Sonic Drugs Attempt to Get Listeners High

There is an undeniable relationship between sound and our mood. Music can amp a person up for a workout or calm a person down when they are stressed.

But can sound actually get someone high?

Sonic drugs – also known as “digital drugs” or “i-dosing” are available online. I-dosing websites claim that listening to specific sound can make someone feel as if they’ve taken actual drugs. They sell “doses” of recreational drugs, like marijuana, as well as prescription drugs and hallucinogens.

Sonic drugs work through binaural beats -- the playing of two slightly different tones and frequencies into both ears simultaneously.

“What you are experiencing is the sound created by the brain, not what is coming through the headphones,” said Alex Doman, founder of Advanced Brain Technologies and co-author of “Healing at the Speed of Sound.”

Doman said there are legitimate and proven uses of sound therapy in treating anxiety and improving brain performance. However, trying to mimic neurochemical effects of a narcotic is a dubious notion -- something that needs to be approached with caution and a healthy dose of skepticism.

“Dialing into a specific effect of peyote mushrooms or LSD is probably taking it too far,” Doman added.

Youtube has over a thousand videos of people documenting their experiences with i-dosing. The first i-dose Youtuber “Zach” did was of acid.

Zach is currently in rehab at Tarzana Treatment Center for his addiction to real drugs. He believes experimenting with sonic drugs may make some teens more inclined to do the real thing.

This is what concerns addiction specialist Gregory Smith.

“It’s not like you listen to an i-dose for crack cocaine and the next day you’re smoking a crack pipe,” Dr. Smith said. “But I do think that if you have an impressionable 13-14 year old kid that does an i-dose, it may drop their inhibition if they’re presented with the real drug to try it.”

NBC4 Anchor Collen Williams Listens to an I-Dose

NBC4 anchor Colleen Williams’ brain waves were measured while she listened to an i-dose of alcohol during a visit to Amen Clinics.

The alcohol dose takes 35 minutes. The website says the experience is like “shot gunning five glasses of gin.”

The first thing Williams noticed was the sound itself. It is nothing like music, but rather static-like tones.

After about 10 minutes, she says she started to feel a “light-headed kind of euphoria.” After a few more minutes, her hands got tingly and light.

Eventually Williams says the sound became annoying and gave her a headache. She says she never felt drunk but she was definitely affected by the i-dose.

“I felt at one point, if I stood up, I would be a little wobbly,” Williams said.

Williams’ brain waves were then interpreted by brain imaging expert and psychiatrist Daniel Amen.

“We could actually see that the ID was having an effect on your brain,” Amen said. “At times your brain was calmer but at other times is was firing more erratically.”

Amen stresses that every brain will respond differently to this kind of stimulus and the reaction could be dangerous.

For Williams the part of the brain that was affected was the part associated with seizure activity and “that can be troubling.”

Amen also says i-dosing can be especially dangerous for teenagers because their brain is still not fully developed and that anything done to a developing brain could disrupt it.

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Air Quality Testing Finds Toxins in Ponder

Air-quality analysis shows the presence of several toxins in the air near a natural gas processing plant less than a mile from a Ponder subdivision.

The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality reports show between seven and 10 toxins testing at or slightly above detectable levels in the air.

The most concerning is benzene, which can produce a variety of health side effects if individuals are exposed to it long term.

Homeowner Debra Owners said her daughter, Cassidy, is experiencing several symptoms despite leading a very active, healthy lifestyle.

The plant has only been in the community for a little more than a year.

Cassidy Owners said she started getting ill continuously about 10 months ago.

"I broke out in rashes over and over again, from little puss bumps to a lacy look all over my body," she said.

Neighbors have complained of nose bleeds and headaches.

Ponder Mayor Scott McCarty said frustration is high as people try to figure out if there's any connection between the plant and health problems. He said he's been in contact with TCEQ, which told him there's nothing to worry about at this time.

"It's not an immediate danger situation if it's a long-term exposure then it could become a big issue," McCarty said.

The gas processing plant is owned Atmos Energy and operated by Kinder-Morgan. A Kinder-Morgan spokesperson for the company said the company has yet to review the air-quality reports but has already used some new technology to limit odors coming from the facility.

The site has also been visited by TCEQ investigators and has not been cited for any violations.

TCEQ described its investigation of air quality in Ponder as ongoing and offered nothing definitive in terms of a connection between the plant and health concerns.

Debra Owens said answers can't come soon enough. She said she is "sick and tired of being sick and tired."

