Monrovia Weekly_7/17/2023 by Beacon Media News

Los Angeles Housing Department will investigate residential hotels PG

3rd bus of migrants from Texas arrives at Union Station

By City News Service

About two weeks

after a second bus of migrants from Texas arrived in the city, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed a third bus dropped off more migrants Thursday at Union Station.

“One bus from Texas arrived around 12:40 p.m. today,” Zach Seidl, spokesman for Bass, said in a statement. “The city has continued to work with city departments, the county and a coalition of nonprofit organizations, in addition to our faith partners, to execute a plan set in place earlier this year.”

Seidl added, “As we have before, when we became aware of the bus yesterday, we activated our plan.”

According to a statement from LA Welcomes Collective, a network of immigrant rights, immigration legal services providers and faith organizations, 35 migrants were sent from Brownsville, Texas.

The collective works in close coordination with the city and county of Los Angeles to offer support services such as food, clothing and legal immigration consultation upon arrival. They also work to reunite families, if migrants have loved ones living in the region.

“Based on our experience serving vulnerable migrant populations, we expect the families arriving in Los Angeles to need legal services urgently. Asylum seekers and others fleeing harm and violent circumstances have rights under U.S. immigration law, but they have to present their cases in court. They deserve our compassion, respect and support. We expect the community to once again mobilize and rise to the challenge,” Kimberley Plotnik, program director for Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, which is a member of the collective,

said in a statement.

Lindsay Toczylowski, Immigrant Defenders Law Center executive director, said in a statement that the center is “proud to offer legal support to people arriving in Los Angeles.

“We are grateful to the City of Brownsville for sending information in advance about this bus so we can better prepare to welcome them,” Toczylowski said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our community partners to receive migrants with dignity and ensure their legal needs are met.”

The first bus of migrants arrived on June 14, followed by a second bus on July 1, which carried 41 migrants and 42 migrants, respectively.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently proclaimed his state’s border region “overrun” and hinted that more shipments of immigrants could follow.

“Texas’ small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden’s refusal to secure the border,” Abbott said in a statement after the first bus arrived. “Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status. Our border communities are on the front lines of President Biden’s border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much- needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border.”

In June, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a motion directing the city to draft a “Sanctuary City” ordinance that, when passed, would prohibit any city resources, property or personnel from being utilized for any federal immigration enforcement.

Orange County Fair returns with new attractions, old favorites

PG 28

NO. 129

LA County Sheriff Luna to turn probe of traffic stop over to FBI

By City News Service

The FBI will join local prosecutors in investigating a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy from the Palmdale station throwing punches at a woman while she cradled her baby during a traffic stop, the department announced Wednesday.

Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters at a news conference about his decision regarding the incident that took place in July 2022 and where the department released body camera video footage of the traffic stop.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Thursday called the video — which shows a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy from the Palmdale station throwing punches at a woman while she cradled her baby during a traffic stop — “enraging and disturbing” and said the acts in the video must be condemned.

“The idea that you would assault a mother with a child in her arms and then subject that child to the child welfare system just because the child didn’t have a car seat is an abuse of power,” Bass said. “When a child goes into the child welfare system, it can take months for that child to be returned. That process can result in lifelong trauma for both the mother and the child.”

In the video, a male deputy at the edge of the frame is shown throwing two overhand punches at the woman as she is seen pleading not to take her baby away.

“I found the punching of the woman and the circumstances completely unacceptable,” Luna said.

Luna said he took the “swift action” of relieving the deputy of duty after finding out about the incident a few days ago.

Luna said the traffic stop occurred just before midnight on July 13, 2022, when deputies from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station noticed a vehicle driving at night without the headlights on, the Los Angeles Times reported.

When they pulled over the driver, the deputies noticed the smell of alcohol coming from inside and saw four women, three of whom were holding babies in their arms instead of using car seats, according to the Times.

The deputies arrested the man driving the vehicle on suspicion of felony child endangerment, as well as driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license.

The women were arrested on the same charges but during the course of arresting them deputies used force with two of them.

On the video released Wednesday, the deputies can be heard saying that the woman was riding in a car driven by someone without a valid license and that her baby was not in a car seat.

They repeatedly asked the woman who was eventually struck in the face to give up the child so she can be placed under arrest, telling her that her infant will be pulled away otherwise.

“Forcefully taking your child from you is not what’s best,” one deputy said. “Taking my child from me is not what’s best,” the woman replies.

The Times reported that after several minutes of back-and-

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Los Angeles Housing Department will investigate residential hotels

By Robin Urevich, Capital & Main, and Gabriel Sandoval, ProPublica

The Los Angeles Housing Department said Tuesday that it will “immediately” investigate whether some residential hotels, which are required by city law to be reserved for low-cost housing, are instead renting rooms to tourists.

The city’s action came just one day after Capital & Main and ProPublica revealed that 21 residential hotels were advertising on travel websites and that the Housing Department had failed to stop their owners from turning housing units into hotel rooms.

Department spokesperson Sharon Sandow said in a statement that over the next six to seven weeks “the Housing Department will investigate all 21 of the hotels identified in the article and will, where warranted, issue citations and make appropriate referrals to the City Attorney’s office.” The department will also review its enforcement efforts, she said.

The mayor’s office requested the Housing Department conduct the investigation, said Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for LA Mayor Karen Bass. “We are asking for a report back on all 21 properties in 45 days,” Seidl said. “In addition, we are asking for a

report on how this happened and recommendations for ensuring this does not happen again.” The mayor’s office did not answer questions emailed to its staff ahead of the initial story.

In LA, residential hotels are supposed to provide housing of last resort for the city’s poorest people. The hotels consist of small basic rooms — some with shared bathrooms — and are sometimes the only housing that many elderly, disabled and low-income workers can afford.

Under a 2008 law, these hotels must remain residential, unless their owners either build replacements for the housing units they take off the market or pay into a city housing fund. The city has a list of about 300 residential hotels, defined as a building of six or more units that are the primary residences of their guests.

Capital & Main and ProPublica identified 21 residential hotels, with more than 800 dwelling units, that have marketed short-term rentals on their websites and on travel sites like Expedia and Booking.com. Because the city hasn’t tracked these conversions, the news organizations

combed through the ads along with Housing Department inspection and enforcement records provided under public records requests.

It’s possible that other residential hotels might be offering nightly rentals as well. Seidl said the Housing Department’s report “will tell us how they are going to address all properties and next steps.”

“I think that is excellent news that the city will finally take seriously the place for residential hotel units within the whole ecosystem of permanent housing affordable to very low income tenants,” said Barbara Schultz, director of housing justice at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles.

Several of the hotels’ appeals to business and leisure travelers are hard to miss. The H Hotel in LA’s Koreatown welcomes guests with a grand piano in the lobby and offers champagne in its lounge. At the Arts District’s American Hotel — the former home of the legendary music venue Al’s Bar — guests can regularly be spotted rolling luggage to the front door. Hometel Suites’ website points to the hotel’s “luxury features and touches,” and a large

banner on its facade bears the message “Book your stay today.” All three are designated as residential hotels, but none have been cited for violations of the law.

