Deep Dive: 8 of our best stories from the past week

In Depth

Earthquakes

On 30th anniversary of Northridge quake, many recall life-changing moments

For most, memories of the first minutes after 4:31 a.m. on Jan. 17, 1994, when a 6.7-magnitude, thrust-fault earthquake pushed up the San Fernando Valley’s floor, consisted of frightening sensations interspersed with neighborly acts and flashes of calm. For many, the experience reminded them of life’s preciousness, and later on, the need for a change of scenery. Read more

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Criminal Justice

Razor wire, body scanners deployed at juvenile hall to keep kids in and drugs out

The Los Angeles County Probation Department has installed razor wire along the walls of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall to discourage escape attempts and plans to set up full airport-style body scanners to halt an influx of drugs. Read more

Meanwhile, eight probation officers have been placed on leave stemming from a “significant incident” at Los Padrinos. Read more

International

One year later, death of OC attorney in Mexico remains a mystery

When Orange County Deputy Public Defender Elliot Blair fell to his death from a third-floor ledge at a Rosarito hotel, his wife pushed back against the conclusion of Mexican authorities that it was “an unfortunate accident.” She believed he was murdered, and hired independent experts to investigate. Now, one year later, his death is still a mystery, but Kimberly Williams Blair is more focused on preserving his memory. Read more

Coast

Beachfront living dreams wiping out? Dana Point plan shows building challenges on the coast

When the empty beachfront lot hit the market two years ago in Dana Point, it was touted as a rare opportunity to build a dream home right on the sand. The coast is one of the most coveted places to buy or build a home – but is the dream of Southern California beach living too much of a risk? Read more

Technology

Hackers post gory videos on Discord groups at UC Irvine, causing mental trauma

Hackers last week attacked Discord online groups used by students, instructors and alumni at UC Irvine, posting gory videos of human and animal mutilation that reportedly sent some viewers to the hospital and caused a lot of “vomiting and tears.” Read more

Shelter

Still no cold weather emergency shelter in OC; advocates worry more homeless people will die

The cold weather waits for no one, and still with no cold weather shelter in place, advocates worry Orange County is behind in providing for the local homeless population this winter season. Most shelters in Orange County don’t take walk-ups, that is why the county has traditionally opened emergency shelters during the winter months so people have a place to at least get out of the cold overnight. But as the winter trudges on, and with no shelter currently in place, advocates say action from local leaders is not being taken quickly enough. Read more

Politics

In the race for Rep. Michelle Steel’s seat, abortion is shaping up to be a key issue

The kerfuffle over how Rep. Michelle Steel has reaffirmed her support for anti-abortion legislation — and just who is qualified to speak about it — began when she added her name as a co-sponsor last week to legislation that’s nearly a year old. Supporters say the resolution, introduced in January 2023, simply defines life as beginning at conception and ensures the unborn is protected under the 14th Amendment; others say it equates to a nationwide abortion ban. Read more

History

Newspaper fought to open jury selection to the public

It was 40 years ago that the U.S. Supreme Court agreed the public should have access to jury selection in courtrooms. The ruling, known today as Press-Enterprise I, was brought by the Riverside-based newspaper and continues to be cited today. The ruling set a high bar for closing a courtroom when attorneys are questioning potential jurors. A second case two years later, also brought by The Press-Enterprise, gave the public the right to attend pre-trial hearings. Both cases stemmed from terrible crimes the newspaper sought to follow through the courts. Read more

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