El Monte Examiner_3/27/2023

San Bernardino County makes progress toward storm recovery

Closing arguments heard in Ridley-Thomas corruption trial

By Fred Shuster, City News Service

Metro moves forward to extend current law enforcement contracts

By City News Service

sors — is accused of routing county contracts to the USC School of Social Work in exchange for benefits to his son.

Prosecutors alleged that Ridley-Thomas in April 2018 arranged for the former dean of the school, Marilyn Flynn, to funnel $100,000 from his campaign account through the school to a nonprofit operated by his son, Sebastian, who had recently resigned from the state Assembly amid a sexual harassment probe.

Prosecutors contend the politician wanted to provide the money to support his son’s nonprofit, but didn’t want the funds linked to him or his campaign. So he agreed to provide the money to Flynn, who sent $100,000 in university funds to the nonprofit, known as the Policy, Research & Practice Initiative.

Flynn and Ridley-Thomas concealed the arrangement from USC, knowing it would have violated university policy, prosecutors said.

“If you’re going to bring charges, you better be right and you better do your homework,” Durie said in her summation. “What happened at USC was legal.”

Flynn pleaded guilty in September to one count of bribery, admitting that she agreed to steer money from the then-supervisor to Sebastian’s nonprofit.

The LA Metro Board of Directors voted Thursday to negotiate and extend its current multi-agency transit law enforcement contracts with modifications for up to three additional years, through June 2026.

This purpose is to explore alternative ways to ensure public safety such as forming an in-house police department, according to Metro.

“Accountability and culture are paramount,” said James Butts, Mayor of Inglewood and a member of the Board of Directors. “We have to go on to extend into the future. We don’t have any choice.”

At the board’s February 2017 meeting, Metro approved the awarding of three individual five-year, firm-fixed unit rate contracts with the Los Angeles Police Department, Long Beach Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to support its day-to-day bus and rail operations across Metro’s entire service area. Those contracts are set to expire on June 30.

According to a staff report, the 2017 contracts are valued approximately $645.7 million but were amended seven times for a total contract value over the six-year period of approximately $911.9 million.

As part of Metro’s efforts to consider alternative methods for public safety, in April 2022, the agency issued a request for proposals for transit law enforcement services and a total of five proposals were received in October 2022.

Four of those proposals were multi-agency and the other was a single, system-wide proposal, according to Metro staff. However, the single system-wide proposal was withdrawn, and the other four failed to meet the overall needs as required in the RFP.

Metro staff recommended its board to extend the

Suspended Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas sold his vote while serving as a county supervisor for a series of benefits for his son, a federal prosecutor told a downtown jury Thursday, but a defense lawyer countered that nothing the longtime politician did was illegal.

“This was a case about power, privilege and lies,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson said

in her closing argument, telling jurors that the trial dealt with “one of the most powerful politicians in Los Angeles who leveraged his power — and all the lies he told to cover it up.”

Ridley-Thomas, 68, of South Los Angeles, faces 19 federal counts, including conspiracy, bribery, and honest services mail and wire fraud. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Daralyn Durie, one of Ridley-Thomas’ lawyers,

told the panel in her argument that the government’s case against her client “was fundamentally about optics” and that the investigation was “not thorough enough.”

“I don’t think the evidence that was presented by the government was the whole story. I think they left out some pretty important pieces,” Durie said.

Ridley-Thomas — then a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervi-

But defense attorney Galia Amram said in her opening statement two weeks ago that there was no quid pro quo arrangement involving Flynn and RidleyThomas.

“Funneling the money was legal under campaign finance law,” Amram told the jury, adding that none of the $100,000 “went into Sebastian’s pocket.”

See Ridley-Thomas Page 28

OC prosecutors clear deputies of criminal wrongdoing in custody killing PG

Mark Ridley-Thomas. | Photo courtesy of Neon Tommy/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Two officers confer near transit security vehicles in the bus courtyard at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. | Photo courtesy of Paul Sullivan/Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

OC prosecutors clear deputies of criminal wrongdoing in custody killing

By City News Service

No other inmates noticed a problem between Pham and Magallanes.”

Magallanes, who had been convicted of stalking TV personality Kylie Jenner before the killings, has been diagnosed as schizophrenic and his attorneys argued at his trial he believed Jenner was directing him to kill the homeless men in Anaheim.

good,” prosecutors said. When asked to explain what was captured on video, he replied, “Cameras lie.”

was systemic negligence.

Orange County prosecutors Wednesday released a report clearing deputies of any criminal wrongdoing in the strangulation murder of an inmate at the hands of his cellmate nearly six years ago.

In a letter dated Feb. 9 to Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, prosecutors concluded that charges should not be filed against the deputies who put 27-year-old Danny Viet Pham, who was about to be released on a joyriding charge, in the same cell as Marvin Magallanes, who was sentenced last year to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing Pham and two transients in Anaheim.

The report comes after a preliminary report from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in May 2018 that also cleared deputies of criminal wrongdoing.

In 2019, Pham’s family settled a federal lawsuit with the county for $2.75 million.

Magallanes killed Pham while they were locked up together July 3, 2017. Pham had pleaded guilty in his case and was about to be released July 10, 2017.

Pham had told jail personnel multiple times he was homeless and it was known at the time they were housed together that Magallanes was in jail on suspicion for killing homeless victims, according to the report from prosecutors.

On June 4, 2017, Magallanes attacked a deputy, triggering a fight that was broken up by another deputy. The fight was documented, but not given to deputies who classify where inmates should be held and was not noted in his file, according to prosecutors.

According to the report, “a jail incident report should have been written and provided to classification. An incident report is the only mechanism in place to

inform deputies.”

On June 22, 2017, Magallanes was housed with another man, who complained Magallanes “made sexual advances toward him, and (the cellmate) wanted to avoid a fight,” so he asked to be separated from him, according to prosecutors.

A deputy asked Pham if he would move into Magallanes’ cell. The deputy did not know why Magallanes was in jail, “and had no knowledge that Magallanes had assaulted another inmate and a deputy,” prosecutors said.

The deputy later “checked on Pham and Magallanes and both gave him a thumbs up,” prosecutors said.

“Other inmates stated Pham shared he was homeless on multiple occasions,” prosecutors said. “Pham was described as fragile, good and did not have problems with anyone. Magallanes was described as out of it and ‘not there.’

On the day Pham was killed, jail logs “indicated that safety checks were conducted at 7:55 a.m., but video surveillance showed that no deputies or jail staff entered Sector 1 from 7 a.m. to 8:44 a.m.,” prosecutors said. “Safety check records indicated that checks were also done at 9 a.m. and 10:05 a.m., but video surveillance showed that no safety checks were conducted at those times.”

A check later confirmed no safety checks were done at those times, prosecutors said.

Pham is seen exercising in his cell at 7:23 a.m. via video surveillance before Magallanes grabbed him from behind in a chokehold, prosecutors said. Pham is then pulled out of view.

Video surveillance shows Pham face down on the bottom bunk bed at 7:37 a.m. with Magallanes covering him with a sheet, prosecutors said.

Magallanes emerged from his cell later that morning to meet with his attorney, but deputies did not realize Pham was dead until they came to bring lunch, prosecutors said.

When Magallanes was questioned later that evening he said about his cellmate, “We do pretty

Attorney Michael Guisti, who handled the family’s lawsuit against the county, told City News Service, “You’ve got an organization centered on public safety and the reason we do classification (of inmates) is protection. Everything that goes into that funnel of information is important and when it doesn’t go into that funnel it’s like not checking the safety on a gun.”

Guisti said he finds it difficult to believe that any deputy wasn’t aware of Magallanes’ reputation before the two were housed together.

“You can’t tell me that nobody in that module didn’t know about Magallanes,” he said. “They know his charges. They know he’s got two murders. ... It was general knowledge Marvin Magallanes was dangerous and Danny Pham was at-risk.”

But even if prosecutors wanted to file charges they couldn’t because the statute of limitations had likely lapsed, Guisti said.

Chapman University law school professor Mario Mainero said prosecutors made the right call.

Mainero pointed to the fact that even if deputies had done the hourly safety checks they wouldn’t have interrupted the attack.

