Category: Los Angeles

The University of Southern California is urging international students who are currently out of the country to return stateside as soon as possible before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The advisory, according to the university’s student newsroom, was issued by USC’s Office of International Services. Emails were sent out to students on F-1 and J-1 visas, according to Annenberg Media, encouraging them to return from winter break out of fear of them being denied entry into the country after Inauguration Day. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office for the second time on Jan. 20, 2025, and concerns have been raised about how his administration will handle student and international travel visas. Trump signals use of military for deportations Trump, who campaigned heavily on stemming illegal immigration, has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants with the help of the U.S. military in the immediate days following his inauguration. While it’s unclear if his administration plans to restrict student visas, he has floated the idea in the past. In the first week of his previous presidency, he signed an executive order that enacted severe restrictions

Downtown Paso Robles currently has four designated parking lots reserved for employees and business owners, but that could soon be changing. Each person is required to pay a fee of $5 a month to park in the lots. But with the downtown paid parking program eliminated, the city council is taking another look at employee parking. At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, members recommended eliminating the program, with the cost of keeping the program exceeding yearly revenue. At the next city council meeting on Dec. 17, there will be a public hearing where business owners and other community members can voice their opinions about what the city should do with the four designated lots. Complaints of employees taking up too many prime parking spots downtown led to the implementation of the paid parking program in 2019, with kiosks and two hours of free parking. It then transitioned to $1 an hour before being eliminated altogether earlier this year. Now, many downtown workers are no longer using the four designated parking lots. I don’t use the employee parking so I can’t say that it’s very necessary

Senior veterans in San Luis Obispo are invited to a Welcome Home Event where they will be honored and recognized for their service. The program will also include opportunities to network, explore local resources and support and share stories. “Our senior veterans have laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today. This event is our way of expressing gratitude and ensuring they feel the unwavering support of our community.”The Senior Veteran Welcome Event will happen at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall (801 Grand Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Eric Bieniemy received a hero’s welcome upon his arrival in March, co-workers lining the hallway inside UCLA’s practice facility to serenade him with applause. The new offensive coordinator removed one of his Super Bowl rings so that DeShaun Foster, his new boss, could inspect it. “It’s time,” Bienemy said that day, referring to his plans to do big things. “It’s time.” Nine months later, after a season in which the Bruins’ offense ranked as one of the worst in the nation and several top players regressed from their previous form, the Bieniemy era is over. In a move that showed both an admission of making the wrong hire and a willingness to quickly pivot, Foster severed ties with Bieniemy on Thursday after their one season together produced across-the-board struggles on offense. UCLA ranked No. 117 in the country in total offense (328.8 yards per game), No. 126 in scoring offense (18.4 points per game) and No. 130 in rushing offense (86.6 yards per game). The Bruins’ inability to run the ball was especially maddening given that both Foster and Bieniemy had success as running backs

SAN FRANCISCO —  Northern California was rattled by a magnitude 7 earthquake off the coast of Humboldt County on Thursday, prompting a tsunami warning for a wide swath of the region. The earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m. with an epicenter under the Pacific Ocean, about 70 miles southwest of Eureka and 110 miles northwest of Mendocino. Shaking on land was quite strong in the Eureka area, said Elizabeth Cochran, seismologist with U.S. Geological Survey said. The earthquake was widely felt across California’s North Coast. State Sen. Mike McGuire of Healdsburg said in a social media post that there was a mandatory evacuation order in Crescent City due to the tsunami threat. “All residents should head to higher ground immediately,” McGuire wrote. The tsunami warning extends from Oregon to just north of Santa Cruz. “Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is expected or occurring. Warnings indicate that widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival,” officials said in a bulletin. Olivia Cobian, the innkeeper at the Gingerbread Mansion, a bed and

California researchers say the world may be just one genetic tweak away from human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus — a worrisome mutation that could open the door to widespread human infections and possibly even a pandemic, according to some experts. In a study published Thursday in the journal Science, Scripps Research Institute biologists determined that a single mutation of the hemagglutinin protein — the “H” in H5N1 — could transform a virus that has so far sickened or killed mostly birds and cows into a pathogen that targets cells in human beings. The finding comes amid a growing number of H5N1 outbreaks among California dairy cows, as well as a state-ordered recall of raw milk products. Since the virus began infecting the nation’s dairy stock in March, infectious disease experts have warned that unprotected contact between dairy workers and infected cows could enable the virus to evolve in a manner that threatens humans. Now, Scripps researchers suggest the path for such a genetic change may be much shorter than state and national health officers anticipated. “This really surprised us,” said study coauthor

