Holiday Shopping Tips: Neighborhood Guide

The LA Times has published a nice neighborhood by neighborhood guide to LA's best gift shopping, including Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades. 

CLICK HERE for the guide. 

LAPD Community Alert

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTIFICATION LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WEST LOS ANGELES AREA Please remain vigilant to activity and people in our neighborhood. If you see what you believe may be a crime in progress, call 911! If you see other suspicious activity, notify the Los Angeles Police Non-Emergency number at 1-877-275-5273. Forward any suspect information to me via e-mail or phone, so I can verify appropriate follow-up was conducted. Please record the date, time, type of activity, suspect(s) descriptions, and the description of any involved vehicles with accurate license plate information. Video cameras are great for capturing much of this information! Senior Lead Officer Christopher Ragsdale West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0741 Cell: 213-305-5895 Email: 26690@lapd.lacity.org Burglary: 200 block Loring Avenue RD 0819. MO: On 11/25/08 at 1211 hours, unknown suspect(s) entered the victim's rear ground floor window by prying off the screen andpushing open the unlocked window. Once inside the unknown suspect(s) took a computer tower and fled the location. 2000 block Roscomare Rd. RD 0806. MO: Between 09/15/08 at 1200 and 11/21/08 at 1730, suspect(s) pried the SFR rear window, removed tents and a drill gun. 2500 block Bowmont Dr. RD 0809. MO: On 11/23/08, between 0915 and 1400, suspect(s) cut the SFR front door lock, removed a GPS, firearm, and bicycle. 900 block Westwood Blvd. RD 0817. MO: On 11/21/08, between 1810 and 2325, suspect(s) broke psychiatric office front door handle, possibly removed medication samples. 1200 block Westwood Blvd. RD 0833. MO: Between 11/21/08 at 1855 and 11/22/08 at 0740, suspect(s) opened a rear window, removed cash. 10500 block Wellworth Ave. RD 833. MO: On 11/20/08, between 0815 hrs. and 1045 hrs., suspect(s) entered single family residence by kicking in the front door, and removed a laptop computer, television and jewelry. Grand Theft Auto: 11-23-08, 1600/1700 RD 0829 Pandora Ave/ Eastborne Ave. 08 Honda Civic 11-24-08, 1820/2100 RD 0833 1400 block Midvale Ave. 96 Honda Civic 11-22-08, 0130/0400 RD 0807 10000 block Cielo Dr. 07 Mercedes Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle: 11-19-08, 1500/0930 RD 0815 300 block S.Sepulveda Blvd. Garage Unk Hard drive 11-21-08, 1530/0800 RD 0837 1200 block Smithwood. Street GPS 11-22-08, 1920/1310 RD 0815 390 block S. Sepulveda Blvd. Sub Gar Pry Ipod (multi 2) 11-20-08, 0001/0230 RD 0834 1600 block Manning Ave. Street Smash GPS 11-18-08, 2100/0730 RD 0808 9600 block Wendover Dwy Pry GPS 11-18-08, 1930/2215 RD 0855 1600 block Westwood Bl. Pkg lot Susp removed Laptop 11-19-08, 1100/1215 RD 0815 500 block Sepulveda Bl. Street Smash Ipod 11-18-08, 2000/0900 RD 0829 1300 block S. Beverly Glen Sub Gar Smash Purse 11-18-08, 2100/0925 RD 0805 200 block Bentley Ave. Street Susp removed Watch 11-18-08, 2355/0800 RD 0834 1400 block Selby Ave. Street Susp removed Cash Grand Theft: 10000 block Cielo Dr. RD 0807 Car,cell, cash $800 1000 block Tiverton Ave 0817 Bikes (rec) $2000

Black Friday is Here!

For all the latest National Retailer's Deals, click here:
http://www.blackfriday.info/

And here is a quick article for some flavor from the LA Times BLOG:

Cookware for 75% off? Check. Banana Republic clothes for 50% off? Done. Free mp3 player with a $20 Old Navy purchase? Got it. If shoppers at the Citadel Outlets late Thanksgiving night were Santa Claus, they'd be crossing names off their list. Fast.

Hundreds of coffee-toting shoppers braved traffic and parking jams to navigate the maze of stores that opened at 11 p.m. for Black Friday. Some, like Jasmin Maldonado, 20, even planned to shop all night and drive straight to work at 6 a.m. - with the help of "a good Thanksgiving dinner, and Starbucks."

The Target sales associate from Pico Rivera stood near the front of a massive line outside KB Toys around 10:30 p.m. to be one of the first to grab a Princess Vanity mirror and table for her 18-month old daughter, Savannah.

"You have to pinch your pennies here and there, and that's why we're here," she said. But Maldonado wasn't afraid to admit she planned to splurge a little on her wardrobe at Torrid. "If she (Savannah) is getting something, I'm getting something."

Eateries including Auntie Anne's and Ruby's Diner stayed open late so shoppers could drop in for a quick bite. Ambitious shoppers were spotted clutching a pretzel in one hand and a jumble of shopping bags in the other.

But across town, at the Circuit City in Hollywood, half of the dark parking lot was empty around 12 a.m., and fewer than 40 people were lined up outside for the 5 a.m. opening.

"I'm surprised there aren't that many people," said Jose Perez, 20, who's done his Black Friday shopping at the Circuit City for four years. "Last year, people were lining up in the parking lot. It was crazy. Last year, the economy was good. Now, you don't see that many people."

The economic slump hasn't put a damper on Perez's Black Friday spirit. He's still gunning for cheap deals on a video camera, 250-inch flat screen and Playstation3.

"That's what everybody came for, they know everything's cheap. Everyone wants to save money. You don't want to go bankrupt like Circuit City."

--Catherine Ho

Happy Thanksgiving! If you need to know how to carve a bird, you are in luck. . .

Some Rare Positive Economic News

Because the housing melt-down was a prime impetus of the economic crises we are now in -- any positive activity on the housing front is critically important to recovery.

From Bloomberg: U.S. Mortgage Rates Fall on $600 Billion Fed Plan

U.S. mortgage rates fell more than three-quarters of a percentage point today ... The average U.S. rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage ended the day at about 5.5 percent after falling to as low as 5.25 percent, according to Bankrate Inc. It was 6.38 percent this morning ...

And refinance activity has picked up immediately, from the WSJ: Fed Aid Sets Off a Rush to Refinance

The Federal Reserve's attempt to stabilize the housing market set off a chain reaction across the U.S. on Tuesday, dropping interest rates and quickly spurring a burst of refinancing activity by borrowers eager to lower their mortgage costs.

Some brokers said it was the most activity they've seen in at least one year, although there was no way to determine to volume of refinancing.

Looks to be a Good Old Fashion Home Thanksgiving for Many

Despite plummeting gas prices and unusual last-minute holiday deals on airplane tickets, more people are expected to stick close to home this Thanksgiving.  In fact, the Automobile Association of America says the 41 million Americans expected to take trips at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving is about 600,000 less than traveled last Thanksgiving.

The reason, as a surly economist might say? It's the economy, stupid.

Market Prices California as Greater Bankruptcy Risk than Slovakia

Below is the CDS (commercial default swaps) data on some of the US states. 

