At KTLA, Sam Rubin was a local morning news pioneer who covered Hollywood with zeal

KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin was at the center of a local TV news revolution. Rubin, who died Friday of a heart attack at 64, became a central member of “KTLA 5 Morning News” soon after its launch on July 8. 1991. The early morning broadcast was a bold experiment: Local news stations had usually focused on their evening newscasts, feeling that morning viewers would be more likely to tune into national programs like NBC’s “The Today Show” or ABC’s “Good Morning America.” But the Channel 5 broadcast instantly struck a chord with its emphasis on news and events around Los Angeles. Its success was due to its loose approach and a collection of anchors and reporters who interacted with breezy banter. The original team included anchors Carlos Amezcua and Barbara Beck, weatherman Mark Kriski, traffic reporter Jennifer York and reporter Eric Spillman. Rubin joined the unit three months after its premiere, and he made an instant impression with his energetic delivery and clear enthusiasm for Hollywood news and gossip. The format became so popular that KTTV Channel 11 soon started its own morning broadcast.

Germán Kral celebra el tango y recrea la crisis argentina del 2001 en su esperanzadora ‘Adiós Buenos Aires’

Tras su lanzamiento en Nueva York, llega este fin de semana a Los Ángeles (más precisamente, al Laemmle Royal) “Adiós Buenos Aires”, un drama con fuertes pinceladas cómicas que tiene como protagonista a un músico de tango cuya decisión de dejar el país sudamericano en el que ha pasado toda su vida se complica por razones sentimentales. Pero no hay que echarle toda la culpa al corazón, porque, en la misma cinta, el personaje principal ve también sus planes alterados debido a un suceso real que se originó a fines del 2001, es decir, la época en la que se desarrolla la historia: el estallido de una crisis financiera y social que provocó muertes, levantamientos y saqueos en las calles argentinas. El director y coguionista del filme es Germán Kral, un porteño que vive desde 1991 en Múnich. Esta ciudad alemana lo atrajo desde su juventud por haber sido sede de la escuela de cine donde estudió su ídolo Win Wenders, con quien tuvo después la oportunidad de trabajar. Pese a que “Adiós Buenos Aires” es su primer largometraje de ficción, el experimentado Kral ha

Sean Burroughs, former MLB player and Long Beach Little League star, dies at 43

Sean Burroughs, who pitched back-to-back no-hitters in the Little League World Series in leading his Long Beach team to consecutive championships and who then followed his father into the major leagues, died Thursday. He was 43. Burroughs went into cardiac arrest at Stearns Park in Long Beach, where he had dropped off his son before a game, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported. He could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. Burroughs was one of the coaches of his son’s team. In a statement, Long Beach Little League called Burroughs “a legend in LBLL and the baseball community.” “We will have our family in our thoughts and prayers during this time,” the statement read, “and try to end the season playing the kind of baseball Coach Sean would be proud of.” The Burroughs name means baseball royalty in Long Beach. Sean and his father, Jeff, each played at Wilson High. Each was drafted in the first round: Jeff by the Washington Senators in 1969; Sean by the San Diego Padres in 1998. Jeff, the 1974 American League most valuable player with the

US says Israel’s use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Friday that Israel’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes. The finding of “reasonable” evidence to conclude that the U.S. ally had breached international law in its conduct of the war in Gaza was released in a summary of a report being delivered to Congress on Friday. It is the strongest statement that the Biden administration has made yet. But the caveat that the U.S. was unable immediately to link specific U.S. weapons to individual strikes by Israeli forces in Gaza could give the administration leeway in any future decision on whether to restrict provisions of offensive weapons to Israel. The first-of-its-kind assessment, which was compelled by President Joe Biden’s fellow Democrats in Congress, comes after seven months of airstrikes, ground fighting and aid restrictions that have claimed the lives of nearly 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. While U.S. officials were unable to gather all the information they needed on specific strikes, the report said given Israel’s “significant reliance”

