Personnel records of deputy who allegedly body slammed student sought

By City News Service

Aformer job boss for the general contractor hired to do a $150 million modernization project at Beverly Hills High School has settled his lawsuit against his former employer, in which he alleged he was subjected to disparate treatment because he is a Latino and wrongfully fired in 2022 in retaliation for exposing cost overruns and safety issues.

William Lora's Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit against ProWest Constructors alleged wrongful termination, racial discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, failure to prevent discrimination and retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The 61-year-old plaintiff sought unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Lora's attorneys filed court papers on Monday with Judge Maurice A. Leiter stating that the case was resolved, but no terms were divulged. In their court papers, ProWest lawyers denied any liability on the part of the company and further stated that Lora was not entitled to damages.

Lora emigrated from Colombia to the United States in 1968 and is a 40-year veteran of the construction industry. He was working for Becker Construction when he was recruited by ProWest in August 2021 to be a senior superintendent and assigned as one of several supervi- sors on the Beverly Hills High School project, which includes a full structural seismic retrofit of buildings complementing the original late 1920s architectural style, according to the suit filed Oct. 13.

Work at BHHS began in April 2018 and was to be completed in 30 months at a cost of $150 million, but significant delays, change orders, cost overruns and project mismanagement make it likely that it would take another five years to finish at an expense of another $130 million, the suit alleged.

Shortly after Lora began working on the project, he saw many cost overruns and change orders that he had not encountered on other construction projects, the suit states. Then, Lora allegedly noticed safety issues last December that he reported to another senior project manager assigned to oversee construction. Lora believed that one project foreman's inexperience was causing safety issues and driving up costs, but the plaintiff's concerns were ignored, the suit stated.

In February, he brought his concerns to the head of the project's laborers, believing the various problems were costing taxpayers millions of dollars, the suit states. Lora also stated that Beverly Hills Unified prior track record, complaints against him, investigations of those complaints and his training records, the plaintiff's lawyers state in their court papers. minutes, pinned and straddled by the deputy, the suit states.

Attorneys for a Black teenage girl who was allegedly body-slammed by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy working as a school resource officer at Lancaster High School in 2021 want a judge to order the county and the Antelope Valley Union High School District to turn over the deputy's personnel records.

The plaintiff, born in 2004, is identified only as Jane Doe 1 in the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit brought against the county, the Sheriff's Department, Deputy Daniel Acquilano and the AVUHSD.

School District supervisors would be unhappy if they knew what was happening and that if an investigation ensued, "ProWest will get in trouble," according to the suit.

Lora ended the conversation by saying, "I do not want my name attached to this," the suit stated.

Lora, who was fired during a March 2022 meeting, was told the company "decided to go into a different direction," the suit states.

"Plaintiff was shocked at this news given he had never been written up, never counseled or talked to about his performance or any issues," according to the suit.

In addition to being the only Latino superintendent on the project, Lora was treated "far less favorably" than his white co-workers, who were provided temporary living quarters near the project while the plaintiff drove two hours each way daily from his Palmdale home, the suit stated.

Lora did not feel welcome by white superintendents and project managers, was excluded from social activities and once was referred to by a slur used against Latinos, according to his suit, which further states he has become distressed and aggravated because of his firing.

"If Acquilano has a history of targeting Black students and/or a history of excessive use of force, that information would be undoubtedly relevant in this case," the plaintiff's attorneys state in their court papers filed Friday with Judge Armen Tamzarian, who is scheduled to hold a hearing on their motion April 17.

Good reason exists to order the production of Acquilano's personnel records because he "interfered with plaintiff's right to bodily integrity and her right to attend school without fear of violence by body slamming her to the ground," Doe's attorneys further state in their court papers.

Acquilano will be called as a witness at trial by Doe's attorneys, who will ask him many questions regarding his

"These relevant records are undoubtedly contained in his personnel file," Doe's attorneys state in their court papers.

Attorneys for the county and the district deny any liability and state that the plaintiff is not entitled to damages, according to their court papers.

The incident was recorded on video and occurred Aug. 30, 2021, at Lancaster High when the girl, then 16, refused the deputy's request to hand over her cell phone and began walking away, the suit states.

"After slamming her down, he straddles her face down on the ground, while she is screaming to call her mom," the suit filed last May 4 states. "The video captures school personnel standing around watching the incident, failing to intervene."

Doe remained face-down on the ground for several

"Horrified and in shock, Jane Doe repeatedly screamed that he get off of her and not touch her," the suit states. "Jane Doe continued pleading to be allowed to call her mother throughout the assault, but was denied the opportunity to do so."

Doe was taken nearly 50 miles away to Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar and her mother was notified to pick her up at about 8 p.m., according to the suit.