“Had the deputies kept the required hourly schedule they would not have been present” for the killing, Mainero said. “I would concur in the DA’s findings. What really happened here

“The failure to communicate information to the deputies in that section of the jail, that module, that’s not criminal negligence. That’s just negligence, which does create civil liability, but it does not create criminal liability to the deputies in that area.”

Mainero prepared a report to Orange County supervisors after the beating death of John Chamberlain in Orange County Jail in 2007 and recommended criminal charges for some deputies on duty. None of the deputies ultimately were charged.

Mainero said he has been highly critical of Orange County sheriff’s officials and how they run the jail.

“I’ve always had this criticism of the sheriff in the jail. I’m not convinced they do as good a job as they could watching things,” Mainero said. “But the deputies were not provided information (in Pham’s case) that would have heightened their duty. That’s the real problem here. They would have logically treated this like every other inmate in that module.”

The Sheriff’s Department issued the following statement:

“OCSD continually makes every effort to house individuals safely. In 2019, OCSD implemented a new objective classification system, and has safely housed hundreds of thousands of inmates entrusted to our care.”

Magallanes is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing Pham, 52-year-old Onosai Tavita and 49-yearold Sabah Alsaad.

Horvath introduces motion condemning human rights violations against Uyghurs, calls for evaluation of county contracts

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Wednesday condemning human rights violations against the Uyghur ethnic group in China.

The motion, which Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced, also calls for evaluating the county’s current contracting procedures with the intention of making sure goods purchased are not the product of forced labor.

“Los Angeles County has long been a leader on labor rights for all people, here and around the world,” Horvath said. “We must continue to

shine a light through due diligence measures that end the ongoing abuses of the Uyghur people and ensure future goods purchased by the County are not made through forced labor.”

Horvath, in partnership with Jewish World Watch, introduced and passed a similar resolution supporting Uyghur human rights while serving on the West Hollywood City Council in 2021, according to JWW.

“Elected leadership at every level must carry the mantle in the ongoing fight for Uyghur justice,” JWW Executive Director Serena

By Staff

Oberstein said in a statement Wednesday. “Today, Supervisor Horvath continued that pursuit for Los Angeles County with this significant motion.”

The motion calls on the Chief Executive Office and other county agencies to review the contracting process and determine how to ensure the county and its vendors purchase goods that are not produced by forced labor.

According to JWW’s Uyghur Forced Labor Database, more than 2,000 international brands currently utilize supply

chains that are impacted by Uyghur forced labor.

Since 2017, an estimated 1 million to 1.8 million Uyghurs have suffered human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese Communist Party, according to JWW. Such alleged abuses include “mass surveillance, detention, family separation, indoctrination, forced labor, sterilization and extrajudicial killings.”

JWW has called attention to the plight of the Uyghurs since 2018 and is a member of the End Uyghur Forced Labour coalition.

The organization will

host its annual Walk to End Genocide on April 30. The an event will feature members of the Los Angeles communi-

ty, elected officials as well as Uyghur, Armenian, Congolese Rohingya and Tigrayan diaspora members.

Uyghur musicians perform at Meshrep, Yarkand. | Photo courtesy of travelingmipo/Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The jail facility in Orange County. | Photo courtesy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department

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Tornado sweeps through Montebello; 11 buildings red-tagged

By City News Service

The Arcadia Weeklyhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 004333 for the City of Arcadia, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Monrovia Weeklyhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of General Circulation in Court Case GS 004759 City of Monrovia, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Temple City Tribunehas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 012440 City of Temple City, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The El Monte Examinerhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS 015872 City of El Monte, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Azusa Beaconhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS 015970 City of Azusa, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The San Gabriel Sunhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 013808 City of San Gabriel, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Duarte Dispatchhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 013893 City of Duarte, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Rosemead Readerhas been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number GS 048894 City of Rosemead, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Alhambra Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016581 City of Alhambra, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Baldwin Park Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS017174 City of Baldwin Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Burbank Independent has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016728 City of Burbank, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Glendale Independent has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016579 City of Glendale, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Monterey Park Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES016580 City of Monterey Park, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The West Covina Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number KS017304 City of West Covina, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The San Bernardino Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number CIVDS 1506881 City of San Bernardino, County of San Bernardino, State of California.

The Riverside Independent has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number RIC1505351 City of Riverside, County of Riverside, State of California.

The Pasadena Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number ES018815 City of Pasadena, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Belmont Beacon has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number NSO30275 City of Long Beach, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The Anaheim Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number 30-2017-00942735-CU-PT-CJC City of Anaheim, County of Orange, State of California.

The Ontario News Press has been adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation in court case number CIVDS 1506881 City of Ontario, County of San Bernardino, State of California. The Corona

Nearly a dozen buildings remain redtagged Thursday, one day after a rare tornado swept through the Montebello area, tearing off some rooftops and leaving one person with minor injuries.

The National Weather Service confirmed that the twister — the strength of which has not yet been measured — hit around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. The

storm was focused generally in the area of Washington Boulevard and Vail Avenue, in a largely industrial district.

Officials said the tornado developed fairly quickly as a strong storm cell pushed through the area. One person suffered minor injuries, according to the Montebello Fire Department.

Fire officials said city

inspectors examined 17 buildings in the tornadoaffected area, and 11 of them were red-tagged, or marked unsuitable for occupation. The twister also damaged an unknown number of vehicles.

Cell phone video from the area showed portions of rooftops being ripped away from buildings, and other debris swirling in a circular pattern in the air. Other

videos showed a funnel-like cloud forming above the area as rooftops are ripped away. Additional video from the aftermath showed multiple vehicles in the parking lot of an affected building with heavy damage, including shattered windows and body damage from flying debris. Some vehicles appeared to have rear bumpers ripped away.

LA County unemployment rate rises slightly in February

By City News Service

Los Angeles County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.9% in February, up from a revised 4.8% in January, according to figures released Friday by the state Employment Development Department.

The 4.9% rate was below the 5.7% rate in February 2022.

In Orange County, where seasonally adjusted numbers were not available, the February unemployment rate was 3.4%.

Statewide, the season-

ally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3% in February, 4.2% in January and 4.7% in February 2022. The comparable figures for the nation were 3.6% in February, 3.4% in January and 3.8% a year ago.

Total nonfarm employ-

ment in Los Angeles County increased by 41,900 positions between January and February to reach nearly 4.6 million.

The private education and health services sector led the way with 12,400 jobs gained, according to the EDD.

LA City Council seeks funds to revitalize brownfields in Council District 7

By City News Service

The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion Friday to apply for a federal grant that will redevelop brownfields in Council District 7 for the purpose of creating community gardens and programming to teach youth about urban gardening and agriculture.

According to the motion, presented by council member Monica Rodriguez, it would instruct the city’s Bureau of Sanitation to apply for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Government-toGovernment Environmental Justice Grant. Upon being awarded funds, the Bureau of Sanitation will accept

the award and divulge any administrative and legislative requirements to accomplish the city’s project for Council District 7.

“Through work with the Bureau of Sanitation, one burgeoning opportunity is the development of community gardens that provide year-round urban greening and agriculture education and the promotion of environmental stewardship at the local grassroots levels for our youth,” according to the motion.

The motion defined brownfields as “toxic land sites” that factories left long ago. The EPA’s grant program seeks to create model government programs

that address public health risks. The grant program aims to leverage existing resources from state or local agencies that develop tools and processes that integrate environmental justice into government programs.

City staff identified three underutilized and undeveloped city-owned sites in Mission Hills, North Hills and Pacoima, and one brownfield in Council District 7, which would benefit from the federal grant program.

Screenshot of footage from the tornado. | Screenshot courtesy of @TheRedRanger23/Twitter

| Photo courtesy of Jay Morrison/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Judge awards $1M in attorneys’ fees to LA County worker who protested segregation

By City News Service

two causes of action for retaliation.

“While a review of billing records indicates mostly reasonable billings, there is still evidence of padding, unnecessary billings and duplicative work,” Takasugi wrote.

Lawyers for the county argued in their trial court papers that actions taken by the DPSS in connection with Young’s employment were for legitimate business reasons with no intention to retaliate. Regarding the attorneys’ fees, the county lawyers maintained Young deserved no more than just under $1.1 million.

racially segregated employees, with one unit for Latino employees and the other for Blacks, the suit alleged.

Young complained about the racially segregated units on multiple occasions, saying they caused unrest among employees and caused a heavier distribution of the workload to Black workers, according to the suit. The director acknowledged the problem, but left before he could do anything about it, the suit stated.

suit stated.

