SoCal wildfire 95 percent contained Nov 18, 2009
Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Greg McKeown says the fire was 95 percent contained Tuesday night ... (AP) - A 245-acre wildfire in coastal mountains of Southern California was 75 percent contained Tuesday, Orange County authorities said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Firm: SoCal median home price increases in O... Nov 18, 2009
The median sales price in Orange County rose nearly 4 percent from a year ago to $436,000, the county's second consecutive gain. San Diego County's year-over-year median increased 0. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Glimpsing a Greener Future: Computer Model Foresees Effects of Alternative Transportation Fuels Nov 18, 2009
It was the first of its kind in Orange County and is a key component of the California Hydrogen Highway Network. In addition to Stephens-Romero and Samuelsen, UCI scientists Marc Carreras-Sospedra, Jack Brouwer and Donald Dabdub worked on the 2060 study, which was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy. (Science Daily)
Novato man found dead near Muir Beach Nov 17, 2009
Sheriff's officials say a fishing boat found abandoned off the Orange County coast may have been used for human traffic from Mexico. Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino says the 30-foot boat was found floating about a mile off Aliso Beach Wednesday morning and towed to Dana Point Harbor. (Fresno Bee -- State)
California & The West Nov 17, 2009
Firefighters made good progress Monday on a small brush fire that spread through more than 250 acres of rugged wilderness in southern Orange County. By The Associated Press. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Wildfire grows to 250 acres near San Juan Ca... Nov 17, 2009
Some 300 firefighters, aided by helicopters and aircraft, had the flames 10 percent contained by evening, and the fire was expected to be fully surrounded sometime Tuesday, said Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion of the Orange County Fire Authority. The fire was about 2 miles from any structures, he said, adding that the aircraft would not be flying overnight. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Small wildfire burning in Orange County Nov 17, 2009
A 20-acre wildfire is burning near San Juan Capistrano in Orange County but authorities say there aren't any homes nearby ... Lynnette Round of the Orange County Fire Authority says the blaze was reported at about 11:30 a.m. Monday. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Water bond offers nearly $2 billion in 'pork' Nov 16, 2009
-- $20 million for the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach (Orange County) for interpretive projects for visitors. The bond also includes $1. (San Francisco Chronicle)
In Calif., a better life on death row Nov 15, 2009
LOS ANGELES - White supremacist gang hitman Billy Joe Johnson got what he asked for from the Orange County jury that convicted him of first-degree murder in October: a death sentence. It wasn t remorse for his crimes or a desire for atonement that drove him to ask for execution, rather the expectation that conditions on death row are more comfortable than in other prisons and that any date with the executioner is decades away. (Boston Globe)
A grand studio dream runs headlong into reality Nov 15, 2009
Burgess claims his firm helped fund $117 million for the first phase of Orange County National Golf s resort complex in Florida. That s false, according to Bruce Gerlander, the golf center s general manager. (Boston Globe)
Death-row inmates in better quarters Nov 15, 2009
White-supremacist gang hitman Billy Joe Johnson got what he asked for from the Orange County, Calif ... Orange County Superior Court Judge Frank Fasel is expected to impose the execution order when he formally sentences Johnson on Nov. 23. (AZCentral -- News)
Dugard Kidnap Suspect Apologizes in Letter Nov 14, 2009
William Carl Probyn / Orange County Register / AP. MORE. (Time.com)
UCLA Baseball Mourns Death of Matt Schwenke Nov 14, 2009
He also coached multiple youth baseball and football teams in the Orange County area, including two football teams and one baseball team at the time of his death. Matt is survived by his wife, Barbara Schwenke Stocker, and his two sons Drake (13) and Logan (7). (Uclabruins.com)
Pair of Plaintiffs Lawyers May Face Different Fates in 9th Circuit Disciplinary Action Nov 14, 2009
It also extends beyond the law, from investments in Orange County real estate to the casino business. Now the lawyers are coming to the end of a before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where they are accused of deceiving the court in a Nicaraguan pesticides case. (Law.com)
What Does the L.A. Times Do Right? Nov 14, 2009
