October 2009 Archives

In the past few days, Rancho Palos Verdes residents have received some unusual election mailers that seem to suggest City Council candidate Anthony Misetich -- and in some cases, candidate Brian Campbell -- are Democrats.

What a day for the South Bay's representatives in Congress.

First, Reps. Maxine Waters and Laura Richardson were referred for full Ethics Committee investigations.

Now comes word that ethics investigators also looked into the wiretapping of Rep. Jane Harman. Due to a file-sharing error, the Washington Post today got its hands on a secret Ethics Committee memo that detailed investigations into more than 30 members.

Here's the part of the Post story about that document that deals with Harman:

The committee on June 9 authorized issuance of subpoenas to the Justice Department, the National Security Agency and the FBI for "certain intercepted communications" regarding Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.). As was reported earlier this year, Harman was heard in a 2005 conversation agreeing to an Israeli operative's request to try to obtain leniency for two pro-Israel lobbyists in exchange for the agent's help in lobbying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to name her chairman of the intelligence committee. The department, a former U.S. official said, declined to respond to the subpoena.

Harman said that the ethics committee has not contacted her and that she has no knowledge that the subpoena was ever issued. "I don't believe that's true," she said. "As far as I'm concerned, this smear has been over for three years."

Harman also requested transcripts of her intercepted phone call, but did not receive a response from the Justice Department. She was informed that she was not a target of a criminal investigation.

The Harman wiretap story is complicated enough to make the allegations against Richardson and Waters look simple and straightforward by comparison.

The House Ethics Committee has just announced that it will launch full-blown investigations of Reps. Laura Richardson and Maxine Waters.

Richardson is being investigated for 1) failing to list property and liabilities on her financial disclosure form; and 2) possibly receiving preferential treatment from Washington Mutual regarding the foreclosure on her Sacramento home.

Investigators are looking into whether Waters broke any ethical rules related to her advocacy on behalf of OneUnited Bank, a company in which her husband held stock.

UPDATE: Richardson responds:

"Like 4.3 million Americans in the last year who faced financial problems because of a personal crisis like a divorce, death in the family, unexpected job and living changes and an erroneous property sale, all of which I have experienced in; the span of slightly over a year, I have worked to resolve a personal financial situation.

"But unlike other Americans, I have been subjected to premature judgments, speculation and baseless distractions that will finally be addressed in a fair, unbiased, bi-partisan evaluation of the facts.

"I hope that the Committee, despite its full schedule, now can quickly close the book, while I keep working on the issues that matter to my constituents: enacting the most historic healthcare coverage in decades, facilitating over eight secretary and chairman visits, and delivering over 32 million dollars that will be used to build roads, create job centers, and strengthen businesses and schools."

UPDATE 2: Waters' statement:

"Today I received notification that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct voted to empanel an investigative subcommittee to review allegations regarding my arranging a meeting with the Treasury Department on behalf of the National Bankers Association, which represents minority banks in this country.

"My longtime advocacy on behalf of women- and minority-owned institutions is well known and appreciated by these institutions, which have been historically denied access to government regulators to address their concerns.

"I am confident that as the investigation moves forward the panel will discover that there are no facts to support allegations that I have acted improperly or violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation or other standard of conduct in performing my duties and discharging my responsibilities as a United States Representative."

House ethics investigators have been looking into the circumstances surrounding Laura Richardson's house in Sacramento for a while. Now comes word from Politico that the Ethics Committee is scheduled to take up the issue tomorrow.

Much is shrouded in secrecy, but it seems the committee will have to decide whether to dismiss the case or pursue a full-blown investigation, and that an announcement should come out by next Wednesday.

For those late to the story, Richardson defaulted on her home in Sacramento last year. Her lender, Washington Mutual, scheduled a foreclosure auction and sold the house to an investor, but later rescinded the sale when Richardson complained. The investor sued WaMu, and there was an out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed sum.

Richardson kept the house, but has since had some difficulty maintaining it to the standards to which the neighbors are accustomed. Some neighbors have mowed the lawn themselves when they see the grass getting high.

The questions here would be A) whether Richardson received preferential treatment from WaMu, and B) whether the neighbors' acts of kindness constitute illegal gifts under House rules.

Politico got a big "no comment" from Richardson's office.