Michigan    192
California    165
Nevada       164
New Jersey 150
Ohio           104  

Apparently, California is now priced as a greater bankruptcy risk than Slovakia at 150. 

And this is pretty much why:

An emergency session called by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to address the state's budget crisis ended Tuesday night in bickering and party division. Legislators adjourned without taking any action that improves the state's finances. 

The state's estimated budget shortfall has swelled to $28 billion through the middle of 2010. 

Government Bailout:More Direct Action on the Way

I am feeling a bit better about the economy today.  Although we are still in for some very rough economic times, it appears that the government has stopped taking half-measures and is grabbing the bull a little more by the horns.

And by the way -- if you took my idea of buying GGP stock yesterday at the open -- you would be up a whopping 200% today!  I can't help but gloat as there are so few stock market victories these days. . .  

From www.cnbc.com:

The U.S. Federal Reserve, in another massive life-support intervention for the U.S. financial system, Tuesday announced a $600 billion program to buy mortgage-related debt and securities and a $200 billion facility to buy consumer debt securities.

The U.S. central bank said it would buy up to $100 billion in debt issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, the government-sponsored mortgage finance

enterprises.

The Fed also said it would buy up to $500 billion in mortgage-backed securities backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae.

The move is intended to strike at the heart of U.S. economic woes, the collapsed housing market.

"This action is being taken to reduce the cost and increase the availability of credit for the purchase of houses, which in turn should support housing markets and foster improved financial conditions more generally," the Fed said in a statement.

The central bank also launched a $200 billion facility to back consumer loans, including student, auto, and credit card loans and loans backed by the federal Small Business Administration.

ALERT: Important Announcement from the Bel~Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Council

By now most of our RVA neighbors have received notice of a DWP meeting to discuss the water quality improvement project proposed for the Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Stephen Wise Temple  

Please, we need your attendance!!  There has been a limited amount of misinformation circulating, mostly from people not directly affected who live outside the areas that have been participating in the formulation of the proposed project.

The RVA, the Glenridge Homeowners Assoc, the Residents of Beverly Glen, and the Bel Air Association, which are the HOAs that surround Stone Canyon, have all had participating representatives to the mediated process to determine what that project should be. The decision to support buried concrete tanks to replace the uncovered Upper Reservoir was made with extensive and very thoughtful deliberations over the past two years. It was driven by the requirement of the Federal Government (EPA) and the State of Calif (State Dept of Health Services) to cover all open bodies of water that deliver drinking water to the public. All of these Homeowner Associations, and the Bel Air Beverly Crest Neighborhood Association to which we all belong, have unanimously endorsed this project.

The goal by your community reps has always been and continues to be to restore the natural vegetation to this beautiful canyon. The buried tank option also includes a passive recreation component which allows limited public access to hiking and walking trails.

We would very much appreciate your responding by email to your reps in support of their efforts to endorse this project that they have helped formulate.

It would be very helpful if you would state the following or something like it:

 "I fully support the Buried Tank Option as the preferred alternative for the Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir Water Quality Improvement Project.  I have been told that neighborhood impacts will be assessed and mitigated in the EIR that is now being prepared.  I also understand that the Bel~Air Association Board of Directors has unanimously approved this project, and continues to support this position.  I also have learned that the Board of Commissioners of the DWP has approved this project, with the recognition it is a long-term solution that benefits Los Angeles long into the future."

Please cut and paste (or write your own version) and send back to Shirley Cohen or Phyllis Gottlieb.   Please give your name and address.

Any questions…feel free to write or call

Phyllis  310 472 5551             Shirley  310 472 5144

plgottlieb@msn.com               cashcohen@earthlink.net 

 

Black Friday Just Around the Corner

Black Friday, for those less familiar with retailing vernacular, is the Friday following Thanksgiving that historically has been the biggest shopping day of the year (and also refers to the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the "black" (i.e., turning a profit)).  Retailers traditionally offer deep discounts on Black Friday -- but this Friday might be one for the record books.

I have found that one particular site does an exceptional job of keeping up with all the adds, offers and information -- and that site is:

http://www.blackfriday.info/

Of course, if you really want to get a bargain (relatively speaking, of course), skip the retail middle man and purchase for everyone on your list 100 shares of mall-owner General Growth Properties stock.  For $100, you can buy about 200 shares of GGP stock that in December of last year would have been worth about $10,000.

Keep our economy alive and buy lots and lots of presents.

Remember, the real American Heroes this year are those that go out and shop!  

UPDATE:

I guess you all took my stocking-stuffer idea to heart -- GGP Stock is up over 50% as of 9AM this morning.  SECOND UPDATE: GGP Stock up over 80% at the close.  Good day on the market.

Thunder? Sonic Boom? Explosions?!?!? What was that!!

Did anyone else just hear that?

At about 8:30 PM this evening, there was such a boom outside my window I thought there was either a massive thunderclap or UCLA's Marching Band drummers were hitting the steroids.

Well, as it turns out, the Grove had its 7th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony that included (from my perspective, at least) a massive firework display.

At least we know we are not under attack. . .

It appears the retailers are pulling out all the stops to summon the shoppers as early as possible this year.

Meg Ryan Officially Lists Bel~Air Home For Sale

After being "quietly" on the market as a pocket listing for the last year or two, Meg Ryan's beautiful Bel~Air home was officially placed on the MLS For Sale earlier this month.

Listing Price: $19,500,000

Property Stats:

• Single family
• 6 beds
• 7.0 bath
• 6,877 sqft
• Lot 31,799 sqft
• Built in 1931

Described on the listing agent's site as follows:

Truly enchanting and romantic. A gated and private drive is the approach to this 1931 restored Spanish compound that’s elegant and rich in detail. Features include: a courtyard entry, double story, stenciled beamed ceiling in the living room; French doors opening to terraces and walkways; a bar room “a la 1930’s Los Angeles” a formal dining room for both intimate and grander entertaining, and a superb Cook’s kitchen. Upstairs features: a separate Master Suite with sitting room and bath; 3 additional Family bedroom suites all with ensuite baths; A screening or media room w/ separate entrance. All rooms open to and overlook Bougainvillea framed views of the City. With an incredibly private knoll setting what more could complete this special haven ... the pool and guest house.

Trader Joe's is Comin' to Town

I have always been a big fan of Trader Joe's -- but there was never one in a convenient location for those of us in Bel~Air. . . until now!

Currently scheduled to open December 5th, Trader Joe's will be dispensing its wholesome favorites and Two Buck Chuck only minutes away in Westwood Village at 1000 Glendon Ave -- in the new Palazzo development immediately South across from the Ralphs / Best Buy / Expo center.

I snuck in last week (see above pictures) and it looks very nice, indeed.  And most importantly (especially in Westwood Village), parking looks to be ample as well!

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony List Bel~Air Home

SELLERS: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
LOCATION: St. Pierre Road, Bel Air, CA
PRICE: $8,500,000
SIZE: 7,357 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms
DESCRIPTION: French Farmhouse Estate. Stunning, published, walled and gated villa on 3/4 acre in old Bel Air. Incredible quality and imported materials. An authentic European ambiance rarely seen. Extraordinary specimen gardens, paths, pool, pool house, large guest hse/studio. Second gated entry.

