Media contact information for Randy Economy and Brian Hews and Los Cerritos Community Newspaper
Randy Economy and Brian Hews are "two of the best" Investigative Reporters in all of Southern California. They are responsible for uncovering the biggest 'political pay to pay scandal' in the HISTORY of Los Angeles County government, deep inside the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office. Randy and Brian's work has been featured on Fox News, NBC LA, CBS/KCAL, KTLK-AM 1150, The Mark Isler Show, The David Cruz Show, Univision Radio Network, KTLA News, Los Angeles Times, LA Daily News, KFI Talk Radio, KABC Talk Radio, KABC Eyewitness News and dozens of other media outlets across America. He is the On-Line Editor for Hews Media Group who publishes Los Cerritos Community Newspaper and the La Mirada Lamplighter. If you are interested in interviewing Randy and Brian for your news program, radio talk show, etc., drop an email to Randy@CerritosNews.net, or call 562 407-3873 during regular business hours. Thanks for all of your AMAZING SUPPORT and INTEREST! America's community newspapers are the BACK bone of a FREE MEDIA. Los Cerritos Community Newspaper can be found at www.loscerritosnews.net. Investigative Reporting is becoming a "lost art" here in the United States. Randy Economy and Brian Hews are determined to "keep politicians" on their toes and accountable.
Moammar Gadhafi took advantage of international indecision to attack the heart of the 5-week-old uprising on Saturday, sending troops, tanks and warplanes to swarm the first city seized by the rebels. Crashing shells shook buildings, and the sounds of battle drew closer to Benghazi's center.
Scary day for the world.
Are we about to face a new all out war in Northern Africa?
To remember the life of Warren Christopher, especially if you live here in Los Angeles, you will remember his work now known as "The Christopher Report."
Warren Christopher will go down in Los Angeles history for the Independent Commission on the Los Angeles Police Department, that he oversaw that was formed in July 1991, in the wake of the Rodney King beating, by then-mayor of Los AngelesTom Bradley.
Like many of you, the LA Riots changed my life. I lived right off of Olympic and Robertson when the riot broke out and when all "hell" broke loose in Los Angeles for over a week.
54,000 people were arrested during the riots. 2000 people were injured. 55 people were killed. Billions of dollars in damage. Los Angeles lost its luster.
It was Warren Christopher who took the reigns to help harness our city out of the "Rodney King era." He was a lightning rod here in LA. But he was also a "statesman" who had the world stage awaiting him.
The commission was created to conduct 'a full and fair examination of the structure and operation of the LAPD,' including its recruitment and training practices, internal disciplinary system, and citizen complaint system.
However, with the election of Richard Riordan, these reforms were put on hold. We needed his "Commission Report" to be enacted, but Riordan put a stop to that as soon as he took over for Mayor Bradley.
The following are, verbatim, some of the commission's findings:
There is a significant number of officers in the LAPD who repetitively use excessive force against the public and persistently ignore the written guidelines of the department regarding force.
The failure to control these officers is a management issue that is at the heart of the problem. The documents and data that we have analyzed have all been available to the department; indeed, most of this information came from that source. The LAPD's failure to analyze and act upon these revealing data evidences a significant breakdown in the management and leadership of the Department. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, lacking investigators or other resources, failed in its duty to monitor the Department in this sensitive use of force area. The Department not only failed to deal with the problem group of officers but it often rewarded them with positive evaluations and promotions.
We recommend a new standard of accountability....Ugly incidents will not diminish until ranking officers know they will be held responsible for what happens in their sector, whether or not they personally participate."
The commission highlighted the problem of "repeat offenders" on the force, finding that of approximately 1,800 officers against whom an allegation of excessive force or improper tactics was made from 1986 to 1990, more than 1,400 had only one or two allegations. But 183 officers had four or more allegations, forty-four had six or more, sixteen had eight or more, and one had sixteen such allegations. Generally, the forty-four officers with six complaints or more had received positive performance evaluations that failed to record "sustained" complaints or to discuss their significance.
The Christopher Commission found that only forty-two of 2,152 allegations of excessive force from 1986 to 1990 were sustained - or less than 2 percent. "According to the Christopher Commission '... the complaint system is skewed against complainants.'"The majority of investigations at that time were done by division staff, not IAD, and the commission found this seriously problematic because division investigators often failed even to interview or identify witnesses."