Asked about the city’s plan to investigate his hotel, Mark Verge, the owner of the American, said: “Whatever’s fair — I think that’s the key.” He noted that he’s been paying the city’s hotel tax for years and previously said he has openly advertised the American as a tourist hotel. If his hotel is found in violation following the city’s investigation, he said, “We’ll work it out.”

Hometel’s general

manager Becky Hong said in an email, “We don’t have a plan to return for residential use.” The owner of the H didn’t respond to phone messages or emails requesting comment. The H’s operations manager said last month that he didn’t know if the hotel was violating the law but noted that the hotel’s management had asked the city to remove its residential designation.

City housing inspectors have cited only four of the 21 hotels under the 2008 law. Some hotels thwarted city enforcement by barring inspectors from entering their properties without administrative warrants, yet Housing

Department records show inspectors didn’t obtain such warrants.

In interviews, LA housing officials had attributed the lack of enforcement in part to limited staffing. However, the Housing Department said that over the next four months it “will evaluate the resources needed to continue this important inspection and monitoring work, and will review its processes to determine where more capacity is needed to effectively enforce this ordinance.”

This story was republished with permission from Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

LA City Councilman Curren Price’s arraignment on criminal charges delayed

By City News Service

Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price made his first court appearance Thursday on criminal charges of theft by embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest for allegedly voting on projects involving developers tied to his wife’s consulting firm, then failing to report the connections.

Price is now set to be arraigned Aug. 28 at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse.

Superior Court Judge Kimberley Baker Guillemet allowed the 72-year-old councilman to remain free on his own recognizance, but granted Deputy District Attorney Casey Higgins’ request for two conditions requiring that Price be fingerprinted and booked and that he announce any conflicts of interest on any contracts or agreements before the City Council and immediately recuse himself from voting on those issues.

The criminal complaint alleges that Price effectively embezzled money between 2013 and 2017 by having the city cover roughly $33,800 in medical premiums for Del Richardson, to whom he claimed to be married, although he was still married at the time to Lynn Suzette Price.

Price — who has maintained his innocence — has represented the Ninth District, which includes most of South Los Angeles and Exposition Park, since 2013. He previously served in the state Assembly and state Senate.

Following Thursday’s court hearing, Price issued a statement saying, “We are looking forward to engaging with the DA in the coming weeks and we are grateful that the court has given us time to do so. I want to thank my constituents and the entire city of Los Angeles for the outpouring of support I have received and I look forward to continuing to do

the people’s business.”

Price’s statement went on to say, “As we said when the charges were brought, we believe that the charges filed by the DA’s office are completely unwarranted and that the facts will bear this out. I have always conducted myself, in and out of the public eye, with integrity and professionalism.”

The councilman was charged on June 13 with five counts of grand theft by embezzlement, three counts of perjury and two counts of conflict of interest, according to the criminal complaint.

Price sent a letter that afternoon to Council President Paul Krekorian announcing his decision to step down as council president pro tem, and surrendering all of his committee assignments.

“While I navigate through the judicial system to defend my name against unwarranted charges filed against me, the last thing I want to

do is be a distraction to the people’s business,” Price wrote in the letter, first obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

Krekorian introduced a motion to suspend Price a day after the criminal case was filed. But the Los Angeles City Council’s Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee subsequently voted to defer a recommendation regarding the possible suspension of Price until its Aug. 25 meeting.

Price issued a statement shortly after the committee meeting, saying he was pleased that the committee delayed its vote as he has “not yet had the opportunity to answer the unwarranted charges” against him.

“I hope that the committee, and the full Council, will extend the same presumption of innocence that the law extends to me, and I look forward to proving my innocence,” Price said in a state-

ment.

If convicted, Price could face a sentence ranging from probation to roughly eight to 10 years behind bars, the prosecutor said outside court.

Price is the latest Los Angeles city official to fall into legal or political turmoil.

Former council members Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander have both pleaded guilty to federal charges in recent years, while Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was

convicted earlier this year of federal charges for trading votes during his time on the county Board of Supervisors in exchange for benefits provided by USC to his son.

Former City Council President Nury Martinez resigned last year after being caught on tape in a racially charged conversation with two other council members and a county labor official discussing the council’s redistricting process.

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This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price. | Photo courtesy of VEDC/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

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Universal Studios planning ‘Fast & Furious’ roller coaster

By City News Service

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Universal Studios Hollywood officials Wednesday confirmed plans for a long-rumored outdoor roller coaster based on the “Fast & Furious” film franchise.

In a statement, theme park officials said the ride will be “equipped with a state-ofthe-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic `Fast & Furious’ universe.”

No specific details about the new attraction were immediately released, with park officials saying only that “construction will soon begin” on the coaster. An opening date was not announced.

Speculation about the attraction has increased in recent months amid coasterand park-enthusiast groups, some of which posted early

conceptual renderings and even videos about the rumored ride -- claiming it will be dubbed “Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift” and put riders in spinning cars designed to simulate the feeling of a drifting racecar.

The Southern California News Group reported that the attraction was described in general terms in a county permit application, saying it will start on the theme park’s upper lot, descend to the lower lot and then make its way back up the hill near the “Starway” escalator.

Universal Studios’ famed backlot tram tour already features a “Fast & Furious -- Supercharged” attraction that features actors of the film franchise, including star Vin Diesel.

Universal Studios Hollywood officials Wednesday confirmed plans for a longrumored outdoor roller coaster based on the “Fast & Furious” film franchise.

In a statement, theme park officials said the ride will be “equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic `Fast & Furious’ universe.”

No specific details about the new attraction were immediately released, with park officials saying only that “construction will soon begin” on the coaster. An opening date was not announced.

Speculation about the attraction has increased in recent months amid coasterand park-enthusiast groups, some of which posted early

Universal Studios’ famed backlot tram tour already features a “Fast & Furious -- Supercharged” attraction that features actors of the film franchise, including star Vin Diesel.

Prosecutors won’t retry Masterson on rape charge; sentencing set for Sept. 7

By Terri Vermeulen Keith, City News Service

Prosecutors announced Tuesday they will not retry “That ‘70s Show” actor Danny Masterson on a rape charge on which jurors were unable to reach a verdict during his recent trial, and a judge formally dismissed the count.

The 47-year-old Masterson is now scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 7 on two other rape charges on which he was convicted for sexually assaulting two women in his Hollywood Hills home

roughly 20 years ago.

He is facing a potential sentence of 30 years to life in prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Masterson was convicted May 31 on the pair of rape charges, and he was immediately taken into custody. The downtown Los Angeles jury, however, deadlocked on a third rape charge involving a former longtime girlfriend of the actor. During their deliberations, jurors asked to rehear portions of her

testimony and portions of a videotaped interview and to look at transcripts from that interview between the same woman and two Los Angeles Police Department detectives in January 2017.

The jury was the second to hear the case against Masterson, who was charged in 2020 with three counts of rape by force or fear involving the three women on separate occasions.

During the first trial last year, jurors leaned

in favor of acquittal on all three counts — voting 10-2 on one count, 8-4 on another and 7-5 on the third — but they were unable to reach a unanimous decision, leading to a mistrial being declared on Nov. 30.

