17 minute read

Senate committee OKs Garcetti nomination to become India ambassador

Next Article
CALENDAR

CALENDAR

By City News Service

Advertisement

In part to protect Alec Baldwin's right against self-incrimination in the criminal case stemming from the fatal accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust" in 2021, a judge has delayed trial of the movie's script supervisor's civil lawsuit against the actor from May until early 2024.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael E. Whitaker signed an order Tuesday rescheduling the start of trial of plaintiff Mamie Mitchell's case from May 17 to Feb. 21, 2024. Mitchell's suit, originally filed in November 2021, names multiple defendants in addition to Baldwin. She alleges she suffered physical and emotional damages.

Mitchell was standing adjacent to Hutchins, 42, when the cinematographer was killed Oct. 21, 2021, while Baldwin, a producer and star of "Rust," was helping to prepare camera angles for a scene on the film's set near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Baldwin fired a prop gun that was supposed to contain only blank rounds, but instead discharged a lead bullet that struck Hutchins in the chest, then lodged in the shoulder of director Joel Souza, now 49.

Baldwin, 64, and 25-yearold armorer Hannah Guttierez-Reed are charged with involuntary manslaughter in New Mexico. Baldwin's lawyers had previously filed a motion stating that the actor's Fifth Amendment rights would be jeopardized in the criminal case if plain- tiff Mitchell's lawsuit is not stayed pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

"The bottom line is that Baldwin has a constitutional right not to testify against himself," Baldwin's lawyers argue in their court papers. "But unless this action is stayed, his lawful exercise of his constitutional rights will severely prejudice him."

Whitaker's order reflects an agreement among the parties presented to the judge that states that delaying the start of trial is in the best interests of everyone, not only because of Baldwin's self-incrimination concerns but also due to the need of the litigants to complete depositions of parties and third-party witnesses as well as to engage in "good-faith settlement negotiations."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Wednesday approved former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's nomination to be U.S. ambassador to India, sending the issue to the full Senate.

It was unclear when — or if — the full Senate will consider the nomination, which has been stalled over the past year due to lingering allegations that Garcetti ignored accusations of assault and sexual harassment against a former top aide.

According to reports out of Washington, the nomination was advanced by the committee on a 13-8 vote, with two Republicans joining Democrats voting in favor.

The committee previously approved Garcetti's nomination in January of last year, but it ran into snags over the harassment allegations involving former Garcetti senior adviser Rick Jacobs.

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

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

His Chief Communications Officer Dae Levine said: "No new facts were uncovered in this report, and Mayor Garcetti strongly reaffirms the simple truth that he never witnessed or was made aware of sexual harassment. The opinion reached in the report does not reflect the truth about the experiences of so many people who have testified under oath and spoken candidly to the senator's office. It is based solely on false, repackaged allegations that have been proven false by multiple unbiased investigations and reviews."

Jacobs was accused of harassment in a 2020 lawsuit filed by Los Angeles Police Department Officer Matthew Garza, who claims Garcetti witnessed the misconduct but turned a blind eye to it.

Garcetti's former communications director, Naomi Seligman, also claimed she was forcibly kissed by Jacobs and that Garcetti knew about Jacobs' alleged pattern of harassment.

Los Angeles Pasadena

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

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

Glendale

Teacher from Glendale accused of sexually assaulting student

A Pasadena middle-school history teacher suspected of molesting a girl was arrested Thursday. Detectives arrested 34-year-old Michael Medina of Glendale on the campus of McKinley School on South Oak Knoll Avenue, police said. Medina was booked for multiple lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, police said.

During the investigation, Pasadena Police Department detectives discovered evidence of child pornography and other proof that Medina sexually assaulted the 14-year-old student, Lt. Keith Gomez said in a statement. Detectives conducted interviews, examined digital evidence, and executed search warrants at two locations, according to Gomez. Medina was released on bond.

Burbank

Actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61 at Burbank hospital after brain aneurysm

Actor Tom Sizemore was being remembered as extremely talented -- and sometimes troubled -- following his death 13 days after suffering a brain aneurysm. He was 61. Sizemore "passed away peacefully in his sleep" Friday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank with his brother Paul and 17-year-old twin sons Jayden and Jagger at his side, his manager Charles Lago said in a statement. Known for his roles in such films as "Saving Private Ryan," "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Black Hawk Down," the Detroit native also struggled with addiction and legal woes..

