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Another 'flash mob' theft caught on video - this time in Sherman Oaks

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

There was a time when flash mobs at malls meant spontaneous dancing. Now, it’s a different kind of choreography.Authorities are searching for a group of thieves who robbed the Macy’s at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks Thursday evening in the latest “flash mob” style robbery caught on video in the Los Angeles area.Authorities say the theft occurred around 12:40 p.m. as the Macy’s was filled with shoppers.Cell phone video shows a group of masked thieves rushing through the store, grabbing handfuls of perfumes and cologne, and then running out the door.A woman who was shopping with her grandmother said they felt helpless and frightened.“My grandma - it’s hard for her to walk around so she was just sitting there. The poor lady was scared,” the witness, who did not want to reveal her identity, told KTLA. “It’s getting out of control.”Cell phone video shows a group of masked thieves rushing through the Macy's and grabbing handfuls of perfumes and cologne. Sherman Oaks, California...

All 3 victims of Orange County mass shooting identified

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

Editor's note: This story was updated to correct a misspelled name.A vigil will be held Friday evening to remember the victims of Wednesday’s mass shooting at Cook’s Corner that left four people dead, including the gunman.The identities of all three victims have been released. They are Tonya Clark, 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona, John Leehey, 67, of Irvine and Glen Sprowl Jr., 53, of Stanton.The suspected gunman, John Snowling, 59, died in a shootout with deputies.On Thursday, a search warrant was served at a home in the 4500 block of El Capitan Place in Camarillo that Snowling once shared with his estranged wife who, authorities say, was his primary target.Investigators served a search warrant on Aug. 24, 2023, at a home John Snowling used to share with his estranged wife. (RMG News)It was unclear what, if anything, was recovered from the home. Investigators say Snowling, a former Ventura police sergeant, was armed with three handguns and a shotgun when he walked into the popular Orang...

California's two biggest issues have the same root cause

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

When Californians are asked to identify the biggest problems facing the state, homelessness and the high cost of living consistently rise to the top of the list.While they are not one and the same, experts say both can trace their roots to the same problem: a housing shortage in the Golden State.A recent study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco found that in the six months prior to becoming homeless, survey participants reported a median monthly household income of $960, which amounts to just $11,520 a year.According to Zillow, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in California is three times that: $2,869 a month or $34,428 per year.“The results of the study confirm that far too many Californians experience homelessness because they cannot afford housing,” said Dr. Margot Kushel, one of the study’s authors. “I think it’s really important to note how desperately poor people are, and how much it is their poverty and the high housing costs that are leading ...

Would you pay $35 a month to stream ESPN?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

Disney has made no secret of its desire to finally offer an ESPN streaming service. A lack of access to sports has been a key reason many people have yet to cut the cable cord.The trick to streaming sports, though, is the cost.Simply put, sports is by the far the most expensive content available. Cable companies got around this by bundling sports channels with other programming, thus making non-sports fans subsidize the cost for sports enthusiasts.You can't do that with a streaming service, which by definition will be subscribed to only by people who want to watch sports.It was widely reported Friday that Disney is now in preliminary talks with Amazon on partnering for an ESPN streaming service and sharing the financial risks.Neither Disney nor Amazon has commented on the reports, but such a partnership makes sense.Disney would get a deep-pocketed affiliate to help shoulder the financial load, and Amazon presumably would gain access to more sports for its Prime Video service.But eve...

Connie Oliver Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash on 27th Avenue [Phoenix, AZ]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

49-Year-Old Woman Pronounced Dead after Fatal Pedestrian Collision near Northern AvenuePHOENIX, AZ (August 25, 2023) – Early Tuesday morning, Connie Oliver was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on 27th Avenue.Police responded to the scene just after 5:00 a.m., near Northern Avenue on August 22nd.Investigators say the driver of a vehicle struck Oliver and immediately fled the scene without contacting authorities or rendering aid.Paramedics arrived and transported 49-year-old Oliver to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. Once available, further details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of Connie Oliver. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.Losing someone in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident is always a traumatic experience for the surviving family....