Prosecutors confirmed in January that they wanted to retry the actor, and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo rejected a defense

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3 Southland reps. join push to free LA attorney from prison in

By City News Service

ThreeSouthland congresswomen

Tuesday jointly introduced a resolution calling for the immediate release of a Los Angeles County public defender who has been imprisoned in Venezuela for more than a year — the latest of several pushes by area elected officials to free the man.

Reps. Sydney KamlagerDove and Nanette Barragán, both D-Los Angeles, joined Rep. Young Kim, R-Orange County, and Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, in calling on the Venezuelan “regime” to immediately release Eyvin Hernandez, who has been in custody in the South American country since March 2022 in what the resolution calls an “unjust imprisonment,” and which the U.S. State Department has classified as a wrongful detention.

Hernandez, an LA County deputy public defender for 15 years, was on vacation in Colombia when he joined a friend on a trip to the ColombianVenezuelan border to resolve a passport issue involving the friend’s stay in Venezuela.

At the border, Hernandez and his friend were intercepted by what has been described in various reports as either a paramilitary group, a gang or official Venezuelan forces. Hernandez and his friend were eventually turned over to Venezuelan security forces and jailed in a maximum security prison in Caracas.

Hernandez is accused of criminal association and

conspiracy, which are punishable by up to 16 years in jail in Venezuela.

“I stand in solidarity with Eyvin and the Los Angeles County community and call on the (Biden) Administration to do whatever is required to secure Eyvin’s freedom,” Kamlager-Dove — in whose 37th Congressional District Hernandez lives — said in a statement Tuesday. “Every day that passes without Eyvin is pain that his loved ones should have never had to endure. I will always keep fighting to bring Eyvin home.”

Barragán, who is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said in a statement, “Eyvin Hernandez’s continued wrongful detention in Venezuela is unacceptable and it’s time for him to come home.”

“Mr. Hernandez had no intention of entering Venezuela, and the charges brought against him have been shown to be completely false,” Barragán added.

“We made clear to President Biden in December, that the judicial system in Venezuela is highly compromised, and any trial against Eyvin is unlikely to be carried out in a just manner or produce a fair result. ...

Congresswoman KamlagerDove and I are proud to lead the call for the immediate release of our fellow Angeleno, Eyvin Hernandez, and encourage President Biden and his Administration to use all available means to quickly do so.”

Said Kim, who is chair of

the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the IndoPacific, “This resolution will send a unified message from Congress for our support for Eyvin and his family as we call on the Biden Administration to act. I am proud to join Rep. Kamlager-Dove in this bipartisan effort.”

Kamlager-Dove’s office said the State Department’s Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs has been working to secure Hernandez’s release, but there has yet to be a breakthrough.

Tuesday’s resolution says the Venezuelan judicial system has made “no serious effort to provide legitimate evidence to corroborate these allegations nor to hold trial proceedings to adjudicate his case, highlighting the fabricated grounds for Eyvin’s detention.”

It also “condemns the Venezuelan regime’s continued use of detentions of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents for political purposes.”

The congressional resolution follows actions in June by the LA City Council, which approved two related motions calling on Biden and the State Department to take any actions necessary to free Hernandez. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a similar motion last October.

In December, LA Mayor Karen Bass joined Barragán and other congressional representatives in sending a joint letter to Biden, asking his administration to work to free Hernandez.

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Eyvin Hernandez. | Photo courtesy of Bring Eyvin Hernandez Home!

Ex-Manson follower Leslie Van Houten released from prison

Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten was released from a California prison Tuesday, four days after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced it would no longer challenge her parole grant.

Newsom had rejected parole for Van Houten on three occasions during his time in office, but a state appeals court in May rejected his most recent denial of parole. His office announced Friday it would not further challenge the issue in court.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the now73-year-old Van Houten was released Tuesday “to parole supervision.”

“Van Houten will have a three-year maximum parole term with a parole discharge review occurring after one year,” according to a statement from CDCR. “For safety and security reasons, CDCR does not provide information on a person’s time or location of parole release.”

Van Houten was being held at the California Institution for Women in Corona.

Her attorney told the Associated Press that Van Houten was released in the early morning hours Tuesday and driven to

a transitional housing facility.

Van Houten was convicted of murder and conspiracy for participating with fellow Manson family members Charles

“Tex” Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel in the August 1969 killings of grocer Leno LaBianca, 44, and his 38- year-old wife, Rosemary, who were each stabbed multiple times in their Los Feliz home.

The former Monrovia High School cheerleader -- who was 19 at the time- did not participate in the Manson family’s killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others in a Benedict Canyon mansion the night before.

Van Houten served more than 50 years of a potential life prison sentence.

A state parole board recommended parole for Van Houten in November 2021, marking the fifth time for such a decision. The four previous parole recommendations for Van Houten were rejected by governors, including Newsom.

In May, a California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal panel, in a 2-1 decision, overturned Newsom’s rejection of Van Houten’s most recent parole grant.

“Van Houten has shown extraordinary

By City News Service

rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, support from family and friends, favorable institutional reports, and, at the time of the governor’s decision, had received four successive grants of parole,” Associate Justice Helen I. Bendix wrote in the ruling.

“... Under these circumstances Van Houten’s unchanging historical risk factors do not provide some evidence that she is currently dangerous and unsuitable for parole,” Bendix wrote, with Associate Justice Victoria Gerrard Chaney concurring in the 58-page ruling that reversed the governor’s 2022 decision and reinstated the grant of parole for Van Houten.

In a dissenting opinion, Presiding Justice Frances Rothschild concluded that “the record contains some evidence Van Houten lacked insight into the commitment offense” and found that was sufficient when “coupled with the heinous nature of that crime” to “provide some evidence of current dangerousness and support the governor’s decision.”

Newsom had blocked parole for Van Houten in March 2022, writing that, “Given the extreme nature of the crime in which she

was involved, I do not believe she has sufficiently demonstrated that she has come to terms with the totality of the factors that led her to participate in the vicious Manson Family killings. Before she can be safely released, Ms. Van Houten must do more to develop her understanding of the factors that caused her to seek acceptance from such a negative, violent influence, and perpetrate extreme acts of wanton violence.”

On Friday, however,

Newsom’s office announced it would not file any more appeals challenging Van Houten’s release, saying such efforts were “unlikely to succeed.”

“More than 50 years after the Manson cult committed these brutal offenses, the victims’ families still feel the impact, as do all Californians. Governor Newsom reversed Ms. Van Houten’s parole grant three times since taking office and defended against her challenges of those decisions

in court,” Erin Mellon, the governor’s communications director, said in a written statement. “The governor is disappointed by the Court of Appeal’s decision to release Ms. Van Houten but will not pursue further action as efforts to further appeal are unlikely to succeed.”

A request in May 2020 to release Van Houten, who was then 70, on bail or her own recognizance due to her high risk of contracting COVID-19 was denied.

effort to have the charges dismissed.

Another hearing in Masterson’s case will be held Aug. 4 so attorneys can discuss plans for victimimpact statements during the actor’s sentencing hearing. Prosecutors said Tuesday that the victims in the case want to speak during the sentencing hearing — including Masterson’s former girlfriend, even though jurors deadlocked on the rape charge involving her.

