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San Diego

25 packages of cocaine seized after I-5 traffic stop

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A driver and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration after a traffic stop last week on Interstate 5. The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 27, around 12:30 p.m. along I-5 near the Las Pulgas exit, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release Wednesday. Agents with the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Clemente Station pulled over a compact sedan and conducted a search of the vehicle. New laws going into effect in California in 2025 Authorities found 25 cellophane-wrapped packages of cocaine, weighing around 68.45 pounds, in a box inside the vehicle’s trunk. “Smugglers don’t take the holiday season off and neither do we. We will remain vigilant and stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. U.S. Border Patrol seized the vehicle, while the driver, identified as a Mexican citizen, was taken to a nearby Border Patrol station for further investigation. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact 911 or San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.

San Diego

Two Navy sailors die shortly after arriving in Japan

YOKOSUKA, Japan (WAVY) — Two U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington died shortly after arriving at the ship’s new homeport in Japan, according to a NavyTimes article published Tuesday. The two sailors died in separate incidents and were identified as Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales, according to Stars and Stripes. Condon was found unresponsive in an on-base hotel room on Nov. 22, and Morales died off base in Yokosuka a few days later, according to their report. USS George Washington departs for Japan Their deaths are being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) in collaboration with Japanese law enforcement. The cause of their deaths has not been confirmed, and no additional information was immediately available. Nexstar’s WAVY had extensive coverage following a cluster of confirmed suicide cases on the USS George Washington in the past. Nine sailors died by suicide between 2017 and 2022.  USS George Washington left Norfolk on April 25 after spending six years in Hampton Roads at Newport News Shipbuilding undergoing maintenance. It headed to Japan to relieve

San Diego

Suspected DUI driver expected to testify in case that killed stepfather, teen

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The trial began for the woman accused of driving drunk and crashing into a teenage girl and her stepdad in June 2022 in National City. Tayishe Baltys, who was 44 at the time, is accused of DUI and killing 15-year-old Jessica “Lola” Talamante and 39-year-old Brian McKee on June 22, 2022. Two elderly people seriously injured after being struck by vehicle During opening statements of the trial on Wednesday, the prosecution’s case aims to show Baltys’ blood alcohol level was a .15 and .16 after the crash, and should be convicted of murder. But the defense’s seems to claim the device wasn’t properly calibrated and the crash was a “tragic accident,” and she should only be convicted of DUI, as well as a prior DUI. Officer Fischer’s body camera was shown in court, he was the first witness called to the stand int he trial, and one of the first police officers on scene that day. Chula Vista middle school student arrested for possession of a firearm The prosecution claimed Baltys denied drinking. Video shows she had several drinks at

San Diego

MAP: MTS offering free bus rides for December Nights at Balboa Park

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego’s largest free holiday celebration, December Nights, comes back this weekend and thousands of people are expected to gather in Balboa Park for the festivities. However, heavy traffic and the best modes of transportation to and from the event may be top of mind for visitors. The Metropolitan Transit System is offering free shuttle service to Balboa Park for people’s convenience during December Nights, which takes place from 3 to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Top songs and artists in San Diego: Spotify Wrapped 2024 The free rides will be offered between City College Transit Center and Balboa Park. Map of free event service during December Nights. (MTS) To arrive on the east side of Balboa Park (Park Boulevard Shuttle): Take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Orange Line to City College and transfer to the free special event shuttle on 11th Street. When leaving Balboa Park to head back to City College, catch the shuttle at any southbound bus stop on the west side of Park Boulevard. To arrive on the west

Los Angeles

Hegseth signed NDA, received six-figure severance after leaving veterans’ group, sources say

By James LaPorta, Rhona Tarrant Updated on: December 4, 2024 / 9:20 PM EST / CBS News Hegseth defiant as Trump floats replacements Pete Hegseth vows to fight on as Trump considers replacements 08:46 Pete Hegseth , President-elect Donald Trump’s embattled pick for secretary of defense, received a six-figure severance payment and signed a non-disclosure agreement when he exited the organization Concerned Veterans of America. The payment came amid allegations of financial mismanagement, repeated incidents of intoxication and sexual impropriety, as well as dissension among its leaders over Hegseth’s foreign policy views. The Army veteran turned Fox News host signed a non-disclosure agreement when he stepped down as CEO in January 2016, two sources associated with Concerned Veterans of America told CBS News, with one source saying the agreement included a financial payout. The CVA sources spoke to CBS News under conditions of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss legally-binding contracts, while also fearing professional reprisal.  Public tax filings reviewed by CBS News confirm that Hegseth was paid more than $172,000 between October 2016 and September 2017 – well after Hegseth’s formal

