SoCalGas announces $10M to help customers impacted by high prices

By City News Service

The Los Angeles Philharmonic's 20th anniversary season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall will serve as a seasonlong tribute to the man who designed the iconic venue, architect Frank Gehry, the philharmonic announced Tuesday in unveiling its plans for the 2023-24 schedule.

"This season we celebrate an icon, Frank Gehry, and his iconic creation, Walt Disney Concert Hall, an extraordinary building that has shown us new ways to look, listen, feel and create," Gustavo Dudamel, the philharmonic's music and artistic director said in a statement. "Our programs echo that same spirit of endless exploration, from the statewide creative explosion of the California Festival to the continentspanning Pan-American Music Initiative, to the fantastical world-building scores of John Williams, to the revival of our groundbreaking production of Beethoven's `Fidelio' with Deaf West Theatre and the Coro de Manos Blancas -- a production that took us to the most profound depths of the human experience."

The season will begin in September, but the tributes to Gehry will begin Oct. 5 with an opening night gala and performance conduct- ed by Dudamel. LA Phil Conductor Laureate EsaPekka Salonen, who was the music director when Walt Disney Concert Hall opened in 2003, will lead performances in late October featuring violinist Pekka Kuusisto and the premiere of Salonen's "Fanfare," which was inspired by Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The Phil will also present the U.S. premiere of Thomas Adés' "Tower" for Gehry on Nov. 4-5, according to the philharmonic. In January, Dudamel will conduct a staging of Wagner's opera "Das Rheingold," featuring scenic design by Gehry.

Meanwhile, the LA Phil Humanities Initiative will partner with Getty for an exhibition of Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall models.

The 2023-24 season at the concert hall will feature appearances by Herbie Hancock, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill, Natalie Merchant and Yo-Yo Ma, among others.

"Since its opening 20 years ago, Walt Disney Concert Hall has welcomed Angelenos, Californians and people from all over the world to be moved by extraordinary music," LA Phil CEO Chad Smith said in a statement. "An anniversary year like this one not only invites us to look back at a historic 20 years of creativity in this inspiring hall but also invites us to continue to challenge convention and take artistic risks as we look ahead toward our future."

Other highlights of the upcoming season include:

-- "California Festival: A Celebration of New Music," which is billed as a two-week, statewide festival of music written in the past five years from around the world;

-- the start of a two-year retrospective on the music of the movies, an event curated by Oscar-winning composer John Williams;

-- a performances of Beethoven's "Fidelio" created for both deaf and hearing audiences, in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre and El Sistema's Coro de Manos Blancas; and

-- 12 world premieres of LA Phil-commissioned works, including Oliver Leith's "Last Days," a 90-minute opera inspired by Gun Van Sant's film of the same name.

The LA Phil also plans to tour Barcelona, Paris and London in 2023-24.

The concert hall season will officially begin Sept. 28 with appearances by Japanese Breakfast and Ichiko Aoba, followed by Jamie Cullum the next night, and Natalie Merchant on Sept. 30.

Reacting to unprecedented prices, Southern California Gas Co. announced Monday $10 million in funding to help customers pay their bills.

The company said it committed $5 million in funding to the Gas Assistance Fund, a program administered by the United Way that provides income- qualified customers with one-time grants to help pay their natural gas bills.

SoCalGas also announced it will contribute $4 million to relaunch its popular Fueling Our Communities program, a collaboration with local food banks and nonprofits that has provided free meals and groceries to thousands of Californians facing food insecurity since 2020.

In addition, SoCalGas said it will contribute $1 million in aid to small restaurant owners through the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, a fund that was started in 2021 to help small restaurants with improvements, employee retention and to manage debt and rising costs.

Millions of Southern California families have been opening their utility bills to sticker shock.

"This winter's unprecedented natural gas prices, on top of already high inflation, have been a real hardship for many Southern Californians, especially our most vulnerable, our seniors, and people facing difficult circumstances, said SoCalGas CEO, Scott Drury in a statement.

"Thanks to the incredible work of the United Way, and the network of tireless, nonprofit leaders who support our work in the community, we will be able to help many more of our neighbors, families, and small businesses in cities and towns across Southern California this winter."

Earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom urged the federal government to investigate the recent price spike.

For more information on the higher bills and available help, go to socalgas.com/pay-bill/ understanding-your-bill/high-bills.

Los Angeles

Pasadena

Judge says Pasadena man was insane at time of mother's killing

A judge ruled Monday that a Pasadena man who allegedly called police and told them he killed his mother was insane at the time of the crime. Superior Court Judge Suzette Clover ordered Alex Edward Evans to be committed to a state mental hospital. Evans, now 35, was charged with murder for the Sept. 24, 2018, stabbing death of his 67-year-old mother, Katrina Evans, along with an allegation that he used a knife in the commission of the crime.