Olmedo said she wanted to do some legal research on whether that alleged victim should be allowed to speak at the hearing.

In his closing argument of the retrial, Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller told the jury, “This defendant drugged and raped each one of these victims. ... It is time to hold Mr. Masterson accountable for what he has done.”

Defense attorney Philip Kent Cohen urged jurors

during his closing argument to acquit his client, questioning the credibility of the women.

In his rebuttal argument, Mueller said the three women were — like Masterson — members of the Church of Scientology, and told jurors that the church retaliated against them.

“What happened after they were drugged — they were raped by this man over here,” the prosecutor said, pointing across the courtroom at Masterson.

“You have an opportunity to show there is justice. It does exist.”

But Cohen questioned why the panel had heard “so much about Scientology,” asking jurors if there could be problems with the government’s case against Masterson.

Masterson’s lawyer said he was not alleging that there was some “grand conspiracy” against his client, but told jurors the alleged victims had spoken

with each other despite an LAPD detective’s admonition and that their accounts have been tweaked throughout the years.

He said there was no

forensic evidence to support the prosecution’s contention that the alleged victims’ drinks had been drugged by Masterson.

Outside the jury’s

presence, the judge rejected Cohen’s requests for either a mistrial, another chance to argue before the jury or a special jury instruction as a result of the prosecution’s repeated references to the women allegedly being drugged.

The Church of Scientology issued a statement criticizing the prosecution’s characterizations of the church’s actions.

“The church has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone, Scientologists or not, to law enforcement,” according to the statement. “Quite the opposite, church policy explicitly demands Scientologists abide by all laws of the land. All allegations to the contrary are totally false.”

A civil suit filed in August 2019 against Masterson and the Church of Scientology by the three women involved in the criminal case and one woman who

was not a member of the church alleges they were stalked and harassed after reporting sexual assault allegations against the actor to Los Angeles police.

Regarding the lawsuit, the Church of Scientology issued a statement saying, “The church denies the allegations of harassment as obvious, cynical and self-serving fictions, and the church knows it will be vindicated.”

In December 2017, Netflix announced that Masterson had been fired from the Emmy-winning scripted comedy “The Ranch” amid sexual assault allegations.

The actor said then he was “very disappointed,” and added that “it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused.” He also “denied the outrageous allegations” and said he looked forward to “clearing my name once and for all.”

JULY 17-JULY 23, 2023 5 HLRMedia coM

Former Manson cultist Leslie Van Houten, in handcuffs, arrives at Criminal Courts Building on Dec. 27, 1976 for rearraignment and setting of new trial date in the 1969 La Bianca murders. | Photo by John Malmin / UCLA Library Special Collections (CC BY 4.0) Danny Masterson. | Photo courtesy of Red Carpet Report on Mingle TV/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Masterson

In the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, a groundbreaking product called HeyWire is poised to redefine the way news is produced and consumed.

Wells, an innovative AI-powered program used by HeyWire, has emerged as the industry’s first fully autonomous, self-prompting perpetual AI journalist. Its unique capabilities have sparked interest and excitement among journalism companies and publications, opening new possibilities for efficient news gathering and content creation.

So, how exactly does a service like HeyWire work? For those unfamiliar with this technology, Wells operates on a set of predefined parameters and criteria, constantly scouring the internet in real time, 24 hours every day. It uses these parameters to identify and curate important and newsworthy stories.

The program goes beyond mere identification; in fact, it comprehends the stories it discovers and seeks out multiple sources to corroborate the facts. This involves cross-referencing various credible news outlets such as The Washington Post, CNN, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. By analyzing sources such as these, Wells ensures the accuracy and verifiability of

How HeyWire is hoping to revolutionize journalism with AI-driven news production

By Jordan Green

Officials from the Port of Long Beach announced Thursday that trade moving through the port slowed down in June as retailers continued to clear warehouses.

Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 597,076 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, last month, which represented a 38.5% decline from June 2022 — the port’s busiest June on record.

the reported information.

Once the information has been validated, Wells proceeds to craft its own version of the story, integrating the facts it has gathered. This process ensures that the content produced is original and devoid of plagiarism, as HeyWire has incorporated a robust plagiarism filter to maintain the highest standards of journalistic integrity. The final output is then submitted to non-AI editors for publication.

“Say we want it (HeyWire) to cover national politics, and we ask it to develop a story about the presidential elections. To do that, it quickly scrapes the internet and looks for those credible sources. It then grabs one and looks where else the topic has been covered so that it can get the facts from them and see if those same facts in each article corroborate,” explains Von Raees, who is the founder of HeyWire AI.

The interest in HeyWire has been met with enthusiasm from journalism companies and publications alike. The product has engaged in discussions with publishers and news organizations ranging from small community news outlets to major brands. This positive response has underscored the potential impact of this AI-driven tool on the journalism industry.

As HeyWire continues to develop further, funding

for the project has become a priority. The initiative originated from the company’s own publishing needs, and thus, has been self-funded until this point. However, HeyWire is currently in the midst of a fundraising campaign, aiming to raise $750,000 to finalize the product and prepare for its market launch by early next year. The interest from potential investors has been substantial, matching the level of enthusiasm displayed by journalism companies.

“We’ve had multiple conversations with publishers and news organizations, and the reaction is pretty uniform in that they are all very interested and excited about the prospect of using this tool. We’re currently looking for beta partners to test the product, and we’re building a list of pre-sales of organizations that are getting on a list for early access,” says Raees.

One of the key strengths of HeyWire is its versatility across different types of journalism companies. From small community newspapers with a limited staff to major media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, the product offers a solution to the common challenge of resource allocation. For smaller organizations, HeyWire has the chance to free up limited editorial staff by automating the repetitive task of re-reporting existing

news, allowing journalists to focus on original reporting and investigative journalism. The benefits extend to larger organizations as well, enabling them to maximize the efficiency of their resources and redirect their reporters toward more high-value journalistic endeavors.

“We feel that this product is a fit all the way from the small local newspaper, all the way up to multinational enterprises. The goal is the same for all of those organizations, which is to free up resources so they can cover and do original news reporting,” says Raees. “So it really is a fit across the board. The job is the same, the challenges are the same. It’s just on different scales.”

Concerns about AI technologies replacing human jobs have, of course, lingered for years, and the developers of HeyWire, including Raees, acknowledge these apprehensions. However, the primary goal of the product is not to replace journalists, but rather to empower them.

The traditional business model for news organizations has faced numerous challenges, resulting in widespread layoffs and financial instability. By utilizing HeyWire, journalism companies can augment their capabilities, generate a greater volume of content and monetize it effectively. This, in turn, allows journalists to focus on original reporting and investigative journalism, which is valued in nearly every newsroom across the country much higher than re-reporting existing information.

“It’s very important to emphasize that our goal with creating this, first and foremost, is to empower journalism and provide knowledge and information for masses and bring light to the areas where there needs to be light, which happens with more intricate reporting,” said Raees. “HeyWire is our way of empowering the field. Period.”