Keep in mind that I have not toured this property first-hand, but compared to the other significant lower Bel~Air estates currently being offered for sale, this one seems like a relative bargain.

Click HERE for the colorful op-ed description by the Real Estalker.

Bel~Air Association Sponsors Community Emergency Response Team Program

The Bel~Air Association is sponsoring a two hour CERT overview class for Bel~Air Association Members.

Please call our General Manager, Paulette DuBey at 310-474-3527 to reserve your spot. 

What is CERT?

 Local government prepares for everyday emergencies. However, during a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference. While people will respond to others in need without the training, one goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. In the CERT training, citizens learn to:

Manage utilities and put out small fires,
Treat the three medical killers by opening airways,
Controlling bleeding, and treating for shock,
Provide basic medical aid,
Search for and rescue victims safely,
Organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective,
And collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts.

 

WHY DO THE CERT TRAINING?

Well, it's like paying for car insurance. You might never need either; you'd hope not to. But if the occasion arises, having the CERT training, just like having car insurance, means you're as ready as you can be to help yourself, your family and your neighborhood.

HOW DO I JOIN?

CERT members receive 17 ½ hours (one day a week for seven weeks) of initial training. The 7-week course is followed by full-day biannual refresher drills, and an opportunity to assist the LAFD at local incidents.

CERT is provided free of charge within the city of Los Angeles to anyone 18 or over.

Classes are taught mornings, afternoons and evenings continually throughout the year in locations all over Los Angeles.  The current schedule is always available.  Thank you for your interest!

Ann Beisch

Director, Bel-Air Association City Services Committee 

We Are Now Living Thru the Worst Stock Market Crash Since the Great Depression

Free Money - Get your TV Converter Box paid for by Uncle Sam

This is what your antenna reception will look like on February 17, 2009

unless you get a digital converter box!

For those of you that are unaware, at midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. 

You will need a digital converter box if you use a roof antenna or rabbit ears (cable and satellite reception will be uninterrupted). 

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after February 17, 2009. 

The Program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

I just received my two coupons worth $80 today -- and I suggest you all get yours before the US Government runs out of money!  FYI, I bought my boxes at www.tigerdirect.com.  The coupons covered the full unit cost and all I paid was shipping (about $9 per unit). 

Want to get your coupons or have more questions? 

Click HERE to get your coupons or visit the FAQs for more information!

LAPD Community Alert

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTIFICATION LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WEST LOS ANGELES AREA Please remain vigilant to activity and people in our neighborhood. If you see what you believe may be a crime in progress, call 911! If you see other suspicious activity, notify the Los Angeles Police Non-Emergency number at 1-877-275-5273. Forward any suspect information to me via e-mail or phone, so I can verify appropriate follow-up was conducted. Please record the date, time, type of activity, suspect(s) descriptions, and the description of any involved vehicles with accurate license plate information. Video cameras are great for capturing much of this information! Senior Lead Officer Christopher Ragsdale West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0741 Cell: 213-305-5895 Email: 26690@lapd.lacity.org Hate Crime/Felony Battery: 11/6/08, 2000 Hrs. Santa Monica Blvd.& Manning Ave. RD 845. Victim's were supporters of "No on 8" and suspects were in support in "Yes on 8." During a protest at the above location, the sides clashed and the suspect's called victim's a derogatory name. A physical altercation ensued. The victim's sustained lacerations, bruises and a broken nose. Burglary: 10700 block Wilshire Blvd. RD 0828. MO: Between 11/02/08 at 1800 and 11/15/08 at 1100, suspect(s) entered the condo by unknown means, removed a wristwatch. 9800 block Easton Dr. RD 0808. MO: On 11/11/08, between 0830 and 2100, suspect(s) threw a tree stump through the SFR bedroom window. Entry was not believed gained. 10300 block Wilshire Blvd. RD 0829. MO: Between 10/25/08 and 11/07/08, suspect(s) removed jewelry from elderly victim's condo. Reported jewelry was found inside apartment. 10900 block Kinross Ave. RD 0817. MO: Between 11/04/08 at 2200 and 11/05/08 at 0800, suspect(s) entered the business by unknown means, turned off the alarm, removed cartons of cigarettes. 900 block Broxton Ave. RD 0817. MO: On 11/08/08 at 0838, the below described suspect entered the business via an unlocked door, damaged interior doors and removed a key ring: Susp: Male Black, black shirt and pants 10800 block Wilshire Blvd. RD 0833. MO: Between 10/20/08 and 11/05/08, suspect(s) removed a laptop from an office. No forced entry, reported as a burglary. 11000 block Santa Monica, RD 0855. MO: On 11/09/08, at 0720, suspect(s) smashed the business glass front door, removed cash and cameras. Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle: 11-14-08, 2015/2200 RD 0806 600 Nimes Rd. Pkg lot. Valet removed sunglasses 11-13-08, 1210-1230 RD 0833 1300 S. Sepulveda BL. parking lot smash purse 10-14-08, 0100-0600 RD 0834 1300 Westholme Ave. street smash GPS. 11-12-08, 1020-1045 RD 0834 1300 Westholme Ave. street smash lap top computer 11-06-08, 1900-0800 RD 0805 2200 Linda Flora Drive street smash cell-phone 11-11-08, 0001-0600 RD 0834 10500 Eastborne Ave. carport tires-rims 11-06-08, 2130/0900 RD 0805 600 Acanto Street Smash GPS 11-06-08, 1100/1500 RD 0819 10100 Wilshire Blvd. Pkg lot Susp removed Handicap placard 11-05-08, 1700/0735 RD 0806 2300 Donella Street No prop taken 11-05-08, 1700/0545 RD 0834 10500 Eastborne Ave Carport Susp removed rims/tires 11/4-11/5, 2230-1030 RD0815 11100 Cashmere Ave Driveway Smash Cash, credit cards 11/4-11/5, 2030-0810 RD0829 1700 Warnall Ave Street Smash laptop/nav sys 11/4-11/5, 1800-0630 RD0833 10900 Wilkins Ave Street Smash GPS 11/5, 0001-0715 RD0855 1700 Kelton Ave Street Smash sweater Grand Theft Auto: 11-14-08, 2230 RD 0817 10900 Kinross Ave. P/lot 04 Pors Cayenne Bronze 11-14-08, 0030 RD 0833 1400 Veteran Ave street 05 Acura RSX Grey 11-04-08, RD 0805 1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Street 85 Nissan PK Grand Theft: 10800 Wilshire Blvd. 0833 Laptop $1600 1700 Thayer Ave. 0834 Bike $660 1900 Benedict Cyn. 0807 Clodthing $6000 10300 Wilshire Blvd. 0819 Jewelry $13000

New Feature Coming Soon - Get to Know Your Bel~Air Association Directors

In a community like Bel~Air with many large homes, tall gates and vicious guard dogs, it is often difficult to get to know our neighbors.

In an effort to bring even our sprawling community a little bit closer, I am starting a new feature called "Get to Know Your Bel~Air Association Directors".   

Every few days, I hope to post a new set of Questions & Answers by one of our Directors (participation is entirely voluntary, of course), which I know will be interesting, informative and fun.  

In time, I hope to expand this community building project to everyone in Bel~Air that would like to participate.