Young began experiencing retaliation for complaining about the segregation, including a 30-day suspension amid accusations that she had been “combative” and “hostile” while she and others went to the director’s office to protest the alleged segregation, according to the suit.

Ajudge has granted $1 million in attorneys’ fees to a Black former Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services employee who maintained she suffered a

backlash for speaking out against racial segregation in the workplace.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jon R. Takasugi’s award was less than half the $3.7 million sought

by plaintiff Lorna Young’s lawyers. Young was entitled to the fees based on a jury’s Oct. 27 award to her of $3.5 million in compensatory damages after finding in the plaintiff’s favor on her

Young worked for the county for nearly two decades, most recently as a DPSS eligibility worker, the suit stated. In 2012, the director of the Southwest Family District where Young worked purposely

The new director refused to meet with Young or to desegregate the work units, the suit stated.

Young went to the Board of Supervisors with her fellow union steward to complain about her workplace conditions, but the board members did not address her concerns, the

Young was transferred to another office, where she was forced to sit under a vent, causing her to contract bronchitis, the suit states.

“Young realized that the working conditions were not going to improve and in August 2014 she was forced to resign,” the suit stated.

Young applied for reinstatement with the county the next year and was denied, according to the suit.

Fasting for Muslim holy month of Ramadan began Thursday

By City News Service

Muslimsbegan fasting after sunrise Thursday for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, commemorating the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslim adults fast from dawn until dusk, unless they are ill, pregnant, diabetic, breastfeeding or traveling.

Fasting is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity and pilgrimage to Mecca.

During Ramadan, which will last until sunset on or around April 20, Muslims

engage in increased prayer and charity, both financially and feeding and supporting the local unhoused population.

The end of Ramadan will be marked by communal prayers called Eid ul-Fitr, the Feast of the Fast-Breaking. The date is determined by the sighting of a crescent new moon. Individuals and organizations typically host iftars, the meal eaten when breaking the fast to benefit those in need.

Some of this year’s iftars will focus on those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, according to Enjy El-Kadi, the digital communications manager for the Council on American-

Islamic Relations, California, the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization.

Ramadan began with prayer at sundown Wednesday.

In his message on Ramadan, President Joe Biden said, “Today especially, we remember the universal human right to practice, pray, and preach our faiths peacefully and openly. And together with our partners, the United States stands in solidarity with Muslims who continue to face oppression — including Uyghurs in the People’s Republic of China, Rohingya in Burma, and other Muslim communities facing persecution around the world.”

Photo by Queenmoonlite/Envato Elements

| Photo courtesy of joebelanger/Envato Elements

Metro votes to dedicate East LA Civic Center station to honor Gloria Molina

By City News Service

Following the county Board of Supervisors and City Hall actions to rename Grand Park in honor of her legacy, the Metro Board of Directors voted unanimously Thursday to dedicate the East Los Angeles Civic Center subway station in honor of Latina political pioneer Gloria Molina, who announced last week she is battling terminal cancer.

“Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors took the historic step to unanimously approve a motion that I, along with my colleagues, put forward to rename the Grand Park after Gloria Molina in honor of her vision and her tenacity to create that park some decades ago,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis, 1st District council representative and member of the board.

“I would like to celebrate and honor her service and her legacy for her time that she spent, here, as a Metro board member,” she continued.

The 74-year-old Molina, who served on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for more than

two decades following terms in the state Assembly and on the LA City Council — and was the first Latina elected to each, announced her cancer diagnosis last week in a Facebook post.

Molina wrote that she has been receiving treatment for three years, but that, “at this point, it is very aggressive.”

“I’ve lived a long, fulfilling and beautiful life,” Molina said in the post, which is addressed to “dearest friends and beloved community.”

“You should know that I’m not sad. I enter this transition in life feeling so fortunate. I have an amazing and caring family, wonderful friends, and worked with committed colleagues and a loyal team. Throughout my life, I’ve had the support of many people.”

Molina, who grew up in Pico Rivera, was active in the early days of the Chicano movement, becoming an advocate for women’s health issues — which she continued into her elected offices. At one point, she founded a nurse mentoring program through local community colleges to address a nurse

shortage.

Solis recounted anecdotes about Molina’s time on Metro, but one that stood out was Molina’s grit and dedication for the Gold Line East Side Extension, which broke ground in 2004 and opened in 2009.

“She fought so hard to provide services to those families that were often left behind, especially those representing East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and many surrounding communities,” Solis said.

“She fought hard to provide quality transit service, and for many of those efforts, we are now the ones that are reaping those benefits.”

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District and member of the board, described Molina as a “masterful policymaker” who had to navigate at a time when it was difficult to be a woman taking on the establishment.

“I would argue that she is the heart of the county Los Angeles, and has been for decades,” Barger said. “I cannot think of a better way than dedicated the station in her honor.”

Gloria Molina, second from left, celebrates with supporters in 1987. | Photo courtesy of Patrick Downs/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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Felon serving life prison terms gets nearly 3 more years for OC jail escape

By City News Service

Eric Garcetti officially sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to India

By City News Service

The man prosecutors call the mastermind of a 2016 escape by three inmates from the Orange County jail in Santa Ana was sentenced Friday to two years and eight months in prison for his conviction on felony counts of escaping custody and car theft.

Hossein Nayeri, 44, is already serving two consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole for his role in the sexual mutilation of a marijuana dispensary owner in a kidnapping-extortion scheme.

Nayeri was convicted last week of the escape and car theft charges, but jurors acquitted him of kidnapping during a carjacking and other lesser-included offenses of simple kidnapping, carjacking and false imprisonment.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer last week defended taking Nayeri to trial in the escape case, even though he’s already serving two life-without-parole prison terms. Nayeri was in custody awaiting trial in the kidnapextortion case when the jail escape occurred.

“This was not a waste of government resources,” Spitzer told reporters after the verdicts.

Spitzer said that given recent changes in criminal justice law in the state he fears lawmakers will scrap the term of life without parole.

“I literally have no confidence that the convictions Nayeri has already suffered will necessarily be upheld on appeal or the legislature will not change the laws and retroactively apply them to Nayeri,” Spitzer said. “So while this sentence does not add significant additional time to the time he’s already serving I want the parole board to be able to consider this additional case.”

He added: “Nayeri needed to be convicted of that escape,” Spitzer said. “He masterminded it. He was up in those plumbing tunnels for

months. He was able to get tools to cut through rebar...

Mr. Nayeri, in my personal opinion, is one of America’s most dangerous criminals. He is conniving, manipulative and a mastermind. He knows how to get inside people’s heads.”

Nayeri has technically already served enough time in jail to cover the sentence he was given Friday for the escape case. Orange County Superior Court Judge Larry Yellin on Friday dismissed four pending jailhouse drug cases Nayeri was facing. The defendant had asked to keep those cases pending so he could remain in the Orange County Jail while working on his appeals.

Nayeri’s co-defendant in the escape, Bac Tien Duong, 50, was convicted in April 2021 and sentenced to 20 years in prison in July. Duong, who was in custody at the time of the escape in an attempted murder case, resolved that case as well when he was sentenced.

Co-defendant Jonathan Tieu, 27, is awaiting trial in connection with the escape. Tieu was in custody in a murder case, but jurors in his trial deadlocked. A retrial was scheduled, but he was referred to juvenile court, where he was ultimately convicted of assault with a deadly weapon

because a change in state law redefined liability in murders and Tieu was not considered a major participant in the gangrelated killing.

The trio escaped from Central Men’s Jail Jan. 22, 2016, Authorities said that with the help of Loc Ba Nguyen, a longtime friend of Duong’s, the three inmates were able to obtain the supplies they needed to escape. They sawed through obstacles, wriggled through an air vent in the dormitory-style housing and worked their way through plumbing tunnels to the roof of the jail. They then rappelled down with makeshift ropes, and Nguyen picked them up and drove them to a contact of Duong’s in Westminster.

They called unlicensed cab driver Long Ma, who took them first to motels in Rosemead and later San Jose, where Duong and Nayeri got into a fight. Duong decided to part ways and brought Ma back with him to Orange County and surrendered on Jan. 29. The next day, Nayeri and Tieu were arrested in San Francisco.

