An advocacy group for California cities supported Prop. 1. Here’s why three O.C. cities are leaving

Three Orange County cities voted this month to withdraw from the California League of Cities, with some leaders saying the advocacy organization isn’t representing their interests and has handed too much power over to the state. The California League of Cities is a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Sacramento that communicates with cities about laws being discussed in the state legislature, conducts training for city officials and gives local governments an opportunity to influence statewide policies. Out of 482 cities in California, the league counts more than 470 as members. But elected officials in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Orange have opted to withdraw their cities’ membership over various issues, including the organization’s support of Proposition 1. California voters this month narrowly passed the $6.4-billion bond measure that aims to reform California’s mental health system. The bond will support 10,000 treatment and housing beds and overhaul a 20-year-old tax for mental health services to also fund treatment for drug addiction. A majority of Orange County voters — roughly 58% — cast a ballot against it with many voicing concerns that it could mean more sober

Suspected drug dealer arrested with about 1 pound each of fentanyl, meth in possession

An Oxnard man accused of peddling deadly drugs is in custody after he was arrested by deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, according to authorities. The Sheriff’s Office said 44-year-old Germain Shrauger was arrested in the area of Oxnard Community Park West last Friday. Authorities said he was seen selling drugs from his car in the area of 7th St Street and Hobson Way in Oxnard during the investigation. After obtaining a search warrant, detectives seized about 1 pound of fentanyl and more than another pound of methamphetamine. As little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl, a highly addictive substance, could be a lethal dose, the sheriff’s office said. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for young people Shrauger was arrested on suspicion of possession for sales of a controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance, possession for sales of a dangerous drug and sales of a dangerous drug. He was booked into Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he remains on $200,000 bail. He’s scheduled to appear in court on April 5.

Angeleno threatened to shoot up Victorville 7-Eleven, Sheriff’s Department says

A Los Angeles man faces multiple charges after he allegedly threatened an employee at a Victorville 7-Eleven and displayed his gun in the process. Eric Lavell Taylor, 66, entered the store in the 15700 block of Roy Rogers Drive at about 6:30 p.m.. Wednesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release. Employees at the 7-Eleven told Taylor he was not allowed inside and was trespassing, but he “refused to leave and made his way around the store,” the release said. He then “threatened to shoot up the location and the victim,” authorities added. He was arrested on multiple charges: Making criminal threats Exhibiting a firearm in a public place Petty theft Being a felon in possession of a firearm Possessing ammunition as a prohibited person Taylor is being held at the West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $150,000 bail, according to jail records. He’s due to appear in Victorville Superior Court on Friday. Anyone with information is asked to call 760-241-2911 or 760-956-5001. To report information anonymously, call WeTip at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave information at wetip.com.

House to send Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate on April 10

Politics By Kaia Hubbard March 28, 2024 / 1:12 PM EDT / CBS News Mayorkas impeached by Republican-led House Mayorkas is first cabinet member to be impeached since 1876 04:29 Washington — House Republicans are set to present the articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate after Congress returns from recess next month, kickstarting a clash over an impeachment trial in the upper chamber that Democrats are expected to work to quickly quash.  Speaker Mike Johnson and the House impeachment managers wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday that they intend to present the Senate with the impeachment articles on Wednesday, April 10, after both chambers return from a two-week break. “If he cares about the Constitution and ending the devastation caused by Biden’s border catastrophe, Senator Schumer will quickly schedule a full public trial and hear the arguments put forth by our impeachment managers,” Johnson said in a statement.  Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas holds a press conference at a U.S. Border Patrol station on Jan. 8, 2024, in Eagle

Boaters warned to avoid shipwrecks, including WWII minesweeper

U.S. By Stephen Smith March 28, 2024 / 1:12 PM EDT / CBS News What technology could change the way we learn about shipwrecks What technology could change the way we learn about shipwrecks 05:06 Federal authorities are asking fishing vessels to steer clear of 11 shipwreck located in a marine sanctuary east of Boston, warning that they could “cause serious damage” to the many historically significant ships that have gone down in the waters since the 19th century. In a news release issued Wednesday, NOAA is requesting that vessels avoid the shipwreck sites in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, which sits between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Though dozens of shipwrecks lie in the sanctuary, NOAA singled out 11 wrecks for boaters to avoid, including the World War II minesweeper USS Heroic, the trawler Josephine Marie and the 55-foot North Star. The other eight wrecks are unknown vessels, the agency said. Nets drape the wreck of the USS Heroic, a former minesweeper. NOAA/SBNMS “NOAA recognizes that fishermen want to avoid shipwrecks to ensure the safety of the crew and because of the risks

