A fire in #Ashland, Oregon has closed the 5 Freeway going north. This is on the 99, where a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy just told drivers to turn around and head south.
To head north, a local firefighter told me to take the 66 to Dead Indian Memorial Road to the 140 to hop back on the 5, but that’s only it “the fire doesn’t spread that far.” ...taking him at his word
I’m near #Medford, Oregon now and smoke surrounds me from all sides.
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In Huntington Beach, the site of a “white lives matter” rally where left-wing counter protesters have already showed up. Two people have already been arrested. Interview with PIO TK in thread.
Lt. Brian Smith of Huntington Beach PD said two people were arrested. One was arrested for a noise infraction, saying he wasn’t allowed to bring amplified music. The other was arrested for “impeding an officer” though he couldn’t specify what that meant.
Counterprotesters chant “go home nazi” to a man chanting “white lives matter” while flipping the bird. He later walked across the street
I've had a busy week or so reporting on alleged corruption in Baldwin Park for @SGVTribune. The city has faced numerous lawsuits and corruption allegations for a long time. It's been a lot to catch up one, but I'm diving in head first. Here's a thread of where I'm at. 1/6
I started with some history on Ricardo Pacheco, a City Councilman who retired in early June. He said he retired to spend more time with his family, but he also has a lengthy history of legal troubles and snafus. Here's a rundown of his legal history. 2/6 bit.ly/3eVt5YN
Next, there's police Chief Steve McLean, who filed a government claim against the city saying the officials there are corrupt. His attorney plans to file a lawsuit soon. If he does, he'll be the third chief in seven years to sue the city. 3/6 bit.ly/2VFx301
I’m at the Vanllee Hotel in Covina where residents are protesting its use as a shelter to house homeless individuals during the coronavirus pandemic. I’ve written three articles on the issue so far, so check them out below.
When L.A. County picked the Vanllee, they didn’t coordinate with Covina leaders, who said they were blindsided by the decision. bit.ly/2S72YVr
Later that week, Covina announced they were keeping their litigation open against the County. bit.ly/2S2v4ku
I’m here early at the Pomona Fairplex, a new polling center with new voting machines. Today’s the first day of early voting. No one has showed up yet to vote, and with 10 days to cast your ballot, volunteers here aren’t sure what their turnout will be today.
These polling machines are pretty neat. For 2020, this seems like a natural—and convenient—way to vote. Read more about the new machines here: bit.ly/2uZcnWO
But it turns out that technology is posing some issues. The machines are facing technical difficulties and poll workers can’t get them ready for voters.
I’ll be covering the @WhittierCityGov meeting tonight in place of @WhitReporter. In this special meeting, the city will discuss the homelessness issue at Parnell Park, which has become a public safety concern for residents.
Most recently, a man was punched by a homeless person after he yelled at them to leave Parnell Park. bit.ly/39L8JiD
On New Year’s Day, a 22-year-old woman was found dead in the park, which has become a homeless encampment. bit.ly/2N185ng
Press conference to announce final cleanup of debris from Woolsey Fire — closing in on 100% completion.
LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella: “97,000 acres were destroyed by the Woolsey Fire. 1,500 structures, 3 bridges, 6 miles of guard rail and roadway were destroyed or damaged. Damages are estimated at $98M. Today marks the day their homestead is safe to return to.”
Over 400,000 tons of debris has been cleared from LA County....making area ready to rebuild. First building permits have been issued. Will probably take over 5 years to be rebuilt (including homes and environment)