Nguyen pleaded guilty in June 2017 for his role in aiding the inmates in the escape and was sentenced to a year in jail, but he served his time in home confinement because he said he had a stroke on his sentencing date.

Former Los Angeles

Mayor Eric Garcetti was sworn in as the next U.S. ambassador to India Friday, with second gentleman Doug Emhoff also attending the ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Garcetti was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week after a nearly two-year process dogged by lingering allegations that he ignored accusations of assault and sexual harassment against a former top aide.

Seven Republicans crossed the aisle to vote in favor of Garcetti in the 52-42 vote, but three fellow Democrats voted nay.

In a statement following the vote, Garcetti said he was “thrilled with today’s outcome, which was a decisive and bipartisan decision to fill a critical post that has been vacant for far too long. Now the hard work begins.”

“I’m ready and eager to begin my service representing our critical interests in India,” he said.

President Joe Biden originally nominated Garcetti for the post on July 9, 2021. After it stalled, Biden re-nominated him in January.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement she looks forward to working with Garcetti in his new role.

“I congratulate former Mayor Garcetti on his confirmation to serve as our country’s ambassador to the world’s largest democracy. His ability to strengthen our nation’s position in the world draws from his experience leading a global city, an academic background in international affairs, service as a Navy intelligence officer and the full confidence of the President,” she said Thursday. “Los Angeles is an international hub, and I look forward to working with Eric as he represents our nation in New Delhi.”

An investigation requested by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, last year concluded that it was “more probable than not” that former

Garcetti senior adviser Rick Jacobs “sexually harassed multiple individuals and made racist comments towards others.” It also found it “extremely unlikely” that Garcetti was unaware of the behavior, saying that “by all accounts, Mayor Garcetti is very involved in the day-today operation of his office.”

The White House blasted the report, saying in a statement, “This partisan report was a hit job from the beginning, and many of the claims have already been conclusively debunked by more serious independent reports. The president has confidence in Mayor Garcetti and believes he will be an excellent representative in India at a critical moment and calls for the Senate to swiftly confirm him.”

Garcetti has repeatedly denied any knowledge of alleged harassing behavior by Jacobs. Following the report’s release, he said in a statement that he “strongly” disagreed with its conclusions.

SCAN ME!

Hossein Nayeri. | Photo courtesy of Orange County District Attorney’s Office

Eric Garcetti. | Photo courtesy of the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

The Nigerian Prince and 8 other common cybercrime characters

By Jill Jaracz, Stacker

Sound familiar? You likely have multiple versions of this email in your spam folder. As tempting as it is to think of easy money, the reality is that the Nigerian Prince is a scammer targeting you for money or personal information so they can steal your identity.

Unfortunately, internet crimes — even ones with implausible, too-good-tobe-true stories like this — often work. In 2021, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported $6.9 billion in losses to cybercriminals.

Twingate compiled a list of nine common cybercrime characters encountered in criminal schemes through analysis of news reports and cybercrime statistics from the FBI, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and other sources.

Cyberscammers continually adapt their schemes to evade law enforcement, with the latest scams leveraging “smishing” techniques — phishing for information through SMS/text messaging. In September 2022, RoboKiller estimated that the sheer volume of robotexts sent out is equivalent to every person in the U.S. receiving an average of 57 per day.

Another popular scam is the Business Email Compromise, in which criminals pretend they’re sending an email from a company account in order to fool an employee into thinking they’re colleagues. The victim then unwittingly transfers company funds to the criminal.

If you’ve been the victim of a cyberscam, report it to IC3. They’ll share the information with the proper authorities and alert the public. Read on to learn more about frequently encountered cybercrime personas.

The Nigerian Prince

When it comes to cyberscams, just about everyone’s been contacted by a Nigerian prince or someone similar recounting a fabulous story about a fortune that they can’t access — without your help, that is. If you just front them some money — or better yet, your bank account information — they’ll be able to get back their rightful fortune and share their windfall with you.

This type of scam is called an advance-

fee scheme — you pay a “processing fee” up front and never get the delivered goods, loan, or credit. Legitimate businesses don’t guarantee funds up front and don’t ask for your personal information over email or text.

Ironically, in 2019 a real Nigerian prince named Osmond Eweka did scam hundreds of people looking for jobs. He agreed to a plea deal that kept him out of prison but cost him $50,000 in restitution.

The Federal Student Loan Administrator President Biden barely finished announcing the government’s new initiative to cancel up to $20,000 in federal student loans before scammers ramped up efforts to bilk people out of money. With the Federal Student Loan Administrator scheme, these scammers leverage telemarketers, texts, and emails to contact people — even if they don’t have student loans — with promises of debt forgiveness if they act quickly.

The scam tries to get them to pay upfront for services (that may or may not exist) to reduce loan payments, discharge a student loan, or forgive a loan. It does so with scare tactics like saying the program window is closing, or it’s only for those who sign up right away. Scammers also try to phish for data, particularly looking for FSA ID usernames and passwords that can be used as legal

signatures.

The Federal Trade Commission tells consumers to be careful of these scams because the federal student loan payment pause and the loan forgiveness programs are actually free of charge and no service can get you into them faster.

The Phishing Boss

Phishing scammers will use public information about a company to pose as your boss to try to get money or information. The email looks legitimate because the “from” line is your boss’s name, but the actual email address will often have a discreet typo in it.

The message itself usually asks for something urgently — paying an invoice, doing a wire transfer, or buying and sending them gift cards to pay for a company party, which of course you’ll get reimbursed for as a business expense. With all of these schemes, they need to be done ASAP, and your boss is “tied up in a meeting” so you can’t call them about it. If that sounds suspicious, it likely is, but many people are still fooled by them. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center found that these types of scams bilked people out of $2.4 billion in 2021.

The IRS Agent

The IRS Agent scam has been around for a long time, with scammers trying to get your personal or financial information over

the phone or via email. Since fall 2020, this scam is more frequently perpetrated through text or SMS, also known as smishing.

One example text offers you tax relief due to a disaster. All you have to do is update your information and submit an application through the link provided. Sometimes you can find typos in the text that will be a red flag for fraud, but the easiest way to avoid being duped by this scam is to know that the IRS doesn’t ask for information verification through text or email. The IRS preferred method of communication is snail mail or a live phone call (not a recorded message).

The Vehicle Warranty Department Professional

Many people are on to the auto warranty scam — maybe because of the incessant robocalls they get. In 2021, nearly 13 billion scam calls tried to get people to purchase a service contract that costs a lot of money, but doesn’t provide much in the way of actual coverage. These scammers are crafty though because sometimes they know the actual make and model of your car, which makes the call seem more legitimate.

In 2021 this scam topped the list of customer complaints with the FCC. It proved to be such a nuisance that in July 2022, the FCC announced a new campaign to block these types of robocalls.

The Phone Company

the charity online to make sure it’s legitimate, or find verified charities on Charity Navigator.

The Tech Support Guy

Even if you’re tech-savvy, there’s a chance you could still get ripped off by the Tech Support Guy scheme. This scam manifests mainly through pop-up warnings or phone calls. The plan is to make you think there’s a virus on your computer or other suspicious activity, and if you click the link or call a phone number, you can get the virus resolved. This often results in paying unnecessary fees or allowing someone to access your computer remotely, which also gives the criminals access to all of your files.

Bill Collector

Of the nearly 88 billion spam texts sent in 2021, some of them look like they’re from your own phone number. In this scam, phishers pose as your cell phone company, and spoof — or disguise — the number they’re using to text. These scammers often offer a so-called reward as a thankyou for consistently paying your bill on time. But to get the reward, you’ve got to click on the link and share some information. The text may also indicate that you have to take advantage of the offer urgently because it’s only valid that day.

The Aid Worker

Scammers see global crises as opportunities to separate well-meaning people from their money. The war in Ukraine has spurred an increase in the amount of fraudulent solicitations for donations to support humanitarian aid efforts in Eastern Europe.

In this type of scheme, criminals play on people’s emotions and sympathy to support a worthy cause. They pose as an individual who needs immediate financial assistance or an organization that’s trying to raise money — except that there’s no actual humanitarian organization behind the email.

If you don’t know the individual or charity that sent an email or text, don’t respond, open attachments, click on links, or give them money. If you want to support humanitarian efforts, first research

Scammers have gotten sophisticated with this scheme, even using company logos to make their pop-ups look legit. However, legitimate tech companies won’t monitor your computer, which means they also won’t contact you or ask you to contact them about specific problems on your machine.