VIDEO: Warren Christopher talks about Johnny Myers for new documentary "Flying Man: Life and Times of Johnny Myers" directed by RJ McHatton of Inventive Productions.com.
Sad news.
I just heard about the passing of Warren Christopher, the iconic Diplomat who had a long association with our community here in Los Angeles. He was 85 years old, and had battled kidney and bladder cancer.
The family has released the following statement:
"Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, on the evening of Friday, March 18, 2011. Mr. Christopher died from complications of kidney and bladder cancer. He was 85. Plans for a private memorial service are pending. A full obituary will be forthcoming shortly."
When I worked in Century City several years ago, use to run into Warren Christopher every once in a while. He was "bigger than life" but always had time for a hand shake and a wave.
Image via WikipediaWarren Christopher was an amazing and inspirational leader for America.
He was compassionate about human life, and cared about the world around us.
Image via WikipediaWe need more people like Warren Christopher in public life.
Word of his passing is just starting to hit media outlets all over the world.
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
March 18, 2011
11:38 p.m. PST
I just caught Mario Solis, one of the best sportscasters in Los Angeles on NBC LA, who just did a spot on international soccer goalie Sebastian Saja.
Saja is hot. Like on fire hot. Literally.
He got HIT with a flare during a match on Thursday and the incident has become a You Tube hit within the past couple of hours.
Holy smoke. I guess you can say that Diego Sebastián Saja is now the HOTTEST soccer player in the world. Opps. Sorry for being so "punny," but this newsworthy story has "earned" it's way onto my blog.
"Medical" marijuana pot dispensaries have been raided in the Long Beach and Lake Forest community.
St. Patrick's Day was all about bringing in the "green" if you follow me. But, no three leaf clover in this "mix."
According to information from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, The South Narcotics and the Special Investigations Bureau busted dispensaries as well at residences in Riverside County of suspected pot shop owners, and managers.
It wasn't a "huge" bust compared to some others conducted in the past...but this operation did bring in handguns, cash and pot.
Approximately $200K was found at the residence in unincorporated Riverside. $200 K in ONE house. Gee. How much does just ONE pot shop bring in each day? Pot is a huge business in California.
Here are the "highlights" of the bust and what law enforcement racked in:
• Over $200,000 in U.S. Currency
• (16) Pounds—Marijuana
• Sales records and other items of evidence relating to possible illegal marijuana sales
• (5) Handguns, including one handgun with the serial numbers removed.
• Shotgun
LOCATIONS:
• 1 AM Lake Forest Discount Caregivers , located at 24602 Raymond Way #207, Lake Forest
(Storefront Dispensary)
• Positive Vibrations, 2137 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach (Storefront Dispensary)
• 2500 block of La Serra, Laguna Hills (Associated Residence)
• 10 block of Primrose, Irvine (Associated Residence)
• 11000 Larkspur Court, Unincorporated “Corona”, Riverside County (Associated Residence)
We have now all seen literally hundreds of videos and images from the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan over the past eight days.
This clip is one that really "freaked" me out. Sorry for the "drama" but check this out from a guy who is literally hit by the "first wave" inside his car, with his "dash cam" rolling. Talk about extraordinary footage. The driver actually LIVED. Give this guy our "Good Driver" of the Month Award!
By Randy Economy www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com Friday, March 18, 2011 11 a.m.
Eye on the PRIZE! THE FINISH LINE AT THE BEACH IN SANTA MONICA!
I LOVE LA! I am actually preparing for my very first "mud run" at Camp Pendelton this coming June to benefit Blind Start America.
ONE year I will be able to run a marathon, trust me. Taking my "baby steps" before the "biggie." Anyway, Sunday marks another Los Angeles Marathon. I got you covered on the "ins" and "outs" of the iconic run around the city of Angels.
Television: KTLA Channel 5
7:00 am – 10:00 am on Sunday morning
Radio: KLAC 570 am
5:00 am-10:00 am on Sunday morning
Webcast:
Live web cast 7:00 am –10:00 am Sunday morning
Visit www.lamarathon.com for links
Social Media:
Twitter www.twitter.com/lamarathon
Follow the Marathon Twitter feed all week, with live race updates on Sunday morning from 6:30 am – 10:00 am
Start Line at DODGER STADIUM. NO PARKING, JUST RUNNING, BABY!
IN and OUTS ON THE BIG RACE!