Looking ahead, the potential for HeyWire is boundless. The current functionality of the

Trade slows down at Port of Long Beach

Officials reported that imports were down by 274,325 TEUs, or 34%, while exports also declined 18% to 94,508 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the port decreased 25% to 228,243 TEUs.

“We are hopeful to obtain a greater percentile of market share,” Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, said in a statement. “We remain confident that our reliability, efficiency

City News Service

and unparalleled service will attract additional trade and economic activity to our port.”

Economists report that consumer spending exceeded expectations during the first half of 2023 and may flatten out through the rest of the year, according to a statement from port officials.

The port moved approximately 3.7 million TEUs during the first half of 2023, which is down 25.5% from

the same period last year.

“We continue to work with our industry partners to grow cargo volume and raise the bar on sustainable operations,” Sharon Weissman, president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission, said in a statement.

“Our highly skilled workforce, infrastructure projects and environmental programs continue to make us ‘Port of Choice,’” she added.

program, which focuses on rewriting and reporting existing stories, is just the beginning. The service is hoping to expand into being able to report on live events — particularly when dealing with local government — and there is also an avenue for HeyWire to explore creating video content.

A product such as this is proving one thing: that AI is firmly on its way to influencing the world of reporting. It will be up to people within the field to use it to their advantage; because if they don’t, they’ll likely be left behind.

“AI is not going away. It’s far too powerful for it not to be used. It’s like trying to rewind the internet or refusing to use cars anymore,” believes Raees. “Technology always comes, and when it has a utility, it does not go away. So you either take it, mold it, shape it and use that responsibility to your advantage, or you become irrelevant.”

To check out HeyWire’s early access page, head to https://heywire.ai/#access.

6 JULY 17- JULY 23, 2023 BeaconMedianews coM

STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? VISIT NOTICEFILING.COM

| Courtesy photo The Port of Long Beach. | Photo courtesy of Charles Csavossy/U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su joined officials at the Port of Los Angeles Wednesday, where the port touted a “very strong June” in which cargo volume increased by 70%, a stark contrast from February’s low points.

Executive Director Gene Seroka reported that the port moved over 833,020 twenty-foot equivalent units, just 5% off the record set in June 2022. It’s also almost 6% above the port’s five-year running average for the month, he added.

“June is our strongest performance since last July, and since February’s low points. Our cargo volume has increased a remarkable 70% with four months of consecutive gains,” Seroka said. “We posted solid numbers across the board in June.”

The Port of LA imported 435,307 TEUs, or 2% less compared to the same time last year. Exports came in at 108,050 TEUs, a 15% year-over-

Cargo volume at Port of LA strongest in a year

By City News Service

year increase, and the port shipped 289,679 TEUs of empty containers back to Asia, representing a 14% year-over-year decline.

“At the midway point of 2023, the Port of Los Angeles has handled 4.1 million TEUs: That’s 23% less than our nearrecord start last year and 12% below our five-year average,” Seroka said.

Looking at the months ahead, Seroka expressed optimism.

“We got a tentative labor deal in place and the economy continues to be resilient,” Seroka said, referring to the recent agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association.

He also noted that inflation cooled for the 12th consecutive month, and that consumer prices increased only 3% from last year.

Su joined Seroka to discuss her role in reaching the labor deal, and provided some details

on investments to create more jobs.

Su helped resolve a conflict regarding autonomous equipment on the Port of LA’s docks during labor negotiations, Seroka said. She also supported the port’s efforts to create innovative training programs, he said.

Su said she did not intend to stay for a week in San Francisco when the two parties were in talks in June.

“My plan was to go there and meet with the ILWU and PMA to assess the situation and to see if I could be helpful,” Su said. “My goal was to really support the collective bargaining process ... which is so valuable and so important.”

The ILWU and PMA negotiated for 13 months, grappling with “really difficult issues.” Su called it “an honor” to join the two parties at the table and to encourage them to stay there.

“The most important lesson is that collective bargaining works,” Su said.

“It is a healthy process in which labor and management come together to address hard issues to ensure that workers get a fair share, plan for stability and resilience in an industry.”

On a final note, Su emphasized the U.S. Department of Labor’s

commitment to creating jobs and empowering workers.

“Three years ago, we were experiencing a pandemic-induced economic catastrophe,” Su said. “Today, since President Biden came into office, the economy has added 13.2 million jobs. To

put that in perspective, in 2008’s Great Recession, it took 10 years to have that kind of jobs recovery.” She further added that the unemployment rate has been 4% for almost a year and half, so the federal government is “combining lots of job growth with low unemployment.”

State budget includes $8M for key San Bernardino County projects

By Staff

critical mental health services. Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) and State Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) each requested $2 million to refurbish important County crisis residential treatment centers in their districts, one in Fontana and the other in Victorville, respectively.

San Bernardino County has received $8 million through five lawmaker requests that were included in the recently passed 2023-24 state budget. This funding will help refurbish two behavioral health treatment centers in Fontana and Victorville and purchase two new mobile health clinics in Needles and Havasu Lake.

“This significant funding will help the county complete several important projects that address critical needs for our residents,” said Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Chair of the San Bernardino

County Board of Supervisors. “We are very grateful to our state lawmakers for supporting us. This influx of funding will help us substantially improve our public health, behavioral health, and other key county services.”

Many Californians continue to struggle with mental health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For serious cases, such as for psychosis or self-endangerment, San Bernardino County relies on crisis residential treatment facilities to provide

This funding will install new commercial-grade appliances that can handle heavy use, purchase more durable cabinets and furniture, install small storage units for residents, and make overall improvements to the facility. This investment will enhance the durability and longevity of these facilities, enabling San Bernardino County to continue to deliver high-quality, effective mental health services.

Health services in the isolated rural communities of Needles and Havasu Lake, located along the far eastern border of California, are often limited by great distances and lack of trained staff. State Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) championed a request for $1.5 million for the county to buy and outfit two mobile health clinics

to permanently operate in these two small communities. These mobile health clinics would feature examination rooms, essential medical equipment, and a small educational space to assist a wide variety of residents with their medical needs. This funding will greatly improve regular access to quality health care in the region.

With help from two other

local state lawmakers the county also secured funding to bolster future emergency response efforts. State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Redlands) championed a budget request for $1.5 million for the communities of Forest Falls and Angelus Oaks while Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) obtained $1 million for equipment in Crestline.

With this state funding,

the county plans to purchase versatile front loaders that can clear debris during wildfires, landslides, floods, and avalanches, and remove snow. The county also plans to purchase additional “snow cats” — small, nimble tracked vehicles designed for travel over snow. This new equipment will allow disaster response personnel to rapidly address emergencies in these key mountain areas.

JULY 17-JULY 23, 2023 7 HLRMedia coM SUBSCRIBE TO WIN A $50 TWOHEY'S RESTAURANT GIFT CARD!

Shipping cranes at Port of LA. | Photo by joey zanotti (CC BY 2.0) This funding will help refurbish two behavioral health treatment centers in Fontana and Victorville and purchase two new mobile health clinics in Needles and Havasu Lake. | Courtesy photo

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: 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023.