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Previous Coverage:

• Problem Solvers: Ponder Residents Sickened by Gas Plant Smell

Commonly Used Chemical May Affect Child Development

Household and personal care products could harm the developing brain of babies, a recent study from Columbia University found.

The levels of phthalates – a chemical added to plastics and lotions to soften the products -- in pregnant women and found that the higher the level in the mother, the worse the motor skills and mental development was in the child.

Juana Rosa Cavero takes care to make sure her 10-month-old is safe.

“I try my best. I read up on what I can read, when I go to the store,” said the first-time mother. “I try to make decisions on getting stuff that doesn’t have that many chemicals.”

“The problem with [phthalates] is that it has what we call endocrine disrupting properties,” said obstetrician Dr. Robin Johnson. “It mimics estrogen in the body and so the body confuses it with estrogen.”

Johnson went to Cavero’s house to help her clean her house out of phthalates. Most of her baby products were fragrance free, so she thought she was in the clear.

However, Johnson suggested they look at her personal care products. It turned out that many of her shampoos, lotions and hair care products were suspect.

“I’ve done the best I can for him, but now I need to make sure that I do a good job with myself,” said Cavero. “As long as I’m breastfeeding, I have to be careful, especially if I’m going to have more children. I’m going to make better decisions on what I use on myself.”

Phthalates are banned in children’s toys but not in personal care products.

Johnson suggests buying products with simple ingredients or making your own with essential oils.

Several groups are working to change chemical laws in California so that phthalates will be better regulated.

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In Cold Waters, Dad Says Goodbye to His 5-Year-Old Son

The widow of an NYPD veteran killed in an August kayaking accident is calling on state lawmakers to make it mandatory to wear a life jacket when boarding a vessel less than 15 feet long.

"If I can help one person, that would mean everything to me," said Stephanie Luca.  "It's helping me to move forward, knowing I am doing something to honor him."

As Stephanie Luca spoke in her Smithtown, Long Island, home, her 5-year-old son Caden played nearby, gently caressing a plastic man in a toy kayak.

Caden was the last person to see dad Patrick Luca alive. Caden Luca has never spoken to his mom about what happened.

While Stephanie Luca doesn't know much about the day her husband died, she does know his final words to their son.

Father and son had been thrown from their kayak into Smithtown Bay. Only Caden was wearing a life jacket.  As he struggled to hang on, Patrick handed his hat to Caden and provided a message of survival.

"Caden always had on a safety whistle and emergency light and he said to him, 'Just blow that whistle, and someone will find you,'" said Stephanie Luca. "Then he told him that daddy is going to go under the water and not come up. He was going to go to heaven."

According to Stephanie Luca, Caden told rescuers about his dad's final words and they, in turn,  relayed them to Stephanie.

A passing boater rescued Caden Luca a short time after his father sank into the water.  Patrick Luca's body was discovered the next day.  He had served some 21 years in the NYPD.

Suffolk police are still investigating the incident. 

"Every time in the day that he was here is different," said Stephanie Luca as she played with her kids. "It will never be the same."

Last month, on what would have been the Lucas' seventh wedding anniversary, the family helped unveil a sign at the mouth of Smithtown Bay. Dedicated to Patrick Luca, the sign urges boaters to wear life jackets.

"It was such an easy decision that could have saved his life," said Stephanie Luca.  "It should be just as easy a decision to make it a law."

Right now, life jackets are mandatory on small vessels in New York only from November to May.  National boating groups have opposed a life jacket requirement year-round, according to state senator John Flanagan, who is working with Stephanie Luca.

"I know it won't be easy," added Stephanie Luca.  "But my husband's whole life was about saving lives.  Why shouldn't I keep doing that?"

Wealthy Staten Island Couples Accused of Medicaid Fraud

Four Staten Island couples were arrested Thursday, accused of taking tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-supported welfare while they were living in lavish homes and receiving six-figure incomes from rental properties, investments and business they owned.

District Attorney Daniel Donovan, Jr., announced charges of third-degree welfare fraud and grand larceny against the eight Staten Island residents.

The defendants had been on the welfare rolls for years, despite living in million-dollar homes in some of Staten Island's most exclusive neighborhoods, driving around in luxury cars and getting plenty of revenue from their investments, said Donovan.

One couple, 61-year-old Hanna Youssef and 55-year-old Zaka Youssef, received over $40,000 in Medicaid benefits since 2008, even though they owned a $1.4 million gated Todt Hill home and a strip mall on 350 Forest Ave. that brought in more than $14,000 a month, said Donovan. They also recently sold a restaurant in Brooklyn for $700,000.