Los Angeles

New LAPD chief says he will work to protect immigrants ahead of Trump’s plans for mass deportations

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The new chief of the Los Angeles police force said his department is working with consulate offices for Mexico and other Central American countries to draft a plan to protect immigrants ahead of the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations. In an interview with The Associated Press, Jim McDonnell said his tenure as police chief will be marked by high engagement with the community, adding that all of society must participate in the criminal justice system to create a safe place to live. A veteran police officer and former sheriff, McDonnell was selected by Mayor Karen Bass in October and sworn in last month. The LAPD does not stop people or take action for any reason related to immigration status, and it doesn’t enforce immigration laws, a practice that has been in place for 45 years, said McDonnell, referring to a department policy known as Special Order 40 enacted in 1979. Any immigration enforcement would be “undercutting our primary mission, which is to be able to build public trust to work with every member of all of our communities, to be

Los Angeles

Pet shop employees in L.A. County jump for cover as truck crashes into store

Store employees and feathers went flying in a Los Angeles County pet store when a customer mistakenly drove their pickup truck into the building, leaving it in ruins. Officers with the El Monte Police Department responded to reports of the crash and damaged structure at Wes’s Pets & Feeds at 4424 N. Peck Road just before 10 a.m., authorities confirmed to KTLA.   Video of the scene obtained by KTLA shows a white Ford F-150 all the way into the building, which was cordoned off with yellow police tape and had been red tagged by city officials, meaning the structure is currently unsafe to enter.   L.A. County Fire crews also responded to the scene, though fortunately no one was injured during the incident.   Damage to Wes’s Pet & Feed store in El Monte after a truck crashed into the building on Dec. 4, 2024. (RMG News) Damage to Wes’s Pet & Feed store in El Monte after a truck crashed into the building on Dec. 4, 2024. (RMG News) Damage to Wes’s Pet & Feed store in El Monte after a truck crashed

Los Angeles

Panda Express fans can snag free limited-edition hoodie for National Comfort Food Day

The biggest Panda Express fans have a chance to showcase their love for the brand with a free limited-edition hoodie, available as part of a special giveaway Thursday, in honor of National Comfort Food Day. The giveaway is part of the Panda Express x UPRISERS Cozy Collection launch, a collaboration with the AAPI-owned clothing brand. For one day only, guests who visit select Panda Express locations in certain cities and purchase a two-entrée Panda Plate with one side will receive a free Panda Sherpa Hoodie, available in sizes M and XL, while supplies last. At Los Angeles stores, the promotion is available exclusively in-store between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Panda Express has partnered with UPRISERS clothing brand for a limited-time collaboration on Panda-themed items including a hoodie, shorts and blanket. (Panda Express/UPRISERS) Panda Express has partnered with UPRISERS clothing brand for a limited-time collaboration on Panda-themed items including a hoodie, shorts and blanket. (Panda Express/UPRISERS) Panda Express has partnered with UPRISERS clothing brand for a limited-time collaboration on Panda-themed items including a hoodie, shorts and blanket. (Panda Express/UPRISERS) Panda Express has partnered with UPRISERS

Inland Empire

Colton Tightens Cannabis Ordinances to Curb Illegal Cultivation

The Colton City Council unanimously approved amendments to Chapter 5.54 of the municipal code, intensifying its efforts to combat illegal cannabis cultivation on November 19th. The changes align with California’s amended Government Code Section 53069.4, which grants local jurisdictions the authority to impose immediate administrative fines for unlicensed cannabis activity. Chief of Police Anthony Vega, who spearheaded the proposed changes, highlighted the importance of these amendments. “A full review of Chapter 5.54 revealed critical areas requiring updates to strengthen enforcement against illegal cannabis operations in our city,” Vega said. “These updates ensure Colton stays in line with state law while protecting our community from the adverse impacts of unlawful cannabis cultivation.” The amendments address multiple sections of the municipal code: Definitions: The definition of a “responsible person” now encompasses property owners, tenants, lessees, and even volunteers who permit or engage in violations. Similarly, the term “violator” has been expanded to include anyone with possession or custody of the property. Section 5.54.150 (Appeals): Cannabis activity is now prohibited while an appeal is pending until a decision is made by the City Council or a hearing officer.