Long Beach

LBPD: Police shoot man who was stabbing another man at strip mall

A man who allegedly was stabbing another man at a strip mall in Long Beach was shot and wounded by a police officer, authorities said Monday. Police were sent to the 5200 block of Atlantic Avenue at about 6:50 p.m. Sunday on a report of a stabbing in progress, according to the Long Beach Police Department. "Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect stabbed the victim multiple times," according to an LBPD statement. "As the officer arrived on scene, the suspect was stabbing the victim.” The officer was not injured, police said.

Orange County

Orange County

OC man who assaulted Indio cop, led authorities on chase bound for prison

A 33-year-old Orange County man who hit an Indio police officer with his pickup and led law enforcement on a brief chase near the Coachella Music & Arts Festival was bound for state prison Monday to serve a four-year sentence. Michael Anthony Berber of Fountain Valley pleaded guilty in January to assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and resisting arrest. In exchange for his admission, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office dropped two related charges against the defendant. During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Friday, Superior Court Judge Timothy Hollenhorst certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense. Hollenhorst has since signed the orders authorizing the transfer of Berber from the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside to the state penitentiary.

Anaheim

Florida Gov. DeSantis headlines OC Republican Party fundraiser near Disneyland

Orange County Republicans turned out Sunday evening to hear Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speak at a local fundraiser across the street from Disneyland, six days after he signed a bill stripping the entertainment giant of its self-governance over the area encompassing its Florida properties. "The Republican Party of Orange County is incredibly honored that Gov. DeSantis chose to headline our annual fundraising event," Orange County Republican Party Chairman Fred Whitaker said. "It was sold out in no time with 900 people and over $740,000 raised so far. It shows the tremendous interest in the governor's successful leadership model for his state and the nation." DeSantis held a 45-minute Q&A with a college classmate from Yale, Michael McClellan, in which he explained how Florida navigated the COVID-19 crisis and how he has tried to deal with so-called "woke" policies of corporations, among other issues, Whitaker told City News Service.

Riverside

Riverside County

Man arrested in 2022 crash that killed 3 people in Riverside County

A 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with a traffic collision that killed three people last year in Palm Desert, authorities said Saturday. Ricardo Meza of Palm Desert was arrested on suspicion of three counts of homicide after a monthlong investigation into the two-vehicle collision on Dec. 28. On that day, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Palm Desert station say they witnessed a 2021 Honda Accord traveling westbound on Fred Waring Drive at a high rate of speed at the intersection of Monterey Avenue at 7:13 p.m.

Riverside

Riverside man arrested for alleged fentanyl, counterfeit bills possession

A 29-year-old man suspected of possessing counterfeit bills and fentanyl was taken into custody in Cabazon, authorities said Saturday. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's Cabazon station responded to a call in the 49000 block of Seminole Drive on Thursday night about a person suspected of passing counterfeit bills. The suspect fled the scene in a blue Mazda, according to the department. Lennox Lupeli of Riverside had a warrant for his arrest and was found in possession of "several hundred dollars in counterfeit bills, along with suspected fentanyl," according to sheriff's Sgt. Phillip Pike

Corona

Two women die in wrong-way crash on 91 Freeway in Corona

Two women are dead following a wrong-way crash on the Riverside (91) Freeway in Corona, the California Highway Patrol said Monday. The fatal collision happened shortly before 4 a.m. Sunday on the eastbound 91, just east of Interstate 15, according to the CHP. "The driver of a 2019 Honda Accord entered the freeway traveling westbound in eastbound lanes at a high rate of speed," Officer Javier Navarro told City News Service. Navarro said the motorist, identified only as a 24-year-old Riversidearea woman, steered her Honda into the HOV lane, in Riverside, heading toward Corona.

San Bernardino

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County hosts Needles Community Resource Fair

Residents of the Tri-State area were able to access various resources from county, state, and local organizations at Needles Community Resource Fair last Wednesday at the El Garces Historic Train Depot located at 950 Front St. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that San Bernardino County has deployed this number of agencies to one location in the Needles area. Participating county departments included Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Behavioral Health, Public Defender, Transitional Assistance Department, Veterans Affairs and Workforce Development.