Hany Mekhael, 41, and Jackline Farag, 37, fraudulently received $36,600 in Medicaid benefits since 2006, despite having more than $2.1 million in real estate assets and a reported annual income of up to $174,000 a year, said Donovan.

Richard Costa, 53, and Carrie Costa, 50, claimed they made $400 a week as day laborers in order to qualify for Medicaid in 2008, said Donovan. But on lease applications for the two Mercedes Benz sedans the couple drives, Richard Costa reported making $250,000 a year as vice president of a Manhattan Garment District company.

Kathleen Trabulsi, 33, and Rashad Trabulsi, 34, received $30,000 in Medicaid benefits since 2008, even though they own a lucrative chiropractic clinic in Brooklyn and several high-price properties, as well as a Hummer, an Infiniti and an Audi.

"These defendants clearly had the means to pay for their own health care," said Donovan. "They lived the 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless,' bilking taxpayers out of tens of thousands of dollars at a time when so many people are out of work or struggling just to make ends meet."

The defendants were arraigned in State Supreme Court. If convicted on top charges, the defendants could face up to 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison.

Tyra Banks Surprises Middle-School Students

The kids at Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School had quite the pep rally today.

Supermodel and media mogul Tyra Banks and Power 106 surprised the students as a reward for their excellent attendance record.

Taking part in the Get Schooled Foundation's nationwide attendance challenge, the Mustangs raised their attendance by 2 percent in two weeks.

“That high school diploma is super, duper important,” Banks said.

A few kids got to ask her a question and all of them got a copy of her book, "Modelland” -- a young adult fantasy novel about an awkward teenage girl. Banks says she can relate to young folks.

“I feel like I have a connection to young adults, teens -- just young people in general,” said Banks. “It's a natural place for me. I feel like there is a teenage girl inside of me.”

One seventh grader says he hasn't missed a day of school this year and that getting a visit from the superstar encourages him to keep doing his best.

“I want to learn and do my homework and get good grades here and go to college,” said Cristobal Beltran.

Banks says she knows kids don't always listen to grown-ups.

“So I am here to tell this to these kids because sometimes the parents and the teachers and the principal mean well, but sometimes young folks don't listen so much to those people,” Banks said. “Hopefully they'll listen to me."

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Daycare Mix-Up Leaves Girl With Wrong Father

A daycare mix-up left a little girl scared and parents questioning how a child could be sent home with the wrong parent.

It happened Thursday afternoon at a West Philadelphia daycare center at 35th Street and Haverford Avenue when the wrong young girl was sent home with a father who hadn’t seen his child before.

Tanya Corbett sent Jerry Lawson, 2-year-old Josiah Lawson’s father, to pick up their daughter at the daycare. 

Jerry had never seen his daughter before because he was in jail.

He said he was on the phone with Tanya when he arrived at the daycare and told administrator’s that Josiah’s mother was on the phone. Jerry -- who had recently returned to the picture -- had permission to take his daughter. Jerry says he handed the phone to people at the daycare to once again have Tanya give permission to release Josiah to her father.

Unsure of what his daughter Josiah looked like Jerry said he trusted the daycare gave him the right child and took her home.

“I signed my name and stuff and then i said, ‘wait this is not Josiah Lawson... she looks scared,'” said Jerry.

He quickly realized something was wrong.

“I was saying to my friend on the phone, ‘Josiah is sitting right here,’ (the girl said my name’s not Josiah -- it’s Ziah. And i was like something’s wrong,” Jerry said.

It turns out the girl Jerry picked up is named Ziah. On top of that, the 4-year-old girl's caretaker's last name -- Lawson -- is the same as Jerry’s.

“I’m crying. I’m freaking out -- i called him like bring that baby back -- you grabbed the wrong baby,” said Tanya.

Jerry returned Ziah and as precaution police checked both of the girl’s out at the special victims unit.

The girl’s names being so similar possibly led to the confusion.

“I didn’t even really have (any) ID -- so to me that was kind of bad -- that's why I wanted my baby mama on the phone,” said Jerry.

The president of the Caring People Alliance, the non-profit daycare that is run out of the community center, responded to the incident by saying: "We’re evaluating daycare procedures to determine where things broke down," adding that this "certainly should not have happened," but "there was no evil intent."