Also up for consideration is an ethics complaint against Rep. Maxine Waters over her efforts on behalf of OneUnited Bank, which is a whole other kettle of fish.

"Sergeant Eduviges Wolf bravely fought to defend our country overseas. Her honorable service to our country will forever be remembered with great respect. Maria and I send our prayers and sympathies to all of Wolf's loved ones in this time of mourning."

Coming at you, readers:

The South Bay's first female military casualty in Afghanistan dreamed of joining the Armed Forces since she was a child growing up in Hawthorne.

It's a gorgeous day in the South Bay, but, boy, was it windy last night.

Swine flu shots will be rationed according to risk groups, the county has decided, and El Segundo has canceled its November clinic after the havoc at a weekend Redondo Beach clinic.

Hermosa Beach will keep its post office branch, but might have to head to a different locale in town to drop off mail.

A registered sex offender has been arrested in Hawthorne for allegedly exposing himself to a group of students walking home from school.

Gallerie Z, the Gardena-based national chain of funky home decorations, has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Lakers beat the Clippers opening night. Check out pictures of the game.

Readers, heads up:

After hoards of cars clogged South Bay streets waiting for swine flu vaccinations Saturday, the Beach Cities Health District has canceled another clinic planned for next month in Redondo Beach.

Also, Los Angeles County has now established limits on who can get shots.

A pair of jetliners came within 100 feet of each other Sunday on Los Angeles International Airport's south airfield.

The Beacon House's 25-year Halloween tradition of building an elaborate haunted house in San Pedro has been canceled thanks to new city building regulations.

The District Attorney's Office has served search warrants at the home and business of Wilma Wilson, the owner of the Carson-based Peace and Joy battered women's shelter who is currently under investigation for allegations of misuse of public funds.

South Bay median home prices rose unexpectedly in September. Whoo hoo!

Sports just run in the family for Peninsula High volleyball player Nina Bjekovic, sister of Lakers player Sasha Vujacic, who starts his season tonight. See pictures of the brother-sister team.

Readers, let's get to it:

A Beach Cities Health District program calling for eight-minute sessions of pre-class exercise has expanded to eight Redondo Beach elementary schools in hopes of increasing kids' energy and decreasing obesity rates.

Meantime, it was near mayhem outside the health district's offices Saturday in Redondo Beach, where folks lined up for a drive-through swine flu clinic. Check out pictures.

A turf war is brewing between West Coast and Canadian ports in response to a $7 million marketing campaign launched by the Great White North.

Another Republican has thrown his hat into the ring for Jane Harman's Congressional seat.

Still arranging Halloween plans? Check out our database of South Bay activities.

Also, check out our page dedicated to all things local South Bay elections.

Readers, let's hit it:

A state panel charged with selecting a recommended plan for creating marine preserve delayed making a decision Thursday, but appeared in favor of allowing fishing off the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

A group of South Bay environmentalists are joining the global movement of dancing to the Michael Jackson classic "Thriller" in Rolling Hills Estates on Saturday. Oh, yeah. They'll be wearing plastic bags in an effort to raise awareness about ocean pollution.

Check out pictures of the group's practice.

A man who worked as a janitor at Los Angeles International Airport has been charged with making four telephoned bomb threats that required airport officials to search terminals.

Palos Verdes High's running back is a 5-foot-7-inch powerhouse. See pics of this small wonder.

The city of Carson has approved the conversion of Colony Cove Mobile Estates to a resident ownership.

An inventive Redondo Beach chiropractor will stretch your spine.

Every time you turn around these days, there's Jane Harman talking about Afghanistan. Last Friday at the Brookings Institution, she reiterated many of her main points on the topic, but she also said this:

The question that should be put to Congress is not about troop levels. I don't think Congress right now would be very receptive -- Congress, the majority of Congress -- to a request for more troops.

That has been interpreted by some commentators to mean that Harman, typically a hawk, is personally opposed to sending more troops to Afghanistan. However, her point seems to be that regardless of the good that more troops might do, her fellow Democrats would be unlikely to support an increase -- at least right now. Instead, she said the focus should be on cleaning up corruption in the Afghan government.

In this, Harman is in line with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who signaled yesterday that the president is unlikely to send more troops until the Afghan government cleans up its act.