Later this week our own Association President & Director Harvey Saferstein will be first on the hot-seat.

Stay tuned! 

Historic Comparison to Current Market Crash

(click to enlarge)

This graph really tells the story. 

The current Subprime Mortgage Crash (in Blue) is truly Epic.  

God help us if we have further to go before hitting bottom.

What really scares me is that it appears we were tracking the previous Bear markets (bottoming at 50% down) but then jumped to the Great Depression track (bottoming at 90%).

UPDATE:

DOW closed at the lowest level it has been in 5 years @ 7997.28.

And my beloved GOOGLE stock is down almost 6% for the day.

This is torture.

Be Careful Bel~Air! Monticito Fire Casued by Student Bonfire

Bonfire built by students caused Montecito fire

(click here for the full LA Times Story)

The suspects say they thought the fire had gone out when they left the ridge-top site Thursday morning. The D.A.'s office will decide if they will be charged with any crimes.

By Catherine Saillant and Jean Merl 
November 19, 2008

Reporting from Los Angeles and Montecito -- A smoldering bonfire built by students on a ridge-top overlooking Montecito apparently sparked last week's disastrous Tea fire, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said Tuesday.

Ten men and women, ranging in age from 18 to 22, had gathered at an abandoned property called the Teahouse late Wednesday night and built a bonfire to warm themselves, Brown said.

Bel~Air Cares: Support the Million Trees Los Angeles (MTLA) Initiative

(Click on Images to Enlarge)

The Million Trees Los Angeles (MTLA) Initiative is pleased to announce a grant competition for schools and their related programs in the City of Los Angeles. 

As a part of the 2008 Environmental Youth Conference which will be held on December 13th, MTLA is soliciting grant proposals from schools that have successfully completed and implemented urban forestry projects in their schools, communities or neighborhoods. The purpose of the grant competition is to recognize successful youth-led urban forestry projects, and to promote the sustainability of youth environmental activism. Each successful applicant may receive a grant of up to $1,000 to continue their urban forestry projects, and may be highlighted at the conference in December.

Fires in Southern California - View from Space

Gusty winds drove wildfires into southern California cities in mid-November 2008. This image from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite shows the Los Angeles metropolitan area on November 16, 2008. Places where the sensor detected active fires are outlined in red. The top image shows smoke spreading far to the west over the Pacific Ocean. According to the National Interagency Fire Center daily situation report from November 16, the Sayre Fire north of San Fernando was 8,000 acres and 20 percent contained. The Freeway Fire was 5,800 acres and 5 percent contained. 

NASA image courtesy the MODIS Rapid Response Team. Caption by Rebecca Lindsey

Bel~Air Cares: Help & Support Los Angeles Area Fire Victims

Many Bel~Air residents have asked how they can help with the tragedy suffered by those Los Angeles families displaced and left homeless as a result of this weekends' horrible fires.

Past Bel~Air Association President Andy Schwartz had a wonderful suggestion that those with a poolhouse or unused guesthouse may want to offer the same to families in need.

Our Councilman Jack Weiss has volunteered to coordinate any such generous offers and match volunteering residents with displaced families.      

 

Councilmember Weiss can be reached through the following contact information:

822 S. Robertson Boulevard, Suite 102
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Phone: (310) 289-0353 
Fax: (310) 289-0365
E-Mail: Councilmember.Weiss@lacity.org

ALERT: Trim your Palm Trees!

Palm trees help spread fire in Yorba Linda

7:31 PM, November 16, 2008

Michael Boyle, a battalion chief with the Orange County Fire Authority, said a major problem for firefighters Saturday in the Triangle fire was untrimmed palm trees.

“Palm trees are a huge problem," he said. "They have those fronds and they then turn into a roman candle and they produce a phenomenal amount of embers.”

Boyle said another problem has been ornamental vegetation surrounding homes.

On Saturday, he spoke with a homeowner who stayed to defend his home. When Boyle looked in a man’s backyard, he saw wood patio furniture against the mountainside.

“I told him to throw it in the swimming pool and he did. A few hours later the house was still standing.”

--Tami Abdollah

Red Flag Condition - Restricted Parking Continues

"RED FLAG" DAY A Red Flag Condition has been issued for Los Angeles City. Red Flag Restricted Parking will be in effect from From  Saturday, November 15, 2008 08:00 AM  to  Sunday, November 16, 2008 08:00 AM or  until further notice.

Get Ready for Bargains! Planned Holiday Spending Off Sharply

Survey: Planned Holiday Spending Off Sharply

by CalculatedRisk on 11/14/2008 11:54:00 AM

From American Research Group, Inc.: Shoppers Cut 2008 Christmas Spending Plans in Half from 2007

Shoppers around the country say they are planning to spend an average of $431 for gifts this holiday season, down from $859 last year according to the twenty-third annual survey on holiday spending from the American Research Group, Inc. The overall average planned spending is down almost 50% from 2007 and it is the lowest level of planned spending recorded by the American Research Group since 1991.

While planned spending increases as Christmas approaches, a majority of shoppers are beginning the holiday shopping season saying they plan to cut their gift spending in half from a year ago.

In telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,100 adults nationwide conducted November 10 through 13, 2008, the average planned spending of $431 for 2008 is down about 50% from planned spending in the 2007 survey.

Year	Average Spending	Percent Change
2008	$431	-50%
2007	$859	-5%
2006	$907	-4%
2005	$942	-6%
2004	$1,004	+3%
2003	$976	-6%
2002	$1,037	-1%
2001	$1,052	+ 9%
2000	$968	+ 3%
1999	$939	+ 1%
1998	$928	+ 34%

This table from American Research Group shows the planned spending for each holiday season since 1998. Although actual spending changes (and spending will not be off 50% compared to 2007), this does show consumer pessimisim is very high.

Combined with the sharp plunge in October retail sales, this suggests a very weak fourth quarter for personal consumption expenditures (PCE) and suggests that forecasts for Q4 GDP might be too high.

Although the table only goes back to 1998, planned spending is a the lowest since the 1991 recession.

Beverly Hills - Retail Sales to fight the Recession

Shopping in Beverly Hills last weekend, you could feel the desperation as upscale retailers crushed by October’s declining sales figures started cutting prices nearly a month earlier than usual, some resorting to near-bargain-basement tactics.

At Neiman Marcus, which saw retail sales fall 27% in October, selected designer shoes by Manolo Blahnik and fur coats were 40% off for two days only, before returning to full price.

Saks Fifth Avenue had tables of Ferragamo bags and racks of Louboutin pumps for pre-sale at 40% off, meaning that they could be purchased ahead of time and taken home today, when the sale officially starts. This, only a short while after a mailer went out promising that if shoppers spend $2,000 on their Saks cards, they won’t have to pay for 12 months.

Meanwhile, the salespeople at Barneys New York were quietly informing customers that although their sale doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, Nov. 12, they would be happy to put designer clothes aside until then.

Over on Robertson Boulevard, Anya Hindmarch was offering 25% off the entire store for 3 days only, including every bag and shoe. And, in what may be the surest sign that the party is over, Kitson — ground zero for Hollywood’s heiress set, which has four storefronts on the same street — was hosting a “big ass sale” at its original location with 40% to 80% off all the accouterments of Hollywood’s culture of excess, including uber-stylist Rachel Zoe’s book, rhinestone-studded T-shirts and premium jeans, originally priced from $98 to $395.

