Category: Los Angeles

Each night at the Democratic National Convention this week, the enthusiasm was palpable long before crowds reached the gates. You could feel it in the tone of nearby conversations, the waves of laughter rolling from every direction, the pace of the walk between the ride-share dropoff and the security checkpoint blocks away. Opinion Columnist LZ Granderson LZ Granderson writes about culture, politics, sports and navigating life in America. In June, Democrats wanted to defeat Donald Trump. Now it’s August, and Vice President Kamala Harris has changed what this election is about. She has voters looking toward one another — reminding us of our collective American values and shared humanity. In 2020, anger and fear drove many of us to the polls. Harris is using a different source of energy, a source embodied in a popular psalm often heard in the civil rights movement: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Democrats showered each other with joy this week. And it wasn’t about their party; it was about our country. Even the heavily armed police officers and Secret Service agents, usually

On the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention, “Scandal” actor Kerry Washington and the grandnieces of Kamala Harris had a job to do: teach folks how to say the vice president’s name. “It’s come to my attention that there are some folks who struggle or pretend to struggle with the proper pronunciation of our future president’s name,” said Washington in front of the roaring crowd at Chicago’s United Center. “So hear me out, confusion is understandable. Disrespect is not. So tonight, we are going to help everyone get it right.” “First you say ‘comma,’ like a comma in a sentence,” said Amara Ajagu. “Then you say ‘La’,” like [singing] la,la,la,la,la” said Leela Ajagu. Then all three said, “Put it together and its … Kamala!” Adorable and instructive? Absolutely. And also fearless (pronounced “feer-less”). How could something so sweet pack such a punch? Because the moment was anchored in a first-of-its-kind major party convention where the candidate’s mixed race and immigrant experience was presented as a superpower rather than an obstacle. Actor Kerry Washington with Vice President Kamala Harris’ grandnieces Leela Ajagu, left

Google Earth image of Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant in Salinas. (Google Earth) Aug. 23, 2024 12:35 PM PT A 2-year-old girl was mistakenly given alcohol instead of apple juice at a Salinas restaurant and ended up in the emergency room. What was supposed to be apple juice was actually cooking wine that had been mislabeled and served to the child at Fujiyama Japanese Restaurant, her parents and restaurant officials told KSBW on Thursday. The parents didn’t notice until the toddler began to show signs of intoxication, then smelled her drink. “She was swaying, she was falling over, she was leaning on walls, she couldn’t hold her head up, she was slurring her words,” her mother, Noemi Valencia, told the TV station. A trip to the emergency room showed the toddler’s blood alcohol content was 0.12%, over the 0.08% legal limit for an adult over 21, her parents said. She has since fully recovered. The restaurant told KSBW a large container of cooking wine was mislabeled as apple juice, which the server accidentally poured for the child. Local police said a report was filed Aug. 17 regarding

A 17-year-old girl is in stable condition after being shot in the neck while driving in Oxnard, police confirmed. According to the Oxnard Police Department, officers received reports of a gunshots in the 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive at about 9:12 p.m. on Thursday. Just moments later, there were reports of a single-vehicle crash in the area of Rose and Emerson Avenues. When responding to the the collision, police determined that the incidents were connected as officers found a 17-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. She was transported to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery. As of Friday, she’s listed in stable condition. Her identity was not revealed. Teen shot after leaving high school football game: Los Angeles police Two passengers were in her vehicle at the time of the events. They were both uninjured. Police said an unknown suspect fired “several” shots at the vehicle in the 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive. The traffic collision occurred when the other occupants were attempting to take the victim to a hospital. The suspect remained at large as of Friday.

A registered sex offender was arrested Thursday after failing to update his whereabouts with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In July, the office’s Sexual Assault Unit was conducting an unannounced sex offender compliance check in the Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village areas when they were unable to locate 58-year-old Marc Shearer. An investigation to verify Shearer’s whereabouts began when he was not found during a second check of the areas, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. Marc Shearer is seen in an image proved on the California Megan’s Law website. Detectives learned that Shearer, who is listed as a transient on the Megan’s Law website, was staying around the 4200 block of North Ventura Avenue in an incorporated area north of Ventura. They also discovered he had been in the area for several months. Shearer was located and arrested Thursday morning without incident, the Sheriff’s Office stated. He was booked for failure to update or provide a change of address and his bail was set at $20,000. The Sheriff’s Office noted that registered sex offenders are required to provide local law enforcement with