Inland Empire San Bernardino

BBOP Center Economic Hub Spreads Holiday Cheer While Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

The entrepreneurial spirit meets holiday giving as the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center hosts its heartwarming Year-End Holiday Celebration on December 17th from 12 pm to 2 pm. This festive gathering isn’t just about celebrating success – it’s about creating smiles for local children while showcasing the power of women-led businesses in the Inland Empire. In its role as San Bernardino’s premier business incubator for women of color, the BBOP Center has become a beacon of hope and economic empowerment. The Center provides crucial resources, mentorship, and a supportive ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can transform their business dreams into profitable realities, breaking down long-standing barriers in the process. “Every successful business we help launch represents a family’s future transformed,” says Vanessa Perez, CEO of the BBOP Center. “This celebration honors those transformations while paying it forward to the next generation.” The holiday event will feature a toy drive benefiting homeless children supported by Time for Change Foundation. Guests bringing unwrapped toys for children ages 0-6 will receive raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes from local women-owned businesses. Amidst seasonal treats

Health Inland Empire

Former LLUCH Patient Launches Annual Teddy Bear Drive for Children’s Hospital

Former Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital patient Caden Henderson has launched his fourth annual teddy bear drive, continuing nine years of support for the hospital since his own experience there in 2016. Henderson, now a sophomore at the University of Redlands, has collected more than 1,300 teddy bears and raised over $20,000 since beginning his efforts. His initiative stems from gratitude for the care he received during his four-day hospital stay. “The Child Life team at the hospital is so special,” Henderson said. “They put me at ease and provided activities and games to help pass the time. We were lucky our stay was only four days, while other children had to stay for much longer. I’m happy to find even a small way to give back and help those patients.” This year’s drive runs through Dec. 15, with donations of new teddy bears accepted at multiple locations. Bears in their original packaging, such as those sent directly from Amazon, are particularly encouraged to ensure sterility for the hospital’s most vulnerable patients. The bears will be delivered to patients during the week of Christmas. Drop-Off

Los Angeles

Early signing day could have gone better for UCLA and DeShaun Foster

As DeShaun Foster spoke with reporters about his first recruiting class, the UCLA coach’s efforts to restock his roster were becoming more complicated. Quarterback Madden Iamaleava and wide receiver Jace Brown, widely expected to become Bruins, publicly revealed Wednesday afternoon they were instead becoming Arkansas Razorbacks. The Long Beach Poly High teammates were the second and third players verbally committed to UCLA who changed their allegiance. Epi Sitanilei, a four-star edge rusher prospect from St. John Bosco, had earlier announced that he was headed to Ohio State instead of UCLA. The first day of the early signing period also came with a few pleasing developments for Foster and his recruiting staff. The Bruins landed LaRue Zamorano, a cornerback from Corona Centennial who recently decommitted from Michigan State, and Lucien Holland, an edge rusher from Inglewood who recently decommitted from Boise State. “It’s been a real roller-coaster ride today,” Foster said, “and that’s what recruiting is.” After all the losses and additions were tallied, UCLA’s 17-member recruiting class dropped from No. 35 nationally and No. 11 in the Big Ten in the 247Sports rankings to No.

Los Angeles

8 Las Posadas events in Southern California to get you in the Holiday spirit

Rooted in the elaborate 20-day pre-Hispanic Mexica festival known as Panquetzaliztli, which celebrates the winter solstice rebirth of Aztec sun god Huitzilopochtli, Las Posadas commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe space for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus. Jesuit priests arriving in New Spain (Mexico) in 1523 to convert Indigenous people to Christianity appropriated these traditions and created the nine-day celebration (Dec. 16 to 24) we know today. Las Posadas festivities are primarily held in the U.S., Mexico, Central and South America with participants reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey. Dressed as angels, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, actors and spectators carry candles and sing a version of “Canto para pedir posada” (“Carol to ask for shelter”) in a procession that concludes with festivities once the symbolic lodging is granted. In Los Angeles, Olvera Street hosts the city’s longest running event with nightly processions, champurrado and pan dulce. Lincoln Heights’ Plaza de la Raza hosts a posada-themed fundraiser benefiting their invaluable community programming and the Pico Rivera Sports Arena takes part in festivities with a charreada and music