ARCADIA WEEKLY. AAA1150425.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT 2023152339

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 1. FERMATAL STUDIO, 2. W E INTERNATIONAL CULTURE INTERFLOW, 2516 TROY AVE STE B, SOUTH EL MONTE, CA 91733 LOS ANGELES. Mailing address if different: N/A. Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number: 5804497.

The full name(s) of registrant(s) is/are: KINNOR MUSIC INC., 2516 TROY AVE STE B, SOUTH EL MONTE, CA 91733 (State of Incorporation/ Organization: CALIFORNIA). This business is conducted by: CORPORATION. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

Signed: ZHIQIANG YAO, PRESIDENT.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business names listed above on (date): N/A. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on (Date) 07/13/2023. 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: 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023. ARCADIA WEEKLY. AAA1150427.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023140062

FIRST FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). SHARONATHERAPY WELLNESS AND GOODS (2). ALYCE RISING , 242 E Payson St, San Dimas, CA 91773. 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: Sharon Alyce Munatones, 242 E Payson St, San Dimas, CA 91773 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on June 26, 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 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023151797

NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as VERSATILE SOUNDS, 2480 5th St, La Verne, CA 91750. Mailing Address, PO Box 7852, La Verne, CA 91750. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on July 2023. Signed: Versatile Business Services LLC (CA-201824110565), 2480 5th St, La Verne, CA 91750; Jamie Ellis, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 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 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023151842 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). CAFE DOUBLE O (2).

DOUBLE O RESTAURANT & BAR , 20627 Golden Springs Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91789. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. Signed: Wooridoori inc (CA-4073279), 20627 Golden Springs Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91789; Suk Choi, President. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 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 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023151077 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). DRINKSIP (2). CROWNS AND HOPS (3). BOOTLEGGERS BREWERY (4). CALIHANA BEVERAGE COMPANY (5). PARTY BEER (6). THREE WEAV3RS (7). 3 WEAVERS (8). THREE WEAVERS BREWING COMPANY (9). THREE WEAVERS , 1031 W Manchester Blvd Unit A-B, Inglewood, CA 90301. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on August 2021.

Signed: GRDN Hospitality LLC (CA202112711247), 1031 W Manchester Blvd Unit A-B, Inglewood, CA 90301; Lynne Weaver, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 12, 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 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023147406 NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as E ROLLINS, 18708 Parthenia St, Northridge, CA 91324. 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: Eric Rollins, 18708 Parthenia St, Northridhe, CA 91324 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 6, 2023.

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023150527 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as AZTEKA PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENCY, 285 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104.

Mailing Address, 1129 N Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on March 2014. Signed: Jose Luis Hernandez, 1129 N Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104 (Owner).

The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 11, 2023.

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 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023148690 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). THE AFRIAT CONSULTING GROUP, INC. (2). THE AFRIAT CONSULTING GROUP (3). AFRIAT GREEN GROUP (4). AFRIAT GREEN CONSULTING , 4107 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on November 2013. Signed: The Political Machine, Inc. (CA-1394730), 4107 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505; Curtis Sanchez, Secretary. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 10, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023151463

LEGALS

listed herein on July 2023. Signed: Revenant development and design INC (CA-202251513940), 25000 Avenue Stanford Unit 164, Santa Clarita, CA 91355; Cyril Nicola, CEO. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 12, 2023. NOTICE:

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 2023146802.

The following person(s) have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: HGREG INFINITI MONROVIA, 821 East Central Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016. The fictitious business name referred to above was filed on: November 19, 2020 in the County of Los Angeles. Original File No. 2020193003. Signed: H Greg Auto Monrovia LLC (FL-), 8505 NW 12th Street, Doral, FL 33126; Krikor Hairbedian, CEO. This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). This statement was filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder on July 6, 2023. Pub. Monrovia Weekly 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023147639 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as MATT NANIMOUS, 1911 W Alameda Ave Apt D, Burbank, CA 91506. 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: Dignified Lightning LLC (CA-201822910049), 1911 W Alameda Ave Apt D, Burbank, CA 91506; Matt Dawid, president. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 7, 2023.

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023150861 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). KRATOS X KAIZEN (2). KRATOS X KAIZEN REALTY (3). KRATOS X KAIZEN DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION REAL ESTATE (4). KRATOS X KAIZEN DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION (5). KRATOS X KAIZEN CONCRETE , 1465 Tamarind Ave UNIT 700, Los Angeles, CA 90028. This business is conducted by a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on July 2023. Signed: KRATOS X KAIZEN L.L.C. (CA202250617717), 1465 Tamarind Ave 700, Los Angeles, CA 90028; SEAN STEPHEN MARQUEZ, MEMBER. The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 11, 2023.

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO. 2023150981 NEW FILING.

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as VISUAL ONE STUDIO, 3101 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 100, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Mailing Address, 16845 Chatsworth St, 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 March 2015. Signed: Logan Diaz, 16845 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA 91344 (Owner). The statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on July 12, 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).

Monterey Park City Notices

City of Monterey Park Engineering Division

320 West Newmark Avenue Monterey Park, CA 91754

Tel. No: (626) 307-1320

Fax: (626) 307-2500

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

CIPP LINING AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS, SPEC. NO. 2023-005

Contract Time: 50 Working Days; Liquidated Damages: $1,000 per working day.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The project consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 19,550 linear feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer pipeline using cured in place pipe lining, and related work as shown on the plans on file with the City’s Public Works Department. Prevailing wages required. A 10% Bidder’s Bond is required with bid. Successful contractor will be required to provide: (1) Liability insurance with City of Monterey Park as addition insured endorsement; (2) Proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage; (3) 100% Faithful Performance; and, (4) 100% Labor and Material Bond. Plans are available to download for a fee from QuestCDN; link on the City’s website www.montereypark. ca.gov/444/Bids-Proposals. Bid Package Cost: $42.00.

Bid Due Date and Time: Bids will be received via the online electronic bid service, Quest Construction Data Network (QuestCDN), www. questcdn.com, until 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 27, 2023. Questions?

Please call: Ziad Mazboudi, Project Manager at (626) 307-1320.

Publish July 10, 2023 & July 17, 2023

Probate Notices

OF PETITION

NOTICE

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

JEFFREY FORER - SBN 108310 MEGAN I. BRAUN - SBN 305335 HINOJOSA & FORER LLP 2215 COLBY AVE LOS ANGELES CA 90064 Telephone (310) 473-7000 7/10, 7/13, 7/17/23

CNS-3718100# BALDWIN PARK PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: CHARLOTTE FANG CASE NO. 21STPB04300

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

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

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

ADMINISTER

ESTATE OF KYUNG HEE HAHN aka KYUNG H. HAHN Case No. 23STPB06001

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of KYUNG HEE HAHN aka KYUNG H. HAHN

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

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Raphael Hahn and Hye Jung Hahn 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 administra-tion authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objec-tion to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on August 31, 2023 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 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 ap-pearance 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 knowl-edgeable 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:

DARRELL G BROOKE ESQ SBN 118071

THE BROOKE LAW GROUP PC 525 S MYRTLE AVE STE 204 MONROVIA CA 91016 CN998105 HAHN Jul 10,13,17, 2023 MONTEREY PARK PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

JOHN MICHAEL THYR

CASE NO. 23STPB07222

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

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

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that BRENDA DEPEW 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: 08/09/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 67 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.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 08/11/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Attorney for Petitioner SUE C. SWISHER - SBN 243310

LAW OFFICE OF SUE C. SWISHER 20955 PATHFINDER RD., STE 100 DIAMOND BAR CA 91765

7/13, 7/17, 7/20/23

CNS-3718837# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: RAYMOND HOMER PARIS AKA RAYMOND HOMER PARIS JR. AKA RAYMOND H. PARIS JR. CASE NO. 23STPB07384

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in

JULY 17-JULY 23, 2023 21 HLRMedia coM

NEW FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as REVENANT AESTHETICS, 25000 Avenue Stanford Unit 164, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names

Pub. Monrovia Weekly 07/17/2023, 07/24/2023, 07/31/2023, 08/07/2023

MONTEREY PARK PRESS

Starting a new business? File your DBA with us at filedba.com

forth, the deputies pulled the woman’s hands apart and she began screaming as the child was taken away.