The Package Delivery Company

With the growth of online shopping and package delivery during the pandemic, delivery scams sprung up to trick people into giving money and information to nefarious characters. Variations of this scam happen through text, email, phone, and even fake “missed delivery” tags left on your door. They can ask you to click a link or call a number for more information.

Clicking a link in a text or email can result in malware being installed on your phone to capture your personal information. Scam calls can trick you into thinking you have to verify the credit card number you used on a purchase, which criminals can then exploit for their own purposes.

Thwart this scam by going back to your original purchase receipt and tracking packages through the retailer. Also know that major delivery companies like FedEx and UPS won’t send unsolicited communication seeking your personal payment information.

This story originally appeared on Twingate and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. It was copy edited from its original version. Republished pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

| Photo courtesy of rawf8/Shutterstock/Stacker

Starting a new business?

Rosemead City Notices

CITY OF ROSEMEAD

NOTICE INVITING BIDS NIB No. 2023-08

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY OF ROSEMEAD, California, will receive electronic bids through PlanetBids at: https:// pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/54150/portal-home OR sealed bids at the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, 8838 Valley Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770 up to 10:30 o’clock a.m. on Tuesday, the 18th day of April, 2023. Electronic and hardcopy bids will be publicly posted on PlanetBids and City’s website.

ARTERIAL STREET PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT No. 43010

The project consists of removing and replacing existing AC Pavement, adjusting manhole covers, water valve covers, and gas covers to grade. Project also includes removal and replacement of raised pavement markers, striping, and traffic signal loops to match existing, as well as miscellaneous work as indicated on the construction plans, including other incidental and appurtenant work necessary for the proper completion of the project.

The engineer’s estimate for this project is in the range of $3,500,000. The successful bidder shall have THIRTY (30) working days including material procurement to complete the work. Liquidated damages shall be $500.00 per calendar day.

Copies of the Bidding and Contract Documents, Plans and Specifications can be obtained from the City’s PlanetBid portal. Contractors can register as a vendor and download the documents by visiting the PlanetBid Portal (https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/ portal/54150/portal-home). Hard copy of the bid package will not be mailed.

SB 854 Requirements:

This project is subject to the requirements of SB 854. No prime contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered and qualified with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. No prime contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered and qualified with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations. The bid proposal must include a print out from the DIR registration website showing that the prime contractor and each subcontractor is currently registered and qualified. No bid proposals will be accepted nor any contract entered into with a prime contractor without proof of registration as required above. [Unless within the limited exceptions from this requirement for bid proposals only under Labor Code Section 1771.1(a)]

Each bid must be accompanied by a bidder’s security in an amount not less than 10% of the amount of the bid, as a guarantee that the bidder will, if awarded the Contract, enter into a satisfactory agreement and provide a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each not less than 100% of the total amount of the bid price.

No bidder may withdraw his bid for a period of sixty-one (61) days after the above bid opening date.

The CITY OF ROSEMEAD will affirmatively ensure the disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex or national origin in the consideration for an award.

Any contract entered into pursuant to this notice will incorporate the provisions of the State Labor Code. Compliance with the prevailing rates of wage and apprenticeship employment standards established by the State Director of Industrial Relations will be required.

Bidders shall be licensed in accordance with the provision of Chapter 9, Division 111 of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. Bidder shall have a Class “A” license in good standing at the time Bids are received.

The Council reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality, technical defect, or minor irregularity in any bid submitted.

An award of service shall not be final until the bids have been reviewed and a Contract Agreement with the City has been signed by the lowest responsible bidder and by the City.

Award of Contract Agreement is proposed for April 25th, 2023.

All questions regarding this bid shall be uploaded City’s portal on PlanetBids, no later than 10 calendar days prior to bid due date and time.

Dated this March 23, 2023

Ericka Hernandez City Clerk

Publish: March 27th & April 3rd, 2023. ROSEMEAD READER

Probate Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF TORIBIO BAEZ A.K.A. TORIBIO BAEZ VILLA

CASE NO. 23STPB02617

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the LOST will or estate, or both, of: TORIBIO BAEZ A.K.A. TORIBIO BAEZ VILLA

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CRISTIAN BAEZ in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CRISTIAN BAEZ be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s LOST WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The LOST will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with full authority . (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on 04/25/2023 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 79 located at 111 N. HILL ST. LOS ANGELES CA 90012 STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE,STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner:

Clayton D. Wilson SB# 40339, Wilson & Wilson, 414 S. First Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006, Telephone: (626) 574-1890 3/20, 3/23, 3/27/23 CNS-3681350# AZUSA BEACON

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: FREDERICK IBARRA, JR. CASE NO. 23STPB02651

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of FREDERICK IBARRA, JR.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has

been filed by GLORIA TOMESITA CARRILLO in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that GLORIA TOMESITA CARRILLO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/14/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 5 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

MARC P. GRISMER - SBN 300270, LAW OFFICE OF MARC P. GRISMER 9901 PARAMOUNT BLVD., SUITE 222 DOWNEY CA 90240 3/23, 3/27, 3/30/23

CNS-3682862# EL MONTE EXAMINER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

SCOTT G. COYKENDALL CASE NO. 23STPB02999

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of SCOTT G. COYKENDALL.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by YOULANDA DAVIS in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that YOULANDA DAVIS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/25/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at

the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner THOMAS O. HOFFMAN - SBN 100881

LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS O. HOFFMAN 302 W SIERRA MADRE BLVD SIERRA MADRE CA 91024

3/27, 3/30, 4/3/23

CNS-3683182#

DUARTE DISPATCH

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Mui Sam Pun

CASE NO. 23STPB01517

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Mui Sam Pun

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Nam Su Hoang in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Nam Su Hoang be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with full authority . (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on 04/26/2023 at 8:30 AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST. LOS ANGELES CA 90012 STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Cindy Nguyen, Esq., 273886

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: HARALD GANSERT; AKA HARALD ALBIN GANSERT; HARALD A. GANSERT; HAROLD A. GANSERT; HARALD ALWIN GANSERT CASE NO. 23STPB02804

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of HARALD GANSERT; AKA HARALD ALBIN GANSERT; HARALD A. GANSERT; HAROLD A. GANSERT; HARALD ALWIN GANSERT.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with limited authority. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

04/21/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

LINDA ESHOE - SBN 159481, PRINCIPAL DEPUTY COUNTY COUNSEL, OFFICE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COUNSEL 500 W. TEMPLE STREET, SUITE 652 LOS ANGELES CA 90012 3/23, 3/27, 3/30/23 CNS-3682166# TEMPLE CITY TRIBUNE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF TAM MA

Case No. 23STPB02818

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-itors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of TAM MA

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Tri Huu Ma in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Tri Huu Ma be ap-pointed as personal representa-

names listed above on (date): 03/2023. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on (Date) 03/22/2023. NOTICE: This fictitious name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the county clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq. Business and Professions Code). Publish: 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023.

ARCADIA WEEKLY. AAA1113192.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023 054410 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as A.B 24/7 LOCKSMITH, 254 N Market St C109, Inglewood, CA 90301. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March 2018. Signed: Aviv Bimru, 254 N Market St C109, Inglewood, CA 90301 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 13, 2023. NOTICE:

This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

SC

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023 054388

NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as HAIR DESIGNS BY LORENZO, 1252 Havenhurst Dr #4, West Hollywood, CA 90046. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on January 2018. Signed: Larry M. YanezDagon, 1252 Havenhurst Dr #4, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 13, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023 SC

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023 0054428

NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as PARADISE POOLS, 9541 Alexander Ave, South Gate, CA 90280. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein.

Signed: Michael Rios Fernandez, 9541 Alexander Ave, South Gate, CA 90280 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 13, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023 SC

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023 054402

NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as VIJI RECORDS, 18014 Sherman Way 149, Reseda, CA 91335. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on August 2008. Signed: Lakshminarayana Subramani, 18014 Sherman Way 149, Reseda, CA 91335 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 13, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

SC

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023 054394 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as WRANCH STUDIOS, 1320 W El Segundo Blvd Unit D, Gardena, CA 90247. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on May 2018. Signed: Kevin Gerard Giffen, 4550 Overland Ave 108, Culver City, CA 90230 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 13, 2023. NOTICE:

This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023 SC

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023064460 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as RICH AYALA CONSULTING, 826 S 1st St, Alhambra, CA 91801. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed: Richard Ayala, 826 S 1st St, Alhambra, CA 91801 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 23, 2023.

NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023036184 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as AROMAS PERFUMES, 338 Stonewood St, Downey, CA 90241. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed: Youssef al rida, 1128 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on February 16, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023060875 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as SLICK WIT IT BARBER SHOP, 12266 Ramona Blvd, El Monte, CA 91732. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed: Yessenia Lorraine Morgan, 990 N Shaver St, La Puente, CA 91746 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 20, 2023. NOTICE:

This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code). Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023064310 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as HUATL MARKETING CONSULTING, 10529 Glenfair st., El monte, CA 91731. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March 2023.

Signed: Francisco Alejandro Balseca Vivanco, 10529 Glenfair st., El monte, CA 91731 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 23, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date.

LEGALS

or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023063580 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as CNS NOTARY & TAX SVCS, 3226 Santa Anita Ave Suite A, El Monte, CA 91733. This business is conducted by a general partnership. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March

2023. Signed: (1). LIZBETH FLORES

PORTILLO PORTILLO, 559 Homerest Ave, Azusa, CA 91702 (2). ADRIANA VAZQUEZ FLORES, 559 Homerest Ave, Azusa, CA 91702 (General Partner).

The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 22, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023057762

NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as MASTER ASSET RECOVERY, 4811 1/2 N Rimhurst Ave, Covina, CA 91724. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed: Samantha Iloh LLC (CA-922937454), 4811 1/2 N Rimhurst Ave, Covina, CA 91724; Samantha Iloh, President. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 15, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023062738 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as MORE THAN MOVEMENT, 2211 E Washington Blvd apt 50, Pasadena, CA 91104. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March 2023. Signed: Illvibe Global (CA-4535261), 2211 E Washington Blvd apt 50, Pasadena, CA 91104; Ritajean Peterson, Vice President. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 21, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023059327 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as LALA’S THAI MASSAGE, 2718 N Kenneth Rd, Burbank, CA 91504. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on July 2013. Signed: Thanawan Cheewarotjalek, 2718 N Kenneth Rd, Burbank, CA 91504 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 17, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023051771 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). PACIFIC HEAVEN LOGISTICS (2). TRANSCENTRAL LOGISTICS , 341 e puente st apt 4, Covina, CA 91723. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on October 2017. Signed: Arianna Cristina Lopez Gomez, 341

e puente st apt 4, Covina, CA 91723 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 8, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023034261 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as BELLA MONELLA, 2121 W 11th St, Los Angeles, CA 90006. Mailing Address, P.O. Box 33132, Los angeles, CA 90033. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on February 2023. Signed: Rocio L Cawthon, 2121 W 11th St, Los angeles, CA 90016 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on February 14, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023062345 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). CAPOLI, CAPOLI & ASSOCIATES (2). CORRY ADAMS & ASSOCIATES (3). INVESTIGATIVE SOLUTIONS GROUP (4). LAMBERT, LEWIS & ASSOCIATES (5). LEGAL COMMUNICATION SERVICES (6). LEGAL INVESTIGATION SERVICES (7). LEGAL NOTIFICATION SERVICES (8). M D TIFFANY & CO. (9). MAD ENTERPRISE (10). MC MURPHY & ASSOCIATES (11). STERN & LOMELI GROUP (12). TELE TOUCH SERVICES (13). ZAM ENTERPRISE (14). A & A GENERAL HOME REPAIRS (15). JOE’S HANDYMAN SERVICES , 3579 E Foothill Blvd, #153, Pasadena, CA 91107. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on May 2013. Signed: Mack, Davis & Associates, Inc (CA-C3558237), 3579 E Foothill Blvd, #153, Pasadena, CA 91107; Hovsep Joe Karapetyan, President. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 21, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023 056905

FIRST FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as TIPPY TOES AND COCO BEANS, 17175 Tribune Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on February 2023. Signed: JUSTINE WU, 17175 Tribune Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on March 15, 2023. NOTICE: This fictitious business name statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed prior to that date. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state or common law (See Section 14400 et seq., Business and Professional Code).

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 2023054091.

The following person(s) have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: LIFE LETTERS, 6770 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed on: November 30, 2020 in the County of Los Angeles. Original File No. 2020200193. Signed: Claudia Pasillas Delgadillo, 6770 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (Owner). This business is conducted by: a individual. This statement was filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder on March 13, 2023. Pub. Monrovia Weekly 03/27/2023, 04/03/2023, 04/10/2023, 04/17/2023

Starting

Glendale City Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE

PROPOSED PHA ANNUAL PLAN FY 2022-2023

In accordance with Section 5A of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (USHA), as amended by Section 511 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, the Housing Authority of the City of Glendale (Housing Authority) has prepared a draft PHA Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for public review and comment.

The public hearing on the PHA Annual Plan will be held before the Housing Authority of the City of Glendale. The public may be present in person or watch and participate from the safety of their homes. Meetings are broadcast live on Glendale TV, viewable on Spectrum Cable, channel 6, and AT&T U-verse, channel 99. Meetings are also streamed live in high definition (HD) on the city’s webpage, glendaleca.gov/live, on YouTube.com/myglendale, and on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire devices using a free app called Screenweave and choosing “Glendale TV” from the menu.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, time is TBD

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor Glendale, CA 91206

The proposed plan is available during a forty-five day public review and comment period, from March 27, 2023 to May 9, 2023 and may be viewed online at the following location: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/community-development/housing/ plans-reports-and-loan-forms You may also obtain a copy of the plan via email. The public is invited to submit written comments concerning the Plan to: City of Glendale, Department of Community Development, Attn: Arthur Bolbolian, 141 N. Glendale Avenue, Room 202, Glendale, CA 91206 or via email abolbolian@glendaleca.gov or fax at 818-548-3724 .

Publish March 27, 2023

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

Probate Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: BARBARA MCCLURE

CASE NO. 23STPB02698

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of BARBARA MCCLURE.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JOHN SCOTT MCCLURE AND LESLIE R. MCCLURE in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JOHN SCOTT MCCLURE AND LESLIE R. MCCLURE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/18/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file

with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner LINDA MCLARNAN-DUGAN - SBN

169190

LAW OFFICES OF LINDA MCLARNAN-DUGAN 150 N SANTA ANITA AVE., STE 300 ARCADIA CA 91006 3/20, 3/23, 3/27/23

CNS-3680952# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: BEATRICE VITERI CASE NO. 23STPB00285

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of BEATRICE VITERI.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by VANESA Y. HOLSTEIN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that VANESA Y. HOLSTEIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 06/14/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal

representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

E. GRANT HARDACRE - SBN 160332

BLUM, PROPPER & HARDACRE, INC. 23586 CALABASAS ROAD, STE. 200 CALABASAS CA 91302 3/20, 3/23, 3/27/23

CNS-3680971# BURBANK INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF NORMAN EDWARD LUND

Case No. 30-2023-01311721-PR-LACJC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of NOR-

MAN EDWARD LUND

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Karen A. Ferguson in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Karen A. Ferguson be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on April 19, 2023 at 1:30 PM in Dept. C10. located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: JOSHUA R. ENGLE

SBN 249871

PROMINENT LAW GROUP, APC

333 CITY BLVD, WEST SUITE 1700 ORANGE, CA 92868

(714) 236-9330

MARCH 20, 23, 27, 2023

ANAHEIM PRESS

ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JOSEPH HARVEY LOURENCO CASE NO. PRRI2300499

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JOSEPH HARVEY LOURENCO.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MELISSA LOURENCO in the Superior Court of California, County of RIVERSIDE.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MELISSA LOURENCO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/12/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 4050 MAIN STREET, RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner KARIANN M. VOORHEES - SBN 295290, VOORHEES LAW GROUP 13831 ROSWELL AVE., SUITE D CHINO CA 91710 3/20, 3/23, 3/27/23 CNS-3681247# CORONA NEWS PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