Over $1M worth of drugs seized last month: CBP

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — More than a million dollars worth of narcotics have been seized from suspected smugglers crossing the country’s ports of entry on foot last month, according to a release Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Last month alone, nearly $1.8 million worth of drugs were seized by officers in 12 separate incidents in April, CBP said. Biden administration plans to propose tougher rules for asylum seekers The narcotics included a total of 3.85 pounds of cocaine, over 45 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 79,000 fentanyl pills, according to the release. (See photos courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection below). Authorities said the suspected smugglers hid the narcotics under their clothing. The suspects range from 14 to 21 years in age. They have been arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations, CBP said. “It is evident that drug trafficking organizations continue to prey upon and exploit our youth,” said Sidney Aki, CBP Director of Field Operation for San Diego. Officers at the ports of entry, including the San Diego field office, will continue to crack down on drug

California approved a fixed rate billing system for electric utilities: What’s next

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — California’s utility regulators approved a proposal on Thursday that will shift the way households pay for their electricity to a new flat rate system — a controversial change made in an effort to put the brakes on skyrocketing energy prices. Under the new billing structure, most customers of investor-owned utility companies will be charged a fixed $24.15 rate per month, reducing the fee charged for how much electricity a household uses by five to seven cents per kilowatt-hour. Low-income households could see a greater reduction with the new policy’s discounted flat rate of $6 or $12, depending on certain qualifications like participation in existing utility assistance programs or whether the ratepayer lives in a designated affordable housing unit. San Diego, Chula Vista have room to improve on energy efficiency, report says These flat rates mark a departure from the from the structure of paying for the electricity a household uses that has guided Californian’s utility bills for the last five decades. The new fees would be put towards a portion of utilities’ infrastructure costs, which have been the culprit of

Sam Rubin chats with Jane Seymour in final on-air interview

Actress Jane Seymour appeared on the KTLA 5 Morning News on Thursday to chat with friend and beloved entertainment anchor Sam Rubin and discuss her upcoming projects. What no one knew at the time is that it would be Sam’s final live on-air interview. Rubin died unexpectedly Friday morning at the age of 64. Hollywood remembers Sam Rubin Seymour was just one of a chorus of Hollywood voices to mourn his loss and reflect on the enduring legacy of one of the nation’s premiere entertainment journalists. Taking to social media following word of Sam’s passing, Seymour wrote: “It’s hard to believe that just yesterday I was with [Sam Rubin]. I’m deeply saddened by the news of his passing. He was consistently kind, happy, and always ready to offer assistance with any project I was a part of. You will be missed Sam.” Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie, and his four children.

Tom Hanks, Viola Davis and more of Hollywood remember Sam Rubin

Hollywood is mourning the loss of entertainment giant and our dear friend Sam Rubin. The KTLA legend was not just a household name for KTLA viewers, but also for some of Tinseltown’s biggest stars. For over 30 years, he was a fixture on the red carpets of premieres and awards shows, and Hollywood’s elite had the greatest affection for him. Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson always greeted Sam with open arms when he’d see him. The Oscar winner posted to Instagram to honor him. “Sam Rubin, you will missed,” Hanks said. “A good guy, that Sam.” Alec Baldwin penned, “Rest in Peace Sam. One of the nicest guys I ever met in Hollywood.” Jamie Lee Curtis and Sam shared many great moments specifically during the 2023 awards season. “There was no one more enthusiastic about his job than Sam Rubin,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’ve known Sam for most of my career, and he had a light in his eyes every early morning as he started his daily work. This picture of us was taken at the Oscar luncheon and out of all