Another woman who is close by and holding a baby begins screaming and cursing at officers. When deputies state they plan to arrest her as well, she becomes incensed.

“Y’all gonna have to shoot me dead to take my baby from my arms,” she says before a struggle with deputies ensues.

During the confrontation, a male deputy is seen throwing two punches at the woman’s head while she is still holding her baby.

Late Wednesday night, the Association for Los Angeles County Deputies, the union that represents deputies, released a statement saying the video does not tell the entire story about the traffic stop.

“The video makes one thing obvious — police work is demanding and unpredictable. Any dispute over the control of infants on the roadway at 12:30 a.m. during an arrest of the driver of the car these children were riding in without proper restraints is a bad situation. Apparently, our deputies and the on-scene patrol supervisor

had determined it wasn’t safe for the children to leave with the parents who were going to be taken into custody,” wrote ALADS President Richard Pippin.

“The physical safety of the infants was clearly our deputies’ highest priority as they were seen pleading with the women for a lengthy period. There will be a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking, and some will no doubt say that things could have been done differently,” Pippin wrote.

“We will let the public decide that for themselves.”

Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Palmdale on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, called the video “gut-wrenching. My heart aches for the children that we see in this video and for their mothers,”

Barger added, “To the law enforcement community who will also see this video today and whose work will be judged harshly in the court of public opinion, I want you to know that I value your work.”

Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn called for Luna to fire the deputy who threw the punches.

“It is appalling and

there is no justification for this violence,” Hahn said in a statement. “ This deputy does not belong in our Sheriff’s Department.”

“I’m disturbed and horrified by the footage that LASD released showing mothers in distress who simply needed help keeping their children safe. These women and their children needed a safe ride home; instead, those sworn to protect them inflicted physical harm [and] lasting trauma” said 3rd District Supervisor Lindsay Horvath.

Holly Mitchell, who represents the 2nd District, said, “The body cam footage Sheriff Luna released of a male deputy using excessive force during an interaction with a Black woman and her infant is shameful. This footage is further indication of the need for a culture shift that ends the long history of brutality directed towards Black people and communities of color by law enforcement.

“These acts of violence cause immeasurable harm and I expect zero tolerance for this behavior. I want to thank Sheriff Luna for working towards increased transparency and accountability in the department,”

Fire rages in two-story apartment building in Hollywood

By City News Service

Mitchell said.

The confrontation took place during the tenure of former Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who lost his reelection bid to Luna after a contentious campaign. In a statement to the Times, he called Luna’s statements “extremely disingenuous” and said he hadn’t taken action to terminate the deputy before leaving office because the investigation into the matter had not concluded.

“Furthermore, the only reason action was taken today was because the

statute of limitation was about to expire tomorrow, July 14,” Villanueva said.

“His presser deliberately excluded all footage that showed the struggle to remove the infants from the custody of the suspects who endangered their lives, and the context of the deputy’s decision to use force.

“That very context will most likely preclude any criminal proceedings that would lead to a conviction, so this is nothing more than political posturing.”

Luna said he could not “speak to what my prede-

cessor did or did not do. The action I am describing to you today is action that I took in the last couple of days.”

The release of the video occurred against the backdrop of a June 24 confrontation when deputies responded to 911 calls for a reported robbery in progress at a WinCo Foods grocery store on Avenue K in Lancaster. After arriving on scene, they encountered a man and a woman who allegedly matched the description of the suspects given to 911.

Disney extends Bob Iger’s contract as CEO through 2026

By City News Service

Fire ravaged a twostory garden-style apartment building Wednesday in Hollywood, injuring one firefighter battling flames and sending a woman to a hospital.

Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters responded to the fire in a 32-unit, 18,900-square-foot building in the 7700 block of Hollywood Boulevard near Ogden Drive at around 5:20 p.m., according to Brian Humphrey of the LAFD, The blaze was initially reported as two vehicles burning in a carport, but the flames made their way into the attic of the structure, Humphrey said.

Firefighters pulled a woman from the second floor of the burning structure where 16 apartments were severely damaged, Humphrey said. According to firefighters at the scene, the woman was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with minor burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

An LAFD firefighter sustained a hand laceration while battling the flames

but returned to the scene after being treated.

The fire quickly burned through the roof of the structure, with a portion of the roof collapsing.

At least 126 LAFD firefighters, with the assistance of Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters, were battling flames for over 90 minutes that extended to

two of three identical sideby-side apartment buildings.

An apartment building to the further east of the fire, at the southwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Genesee Avenue, sustained only smoke damage, Humphrey said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Bob Iger will remain CEO of the Walt Disney Co. for an additional two years, with the company announcing Wednesday it has extended his contract through Dec. 31, 2026.

Iger had stepped down as the company’s CEO and chairman in 2020, after 15 years at the helm, but returned last November when Disney ousted Bob Chapek from the position. Iger originally agreed to return to the company for just two years.

“Since my return to Disney just seven months ago, I’ve examined virtually every facet of our businesses to fully understand the tremendous opportunities before us, as well as the challenges we’ve been facing from the broader economic environment and the tectonic shifts in our industry,” Iger said in a statement Wednesday.

“On my first day back, we began making important and sometimes difficult decisions to address some existing structural and efficiency issues, and despite the challenges, I believe Disney’s long-term future is incredibly

bright.

“But there is more to accomplish before this transformative work is complete, and because I want to ensure Disney is strongly positioned when my successor takes the helm, I have agreed to the board’s request to remain CEO for an additional two years. The importance of the succession process cannot be overstated, and as the board continues to evaluate a highly qualified slate of internal and external candidates, I remain intensely focused on a successful transition.”

During his original tenure, Iger was credited with expanding Disney’s reach through the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox. He also oversaw the launch of the Disney+ stream-

ing service in 2019.

“Time and again, Bob has shown an unparalleled ability to successfully transform Disney to drive future growth and financial returns, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s best CEOs,” Disney Chairman Mark G. Parker said in a statement.

“Bob has once again set Disney on the right strategic path for ongoing value creation, and to ensure the successful completion of this transformation while also allowing ample time to position a new CEO for longterm success, the Board determined it is in the best interest of shareholders to extend his tenure, and he has agreed to our request to remain Chief Executive Officer through the end of 2026.”