“It’s embarrassing, it’s shameful,” said Tanya. “How are you gonna give up the wrong babies?”

"Last Deejay" Fired from KOLS

Jim Ladd worked in LA radio for more than 40 years. He was known as the last true “free-form deejay” – meaning he picked the music himself.

With little warning Wednesday, KLOS (95.5) fired Ladd.

Many consider Ladd a rebel and radio icon. The fingerprint on his show was his. He chose the music and he liked it that way.

“There was no list, no format, no nothing. It was me …choosing this music,” he said.

That is how radio was done in the “golden years” by such personalities as “Wolfman Jack” and Casey Kasem. But things changed in the 1980s when huge corporations started to buy up radio stations and demanded very precise playlists.

Industry watcher Keith Berman from Radio and Music Pros said the change that came with deregulation worked in some ways.

“People want to hear the same songs over and over again,” Berman said.

Ladd never let control move up to the manager’s office and that made him a standout.

“He was the last personality I know of in commercial radio that was able to pick everything that he did,” Berman said.

Ladd’s fans knew when they listened to his show they were listening to music chosen by Ladd. He was king.

“I could do one set about politics, the next set about sex, the next about the environment. And tell stories through the lyrics and the music,” Ladd said.

Ladd said he is not done yet. He is looking for work at other stations in hopes that he will be king once again.

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Girl Sexually Assaulted While Shopping With Mother

An 8-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man while she was shopping with her mother at a Marshall's store in Queens Wednesday, police said.

The girl was with her mother inside the store at 40-24 College Point Boulevard just before 6 p.m., according to police. The girl wandered over to a book display when a man repeatedly passed her and grabbed her buttocks.

The suspect was wearing a black jacket with a hood, blue jeans and metal-framed glasses, according to police. Surveillance video is attacked.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or usa-local-news.blogspot.com.

San Marino Pharmacy Raided by Feds

Sixteen people were arrested Thursday on suspicion of taking part in an elaborate $18 million Medicare fraud scheme that investigators say involved a San Marino pharmacy and a Glendale medical clinic.

A federal criminal complaint contends a doctor at Manor Medical Imaging Clinic of Glendale wrote prescriptions for anti-psychotic drugs.

The drugs, which included Abilify, Seroquel and Zyprexa, were billed to Medicare and Medi-Cal but didn’t go to those recruited for the scheme. Instead, the drugs were allegedly sent to black market wholesalers and then funneled to the San Gabriel Valley pharmacies, where they were repackaged so they could be re-dispensed.

The main pharmacy named in the complaint — Huntington Pharmacy in San Marino — had fewer than $45,000 in Medi-Cal claims in 2009 but nearly $1.5 million last year, and most were prescriptions from the Manor’s doctor, according to the criminal complaint.

“This was initiated in 2009, so the investigation has been ongoing,” said Sergeant Jay Wilburn of the San Marino Police Department.

The scheme caused at least $7.3 million in direct losses to Medicare and Medi-Cal, according to the Department of Justice.

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1 Killed in Double Shooting at Harlem Apartment Building

A Bronx man was killed in a shooting Thursday afternoon, police said.

Police were called to an apartment building at 383 2nd Avenue in Harlem at about 12:30 p.m. for a report of gunshots fired.

Inside the building, on the 19th floor, officers found two men shot. One had multiple gunshot wounds, and was taken to Harlem Hospital, where was pronounced dead.

The other, a 26-year-old man was shot in the buttocks and also taken to Harlem Hospital, where he is in stable condition.

The man who died has been identified as 18-year-old Jaquan Wilson of the Bronx.

Police took a 36-year-old man into custody in connection with the shootings. A gun was recovered at the scene.

Casey Criticizes SSA Over Philly Basement Case

The Social Security Administration should close a loophole that may have helped let a woman accused of locking mentally disabled people in a squalid basement while cashing their checks evade capture for years, a U.S. senator said Thursday.

Sen. Bob Casey, a Democrat, wrote in a letter to the SSA that the Social Security Protection Act of 2004 is designed to bar people who have been imprisoned more than a year from becoming representative payees, those who cash someone else's check. The woman accused of leading the Philadelphia basement plot had served time in a starvation death decades ago.

Casey referenced an SSA inspector general's report showing the SSA was not effectively enforcing the law. In Thursday's letter, he said he wants better safeguards to protect beneficiaries.