J Street, the new lobbying group that describes itself as "pro-peace and pro-Israel," will be holding a gala dinner next week in Washington.

Under pressure from conservatives, five members of Congress have withdrawn their names from a list of "co-hosts" of the dinner.

But Rep. Jane Harman says she won't be among them:

"I believe that different voices should be heard and that was the impetus for my lending my name to the list," Harman told The Cable, quickly adding, "That's the extent of my involvement with J Street."

She won't be attending the conference. Harman is better known as a longtime friend of AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying group that J Street was formed to counteract.

Readers, start your week off well-informed of local news:

The board that oversees Los Angeles International Airport is expected today to approve two contracts worth more than $1.1 billion to build nine new gates and add 1 million square feet to the airport's Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Did you see the Breeze's comprehensive look at the Marine Life Protection Act? Check out pictures of the South Bay marine area that has pitted environmentalists against anglers here and here.

Looming mid-year budget cuts for California State University, Dominguez Hills has students worried it'll take longer to graduate and faculty members concerned about job losses.

Loa Pele Faletogo is maintaining Samoan culture right here in the South Bay.

Hermosa is going old school in an attempt to save its Post Office branch.

Hey, did you know Torrance has a celebrity chef? Yeah, me neither.

Some Scottsdale Estates residents have collected enough signatures to take control of the board, until now under the control of a longtime board president.

Jane Harman was on Andrea Mitchell's show today talking about Afghanistan. While she praised Gen. Stanley McChrystal, she also said she doesn't think now is the moment for a surge of U.S. forces:

Bob Beverly, a longtime South Bay lawmaker, died Wednesday. Today, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued this remembrance:

Senator Beverly was a committed public servant and Maria and I were saddened to hear of his passing. Bob served almost thirty years in the California state legislature and we will remember his passion for serving the people of California. We join all Californians in honoring his dedication and our prayers are with Bob's family and friends during this difficult time.

Readers, let's roll:

A man was found dead with a single gunshot wound to his head in a Marina del Rey apartment Thursday.

Balloon Boy is safe, but remember Larry Walters, the San Pedro man who 27 years ago floated away on balloons tied to a lawn chair?

The man who killed an off-duty Los Angeles County police captain during an attempted robbery near Gardena was sentenced to death Thursday.

A 12-year-old boy accidentally killed himself while playing with a gun found kept in his Gardena apartment.

Longtime state legislator and Manhattan Beach resident Bob Beverly has died.

Did you duck and cover Thursday during the Great California ShakeOut like the folks at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center?

A Torrance acupuncturist will really stick it to you.

Narbonne and San Pedro High face off today on the football field.

To me, heroes don't get any more heroic than Buzz Aldrin. He's even got a story on his Web page that I wrote.

But the other day I posted a letter I received about a family's unfortunate encounter with the second man on the moon. The short story: A family bought EIGHT copies of Mr. Aldrin's two books. But when their little girl asked him to sign her Disneyland autograph book, he refused. Now he may have had good reason to refuse. Maybe there were contractual issues. Or maybe he just needed to move the line along. But, according to the writer, he offered no explanation.

Anyway, Buzz, you're still a great guy and if you decide to right this wrong, please let me know so I can write a story about it? Oh, and where can I buy one of those Rocket Hero hats I saw you wearing? Your Web site doesn't list them for sale.

Here's the letter with only the names removed and a few teeny style corrections. You can see the little girl's head in the corner of the photo below. Her mom doesn't want her identified, so that's the picture she's letting me use: 

I'm the daughter of the man who wrote an e-mail to you regarding Mr. Buzz Aldrin. I feel  compelled to write to you to verify and clarify the events of that day.

My husband, a great aeronautic & history enthusiast, and I were so excited that Mr. Buzz Aldrin, an American hero, would be at a Santa Monica store doing a book signing.

We decided it was important for our children to meet, even if ever so briefly, an astronaut with such historical significance that we braved what could have been a parent's nightmare...bringing twin 4 year olds & an 8 month old baby to a book signing.

Before hand, we explained to our children who Mr. Buzz Aldrin is to America but made the story "4-year-old friendly" by telling them that he flew in a spaceship, like Buzz Lightyear, and landed and walked on the moon.