The city of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County will look more like Salem, Massachusetts, when dozens of witches and warlocks descend upon the town in October. The Morro Bay Witches Paddle is an annual Halloween festivity that invites visitors to the seaside enclave to paddle out onto the foggy waters of Morro Bay where whales, otters and sea lions are known to frequent. Witches will trade in their broomsticks for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards when the paddle out takes place on Oct. 26. Organizers say the event will “transform the tranquil waters into a cauldron of excitement, their cackling laughter echoing off the iconic rock that stands sentinel over the bay.” Paddleboarders and kayakers gathered in the waters of Morro Bay during the annual Witches and Warlocks Paddle. (John DeBacker) A paddleboarder dressed as a witch paddles in Morro Bay with her dog riding along. (John DeBacker) Dozens of people pose on the beach after the annual Morro Bay Witches and Warlocks Paddle. (John DeBacker) But, fear not, these aren’t wicked witches. The annual event actually raises money for the Food Bank Coalition

A brush fire is burning near the Grapevine in northern Los Angeles County Friday morning. The blaze had grown to about 20 acres by noon, up from 3 to 5 acres when it was first reported at about 10:45 a.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. A brush fire burned alongside the northbound 5 Freeway on Aug. 23, 2024. (KTLA) A brush fire burned alongside the northbound 5 Freeway on Aug. 23, 2024. (KTLA) A brush fire burned alongside the northbound 5 Freeway on Aug. 23, 2024. (KTLA) A brush fire burned alongside the northbound 5 Freeway on Aug. 23, 2024. (KTLA) A brush fire burned alongside the northbound 5 Freeway on Aug. 23, 2024. (KTLA) Located along the northbound 5 Freeway south of Vista del Lago, the fire burned areas very close to an overturned big rig and construction excavator, though authorities have not confirmed that the vehicles are connected to the blaze. One person is being medically treated, though no injuries have been reported, the department added. Luis Zuniga contributed to this report.

In her speech accepting the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris offered a withering indictment of her opponent that could constitute a complete case for her candidacy. Donald J. Trump, she rightly observed, is in many ways “an unserious man,” but the consequences of returning him to the White House “are extremely serious.” She asked her audience to “consider the power he will have, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court just ruled that he would be immune from criminal prosecution. Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails, and how he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States. Not to improve your life, not to strengthen our national security, but to serve the only client he has ever had: himself.” She introduced herself to voters who might not know her personal history and spoke of “a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.” Harris did not focus on the fact that her election would mean elevating to the highest office in the land a woman of Black and Indian descent, a

Show, don’t tell. Three words that every journalist hears, with infuriating regularity, from professors, editors and readers. The dictate is not exclusive to journalism; it’s shared by prosecutors, politicians and anyone who’s ever given a PowerPoint presentation about anything. This week, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, vice presidential nominee Tim Walz and many other luminaries at the Democratic National Convention proved just how important, and effective, that simple rule can be. In accepting her nomination, Vice President Harris did not mention, much less lean into, the historic nature of her potential presidency: first woman; first Black woman; first person of Indian, and Jamaican, descent. (As long as we’re counting, she’d also be the first Democratic president from California.) She didn’t point out the perils of the glass ceiling, or tell voters how important representation and an array of voices are to a nation as diverse as the United States. She showed them. Over four days, a powerful lineup of speakers, known and unknown, proved that despite Harris being demographically unique as a presidential candidate, she is more interested in pointing out that she is one

SACRAMENTO —  Kamala Harris is one step from becoming America’s first female president because she has always had the drive and guts to risk seeking a higher office. That is not a common trait among politicians. Too many at all levels get cold feet and opt to wait for the “right time” to run. And it never comes. Harris’ philosophy: If there’s an open window — no matter how narrow — attempt to jump through it before it closes. And get a head start on anyone else who might acquire the same idea. Regardless of your view of Vice President Harris — whether you think she’s qualified to lead the nation or not — it’s indisputable that she has boldly taken advantage of every opportunity to move up the political ladder. That was true when the little-known prosecutor first ran for San Francisco district attorney against an establishment incumbent in 2003 and won. And when she leaped into the race for California attorney general as an underdog and barely won in 2010. Also when a Senate seat suddenly opened up and she immediately jumped in and

By Kaylyn McKenna Edited By Leslie Gornstein, Nina Bradley, Gabriele Shacknai Updated on: August 26, 2024 / 5:30 PM EDT / Essentials CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. Samsonite/Amazon Labor Day is almost here, which means so are major deals on luggage. The shopping experts at CBS Essentials have scoured all the biggest luggage retailers to find the best sales on  carry-ons , backpacks, checked bags, roller bags and other travel necessities. Our selection features hard-shell and  soft-sided luggage  options that work for airplane travel, weekend road trips, cabin getaways and so much more.  If you haven’t upgraded your luggage in a while, you’ll love the new options available to you this year. You’re not going to want to start packing for your next trip until you’ve scored these must-see Labor Day luggage deals. The best Labor Day luggage deals to shop now Find the best deals on top-rated luggage by Samsonite, Monos, Tumi and more. Many of these reviewer-loved bags can