“This dangerous lack of oversight permits criminals to prey on our most vulnerable and must be addressed,” Casey wrote in a letter to SSA Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. “I ask you to close this loophole immediately and impose safeguards to better protect beneficiaries. Such abuses must be made impossible moving forward.”

In an email response to The Associated Press on Thursday, SSA spokesman Mark Hinkle said the agency currently does checks against its own prison records database.

“We are looking at the possibility of accessing additional databases, but Congress has not given us access to the key law enforcement database, the FBI's National Crime Information Center,” Hinkle wrote.

Early last week, the AP reported that the report from the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General said that people who apply to become payees are supposed to answer a question on whether they've ever been convicted of an offense and imprisoned for more than a year. But the report noted the agency recognizes that self-reporting of such information “is not always reliable.”

The inspector general also recommended that the SSA consider using third-party databases to improve the system.

The report said that when it met with SSA staffers in late 2009 they reported that the SSA did not use data from their own Prisoner Update and Processing System to verify payee applicant responses.

The inspector general's office said that in the cases it reviewed, about 6 percent of non-relative payees had been imprisoned for longer than a year and “may pose a risk to the beneficiaries they serve.”

Linda Ann Weston was charged last week with kidnapping, false imprisonment and other offenses after her landlord stumbled on the four mentally disabled adults -- weak and malnourished -- in a dank, foul-smelling boiler room. Along with three other defendants, she is accused of preying on mentally disabled adults, locking them in a basement and wresting control of their disability checks.

Also arrested and jailed were the man she described as her boyfriend, Eddie “the Reverend Ed” Wright, and Gregory Thomas. Weston's daughter, Jean McIntosh, also was arrested and charged with kidnapping and assault, among other offenses. None has entered a plea or appeared in court.

The accused dungeon suspects are also being investigated for other crimes. Weston, Wright and McIntosh will face kidnapping, aggravate assault and related charges for allegedly locking McIntosh’s cousin Beatrice Weston in a closet, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Weston was convicted in the starvation death of a man nearly 30 years ago and served about four years in prison. She was legally disqualified from cashing the victims' government disability checks because of her criminal past. But she apparently did anyway, authorities say, enabled in part by a lack of accountability and follow-through by government agencies and police.

Casey called the victimization of the mentally disabled people found in the basement “saddening and disturbing.”

“But what's worse,” he said, “is that we had the tools to catch these suspects and didn't use them because those in charge of their protection were asleep at the switch. We can never allow another group of individuals to go through what these victims have had to endure, it's time the Social Security Administration step up and close this loophole.”

Earlier this week, Weston's attorney said he was evaluating her mental state and thought a competency hearing for her would be a good idea.

Weston's daughter is “shocked and surprised” but understands the charges she faces, her lawyer said.

Child Gets to Wear Military Uniform on Halloween

A student at Suzanne Middle School in Walnut wanted to wear a Marine uniform on Halloween to honor his two uncles who are both in the service.

But then he brought a letter home from school that said in part, “in light of the current political climate around the world, dress related to military or terrorist organizations, or anything that could be construed as offensive to any ethnic group, will not be allowed.

Aidan Kocalis felt this meant he could not wear a uniform to honor his uncle who is serving with the Marines in Afghanistan or his other uncle in the Coast Guard.

“He asked one of his teachers and one of his counselors and the counselor said no, he can’t wear a uniform,” Lil Kocalis, his grandmother, said.

His grandmother added that the uncles are Aiden’s role models “so he’s proud to be a Marine and they said no, he can’t.”

But the story does not end here.

The Kocalis family took their fight to Suzanne Middle School and then to the Superintendent’s office.

He decided the rule against wearing a U.S. military uniform did not seem right.

This morning, the superintendent announced the letter was a mistake. It came from an old rule that had not been erased from the books and has not been followed for a long time.

This means Aidan will get to wear his costume on Monday without worrying about breaking the rules.

And he learned an important lesson from this: If something seems not right, speak up and fight for change.

 

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Prince William County Tops Job Growth for Commonwealth

When it comes to job growth, Virginia’s Prince William County is among the best in the nation.

The county had an employment increase of 4.3 percent between March 2010 and March 2011, compared to 1.3 percent nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. That’s higher than any other county in the Commonwealth and the third highest rate of job growth in the nation compared to 322 large U.S. counties.

“We are the center of the northern Virginia labor force, we have streamlined our permitting processes to help businesses get to market faster, and we have some of the lowest taxes in the region,” Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, told the bureau. “This is further evidence that our effort to create an environment that allows businesses to open and operate without the bureaucratic red tape is moving us in the right direction for job growth.”