Paris and Nicole were nowhere to be seen.

“There’s no push to buy clothes,” says Ilene Sraberg, a Beverly Hills resident who was getting her nails done at Bella Nails on North Camden Drive. “It’s the end of November and I’m still wearing the same thing I did last summer.”

She’s done very little shopping this season, she said, other than for basics. “Just last week, I went to buy some fall corduroys by Not Your Daughters Jeans at Nordstrom. They were already on sale 30% off, and they had just come in.”

Outside of Barneys, Raquel Gibson, a model visiting for the weekend from Miami, was upbeat. “There are a lot of sales, so you can actually find a lot of good stuff.” Her sister CJ Gibson agreed. “I am not going to stop shopping because that would only make things worse.”

That’s right ladies, keep the economy rolling.

-- Booth Moore, Times Fashion Critic

Preparing for an earthquake: Tips to go along with the ShakeOut

Quake tips
* To prepare for an earthquake, secure objects that may fall over and cause damage, such as bookshelves or large televisions, said Mark Benthien, director of outreach for the Southern California Earthquake Center, who is helping to organize the Great Southern California ShakeOut. Latch cabinets, strap bookshelves and attach water heaters to the wall. (And don't forget to get your home properly bolted and secured and up to recent building codes, said Lucy Jones of the U.S. Geological Survey.)

* Take the time to create a family disaster plan -- something too few people do, Benthien said. Agree on a spot where family members can meet if they are separated in a disaster. Designate an out-of-state point person whom family members can call to check in with after the earthquake. Out-of-state phone lines will probably be the first to be reestablished after a disaster, Benthien said.

* Store plenty of water. Each person in a household should get a gallon per day, Benthien advises. 

* Keep a fire extinguisher at home and at work. Fires often break out after earthquakes. 

* When an earthquake starts, know what to do: Drop, cover and hold on. Quickly get under a table or desk and hold on in order to "move with the earthquake," Benthien said. If no table is near, get down next to an interior wall. Cover your head and neck and curl up, making yourself as small as possible.

More Massive Area Development Despite Downturn - Century City

Ambitious mall project moving ahead in Century City

Westfield is pursuing an $800-million development that would move Bloomingdale's, add retail and office space, and replace a Westside landmark with a 49-story tower.

By Martha Groves 
November 12, 2008

Unlike some cash-strapped competitors in the shopping center business, Westfield has nearly $7 billion in the bank and can't wait to start knocking down buildings and digging dirt for an ambitious expansion of its Century City mall.

The $800-million project entails relocating Bloomingdale's, adding retail and office space, razing one of the original twin "Gateway" buildings designed by Welton Becket and replacing it with a 49-story tower with 262 apartments or condos.

Despite a boom in high-rise development in Century City that has surrounding neighborhood groups on high alert, the mall expansion has experienced remarkably smooth sailing for a proposal of its size. 

On Thursday, the city Planning Commission is expected to approve the Australian company's environmental impact report, paving the way for passage by the City Council. The project has the backing of Councilman Jack Weiss, who represents Century City and has received more than $8,000 in contributions from Westfield executives for his city attorney campaign.

Westfield has also been a big donor to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, giving him $100,000 for his committee to take over the school district and $50,000 for his 2007 U.S. Conference of Mayors, held in Century City.

The Westfield project reflects a new direction in Century City's core, which for decades featured mostly offices and hotels but is now creating hundreds of upscale residences. Westfield says the mall expansion would add to the "live, work, shop and play" vibe. 

Neighborhood groups contend that the project is too big and too tall and will produce too much traffic. But traffic isn't their only concern. They say the development will further strain already inadequate services, from police and fire to schools, libraries and electric and water utilities.

"We have a huge project and no corresponding infrastructure to go with it," said David Tyrone Vahedi, an attorney who is running for City Council in District 5, which includes Century City. "When they're selling these condo units for $3 million, do they tell these people that there's very little police protection? That there's traffic congestion and so few officers that response time is unacceptable?"

For years, Century City and environs have experienced an almost unrivaled building boom. Century City in particular has been a hotbed of construction, with projects including 2000 Avenue of the Stars (which replaced the ABC Entertainment Center) and Westfield's $170-million first-phase redo of the outdoor shopping center, including a rooftop dining deck, enlarged movie theaters and, most recently, a parking system that directs patrons to available spaces (green light overhead) and away from occupied spaces (red light overhead). 

Also underway is Related Cos.' 39-story condo tower at the site of the former St. Regis Hotel on Avenue of the Stars. Down the street at the corner of Constellation Boulevard, JMB Realty Corp. of Chicago plans three condo towers.

In nearby Beverly Hills, the Montage resort hotel is scheduled to open this month. And the Beverly Hilton is hoping that a final vote count on Measure H will allow it to proceed with a 12-story Waldorf-Astoria hotel and two luxury condo towers.

Some residents say that the accumulation of projects will inevitably exacerbate traffic problems. Westfield's environmental impact report concluded that the expansion would indeed worsen traffic.

"People are saying, 'We can't take any more density until we have the ability to offer [transit] alternatives,' " said Barbara Broide, president of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Homeowners Assn. "We are hoping that the council district office, the Planning Commission and the City Council all realize that a project of this magnitude can't be built as proposed unless some strong investments are made in the community."

Westfield executives counter that urban density beats sprawl. The company plans to encourage other Century City businesses to participate in a shuttle program for the area's 40,000 employees, and it envisions adding a station to link up with a proposed "Subway to the Sea" or another Metro mass transit program.

"This sort of development will lead to a much better and much more integrated Century City," said Peter Lowy, Westfield's co-chief executive, who heads the company's U.S. operations.

By demolishing two high-rise office towers, he added, Westfield will be reducing peak-hour traffic. (The other structure is the Houlihan Lokey office building on Century Park West, which will be replaced with a five-story parking structure with a rooftop parking level and two existing below-ground levels. The project calls for adding 1,899 spaces, for a total of 4,529 spaces for retail, office and residential.)

Lowy said the company is eager to establish a proper retail frontage on Avenue of the Stars and Santa Monica Boulevard, which would be accomplished in part by relocating Bloomingdale's from the mall's core to the new tower on the avenue. 

Westfield acknowledges that it is negotiating with a coalition of neighborhood groups, which are urging the company to contribute funds that could be parceled out to police, fire, schools and other community services. As of Tuesday, no settlement had been reached. 

Then there's 1801 Avenue of the Stars, one of the twin glass-and-aluminum gateway buildings featured in the 1961 Century City master plan developed by Welton Becket & Associates. After the 1957 repeal of the city's 150-foot building height limit, Century City was conceived as a high-rise satellite commercial center. The full plan, for a pedestrian-friendly, beautifully landscaped zone, was never realized. 

In a Nov. 4 letter, the Los Angeles Conservancy urged the Planning Commission to consider alternatives to demolition. But Westfield contends that it would be impossible to convert the building to condos and build a transit station. 

"I think there's a lot that's good about this project," Weiss said. "At this point in time, with this economy, it would be public policy malpractice to tell someone who wants to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in your community to go take a hike," he said. 