August 23, 2024 / 3:05 PM EDT / CBS/AP Purple Heart recipient from Westminster to represent Team USA at Paralympics Purple Heart recipient from Westminster to represent Team USA at Paralympics 02:51 Two former gold medalists will carry the United States flag at the Paralympics opening ceremony next week. Steve Serio, who helped the U.S.’s wheelchair basketball team to gold medals in the last two Paralympic Games, and Nicky Nieves, who helped Team USA win its first gold in sitting volleyball in 2016, were selected. The American Olympic and Paralympic Committee made the announcement Friday. U.S. Olympian and flagbearer Steven Serio attends the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC “I’m overwhelmed and honored,” Serio said. “I never thought this would be something that I’d get to experience in my career. I want to say thank you to all the Team USA athletes.” A five-time world champion, Serio is co-captain of the 2024 basketball team team along with Trevon Jenifer. U.S. Olympians Whitney Dosty, Kaleo Maclay, Monique Matthews, flagbearer Nicole Nieves, Sydney Satchell, Lora Webster

By Jason R. Rich, Fox Van Allen Edited By Fox Van Allen, Nina Bradley Updated on: August 31, 2024 / 7:00 AM EDT / Essentials CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. KitchenAid, LG, Samsung If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your kitchen refrigerator, now is the time to do it. Just about all of the top appliance brands and retailers are offering really great appliance deals  for Labor Day that save you thousands of dollars. We’re seeing fantastic deals direct from Samsung , plus deep discounts at popular retailers such as Best Buy, Wayfair and Home Depot. With savings this good, and with many retailers offering buy-more-save-more appliance bundle deals, you might want to upgrade your entire kitchen with matching appliances, including your range and your dishwasher . The best refrigerator sales to shop this Labor Day To help you shop for a new refrigerator, we’ve rounded up all the top kitchen appliance sales happening now for Labor Day. Tap

Updated on: August 23, 2024 / 3:06 PM EDT / CBS/AP CBS News Live CBS News Texas Live Sixteen Republican-led states are suing to block a federal program that could potentially give nearly half a million immigrants without legal status who are married to U.S. citizens a path to citizenship. The coalition, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, filed suit Friday to halt the program launched by President Biden in June. Court filings argue that the administration bypassed Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for “blatant political purposes.” “This action incentivizes illegal immigration and will irreparably harm the Plaintiff states,” the suit says. Under the policy, which started taking applications Monday, many spouses without legal status can apply for something called “parole in place,” offering permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card and eventually get on a path to citizenship. But the program has been particularly contentious in an election year where immigration is one of the biggest issues, with many Republicans attacking the policy and contending it is essentially a form of amnesty for people who broke the

Krispy Kreme and Dr. Pepper are ready for kickoff. With football season rapidly appraching, the doughnut chain is teaming up with Dr. Pepper to launch a new collection, which includes three new treats. Here’s what fans can expect from the new collection: With football season only weeks away, the doughnut chain is teaming up with Dr. Pepper to launch a new collection, which includes three new treats. (Krispy Kreme) Starbucks’ fall menu returns earlier than ever with seasonal favorites Dr. Pepper Kickoff Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut with Dr. Pepper-flavored frosting featuring a Burgundy Sprinkle Blend and topped with a white chocolate Dr. Pepper logo. Buttercreme Goals Doughnut: An Original Glazed doughnut dipped in green icing, topped with colorful sprinkles and a yellow buttercream-flavored goal post. Kreme-filled Football Doughnut: An unglazed doughnut filled with white Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing, and decorated as a football. “Two of America’s most loved flavors are about to become one amazing gameday sensation to make this the sweetest kickoff to football season ever. This Dr Pepper collection is a must-add to your gameday lineup, whoever you’re cheering for,” Dave

SAN DIEGO —  It appears to be the end of an era for a crumbling Ocean Beach icon. The city’s 58-year-old pier won’t reopen, after an engineer’s report found that stabilizing recent damage would be too costly. Instead, the city will keep moving forward with efforts to reimagine the pier’s future in the longer term and hopefully replace it. “Due to the overall cost, timeline and feasibility of [stabilization] options, the city has decided to leave the pier as is,” city officials said in a news release Friday. The Ocean Beach Pier was shuttered in October in anticipation of winter storms, but unlike in previous years, the beloved landmark did not reopen in the spring after a season battered by high surf. City staff sped up a long-planned assessment of the pier and posted new signs in the area, reiterating warnings to beachgoers and surfers to keep their distance — at least 75 feet. The engineer’s report confirmed what many had seen: A piling on the south side of the aging structure — as well as a portion of the pile cap and large sections of