The bureau said new jobs were created throughout northern Virginia despite a down economy.

 

$2,000 in Parking Tickets Dismissed

A Washington, D.C., man who received two $1,000 parking tickets from the city won't have to pay those tickets, according to a spokesperson for the D.C. Department of Public Works.

Craig Kraft received the tickets Sunday in the Shaw neighborhood in Northwest. Kraft parks a van and an SUV across the street from his home. The tickets cited "illegal parking of a commercial vehicle in a residential area" as the reason for the tickets.

After looking into the matter, DPW spokesperson Linda Grant said the tickets were dismissed.  According to Grant, the person who issued the tickets was using "old regulations."

Kraft can continue to park his trucks in the spots where he received the citations.

Woodbridge Man Accused of Illegally Videotaping a Woman

A Woodbridge man was arrested after allegedly videotaping an Alexandria woman in the shower at a counseling center where he worked as a custodian.

Prince William County Police arrested Americo Rodolpho Rodriguez-Zabalbeascoa Tuesday. 

A staff member found a camera hidden in the shower area of the Healing Hearts Counseling Center in Occoquan. The 37-year-old victim was allegedly videotaped three times, according to police. 

Rodriguez-Zabalbeascoa, 53, was charged with three counts of unlawful taping and is being held without bond.   

Hitler Remark Leads To Closed Door Meeting

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez called Thursday's closed door meeting, making it an invitation-only event.

Anyone who wanted to watch the community forum had to do it on line, as Jewish and Latino leaders tried to educate one another about racism.

The controversy stems from a two year downtown redevelopment project. Alvarez claims the area used to cater to Hispanics. She accused landlords Irv and Ryan Chase of forcing Latino businesses out of the area. 

The disagreement got pretty testy at an Aug. 24 meeting.

"So, Hitler rents you a place for cheap and you don’t care what he represents," she said at the meeting. "We’ve got to stop this."

She later apologized, but those who were most offended called for her to resign. Irv and Ryan Chase are Jewish.

"We see anti-Semitism in the new immigrant community," said Kevin O'Grady of the Anti-Defamation League. "For us, that's an issue."

Santa Ana is 85% Hispanic. Some city leaders think developers are trying to change the face of the downtown area.

"For someone to dictate what products they can sell or who their clientele might be to me is just wrong, says Planning Commissioner Sean Mills.

Archer Altstaetter works for Irv and Ryan Chase. He says they're upgrading and investing in their buildings, without any malice toward anyone.

"It’s no different than the Irvine Company or any other retailer in a mall saying hey, if your stores are not clean, you're out," says Altstaetter.

Alvarez had no comment on the meeting, other than to say that it's the beginning, and not the end, of a dialogue that was needed.

Man's Photo Taken on Stolen Laptop, Cops Searching

Police investigating the theft of a laptop from a Queens apartment building say a person of interest helpfully sent along his own picture to investigators through anti-theft software installed on the computer.

The burglary happened sometime during the day last Tuesday, Oct. 18, in Elmhurst, according to police. The intruder forced open the side door of a two-family home in the area of 83rd Street, and took assorted jewelry along with the laptop from the second-floor apartment.

Someone turned on the laptop last Thursday, and his photo was captured by an anti-theft program called Prey Control Panel.

It wasn't clear if the person pictured was the actual burglar, but police were looking to speak to him. Anyone with information is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or at usa-local-news.blogspot.com.

Earlier this month, police were able to catch a thief when the iPhone he allegedly stole from a woman in Jamaica, Queens, snapped a clear photo of him. The phone had a security application designed to catch thieves.

Temple Grad Takes Over as CFO of PHA

Elias Rosario is returning to Philadelphia after 25 years as Chief Financial Officer at the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

Rosario, a Temple University graduate, previously oversaw a billion-dollar-plus budget as CFO of the Chicago Housing Authority.

“We are very fortunate to have attracted a candidate with Elias’ unique skills and experience,” said PHA Executive Director Michael Kelly.

Rosario also worked in the Midwest in accounting and financial services as well as with property management and real estate companies.

Rosario is "motivated and grateful" to be working in Philly.

"My first goal is to establish controls that will ensure fiscal integrity and cost efficiency to all PHA financial operations," said Rosario. "PHA is known nationally for its innovations in real estate financing. I want to build on that record and also build public confidence that we are investing with the sole purpose of advancing our mission and improving neighborhoods.”