New video shows aftermath of Baltimore bridge collapse

New video shows aftermath of Baltimore bridge collapse – CBS News Watch CBS News New video released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows some of the aftermath of the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has the latest on the NTSB’s investigation. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

How AI powered robots are helping small farms fight labor shortages

How AI powered robots are helping small farms fight labor shortages – CBS News Watch CBS News From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

San Bernardino’s first merchant was an early Jewish pioneer

Marcus Katz was born in Germany on Sept. 20, 1820, and, at the age of 25, immigrated to the United States. Jewish himself, he found work in a Jewish dry goods store in Baltimore. Five years later, in 1850, Katz decided to try his luck in the gold fields of Northern California. He soon made his way south to Los Angeles and then to San Bernardino, arriving there in 1852, only a year or so after it was founded. Shortly after arriving at what was then more of a fort and outpost than a town, Katz received permission from the Mormon church leaders who had founded San Bernardino to open a store inside the 5-acre fort. With little cash available in San Bernardino at that time, Katz conducted his business on the barter system, accepting items such as butter, produce and eggs as payment for other goods. He then hauled those items to Los Angeles, where they were bought by L.A. storekeepers who paid Katz in hard currency. After a year in San Bernardino, Katz moved to San Diego, where he ran a book and

Michael Conforto extends SF Giants’ streak of Opening Day left fielders to 18

SAN DIEGO — The San Francisco Giants’ streak of different Opening Day left fielders lived to see another year. Receiving the honor this season was Michael Conforto, who got the nod in left field Thursday against the Padres, becoming the 18th different player to start at the position since Barry Bonds last did so in 2007. It was all but guaranteed once Blake Sabol, last year’s starter, was optioned to Triple-A. With Conforto a free agent after this season, the streak could easily reach 19 next year, which would match a 70-year-old MLB record for the most consecutive Opening Day starts by a different player at one position. That ignominious milestone is held by the St. Louis Browns/Baltimore Orioles from 1937-1955. Reaching 18 years, the Giants took sole possession of second place on the list, passing the Padres, who also cycled through 17 different left fielders from 2005-2021. That streak was finally snapped by Juan Soto, who so happens to be a free agent this winter. The remainder of the Giants’ Opening Day lineup in San Diego was littered with their additions from this offseason.

SF Giants’ Opening Day roster include Joey Bart, but not Marco Luciano

SAN DIEGO — Joey Bart’s last day in the Giants’ organization hasn’t arrived yet. Finalizing their Opening Day roster Thursday morning, the Giants opted to carry three catchers, including the former second overall pick. While the team won’t carry three catchers all season, Bart cannot be sent to the minors without passing through waivers and the move potentially increases the chances he goes unclaimed. By using one of the 26 roster spots on Bart, the Giants will open the season with only 12 pitchers. The group includes Blake Snell, though the recently signed reigning Cy Young winner isn’t expected to pitch until at least the second turn through the rotation. Also among the pitchers to break camp with the big club was Landen Roupp, who started spring by not even throwing off a mound because of a back injury last year but pitched his way onto the big-league roster, likely as a swingman who can help lighten the load on the rotation that has at least two members — Snell and Keaton Winn — not at full strength to begin the season. Roupp, 25, and

Larry Magid: New Tesla offers lower price, upgraded tech

I have a confession to make. I sold my 2018 mid-range Model 3 and bought a 2024 Tesla Model 3, formerly code-named “Highland,” which offers greater range, a much quieter and more comfortable ride and other refinements. The reason I bought it this month was to take advantage of a temporary offer to transfer my so-called Full Self Driving (FSD) software from my old Tesla to the new one without having to pay $12,000 or $200 a month for the software. I’ll save the reason for my confession till I’m done reviewing the new car and the latest version of Tesla’s FSD software. More luxurious and less expensive Despite some minor outside cosmetic changes, the new 2024 Model 3 looks similar to the previous model, which has been mostly unchanged since it was introduced in 2017. The headlights are a bit slimmer, the fog lights have been removed and the car is more aerodynamic, which makes it more efficient. The car just seems better built. You can even hear and feel a difference when you close the door. It’s a lot more luxurious than it

How to motivate your lazy dog to get more exercise

By Leah Ingram | Associated Press Fat dog memes may be all the rage on TikTok, but there is nothing funny about an overweight dog. Like humans, dogs become susceptible to a whole host of health issues if they weigh too much. And too many pups do weigh too much. Around six in 10 dogs are overweight, so says the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Many dogs aren’t getting enough exercise on a regular basis. In time for April’s Canine Fitness Month, here are easy ways to motivate your lazy dog to move more. Reasons to exercise your dog on a regular basis You probably know that dogs need walks on a daily basis. However, do you know how long or frequent those walks should be? Well, it all depends on the size, breed and health of your dog. “A 15-minute walk once or twice a day with a two-year-old border collie probably isn’t going to be enough,” said Deborah Aronson, VMD, at the Main Line Veterinary Integrative Practice in Wynnewood, PA. She explained that border collies are high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise.