Sue Laris wrote on Aug 26, 2009 2:55 PM:" The Times' business section did it right today. It did not let itself get seduced by the important news that Bernanke got reappointed to head the Fed. The Times put the Bernanke story on page 2, leaving the prime real estate on page 1 to local news. Yes, yes of course a rockin' business section in an earlier time would have all things important, both local and national. But that is not the reality of the newspaper business today. The Bernanke story was... (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
SoCal county to use red flag fire danger system Nov 13, 2009
The Orange County Fire Authority said Thursday it will alert the public to elevated fire danger by hoisting red flags at parks and other facilities. The flags are emblazoned with the words "Fire Alert.". (Fresno Bee -- State)
GOP candidate Damon Dunn only voted once Nov 13, 2009
The self-described multimillionaire real estate developer from Orange County said he grew up in dire poverty in a rural Texas trailer park, the son of a 16-year-old single mother - and "no one in my family voted." ... He's listed as an officer of the Tricor Corp. of Irvine, a development firm with offices in California and other states, and property records show he owns several properties in Orange County. (San Francisco Chronicle)
11 Things: Celebrities' sprogs Nov 13, 2009
Colin Hanks first appeared as a page in his dad's film "That Thing You Do!" He has also appeared in the movie "Orange County" and TV series "The O.C.". 9. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Manhattan transplant makes a mark Nov 12, 2009
The 33-year-old Orange County native comes to Solana Beach by way of Manhattan, where he spent about five years earning critical raves and tabloid headlines ... Starting with a clean slate in San Diego (hell commute from Orange County, where his wife, small child and relatives live), Neronis arrival onto the local dining scene is as welcome as it is interesting. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
LA County sheriff's boat stuck under freeway... Nov 12, 2009
A Los Angeles County sheriff's boat is stuck under a freeway bridge in Orange County. Witnesses say the big gray boat was being hauled through Orange on a trailer at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday when the top of its cabin became wedged under the State Route 22 overpass. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Jury: Ill. man gets death penalty in 1983 slaying Nov 12, 2009
An Orange County jury has recommended the death penalty for a white supremacist gangster who asked to get on death row because he believes its prison amenities are better. Prosecutors say jurors Thursday recommended death for Billy Joe Johnson in Superior Court in Santa Ana. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Two accused of ATM thefts arrested Nov 11, 2009
Two other men suspected in the theft eluded authorities, apparently shortly after the pursuit began, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriffs Department ... The incident began about 5 a.m. when the Orange County Sheriffs Department was notified of a burglar alarm at the CVS store on Trabuco Road ... The driver and passenger, who were uninjured, were arrested by Orange County deputies, Newbury said. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Creativity Drives Employment, Economy in Los Angeles Region Nov 11, 2009
9%, between 2003 and 2008, and by an estimated 2% in Orange County, stated Sidhu ... The Digital Media sector is expected to grow the fastest between 2008 and 2013, with employment of digital artists rising by more than 10% in both Los Angeles County and Orange County. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Local Group Suggets Route For High-Speed Train Nov 11, 2009
Ultimately, the state envisions a series of 220-mile-per-hour trains that link San Francisco and Sacramento to Southern California, via Los Angeles, northern Orange County, Riverside and San Diego. To supplement the project's cost, the state has also applied for billions in federal funds set aside for high-speed rail projects. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Meet the Newcomers: Men's Field Athletes Nov 11, 2009
won the 2009 Orange County Championships in the discus with a throw of 188'2", while finishing third in the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet. (Alamosa, Colo.) placed fourth in the discus throw and fifth in the shot put at the Colorado 4A state championships. Ford holds season-best marks of 53'11" in shot put and 177'11" in the discus throw. The Falcons also added a pair of high jumpers to the program. (Bowen, Ill.) was the runner-up at the Illinois 1A state meet and holds a personal-best... (Airforcesports.com)
Baby Boomers by the numbers: Census reveals trends Nov 10, 2009
Orange County, Calif. (L.A., Long Beach, Santa Ana). (USA Today -- News)
Court Rejects Expert Mold Testimony Nov 10, 2009
Bob Hunt is a director of the National Association of Realtors and is author of the recently published book, "Real Estate the Ethical Way." A graduate of Princeton with a master's degree from UCLA in philosophy, Hunt has served as a U.S. Marine, Realtor association president in South Orange County, and director of the California Association of Realtors, and is an award-winning Realtor. Contact Bob at. (RealtyTimes)