She returned to school for one day on Sept. 3, 2021, and Acquilano "continued to engage in highly inappropriate conduct by mocking, teasing and harassing her over the attack," the suit alleges.

Doe's mother was forced to look for alternative education for her daughter through independent study because the district has not removed Acquilano from Lancaster High, the suit states.

Doe was left "physically and emotionally devastated," the suit states.

Los Angeles Pasadena

Sons of Pasadena man fatally shot by deputies in Altadena sue LA County

The sons of a man who was fatally shot by sheriff's deputies after he stabbed an elderly woman sued Los Angeles County and two sheriff's deputies Monday for wrongful death, alleging in federal court that the use of deadly force was "excessive and unreasonable." According to the complaint, Charles Towns, 47, of Pasadena was having a mental health episode around 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 22 when multiple Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to the area of Woodbury Road and Fair Oaks Avenue in Altadena for a report of a male threatening people with a metal object. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Carlos Towns and his 17-year-old brother, contends that deputies watched as Towns walked into a residential area toward unsuspecting civilians.

Glendale

Glendale man charged with attacks on girls at Burbank High School

A 22-year-old man has been charged with attacks on three teenage girls on the campus of Burbank High School. Patrick Nazarian — described by police as a former Burbank High School student who graduated in 2018 — is charged with one count each of sexual battery by restraint, child molesting and battery, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Burbank police said Nazarian, a Glendale resident, gained access to the campus Monday through an unlocked door in the student parking lot. Nazarian pleaded not guilty Wednesday and was ordered to remain jailed on $45,000 bail while awaiting his next court appearance on March 29.

Burbank

Police arrest 4 suspects in a pair of Burbank burglaries

Authorities arrested four of the six men suspected of a commercial burglary in Burbank, authorities said Thursday. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. at Burbank Sportscard, at 1610 West Burbank Blvd., according to Burbank police. The six suspects set off the burglary alarm during the alleged heist, alerting a resident who reported hearing banging noises in the rear of the business and seeing a blue truck speed away, according to police. A further description of the vehicle was not provided..

Long Beach

Long Beach lifeguards rescue small dog who was swimming out to sea

Long Beach lifeguards rescued a small white dog and now the search is on for the canine's owner. The rescue began about 6 p.m.

Saturday when the lifeguards answered a call about a dog running loose in the Junipero beach parking lot, according to a Long Beach Fire Department social media post. "LifeGuard 7 put on his Wetsuit, grabbed his rescue board and buoy, and headed out to rescue the small white lap dog. The little dog made it out to the swim line, and with Rescue Boat 2's help, LG7 could get the dog on the rescue board and bring it safely to shore," the post read.

Orange County

Orange County

Bystander rescues boy who fell into Santa Ana Riverbed

A bystander rescued a boy who fell into the Santa Ana Riverbed in Santa Ana Sunday and was swept downstream. The Orange County Fire Authority received a call about the boy at 2:05 p.m., according to an OCFA statement. "A little boy was swept away and traveled approximately half a mile down the Santa Ana River Bed this afternoon when he got too close to the water's edge," the OCFA tweeted. "The child's father went into the water to get him but was unable to. Fortunately, a bystander saw the child floating down river jumped in and was able to rescue the boy." An OCFA Swift Water Rescue Team responded but found the three already out of the water in the area of Fairview Street and the riverbed, officials said.

Anaheim

City selling discounted tickets to Anaheim residents for upcoming Ducks hockey game

The city of Anaheim is inviting residents to participate in Anaheim night at Honda Center, located at 2695 E Katella Ave., as the Anaheim Ducks take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m. “It is the Ducks' annual celebration of their hometown, and you're invited to join with Anaheim resident ticket discounts of 20 percent to 40 percent,” the city said on Facebook. For groups of 12 or more who will be attending, those parties must call (714) 940-2882 to receive information on their tickets. To learn more about the event, head to https://ducks.spinzo.com/..

Riverside

Riverside County

Firefighters respond to injured hiker on trail in Riverside County

An injured hiker was rescued in Palm Desert Sunday. The hiker was reported injured around 11:57 a.m. Sunday on the Bump and Grind Trail, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Crews began hiking their way up the trail to the hiker, who suffered a lower extremity injury about a half-mile to three quarters of a mile up the trail, the fire department said. The hiker was hoisted by a California Highway Patrol helicopter and flown to an awaiting ground ambulance before being taken to a hospital.

Riverside

Riverside County Sheriff's Department hosts hiring event in Riverside last Saturday

A Riverside County Sheriff's Department recruitment drive to fill multiple sworn positions was held Saturday in Riverside, and officials said applicants who meet initial criteria were expected to begin the background check process quickly. "The career fair will feature displays, demonstrations and tours from various specialized teams," according to an agency statement. "Sheriff's staff...will be available to provide information about their assignments." The focus was reportedly on filling both patrol deputy and correctional deputy positions. Personnel from SWAT, K-9 patrol, the aviation unit, mounted posse and the dive team were also on hand, officials said.

