Van Nuys News Press » Van Nuys News

Assembly Approves Bill Easing Commutes for Clean Car Drivers

George Thomas — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:59:36 +0000

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California State Assembly approved legislation authored by Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield (D-San Fernando Valley) that rewards Californians for purchasing clean or zero-emission vehicles by giving them a pass for congestion free commuting on highway carpool lanes or carpool lanes converted to toll roads.

Assembly Bill (AB) 266 passed with a 49-22 vote and moves to the State Senate for further review.

“We won’t make a dent in our clean air and climate goals without getting more of these cars on the road,” said Blumenfield. “With more clean cars than ever coming off the production line, this is an exciting time in the clean car industry. We must support it and the consumers making greener choices by keeping this program up and running.”

AB 266 allows extends the existing Clean Air Vehicle Sticker program, which allows single-occupant drivers of clean and zero-emission vehicles to drive in carpool lanes and toll roads as an incentive for consumers to choose cleaner, greener cars. Absent Blumenfield’s legislation, the program phases out in 2015.

There are two kinds of stickers in the Clean Air Vehicle Sticker Program. White Clean Air Vehicle Stickers are available for certified zero emission vehicles – such as electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or compressed natural gas vehicles. AB 266 extends their viability to 2020. Green Clean Air Vehicle Stickers are available for plug-in hybrid cars. AB 266 extends their viability until 2018. While there is no limit on the amount of white stickers, green stickers are capped at 40,000. A list of vehicles eligible for these stickers is available at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/carpool/carpool.htm.

Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and smog. Clean cars, such as plug-in hybrids and compressed natural gas cars, emit 34% fewer global warming gasses and 75% less smog. Zero-emission vehicles include electric and hydrogen-powered cars.

34,051 stickers have been issued under the Clean Air Vehicle Sticker program as of March: 10,831 green and 23,220 white. That total is approximately 0.1% of all vehicles on California roads – 22 million cars, 5 million light trucks, 500,000 commercial trucks, and 818,000 motorcycles. 1.6 million vehicles were sold last year in California.

Further information about AB 266 is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.

George Thomas

One Dead and Several Injured in Three-Car Collision

George Thomas — Sun, 12 May 2013 17:40:19 +0000

NORTHRIDGE, CA — Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division (VTD) detectives are investigating a serious traffic collision in which one driver was killed and several other people were injured.

Last Thursday, about 1:25 a.m., a gray 2001 Nissan Pathfinder and a blue 2005 Mercedes Kompressor were traveling eastbound on Roscoe Boulevard when a burgundy 1997 Pontiac Bonneville pulled out from the south curb of Roscoe Boulevard and turned into traffic.

To avoid the Pontiac, the Mercedes swerved and collided with the Pathfinder, causing it to overturn. The Mercedes then continued eastbound and collided with the left side of the Pontiac. The driver, front passenger, and child in the Pontiac were seriously injured and taken to a local hospital where the driver, a Granada Hills resident, was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.

The Pathfinder driver, a Winnetka resident, suffered minor injuries, but the Reseda resident driving the Mercedes was seriously hurt. Both were transported to local hospitals.

Anyone who has or needs more information about this incident is asked to call VTD Officer Fredo at (818) 644-8037. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

George Thomas

Three Suspects Arrested for Killing Handball Player

George Thomas — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:53:32 +0000

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA — On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at 3:55 p.m., patrol officers from West Valley Division responded to a radio call of an “Ambulance Cutting” on the grounds of Cleveland High School located in the 8100 block of Vanalden Avenue in Northridge. Responding officers located the victim, 18-year-old Kevin Orellano of Reseda, who was being treated by paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department. Victim Orellano was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

Police officers from West Valley Division as well as the Los Angeles Unified School Police quickly locked down the crime scene and spoke to numerous witnesses. According to witnesses, victim Orellano was playing handball with another individual when he was approached by two suspects. A brief argument took place and one of the suspects punched Orellano in the face. The suspect continued to fight with the victim at which time the second suspect armed himself with a small pocket knife and stabbed Orellano in the torso. The suspects then ran from the scene.

Utilizing a variety of investigative tools, including social media, detectives from West Valley Division were able to quickly identify the suspects. A relentless pursuit of those suspects led to the arrest of a 16-year-old young man and 19-year-old Michael Steven Carpio of Panorama City. The suspects were arrested in the early morning hours on Thursday, April 25, 2013, and have been booked for murder.

Additional Information –Witnesses reported seeing the two suspects leave the school in a maroon colored mini-van driven by a young Hispanic female. When the detectives arrested the suspects this morning at 12:15 a.m., at a residence on the 15000 block of Roscoe Boulevard, they also arrested 19-year-old Michelle Pineda for murder. In addition, the male suspects are documented gang members; however the victim had no apparent gang ties. The getaway vehicle was also found at the location where the suspects were arrested.

