vehicle.  Several other news agencies are now reporting on this case.
The three men who were in the other car fled the scene and have not been located.  They face various charges when they are arrested.

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MEGA HEAT may lead to "black outs" throughout Southern California tonight. City of Lakewood issues "warning" to resident and to be "prepared."

Power lines at Big Creek, CA - Southern Califo...Image via Wikipedia
By Randy Economy
September 27, 2010
6 p.m.

Lakewood, CA

Get your flashlights ready.  Tonight some of us could be without power here in might smokin' hot So Cal.

The heat is on here in LA.  

It was the hottest temp EVER here today in the Civic Center.  Up to 113 and in the desert it is up to 125 PLUS.

One city has issued a warning to its residents of possible "back outs" tonight due to the heavy use of electricity and power use age.

 The City of Lakewood issued a warning to its residents late this afternoon.

"Very high temperatures today have caused a statewide reduction in electrical service. Southern California Edison reports that power outages may occur throughout Southern California tonight and that the first impact may be a loss of power to overhead street lights in Southern California communities, including Lakewood.

The Lakewood Sheriff's Station is aware of the possibility of street light outages and is taking appropriate precautions for your safety. 
  While electrical power to residences is expected to be prioritized, it is possible that power outages may ultimately lead to a loss of residential power in some parts of Southern California."

So, grab them batteries. Locate the flashlights and batteries.  Stay away from the candles.  LOL.
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