S. Africa again asks the world court to restrain Israel in Gaza

By Molly Quell | Associated Press THE HAGUE, Netherlands — South Africa urged the United Nations’ top court Friday to issue more emergency measures to restrain Israel, saying its military incursion in Rafah threatens the “very survival of Palestinians in Gaza.” The request marks the fourth for additional measures by South Africa, which filed a genocide case against Israel late last year at the International Court of Justice. According to the latest request, the previous preliminary orders by The Hague-based court were not sufficient to address “a brutal military attack on the sole remaining refuge for the people of Gaza.” At hearings in January, lawyers for Israel argued that its war in Gaza was a legitimate defense of its people and that it was Hamas militants who were guilty of genocide. South Africa has asked the court to order Israel to withdraw from Rafah; to take measures to ensure unimpeded access to U.N. officials, humanitarian organizations and journalists to the Gaza Strip; and to report back within one week as to how it is meeting these demands. Earlier this week, Israel issued a warning to

Saturday: Wine sale fundraiser planned for shuttered Fremont gastropub

Supporters of Ambrose Butchery, a gastropub in Fremont’s Niles district, are hoping to help the business owners avoid debt after lease issues forced the eatery’s closure last month. Now supporters including Niles resident Kirsten Brice are hosting a fundraiser on May 11 that will include wine donated by Mr. Mikey’s Country Store and Deli. Ambrose Butchery opened in 2019, after the restaurant owners converted the space from a retail location to a restaurant space. Business owners Joseph and Patricia Elmore had hoped summer’s brisker business would make up for slower winter sales and were taken aback when the lease was not renewed. So was the community, said Brice. “(The landlord) did not give any reason. We put a substantial amount (into) tenant improvements,” Joseph Elmore said via text. “We are beyond disappointed, and it put us in a tough position.” Landlord Wayne Corrie declined to comment on the matter. The small restaurant was known for its seasonal menus with dishes such as baked brie, burgers, steak frites and salads as well as beer, wine and cocktails. As of Friday, a Gofundme campaign had raised $2,380

SF Giants trade away two pitchers with strong Bay Area ties in separate deals

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Giants acquired minor league outfielder Rodolfo Nolasco from the Pirates on Friday in a trade that sent right-hander Daulton Jefferies to Pittsburgh. San Francisco also dealt right-hander Mitch White, a San Jose native and former Santa Clara pitcher, to the Milwaukee Brewers for cash. The 28-year-old Jefferies, who played collegiately at Cal and later made 10 starts for the A’s between 2020 and 2022, worked back from a second Tommy John surgery this season and was 0-2 with a 17.36 ERA over two appearances with one start, allowing nine earned runs on 14 hits with a pair of home runs over 4 2/3 innings. He missed all of last season following his second elbow reconstruction surgery on Sept. 9, 2022, and the process had Jefferies contemplating quitting baseball altogether. He was 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA in four outings with Triple-A Sacramento. Nolasco was playing for Pittsburgh’s High-A Greensboro affiliate, batting .173 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 21 games. This marks the second time this season that White has changed teams. He is 1-0 with a 7.63 ERA

Newsom eyes $1 billion in cuts to affordable housing programs

With a $27 billion shortfall looming over the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom is eyeing a total of $1 billion in cuts to several housing programs aimed at financing and preserving existing affordable housing. “There are components of our housing strategy where we are making adjustments, but the core mission remains firm,” Newsom said during a press conference announcing his proposed budget Friday. Here are the housing programs where Newsom sees potential cuts: — Eliminating the Multifamily Housing Program, including the remaining $75 million in 2023-24 for this program, as well as $250 million in proposed funds, which provide low-interest loans to build low-income housing. — Reducing funds for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant program from $1 billion to $740 million. Cities and counties use the grants to build permanent affordable housing and interim transitional housing. — Ending the Foreclosure Intervention Housing Preservation Program, a program created in 2021 that gave nonprofits and community land trusts loans and grants to purchase foreclosed properties. The budget appropriated $500 million through June 2027, but Newsom froze the program in January 2024 before any of the money

New public health center to come to Gilroy, expanding services to southern Santa Clara County