Rosario starts his tenure on Nov. 21 and is set to earn a $168,000 a year.

In addition to Rosario, PHA has also recently hired two other individuals, general counsel Barbara Adams and Director of Audit and Compliance Kelvin Jeremiah.

“PHA has hired a trio of individuals with impeccable integrity to form the bedrock of accountability and transparency the public has the right to expect from PHA,” said Kelly.

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Professors Use Occupy Movement to Engage Students

Local professors are using the Occupy movement as a way to discuss politics with their students.

Thursday afternoon, professors from Southwestern College held an “Occupy Democracy” event to demonstrate the importance of being involved in local politics.

Professor of Political Science Phil Saenz said the goal is to effect political change and encourage political involvement among people younger than 24.

“I think people want a sense of direction, want a sense of purpose and want to get involved,” he said.

Saenz, along with professors Alejandro Orozco and Victor Chavez, also discussed issues that affect young Americans, such as the rising cost of tuition, textbook prices and taxes.

He stressed that students should register to vote and hopes young people will embrace their civic duty.

Citrus College in Glendora Evacuated

Citrus College in Glendora was evacuated Thursday afternoon, the school's security office confirmed.

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported there was a bomb threat.

Calls to the school's media relations department were not immediately returned.

Citrus College has 13,705 students and is located at 1000 W. Foothill Blvd. in Glendora. The campus spans 104 acres.

Refresh this page for more information.

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Miracle Dog Survives Gas Chamber, Comes to NJ for Adoption

A miracle dog that did not die when put into a gas chamber has come to New Jersey for adoption after his incredible survival.

Daniel the beagle was a stray in Florence, Ala., when he was placed into a shelter by animal control officials. After he was not claimed or adopted, he was put into a gas chamber to be put down with other unadopted dogs.

But after the animal control officer went back to the chamber, there was Daniel, still alive.

“They were all dead except for Daniel who was wagging his tail," said Linda Schiller of Eleventh Hour Rescue, the group that rescued Daniel and brought him to New Jersey. "He’s a miracle.”

Gassing chambers work by pumping carbon monoxide into a sealed space, eventually suffocating the animals.

Some argue it takes only minutes for the animals to lose consciousness and die, but the gas cycle is run for much longer, as much as 30 minutes, to be sure it has worked.

According to Vincent Grasso, an animal control officer in Florence, Daniel had been inside the chamber with the other dogs for a scheduled 17-minute cycle.

Grasso said it is highly unusual for a dog to emerge from the chamber alive, and it is shelter policy that if that happens, a dog would be given a second chance.

Grasso said they brought Daniel to see the veterinarian and to make sure he was OK. Once Daniel was found to be in good health, they began to search for a permanent home.

Schiller and her rescue group learned of Daniel’s miraculous story and brought him to New Jersey, where they are looking for a family to take care of him. She also hopes that this tough little beagle will become the face of a campaign against gassing.

According to the Humane Society, many states still allow animal gassing in some form. A growing number, including New York and New Jersey, have banned it.

Alabama has also banned gassing but the law will not take effect until next year. The Humane Society estimates that between six million and eight million animals are brought to shelters every year, and that as many as four million of them are euthanized.

“It’s a common misconception that they only gas bad or mean dogs,” said Schiller. “They gas nursing moms and babies, they gas 8-week-old puppies. They gas a dog like Daniel, who has a lot of life and is a good dog.”

Schiller hopes that the publicity around Daniel’s story will generate new interest for people to adopt shelter pets.

“There are thousands of dogs dying as we speak,” said Schiller. “So if you can’t adopt Daniel then maybe you can adopt another pet from Eleventh Hour Rescue or from your local shelter.”

Money Secured for 3 Dallas "Signature" Bridges

Money from a variety of sources has been lined up to pay for all three new "signature" freeway bridges over the Dallas Trinity River, County Judge Clay Jenkins said Thursday.

The first bridge designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava is under construction now to extend Woodall Rodgers Freeway over the river from downtown to West Dallas.

The next two will be replacements for the Interstate 30 and Interstate 35E bridges.

Earlier this year, Texas Department of Transportation officials said the I-30 and I-35E bridges urgently need to be rebuilt. Transportation officials said the replacements could not wait until money enough was available to make them more expensive "signature" bridges.

But Jenkins said a total of $853 million is now available from federal, state and local sources.

"It's a partnership, and this is an example of what we can do when we work together," Jenkins said.

Calatrava is working on a less expensive design for the I-30 bridge.