The 26th edition of the Honda LA Marathon presented by K-Swiss will be held on Sunday, March 20,
2011 over the landmark Stadium to the Sea course.
The race-day schedule:
6:53 a.m.: Los Angeles Marathon wheelchair start
7:00 a.m.: Los Angeles Marathon hand-cranked wheelchair start
~7:11 a.m.: Los Angeles Marathon elite women’s start (time approximate)
~7:29 a.m.: Los Angeles Marathon field start (time approximate)
~9:50 a.m.: Awards presentation at the Finish Line Beach Party
The race will be run over the iconic Stadium to the Sea course, starting at Dodger Stadium and
rolling through Downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood area, the City of West Hollywood, City of
Beverly Hills, the U.S. Veterans Administration Healthcare Center grounds, the Brentwood area
and finishing in Santa Monica on Ocean and California Avenues, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
More than 25,000 entrants are expected, making the race once again one of the four-largest
marathons in the U.S. and one of the ten-largest worldwide.
A prize purse of $110,000 in cash plus two Honda Insight EX sedans (MSRP $23,100) will be
offered to competitors, with $25,000 for first place (plus the car), $12,500 for second, $10,000 for
third, $5,000 for fourth, and $2,500 for fifth.
Two-time defending champion Wesley Korir of Kenya will try to become the first person to win
the race three times.
A Los Angeles Marathon “Challenge Bonus” for $100,000 will be given to the first person – man
or woman – who crosses the finish line, with the elite women’s field beginning the race with a
several-minute handicap. Thus, the man or woman who crosses first will take home $125,000 and
a new Honda Insight EX for less than 2½ hours of racing.
Also in the field will be 220 “Legacy” runners who have run all 25 prior Los Angeles Marathons!
So, are you running? What time do you want to run? Hit my comment section below. Have fun. Hydrate. Avoid the nuclear fall out this weekend from Japan.
Huge new development breaking right now in the war in Libya.
Several news agencies are beginning to report that Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa is now claiming that the Kadafi government has declared a "cease-fire" and will be stopping all military operations. Sounds like all the pressure from the United Nations might be paying off. World leaders still need a "plan" in Libya. Way too many people have been slaughtered in the streets of Libya under this regime for far too long.
As far as our dependency on oil from Libya, I paid $4.27 a gallon last night for gas here in La Palma, CA.
Image via WikipediaLA CRIME FILE! Friday, March 18, 2011 From the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Officer LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles Superior Court jury today convicted a former city fire captain of second-degree murder in the 2006 death of a woman whose body was dumped in the street near his home, the District Attorney’s office announced. The jury of six women and six men deliberated two days before finding David Jaime Del Toro, 54, guilty of the murder of Jennifer Teresa Flores. Deputy District Attorney Bobby Grace with the Major Crimes Division prosecuted the case. The 42-year-old’s body was discovered about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 16, 2006 in the 5200 block of Loleta Avenue in Los Angeles. Grace said Del Toro broke her nose, jaw and ribs before killing her and dumping her body about a mile from his Eagle Rock home. LAPD officers found tire marks that lead from the victim’s body to Del Toro’s driveway in the 5100 block of Vincent Avenue. Blood was found in Del Toro’s Toyota Tundra truck parked at his house.
Del Toro, a 23-year veteran of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, returns to court on April 15 for sentencing by Judge Lance Ito. He’s facing 15 years to life in prison.
I wanted to update my readers on who the victims are in Wednesday's horrific plane crash at Long Beach Airport that claimed five lives, and left a sixth fighting for his life with burns and other serious injuries.
The Los Angeles County coroner's office have now officially identified the dead as
Thomas Fay Dean, 50, of Laguna Beach Bruce Michael Krall, 51, of Ladera Ranch Jeffrey Albert Berger, 49, of Manhattan Beach Mark Llewllyn Bixby, 44, of Long Beach Kenneth Earl Cruz, 43, of Culver City
Still hospitalized is passenger Mike Jensen, the only survivor of the crash. He is still in serious condition, but improving according to local media reports. He still faces many surgery's for burns that he suffered. Please keep Mike in your Prayers today!
Cruz was the pilot of the aircraft. According to information he posted on his Facebook page, he worked at Rainbow Air Charter, was a graduate from Notre Dame High School in 1985, and earned a Bachelors Degree from California State University at Northridge in 1990. He also posted on his FB Profile he was proud to "Fly people in the air with the greatest of ease!