RICHARD L. MARTINEZ

CASE NO. PRRI2300454

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of RICHARD L. MARTINEZ.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by RICHARD P MARTINEZ in the Superior Court of California, County of RIVERSIDE.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that RICHARD P MARTINEZ be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with limited authority. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/10/23

at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 4050 MAIN STREET, RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner PEILIN NGO - SBN 303829 DEBORAH COEL - SBN 262306 NGO LEGAL GROUP 4255 CAMPUS DR., STE A100, 5582 IRVINE CA 92616 BSC 223060 3/23, 3/27, 3/30/23 CNS-3681831# CORONA NEWS PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: GARY P. RICHARDI CASE NO. 23STPB02619

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of GARY P. RICHARDI.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by FRANK GALUPPO in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that FRANK GALUPPO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act with limited authority. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/14/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section

1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner ZACHARIAH N. HAYDT ESQ.SBN 331769, MATTHEW STIDHAM ESQ. - SBN 316304, THE LEGACY LAWYERS, PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

18872 MACARTHUR BLVD., SUITE 300 IRVINE CA 92612 BSC 223078

3/23, 3/27, 3/30/23

CNS-3682783# BURBANK INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: FAE R. SHEPARD CASE NO. 23STPB02964

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of FAE R. SHEPARD.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JENNIFER LAMBRIGHT in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JENNIFER LAMBRIGHT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/24/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner

JENNIFER N. SAWDAY - SBN 228320

TREDWAY LUMSDAINE & DOYLE LLP

3900 KILROY AIRPORT WAY, STE 240 LONG BEACH CA 90806 BSC 223086 3/27, 3/30, 4/3/23

CNS-3683192# WEST COVINA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

KIERAN ANTHONY TREHY CASE NO. 23STPB03032

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of KIERAN ANTHONY TREHY.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by LEBARON ANDERSON in the Superior Court of Califor-

nia, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that LEBARON ANDERSON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/26/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner

TALINE PANOSSIAN, ESQ. - SBN

332654

LAW OFFICES OF TALINE PANOSSIAN, APC 301 E. COLORADO BLVD., SUITE 510 PASADENA CA 91101 3/23, 3/27, 3/30/23

CNS-3683207#

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF FIRST AMENDED PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

LOUISE MOORE

CASE NO. 22STPB01518

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the lost WILL or estate, or both of LOUISE MOORE.

A FIRST AMENDED PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JOYCE BEVERLY MOORE in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE FIRST AMENDED PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JOYCE BEVERLY MOORE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE FIRST AMENDED PETITION requests the decedent’s lost WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The lost WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE FIRST AMENDED PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the

court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 06/01/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

KAHLIL J. MCALPIN, ESQ. - SBN 199512

LAW OFFICES OF KAHLIL J. MCALPIN 8616 LA TIJERA BLVD., STE 305 LOS ANGELES CA 90045 3/27, 3/30, 4/3/23

CNS-3683242# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

IKUKO SHIMADA

CASE NO. 23STPB00551

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the lost WILL or estate, or both of IKUKO SHIMADA.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by KEIKO SHIMADA STEARNS AND KARL SHIMADA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that KEIKO SHIMADA STEARNS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s lost WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The lost WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/26/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 2D located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012-3117

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in

LAUSD students return to class as service workers’ 3-day strike ends

City News Service

More than 400,000 students in the LA Unified School District returned to classes Friday following a threeday strike by service workers that shuttered the nation’s second-largest school system and culminated in a massive labor rally at Los Angeles State Historic Park.

No new contract came out of the three-day walkout by members of the Service Employees International Union Local 99 — nor was there any word on whether progress was being made in the contract dispute between the union and the district.

Mayor Karen Bass has been facilitating discussions between the sides, but it remained unclear if the talks were materializing into actual contract negotiations.

Nevertheless, it will be back to school on Friday, as the union confirmed Wednesday night it would hold to its three-day strike strategy.

“Welcome back to school,” LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho tweeted Friday morning. “It’s a great day of instruction and learning.”

With students missing three days of school during the strike, the district on Friday extended the registration deadline for its next round of “Acceleration Days,” which are extra days of instruction originally implemented to provide students a chance to catch up on learning loss that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic campus shutdowns.

The registration deadline for students is not March 29, with the Acceleration Days set for April 3-4, during the district’s spring break.

The SEIU, which represents roughly 30,000 LAUSD service workers, walked off the job Tuesday amid stalled labor talks focused primarily on the union’s demand for a 30% salary boost.

The service workers — including cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians,

special education assistants and others — were joined in their walkout by about 30,000 members of the United Teachers Los Angeles union, which is engaged in labor talks of its own with the district, seeking a 20% pay hike for its members.

All those workers stayed off the job through Thursday — when the SEIU strike climaxed with tens of thousands of union members and supporters descending on Los Angeles State Historic Park in a boisterous display of solidarity.

Meanwhile, according to Bass’ office, the mayor “will continue to work privately with all parties to reach an agreement to reopen the schools and guarantee fair treatment of all LAUSD workers.”

No other specifics were offered. However, Max Arias, president of SEIU Local 99, issued a statement Wednesday supporting the mayor’s involvement.

“We are grateful that the mayor has stepped in to provide leadership in an effort to find a path out of our current impasse,” Arias said. “Education workers

have always been eager to negotiate as long as we are treated with respect and bargained with fairly, and with the mayor’s leadership we believe that is possible.”

The LAUSD issued a statement that said district officials “have been in conversation with SEIU Local 99 leaders with the assistance and support of Mayor Bass.”

“We continue to do everything possible to reach an agreement that honors the hard work of our employees, corrects historic inequities, maintains the financial stability of the district and brings students back to the classroom,” according to the district. “We are hopeful these talks continue and look forward to updating our school community on a resolution.”

Union leaders have repeatedly argued that its membership earns a median salary of about $25,000 a year, calling the salary “poverty wages.”

“Let me be clear, the district has approximately between a $13 billion and $14 billion budget a year,” Arias said during a rally

Tuesday. “Out of that budget, it spends between 5% and 6% on payroll for 40% of the workforce. That’s negligible.”

Carvalho issued a statement Tuesday saying he and the district remain prepared to return to negotiations at any time “so we can provide an equitable contract to our hardworking employees and get our students back in classrooms.”

“I understand our employees’ frustration that has been brewing, not just for a couple of years, but probably for decades,” he said.

“And it is on the basis of recognizing historic inequities that we have put on the table a historic proposal. This offer addresses the needs and concerns from the union, while also remaining fiscally responsible and keeping the district in a financially stable position.”

According to the district, the LAUSD last week made an offer that included a 5% wage increase retroactive to July 2021, another 5% increase retroactive to July 2022 and another 5% increase effective July 2023, along with a 4% bonus in

Metro

contracts for up to three years and initiate negotiations for rates and deployment plans with LAPD, LASD and LBPD. Staff also noted that Metro will make revisions to statements of work, including compliance with the principles of Metro’s bias-free policing policy and the public safety analytics policy.

The item to move forward with current multiagency transit law enforcement contracts resulted in a lengthy discussion Thursday with county Supervisors Holly Mitchell, who abstained, and Lindsey Horvath, who voted no, voicing their concerns.

Mitchell brought up various points including

questions about how Metro will manage costs that account for inflation and what funding resources will help pay for any additional costs. She also referenced the 2022 audit report from the Office of the Inspector General, which reflected challenges Metro faced in the deployment of contracted law enforcement services.

“Concerns that have been identified include poor police visibility on buses, trains and at stations, inconsistent staffing at key critical infrastructure locations and ineffective monitoring and oversight of contracted law enforcement personnel to ensure they are patrolling on the Metro system,” according to the

and playground supervisors being overburdened, and, -- limited enrichment, after-school and parental engagement programs due to reduced work hours and lack of health care benefits for after-school workers and community representatives.

The unions have repeatedly said the district is sitting on a projected $4.9 billion reserve fund for 2022-23 that should be invested in workers and efforts to improve education through reduced class sizes and full staffing of all campuses. But Carvalho has disputed that figure, saying no such reserve exists.

He has also said that most of the district’s reserve funds are federal dollars restricted for student programs or other one-time funds that cannot be used to increase salaries.

2022-23 and a 5% bonus in 2023-24.

On Monday, Carvalho said the district sweetened the offer to an overall 23% salary increase, along with a 3% “cash-in-hand bonus.”