Is It CalPERS' Turn to Clean House? Nov 9, 2009
"It's always fun to hear them take companies to the woodshed," says John M.W. Moorlach, a county supervisor in Orange County, Calif. CalPERS called for the ouster of Walt Disney () Chairman Michael Eisner in 2005 over weak stock returns, as well as New York Stock Exchange () Chairman Richard Grasso, whose pay the fund called excessive in 2003. (BusinessWeek)
Click to read:Should Pot Be Legal? Nov 9, 2009
com is hosting between a retired Orange County, Calif ... I have been on the bench in Orange County, California for 25 years, and a federal prosecutor and Navy JAG attorney before that, but there is no question whatsoever in my mind that the most patriotic thing I can do for the country that I love is to help us repeal these prohibitions. (CBS News)
Laguna Beach to provide lot for overnight stays Nov 9, 2009
Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www. ocregister. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Calif. FB star overcomes rare condition Nov 8, 2009
the web site of the Orange County Register. . (Prep Sports Sports -- Rivals.com)
Call to end touch-screen voting worries county officials (2) Nov 8, 2009
In Orange County, more than 7,000 voters were given the wrong ballots, and in Alameda County votes for Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante were being given to a lesser-known candidate during the October recall, she said. And in San Diego County, more than 1,000 voters were turned away from voting because the machines were blank, Swatt said. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Feds seize 15 pounds of crystal meth on OC freeway Nov 8, 2009
-- Authorities say U.S. Border Patrol agents have seized more than $300,000 worth of crystal methamphetamine in southern Orange County and a Mexican national is under arrest on suspicion of smuggling ... Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Fiorina comes out swinging - at her cancer Nov 8, 2009
"Let me start with the most obvious question: What's with the hair?" she asked a crowd in Orange County, motioning to the graying buzz cut that replaced her auburn wigs of recent months. "I'm happy to tell you that having been through surgery and chemotherapy and radiation, breast cancer is officially behind me. I feel absolutely great and I am raring to go.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Orange County Plastic Surgery Practice Cautions on Imaging Software Nov 8, 2009
Irvine, California (PRWEB) November 8, 2009 -- A high-tech trend is growing in Orange County plastic surgery practices, as well as in many more around the country: the use of digital imaging software to show patients how they might look after their procedure ... "I don't feel comfortable enough with the accuracy of depicted results to use imaging software in my practice at this point," says Dr. Smith, who performs cosmetic surgery in Orange County ... These systems can be used to simulate the... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Another attack leaves US Muslims fearing backlash Nov 7, 2009
"And then we worry about backlash," said Imam Mostafa Al-Qazwini of the Islamic Educational Center of Orange County in Costa Mesa, Calif. 1. (Albany Times Union)
3 friends sentenced for raping intoxicated woman Nov 7, 2009
Luster Mitchell Lewis of Irvine pleaded guilty Friday to eight felony counts, including rape, as his case was to go to trial in Orange County Superior Court. Michael Clemmons of Tustin and John Paul Foster of Seaside pleaded guilty to the same charges in September as part of a plea agreement. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Police: Orlando office shooter apprehended Nov 7, 2009
The Orlando Sentinel reported on its website that Rodriguez was detained by the Orange County Sheriff's Office in June 2007 after it received a report that he was a "danger to self and others.". Nursing aide Denise Exume, 39, told the Associated Press on Friday that during the 2007 incident she was asked to watch him after he was taken to Florida Hospital-East in Orlando for a mental health exam. (Florida Today)
Water funds by the bucket Nov 7, 2009
Santa Ana subregion (Santa Ana River watershed and southern Orange County): $128 million. San Diego County subregion: $87 million. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Senate hopeful Fiorina visits Valley Nov 6, 2009
Fiorina, 55, launched her official Senate campaign in an op-ed in the Orange County Register, and planned a town-hall event at Earth Friendly Products, a maker of cleaning supplies based in Orange County, later this morning. She had explored the Senate race for months and was rumored as a potential California gubernatorial candidate last year when she served as an adviser to Sen. (Fresno Bee)
Father, son killed by freight train in Fullerton Nov 6, 2009
