The Osmonds had a hit years ago called “Yo Yo.” Some motorists in Los Angeles County will probably recall that song when they pass by their friendly gas station and see the price-per-gallon rise and fall under the control of “big oil.” In March, residents were celebrating a two-week decline in prices after a wild, one-month spike that saw the retail price approach $3.80 per gallon. And although today’s prices are reportedly about 98.2 cents lower than they were one year ago, prices have gone up considerably in just the past week.
Author Archives: Merdies Hayes
Posted inNews, News-OW
Shatner floats plan to bring more water into California
In a noble enterprise to boldly “flow” where no water has gone before, legendary actor William Shatner is planning to launch a $30-billion Kickstarter campaign to build an above-ground pipeline from rainy Seattle, Wash. to Lake Mead. Best known for his portrayal as Capt. James T. Kirk on “Star Trek,” Shatner said this week that the plan is more than just a pipe dream but could actually work—provided they come up with the money and convince Seattle to give up its water.
Posted inCovers
Antonovich announces retirement; sets series of goals through 2016
Longtime Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich announced this spring his retirement effective at the end of next year. By way of term limits, the November 2016 County election will mark the first time in 35 years that the veteran politician has not had his name on a ballot. The race to succeed him quickly drew a sizable field of candidates vying to represent the sprawling fifth supervisorial district which is generally considered the county’s last Republican stronghold.
Posted inLocal
‘Great Streets’ program launches modernization of Central Avenue
Mayor Eric Garcetti continues to unveil portions of his “Great Streets” project designed to refurbish a number of the city’s most congested thoroughfares. Central Avenue in South Los Angeles between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Vernon Avenue is scheduled for a makeover tentatively set to begin sometime between December 2015 and March 2016.
Posted inCovers
Climate change may foretell precarious future for LA County
Los Angeles County has been a travel destination point for millions since its founding 165 years ago. The region has experienced unprecedented population growth and attraced new residents from across the country and from numerous nations to comprise the cultural “melting pot” we witness today. Questions arise, however, regarding the relationship between the historic drought the state is currently in and climate change: “Can the county sustain its reputation for growth and prosperity with a dwindling supply of water?”
Posted inNews, News-OW
Poor water policy decisions put ‘green’ community on hot seat
Outside of Mother Nature, who among us is responsible for the drought? A growing body of criticism is spreading up and down the state attesting that the drought is a man-made disaster brought on by misguided environmental policies.
Posted inCovers
Top jazz artists will appear May 9 at Lancaster City Park
The best in jazz is on tap May 9 as some of the recording industry’s most popular artists take the stage at the Johnson’s Smooth Jazz Festival. Presented by the Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation, the festival will take place at Lancaster City Park and is being touted as a “Mother’s Day” event.
Posted inCovers
Black church continues mantle of liberation, social justice
African American voices have always been lifted to Heaven. The infamous plantation fields may yield a valuable clue about why: the old “call and response” that was recited and rejoined to help sustain weary souls during centuries of back-breaking drudgery.
Posted inNews, News-OW
Brown orders mandatory water restrictions, fines up to $10,000
Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday announced what had been long expected in parched California: there will be indefinite mandatory water restrictions.
Posted inCovers
STEM programs unleash hidden talents among AV students
Hundreds of local students are preparing for the Quartz Hill High School STEM Expo set April 15 at the campus, 6040 West Avenue L. The event, open to the public, takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (official judging from 3 to 5 p.m.) and will award prizes to the first-, second- and third-place winners in each of seven categories: Environmental and Agricultural Innovation, Invention, Reverse Engineering, Robotics, Rube Goldberg, Science Fiction and Scientific Inquiry. Winners will advance to the district STEM Expo scheduled later this year.