Groves is a Times staff writer.

Proposed Project: "Demolition of 360,964 square feet of office building at 1801 Avenue of the Stars and 1930 Century Park West and reconfiguration of shopping center space at 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard. Construction of 358,881 square feet of retail space, 106,523 square feet of new office space and 262 residential units within a 49-story building with a maximum height of 579 feet measured from the plaza level of the Shopping Center."

FOLLOW-UP:

Century City mall expansion approved

3:07 PM, November 13, 2008

The Los Angeles Planning Commission has unanimously approved Westfield’s plan to expand the Century City shopping center after the developer agreement to make modifications.

The panel devoted several hours to testimony from supporters and detractors before voting to approve the project, which calls for relocating Bloomingdale’s, adding parking and replacing an original Welton Becket tower with a 39-story mixed use building with 262 condos.

The Comstock Hills Homeowners Assn. had protested the original 49-story plan for the tower and was pleased that Westfield agreed to lop off 10 stories.

--Martha Groves

Back-and-forth in neighboring Beverly Hills

Waldorf-Astoria pulls ahead in Beverly Hills balloting

Talk about a seesaw election.

On Friday, a ballot measure that would allow construction of a luxury hotel in Beverly Hills was losing by six votes.

But new vote tallies released by the Los Angeles County registrar Tuesday show that the controversial measure is now winning by 16 votes.

The current vote for Measure H, which would allow the construction of a Waldorf-Astoria hotel and two condominiums on the Beverly Hilton property in Beverly Hills, is now 7,017 for and 7,001 against.

In vote tallies released Friday, Measure H was being defeated 6,793 to 6,784.

Marcia Ventura, a spokeswoman for the registrar's office, said she did not know if all of the ballots had been counted.

But, countywide, hundreds of thousands of absentee and provisional ballots remain to be counted. It is likely that some of those are from Beverly Hills voters.

So stay tuned.

Bel-Air Presbyterian Church - Fire Product Demonstration this Saturday @ 12:30PM

Attention Bel-Air!

due to the recent fire at Mountaingate, the Bel-Air Presbyterian Church is providing their South Mulholland parking site for an important fire product demonstration.

 

Date:                                                   Saturday, November 15,  2008

Time:                                                           12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Place:                                                    16190 Mulholland Drive

                                                    Bel-Air Presbyterian South Side Parking lot

 (west of the 405 Freeway)

 

The Los Angeles Fire Department in conjunction with Malibu Fire Supply will be conducting a demonstration of Barricade Fire Blocking Gel.  This informational presentation with printed product information will be an opportunity for all concerned to see the product “in action”.  This product is carried by Los Angeles City and County Fire departments.  Representatives will be available to answer any questions.  Thank you.

Santa Monica Ice Skating Rink OPENS for the Holiday Season

ICE at Santa Monica 

Neighborhood: Santa Monica
310-393-8355
http://www.downtownsm.com 

» Get directions 

Schedule

Friday 11/07/08 to Monday 01/19/09

Where:Santa Monica Outdoor Ice Skating Rink 
1324 5th St. and Arizona Ave. 
Santa Monica,CA,

Price:$10 admission includes skate rental

Repeats Daily

See Full Schedule

Photos

About

The irony of having an ice rink mere minutes from the beach is not lost on us, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate the holiday season at Santa Monica's outdoor ice skating rink. Bring your admission bracelet to a participating Los Angeles or Orange County Starbucks and receive a free tall hot beverage.

ICE AT SANTA MONICA presented by Starbucks^® Coffee
Open November 7, through January 19, 2009
1324 Fifth Street
Bring back childhood memories — or create new ones — as you slice through the ice in a festive atmosphere filled with holiday cheer and balmy ocean breezes. Located at 5th Street and Arizona Avenue, less than two blocks from the Third Street Promenade, the rink is open daily. The $10 admission includes skate rental. The rink is periodically cleared for short periods to groom the ice. If raining, the rink will remain open in light rain or drizzle conditions, closing only for heavy downpours.

 

Happy Holiday from Starbucks®! Bring your ICE at Santa Monica admission bracelet to a participating Los Angeles or Orange County Starbucks® and receive a complimentary tall hot beverage on us. Pass the Cheer!

Ice Rink Hours:

Daily: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Great Southern California ShakeOut - This Thursday @ 10AM

At 10 a.m. on November 13, join millions of people throughout Southern California in the ShakeOut Drill, the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history!

The Great Southern California ShakeOut is based on a potential magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas Fault— approximately 5,000 times larger than the magnitude 5.4 earthquake that shook southern California on July 29. It’s not a matter of if an earthquake of this size will happen—but when. And it is possible that it will happen in our lifetime.

Fun Weekend Event - Would you rather Rodeo or Rodeo Drive?

Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo 

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760-344-5206 
https://www.cattlecallrodeo.com/

» Get directions 

Schedule

Dates	Time	Venue	Price
Nov 08, 2008		Brawley Grandstand  1500 W. Main St. El Centro,CA,92243	Advance: $7 general admission; $14 reserved seating. Day-Of: $10 general admission, $17 reserved seating

See Full Schedule

Photos

» Submit a Photo

About

Since its inception in 1957 as an amateur event, the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo has expanded into a sizable professional rodeo. The event includes a chili cook-off, cowboy poetry, mariachi night, a bluegrass festival, the Fiesta Cultura and the Cattle Call Parade.

Bad News - Schwarzenegger: $4.4B in tax hikes to end deficit

Schwarzenegger: $4.4B in tax hikes to end deficit

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed $4.4 billion in tax increases and billions more in spending cuts to close California's worsening budget deficit, declaring: "We must stop the bleeding."Schwarzenegger on Thursday called for a special session of the state Legislature to address a deficit that has grown to $11.2 billion just six weeks after he signed the budget for the current fiscal year.He said the state's economic condition has deteriorated significantly since then, with a cratering stock market and the continued decline of the housing industry.California's budget relies greatly on capital gains taxes, which have dropped precipitously in recent months along with swooning stock prices. Sales and property taxes also have declined.He said lawmakers will not be able to close the budget gap with cuts alone. He proposed a temporary 1.5 percent sales tax increase and other "revenue generators."

This proposal would push the LA sales tax rate to 10.25% (together with passed measure R) - Yikes!   

But far better than an income tax increase that would only target the most productive!!!!!

Election / California Proposition Results

The LA Times has a wonderful interactive map showing California results for the Presidential Election as well as the California State Propositions.

CLICK HERE to link to the interactive map and information.

There are a lot of filters and "pull down" menus to allow you to really see what went on and where.