Readers, let's hit it:

More than 190 Carson residents have filed suit against Shell Oil Co. over alleged soil contamination beneath their homes.

South Bay relief efforts for tsunami-ravaged Samoa continued this week.

Hermosa Beach has approved a master plan for its South Park that would replace an unused roller rink with universally accessible playgrounds.

Los Angeles city leaders Wednesday gave the OK to a $1.5 billion expansion project for the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.

On the crime front, Gardena police havs released a sketch of man sought in a rape of a woman at a massage business in town, and Hermosa Beach has arrested a man suspected of stealing bikes, a violation on the rise in the South Bay beach cities.

A trial has begun for Roy Senter, a 74-year-old man accused of molesting little girls in his Lomita neighborhood.

The San Francisco Chronicle's Carla Marinucci has a blog post up speculating about a possible Jane Harman candidacy for governor.

According to Marinucci, the idea was floated at a recent fundraiser at Ron Burkle's house (where, by the way, Bill Clinton is said to have his own bedroom):

Insiders note she'd be only Democratic woman candidate -- in a party where 60 percent of the voters are women; the only candidate from either party based in Southern California -- in a state where 60 percent of the votes are cast in the region; and as the spouse of audio pioneer and philanthropist Sydney (sic) Harman, she would be the only Democratic candidate wealthy enough to write her own check.

That was the idea back in 1998, when Harman ran against Al Checchi and the under-charismaed Gray Davis. Harman was briefly ahead in that campaign, until Checchi poured millions into attack ads, in what Harman has described as a "murder suicide."

In an editorial meeting at the Breeze yesterday, Harman was asked if she might make another run at the governor's office, and said no. In her view, she said, the powers of the office have become far too constrained in the years since Pat Brown ran the place.

She was also asked whether she had an interest in some position in the Obama administration -- ambassador, perhaps? -- to which she responded that her focus is on running for reelection.

"This gig is not over," she said. "I've got my head in this game and that's what I'm focused on."

Harman also said she has not made a choice between Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown.

Readers, let's get to it:

The family of a 13-year-old autistic boy Tasered by Hawthorne Police officer last year has filed a federal lawsuit seeking class-action status.

Tony Lopez Perez, the Redondo Beach man accused of killing Cori Daye Desmond, pleaded not guilty to one charge of murder Tuesday.

Just weeks after Gardena High School was placed on a list of a dozen underperforming schools that could be taken over by outside operators, its principal has quit.

What are you doing tomorrow as part of the Great California ShakeOut, a massive statewide earthquake drill?

Rep. Jane Harman talked to South Bay business leaders Tuesday in her annual State of the Region address.

UCLA basketball coach legend John Wooden turns 99 today. Why don't you congratulate him?

Folks broke ground Tuesday for a new senior housing development in Carson.

At her State of the Region address today, Rep. Jane Harman noted that the Senate Finance Committee had just passed its health reform bill by a vote of 14-9. (The response from the Chamber of Commerce-ish crowd, was muted with some scattered applause.)

In the speech, she explained why she broke with the Blue Dogs and supported a public option. But she goes into much greater detail in an op/ed she co-authored for the Sacramento Bee today with Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

The op/ed is after the jump.

A few months ago, legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin stopped by a Torrance bookstore for a book signing. Lots of adoring fans showed up, some wearing space-themed T-shirts.

The old geezer -- just one of a handful of men who walked on the moon -- wowed the crowd with tales of moon walks and his vision for a future America. All very nice and inspiring

Well, apparently, not everybody is blinded by the glow that is Aldrin. I got this e-mail today. It was probably sent because the author had read my previous post. I can't verify its accuracy, but if what happened, happened, the Aldrin shoud get on his Segway scooter, go over to this kid's house and autograph TWO books.

Here it is with names removed...

My daughter, son-in-law and their 4 year old twins recently went to a Buzz Aldrin book signing.  My son-in-law, being an avid aeronautical buff, purchased  a book from the book store and the book was autographed by Mr. Aldrin.

My daughter brought a Toy Story book from home that belongs to the twins.  She asked Mr. Aldrin if he would sign the twin's book on the page that had a picture of Buzz Lightyear and he refused.  He just "flat-out" said NO.  I thought this was very unusual especially since this man has been making more money than he ever dreamed of for the past 40 years by showing up at events like this and his speaking engagements.  ($30,000 to $50,000 per appearance

He may be thought of as an American hero but anybody that won't sign a child's book, in my opinion, is a first class jerk and is dire need of a reality check.

I'll sure that the people that know him best would tell you that this man has some serious character flaws.

Readers, all the cool kids know what's happening in the South Bay:

The Redondo Beach man arrested in connection to the killing of a Torrance waitress apparently lied to friends and co-workers about a storied career in law enforcement and military.

The former Hawthorne resident held for 14 months in the United Arab Emirates will be released soon.

A union dispute over getting Columbus Day as a paid holiday made lines extra long Monday at the South Bay's Department of Motor Vehicles offices.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed and vetoed a bevy of bills with South Bay impacts.

San Pedro added a whole new batch of athletes Monday to its Sportswalk to the Waterfront. Check out pictures of the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Torrance this week will begin talks about redeveloping local sumps into athletic fields.

The head honchos of this El Segundo aircraft parts manufacturer aren't afraid to get their hands dirty.

Brothers Bryce and Jake Miller are working together to lead Mira Costa High School's boys water polo team to victory this season. Check out pictures.

The most important bill from a South Bay lawmaker this year was AB 260, by Ted Lieu, which regulates the subprime mortgage market.

Lieu has been working on this issue for a couple years. When the foreclosure crisis began in early 2007, Lieu proposed using state proposition funds for a bailout. Those were the days. That idea didn't pass, and if it had it seems likely that the magnitude of the problem would have very quickly overwhelmed the state's ability to address it.

Last year, Lieu proposed a series of mortgage reforms that were intended to at least prevent such a problem from happening again. AB 1830 would have banned some of the more irresponsible lending practices -- steering, yield-spread premiums, negative amortization loans -- and put a cap on pre-payment penalties. The governor vetoed that one, objecting to the so-called "private right of action," which would have allowed borrowers to sue their lenders. (Too much of a giveaway to the trial lawyers, apparently.)

This year, Lieu came back and passed AB 260, which is the same bill, except without the private right of action. Without that provision, enforcement will be up to the attorney general. And late last night the governor signed it.

There are two pieces to this puzzle, however. Mortgage reform is one, and the other is foreclosure mitigation.

Earlier this year, Lieu passed a bill to impose a foreclosure moratorium on banks that did not create a comprehensive loan modification program. Though some have said the bill lacked teeth, he believes the bill is part of why modifications are way up.

Lieu, who is running for attorney general, is trying to build on the momentum and pass AB 1588, which would compel banks to submit loan modification requests to a form of arbitration. The banks can be expected to fight that one to the bitter end.

Assemblyman Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, authored a bill this term to ban the sale of pets at swap meets, flea markets, and at roadside stands. The bill, AB 1122, was intended to crack down on puppy mills and "backyard breeding," and had the support of the ASPCA and other animal-welfare organizations (such as, no kidding, "Parrots First.")

But there was also strong opposition from such organizations as the California Swap Meet Owners Association and the Northern California Samoyed Fanciers. (And who could say no to that face?)

In the face of such controversy, Schwarzenegger vetoed the measure.

I am concerned with the scope and the unintended consequences of this bill and that it does not assure the humane and ethical treatment and welfare of animals. This bill has unknown costs associated with the enforcement and implementation of prohibiting the sale of live animals in specified venues and could drive the selling of animals underground or to private sites.

Dog dealers rejoice!

Continuing our look at local lawmakers' bills, let's examine AB 504, by Warren Furutani, D-Long Beach.

This bill would have required police officer training courses to include instruction on the "kirpan," a ceremonial knife carried by Sikhs. According to Furutani, this has become more of an issue since 9/11, as Sikhs have been stopped and searched more frequently.

Again, the governor said "nein."

This bill is unnecessary. It is the policy and practice of the Commission to periodically review and update existing course curricula. If the Commission determines that training on the kirpan is warranted, it can create a program without this measure.

Last night, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger backed off his threat to veto everything in sight out because lawmakers couldn't reach a compromise on water policy. Instead, on Sunday night he vetoed only a third of the 700 or so bills on his desk -- still enough to seal his title as the stingiest governor in recent history.

Today we'll be taking a look at some of the South Bay-related bills that did (and did not) make the cut.

First up: SB 201.

This bill, by Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D-Redondo Beach) would have increased fines for the owners of "bandit" taxis. These cut-rate taxis compete with properly licensed and regulated taxi services, and have been particularly prevalent in low-income neighborhoods in Los Angeles. City officials have begun to crack down on the problem, but they sponsored a law to impose statewide standards.

Schwarzenegger said "nein." From his veto message:

Even though so-called "bandit" taxis are an increasing problem in many areas, this measure is unnecessary because local governments already have the ability to establish procedures regarding taxicab transportation and the impoundment of illegal taxicabs... This bill would create state standards for all jurisdictions to follow, ultimately removing local control and collectively reducing the ability of local governments to determine what is the best interests of their communities.

More tk.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger congratulates President Obama:

Maria and I applaud President Obama for winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The President has consistently shown that he is committed to reaching out to other nations and positioning America to once again be the global leader for peace and prosperity. This is a great honor for our country and reminds us all of the promise our nation holds. I look forward to working with him to address future challenges facing our nation. On behalf of all Californians, I congratulate President Obama for winning this inspiring award

In today's Times, Michael Hiltzik takes on the unkillable C-17:

Does it make sense to operate the Boeing plant indefinitely merely to preserve a few thousand jobs in Long Beach and at suppliers around the country? Or -- if jobs are the real goal here -- might it be better to spend the same money on creating long-term training programs and developing new industries?

This is one of those eye-of-the-beholder questions. One person's wasteful expenditure is another person's urgent national security priority, and who's to say who's wrong. After posing the question rather starkly, Hiltzik answers it more ambiguously:

It's not clear what the right decision on the C-17 program would be just now. But we consistently get these things wrong -- either we're caught without an adequate military establishment, as in the run-up to World War II, or we place our bets on hugely expensive systems that get rendered irrelevant or superannuated before they can achieve liftoff.

Till they figure it out, Boeing will be churning out more C-17s.

The ethics issues surrounding Charlie Rangel have been simmering for quite a while, but they came to a boil this week when Republicans pressed a resolution to remove him from the powerful chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Our own Rep. Maxine Waters has taken the lead in defending Rangel from the various charges, which include failing to disclose bank accounts, failing to disclose rental income on a Dominican villa, and failing to pay taxes on that rental income.

Waters -- who made this year's "most corrupt" list -- has issued a defense along the lines of "everybody does it":

"I want to tell you, there are many members who, if you go back over all of
their records, over all of the years, you're going to find that there were
disclosures that were not made," Waters said on MSNBC.

The Republican motion to remove Rangel failed, but for Democrats there remains a risk that the issue could haunt them in next year's election.

Here's the video of Waters:

Readers, we are just brimming with local news today:

A woman drove her car into a Lomita house this morning.

Former HUD secretary Henry Cisneros stopped by Carson this week to close a development deal on a 198-unit town home development in town. This was one item in a marathon meeting full of squabbling and politicking that endured until 3 a.m.

Finally, some good news in the housing market: State home prices are expected to increase next year by 3.3 percent -- meager, yes, but a big improvement over double-digit drops experienced in the last two years.

Deputies have arrested four men suspected of committing $10,000 worth of graffiti damage in Carson. Detectives found practice drawings in one of their homes. I don't know about you, but I like a well-prepared tagger.

Looks like Redondo Beach voters might have a say on new elements of the city's King Harbor rezoning.

A former Jiffy Lube worker will stand trial for allegedly raping a customer in the Torrance station's office. Oh, and then she got herpes.

If you see lots of commotion at Torrance Beach Thursday morning, relax.

The Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles will be conducting its annual survival training.

The training will include helicopters.
Crew members will start the drill by entering the approximately 65-degree water and swimming 100 yards to a 6-person life raft, where they will receive training in survival techniques.

Training also will be given on flares and other signaling devices.

About 20 pilots and 40 flight mechanics will participate in the training.

Readers, let's hit it:

The non-profit South Bay Literacy Council, which has taught people to read for 28 years in the area and operates on $40,000 a year, could fold. Office rent has doubled for the agency and its 85-year-old fundraiser is retiring.

