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Suspected serial arsonist arrested in Long Beach; victims speak out

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

A man has been arrested in connection with a series of suspicious vehicle fires in Long Beach, officials said Wednesday. Cristian Portillo, 31, was taken into custody early Wednesday by the Long Beach Police Department and booked on suspicion of arson and possession of a concealed dirk or dagger. He is being held on $50,000 bail, police said. Long Beach fire officials had previously described Portillo as a person of interest, and indicated he matched the description of a man seen in photos and videos near the blazes. Person of interest sought in series of Long Beach vehicle fires A person of interest is sought in connection with a series of vehicle fires in Long Beach. (Kimberly Lewis)The series of vehicle fires began on Aug. 20 and occurred in an area between the Long Beach Convention Center and Camden Harbor View Apartments along Cedar Walk. Three of the five blazes occurred in the parking garage of the apartment complex, officials said. On Tuesday morning, a truck was set on ...

Former Orange County basketball coach sentenced to life in prison for child sex assault

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

A former Orange County basketball coach was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting young girls who he coached.Carlos Francisco Juarez, 48, from Costa Mesa, was found guilty of:- 10 felony counts of a lewd act upon a child under 14- Seven felony counts of lewd act upon a child- Two felony counts of oral copulation of a minor under the age of 16- Two felony counts of sexual penetration by foreign object of a minorJuarez was first arrested in April 2019 and later found guilty by a jury in July 2023, according to the O.C. District Attorney’s Office.The four victims were between 11 and 14 years old when the sexual acts took place between 2005 and 2010, authorities said.Juarez primarily coached for club basketball teams including SoCal Swoosh and O.C. Mustangs and also worked at Aliso Niguel, Costa Mesa, Mater Dei, and Tustin high schools.In 2005, an 11-year-old victim took private lessons from Juarez at a Tustin gym where he had the girl “practice topless after he initially ...

Air quality meeting held over strong odor from Castaic landfill

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

People living near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic have been complaining about strong odors for months, some are even getting sick. Now they finally may have some relief.The South Coast Air Quality Management District was meeting Wednesday to discuss possible solutions.Residents who live near the landfill have filed more than 1,200 complaints since May and say the problem isn’t improving.Additionally, AQMD issued at least 58 public nuisance violation notices against the landfill. In August, the agency filed an order for abatement petition, which would require the landfill operator to take actions to reduce odors.Elevated levels of sulfur, specifically dimethyl sulfide, has been found in Chiquita’s landfill gas, officials said.The operator said an underground landfill reaction is the root cause, and they’re doing everything in their power to reduce the odor.Experts, including a toxicologist and environmental engineer retained by the landfill, were expected to speak during the...

Multiple hit at bus stop near Fresno school, police say

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Multiple people were taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon when they were hit by a vehicle at a bus stop near Roosevelt High School in Fresno, according to the city's police department.Police say around 3:30 p.m. they responded to an accident near Tulare and Cedar Avenues.Upon arrival, officers say they found multiple people injured at the nearby FAX bus stop. The victims were transported to a local hospital for treatment.Injuries reported at Fresno bus stopAuthorities currently have southbound Cedar Avenue at Tulare Avenue blocked for through traffic as well as eastbound Tulare Avenue at 11th Street.The reason for the crash was not immediately released. This is a developing story.

Tahri Joseph Killed in Pedestrian Hit-and-Run on Lankershim Boulevard [Los Angeles, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

28-Year-Old Pedestrian Left Dead after Hit-and-Run near Arminta StreetLOS ANGELES, CA (September 6, 2023) – Early Friday morning, officers were dispatched to a crash that claimed the life of Tahri Joseph.The incident happened on September 1st, just before 2:00 a.m., in the northbound lanes of Lankershim Boulevard at Arminta Street.According to reports, Tahri Joseph was walking in the area when he was struck by a northbound dark gray Nissan Sedan. The collision left Joseph with serious injuries. Following the crash, the driver of the Nissan did not stop to render aid to the victim and instead drove off.Emergency crews arrived at the site of the collision shortly after. There, paramedics pronounced 28-year-old Tahri Joseph dead at the scene.Meanwhile, police are still looking for the suspect.Following the collision, crews shut down Lankershim Boulevard, between Saticoy Street and Roscoe Boulevard for investigations and cleanup duties.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorro...