Angela Hucles Mangano speaks with the media in November 2023. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images) Dec. 5, 2024 10:42 AM PT Angel City has parted ways with general manager Angela Hucles Mangano after the team missed the playoffs for a second time in three seasons. The decision is the first significant move under new controlling owner Willow Bay, who joined with her husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, in investing in the team last July. More changes are expected with coach Becki Tweed now on the hot seat. Tweed, who took over midway through the 2023 season, narrowly got the team into the playoffs that year. But Angel City went 7-13-6 and scored just 22 goals, second-lowest in the NWSL, in her only full season in charge. The team’s goal differential of -18 was also second-worst. Tweed was hired by Hucles Mangano, and a new general manager would be expected to chose their own coach. Changes could be coming in the team’s management structure as well. Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, has impressed people close to the club with her

(KRON) — An earthquake that struck Humboldt County in Northern California was felt in the Bay Area Thursday morning. The quake was a preliminary magnitude of 6.6, according to the United States Geological Survey. However, the USGS later confirmed the magnitude as 7.0. A tsunami warning was issued as a result of the quake but was later lifted. The quake, which struck at 10:44 a.m., was reportedly felt around the Bay Area. KRON4 viewers around the Bay Area in locations that included San Francisco, Oakland and Alameda all reported feeling the quake. North Bay cyclist reportedly dies after swallowing bee while warming up for race The epicenter was about 42 miles west-southwest of Ferndale and 54 miles west-southwest of Eureka. The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning as a result of the quake that was later lifted. Tsunami warning The tsunami warning was issued for coastal regions from California to Oregon. Anyone near coastal waters is advised to move to high ground immediately, according to the San Jose Fire Department. As of 11:50 a.m., the tsunami threat was over, according to the U.S. Tsunami

Hannah Kobayashi may have been involved in a “secret marriage” before her November disappearance in Los Angeles, according to new reports. Los Angeles Magazine, citing unnamed sources, says Kobayashi’s family is now cooperating in an FBI investigation after her mother discovered a possible marriage-for-money scheme. Her mother reportedly discovered the alleged marriage to an Argentinian national via immigration documents that listed the name of an immigration lawyer found in Hannah’s Hawaii home. Los Angeles Magazine categorized the alleged marriage as an “immigration scheme,” one that may have scammed Kobayashi out of the money she was supposed to receive for her participation. The Argentinian man involved, Alan Cacace, was reportedly aboard the flight from Maui to LAX on Nov. 8; the same flight Kobayashi’s ex-boyfriend also boarded. Where is Hannah Kobayashi? What we know Sara Azari, the family’s L.A. lawyer, said in a statement that Kobayashi’s mother turned over all information relating to a possible marriage to investigating authorities. “We want to stress that the family has not publicly announced any information regarding an alleged marriage because we did not have the facts or the necessary

A Menifee man was fatally shot late Wednesday night in what police are describing as an “isolated incident.” The shooting was reported just after 11 p.m. in the 25000 block of Antelope Road, the Menifee Police Department said in a news release. “Upon arrival, officers discovered the individual lying on the floor with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his chest,” the release said. Despite receiving first aid, the man, later identified as 42-year-old Emmanuel Villalobos, was declared dead at the scene. “Due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death,” detectives are investigating, though the preliminary investigation shows that this was “an isolated incident” and “there is no current threat to the community.” Information about the suspected shooter has not been released. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Kaub at Jkaub@menifeepolice.org or 951-723-1656.

Disneyland is preparing to celebrate 70 years of magical experiences with a summer celebration complete with a new nighttime spectacular, merchandise, food, décor and more. The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration will honor “seven decades of happiness and many moments of joy in the making,” the resort announced on Thursday. The event kicks off on May 16, 2025, and will run throughout summer 2026. Disneyland brings back Southern California resident ticket offer for 2025 Here’s what guests can expect during the 70th Celebration: Guests can “celebrate happy” with limited-time entertainment, such as an all-new nighttime spectacular, “World of Color Happiness!” in Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, Calif. The show is inspired by Walt Disney’s words from the opening day park dedication from seven decades ago: “To all who come to this happy place…welcome!” (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort) Guests can “celebrate happy” with limited-time entertainment, such as the return of the “Wondrous Journeys” nighttime spectacular, which features nods to Walt Disney Animation Studios films created over the past century at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif. On select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” goes even bigger with the addition of

In what could be considered the end of an era, the Industry on Thursday announced that Yuval Sharon will step down as artistic director of the groundbreaking L.A. opera company. The company’s executive director, Tim Griffin, who came on board in summer 2023, will expand his title to become both executive and artistic director. The Industry’s co-artistic directors, Ash Fure and Malik Gaines, who joined forces in an artistic director cooperative with Sharon in 2021, will form a new artistic advisory council. Its goal, the company said, will be to encourage dialogue about opera across the arts and help Griffin select future artists-in-residence. Sharon will need to spend more time in New York City, where earlier this year the Metropolitan Opera announced that Sharon would direct its next “Ring” cycle beginning in 2028. He’s set to make his debut with the company next season with a new production of “Tristan und Isolde.” In 2012 Sharon landed the Industry on the map with an exuberantly unconventional new opera by Anne LeBaron called “Crescent City.” When the show premiered at an experimental art space in Atwater Village

Four men in their 20s departed from Long Beach on Wednesday evening but only three returned, prompting a large multiagency search for the missing person that continued Thursday morning, authorities confirmed. Long Beach and L.A. County fire department divers, along with personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, Long Beach Police and Los Angeles Port Police are conducting rescue efforts off Pier J, confirmed Long Beach Fire spokesperson Brian Fisk. One of the men was believed to be the driver of a small vessel while the other three were free diving, Fisk said. Free diving involves a person holding their breath for as long as possible while diving and swimming without the use of equipment, such as scuba gear. Eventually, two men returned from free diving while a third did not, Fisk said. The men called for emergency assistance at 9:55 p.m. Wednesday and Long Beach Fire responded with divers and marine assets at 10:17, Fisk said. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) Long Beach Fire eventually asked Los Angeles County Fire for assistance, while other agencies also offered help. “We presume that they were fishing but

Bitcoin price crosses $100,000 threshold Bitcoin price crosses $100,000 threshold for first time 02:40 After a two-week flirtation with the six-figure mark, bitcoin has surged past $100,000 for the first time on the thinking that the incoming administration will be friendlier toward — and relax regulations on — cryptocurrencies.  The milestone came late Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Paul Atkins to head the the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins runs Patomak Global Partners, a financial services advisory group that works with crypto industry clients. Atkins is also an adviser to the Chamber of Digital Commerce, a crypto advocacy group. The pick is a marked turn from outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who cracked down on digital assets following a 2022 market rout that unveiled fraudulent practices and resulted in expensive blowups, including the sudden collapse of crypto exchange FTX, followed by crypto lenders Genesis and Celsius. Coinciding with Trump’s selection of a crypto backer to lead the SEC, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday likened bitcoin to gold, telling the New York Times DealBook Summit that “people use bitcoin as a speculative asset.

By Kaia Hubbard Updated on: December 5, 2024 / 12:48 PM EST / CBS News How likely are the major “DOGE” cuts How likely are major cuts from Trump, Musk and Ramaswamy’s “DOGE” 04:12 Washington — Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who President-elect Donald Trump tapped to lead the newly coined Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE , are meeting with lawmakers Thursday as they seek to build support for the cost-cutting initiative.  House Speaker Mike Johnson is hosting Musk and Ramaswamy on Capitol Hill to discuss ideas for reform with lawmakers, after Trump announced that the Tesla CEO and entrepreneur would spearhead the effort last month. The president-elect outlined that the two men would “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Last month, GOP Reps. Aaron Bean of Florida and Pete Sessions of Texas started the DOGE caucus in the House, while Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa launched its counterpart in the Senate. Ernst touted the effort on Fox News last week, noting that she has a decade-long track record