San Bernardino

Code Enforcement Division office now open in San Bernardino

The Howard M. Rowe Branch Library in San Bernardino is once again open as contractors completed upgrades to the building. Rowe Library, located at 108 E. Marshall Blvd., was closed in January to allow crews to improve the public restrooms at the location. The library reopened on Monday, March 6, and has resumed its normal operating hours and community programs. All San Bernardino Public Libraries are open Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. San Bernardino libraries are closed on Fridays and Sundays. The Paul Villasenor Branch Library is currently closed for renovations.

Ontario

Man who led Ontario PD on violent, high-speed chase featuring gunfire held in jail

A 44-year-old Los Angeles man remained jailed in Riverside Saturday after allegedly carjacking a vehicle in Corona and firing multiple shots at authorities during a dangerous pursuit that spanned three counties and ended with his arrest in Harbor City. The incident began shortly before 3 p.m. Friday, when Corona police were contacted by the Ontario Police Department to assist with locating a vehicle believed to have been involved in a hit-and-run incident in Chino, according to the Corona PD. With the assistance of helicopters from the Ontario and Riverside police departments, the suspect's vehicle was located a short time later at a Shell gas station parking lot at 1550 E. Ontario Ave. in Corona.

M onrovia

February 23

At 12:23 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of Alta Vista and Colorado when they saw a vehicle speed by. The officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop. The vehicle slowed down and allow the passenger to exit the vehicle. The vehicle continued and the pursuit was canceled. The passenger was detained and advised that the driver was suffering from mental health. The driver and vehicle were entered into the system as endangered. This investigation is continuing.

February 24

At 5:27 a.m., officers responded to a business in the 300 block of West Huntington for an alarm call. An investigation revealed that the front doors had been pried open, an office was ransacked, and money was taken. This investigation is continuing.

At 6:21 a.m., a witness reported a vehicle crash in the 1000 block of South Mountain. Officers arrived and checked on the well-being of the occupants. One motorist was transported to a local hospital for their injuries. This investigation is continuing.

At 1:43 p.m., a resident in the 100 block of West Colorado called to report a suspicious person in a parking lot. Officers arrived and located the subject. The subject had a no-bail warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and taken into custody.

February 25

At 12:32 p.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of West Pomona called to report his business was broken into sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

At 1:59 p.m., a caller reported his bicycle was taken from a business in the 100 block of West Foothill. This investigation is continuing.

February 26

At 12:47 a.m., an employee from a business in the 100 block of East Olive reported a female subject outside passed out. Officers arrived and determined the female subject was intoxicated and could not care for herself. She was arrested and transported to the MPD jail to be held for a sobering period.

At 9:25 a.m., a resident from the 400 block of Linwood called to report his vehicle was taken sometime during the night. This investigation is continuing.

At 3:02 p.m., a victim reported his vehicle was taken while he was inside a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain. This investigation is continuing.

At 8:46 p.m., a caller from the 200 block of West Huntington reported a subject, who had been escorted off the property earlier by MPD, was back again. Officers arrived and the female subject refused to leave. She was arrested and taken into custody.

February 27

At 12:36 a.m., an officer saw a vehicle commit a traffic violation in the area of Myrtle and Cypress. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was contacted. The driver showed signs and symptoms of intoxication. A DUI investigation ensued and the driver was arrested. He was transported to the MPD jail to one held for a sobering period.

At 11:35 a.m., the reporting party in the 500 block of South Bradoaks called to state that she hadn't received any mail or packages in the last couple of weeks, and she learned that some of her mail had been stolen. This investigation is continuing.

At 2:18 p.m., a caller in the 200 block of West Chestnut to report graffiti on his building.

Blotters

This investigation is continuing.

At 3:41 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of South Myrtle regarding a male subject who said he wanted to harm himself. Upon arrival officers determined he was a danger to himself and he was transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

February 28

At 6:40 a.m., an employee from a business in the 700 block of East Huntington called to report that someone broke into the business. Officers arrived and noticed the rear door was locked but had pry marks. Suspects gained entry and once inside, the suspects went into the room where the safe was kept and attempted to pry it. This investigation is continuing.

At 7:06 p.m., an officer responded to the 900 block of West Huntington regarding the theft of property from a room. Employees reported a male subject entered the room and removed property. This investigation is continuing.

At 7:35 p.m., witnesses requested a welfare check for a female subject in the 300 block of South Myrtle. Officers interviewed the subject and determined she was in need of a mental health evaluation. She was transported to a hospital for an evaluation.