In an effort to expand service to a historically-underserved region of Santa Clara County, a new public health center is coming to Gilroy next year. Santa Clara Family Health Plan, which announced the new venture this week, said the Community Resource Center will offer a slate of free services, including health and wellness classes and assistance applying for insurance. “Finally, our families will have a place where they will be heard, to be taken care of, and to have a person follow up on their individual cases,” said Lucy Navarro, a resident who gave input on the upcoming center, in a news release. “I am very excited.” Santa Clara Family Health Plan, a publicly-funded health plan which largely serves low-income residents, is purchasing and renovating a building in Gilroy for the center and expects the project to cost $9 million and open in late 2025. The site will help enroll residents in MediCal, CalFresh, and Covered California and refer residents to other community resources for food, housing and health care. They will also offer fitness and wellness classes such as Zumba, yoga, or classes on healthy

Shaquille O’Neal-Shannon Sharpe beef reaches diss track level. Here’s how we got here

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was named the NBA’s MVP for the third time in four years on Wednesday. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press) O’Neal is considered one of the greatest big men in NBA history. He won four NBA championships — three with Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and the Lakers (2000, 2001, 2002), one with Dwyane Wade, Pat Riley and the Miami Heat (2006) — and was the NBA Finals MVP for all three of the L.A. title runs. O’Neal was named the league MVP for the 1999-2000 season — the only time in his career that honor was bestowed upon him — and finished as the runner-up in MVP voting twice, for his 1994-1995 season with the Orlando Magic and his 2004-2005 season with the Heat. O’Neal is currently an analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” On Wednesday night’s show, Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic was announced as the league’s MVP for the third time in four years. After reading off a number of Jokic’s stats from the regular season — 26.4 points per game (10th in the league), 12.4 rebounds (fourth)

Why did Huy Fong, the beloved Sriracha brand, halt production again?

The Sriracha shortage panic has returned. In what’s become a dreaded tradition in recent years, fans of the beloved spicy chili sauce just got more bad news: The California company that popularized the condiment known for its distinctive fiery red color has halted production until after Labor Day. Last week, Huy Fong Foods, which is based in Irwindale, sent a letter to its distributors blaming the four-month pause that could eventually snarl the sauce’s supply chain on the recent harvest of red jalapeño peppers. “We have determined that it is too green to proceed with production as it is affecting the color of the product,” according to the letter, obtained by USA Today. A representative for Huy Fong declined to comment Friday on the production halt or its cause, but the company said in the letter that it expected to resume production once the next chili season starts in September. What caused past Sriracha shortages? Huy Fong buys its peppers from several suppliers in Mexico, where dire drought conditions in recent years have hurt harvests and led to a water crisis so severe that taps

Orange County doctor accused of groping two female patients

An Orange County liver doctor was arrested after being accused of groping two female patients during medical examinations, prosecutors said. Dr. John Carl Hoefs, 79, faces seven counts of sexual battery for allegedly fondling the women’s breasts during exams, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office. Prosecutors alleged that Hoefs, who worked at a medical office in Irvine affiliated with Hoag, the not-for-profit regional healthcare network, assaulted one woman five times starting in 2020, prosecutors said. Hoefs would lift the woman’s medical gown to grope her, and when she tried to cover herself he would remove the gown again, according to prosecutors. Another woman said she was groped by Hoefs during exams in October and November of 2016. Hoefs was arrested May 3 and released on $500,000 bond. His arraignment is set for June 13. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if he is convicted on all charges. Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying additional potential victims. Anyone with information can call Irvine police Det. Rebecca Steen at (949) 724-7170 or email rsteen@cityofirvine.org. More to Read

Pedestrian struck twice by cars is shot, killed by deputies in Victorville

A Hesperia man who was traveling on foot survived being struck by two vehicles in separate collisions Thursday morning but was then fatally shot by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies after he pulled a knife on them, authorities said. Nicholas Robert Contreras, 32, was first struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Mariposa Road and Locust Avenue in Victorville, according to a sheriff’s spokesperson. Contreras picked himself up and continued walking before he was struck by a second vehicle near a gas station about a quarter-mile away, authorities said. Sheriff’s deputies responding to emergency calls arrived at the scene shortly before 10 a.m., authorities said. Neither of the two collisions “was hard enough to incapacitate or disable” Contreras, said sheriff’s spokesperson Gloria Huerta. As deputies approached Contreras, they discovered he was carrying a knife, authorities said. Contreras refused deputies’ commands to drop the knife, and when he advanced on them the deputies opened fire on him, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The department’s Specialized Investigation Division is handling the investigation. More to Read