Hegseth continuing push for defense secretary as Trump reportedly considers replacements – CBS News Watch CBS News Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for defense secretary, is saying he won’t withdraw from consideration for the job even as allegations of misconduct surface from Hegseth’s past. Sources say Trump is thinking of replacing Hegseth as his pick. CBS News’ Taurean Small and Jake Rosen have the latest. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Students and parents bike to school together Students and parents swap the bus for biking to school together 02:10 Getting training wheels taken off a bicycle is often regarded as a rite of passage for youngsters learning to ride a bike — but some kids are skipping the step altogether by using balance bikes. Balance bikes, some of which are designed for children as young as 10 months old, don’t have training wheels or pedals. Instead, they reverse the whole bike learning process, said James Beechinor, president of bike brand Early Rider’s U.S. division.  While bikes with training wheels teach kids to pedal, steer and brake, balance bikes focus on the balance aspect from the start. After the child better understands how to balance, they can start cruising, getting enough momentum to lift their feet up and coast. “Then you bring in steering, braking and then when the child is ready and confident, you bring in pedaling,” Beechinor told CBS News. “When they get to (the cruising) stage, the transition to pedaling is really not that difficult, because they already have the sensation of keeping their

It’s been a year for budget-breaking lawsuit and settlement payouts for the city of Los Angeles, and the hits just don’t stop coming. On Wednesday, a jury ruled in favor of former Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Timothy Colomey in his suit alleging he was retaliated against for reporting misconduct, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was awarded $3.5 million in damages. “Colomey, 55, has made allegations of ‘unlawful killings’ by SWAT members and department cover-ups of the alleged misconduct,” the Times reports. “He claimed a cadre of senior officers, a so-called ‘SWAT mafia,’ exercised ‘god-like power’ over who was allowed into the elite unit and how it operated, creating a ‘culture of violence’ that glorified deadly force.” L.A. could be ‘GOING BROKE’ after blowing past yearly liability budget in just 3 months, controller says Colomey specifically cited three killings he described as “unlawful,” the Times added: “the 2017 shooting of an unarmed man by a sniper in a circling helicopter; a nonfatal shooting the same year of a man holed up inside a shed; and the 2014 death of a mentally ill homeless man

It’s a little startling — even if you’re expecting it — when Michael Shannon begins to sing with George MacKay in the opening minutes of “The End.” “A perfect morning,” MacKay croons, stretching the “o” in “morning” as he puts the final touches on an elaborate diorama of a fantasized all-American landscape: pine trees, a sturdy train track and, for good measure, the Hollywood sign. “No one is stirring / If I were a cat / I’d be purring.” Shannon, bespectacled and business-casual, admires his son’s handiwork and starts his own tune in a sweet falsetto: “To think this all leads to us / It’s quite beautiful even to think about…” The musical orchestration pillowing their voices is lovely, the singing sincere. No one is winking or making fun, despite the fact that this father and son are extolling the beauty of the morning while inside a sunless bunker six miles underground. What quickly becomes apparent is that they are lying to themselves and each other — coping, disassociating, self-soothing. And what better way to lie than via a musical? The other startling thing is

BEIRUT —  Syrian rebels overran Hama on Thursday, forcing government troops to retreat from the strategically significant central city and dealing a painful blow to President Bashar Assad. The takeover of Hama follows at the heels of the rebels’ capture last week of Aleppo, Syria’s industrial center, in a lightning offensive that upended a years-old stalemate between Assad’s government and the opposition vowing to dislodge him since 2011. In recent days, army troops scrambled to Hama in an effort to blunt the rebels’ momentum. But by Wednesday, what the army called “terrorist groups” were able to enter the city from several sides. In a statement, the army said it had repositioned outside the city “in order to preserve the lives of civilians.” Hours later, a rebel spokesman, Maj. Hassan Abdul Ghani, declared Hama “completely liberated.” The rebels commandeered police headquarters and a number of military airports, along with several neighboring villages. They have surrounded several pockets of army troops in countryside areas, according to pro-government and pro-rebel activists. Spearheading the rebel offensive is Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a one-time Al Qaeda affiliate that broke ties with the

When Netflix executives decided to go all in on comedy, they believed that all they needed was the right talent with big dashes of comedic timing, humor and authenticity. It’s paying off. The streamer’s takeover of the comedy world — from specials, to TV shows and now comedy festivals — is part of a plan to bring the genre to the masses in a variety of ways that develops new talent, combined with some established names and fresh takes on humor that give its footprint on comedy a distinct signature. Michelle Buteau — a multi-talented stand-up comedian, actress, host, writer, and more — has proven she can land her humor with a variety of audiences. But part of Buteau’s comedic talent comes from her love of good storytelling, whether it’s about being a parent or trying to find a way to casually bond with Jennifer Lopez about having the same birthday. It’s even better when the person telling the story is their most authentic self. She said she’s leaning more into this as her comedy career continues to soar. She was in the movie “Babes”