March 1

At 4:56 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of South Violet regarding a possible overdose. MFD responded and transported the subject to the hospital.

At 6:47 p.m., heavy winds took down a large tree and power lines in the 800 block of Norumbega. All residents north of this location were unable to leave or gain access to their homes. A tree removal company arrived and began to work on removing the tree. SoCal Edison arrived and began working on restoring power lines.

Arcadia

February 26

At 8:08 a.m., an officer responded to 24 Hour Fitness, located at 125 N. First Ave., regarding a burglary investigation. The victim discovered someone had cut the lock to the victim’s locker and stolen his duffle bag. The crime occurred between 7:22 p.m. and 8:05 p.m. on Feb. 26.

February 27

At 11:49 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 500 block of West Wistaria Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. The victim determined someone had smashed a rear window and ransacked the home, fleeing with jewelry. A neighbor’s surveillance cameras captured a black Lincoln SUV in the area.

At 12:57 p.m., an officer responded to JCPenney, located at 400 S. Baldwin Ave., regarding burglary investigation. Loss prevention witnessed the suspect exit the store with a bag of stolen merchandise amounting to a loss of $318. The suspect, a 26-year-old male transient from Arcadia was arrested and transported to the Arcadia City Jail for booking.

February 28

At 9:56 a.m., an officer responded to Arcadia Donuts, located at 34 Las Tunas Dr., regarding a robbery investigation. The suspect demanded cash from the register and threatened the victims with a simulated handgun but fled empty-handed when the owner refused to comply with the suspect’s demands. The suspect is described as a Black male in his 40s, with an average build, short black hair, and seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and carrying a purple backpack.

At 12:04 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 200 block of East Forest Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. Sometime between Feb. 24 and 28, someone entered the home by unknown means and stole miscellaneous tools.

March 1

At 2:26 a.m., officers responded to Starbucks, located at 300 E. Huntington Dr., regarding a burglary investigation. The burglary alarm was activated when an unknown suspect threw a rock at the front glass door. The suspect stole a table from the front counter. A review of surveillance footage is pending. Another commercial burglary happened at approximately the same time and similar method of entry to Sesame Grill, a neighboring business. It has not been confirmed if the same suspect committed both burglaries. Sesame Grill stated there was no loss.

At 8:36 a.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1300 block of South Sixth Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. The victim found the rear glass door had been shattered and that the suspect fled without any stolen property. The crime occurred sometime during the previous night.

At 8:12 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 100 block of West Wistaria Avenue regarding a burglary investigation. The victim stated an unknown suspect broke the rear glass door and ransacked the home. The loss is unknown as of March 7.

March 2

At 10:09 a.m., an officer responded to Hanlin Tea Room, located at 56 E. Duarte Rd., regarding a burglary report. The victim discovered someone had sawed off the handle to the front door of the business with a lock box attached to it. Once they accessed the lockbox, they entered the business and fled with stolen cash.

At 2:30 p.m., an officer responded to Arcadia 210 Self Storage, located at 324 N. Second Ave., regarding a burglary investigation. Sometime between Sep. 1, 2022 and Feb. 19, someone removed the victim’s lock and stole an engraving set.

March 4

At 5:32 p.m., an officer responded to Grocery Outlet, located at 140 E. Live Oak Ave., regarding a robbery investigation. The victim stated the male and female suspects worked in concert to steal various items and when the victim/ store owner confronted them, they threatened the victim and fled in a grey sedan. Both suspects are described as 30 to 40-year-old Hispanic suspects.

Announcements

NEW AUTHORS WANTED!

Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-855-667-0380 (CalSCAN)

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

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

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

Autos Wanted

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

DONATE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-844-491-2884 (CalSCAN)

CABLE/SATELLITE TV

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

Financial Services

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

Insurance

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

Internet

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

Miscellaneous

Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-844-908-0605 (SCAN)

The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com

DID YOU KNOW Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (Cal-SCAN)

Real Estate Loans

RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan. com Call 1-818-248-0000. Bro- ker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN)

REAL ESTATE/ LAND FOR SALE

East Texas Land Tracts. 47 acres for $259,900. 80 acres for $379,900.

145 acres for $779,900.

152 acres for $809,900. 290 acres for $1,449,900. Timber AG Exempt/ W trees. Financing available/ No restrictions. Call David at 1-512-596-9662. (Cal-SCAN)

Wanted To Buy

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

This article is from: