Missing Orange County woman found safe in Glendale

From the Los Angeles Times:

A woman reported missing Friday from her home in Rancho Santa Margarita was found unharmed Tuesday night at a hotel in Glendale, authorities said.

Kavishka Tokevich Lebrook, 33, was staying at the hotel and was in good condition, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.

“She is fine,” said Lt. Mike Jansen.  He said there was no suspicious activity involved with her disappearance.

… Continue Reading: Missing Orange County woman found in Glendale

Analyst: Emissions reductions could hurt job growth

High winds and surf predicted for Southern California

From the Los Angeles Times

Gusty winds are blowing into Southern California.

The National Weather Service issued a high-wind warning from 9 a.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. Thursday, saying gusts of up to 60 mph are possible, especially in the Antelope Valley and mountains of Los Angeles County.

Winds with sustained speeds of 20 to 35 mph could reach destructive levels as they strengthen and become more widespread through the morning, said officials with the National Weather Service.

… Continue Reading: High winds and surf predicted for Southern California

Obama declares Station fire area federal disaster

A volunteer cleans up the destroyed home of Henry and Damaris Laguna on Manistee Drive in La Cañada Flintridge on Feb. 13. (Raul Roa/News-Press)

President Obama declared the neighborhoods affected by the Station fire and subsequent debris flows a disaster area Monday, paving the way for federal assistance with cleanup efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a federal disaster declaration for neighborhoods in the Station fire burn area that have been affected by recent debris flows.

The declaration makes city, county and state agencies eligible for reimbursement for up to 75% of the costs incurred during mitigation and cleanup efforts that started Jan. 17.

Damage assessments identified $59.1 million in eligible reimbursements from FEMA and another $33.3 million in reimbursements through the Federal Highway Administration, according to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office.

… Continue Reading: Obama declares federal disaster

Doo Dah Parade proceeds out of Old Town Pasadena

From the Los Angeles Times

Before the trendy apparel chains, frozen yogurt shops and fusion eateries arrived, Old Town Pasadena was a bohemian neighborhood where the rent was cheap, the bars were dives and one could peruse the Free Press bookstore after attending a folk dance class.

It was here that an irreverent parade named after a campy British rock group known as the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band was born. And for the last three decades, it’s where the Doo Dah Parade has stayed, drawing thousands to watch the offbeat and flamboyant entries — the BBQ & Hibachi Marching Grill Team, the Church of the Ornamental Lawn Decorations, Human-Powered Cupcakes and Martinis in the Morning.

… Continue Reading: Doo Dah Parade proceeds out of Old Town Pasadena

Creative bras raise funds for breast cancer services

The sixth annual Bras for a Cause, April 18, 2009. (Tammy Abbott/News-Press)

Soroptimist International of Glendale is welcoming colorful and innovative creations for its seventh annual Bras for a Cause fundraiser on April 10 at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

Participants can decorate a bra with this year’s theme in mind “Bras for a Cause Salutes Television, ” or create their own theme. The entry fee is $100 and submissions are due by March 26. They can be dropped off at Beverly Ann Flowers, attn. Lou Rhodes, 1150 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

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Rain less harsh than expected

From the Los Angeles Times:

Rains will hit Southern California on Saturday, but it’s going to be a significantly lighter storm than forecasters originally predicted. The National Weather Service says the storm is stalled off the coast but is expected to move in sometime this afternoon. Scattered shows could continue into Sunday morning.

Conditions should dry out by Sunday afternoon, in time for the Academy Awards. The weather service now predicts about half an inch of rain from the system. Earlier forecasts had called for up to 2 inches.

So far, there have been no evacuations in foothill communities prone to flooding after last year’s huge Station fire. Officials have been racing to clear debris basins above those communities.

Burbank forecast
Glendale forecast
La Cañada forecast

Assembly candidates to face off in forum Sunday

Candidates for the April 13 special primary election to fill a vacancy in the 43rd Assembly District will face off in a forum at the Glendale Central Library on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Questions and answers at the forum, hosted by United Young Armenians, will be translated into English and Armenian.

Five candidates from three parties have so far declared their candidacy for the race to replace now-Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian.

If no candidate wins more than 50% of votes in the April contest, the top vote-getters in each party will proceed to a runoff election June 8 to fill the seat for the remainder of the legislative term, which ends this year.

Rain, road closures expected this weekend

Los Angeles County officials have announced that based on storms expected to hit late Friday, public access will be closed on all county roads within the Station Fire burn area starting at 2 a.m. Saturday.

As a result, the Angeles Forest Highway, Big Tujunga Canyon Road and Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road, will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles including Public Works personnel, according to a statement.

Residents living in the burn areas will not be permitted to use the roads until the closures are lifted.

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200 or more inmates released early from L.A. County Jail

From the Los Angeles Times

At least 200 inmates received early releases from the L.A. County Jail system this week amid a new round of cost-cutting that is expected to soon slash the time many other criminals serve behind bars.

Sheriff Lee Baca said Thursday that budget cuts have prompted him to reduce the time nonviolent offenders spend in the jails. The sheriff’s policy has been that male inmates must serve at least 80% of their jail time before release. Now, offenders incarcerated for crimes including check kiting, petty theft and drunk driving will serve only 50% of their time.

Baca said he hoped to get back to the 80% standard soon but could not say when.

… Continue Reading: 200 or more inmates released early from L.A. County Jail