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

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 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...

California’s two biggest problems have the same root cause

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 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 ...

New part-time shoulder lane to open between Southern California and Las Vegas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

Motorists traveling between Southern California and Las Vegas will soon get some relief from traffic congestion as a new shoulder lane opens up on Aug. 27The California Department of Transportation announced Friday that it will open a “part-time” lane on the southbound I-15, which will be available to commuters on select days of the week. California drivers could be charged more for having larger vehicles The lane will be available every Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the department announced on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.The Nevada Department of Transportation also confirmed the news on X. and said the lane will extend past the California/ Nevada state border during the hours of operation.For those who want to bypass driving to Sin City altogether, another mode of transportation could soon be available. California startup proposes night train between Los Angeles and San Francisco Construction on the highly anticipated bullet train that wil...

Getting a Smooth Start to School with Ulike’s Laser Hair Removal

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

Ah, the buzz of a new academic year! Every college student knows the thrill of fresh starts and dreaming of that perfect new look. But let’s be real—between late-night study sessions, unforgettable social events, and diving into club activities, who’s got the energy or the spare change for constant salon trips or the daily shave? Old-school methods? Sometimes feel like just another item on an endless to-do list. Here’s the good news: the latest in laser hair removal, especially those user-friendly Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices, might just be the answer to our hair removal prayers, blending efficiency with a touch of modern magic.Source: Envato Your On-the-Go Smoothness SolutionInstead of just skimming the surface, IPL devices delve deeper. By zapping melanin in hair follicles with pulses of light, they slow down that pesky hair growth, giving you smoother results for longer. This could mean fewer rushed mornings to get to class and more confidence in those spo...

5 Hurt in Rollover Crash on West Chalon Road [Brentwood, CA]

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

Rollover Crash on West Chalon Road near North Bundy Drive Left 5 InjuredBRENTWOOD, CA (August 25, 2023) – Friday evening, a rollover crash on West Chalon Road sent at least five people to a hospital.Officials responded to the collision around 4:00 p.m. at the 12001 block of West Chalon Road near North Bundy Drive.Responding officials said that all parties involved sustained minor injuries and no one was sent to the hospital.An active investigation into the rollover accident on West Chalon Road is still ongoing at this time. More information will be released by local authorities once it is available.When driving, always focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings. This is especially true when driving through a busy intersection, a neighborhood, or a parking lot. Drive in a safe and legal manner to help avoid causing or increasing the risk of accidents which may have devastating consequences for you and for others.It is important to have strong legal representation on your sid...

Reads and Zines at Beyond Baroque’s Book Hour

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

Supporting our local independent book stores is more important than ever, especially older ones that have long promoted eclectic expression and art-minded topics and themes. Beyond Baroque remains a leading nonprofit events space for the literary arts in Los Angeles, and its bookstore, named after famed local poet Scott Wannberg, has been a place for the community to connect and exchange ideas since since 1971.With the printed word as an inspirational starting point, BB’s shop is a wealth of ideas and activities, especially lately. All this month, they’ve been hosting a special Book Hour, offering BOGO discounts on new and used books, vinyl, and select merchandise including curated staff book picks (in-store and on TikTok / BookTok), and merch plus raffles, rewards and more.Today and tomorrow, they’re offering Zine Workshops with the “BB Zinester crew” (Nick Forman, Genesis Perez, and Iván Salinas), who’ll help you create your own. Supplies will be prov...

Last-minute legal maneuver keeps Antioch cops from testifying about racism within their department — for now

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

MARTINEZ — On Friday morning, Antioch police officers were expected to answer questions under oath about racism within their own department for the first time since a cascade of scandals revealed prejudice and alleged criminality among their ranks, but a last minute legal maneuver prevented it.At a Friday court hearing, Superior Court Judge David Goldstein accepted a concession by the Contra Costa District Attorney admitting that Antioch officers who investigated a series of 2021 gang-related shootings had violated the California Racial Justice Act when they sent racist texts and memes to each other while discussing the case. The District Attorney’s concession eliminated the need for defense attorneys to call subpoenaed Antioch officers as witnesses, staving off potentially embarrassing testimony that could have revealed how prevalent racism is within the police department.But the door isn’t fully closed. Defense attorneys for the four accused men — 22-year-o...

Spanish soccer chief refuses to quit after kiss at World Cup, so women’s team refuses to play until he goes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

By Joseph Wilson | Associated PressBARCELONA, Spain — Less than a week after winning the Women’s World Cup, Spain’s national team players announced Friday that they will not play any more games unless the president of the country’s soccer federation steps down for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their victory.Luis Rubiales, who was also chastised for grabbing his crotch after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday, has remained defiant despite immense pressure to resign. The kiss marred the title celebrations in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, and criticism has steadily mounted.Hermoso issued a statement Friday strongly rebuking Rubiales’ characterization of the kiss as consensual, while the 46-year-old federation president cast himself as the victim at an emergency meeting of the federation in Madrid.“I won’t resign,” he declared four times in quick succession, to applause from the overwhelmingly male audience.Several Spanish news media outlets reported Thursday th...

Brentwood extends ban on new smoke shops

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

Brentwood’s ban on new tobacco smoke shops will continue for at least another year.The City Council unanimously agreed to the extension this week after hearing a number of students, health advocates and parents request it, as well as tougher rules regarding tobacco sales.Isabelle Kirske, senior health educator with the advocacy group Contra Costa Tobacco Prevention Program, told the council that “unless tobacco use rates decline, an estimated 441,000 of all California youth who are alive today will die prematurely from smoking-related diseases.”“Our goal is to change that,” she said.Kirske added that Brentwood had recently received an “F” on its tobacco policy scorecard from the American Lung Association for its lack of regulations.Moreover, Kirske said there are 44 tobacco retailers in the city, 37 of which are within a two-block radius of places where young people frequent, such as schools, parks and playgrounds. Of those, she counted 12 “significant retailers” – 10 to...

Top 5 Best Crypto Exchanges in 2023

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:45:25 GMT

Sponsored ContentAs we move toward the end of 2023, the buzz around cryptocurrencies is growing louder. Everyone’s talking about it and wants a slice of the pie. But where do you start? Choosing the right platform is like picking the right shoes for a marathon. From a ton of choices out there, five exchanges have made a mark. They’re top-notch, safe, and user-friendly. Let’s explore them.OKX: The Undisputed ChampionWhen it comes to the crypto arena, OKX is leading the race with remarkable prowess. Why? It’s about more than just the wide range of trading choices they offer. What makes them unique is their intuitive interface. In an industry where security is paramount, OKX has set a high standard. The platform’s dynamism ensures both novices and pros can easily navigate the crypto waters. Their relentless commitment to innovation ensures OKX is not just keeping up with the crypto trends but setting them.Coinbase: The People’s ChoiceClose on the hee...