For more information, please call West Valley Homicide Unit at 818-374-7720. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

George Thomas

Man Shot on Sidewalk In Los Angeles

George Thomas — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 03:00:19 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the shooting death of Kallen Mahone.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at around 1:15 a.m., LAPD Olympic Division uniformed officers responded to a shooting radio call in the 800 block of S. Gramercy Drive. When the officers arrived, they found Mahone suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital where he died from his wounds.

The investigation revealed that Mahone was on the sidewalk when an unknown suspect approached and shot him several times. Mahone collapsed on the sidewalk and the suspect left the location in an unknown direction.

Mahone is described as a 31-year-old male Black who moved to Los Angeles less than one year ago. The motive for this crime is unknown at this time.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact West Bureau Homicide Detectives at 213-382-9470. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.”

George Thomas

46-Year-Old Missing Adult

George Thomas — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:51:54 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA — The family of Alesia Parker and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help in finding her.

Parker was last seen on April 9, 2013 around 1:00 a.m., at 45th Street and Western Avenue in Los Angeles. She was last seen entering a silver Chrysler 300 with an unknown license plate. Parker’s family is very concerned for her safety.

Parker is described as a 46-year-old female Black, with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Parker is asked to call the LAPD Missing Persons Unit, Detective Baca 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

George Thomas

One Arrested; One at Large in Gang Shooting at Pot Clinic

George Thomas — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:27:11 +0000

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA — After several weeks of investigation, detectives arrested 22-year-old Raul Benitez for the shooting death of Alex Moran, 25, outside a medical marijuana clinic on March 17, 2013.

“Detectives had a tip where Benitez would be and were waiting for him,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “But when he didn’t stop, we followed him into Burbank then took him into custody.”

Detectives also released a photo of Santiago Gutierrez, 23, who remains at large and is wanted as a co-principle in the shooting. Gutierrez is a documented gang member who goes by the moniker Ya Ya. He is 5’11” tall and weighs 250 pounds (photo inset).

Detectives believe Gutierrez and Benitez confronted a rival gang member in the marijuana clinic. That man was a passenger in the car Moran was driving. When Gutierrez and Benitez left the clinic, one approached Moran, who was sitting behind the steering wheel, and shot him several times.

“This was a cold-blooded gang shooting, nothing less,” Lt. Vernon added. “Now we need someone to step up and tell us where Gutierrez and the murder weapon is.”

Following Benitez’s arrest, police searched three locations, including Benitez’s home, but did not find any weapons. One of the homes searched in Arleta was a large property with dozens of fighting roosters, which police turned over to Animal Services.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call LAPD Mission Area, Homicide Detective Ryan Verna at 818-838-9976. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

George Thomas

Up-skirt Peeping Tom Arrested, Caught on Video

George Thomas — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:22:35 +0000

PANORAMA CITY, CA — Los Angeles detectives have arrested a Monrovia man after he was seen by a customer pointing his cellphone under a woman’s skirt in line at a Panorama City convenience store, April 3, 2013. His actions were also captured on video tape.

“It’s pretty disturbing to think what this man did,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “In most cases, these crimes are never seen and rarely reported. Thankfully, another customer saw the man.”

The female witness never confronted the man in the store, but followed the victim to the parking lot and told the fellow customer what happened. The victim took pictures of the man in his car and of the car’s license plate. After running down the car’s owner and several other contacts, detectives identified Joaquin Cortes Rodriguez, 33, as a possible suspect. The 27-year-old victim was able to pick his image out of a line up.

Detectives spoke to Rodriguez at his home and were able to use his statement and the other evidence to get an arrest warrant. Rodriguez was booked April 12 on a misdemeanor Peeping Tom charge and his bail was set at $50,000. A federal immigration hold was placed on him as he had been previously deported and re-entered the country.

“This case shows how widespread cameras really are; there are cameras watching cameras,” Lt. Vernon added. “And thanks to the observant witness and the quick actions of the victim, we have a good reminder for men: Be a gentleman! And ask yourself how would you feel if this happened to your sister or daughter?”

The convenience store is located in the area of Roscoe Boulevard and Ventura Canyon Boulevard. Surveillance video from the store is available to be viewed by media by coming to the Mission Police Station. Detectives are asking that the image of the women in the video be pixelated.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Stephen Bell, Mission Sex Unit, at 818-838-9971. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls can be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

George Thomas

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month

George Thomas — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:53:07 +0000

By Barbara Lewis, Special to the Van Nuys News Press

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month. As a resident of an earthquake zone, are you prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least two weeks in the event of a large quake? We live in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast stretch of coastal land that encircles the Pacific Ocean. This Ring experiences over 90 percent of all the world’s earthquakes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, making it the most volatile earthquake region in the world. California lies entirely on the Ring, making it only a matter of time before it is also hit by a major quake.

