Bacterial Outbreak Reported at Downey Animal Care Center

New stray and owner-surrendered dogs are being redirected from the Downey Animal Care Center to other facilities in response to a bacterial outbreak, Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control announced Thursday. The outbreak caused by the streptococcus zooepidemicus bacterium poses a significant risk to dogs when multiple dogs are housed in animal shelters or other behaviorally stressful conditions, according to Don Belton, a public information officer with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. The bacterium can lead to severe pneumonia in immunocompromised dogs, who can become ill very quickly with few warning signs, Belton said. There is no vaccine against streptococcus zooepidemicus. New stray and owner-surrendered dogs are being redirected to the department’s Baldwin Park and Carson/Gardena centers, Bolton said. The department and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began swab testing of affected kennel areas and deep cleaning efforts this week. Special attention has been given to areas housing positive or symptomatic dogs, Belton said. Dogs infected with streptococcus zooepidemicus are under daily observation by veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. Symptomatic dogs are receiving

Blaze Bernstein’s Parents Continue Testimony in Trial of Son’s Accused Killer

The mother of a 19-year-old man fatally stabbed to death six years ago in Foothill Ranch testified Thursday how she grew suspicious of her son’s accused killer when she and her husband reached out to him for help finding the victim. Jeanne Pepper, the first witness in the trial of 26-year-old Samuel Lincoln Woodward of Newport Beach, who is charged with the Jan. 3, 2018, killing of Pepper’s son, 19-year-old Blaze Bernstein. She said she did not know Woodward previously, nor that he was a former classmate of her son. Woodward is charged with murder with sentencing enhancements for a hate crime and the personal use of a deadly weapon. He faces up to life in prison without parole if convicted. Pepper said she and her husband saw that her nearsighted son, Blaze, had left behind his glasses, wallet and other items. They started rummaging through his electronic devices for clues and found that his Apple laptop was synced with his iPhone. They called the authorities. An Orange County sheriff’s deputy came to her home, but she didn’t think they were taking it very seriously.

Kurtenbach: A 7-round 49ers mock draft with two weeks to go

It’s two weeks until the NFL Draft, which means teams have locked in strategy, are narrowing down their draft boards, and are really focusing on the all-important process of putting out smokescreens. The next two weeks will be filled with rumor and innuendo (as if any time in the NFL is without those things), so let’s lock in what we know about the 49ers heading into this draft and make some picks along the way: No. 15. Troy Fautanu. OT. Washington Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | 49ers add veteran cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to competition San Francisco 49ers | ‘I’m gonna break all your records’: O.J. Simpson rode his speed out of the Bay Area to fame and infamy. It didn’t start that way San Francisco 49ers | 49ers’ historically bad trade for O.J. Simpson was mere blip in his complex life San Francisco 49ers | Next-gen 49ers? Sons of Rice, Owens, Gore, McCaffrey, Stone launching NFL careers San Francisco 49ers | Santa Clara rejects 49ers’ ‘best and final’ offer over public safety and food buffet costs Trade: Nos. 31, 94, 124, and 176 and

Upcoming Opening of the Desert Wildlife Center

The Friends of Palm Springs Animal Shelter (FPSAS) is excited to announce the upcoming opening of the Desert Wildlife Center in Indio in Fall 2024. The Desert Wildlife Center (DWC) will serve as a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife needing medical treatment and rehabilitation, according to their website. Slated to open later this year at the site of the former Wild Bird Center in Indio, DWC will initially serve wild birds, and with plans to accept both reptiles and mammals in the future. For more information on the DWC opening, you can go to www.psanimalshelter.org.

Amid portal uncertainty, Lincoln Riley keeps one top lineman and loses another

After 48 hours of nagging questions and will-he-or-won’t-he uncertainty, Bear Alexander emerged from the tunnel under the John McKay Center in full pads and helmet, his mere presence a sigh of relief after a dramatic stretch of spring at USC. Those previous two days had been defined by dizzying speculation surrounding the standout defensive tackle’s future at the school. Alexander seemed all but bound for the transfer portal on Tuesday morning, before a final pitch from USC coaches Wednesday shifted those sentiments. By Thursday afternoon, it was as if nothing had ever happened behind the scenes. “Bear is doing fine,” coach Lincoln Riley said with a shrug. “I know there was a bunch of stuff on the outside. I know he felt the need to address it because there was so much on the outside, which kind of starts anywhere and everywhere in this day and age.” With the advent of the transfer portal, the increasing influence of NIL and the rampant regularity of tampering across the sport, this sort of portal chaos and roster uncertainty has become a standard part of the calendar for