Glendale

Man arrested in Glendale business robbery

A man was arrested for allegedly robbing a Glendale Home Depot store, police said Monday. Raymundo Bretado, 47, of Rancho Cucamonga, was booked on suspicion of armed robbery, Glendale Police Sgt. Victor Jackson said. He was being held without bail, pending arraignment. The crime occurred on Feb. 23 in the 5000 block of San Fernando Road, Jackson said. "Within the first hour of the store opening, a male entered the location and immediately went looking for the store manager," Jackson said. "Once he found the manager, the suspect lifted his shirt, revealing a firearm and ordered him to open the vault. The suspect loaded money from the safe into an orange Home Depot bucket and fled out of an emergency exit."

Burbank

Former Burbank restaurant owner gets mixed results in latest court ruling

A judge Friday expressed skepticism over constitutional arguments offered to explain the position of the former CEO and president of the now-closed Tinhorn Flats Saloon & Grill in Burbank in not complying with the county's outdoor dining ban in late 2020, but the businessman's lawyers were allowed to refine their positions in another amended countersuit. Through its operating company, Barfly Inc., and Tinhorn Flats CEO Baret Lepejian, the Magnolia Boulevard eatery filed a countersuit to the county's underlying Los Angeles Superior Court public nuisance suit in July 2021. The countersuit has been revised twice since then and continues to maintain that the Tinhorn Flats "suffered immensely" during the brief outdoor dining ban while other nonessential businesses were allowed to stay open.

Long Beach

Man stabbed in Long Beach; investigation underway

A man was stabbed early Friday in Long Beach, and an investigation was underway.

The crime occurred about 1:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Gardenia Avenue, according to the Long Beach Police Department. Paramedics took the man to a hospital, where he was listed in stable condition, police said. No arrests were reported, and no suspect information was available. Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222- TIPS.

Orange County

Orange County

OC sheriff's deputies foil attempted escape

An Orange County jail inmate attempted to escape from the Central Men's Jail in Santa Ana Tuesday, but quick-thinking deputies foiled the plan, authorities said. The inmate was dressed in civilian clothes in what's called a "control area" of the jail, where visitors enter and exit, at about 6 or 7 a.m. Tuesday, said Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Deputies recognized the inmate, however, and took him back into custody where he was being housed, Braun said. Deputies conducted a full count of inmates at the Men's Central Jail and the Intake Release Center and everyone was accounted for, Braun added.

Anaheim

Anaheim man pleads guilty to meth-fueled fatal collision in Buena Park

A 37-year-old Anaheim man pleaded guilty Monday and was immediately sentenced to 10 years in prison for a methamphetamine-fueled crash that killed a pedestrian in Buena Park. Jason Douglas Rarey pleaded guilty to a felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. As part of the plea deal, a seconddegree murder charge was dismissed. He was given credit for 80 days in jail. Rarey killed 51-year-old San Sebastian Tec Tamayo of Buena Park on June 23, 2018. Rarey admitted he was driving high on methamphetamine and was going 62 mph in a 40 mph zone, according to court records.

Riverside

Riverside County

Riverside County man arrested, accused of stealing off-road vehicle, copper wire

A 52-year-old man was arrested Sunday in unincorporated Whitewater after he ran from an allegedly stolen off-road vehicle. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Cabazon Station were patrolling the area near the Pacific Crest Trail and the 10 Freeway at 3:32 p.m. when they saw the man running from the vehicle, according to Sgt. Michael Shacklett. The suspect was apprehended in the open desert, Shacklett said. "During this investigation, they also located approximately 200 feet of stolen copper wire," he said. The suspect was identified as Peter Forster of Whitewater, Shacklett said.

Riverside

Two children allegedly abducted by father in Riverside are found

An Amber Alert issued Sunday morning for two children who were allegedly abducted by their father in Riverside was canceled after the children were found unharmed in San Bernardino and reunited with their mother, authorities said. Lilianna Acosta, 6, and Elias Acosta, 2, were taken at about 12:20 a.m. Sunday in the 9100 block of Coral Tree Lane, allegedly by their father, 27- year-old Frank Acosta-Ortega, who was arrested, according to the Riverside Police Department. An off-duty sheriff's deputy recognized the suspect's silver BMW 335i from the Amber Alert and called authorities, police said..