Corona

Corona Fire Department responds to accident along I-15 during downpours

An SUV carrying a family with young children plunged down an embankment along Interstate 15 during heavy rain in Temescal Valley Friday, but the occupants walked away unscathed. The crash happened about 3 p.m. on northbound I-15, just north of Temescal Canyon Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. The agency said that the driver of the silver SUV apparently lost control amid a downpour and veered toward the shoulder, causing the vehicle to travel down the embankment. Corona Fire Department and Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location a short time later and found the occupants, a mom, dad and at least two small children, out of the SUV, according to reports from the scene.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino County

Construction on WB 210

Freeway in Highland and Redlands once again delayed due to weather

This weekend’s 55-hour directional closure of WB SR 210 in Highland and Redlands has been canceled once again due to forecasted rain. The first of the six directional closures is now scheduled to begin on Friday, March 24. A series of six 55-hour freeway closures are scheduled on select weekends to allow crews to safely perform paving operations on eastbound (EB) and westbound (WB) SR 210 at the on- and off-ramp junctures of the San Bernardino Avenue interchange. The work is part of the SR 210 Lane Addition and Base Line Interchange Project in Highland and Redlands.

San Bernardino

Trial date set for San Bernardino man accused in burglary/murder at Anza marijuana grow

A March 21 trial date was confirmed Tuesday for three convicted felons accused in the fatal shooting of a 64-year-old man who interrupted a break-in at his Anza home, where he allegedly was cultivating cannabis for sale. Jody Lynn Came Miller, 47, of Rancho Cucamonga, James Max Robinson, 41, of San Bernardino, and Jesse Robert Thurbush, 41, of Victorville allegedly killed James Cidney Brown in 2019. All three are charged with murder, attempted murder, burglary, attempted robbery and false imprisonment, with special circumstance allegations of killing in the course of a burglary and killing during the commission of a robbery.

Ontario

City of Ontario hosting Community Clean-Up Day on April 29

The city of Ontario is hosting a Community Clean-Up Day on April 29 where residents can drop off non-hazardous waste at 125 West Emporia Ave. They can drop off their waste any time between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. “A clean community is a healthy community. By working together to keep our streets, parks, and public spaces clean, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Let's all do our part to keep our community clean,” the city stated on Facebook. Learn more about the event at https://www.ontarioca. gov/.

M onrovia

March 2

At 3:44 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 900 block of West Duarte regarding an alarm activation. Officers arrived and saw one of the front windows was broken. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:22 p.m., a hit-andrun traffic collision was reported in the area of California and Colorado. A juvenile was hit by a vehicle and the vehicle fled the scene. Officers and MFD responded to the scene. MFD treated the juvenile. He was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. This investigation is continuing.

March 3

At 10:32 a.m., the owner of a business in the 500 block of South Myrtle Ave. reported arriving to find the rear door open. A checkbook was taken. This investigation is continuing.

At 4:32 p.m., a victim called from a business in the 500 block of South Myrtle reporting that two male suspects entered a business and stole the victim’s purse. The suspects attempted to use the victim's credit card at a business minutes later. The investigation is continuing.

At 5:05 p.m., an employee called from a business in the 1600 block of South Myrtle to report a robbery. A male suspect jumped on the counter and pointed a handgun at the clerk. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:26 p.m., an employee from a business in the 500 block of South Myrtle reported several juveniles entered her store and stole property. This investigation is continuing.

At 7:07 p.m., a caller in a business in the 500 block of West Huntington reported a customer became upset and began to threaten harm to the employees. The suspect left before officers arrived. This investigation is continuing.

March 4

At 12:01 a.m., while on patrol an officer saw a driver commit a traffic violation in the area of Mayflower and Evergreen. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and was transported to MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 12:14 a.m., an officer saw a driver commit a violation in the area of Magnolia and Olive and conducted a traffic stop. After a DUI investigation, the driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 2:04 a.m., as officers were dealing with a collision scene, a vehicle drove by the 3300 block of South Peck with two flat tires and the rims exposed. Officers quickly got in their vehicles and caught up with the driver. The vehicle slowed down and then collided with the rear of an occupied parked vehicle. The driver was contacted and showed signs and symptoms of being under the influence. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 2:59 a.m., while on patrol an officer saw a driver commit a violation near the intersection of Myrtle and Live Oak and conducted a traffic stop. The driver displayed signs of being under the influence. A DUI investigation revealed the driver was under the influence. The driver was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 4:08 a.m., a vehicle collided with a power pole

Blotters

in the area of California and Hurstview, causing it to fall on top of another vehicle. MFD responded and the driver was removed from the vehicle. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Intoxication was suspected. This investigation is continuing.