Passenger Killed in Stolen Vehicle Crash near Yosemite Drive [Oildale, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

Police Pursuit Ends in Fatal Crash near Lincoln AvenueOILDALE, CA (September 6, 2023) – Saturday morning, a stolen vehicle crash near Yosemite Drive claimed the life of a passenger.Deputies started the chase around 9:15 a.m. in the Oildale area after spotting an alleged stolen vehicle occupied by two people.Subsequently, the suspect lost control of the vehicle and hit another vehicle near Yosemite Drive and Lincon Avenue. The stolen vehicle also hit a light pole and knocked down live wires before coming to a stop.Multiple agencies responded to the crash including KCSO, CHP, KCFD, & PG&E.According to the police, paramedics transported the two occupants of the stolen vehicle, who suffered major injuries, to local area medical centers. However, the passenger succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.Moreover, both directions of the roadway were temporarily shut down to allow for cleanup and preliminary duties.Police said the occupants of the second vehicle were unharmed...

On a Mission to Help One Million Moms Get in On the Creator Economy

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

Gugu Guru Launches Mom Creators to Support Moms on Their Journeys to Becoming Thriving Content CreatorsFounded in 2015 as a baby product recommendation website, Gugu Guru has now launched Mom Creators, a platform that powers a supportive community and expert resources for mom content creators, mommy influencers and entrepreneurial moms at any stage of their journeys. Through Mom Creators, the company offers education via its Mom Creator University; an engaged community for moms and brands to network and collaborate with each other; an aspiring creator accelerator program called “Kickstart” and; management services for established mom creators & influencers.With the rise of the Creator Economy bringing about many viable, coveted “work from anywhere” opportunities – it’s no wonder that moms are jumping on board and looking to monetize their influence. It goes without saying that moms are a very powerful group of influencers for brands. In fact, moms might be crowned as...

Frances Adams and James Adams Killed in Speeding Crash on 45 Freeway [Conroe, TX]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

Two Pronounced Dead after High-Speed Collision near River Plantation DriveCONROE, TX (September 5, 2023) – Tuesday morning, Frances Adams and James Adams were killed in a speeding crash on 45 Freeway.Around 9:30 a.m., officers responded to the scene at the 17201 block of 45 Freeway near River Plantation Drive.Per reports, the driver of a red Tesla was traveling quickly through a parking garage and slammed into a concrete wall. The Tesla then struck an unattended silver Hyundai Genesis and an unattended white Ford Fusion, causing a chain-reaction crash.Emergency crews had to extricate the driver and front passenger from the Tesla with significant front-end damage. Paramedics arrived and transported 84-year-old Frances and 87-year-old James to a hospital where they later died.Following preliminary investigations, police said that speed is a major contributing factor in the deadly crash. Once available, further details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sinc...

Oakland man’s Instagram posts come back to haunt him in federal court

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

OAKLAND — Federal prosecutors here have filed gun possession charges against an East Bay man who is also suspected of involvement in a robbery crew made up of gang members, court records show.Ray Gilbert, 25, was charged last month with being a felon in possession of a firearm found during a search of an Oakland residence where he and two others lived, court records show. The search was predated by a police investigation that centered on Gilbert’s own Instagram posts, mostly selfies of him possessing guns, flashing cash, and making threats towards a rival gang, according to federal prosecutors.Gilbert also faces charges in four separate prosecutions in Alameda County — he is charged with two parole violations, retail theft for allegedly stealing thousands in merchandise East Bay stores, and firearms possession, court records show. Prosecutors have cited his suspected involvement in a “Case Gang robbery crew” that was active throughout 2023 as a reason t...

Single family residence sells for $1.6 million in Milpitas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 12:50:37 GMT

278 Falcato Drive – Google Street ViewA 1,910-square-foot house built in 1977 has changed hands. The property located in the 200 block of Falcato Drive in Milpitas was sold on Aug. 15, 2023, for $1,570,000, or $822 per square foot. This two-story home offers a capacious living environment with its four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Outside, the home presents roofing composed of wood shake roofing / shingles materials. Inside, there is a fireplace. The property is equipped with a heating system and central A/C. Additionally, the home is equipped with a two-car garage, accommodating vehicles and storage needs efficiently.Additional houses have recently been purchased nearby:In May 2023, a 1,675-square-foot home on Sepulveda Avenue in Milpitas sold for $1,540,000, a price per square foot of $919. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.On Lacey Drive, Milpitas, in February 2023, a 1,755-square-foot home was sold for $1,510,000, a price per square foot of $860. The home has 4 bedrooms a...