Corona

Three injured in Corona crash

Three people were injured Saturday when two sedans collided in Corona. The crash was reported at 2:13 a.m. near Promenade Avenue and Cresta Road, according to Corona police Sgt. Jason Waldon. The 17-year-old Corona boy driving a gray 2003 Acura TL was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, Waldon said. Paramedics took the 44-year-old Corona woman driving a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta and a 50-year-old Riverside man who was her passenger to a hospital with significant injuries.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino County

Income eligibility increased for childcare financial assistance in San Bernardino County

The Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) has increased income eligibility limits to help families pay for child care. CCRC is enrolling eligible children and families of two who earn a monthly income of $6,000 or less, families of three who earn $6,800 or less, and families of four who earn a monthly income of up to $7,900. Child care is available at all hours of the day, including weekends. Families can select their own childcare provider, which may include a qualified family member, friend, neighbor, licensed child-care center or licensed family childcare provider. Call 1-86667-4KIDS (1-866-674-5437) for more information or visit the CCRC website at

San Bernardino

Code Enforcement Division office now open in San Bernardino

The Code Enforcement Division is happy to announce they have moved to a new office location in San Bernardino. The new office is at 268 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 300, San Bernardino, located in the Auditor-Controller/ Treasurer/Tax Collector building. Previously, the code enforcement office was located at 172 W. 3rd St. in San Bernardino. A move to a new office location had been planned to accommodate the growing code enforcement team, but a fire in June 2022 expedited the move. In addition, a new customer service computer kiosk is available to the public. The kiosk can be used by customers to apply for various permits. There are also two meeting rooms in the lobby so customers can meet with code enforcement staff.

Ontario

Two Ontario men, four others arrested in Moreno Valley bank fraud case

An investigation into a bank fraud ring in Moreno Valley led to six arrests Friday, along with the discovery of fentanyl, cocaine and guns. Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Moreno Valley Station's Special Enforcement Team - Gang Unit obtained search warrants in January and served them Friday on Ontario residents Jordyn Botello, 21, and Peter Botello, 20, and Moreno Valley residents Jairo Contreras, 20, Ryan Cortez, 19, Christian Cortez-Ruvalcaba, 22 and Daniel Molina, 19, said Sgt. Christopher Varela. During the searches, deputies recovered four rifles, four handguns, several rounds of live ammunition for rifles and handguns, 11 grams of cocaine, over 100 fentanyl pills, over a pound of marijuana, digital scales and packaging.

M onrovia

February 16

At 2:49 a.m., officers responded to resolve an argument between a father and son in the 100 block of North Magnolia. The father, who was listed as a missing person, was transported to the hospital for an existing medical condition. He was removed from the missing person system.

At 3:41 p.m., an employee from a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain called to report that a subject took property without paying. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:48 p.m., vandalism was reported in the 1700 block of South Mayflower. The caller reported someone threw a paint roller at a home window and caused it to break. This investigation is continuing.

February 17

At 9:02 p.m., a victim in the 200 block of North Canyon reported someone opened his unlocked vehicle's door and took property. This investigation is continuing.

At 9:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of South Mountain to investigate a possible theft. A subject was detained nearby and officers went to the business to confirm a crime. Officers determined no crime occurred, but the subject had several warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 11:00 p.m., a caller from the 800 block of East Huntington reported a disturbing subject in their business. Officers arrived and located the subject in a vehicle. Through an investigation, officers discovered the subject had narcotics in his vehicle. The subject was arrested, cited, and released in the field.

February 18

At 11:44 a.m., a caller reported an injury traffic collision in the area of Shamrock and Central. Officers checked on the well-being of the occupants. One motorist was transported to a local hos- pital for their injuries. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:11 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East Palm regarding a custody issue. An investigation revealed that the male subject physically harmed the female subject. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 11:18 p.m., while patrolling the Huntington Oak area due to a car meet-up, an officer followed a speeding vehicle leaving a parking lot. The vehicle ran a red signal and drove into the freeway. The officer conducted a traffic stop once the driver exited the freeway in the area of Mountain and Evergreen. The driver showed signs and being intoxicated. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was arrested. The passenger was also intoxicated, aggressive and could not care for his own safety. They were both arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

February 19

At 1:21 a.m., a caller in the 1100 block of East Huntington reported a subject in their business was arguing with staff and possibly intoxicated. Officers arrived and contacted the subject. A computer check revealed the subject had a no-bail probation warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At 1:58 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a moving violation near Peck and Longden. The vehicle was stopped and the driver showed signs of intoxication. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was arrested. He was transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 6:54 p.m., a caller in the 400 block of East Cherry reported a male adult threatening to harm himself. Officers arrived and interviewed the subject. He told officers he was feeling suicidal and attempted to hurt himself in the past. It was determined he was a danger to himself and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.