JULY 17-JULY 23, 2023 27 HLRMedia coM FBI

The Walt Disney Studios. | Photo by Gareth Simpson (CC BY 2.0) | Photo courtesy of Jason Lawrence/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) Body-worn camera footage shows LA County sheriff’s deputies taking a baby from a woman who was eventually arrested for alleged child endangerment. | Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department/YouTube

Students from Pasadena Polytechnic High School and two other California schools hit the road Sunday to compete in the annual Solar Car Challenge, a prestigious event in the field of alternative energy and engineering.

The race, which spans over 1,400 miles and takes place over a span of eight days, began in Fort Worth, Texas, and concludes July 23 in Palmdale, according to the Solar Car Challenge website.

The Solar Car Challenge was launched in 1993 by former educator Lehman Marks. Its primary goal is to motivate and engage high school students in the fields of science, engineering and alternative energy.

“We did some basic statistics on our kids and found that kids who take part in the solar car challenge have a 23% greater chance of entering a profession of science or engineering when compared to other high

Pasadena, Palmdale students prepare to compete in interstate solar car competition

school students,” Marks told NBC Los Angeles, emphasizing the effectiveness of the program in shaping students’ future careers.

To compete in the race, the teams’ vehicles are required to pass various tests and inspections to ensure their integrity and performance. These fully functional solar-powered vehicles are engineered by the students themselves, many of whom cannot legally drive yet.

Each team has developed a unique design and strategy to overcome the challenges of the demanding race and maximize the efficiency of their vehicles. The students’ creativity and ingenuity are put to the test as they push the boundaries of what is possible with solar energy.

In addition to Pasadena Polytechnic, fellow Californians from Palo Alto High School and Palmdale High School are among the field of 20 teams in the compe-

By HeyWire AI and Staff

tition. The teams have dedicated numerous hours, both inside and outside the classroom, to fund, build and refine their vehicles to ensure they meet the competition’s rigorous standards.

Pasadena Polytechnic’s car, aptly named the Sun Fortress, features an innovative design that maximizes solar panel efficiency, according to NBC LA.

Palo Alto High School’s car, nicknamed The Beast, focuses on aerodynamics and lightweight construction to gain a competitive edge.

Palmdale High School’s car, called the Helios Falcons, combines cuttingedge solar technology with high-performance mechanics.

Throughout their journey, the teams will have the opportunity to showcase their vehicles at various pit stops in different towns along the route. This will provide them

with a platform to explain the science and engineering behind their creations and engage with the local communities.

Marks highlighted the importance of the learning experience for the students.

“Kids will come back

and tell me now after we’ve been doing this for over 30 years and say this changed my life, and I use the skills we learned throughout that time in whatever I’m doing today,” Marks told NBC LA.

As the competition unfolds, live updates are

available on the Solar Car Challenge website as of Sunday: https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/ live-track.shtml. The online tracker will provide realtime information about the whereabouts of each team’s vehicle.

Orange County Fair returns with new attractions, old favorites

By City News Service

The 2023 edition of the Orange County Fair began Friday in Costa Mesa, featuring its first new exhibit since the pandemic as well as a return of many longtime favorites.

“We’re very excited about a brand new exhibit,”

Orange County Fair CEO Michele Richards told City News Service. “It’s a custom-made one for us about the art of music. It will take up one of our entire exhibit buildings and the best way I can describe it is as a walk-through exhibit, nostalgic journey through iconic album art.”

The exhibit features the original large hand-painted billboards that touted the release of now-iconic albums,” Richards said.

When the fair returned in 2021 after a pandemicinduced hiatus the focus was on maintaining the usual staples of the fair as well as controlling crowd sizes, Richards said.

“We were so limited the last two years coming back from the pandemic and we decided we have to get back to that one iconic exhibit feature,” Richards said. “We worked with this company before on smaller projects and they partnered

with a company that bought up all of those billboards from Hollywood and they approached us actually a couple of years ago about doing this exhibit.

“We thought it was such a terrific idea that it would capture our customers’ attention. I’ve been watching it getting built every day and I’m super excited about it.”

Richards said the company that bought the billboards, which used to be displayed on major streets like Sunset Boulevard when the hit albums were released, “did a great job of preserving them and they come in in pieces.”

The billboards feature works of Madonna, David Bowie, Prince and others, Richards said.

“There’s one of Tom Jones and the Smashing Pumpkins is in there,” she said. “The music (featured in the exhibit) goes from the ‘40s and ‘50s all the way to the present day.”

The crowds will continue to be controlled this year with no on-site tickets available. All tickets must be bought in advance of a visit online. Fair organizers said the smaller crowds provide a more pleasant

experience for the customers.

“We’re doing it because it works for the guests and the surrounding neighborhoods,” Richards said. “It’s a much better guest experience when we control our attendance.”

This year the fair — with the “Happy Together” theme — is offering a “super pass” for every day of the fair, which runs through Aug. 13 except on Mondays and Tuesdays, Richards said.

“The cost is $60 and you can come any day you want or every day you want — even when it is sold out,” Richards said.

Another new perk at the fair is unlimited water at no cost for visitors who bring their own thermos or bottle, Richards said. Visitors can also buy a souvenir water bottle and refill it with chillled, filtered water at filling stations throughout the fairgrounds, Richards said.

“We’re on a mission to try to eliminate plastic water bottles at the OC Fair, so starting this year we are supplying four water stations throughout the fairgrounds that will serve up free filtered water for

our guests if they bring an empty water bottle,” Richards said.

The fair features three new carnival rides.

“One is called Joker 360,” Richards said. “We also have a brand new roller coaster called Rafter that looks very gnarly. And a ride called the Slingshot. ... The ride shoots you up the air 70 feet. It literally slings you into the air.”

As for fair food, Richards said, “There’s some really good stuff this year. There’s always crazy food at the fair, but we’re really excited about the new stuff because we think it will appeal to a wide

range of palettes”

One is a Maple Bacon Smoothie “for those super bacon fans,” Richards said.

“There’s a fruit pizza,” she said. “And deep-fried s’mores. I’m really looking forward to that one.”

California Grill will serve up all vegan and vegetarian fare, she said.

“That’s a first time at the fair,” she said. “Our customers asked for it and we’re delivering it.”

The Pacific Amphitheatre will feature concerts from Motown legend Smokey Robinson, country icon Dwight Yoakam, classic rockers Cheap Trick, Chicago, Styx, George

Thorogood and post-punk pioneers X.

“Beck is coming” Aug. 9, Richards said. “And we’ll have all those great tribute bands each night (in the Hangar).”

And some old favorites are also on the way back, she said.

“The rodeo is coming back,” she said. “We haven’t had that in the last few years. ... If people have been to the fair the last couple of years they’re going to discover so many new things this year ... and all of the favorites are coming back and lots of new stuff so you can discover and rediscover.”

28 JULY 17- JULY 23, 2023 BeaconMedianews coM

Competitors assemble in advance of the 2023 Solar Car Challenge. | Photo courtesy of The Solar Car Challenge A pig races at the Orange County Fair. | Photo courtesy of KFFOWLER/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)