2 Women Hospitalized after Rollover Collision on Highway 1 [Santa Barbara County, CA]

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

Two Injured in Rollover Car Accident near Firefighter RoadSANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA (August 25, 2023) – Monday afternoon, two women were hospitalized after a rollover collision on Highway 1.Police responded to the scene around 1:41 p.m., near Vandenberg Space Force Base and Firefighter Road.Emergency crews arrived and extricated two female occupants from inside their vehicle. Paramedics then transported them both to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.At this time, the circumstances that led up to the crash and the identities of the people involved remain unknown. Santa Barbara County Officials temporarily closed the northbound lane of Highway 1 as crews cleared the scene.No further details regarding the rollover crash have been released to the public. Authorities will provide more information about the crash once available.Driving can be very dangerous and almost anything can happen if you are not prepared. Always check behind your vehicl...

Let’s Go to SLO: The Kitschy Cool of Madonna Inn and Downtown San Luis Obispo

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

There are certain excursions and experiences that every pop culture vulture should have at some point in their lives, and a stay at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is definitely one of them. Known for its themed rooms and outlandish Barbie-esque interiors and exteriors, the inn provides a colorful escape from the daily drudgery of a work-driven life. Planning a getaway around a stay at this iconic hotel can make for a uniquely romantic romp, a glam getaway with friends, or a singular special occasion jaunt, especially for Angelenos. In the summer, when the weather is still comfortably cool, a charming adventure awaits in SLO, as San Luis Obispo is called, with Madonna as the must-see centerpiece.As we’ve done with past travel guides to Las Vegas, San Diego and Santa Barbara, we worked with area tourism groups and the local chamber of commerce to find out what’s new and what’s special to traipse, taste and try near the inn, and we dug deeper, talking to locals and frequent visitor...

Sale closed in Los Gatos: $2.9 million for a four-bedroom home

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

A spacious house located in the 100 block of Privada Luisita in Los Gatos has a new owner. The 2,145-square-foot property, built in 1965, was sold on Aug. 3, 2023. The $2,932,000 purchase price works out to $1,367 per square foot. This single-story home offers a spacious layout with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. On the exterior, the house is characterized by the use of wood shake roofing / shingles. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. In addition, the home includes a two-car garage, ensuring ample room for parking and storage. The property’s backyard also includes both a spa and a pool.Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include:A 3,557-square-foot home on the 100 block of Bersano Lane in Los Gatos sold in June 2023, for $3,450,000, a price per square foot of $970. The home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.On Bersano Lane, Los Gatos, in March 2023, a 2,389-square-foot home was sold for $3,125,000, a price per square foot of $1,308. The home h...

Could the Chinese government fund construction of huge new dam in Santa Clara County?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

Six years after unveiling plans to build a 320-foot high dam and reservoir at Pacheco Pass in southern Santa Clara County, the largest water agency in Silicon Valley still hasn’t found any other water agencies willing to help fund the project.But this week an unusual potential partner came to light: China.The revelation of interest from one of the United States’ most contentious rivals is the latest twist in the project’s shaky history: The price tag has tripled to $2.8 billion since 2018 due to unstable geology found in the area. The Santa Clara Valley Water District, which is pursuing the plan, has delayed groundbreaking by at least three years, to 2027, instead of 2024 announced five years ago. And environmentalists won a lawsuit this summer that will require more study of how ongoing geological work will affect endangered plants and animals.During questioning from water district board members at a public meeting Tuesday night, Rick Callender, the district’...

Cruise car crashes into vehicle after attempting to make turn: SFPD

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- An autonomous vehicle was involved in a crash Thursday night near Geary Boulevard and Gough Street, the San Francisco Police Department said. Around 9:53 p.m., officers responded to a report of a Cruise car being involved in a collision. The Cruise car was going southbound on Gough and attempted to make a left turn from the middle lane onto eastbound on Geary, according to SFPD. The autonomous vehicle then collided with another car driving in the left lane of Gough. Video from the Citizen App (above) shows the scene of the crash moments after it happened. Authorities did not report any injuries from this crash. KRON4 reached out to Cruise for comment but has not yet received a response. Police cruiser crashes into Wells Fargo Bank in Orinda VIDEO: Cruise cars block traffic in SF's North Beach "Further investigation will be conducted by the appropriate California regulatory agencies charged with overseeing the deployment of autonomous vehicles," SFPD sai...