The union, however, has been pushing for a 30% pay raise, with an additional boost for the lowest-paid workers.

SEIU workers have been working without a contract since June 2020. The union declared an impasse in negotiations in December, leading to the appointment of a state mediator.

In addition to salary demands, union officials have also alleged staffing shortages caused by an “overreliance on a low-wage, parttime workforce.” The union alleged shortages including:

-- insufficient teacher assistants, special education assistants and other instructional support to address learning loss and achievement gaps;

-- substandard cleaning and disinfecting at school campuses because of a lack of custodial staff;

-- jeopardized campus safety due to campus aides

The strike is the first major labor disruption for the district since UTLA teachers went on strike for six days in 2019. That strike ended thanks in part to the involvement of then-Mayor Eric Garcetti.

The standoff between the district and SEIU has been riddled with accusations of unfair labor and bargaining practices.

The LAUSD last Friday filed a legal challenge with the state Public Employment Relations Board seeking an injunction that would halt the strike, claiming the union’s walkout was illegal. But the PERB denied the district’s request for injunctive relief because it did not find “the extraordinary remedy of seeking injunctive relief to be met at this juncture,” according to the LAUSD.

The union has repeatedly accused the district of engaging in unfair labor practices, saying union members have been subjected to harassment and intimidation tactics during an earlier strikeauthorization vote and as the possible walkout neared.

report findings.

The report also found that 54% of the LAPD calls for service involving Metro were answered by neighborhood patrol units, not the LAPD officers assigned to Metro at the time of the call.

In response, the LASD sent an email to the board of directors refuting several claims in the report along

with operational data, according to Horvath. The LAPD and LBPD have not given much response to these issues, Mitchell said.

“At the executive management committee, last week particularly, some of the issues raised

See M etro Page 28

An LAUSD school bus. | Photo courtesy of Griffin5/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

San Bernardino County makes progress toward storm recovery

By Staff

by Director Butts suggested that our law enforcement partners have resisted taking deployment instruction from LA Metro,” Mitchell said. “As if to suggest that as their client that we don’t have the right to dictate the type of deployment we would want on our own system.”

San Bernardino County this week continued to serve mountain residents impacted by the recent blizzard and made continued progress in returning life on the mountain to normal.

After having cleared a path through all 516 miles of county-maintained roads in a little over a week, County Public Works crews this week widened nearly every one of those roads to two lanes and cleared paths for school buses so classes could resume. Many non-county maintained roads have also been cleared as well, making a total of 764 miles of roads serviced by the county during the emergency. County crews did this while also preparing the mountains and the rest of the county to weather an upcoming series of rainstorms

The work involved ensuring 150 high-priority culverts were clear, which wasn’t easy considering many were hidden by massive snow berms. Crews relied on GIS technology and historical photos to find many of the culverts. Public Works teams also cleared out debris basins

and made sure channels and other waterways were clear.

As a result of the storms, many roads are showing signs of damage with new cracks and potholes. Public Works crews are aware of the damage and will begin making repairs after the roads dry out in the spring.

Residents are encouraged to use the See Click Fix app to report road damage. The app can be downloaded at the Google Play or Apple App stores.

Meanwhile, the Board of Supervisors made life a lot easier for those whose homes and businesses were damaged by tons of snow by voting unanimously to waive up to $5,000 in county planning and building fees for each property that gets repaired or replaced.

“This waiver is important for the recovery of our mountain communities. As our businesses and residents rebuild, we need to ensure that we eliminate as many additional burdens as possible,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Dawn Rowe, whose Third District bore the brunt of the blizzard. “I’ll keep pushing

for additional resources for our mountain residents, who continue to impress me with their courage and resilience.”

Funding approved by the board is also making it possible for the county to reimburse residents up to $500 toward the cost of removing snow from their property. A complete list of resources and links is available on the County Snow Information website.

Rainstorms are expected this weekend and again next week. Residents are urged to be prepared and make sure they are signed up for emergency notifications and also download the SB Ready app. Residents can do both on the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District website.

Staff reassured Mitchell that as part of future negotiations, staff will ensure that the deployment strategies are a collaboration and mutually agreed upon between the agencies and Metro.

“I’m willing to give the CEO authority to continue down the road of keeping the contracts in place with the provision that we really sit down with them and their leadership and have that discussion that I don’t know if we often do,” said Hilda Solis, 1st District supervisor and Metro board member. “Sometimes there’s a reason why, but I think special circumstances require special actions.”

Under this motion, the Board of Directors will receive a report back in May regarding the feasibility of creating an in-house Metro law enforcement agency. During the discussion, the directors all agreed this would be something worth pursuing.

Mitchell expressed to staff that she would like for the report to include details on a cost-savings approach to creating a public safety agency, what training would look like, what percentage of those officials would be unarmed versus armed and ways for that agency to be held accountable and remain transparent.

Staff included in their report that 10 public entities maintain a transit safety agency such as New York City, Chicago, New Jersey and Atlanta.

“I’m very excited at the notion of creating an in-house agency that could be a real opportunity to re-envision public safety, especially public safety connected to transportation,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a member of the board.

“What we have traditionally done is looked at trying to change the culture of an existing institution, which is a lot more difficult in creating a new institution with a new culture,” she added. “I’m going to vote to continue to extend the contracts because I know that this is going to take quite a while for us to get to.”

The Board of Directors voted to negotiate and extend the contracts with LAPD, LASD and LBPD for three years, and will receive a follow-up report in May related to establishing a Metro public safety agency.

“This is an ongoing process,” said Ara Najarian, chair of the Board of Directors. “No matter how we end up voting on this particular issue, the board is resolved to address the issues of public safety, issues of fear and the issues of perception of crime in our system.”

Ridley-Thomas

She told the panel that “the way it looks ... does not make it illegal.”

Dotson on Thursday said Ridley-Thomas “monetized” and abused the power of his office and lied to cover it up in order to give his son an alternate story for why he resigned from the Assembly — and save the family name.

Ridley-Thomas “put his hand out and asked for a reward for just doing his job,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Morse said in his rebuttal argument.

The veteran politician “solicited, demanded, accepted, or agreed to accept a thing of value” from Flynn, he said.

Prosecutors said that in exchange for Flynn arranging Sebastian’s admission to USC, a full-tuition scholarship and a paid professorship, the father delivered on his end of the bargain. As a supervisor in 2017 and 2018, he voted on three county proposals that Flynn had sought to shore up her school’s shoddy financial situation, including a vote approving a lucrative amended Telehealth agreement with the USC School of Social Work, prosecutors contend. He also allegedly sought to influence key county decisionmakers associated with the approvals and made sure Flynn knew of his efforts.

The defense attorney, though, insisted that two of the three contracts were approved by the board before Sebastian even heard he was the subject of a sexual harassment probe, and the third was a project Ridley-Thomas had already planned to support.

At the conclusion of her two-hour closing argument, Durie asked the jury to acquit the defendant, and “return this man to his home and his work and his community.”

Flynn has admitted helping to disguise and funnel $100,000 from Ridley-Thomas’ campaign account through the school to another nonprofit, United Ways of California, for the benefit of the new nonprofit initiative founded by Sebastian, according to her plea agreement.

By funneling the payment through USC, Ridley-Thomas and Flynn attempted to disguise the true source of the payment to make it appear as though USC, not the then-supervisor, was the generous benefactor supporting his son and PRPI, prosecutors say.

Ridley-Thomas was suspended from the City Council following his October 2021 federal indictment.

Flynn, 84, of Los Feliz, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.

Sebastian became a professor of social work and public policy at USC — despite lacking a graduate degree. He was later terminated over questions about his original appointment and concerns by the university over the $100,000 donation. He also obtained a full-tuition scholarship and graduate school admission, court papers show.

Flynn was dean of the USC School of Social Work for 21 years until her departure in 2018. She had originally been facing the same slate of federal charges as Mark RidleyThomas.

Ridley-Thomas is a giant figure in local politics, previously serving on the Los Angeles City Council from 1991-2002, then serving in the state Assembly and state Senate before he was elected to the powerful county Board of Supervisors in 2008, serving until 2020, when he returned to the City Council.

He has a doctorate in social ethics from USC and spent 10 years as executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles, beginning in 1981.

The prosecution’s rebuttal argument is expected to conclude Friday morning before the case is handed to the jury for deliberations.

| Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County