At 3:07 p.m., a caller reported a male subject loitering near a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle. Employees asked him to leave and he became agitated. Another customer took it upon himself to physically escort the subject out of the location. The subject requested prosecution. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:19 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of Grand regarding a theft of mail packages. This investigation is continuing.

At 10:16 p.m., a traffic collision was reported in the 300 block of West Huntington. Officers arrived and detained a female that drove her vehicle into another parked vehicle. The driver displayed symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A DUI investigation revealed she was under the influence. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

Arcadia

March 5

At 2:17 a.m., an officer responded to the Station Bar, located at 1218 S. Baldwin Ave., regarding a stolen vehicle and battery investigation. The female victim stated a dispute with her girlfriend resulted in the girlfriend striking the victim in the face and then stealing the victim’s car keys and vehicle. The suspect was located nearby and the 27-year-old female from Los Angeles was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

At 6:12 a.m., an officer responded to Ho Kee Café, located at 558 W. Las Tunas Dr., regarding a commercial burglary investigation. Surveillance footage captured three suspects smashing a glass door and stealing two boxes of documents from the business. One of the suspects was later identified, arrested, and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking. He was also in possession of stolen property, a controlled substance, and unlawful paraphernalia. These offenses were added to the list of charges the 48-year-old male from El Monte is facing. The remaining suspects are outstanding as of March 14.

At 6:09 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 400 block of South Third Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. Sometime between 4:50 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 4, unidentified suspect(s) entered the home through unknown means and stole cash.

March 6

At 1:20 a.m., an officer responded to a traffic collision in the 1600 block of South Sixth Avenue. Upon contacting the driver, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from her body. A breathalyzer test revealed the 26-year-old female from Arcadia was driving with a blood alcohol content of .195%. She was arrested and transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital for treatment.

March 7

At 2:08 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 900 block of Hampton Road regarding a burglary investigation. Sometime between Feb. 21 and March 7, someone smashed the rear glass door and ransacked the master bedroom. The loss is unknown as of the date of this report.

March 8

At 9:15 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 900 block of Volante Road regarding a burglary investigation. The victim was home when she heard footsteps in the home. Surveillance cameras captured a lone male suspect wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and black pants. The suspect may have fled in a black sedan.

At 9:25 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 700 block of Hampton Road regarding a burglary investigation. The victim discovered someone had smashed the sliding glass door and ransacked the home. They fled with handbags.

At 9:12 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 300 block of West Wistaria Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. The victim determined someone broke a rear sliding glass door between Feb. 20 and March 8 and ransacked the home. The suspect(s) fled with jewelry.

March 9

At 8:40 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Fallen Leaf Road regarding a burglary investigation. A review of the surveillance footage revealed a male suspect broke into the home by breaking a second-floor window and stole a small safe. The suspect is described as a male wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and dark-colored pants.

March 10

At 1:19 p.m., an officer responded to Kobe Range Hoods, located at 11775 Clark St., regarding an attempted commercial burglary investigation. Surveillance cameras captured two suspects cutting an exterior fence to the business. They fled without breaking into the business. They are described as two males driving a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.

At 11:10 p.m., an officer responded to Robusto Cigar, located at 26 N. First St., regarding a commercial burglary investigation. A review of the surveillance footage revealed one male suspect smashed the front glass window and stole cigar lighters and cutters. After the suspect had left, a group of teenagers walked past the broken glass and two of them entered the business and stole similar items.

March 11

At 9:32 a.m., an officer responded to the 1000 block of Arcadia Avenue regarding a construction site burglary investigation. The victim discovered a male suspect stole various hand tools and appliances before fleeing in a Penske rental truck. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s.

Announcements

NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-855-6670380 (Cal-SCAN)

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-538-9554 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/Cali (Cal-SCAN)

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote -Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-439-5645 (SCAN)

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-424-7581 (Cal-SCAN)

Autos Wanted

DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response - Maximum Tax Donation – Help Find Missing Kids! Call 1-888-491-1453. (Cal-SCAN)

Donating your vehicle? Get more! Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Plus a $200 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today.

CALL 1-844-491-2884 (Cal-SCAN)

CABLE/SATELLITE TV

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-641-5762 (Cal-SCAN)

Financial Services

Over $10K in Debt? Be debt free in 24 to 48 months. No upfront fees to enroll. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 1-888-231-4274. (Cal-SCAN)

Insurance

SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE!

Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/ year! Call 1-844-410-9609! (M-F 8am-8pm Central) (Cal-SCAN)

Internet

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-855-480-0769 (Cal-SCAN)

Miscellaneous

Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-844908-0605 (SCAN)

The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution.

For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others?

Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (Cal-SCAN)

WANTED TO BUY

TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-844-9101960. (Cal-SCAN)