Live from Jimmy Buffett tribute at the Hollywood Bowl with Kenny Chesney

He did his bit of smuggling, he once sang, and he ran his share of grass. Now, the late, great Jimmy Buffett is being honored by an assortment of his many friends and admirers in an all-star tribute concert Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl. Keep the Party Going, as the show is billed, takes place seven months after Buffett died from skin cancer in September at age 76, leaving behind a lifestyle empire that reportedly made him a billionaire — and, of course, a deep catalog of wryly literate songs that blend country, pop, folk, rock and Caribbean music. In the wake of his death came warm remembrances from the likes of former President Clinton, who said Buffett’s work “brought happiness to millions of people,” and Alan Jackson, with whom Buffett recorded the No. 1 country hit “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Elton John called him “a unique and treasured entertainer”; LL Cool J said he was “glad we had time to vibe.” Among the many acts set to perform at the Bowl are Paul McCartney, the Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Brandi Carlile

Top 10 richest people in California, according to Forbes

There are now more billionaires than ever, according to Forbes. The global media company just released its updated world billionaires list, while pointing to “a record year for ten-figure wealth.” In fact, Forbes said the billionaire class is “bigger and richer than ever.” Across the globe, the publication tallied 2,781 total billionaires as of 2024, which is 141 more than last year’s list and 26 more than the overall record set in 2021. Collectively, the world’s billionaires are worth a whopping $14.2 trillion — a number that may seem unfathomable to most. The country in the top spot with the most billionaires is, once again, the United States with a record 813. China greatly trails in second with 473, including Hong Kong. India landed in third place with a total of 200 billionaires, according to Forbes. California is giving up to $150,000 to help first-time homebuyers When it comes to California, the land of the rich and famous, big names may come to mind. For instance, Forbes listed Magic Johnson ($1.2 billion), LeBron James ($1.2 billion), Tyler Perry ($1.2 billion), Kim Kardashian ($1.7 billion), Jay-Z

Robbery crew in Southern California used social media to snare victims

Police are seeking additional victims of a robbery crew operating in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, authorities announced on Thursday.   According to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department, two victims were lured into an apartment in the 2900 block of North Main Street on April 9 by a woman they had met on social media.   Once inside, two male suspects came out of hiding and, at gunpoint, demanded property from the victims. Authorities added that one of the victims was pistol-whipped by a suspect.   “During the investigation, it was determined that the suspects had used this same scheme to entrap other robbery victims in the past,” police said.   Two of the suspects, identified as 26-year-old Sergio Carrillo and 23-year-old Magdalena Gallegos, both residents of L.A., were arrested on Wednesday and are being held on $100,000 bail.   26-year-old Sergio Carrillo and 23-year-old Magdalena Gallegos, both residents of L.A. seen in police photos. (LAPD) Authorities said they are working to identify and arrest the third suspect.   “Investigators strongly believe there are additional, unreported victims of Carrillo

Man accused of torturing, killing cat; more victims sought

Authorities are searching for more victims after a man was arrested on allegations that he tortured and killed a cat in Los Angeles County. The suspect was identified as Rogelio Diaz, 27, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. On April 5, Diaz was walking near the 4900 block of Marine Avenue in Lawndale around 3:10 p.m., when he allegedly spotted a cat on the driveway of a home and approached the feline. Authorities say he then grabbed the cat and repeatedly struck it against the sidewalk until it was dead. On April 11, investigators located and arrested Diaz on suspicion of torturing/killing a live animal. He is currently being held at the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station as he awaits charges. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. Diaz’s booking photo, as well as photos of the suspect walking away, were released in the event someone may recognize him. Rogelio Diaz, 27, seen in photos from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. More information about Rogelio Diaz, 27, who is accused of killing a cat, is being sought

Why House Republicans are divided over FISA spy program

Why House Republicans are divided over FISA spy program – CBS News Watch CBS News The U.S. House of Representatives is facing a deadline to reauthorize a program intelligence officials say is crucial to national security. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion explains why some Republicans want to stop it from moving forward. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

San Francisco man arrested after allegedly vandalizing mosque, leaving community “living in fear”

A San Francisco man suspected of vandalizing a Nob Hill mosque was arrested Wednesday evening while visiting the scene of his alleged crime for the second time in as many days. San Francisco resident Robert Gray, 35, was booked on one felony count of vandalism with damage of more than $400 and a misdemeanor violation of civil rights by damaging another property. He currently sits in a county jail. Neither Gray nor a representative were reached for comment. San Francisco Police officers responded to a call from congregants of Masjid al-Tawheed mosque around 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday. Mosque-goers told police that Gray was the man who had vandalized their sanctuary on April 4, having recognized him for security footage. Arriving officers detained Gray after they concluded he matched the description of the suspect wanted in the attack. “Through the course of their investigation, officers developed probable cause [for] arrest,” Police spokesperson Paulina Henderson said in a statement. Henderson said the investigation was still active and police were looking for more information. Surveillance video obtained by the San Francisco Standard shows a man with a skateboard

