santa monica

Mar 11 2011

After Japan's 8.9 earthquake

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—As the Southland braced for repercussions today from a magnitude 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan, the first waves from a tsunami reaching the beaches of Los Angeles County appeared fairly normal this morning.

The earthquake, which caused a 30-foot tsunami to hit Japan, has killed more than 300 people there. It is believed to be the strongest earthquake ever to strike near Japan.

Mar 8 2011

$500 fine

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Starting today, it will be illegal to smoke in outdoor dining areas throughout Los Angeles, including at restaurant patios and around mobile food trucks.

Bars, nightclubs and buildings hosting private events are exempt from the policy. Those who violate the smoking ban—diners and business owners alike—face fines up to $500.

Mar 4 2011

Maurillio Ponce

LANCASTER, Calif.—Former Raiders defensive end Anthony Wayne Smith and one of two other men charged in the October 2008 slaying of a man in Lancaster made initial court appearances this afternoon on a murder charge.

Arraignment was rescheduled to March 17 for Smith, 43, of Fontana, who is accused in the Oct. 7, 2008, slaying of Maurillio Ponce.

Nov 22 2010

Irvine and Compton make list

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Compton was ranked as the nation's eighth most dangerous city, but three in Orange County—Mission Viejo, Lake Forest and Irvine—ranked in the top 10 safest cities, according to a report released today.

The latest edition of City Crime Rankings is one of five annual reference works published by CQ Press that analyze and rank states and cities in various categories.

Nov 16 2010

Ban includes grocery stores, pharmacies and other shops

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Single-use plastic bags will be banned at grocery stores, pharmacies and other shops in unincorporated Los Angeles County areas under an ordinance approved today by the Board of Supervisors.

The ban is aimed at reducing by 50 percent the number of plastic bags that wind up in landfills, as well as in river beds and other areas.

The ordinance, which will come back for a final vote when exact language is finalized, was approved on a 3-1 vote, with Supervisor Mike Antonovich dissenting.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
 

Alabama
Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will address the annual African American Business Council luncheon on June 28. Hrabowski, who is chairman of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for African Americans, has a national reputation for his work studying the performance of minority students in math and science. Hrabowski, named one of the 10 best college presidents in the country by Time magazine, was a child leader in the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham in the 1960s.
 

Arkansas
The Liberty Counsel filed a motion and a brief in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas seeking to intervene on behalf of a Concepts of Life crisis pregnancy center to defend against a suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The groups seek to impose a permanent injunction before the Human Heartbeat Protection Act goes into effect July 18. Liberty Counsel also filed a brief opposing the ACLU’s request for an injunction. The “Heartbeat” bill states that when a woman seeks an abortion at or after the 12th week, doctors must test for a fetal heartbeat before an abortion is performed and inform the pregnant mother that the child in her womb has a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, a woman cannot have an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and if a mother’s life is in danger. “As we promised when the legislation was introduced, Liberty Counsel will defend this law without reservation for the people of Arkansas, born and pre-born,” said Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “No right is more foundational than the right to life. Without life, all other rights are irrelevant,” concluded Staver.