Veteran Hollywood Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Dies at 64

Sam Rubin, one of the most recognizable and likeable entertainment reporters in the business and a fixture on the KTLA Morning News since 1991, died Friday at age 64. KTLA Morning News anchor Frank Buckley confirmed the news on the air early Friday afternoon, his voice trembling and fighting back tears as he spoke about the death of his friend and co-worker. “Our hearts, as you can imagine, are broken,” Buckley said. “Quite simply, Sam was KTLA. From his time on the KTLA5 Morning News to the many awards shows and other shows that he hosted, his laugh, his charm, most caring personality. To all of us he shred his mornings with on television and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him.” Buckley, who paused to battle back tears as he spoke, added, “The role that he cherished most was husband and father.” Rubin is survived by his wife Leslie and four children. “This is the moment when Sam would know exactly what to say,” Buckley said. “These are the kinds of stories that he excelled in

Former MLB Player and Long Beach Little League Star Sean Burroughs Dies at 43

Ex-major league infielder Sean Burroughs, who led Long Beach to Little League World Series titles in 1992 and 1993 and later played for the San Diego Padres and other MLB teams, has died at age 43, it was reported Friday. Burroughs collapsed and died Thursday while coaching his son’s Little League team, according Bob Nightengale of USA Friday. Other details were not immediately available. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, a person listed as Sean Burroughs, with the same date of birth as the former MLB player, died at 5:34 p.m. Thursday in the 4500 block of East 23rd Street in Long Beach. A cause of death was not immediately known. Burroughs first rose to stardom as a slugger and pitcher on a Long Beach team that advanced to the Little League World Series in 1992 and 1993 — winning in 1992 when its final-round opponent, the Philippines team, was disqualified for using over-age players, and beating Panama in the 1993 final. Burroughs pitched consecutive no-hitters during the 1993 series. He continued to dominate at Long Beach Wilson High School, from

Bus plunges off bridge in Russian city of St. Petersburg, killing 7

Friday, May 10, 2024 10:05PM A bus plunged off of a bridge Friday in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, killing at least seven people, officials said. ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — A bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river on Friday in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, killing seven people, officials said. The Investigative Committee, Russia’s top criminal investigations body, reported the death toll. It did not state how many others were injured, but the emergencies ministry earlier said that six people removed from the bus were in critical or serious condition. Russian news reports said there were 15 people on the city bus when it broke through a barrier and plunged into the Moika River in central St. Petersburg. Six of those who were onboard climbed out of the water on their own. A surveillance video released by the Russian media showed the bus driving fast, making a sharp turn onto the bridge and colliding with another vehicle before breaking through the barrier and falling into the water. Authorities in St. Petersburg said that the owner of the bus had been

Memories from a bygone era take center stage at the Olympic Auditorium exhibition

By Jose Mayorquin Friday, May 10, 2024 9:58PM Exhibition takes a nostalgic look back at the iconic Olympic Auditorium which showcased boxing, wrestling and roller derby for generations. LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Olympic Auditorium was built to host boxing, weight lifting, and wrestling events during the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The venue ultimately became a mecca for boxing fans for generations. “The exhibition and the documentary, both tell the story of the Olympic, and how it fits within LA history,” said Stephen DeBro, director of the documentary “18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story” which became an exhibition at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, a museum featuring Latino and Mexican American history in the US. DeBro co-curated the exhibition. “It was a place where people from all over the city came,” said DeBro. “It was sort of the beating heart in the center of the city. For more information about the exhibition go to: https://lapca.org/ For details on the documentary visit: https://www.18thandgrand.com/