Centinela Valley Union High School District is facing a civil rights complaint alleging the agency unlawfully eliminated an English language learners program from Hawthorne High school.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed complaints against four companies operating at the Port of Los Angeles for alleged pollution.

Budget cuts have forced the Harbor-area animal shelter to pick up three more zip codes of coverage, further straining the San Pedro facility.

Between a massive expected recall and accusations of a patent violation, it's been a rocky year for former automobile golden child Toyota, whose U.S. marketing and sales arm is based in Torrance.

A power outage affected 1,241 electric company customers in Torrance this morning.

The outage occurred at 8:12 a.m. Customers affected lived within an area bordered by Calle Mayor, Tandem Way, Newton Street and Pacific Coast Highway, said Vanessa McGrady, a spokeswoman for Southern California Edison.

All but 10 customers on 242nd Street had their power restored by 9:30 a.m.

SCE crews were working to determine the cause of the outage.

The governor has until Oct. 11 to sign or veto about 700 bills now on his desk. Since he hasn't signed anything yet, it's pretty clear he's trying to pressure the Legislature to come up with a deal on water policy.

Some might say: so what.

Given the ideological tilt of the Legislature, it's no surprise that most of the measures now pending are either minor in nature or are important mostly to liberal groups. 

Ah, but Senate Democrats are fighting back, pointing to a long list of bills that are said to be of vital importance to Californians. Among them are a couple by South Bay lawmakers:

AB 260 (Lieu) -- Expands the authority of the Real Estate Commissioner to fine, revoke or suspend the license of mortgage brokers that violate state or federal laws.

SB 148 (Oropeza) - This consumer-protection bill would require medical providers that operate mammogram machines to conspicuously post notices of serious violations.

Stay tuned.

Stop me if you've heard this one: "It's the corruption, stupid."

Readers, let's roll with it:

A second jury deadlocked Monday in the case against Cameron Brown, accused of throwing his daughter off a Rancho Palos Verdes cliff. A judge declared a mistrial, and all parties return later this month to court, where prosecutors will announce whether they'll seek a third trial. Check out pictures.

More than 30 years after pesticide dumping stopped off the coast of Palos Verdes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected a cleanup strategy for the shelf.

A San Pedro woman was reunited late Monday with her puppy stolen over the weekend. Check out pictures of the reunion.

More land use controversy in Redondo Beach is set to surface tonight, when the City Council will approve changes to rezoning efforts for the marina.

Changes might come to a Manhattan Beach park to honor two local victims of a horrific drunk driving accident earlier this year.

A Wiseburn-area child care provider was convicted Monday of molesting two girls.

Wow, there sure is a lot of chlamydia out there, new figures show.

New additions and key returning players could give Torrance High School's girls golf team a real shot at a state title.

A Gardena photo lab is still developing, despite ever changing technology.

Readers, let's roll:

A group of South Bay ocean lovers are working to spiff up the unfairly tarnished image of sharks by traveling next week to Baja California for a five-day expedition during which they'll tag whale sharks, the biggest fish on earth.

Thanks to a $5.5 million state grant, now just $400,000 stands between Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy's acquisition of a 191-acre parcel of land that would link preserves dotted all over south Palos Verdes. The piece of open land prompted the organization's founding more than 20 years ago.

A Harbor Gateway neighborhood was without water for 12 hours this weekend after a water main broke.

Golf legend Arnold Palmer was in town this weekend to discuss a plans to reconfigure the Rolling Hills Country Club. Check out pictures of the visit.

A man posing as a fertility doctor in Marina del Rey has been busted for allegedly sexually assaulting college-aged, male patients.

One woman's heroism spared two little girls from perishing last week in an early-morning fire in Scottsdale Estates, a Carson condominium complex where five children died in a fire four years ago.

A group of San Pedro nuns will travel this week to Rome, where their order's founder will be canonized.

Flu shots should be arriving this week, but in limited supply. A shortage prompted the cancellation of a clinic in Hermosa Beach last week.

Residents of a Harbor Gateway neighborhood were without water for about 12 hours today following a water main break in their street.

View 732 W 133rd St in a larger map

Hermosa Beach voters have one less candidate to consider next month when they elect City Council members.

Marc Schoonover, an antiques dealer and political newcomer, confirmed this morning that he has indeed dropped out of the race.