LAPD - TEXT-A-TIP AND WEB TIP INFORMATION

		TEXT-A-TIP AND WEB TIP INFORMATION

In response to the public's demand for secure and anonymous ways to submit crime tips to authorities, the Los Angeles Police Department has developed two new anonymous tip reporting systems. Previously, there was no system whereby information could be passed from the public to the police and back without the identity of the person providing information being known to the police. Ultimately, many valuable tips were withheld from police because people lacked confidence that their identity would be kept anonymous. Anonymous letters did not have a mechanism to ask simple follow-up questions, or eliminate hoaxes. These new services offered by the LAPD overcome all of these concerns. The LAPD is hopeful that these two new anonymous tip systems will open the flow of information between a community fearful of gangs and the police. 1. Text-A-Tip Service This allows a tipster to provide information to the LAPD and remain completely anonymous through text or SMS messaging. SMS or Short Message Service are common text messages which can be used by virtually any cell phone user. Tipsters type the word "LAPD" plus their crime information on their cell phone or PDA to the number 2-7-4-6-3-7 which spells out the word "CRIMES". The text message is encrypted and an alias is generated for the tipster, masking their identity from the police. There is no way for the police to determine the user's identity. To text a tip to the Los Angeles Police Department, you must have text messaging enabled on your phone and subscribe to a participating cell phone carrier. To begin your tip session, text the word "LAPD" along with your crime information to the number, 2-7-4-6-3-7, which spells the word "CRIMES" on your phone's keypad. While handset menus differ by carrier or model, here are some basic steps on how to compose a text message . Find "Messaging" or "SMS" on your phone's menu. 1. Create a new text message or send text or SMS text. 2. When composing your message: Enter the number 2-7-4-6-3-7 as the mobile # or in the "to" line. In the message body, type the word LAPD, a space, and then your crime tip information (LAPD is not case sensitive). 3. Hit "Send" to send the message. 4. You will receive a response from TipSoft shortly, which will start the secure text dialogue. For your safety, when you complete your tip submission, you should always delete all text messages to and from 2-7-4-6-3-7 from your text message in box and out box. 2. TIPSOFT WEB TIPS Users go to www.lapdonline.org and follow the link for "Anonymous Web Tips" where they can fill in a form and submit it via the internet. The tip goes through a secure server where, again the identity of the sender is masked from the authorities receiving the Web tip. The Two-Way Dialogue features allow the tipster to return at their convenience and securely provide additional information to their original tip and investigators can securely ask questions or provide instructions back to the tipster as well. Submitting a crime tip through the web is as easy as going to the www.lapdonline.org website and clicking on the ANONYMOUS WEB TIP link. Tipsters will fill out the web tip form. Once completed, they can elect to create a password and click on the Submit Tip button. A tip code is created after a tip is submitted. Tipsters can check the status of their tip at a later date by logging in with their code and password. No mobile phone information is collected by the Los Angeles Police Department as part of this program. Your Text-A-Tip and Web-Tips are completely anonymous to the LAPD and is only identifiable by the code provided to you. Any information submitted is directed to the LAPD's Regional Crime Center detectives, who will disseminate the information to the appropriate LAPD investigative unit.

LAPD Community Alert

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTIFICATION LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WEST LOS ANGELES AREA

Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle Alert Burglary theft from Motor Vehicles (Car break ins) have been on the rise throughout the West Los Angeles Area. Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle is the highest crime in West Los Angeles. This is due to very valuable and expensive personal property being left inside unattended vehicles. An automobile is not a safe or secure place to leave any valuables whether locked or unlocked. If any property is left unattended in the car for even just a few minutes IT WILL BE STOLEN! Even something as simple as a small sun glass case, an empty backpack or gym bag will cause your car window to be smashed resulting in hundreds of dollars in damage alone. Car burglars are stealing a variety of small expensive electronics and valuables. The top items being taken in most car burglaries is portable GPS systems, IPODS, cellular telephones, lap top computers, purses, wallets and money. The West Los Angeles Area continues to be a target rich environment. Based on the history and information from arrests that have been made we know we have a variety of car burglars that travel to the westside of Los Angeles to commit their crimes. Although many arrests have been made the crimes continue occur. This tells us there are numerous suspects that are targeting the area. The Los Angeles Police Department is making every effort to combat this problem. Community awareness and involvement is instrumental in the prevention of these crimes. If the car burglars do not find valuable property inside cars eventually they will seek out other areas to commit their crimes. Please do not leave ANYpersonal property visible in the car Please remain vigilant to activity and people in our neighborhood. If you see what you believe may be a crime in progress, call 911! If you see other suspicious activity, notify the Los Angeles Police Non-Emergency number at 1-877-275-5273. Forward any suspect information to me via e-mail or phone, so I can verify appropriate follow-up was conducted. Please record the date, time, type of activity, suspect(s) descriptions, and the description of any involved vehicles with accurate license plate information. Video cameras are great for capturing much of this information! Senior Lead Officer Christopher Ragsdale West Los Angeles Community Police Station Office: 310-444-0741 Cell: 213-305-5895 Email: 26690@lapd.lacity.org Home Invasion Robbery: 1600 block Clear View Dr. RD 808. On 10/31/08, 2100 hours. The suspect(s) entered the residence and knocked on the victim's bedroom door. The victim opened the door and was immediately confronted by two masked men. Suspect #1 tased the victim, and both suspects entered the room. The suspects then tied the victim and removed property from the residence. Property Taken: Safe, Jewelry, Lap Top, Total $604,000. Suspects: 2 Males 600, 170 NFD. Street Robbery: 10200 block Charing Cross Road (RD 819). 10/26/08, 0420 hours. While walking on the street the victim was approached by the suspect who was armed with a knife and claimed he had a gun. The victim gave the suspect her engagement ring. Suspect: M B unk Bro 5-11 150 36-39 yrs, dark green hoodie, and dark pants. Weapon: Knife. Property Taken: Ring worth $7,000 Burglary: 2900 block Beverly Glen Circle. RD 0807. MO: Between 11/01/08, 1900 and 11/02/08, 1030 hours, unknown suspect(s) entered the location by unknown means and deactivated the alarm. The suspect(s) then took $500.00 dollars and fled. 1800 block Coldwater Cyn. RD 0809. MO: Bet 10/01/08, 1200 hrs and 10/29/08, 1200 hrs, suspect(s) used a possible key to enter victim's residence and took 3 T.V.'s, 1 DVD/VCR player, 1 DVD player, 1 VCR and 2 satellite converter box's. Grand Theft Auto: 10-29-08 RD 0816 Gayley Ave/Veteran Ave. Street 05 Mercedes E320 10-29-08, 1000-1400. RD 0816 Gayley Ave/Veteran Ave. Street 03 Toy Corolla Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicle: 10-29-08, 2030/0900. RD 0805 Sepulveda/Bell Terrace. Street Unk Laptop 10-22-08, 2000/1130. RD 0807 10400 block Seabury Street Susp removed Car Cover 10-26-08, 1045/1145. RD 0805 16000 block Mulholland Dr. Pkg Lot Smash backpack 10-26-08, 1845/0645. RD 0806 2000 block Stradella Driveway Susp removed Ipod 10-19-08, 1200/1400. RD 0806 10800 block Savonaro Driveway Susp removed Ipod 10-28-08, 1310/1315. RD 0829 1200 Devon Street Susp removed Purse Theft: 1600 block Sepulveda Blvd. 0855 Shredder $2000 Broxton/Westwood RD 0817 Bike $50 3100 block Abington RD 0808 cash $300

Non-Political Suggestion of News Service

Where do you get your news?

Everyone is yelling and screaming about liberal media this and conservative talk radio that. . .

Just tossing in my 2-cents -- but I will be on the computer all day Tuesday constantly refreshing The Drudge Report to get the latest election updates.  

