Firefighters Contain Spread of Franklin Fire

Firefighters Friday continued their efforts to fully douse the Franklin Fire in Malibu, which was smoldering in steep and dangerous terrain, with cooler weather, higher humidity and the absence of strong winds helping minimize the spread of the destructive wildfire that started on Monday. With the Santa Ana winds subsided and overall conditions improving, the […]

Paula Abdul Settles Sex Assault Case Against “American Idol” Producer

Singer/dancer/choreographer Paula Abdul has reached a settlement of a lawsuit she filed last year against “American Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe alleging that he sexually assaulted her while she was a judge on the program and on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Lythgoe had strongly disputed the allegations, calling the accusations “false” and “deeply […]

Hong Kongese Ex-Pat Pleads Guilty to Turtle Trafficking Charges

A 54-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges after wildlife inspectors at a Torrance mail facility intercepted packages containing protected eastern box turtles addressed to one of the defendant’s aliases in China. Sai Keung Tin, of Hong Kong, entered his plea in Los Angeles federal court to four counts of exporting merchandise contrary to […]

White Supremacist from Huntington Beach Gets Timed Served for Inciting Violence

A reputed founder of a violent Southern California white supremacist organization was sentenced Friday in downtown Los Angeles to the 24 months he already served on a federal charge of inciting brawls at political rallies across the state. Robert Rundo, 34, of Huntington Beach pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to violate […]

Cedars-Sinai Receives $35M Donation for Interventional Cardiology

Cedars-Sinai announced Friday a $35 million donation from the foundation of investor and former attorney Bruce Karsh and his wife Martha that will establish an interventional cardiology division at the hospital. According to the medical center, the gift was made in honor of Martha Karsh’s 94-year-old mother, who suffered a “catastrophic mitral valve rupture” two […]

“Sesame Street” and “SpongeBob” Nominated for Producers Guild Awards

“Sesame Street” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” were among the nominees announced Friday for the Producers Guild of America Award for outstanding children’s program. Also receiving nominations were “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” For sports programs, nominations went to “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” “Hard Knocks: […]

Silver Alert Issued for Missing Pico-Union Senior

Authorities issued a Silver Alert Friday for a 73-year-old man who was last seen in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles. Alejandro Valentin was last seen around 3 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of West Washington Boulevard and South Hoover Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. Valentin was described as a 5-foot-3-inch tall man […]

Duo Charged in Anaheim Murder

A man and woman were charged Friday with killing a 25-year-old man in Anaheim this week. Rashaadd Eugene Royal, 41, of Corona, and Jennifer Camacho Mandap, 51, of Moreno Valley, were both charged with murder in the Dec. 8 killing of Kenneth Wayne Swets. Royal also faces a sentencing enhancement for the discharge of a […]

Arcadia Educator Charged with Possession of Child Porn

A Pasadena man who works as a teacher and youth soccer coach in the Arcadia area was charged Friday with possession of child pornography. Justin Yasutake, 39, was arrested Tuesday by Arcadia police, who said he worked as a teacher and girls soccer coach for roughly 20 years. He was charged with a single felony […]

Woman’s Trial Set Against LA, Former LAPD Chief Moore for Injuries Sustained From Rubber Bullets at Lakers Celebration

A woman who sued the city of Los Angeles and then-LAPD Chief Michel Moore — alleging both are liable for injuries she suffered after officers allegedly shot her in the face with a rubber bullet while she was celebrating the Lakers’ victory in the 2020 NBA Finals — can proceed to trial, a judge has […]

Costume Designers Guild Nominates “The Substance,” “Maria”

Costume designers behind the films “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” “The Substance” and “Gladiator II” were among those nominated Friday for the 27th Costume Designers Guild Awards. “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez” and “The Substance” were nominated in the contemporary film category, along with “Challengers and “The Fall Guy.” “Gladiator II” was nominated for period film costumes, along with […]