Now, seven people will compete for three seats: Incumbents Kit Bobko and Michael Keegan, Jeff Duclos, Howard Fishman,  Kathleen Midstokke, Josh Ochs and Christopher Reed.

Schoonover did not attend last night's candidate debate, hosted by the Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Association.

Also absent were Bobko, an attorney who apparently had a work conflict, and Keegan, who was out of state visiting his ill father-in-law.

Three other debates remain until the Nov. 3 election: The Hermosa Beach Women's Club will host a forum at 1 p.m. Oct. 14, at the Clark Building, 861 Valley Drive; the city's Chamber of Commerce has one scheduled at 10 a.m., Oct. 15 at City Hall, 1315 Valley Drive; and Leadership Hermosa Beach will sponsor one at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.

Readers, let's roll:

 A Manhattan Beach couple is running the city's annual 10K this weekend to raise awareness about a rare genetic disorder that plagued their son.

Prominent San Pedro restaurateur John Papadakis is one person smiling over the area's new waterfront redevelopment plan approved earlier this week.

The 2009 USA Cycling Elite Track National Championships is underway through Sunday at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

A word to the wise for criminals: If you burgle a house, don't come back to the scene, and make sure your gloves aren't dangling out of your back pocket, like one man allegedly did in Torrance. Oh yeah, he's also a registered sex offender who was wearing a global positioning device.

Breeze biz columnist Muhammed El-Hasan apparently has a saggy nose.

The Log, a publication by for and about California boaters, is passing on a plea from Assemblyman Ted Lieu on behalf of his abandoned-vessel bill, AB 166. The bill passed both houses of the Legislature, and is sitting on the governor's desk. Lieu is urging boaters to write the governor in support of the measure.

AB 166 would permit boat owners to dispose of vessels at no cost by contacting a local government agency. The agency would then call a contractor to take on the job of vessel disposal.

The contractor would bill a state fund for the actual cost of disposing of the boat -- preventing the vessel from being abandoned and becoming a costly-to-remove hazard to navigation. Aside from posing navigational hazards, abandoned vessels can emit seeping toxins, such as fuel and oil that can pollute the environment.

This is an issue in the Delta area, but also around Marina del Rey.

Last fall, Manhattan Beach Police Officer Jeff Goodrich climbed atop a dunk tank at the city's annual Hometown Fair and risked a damp fate all in hopes of raising money for a fellow officer battling cancer.

But a year later, at this weekend's fair, Goodrich is now the cause behind the charitable "Dunk a Cop" booth.

Medical bills for Goodrich's radiation and chemotherapy treatments following January surgery to remove a stage-4 brain tumor are mounting, and the officer's colleagues are stepping up to help raise money.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, along Valley Drive between 15th street and Blanche Drive. The dunking booth is in Live Oak Park, 1901 N. Valley Drive, near the tennis courts.

Five bucks buys three throws at the booth, and if you successfully douse your target, you get a free commemorative T-shirt. And instead of feigning an old shoulder injury from your college days, you can disguise bad aim by just buying a shirt for $15.

Go find a copy of that speeding ticket you got for zipping down Sepulveda Boulevard a few years back, because here's a look at the booth's dunking schedule:

Readers, let's get started:

Carson's vast Samoan community is still reeling over the aftermath of the tsunami that ravaged their homeland earlier this week. Check out pictures of Wednesday's vigil and relief efforts.

A year into the implementation of the Clean Trucks Program at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, more than 5,000 vehicles meet new standards and officials there believe they might reach a goal to reduce diesel truck emissions by 80 percent in 2010, two years ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, labor turmoil continues at one of the trucking companies at the Port of Los Angeles, making one aspect of the Clean Trucks Program unrealized at Swift Transportation.

In a new study released today, Torrance-area researchers find that alcohol changes the body's chemistry and acts as a buffer to injury, possibly shedding light on the ironic reality that drunk drivers kill others but often escape accidents unscathed.

That middle-aged man who shot up windows all over the South Bay earlier this year because he was bored got six years in prison under terms of a plea deal.

One apparent upside of a drought is clean beaches.

San Pedro High's Pablo Rosales shattered a cross country record Wednesday to win the South Bay Cup. Check out pictures of the meet.