Long Beach banker Bruce Krall was among those killed Wednesday morning area media outlets are reporting this event.
The three other victims are prominent Long Beach real estate developers Tom Dean, Jeff Berger, and Mark Bixby.
The only survivor of the crash is Pacific Retail Partners owner Mike Jensen. He is at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center were he is listed in critical condition tonight. As soon as the fifth victim is identified I will update my blog. Video from CBS 2 News Los Angeles, Dave Lopez Reporting.
Tonight, as the community of Long Beach is coming to understand the huge loss with the deaths of leaders Mark Bixby, Tom Dean, and Jeff Berger.
I wanted to give my readers the opportunity to share your thoughts about the three victims and any special memory you have about them.
I have been doing lots of research tonight on Mark, Tom and Jeff.
If you know Long Beach, you know the name "Bixby."
Mark Bixby was one of Long Beaches "Favorite Sons." From an iconic family, he had is heart and soul in his community and was a champion for many local groups and causes.
Professionally, he and his firm worked on the Tesco’s Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, Home Depot, REI, Boeing, and CSULB Foundation at Pacific Retail Partners, all well know establishments in Long Beach.
Mark worked for Bixby Land Company where he participated in more than $500 million worth of real estate acquisition, disposition, and development transactions during his 14 years with the company.His primary responsibilities included large tenant leasing, development, and construction oversight of retail, industrial, self-storage, and office properties.He processed master plans, subdivided, and rezoned properties, and constructed and rehabilitated buildings in more than 20 cities.
Mark leaves behind his wife, Theresa and three children, Ryan, Kirra, and Jessica.
He was an avid surfer, skier, bicyclist, and photographer.He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Long Beach and of the YMCA Camping Services Board and remains active in both organizations.Mark was also the the founding director of the Long Beach Bicycle Festival.
Here is the "OFFICIAL MEDIA" STATEMENT FROM THE LONG BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THIS MORNINGS DEADLY CRASH NEAR THE LONG BEACH AIRPORT! Note the names of the victims have not been "officially" released. This statement is from Steve Yamamoto from the Long Beach Fire Dept. Thanks for the update, Steve. RrE
By Steve Yamamoto | March 16, 2011
Long Beach Fire Department
This morning at approximately 10:30 am, units from the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) were called to the scene of a private twin-engine Beech Craft King Air Turbo-Prop plane that had crashed during takeoff at the Long Beach Airport. The LBFD units arrived on scene within one minute at the Southwest corner of Runway 30 where they found the wreckage of the plane on fire. The units quickly utilized water and foam from both their bumpers and top turrets to extinguish the blaze within two minutes. Firefighters then quickly used specialized extrication methods and tools to swiftly gain access into the twisted remains. Once access was gained, Firefighters found that there were a total of six souls onboard; five that perished in the crash and one that was alive. They immediately extricated the critical patient and began treatment before transporting the patient to a local hospital. Image via Wikipedia The cause of the plane crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Media inquires should be directed to 562-570-2607 until 4:00pm and 562-408-8199 after 4:00pm. This incident occurred in the 5th Council District and is being handled by units from the Long Beach Airport, Long Beach Police Department, and the Long Beach Fire Department. Commercial and general aviation operations at the Long Beach Airport continue uninterrupted. The Coroner’s Office will release the names of those who lost their lives in the crash once identification has been confirmed and next of kin have been notified.
Dean was the pilot of the twin engine plane today that crashed and claimed the lives of at least three others.
Image via WikipediaHere is the newest video of the accident that has just been uploaded by the Long Beach Press Telelgram. (See video on this blog posting). Dean was arrested last year on domestic violence charges but was never prosecuted due to a "lack of evidence." Dean was taken into custody and had to post bail after he was arrested on Monday, April 26, 2010. Deputies responded to a call at his Sea Isle Drive home at around 9:15pm that evening on a case of "possible domestic violence." The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office never filed charges in that case.
The NTSB is now investigating today's deadly crash.
By Randy Economy
www.Economy4ABC.Blogspot.com
March 16, 2011
2:34 p.m.
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach community leaders are in a state of shock this afternoon when it was learned that the victims in today's horrific plane crash include some of the most beloved and prominent people who make Long Beach such a special place.
Local media outlets The Long Beach Gazette and Long Beach Post and Councilman Gary De Long are now confirming that among those killed today include Mark Bixby, Jeff Berger, and Tom Dean.