A father and son have been killed by a freight train while train watching in Orange County. Police say the men were on or near the tracks when they were hit by a 7,000-foot-long freight in Fullerton shortly before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
LAPD seek help in finding child sexual predator Nov 6, 2009
A man accused of killing four women during the 1970s has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in Orange County ... The case is being heard in Orange County, where it was combined with Alcala's retrial for the murder of a 12-year-old Huntington Beach girl. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Amid GOP optimism, Fiorina announces Senate run Nov 5, 2009
Barbara Boxer at a green technology firm in Orange County, promising to pound on what she said was the California junior senator's record on issues at the top of the political agenda: jobs, the economy and the deficit. "Our most pressing problems today are too few jobs for Americans and too much spending in Washington," said Fiorina, who winds up a three-day state announcement tour in Pleasanton on Friday. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Carly Fiorina Announces Calif. Senate Run Nov 5, 2009
Fiorina ended months of speculation with an announcement in an opinion piece in the Orange County Register. She was expected to make a formal announcement later in the day in Garden Grove. (CBS News)
Ex-CEO Fiorina announces bid for U.S. Senate Nov 5, 2009
"What do you say that come next year, we give Barbara Boxer the chance to become a full-time novelist?" Fiorina told an invited audience in Orange County, a traditional GOP stronghold. "Let's start with living within our means. The rest of us do. Why not Washington?" she asked. (MSNBC -- Politics)
List of well-known serial murder cases Nov 5, 2009
An Orange County jury has recommended the death penalty for a white supremacist gangster convicted of murder who requested to get on Death Row because he believed its prison amenities are better ... An Orange County jury has recommended the death penalty for a white supremacist gangster who asked to get on death row because he believes its prison amenities are better. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Why did blue-chip Goldman take a walk on subprime's wild side? Nov 5, 2009
22-caliber rifle and not hit a subprime lender in Orange County," recalled a former manager of a company that reviewed subprime loan files before Goldman and other Wall Street firms bought the mortgages.For $100 million in mortgages, New Century could command fees from Wall Street of $4 million to $11 million, ex-employees told McClatchy. The goal was to close loans fast, bundle them into pools and sell them to generate money for the next round.Inside the mortgage company, the former employees... (Anchorage Daily News)
Seacrest fan faces stalking charge Nov 4, 2009
Uzomah is on probation after pleading guilty in September to misdemeanor charges of assault, battery and carrying a switchblade knife in Orange County after he attempted to meet Seacrest after an event and attacked one of the host's bodyguards. Flu, E. coli infection hospitalize Elton. (Honolulu Advertiser)
California GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Tom Campbell and Steve Poizner Respond to Twitter Questions During Orange County Debate Nov 4, 2009
--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, 270 business and community leaders, Brandman and Chapman University professors and staff, political bloggers and members of the media attended a California gubernatorial debate between Republicans Tom Campbell and Steve Poizner at in Irvine based in Orange County. Brandman University issued the debate invitation to Republican candidates via Twitter with Campbell and Poizner tweeting their acceptance (Meg Whitman declined). (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Jack's Mannequin Hits the Road in December with Weezer Nov 3, 2009
Jacks Mannequin, which McMahon formed in 2004 with guitarist Bobby Anderson, bassist Jonathan Sullivan, and drummer Jay McMillan in Orange County, CA, has had a busy year. The Glass Passenger has spawned two singles, The Resolution (with an accompanying music video co-directed by Twilight author Stephenie Meyer) and Swim, which was heard in the promo spots for the new CBS drama Three Rivers. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'East Valley Tribune' is ending its 118-year run Nov 3, 2009
Freedom operates nationally, publishing about 30 daily newspapers, including the Orange County (Calif. Register and (Yuma) Sun; 60 weeklies; and a variety of specialty publications. (AZCentral -- News)
Sempra clears lobbyist linked to lawmaker's scandal Nov 3, 2009
Sempra said it cleared lobbyist Heidi Dejong Barsuglia of inappropriate conduct with former Orange County Assemblyman Michael Duvall ... He resigned Sept. 9 after a videotape of his explicit boasts in a committee room of sexual activity were broadcast by KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and posted on the Web site of an Orange County newspaper. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Realtor Sued For Misrepresentation When Assessor's Record are Incorrect Nov 3, 2009