Authorities alert public of uptick in credit card skimmers in East County

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Shoppers are being warned of a pervasive scam that threatens anyone making purchases at retail stores, with authorities uncovering at least 26 instances of fraud within the past year. It’s a scam that can affect every person who simply shops at a store and the current warning is reminding everyone of the sophistication of these criminals getting craftier all the time. “They are called skimmers, and their target is your credit or debit cards,” said Ray Yako, a detective from the El Cajon Police Department. Two teens arrested in deadly Chula Vista shooting In El Cajon, these skimmers have been found at 7-Eleven stores, Walmart outlets, and virtually any location with point-of-sale terminals enabling self-checkout. They have recently discovered at least 26 of these skimmers in East County. Once the skimmer is placed, the criminal just waits for customers to check in and check out. The skimming devices, placed discreetly on top of genuine point-of-sale systems, surreptitiously record card information, including PIN numbers. “This keypad records information and data from your debit card. PIN pad will record the PIN

Argument at taco shop turns violent; man stabbed

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/ KUSI) — A man was stabbed in the back Wednesday evening after an argument between taco shop employees violently escalated in the Gaslamp District, authorities said. According to the San Diego Police Department, the 35-year-old victim and the suspect, who’s described to be in his 30s, got into a verbal altercation behind a taco shop on the 800 block of Fifth Avenue around 5:40 p.m. San Diego-area campground among top 10 in US, according to Campspot Authorities did not specify the name of the taco shop but said both men were employees. It was reported by police that the suspect took out a knife and slashed the back of the victim before running away from the scene. The victim had a cut to his finger and a roughly 4-inch laceration to his back. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect was arrested a short time later in the area of 500 F Street and the weapon was recovered, SDPD said. Central Division detectives will be investigating the incident. Anyone with information related to the stabbing

Fallen crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison

By KEN SWEET and LARRY NEUMEISTER | Associated Press NEW YORK  — Crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison for a massive fraud that unraveled with the collapse of FTX, once one of the world’s most popular platforms for exchanging digital currency. Bankman-Fried, 32, was convicted in November of fraud and conspiracy — a dramatic fall from a crest of success that included a Super Bowl advertisement and celebrity endorsements from stars like quarterback Tom Brady, basketball star Stephen Curry and comedian Larry David. U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan imposed the sentence in the same Manhattan courtroom where, four months ago, Bankman-Fried testified that his intention had been to revolutionize the emerging cryptocurrency market with his innovative and altruistic ideas, not to steal. Kaplan said the sentence reflected “that there is a risk that this man will be in position to do something very bad in the future. And it’s not a trivial risk at all.” He added that it was “for the purpose of disabling him to the extent that can appropriately be done for a significant period

They escaped a world of fast fashion to teach L.A. how to give old clothes new life

It’s a rainy Wednesday evening at low-lit, moody Arts District hangout Tea at Shiloh, where a dozen students including myself perch on round white floor cushions, sipping carob cardamom tea and peering uncertainly at piles of denim on the low tables before us. Each of us has brought a ripped or damaged item of clothing from our closet, hoping to extend its life and keep it from the Goodwill bin. We’re not here to hide our healing handiwork as talented seamstresses would, making tiny, nearly invisible stitches secreted under seams or camouflaged by the denim’s color. Instead, Kim Krempien and Betsy Flores, clothing designers and founders of creative reuse collective Other Lives Studio , urge us in this workshop to make wildly colorful visible stitches that are also part of a larger creative design. To inspire us in our big, bold designs, Flores and Krempien have placed a mood board at the front of the room, displaying the styles of some of their embroidery influences: Maison Margiela, Jil Sander, Sashi.Co , and Yohji Yamamoto, to start. In one inspirational photo, a large multicolored butterfly spans

Efforts underway to remove Baltimore bridge ruins; search suspended for 4 workers presumed dead