Community leader Mike Jensen is the person who was pulled from the wreckage and has been transported to a local hospital where he is in serious condition.
Dean and Burger were local developers with the well known firm of LCW Partners.
Mark Bixby was a prominent Long Beach community leader who served as president of Long Beach Rotary and was involved in several community organizations. Bixby also worked at Pacific Retail Partners as a broker. He is part of the iconic "Bixby Family" here in Long Beach. He was an avid bike rider and a leading advocate for bike safety lanes throughout the LB community. I am in shock about these incredible men who were taken from us this morning.
Dean and Berger were the principals of Studebaker Properties, LLC. Their company was in the headlines over and that company purchased 175 acres of the Los Cerritos Wetlands in 2008 from the Bixby Ranch Co.
Mike Jensen
Mike JENSEN SURVIVES
This afternoon I hope everyone can keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Mike is from Long Beach with his wife, Diane, and three daughters Addie, Gioia, and Janna.Mike was also involved with the Rotary Club of Long Beach, BBL Forum, Bay Shore Community Church, Long Beach Blast, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
LISTEN TO RANDY ECONOMY AND BRIAN HEWS ON KFI TALK RADIO
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper Publisher Brian Hews and Reporter Randy Economy were featured on KFI AM 640 on the Tim Conway Jr. Show on Thursday, October 17 to discuss the arrest of Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez, Property Tax Agent Ramin Salari and Assessor Major Property Appraiser Mark McNeil on dozens of felony charges.
The segment was broadcast live to millions of listeners throughout the Western United States. LCCN will post additional interviews by Mr. Hews and Mr. Economy in the future.
WATCH: LCCN, Randy Economy featured on Fox News
Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper’s exclusive groundbreaking coverage into the corruption probe at the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is now the focal point of a multi part series that began airing Wednesday night on Fox News 11 in Southern California.
LCCN was the first media outlet to break the story about the massive criminal investigation that has now gripped the entire Los Angeles County Hall of Administration. “We thank Fox News for recognizing featuring Los Cerritos Community Newspaper in their coverage,” said Brian Hews, President and Publisher of Hews Media Group.
“LCCN has been working with dozens of media outlets across the country on this massive scandal for the past eight months,” Hews said.
Featured in this report is LCCN Investigative Reporter Randy Economy who tells about how the community newspaper was able to “piece the puzzle together” that has resulted in the arrest of one former property appraiser, and the recent departure of Assessor John Noguez on a “paid leave of absence.”
Look for more segments on Fox News 11 during the next several days and weeks. Reporter Gina Silva is featured in this segment.
Randy Economy appears on NBC News Non Stop California with Colleen Williams
Randy Economy appears on California Non Stop with Colleen Williams from NBC News.Randy Economy appeared on NBC New's Non Stop California in June, 2012. This is what NBC said about Randy and Los Cerritos Community Newspaper.
"Los Cerritos Community Newspaper recently published hundreds of e-mails between Los Angeles County Assessor John R. Noguez and several property tax agents. The emails were obtained by the newspaper through a series of public document requests. This is the second set of documents published by the community newspaper that has been at the forefront of reporting and exposing the alleged pay to play activities between tax agents and Noguez for the past two years. Reporter Randy Economy joins Colleen Williams on Nonstop News LA to discuss how their investigation began on June 25, 2012.”
Hear Randy Economy and Brian Hews on the David Cruz Show!
Hear Los Cerritos Community Newspaper Publisher Brian Hews and Reporter Randy Economy on The David Cruz Show during the week of June 25, 2012 on KTLK AM 1150 in Southern California. The segment begins at the 56:00 part in this clip and lasts for thirty minutes.
Brian Hews, Randy Economy on CBS 2 News KCAL 9 with Investigative Reporter Dave Bryan
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper featured CBS News with Investigative Reporter Dave BryanCBS/KCAL Investigative Reporter Dave Bryan interviews Randy Economy and Brian Hews from Los Cerritos Community Newspaper the day more than 300 law enforcement officials raided 12 different locations in the political scandal that is consuming Los Angeles County. Thanks CBS News for acknowledging the hard work of LCCN!
Image via WikipediaFrench President Nicolas Sarkozy is about to address his country over the situation, and President Barack Obama is about to make a statement on the situation from South America where he is beginning a trade promotion mission. Also waiting for a statement from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Image via Wikipedia