Review: In ‘The People’s Joker,’ an iconic villain is co-opted for sly trans expression

The first lines that greet viewers of Vera Drew’s gonzo new film, “The People’s Joker,” are a necessary disclaimer meant to assure audiences (and whatever legal departments at various corporations may be watching) that this passion project was never intended to infringe on any known copyright. Later, a logo of the film will more specifically make this point. It labels Drew’s wildly inventive take on everyone’s favorite Batman villain as “a fair-use comic-book parody/trans autofiction.” But much like Drew’s fictional alter ego, a wannabe comedian-slash-villain living in Gotham City coming into her own, the beauty of this DIY project is found in that slash, in the infinite possibility opened up by bridging two things (be they gender or genre) and creating something altogether dazzling and new. Drew, who co-wrote the script (with Bri LeRose), edited, directed and stars in “The People’s Joker,” is clearly aping the trappings of the self-serious superhero origin story. The kind that found its zenith in Todd Phillips’ 2019 take on Batman’s clownish foe. And indeed, there’s a way of seeing Drew’s own take on this “Joker the Harlequin” as a

Prep sports roundup: Granada Hills posts fastest boys’ 4X100 relay time in state

Jordan Coleman, the defending City Section champion in the 100 meters, made his outdoors debut for Granada Hills on Thursday during a dual meet against El Camino Real. Let’s just say he made a big difference. The relay team of Coleman, Justin Hart, Timothy Wyatt and Kanye Martin won the boys’ 4X100 relay in 40.29 seconds, fastest in the state this season and fifth fastest all time. It was faster than the time Granada Hills ran to set a City Section record last season in 40.68. Then Coleman won his 100 heat in 10.88 seconds, the fastest he has started his season. He had been injured after running the indoor circuit. He said he was excited after the race because he felt good with no pain. His best time last season was 10.36 seconds at the Arcadia Invitational, so he believes he will be an athlete to watch by the time the City and state championships are held next month and he reaches peak form. During a dual meet at Taft, Arcadia Invitational high jump champion Deshawn Banks of Birmingham cleared a personal-best 6-11. Baseball

O.J. Simpson’s double-murder trial wreaked havoc on the Kardashians, temporarily dividing the family

Kris Jenner and Robert Kardashian divorced five years before O.J. Simpson went on trial for the 1994 murder of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. But it was the trial, not the divorce, that forced the Kardashian kids — Kourtney, Kim, Khloe and Rob Jr. — to choose between their parents. In the 15 months between O.J.’s arraignment and his acquittal, Robert and his ex-wife, Kris, staked out opposing positions on the trial. And as they split over O.J.’s innocence or guilt, their children split in their alliance to their parents. On the day Nicole and Ron were killed, the Kardashian kids were 15, 13, 9 and 7, respectively. “That was really tough for our family,” Kim told GQ in 2023. “Kourtney and I were drawn to our dad. We felt like Mom was happily remarried, so we would live with Dad. We didn’t want him to be by himself.” Robert, of course, became a member of O.J.’s “dream team” of defense attorneys. He hadn’t practiced law for 20 years and had to reactivate his license to participate. Meanwhile, Khloe and Rob

4/11: Prime Time with John Dickerson

4/11: Prime Time with John Dickerson – CBS News Watch CBS News John Dickerson reports on the death of O.J. Simpson, the threat of Iran retaliating on Israel, and what the director of the ATF says about new regulations to close gun loopholes. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Oakland International Airport to add San Francisco Bay to name — legal war looms

OAKLAND — Despite an uproar from politicians and tourism executives, officials who oversee Oakland International Airport voted Thursday to add “San Francisco Bay” to the transit hub’s name. The change is meant to spur economic growth in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and create a higher profile for the least busy of the Bay Area’s three major airports. But the controversial move may also unleash a legal war. The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve the name change to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. “We are going all-in with Oakland,” Barbara Leslie, president of the port’s board, said before voting for the new moniker. “We want to keep money in the local economy.” A vehicle rides past the Oakland airport and Port of Oakland signage near the Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, April 11, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)  Oakland Airport officials say they are concerned that many people who want to travel to the Bay Area are flying into San Francisco International Airport — which actually is located in San Mateo County and not