Real Estate News and Advice. There's really nothing for real estate agents and brokers to like about a recent case brought to our attention by the legal department of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). (RealtyTimes)
Vallejo seeks to expand utility tax to cell phones Nov 3, 2009
About half the cities in California have utility taxes, which range from 11 percent in Seal Beach (Orange County) and Culver City (Los Angeles County) to 1 percent in Menlo Park. Vallejo's existing utility tax is 7. (San Francisco Chronicle)
world premier of Michael Jackson This Is It, Nov 3, 2009
downtowner wrote on Nov 2, 2009 1:48 PM:" I agree with the above. The theatre looks so bland and uninteresting. How are they going to have premieres here? It looks like any theatre in the Valley or Orange County. At the very least they could have made it similiar to the Grove's Pacific Theatre and added some upscale high end class to it. What a shame. ". Sue Laris wrote on Nov 2, 2009 1:58 PM:" I hear the inside of the premiere theater is "awesome. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
'East Valley Tribune to shut down at year-end Nov 3, 2009
Freedom also owns the Orange County Register in California. The Tribune has been published since 1891. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
* PLANET POP Nov 2, 2009
Court records show he pleaded guilty in Orange County, California, last month to three misdemeanors: carrying a switchblade knife, assault and battery. Uzomah was charged after he attacked one of Seacrests bodyguards outside an event. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Creative solutions abound for fixing deadly highway (1) Nov 1, 2009
Caltrans recently agreed to a toll road program in Orange County. A 10-mile stretch of express lanes on Route 91 connecting Orange to Riverside and San Bernardino counties is now operated by the California Private Transportation Company. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
California Medicaid Members' Data Exposed Nov 1, 2009
Thousands of Orange County patients' on high alert after CDs go missing ... As many as 68,000 members of CalOptima, the Medicaid plan for Orange County, California, are contacting their credit agencies and checking their bank accounts this week after several CDs containing their personal information vanished in the mail. (SmallBusinessComputing)
Press freedom supporter Nov 1, 2009
Jack Robinson came to the Bee in 2006 from the Los Angeles Times, where he worked for nine years as an assistant metro editor, editor of the paper's Orange County edition and assistant business editor. Previously he was a reporter and editor at The Press-Enterprise of Riverside. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Ryan Seacrest 'stalker' arrested Nov 1, 2009
Last month, Mr Uzomah pleaded guilty in Orange County, California to carrying a switchblade knife, assault and battery. "His aggressive and violent efforts to come into physical contact with me are extremely frightening to me," Seacrest wrote in a court statement. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
More of a Web world for print journalists Oct 31, 2009
The San Francisco-based institute has retained veteran journalist Steven Greenhut, who most recently served as deputy editor and columnist for The Orange County Register, to establish and lead the site, called CalWatchdog ... He s been a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, capitol bureau chief for the Orange County Register and public affairs columnist for The Sacramento Bee. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Man sentenced to death in Tenn. torture slaying Oct 31, 2009
A white supremacist gang member convicted of murder has told the Orange County jury deciding his penalty that he wants capital punishment because prison amenities are better on Death Row ... He testified Tuesday in Orange County that he's heard Death Row isn't so bad, especially compared with his current living conditions ... An Orange County jury has recommended the death penalty for a white supremacist gangster convicted of murder who requested to get on Death Row because he believed its... (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
'Idol' host Ryan Seacrest gets restraining order Oct 31, 2009
Court records show he pleaded guilty in Orange County, Calif. last month to three misdemeanors: carrying a switchblade knife, assault and battery. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Jury recommends death in white supremacist killing Oct 30, 2009
An Orange County jury has recommended the death penalty for a white supremacist gangster convicted of murder who requested to get on Death Row because he believed its prison amenities are better. Prosecutors say jurors Thursday recommended death for 46-year-old Billy Joe Johnson in Superior Court in Santa Ana. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
