Los Angeles County

Thursday, January 6, 2011

ShowBiz Bits:New development for Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend, Michael Jackson’s doctor’s hearing, and the People’s Choice Awards

Judge dismisses charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend In a surprise decision, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge today threw out the charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s long-time boyfriend/attorney, Howard K. Stern. Last October, a jury found Stern guilty of two conspiracy felony charges in connection with drugs prescribed for Smith — who died of an accidental overdose February 7, 2007. Also, the […]
Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Eight arrested in Bell city hall corruption scandal. Is Burbank next?

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is cracking down on corruption in the city of Bell. Yesterday the mayor, Oscar Hernandez, and seven other current and former Bell officials were arrested by police and D.A. investigators. The Los Angeles Times, which broke the story, reported “…a battering ram” had to be used to break into the home of Mayor Hernandez, in order […]
Thursday, June 17, 2010

Money bits: Southland lottery winner going to Disney World, Demi Moore’s book deal & new “Monster High” musical

 A Southland lottery winner cashed in that missing $7 million SuperLotto Plus jackpot winning ticket last Monday, June 14. This is the unclaimed jackpot I posted about a few days ago. The ticket was bought in the 7-Eleven store at 3450 Overland Avenue in Los Angeles for the June 5 draw. Oh, the 7-Eleven gets a $35,000 bonus for selling that winning ticket.  The owner of […]
Thursday, March 25, 2010

Burbank teacher pleads “no contest” to having sex with a student

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank The 33-year-old David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher who reportedly confessed to Burbank police that she had a seven-month long sexual affair with one of her 14-year-old male students last year, entered a plea in Burbank Superior Court today.  Amy Beck pleaded “no contest” to two counts of having sexual contact […]
Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Michael Jackson’s doctor charged in his death — free on bail

Photo: Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times — Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, escorted into the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles 02/08/10 The late MIchael Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is out on bail today after being charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the entertainer’s death last summer. Murray pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in a courtroom near Los Angeles International Airport yesterday. The […]
Saturday, December 26, 2009

H1N1 influenza widespread in CA, so what about those flu shots?

The State Department of Public Health is recommending all residents get a flu shot for the H1N1 virus as soon as possible. The so-called swine flu remains widespread in seven states, including California. Even though some indicators suggest H1N1 cases may be tapering off here, health officials fear another wave of the illness could hit after the first of the year. As of December 19, 2009, […]
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Consumer News: Safety concerns about a hot holiday toy & a Burbank hospital is under investigation

 Are Zhu Zhu pets safe? Zhu Zhu pets, the robotic hamsters that talk and move, are at the top of a lot of wish lists this holiday season. Recently, a California-based consumer watchdog group’s website reportedly sparked a controversy when it claimed there is a potentially harmful level of metal in the Mr. Squiggles model. Now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has weighed in […]
Sunday, November 1, 2009

King of Pop dances to top of the Box Office

Even in death, the late superstar, Michael Jackson, can still generate millions of dollars in ticket sales. The legendary entertainer’s behind the scenes documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” thrilled enough moviegoers to become the number one film in the country this weekend. The Jackson flick debuted with an estimated $21.3 million, falling short of some expectations, but still winning the domestic Box Office derby just the […]
Saturday, September 5, 2009

A Labor Day salute to Grand View visitors/volunteer workers

Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove Most visitors to cemeteries come bearing flowers and mementos not rakes, shovels, and cleaning supplies. At Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale, there is a hardy group of visitors who regularly arrive at the struggling cemetery ready to put in several hours of serious work; from clearing weeds and debris to cleaning tombstones and grave markers. Photo: FLLewis/A […]