Linda Pruett, Emergency Preparedness Chair of the Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council, offers crucial advice on how to prepare for a major quake. The following is a list of questions to ask yourself when preparing:

Do you have a plan for rejoining family members after such an event?
Do you have an out-of-state contact to act as a ‘clearing house’ for family information when local communications are compromised?
Do you have enough food, water, prescription drugs, first aid supplies, lighting, communication equipment, cash and special needs supplies for the elderly, infant and disabled members of your family? For the four-legged, feathered, finny and cold-blooded ones as well? Are you sure?
Have you checked expiration dates on those supplies recently?
Have you taken a First Aid and CPR Class in the last three years?
Do you know what to do if help is going to be delayed or perhaps not coming at all? Rules have changed for many procedures – you’ll want to know the latest medical advice on how to treat the injured. You know you would never forgive yourself if…
Do you really know how and when to correctly shut off the gas, electricity and water in your house? Do you have the proper tools immediately available to do so?
Have you taken a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class to learn how to safely put out a fire without endangering yourself and others, do search and rescue to save family members and neighbors, and triage to know who needs treatment first and who can’t be saved?
Do you know how to take over the role of Incident Commander if the need occurs in your neighborhood?

Answer yes to the questions listed above, so that when an earthquake does strike, you can protect yourself and your family. The question here is not “if” an earthquake will hit California, but “when.” Take the time during Earthquake Preparedness Month to make sure you have the information you need.

Barbara Lewis is a member of the Emergency Preparedness Committee for the Community Police Advisory Board of the Van Nuys Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. She can be reached at balewis@aol.com.

George Thomas

Family Of Man Shot & Left for Dead Holds Vigil for Fallen Relative

George Thomas — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:07:22 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Police Department Criminal Gang Homicide Division detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for the shooting death of 24-year-old Marcus Rogers.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, around 10:20 p.m., LAPD Southeast Area patrol officers responded to a “man down” radio call on 110th Street, east of Main Street. When the officers arrived, they found Rogers suffering from gunshot wound(s). Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported him to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed that Rogers was likely shot at another location, somewhere in the vicinity of where he was found and driven to the location, removed from a car and left in the street. A passerby saw Rogers lying in the street and called 911.

This evening in an effort to reach out to the community, Rogers’ Family members held a candlelight vigil where he was slain to honor his memory.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Criminal Gang Homicide Division Detectives Thomas Eiman or Nathan Kouri at 213-485-4341. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

George Thomas

$50,000 Prize Is For Reel

George Thomas — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 01:42:02 +0000

A Tagged Trout Worth $50,000 is Top Prize for Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby

BIG BEAR LAKE, CA — Big Bear Lake Resort Association will pay $50,000 to an angler that reels in the grand prize tagged trout at the 5th Annual Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby June 8 and 9, 2013. There are a total of fifteen tagged trout at the Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby including one particular fish worth the big bucks of $50,000. In the last two years four tagged trout have been caught at Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby, which has caused quite a buzz in the fishing community. This year’s organizers of the event are optimistic that a lucky angler will reel in the trout worth a small fortune.

“It’s good to see anglers are sniffing out the hiding spots of these tagged trout,” said Fishin’ for $50K Tournament Director Alan Sharp. “We have one message for the trout swimming around with the $50,000 tag, and that is you can swim, but you can’t hide!”

Prizes for the remaining fourteen tagged trout caught in the Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby are eligible for a cash prize drawing of up to $500 sponsored by Big Bear Sporting Goods. In addition to tagged trout prizes, anglers who catch the largest fish (by weight) in four different classes will be awarded prizes too. The four classes are adult male/female and junior male/female (under age 16). A bonus prize of $500 is awarded to the overall largest trout (by weight) caught on Pautzke Fire Bait.

Free entry is given to Fishin’ for 50K participants who stay at least one night at a Big Bear Lake Resort Association lodge from June 7 to June 9. The amount of free entries is based on lodging occupancy per reservation. Up to four free entries is also given to participants who rent a pontoon boat on either day of the Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby at a participating marina in Big Bear Lake.

An awards ceremony takes place Sunday, June 9 at 3 p.m. in the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot located at 630 Bartlett Road (in the Village). The awards ceremony includes a general raffle with thousands of dollars worth of fishing gear, bait and tackle from national manufacturers.

Anglers have a chance to win a brand new Hobie Pro Angler 12’ fishing kayak as part of a separate raffle to raise funds for Big Bear Municipal Water District’s fishery programs. Also, merchandise will be available for purchase with all proceeds going toward the fishery programs in Big Bear Lake.

Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby is Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Entry is $55 for adults and $30 for participants under age 16. Entries are limited to the first 750 registered anglers. Each contestant receives a free jar of Pautzke Fire Bait and a wristband that provides discounts at participating Big Bear restaurants, shops and specialty services.

For rules and regulations or to register for the event visit www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.