For those of you that do not know, The Drudge Report is more of a news clipping service that links you to the most important (as they so determine) news events of the moment -- and the site is updated almost every minute.  An enlightening UCLA study of the media ranked The Drudge Report as one of the most unbiased and "centrist" of all news sources.

http://www.drudgereport.com/

With almost 800,000,000 (yes, that is 800 Million) page views LAST MONTH alone -- many agree that it one of the best places to get your freshest serving of important (and hopefully unbiased) news.

The results of the UCLA study indicated the following:

Five news outlets — "NewsHour With Jim Lehrer," ABC's "Good Morning America," CNN's "NewsNight With Aaron Brown," Fox News' "Special Report With Brit Hume" and the Drudge Report — were in a statistical dead heat in the race for the most centrist news outlet.  Of the print media, USA Today was the most centrist.

Note that this is purely a public service announcement -- and I have no interest in The Drudge Report other than sharing what I think is a valuable source of information with our community.

Run-up to Election Day! - Get Ready for a Wild Ride

Prepare for chaos: U.S. electoral system warned it 'can't cope' as historic number of voters cast their ballot

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 6:12 PM on 03rd November 2008

The American presidential election could descend into electoral chaos on Tuesday as unprecedented numbers of voters turn out to cast their ballot in a system that is largely untested.

The U.S. has an electoral system that is not organised, designed or funded to cope with 'anywhere near a 100 per cent turnout', a director of a leading independent electoral reform group has said.

As an estimated 130million Americans head to the polls, Doug Chapin, director of The Pew Charitable Trust's Electionline.org, said voter turnout will 'dwarf' all other problems in this year's presidential election.

Enlarge 

It's not over yet: A defiant John McCain rallies supporters in Florida earlier today

Enlarge 

On top: But a confident Barack Obama was also campaigning in the Sunshine State today, where every vote will count

And with the nation’s voting system largely untested for what is expected to be an unprecedented turnout, the potential for chaos is high. 

His warning came as John McCain today threw himself into a final frenetic dash across America to save his bid for the presidency. 

He was flying to seven cities in seven states to try to close an 11-point gap in the polls before Americans vote tomorrow, defiantly telling

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! This Tuesday!!

The wait is nearly 5 hours at the registrar's office, but making an appointment can greatly speed the process. A similar turnout is expected Sunday and Monday.

By Bob Pool 
November 2, 2008

Voters hoping to avoid long election day lines found themselves standing in one that lasted nearly five hours Saturday in Norwalk.

A crush of early-bird balloters swarmed the Los Angeles County registrar's office, where 100 voting booths filled a tent on the office's lawn. A similar turnout was expected today at the same site, the only one for early voting in the county.

 

• 

  Rainy day at the registrar's office

• 
  

  Four big questions of the presidential...

• McCain has own infomercial, on 'SNL'

• McCain and Obama agree: The race isn't over

• Long lines might deter some voters, election watchers say

"I knew this line would be long, and to be honest, it's a shame it's not longer. This is a very important election," said LaDwan Sherman, a reality show contestant coordinator who lives in Santa Monica.

Sherman, in her 30s, was at about the halfway point in a line that snaked around the elections office on Imperial Highway. As she inched forward, she was crocheting a colorful cover for her cellphone.

"I should have all five panels done and be stitching them together by the time I vote," she said.

RACES & ISSUES

• McCain, Obama on the issues

• California ballot measures

Los Angeles City and County

• L.A. County Supervisor

• Schools and Education

• Congress and legislature races

VOTER TOOLKIT

• Find a polling place

• Deadlines for voters

• Politics A-Z

• Local election coverage

Like most in the orderly and surprisingly patient crowd, Sherman wanted to avoid taking time off from work Tuesday. Many anticipate long delays at polling places because of the predicted high turnout.

"I have a job and I go to school and I probably wouldn't get to vote if I waited until election day," explained 47-year-old Bill Morgan, a building inspector from Winnetka who brought along a folding chair and an iPod. 

Further up the line, 18-year-old Candace Bailey said she was prepared to skip Saturday afternoon's USC homecoming football game to cast her first ballot.

"Tuesday I have classes that I'd rather not miss. I'm from Houston and I could have voted by absentee ballot, but I wanted to actually push that button myself," Bailey said, explaining that she registered to vote here after arriving for her freshman year of college.

Saturday's balloting drew voters from every corner of the county, and beyond. Camila Bastidas drove from Bakersfield, in Kern County.

"I just moved there for a new job and I'm still registered here," said the 23-year-old television producer. "I couldn't take off from work to come here on Tuesday."

Turning to the man standing in line behind her, Bastidas handed him a camera and asked him to snap her photo. "This is a historic election. I want a picture to make it memorable," she told Will Martinez.

"We're like neighbors. We've been standing together for so long," said Martinez, who lives in Downey and owns an Internet cafe.

Martinez, also 23, explained that he was holding a place in line for his fiancee, Nicole Allen, 21, who was sitting on the nearby lawn, intently studying a college textbook.

After about a two-hour wait, voters were ushered into a tent with 600 chairs inside -- and confronted a sign saying they had about three hours to go.

Every few minutes, elections worker Cynthia Nunn called out numbers and voters picked up their ballots, proceeding to a second tent with voting booths. 

"No. 649, No. 778, No. 266," she shouted, using a somewhat baffling numerical system.

Those seated around a woman holding No. 266 cheered as she threw her arms triumphantly into the air.

Voters emerging from the voting tent said the wait had been worth it. "I voted today to make sure my vote gets counted," said Billye Porter, 69, of the Fairfax district, as she walked out carrying her folding chair and water bottle. The process had taken four hours and 55 minutes.

"In the primary they ran out of ballots and I had to cast a provisional ballot," she explained. "I don't even know if it got counted."

Marcia Ventura, a spokeswoman for the registrar's office, said about 2,000 people have voted each day since early balloting began Oct. 25. Voting will resume today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Not everyone had to wait so long. Some took advantage of "express voting," done by appointment.

A friend mentioned it to South Los Angeles educational assistant Dana Massey, 35. She called the registrar's office, made an appointment and passed the word to four cousins. They all rendezvoused at the registrar's office. 

"We were in and out in 10 minutes," said one of the cousins, Tiffanye Coleman, 34, of Lancaster.

The registrar's office can be reached at (800) 815-2666.

Pool is a Times staff writer.

Councilmember Jack Weiss E-Newsletter - October 31, 2008

Welcome to Councilmember Jack Weiss' e-newsletter. Please call (213) 473-7005 or visit Jack's website for more information about happenings in the district and the City, or visit http://www.lacity.org/council/cd5/.


In This Issue...

- City Council Approves Weiss Plan to Clear DNA Backlog in Rape Kits
- Weiss Raises Concerns About LAPD Fingerprint Analysis
- Weiss and Community Continue Billboard/Supergraphic Fight
- Weiss Works to Reduce Crime in Sherman Oaks
- Weiss Responds to Crossing guard Accident
- DWP's Westside Village Construction Will Remove Wires in Historic Tree
- Brush Clearance and Red Flag Day Awareness
- Weiss Wire Hiatus
- Upcoming Community Events

Please click the following link to view the Weiss Wire:
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd5/latestnews/cd5latestnews301056575_10312008.pdf