Sacramento

Small Business Spotlight: Hanford’s Winter Wonderland

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa ahead of your visit with Santa or grubbing on comfort food after an ice skating session, your purchases are a meaningful part of Hanford’s Winter Wonderland. “We see winter wonderland not only recreation and fun but it’s also economic development for our community,” Hanford Parks and Community services director Brad Albert said. Now in its fourth year, the event that’s become a holiday staple in the south valley makes local businesses the star of the show with Wonderland Village. “We try not to step on toes, we don’t duplicate food offerings, we have sweets, we have hot chocolate, we try to keep it pretty balanced for what our customers like,” Albert said. Donated and decorated Tuff Sheds allow eight Hanford businesses to serve and store their specialties, during the week and on weekends four additional food trucks round out the dining options. “Last year we had 110,000 visits in eight weeks so when we do the marketing, we bring them into the event and while they’re here we try to get them to stay a while,”

Sacramento

Eminem’s mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper’s lyrics, dies at age 69

By HALLIE GOLDEN Thursday, December 5, 2024 12:02AM Debbie Nelson, the single mother of rapper Eminem whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his hit song lyrics, has died. She was 69. Eminem’s longtime representative Dennis Dennehy confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday. He did not provide a cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer. Nelson was born in 1955 on a military base in Kansas. Her fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star. This split image shows Debbie Nelson, left, mother of rap star Eminem, on April 10, 2001, and Eminem, right, Jan. 14, 2024, in Detroit. AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File Eminem has disparaged his mother in songs such as the 2002 single “Cleaning Out My Closet.” Eminem sings: “Witnessin’ your mama poppin’ prescription pills in the kitchen. … My whole life I was made to believe I was sick when I wasn’t.” In lyrics from his Oscar-winning hit “Lose Yourself” from the movie “8 Mile,” his feelings seem to have

Sacramento

How to navigate the stress and anxiety of politics during the holidays

Thursday, December 5, 2024 12:01AM The holiday season is here, bringing gatherings with friends and family but also heightened stress and anxiety, especially after the election. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The holiday season is in full swing – meaning gatherings with friends and family … but that can also mean more stress and anxiety. The tension is even higher in some cases after the U.S. election. Action News Anchor Vanessa Vasconcelos spoke with a local couples and family therapist to learn ways to keep the peace at your next holiday gathering. Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Sacramento

Shooting at a Northern California elementary school and suspect is dead, sheriff’s office says

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 11:52PM OROVILLE, Calif. — A suspected gunman is dead and two students were taken to the hospital after a shooting Wednesday at a Northern California elementary school, according to authorities. Deputies were “on scene of an active incident involving a shooting” at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office said on the social platform X. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said when deputies arrived at the school they found a man believed to be the shooter with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. That man is dead. The sheriff’s office says deputies also found two students with gunshot wounds who were taken to the hospital but their condition is unknown at this time. Authorities say students are being transported to Oroville Church of the Nazarene where parents can reunite with their children. A Google Earth view of the Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, Calif. Google Earth According to the school website, Feather River Adventist School has 33 students enrolled. The school is located roughly 10 miles south of Oroville. Palermo – home to about 5,500 people

Los Angeles

Final 2024 House race decided with Democrats scoring net gain

Final 2024 House race decided with Democrats scoring net gain – CBS News Watch CBS News CBS News has projected a winner for the last race in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats scored a net gain from their last term to create a narrow GOP majority in the chamber. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall joins “America Decides” to examine the state of the 119th Congress. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Los Angeles

What happens if Trump ends the electric vehicle tax credit?

What happens if Trump ends the electric vehicle tax credit? – CBS News Watch CBS News President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he wants to end the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle buyers. Albert Gore III, executive director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association, joins “America Decides” to discuss the future of EVs in the second Trump administration. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Los Angeles

Trump taps Peter Navarro as top trade adviser months after prison release

Trump taps Peter Navarro as top trade adviser months after prison release – CBS News Watch CBS News President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Peter Navarro will return to the White House as his senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. Navarro, who served in Trump’s first administration, was behind bars for several months this year for defying a subpoena from the House Select Jan. 6 Committee. Tom LoBianco, co-founder and national political reporter for 24sight News, and Sabrina Rodriguez, national politics reporter at The Washington Post, join with analysis. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On