Michael Madsen’s lawyer is addressing the “Reservoir Dogs” star’s arrest at his Malibu home over the weekend, asserting that Madsen has been having an “ongoing problem” with his estranged wife. Attorney Perry Wander alleged Friday in a statement to The Times that DeAnna Madsen “broke into” the actor’s Malibu home. The two have been separated for years and she no longer lives with “The Hateful Eight” star, he said. “She broke into his house and he confronted her and asked her to leave. This has been an ongoing problem,” Wander said. Wander said his client has asked him to obtain a restraining order against her and to file for divorce, but “because he has one minor child he’s been delaying it.” He also said that DeAnna will not pursue charges against the actor. The attorney said that DeAnna has “not been stable” since the 2022 suicide death of their eldest son. “Michael has shown immense compassion and restraint during this period towards his estranged wife. He’s definitely not guilty of domestic violence,” Wander said. The Quentin Tarantino film star, 66, and his wife, 63, wed

CHICAGO —  Former President Clinton had trouble recalling the year of his first Democratic convention — either 1972 or 1976 — but wondered how many more he’d be around for. “All these young leaders coming up after me,” he said in a wistful prime-time address Wednesday night. “They look better. They sound better. And they’ll be exciting.” This week’s Democratic National Convention was about generational change for a party whose leaders are in their 70s and 80s, including an 81-year-old president who was nudged out of the race last month by an 84-year-old former House speaker. The Beyoncé music, the coconut social media influencer booths and the roster of new convention speakers all contributed to the fresh, upbeat tone. But in other ways, it felt like a return to the Clinton era — with big and bold ideas for structural change that have energized the party in recent years replaced by incremental appeals to middle-class anxiety. There was no Green New Deal, no Medicare for All or comprehensive vision for immigration reform that have motivated Democrats in recent years. Calls to expand or restructure the Supreme

After years in the wilderness, director John Woo has been back at target practice, and if his aim isn’t what it once was, it’s worth remembering that, onscreen at least, marksmanship was never the point. Rather, it was the pose, the look, the scowl, while running, leaping, somersaulting, sliding and staring. In Woo’s world, guns kill people, but gunplay slays audiences. Last year’s wordless “Silent Night” showed the Hong Kong legend trying to get loud again with American audiences, except it didn’t go off as planned. Now he’s gone back to one of his seminal showdown epics, 1989’s “The Killer,” with a Paris-set rewrite (co-scripted by “L.A. Confidential” Oscar winner Brian Helgeland), an international cast including French superstar Omar Sy, and a straight-to-streaming debut on Peacock. Home viewing won’t replace the experience of seeing Woo’s landmark action lollapaloozas in a theater. But if you watched the Paris Games this summer on Peacock, you could tell yourself this is one more make-or-break round — in shooting, what else? — for an esteemed cinematic Olympian. It’s a worthy silver. Sy isn’t the one in the Chow Yun-fat

Firefighters on scene at Jay Littleton Ball Park, a ballpark in Ontario used in the filming of several popular baseball movies, that went up in flames overnight. (KeyNews) Aug. 23, 2024 10:47 AM PT The saying goes, “there’s no crying in baseball,” but fans of the movie “A League of Their Own” and kids in Ontario both have a reason to shed a tear. The baseball field where Tom Hanks’ character coach Jimmy Dugan declared that line to a weeping outfielder burned down overnight Thursday, the Ontario Fire Department said. The Ontario Fire Department said that a fire broke out at Jay Littleton Ball Park, located at Grove Avenue and 4th Street, around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, according to news reports. The blaze had erupted from the dugout and the stands by the time firefighters arrived, officials said. No injuries were reported and investigators were still trying to determine the cause of the fire Friday. The ballpark is owned by the city of Ontario and was designated a historic landmark in 2003. In addition to “A League of Their Own,” an episode of “The X-Files” was

What voters are saying about the economy What voters are saying about the economy 04:00 Subway’s footlong sandwiches are getting a new price.  Beginning Aug. 26, all footlongs will cost $6.99, down from a high of as much as $14 in some markets, the food chain said Friday. It marks Subway’s foray into the value menu wars as fast-food restaurants try to to win back customers who say food prices are too high .  The offer, only available for purchases made through Subway’s app or website with code “699FL,” will end Sept. 8. Subway overs 22 different sandwich varieties, and customers can also create their own custom subs.  The move follows special summer menu rollouts from other fast food chains that have struggled in recent months to grow sales and draw inflation-weary consumers into their stores and restaurants. In announcing the new footlong price, Subway acknowledged Americans’ struggles with the rising cost of living, as well as their heightened sensitivity to food prices.  “Today’s diner is stretched more than ever, and too often that means a tradeoff on quality, variety or flavor to find an