Authorities started cleaning up the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Thursday after suspending the search for the remaining four missing workers, presumed dead, who fell into the water when the bridge went down. Eight people plummeted into the cold waters of the Patapsco River after a Singaporean cargo ship struck the bridge early Tuesday, causing the 1.6-mile span to collapse. Two people were rescued; one declined treatment and the other was hospitalized in critical condition. Officials pulled the bodies of 35-year-old Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes of Baltimore and 26-year-old Dorlian Castillo Cabrera of Dundalk, Md., from a submerged red pickup truck near the bridge Wednesday morning, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr. of the Maryland State Police. Butler said they were turning their focus to a salvage operation. Authorities halted the search for the other victims’ remains, he said, because of the dangerous conditions for the divers. “We have exhausted all search efforts in the areas around this wreckage,” he added. Butler said they believe the vehicles with the other victims are “encased in the superstructure and concrete that we

Karlie Kloss’ Bedford Media will resuscitate Life magazine as a print product

Print may be dying, but Bedford Media believes it can bring back Life. The New York-based media holding company owned by fashion model Karlie Kloss and her husband Joshua Kushner announced Thursday it will relaunch the famed magazine as a regular newsstand publication. The title was long one of the anchor publications of Henry Luce’s Time Inc. magazine empire in the mid-20th century. Inside the business of entertainment The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. A representative for Bedford said the publication frequency for the title is still to be determined but will most likely launch as a quarterly. The first issue is scheduled for early 2025. The new Life will have a website and branded digital and audio products as well. The picture-driven Life was a major chronicler of the nation and world until it ceased weekly publication in the 1970s, supplanted by television news. The title was revived as a monthly, which published until

Hay grown for cattle consumes nearly half the water drawn from Colorado River, study finds

With chronic water shortages afflicting the Colorado River, discussions about how to cut usage have increasingly focused on a thirsty crop that consumes an especially large share of the river’s water: hay that is grown to feed cattle and produce beef and dairy products. In a new study, researchers found that alfalfa and other cattle-feed crops consume 46% of the water that is diverted from the river, accounting for nearly two-thirds of agricultural water use. The research also shows that agriculture is the dominant user of Colorado River water, accounting for 74% of the water that is diverted — about three times the combined usage of all the cities that depend on the river. The study presents the most detailed analysis of its kind to date, including extensive data on where the river’s water goes across seven Western states and northern Mexico. The research sheds new light on how the river’s water is used at a time when representatives of the federal government, states and tribes are seeking long-term solutions to reduce water use and adapt to climate change. “It’s important to understand where all

Review: ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ is monster math that becomes a headache

Before the titan-sized title of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” even flashes across the screen, director Adam Wingard has already delivered two impressively goopy moments courtesy of our lead characters: Kong rips a hyena-thing in half, green entrails spilling everywhere, while Godzilla squashes a giant bug in Rome, releasing great vats of yellow goo over the ancient city. It’s an indication of the colorfully excessive ethos that Wingard brings to this loaded monster jam, overflowing with kaiju creatures. Considering that much of the action takes place in the underworld known as Hollow Earth, you might even call this picture stuffed crust. Wingard, who directed the neon-synth fever dream that was 2021’s “Godzilla vs. Kong,” comes from the world of horror films (“You’re Next”) and he brings that same approach to his blockbusters, with a penchant for gleeful experimentation and over-the-top style. He drives this vehicle like he stole it, and with co-writers Simon Barrett and Terry Rossio, seems to throw every idea he’s ever had for a monster movie at the script. It’s a lot. It’s fun, but it’s a lot. On the plus

What’s keeping egg prices high for Easter? It’s not just inflation

Egg prices are at near-historic highs in many parts of the world as the spring holidays approach, reflecting a market scrambled by disease, high demand and growing costs for farmers. It’s the second year in a row consumers have faced sticker shock ahead of Easter and Passover, both occasions in which eggs play prominent roles. While global prices are lower than they were at this time last year, they remain elevated, said Nan-Dirk Mulder, a senior global specialist with Dutch financial firm RaboBank’s RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness division. Mulder doesn’t expect them to return to 2021 levels. In the United States, the average price of a dozen eggs was $2.99 in February, down from $4.21 last year, according to government data. Still, that’s significantly more than the $1.59 cents per dozen consumers were paying in February 2021. In Europe, egg prices are 10% to 15% lower than last year but still about double what they were in 2021, Mulder said. One major culprit is avian flu. Outbreaks of the deadly respiratory disease were reported in Europe, Africa and Asia in 2020 and spread to North