Jenkins said Calatrava will not design the I-35E bridge as the architect once envisioned, but the money available now will still provide for some dressier features in the construction of that bridge as well.

Years ago, Dallas leaders proposed the "signature" bridges to add a new attractive element to the city's skyline.

The Woodall Rodgers bridge is scheduled to open early next year.

No Plea Entered in Norma Lopez Case

Jesse Perez Torres, arrested and held in connection with the kidnapping and death of Norma Lopez, did not enter a plea during a scheduled arraignment Thursday at Riverside Superior Court.

Torres is set to enter a plea on Nov. 16.

A hearing on whether media would be allowed to cover the case was held earlier Thursday, with Judge Richard T. Fields ultimately deciding that coverage was acceptable and would promote openness.

Fields decided, however, that recorded audio and video showing Torres in chains would not be allowed.

The family of 17-year-old Lopez was in attendance for Thursday’s proceedings.

Lopez disappeared in July 2010 while walking from summer school to a friend’s house in Moreno Valley. She was found dead five days later in a vacant field in the same community.

Police arrested Torres, 35, in Long Beach on Oct. 20 in connection with Lopez’s death but he was not charged.

Riverside County Sheriffs released Torres Monday in conjunction with a state law that requires suspects be released if charges are not filed within 48 hours of arrest. The accused was immediately arrested again on the same charges.

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Charges Filed in Yorba Linda Double Murder

Double murder charges were filed Thursday against a 24-year-old man accused in the stabbing deaths of his mother and brother in Yorba Linda.

Eder Giovanni Herrera, who also faces sentence-enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon, made his initial court appearance Thursday but did not enter a plea. His arraignment was rescheduled for Nov. 18, and his bail was set at $2 million bail, Deputy District Attorney Howard Gundy said.

Herrera could face up to 52 years to life in prison if convicted of killing Raquel Estrada, 53, and Juan Herrera, 34, the prosecutor said.

Autopsies showed they died of multiple stab wounds, said Sgt. Jim Griffin of the Brea Police Department, which also patrols Yorba Linda.

Investigators were still working to determine the motive and what weapon was used in the attack, Griffin and Gundy said.

Herrera lived with his mother and brother in the home at 4241 Trix Circle, where the bodies of the victims were found about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Griffin said. They had been renting the house for about a year, Griffin said.

After the attacks, Eder Herrera allegedly fled to a friend's house, where he was arrested Wednesday morning, Griffin said.

Someone called police from a pay phone and told them about hearing "loud banging and weird noises" coming from the home in the usually quiet neighborhood, Griffin said.

Two officers sent to the address saw a pool of blood on the porch. From the back yard, they could see the bodies through a sliding glass door, Griffin said.

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Bobcat Family Roams Lantana

Lantana residents are dealing with some unexpected visitors in their back yards.

Neighbors say a bobcat family is roaming around Peco Street.

"I saw this big cat that looked kind of exotic, wild," Cindy Perez said. "I kind of panicked. I called my neighbor, and I called my husband."

Perez spotted three bobcats in her backyard Wednesday afternoon.

"It was like the whole family," she said. "The first one I saw was one of the little ones. But then, I saw the big bobcat and two little ones, following each other."

She grabbed her camera and took pictures and video of the mother bobcat and her babies.

Donnita Palmier, who lives just a few doors down, said the bobcats brought excitement to her quiet neighborhood.

"We have only seen one or two snakes, but nothing like that," Palmier said. "The bobcats were walking the fence between the houses, and they [animal control] said she was hunting for food, which apparently she found a lot of -- chicken bodies, rabbits and a lot of feathers."

The neighbors called animal control officers, who told them not to panic.

"There are a lot of people that are panicking for the children and things," Palmier said.

Small animals are at risk, prompting residents such as Perez to keep a watchful eye on pets.

"My cats are going to be indoor now," Perez said.

The residents said they are on the lookout, saying they would not mind seeing the bobcats again.

"We don't want anything to happen to them," Palmier said. "We don't want any harm to come to them."

Plano's Haggard Farm Land to Become Homes

Plans are in the works to develop a Plano landmark into a housing development.

Plano was a farming community of about 3,000 people in the 1960s, and a piece of that era remains with Haggard Farm.

"It truly has evolved into Plano's farm," said Rodney Haggard, whose family has owned the land at Park Boulevard and Custer Road since the 1880s.

As Plano developed, land was bought up and developed on every side of Haggard Farm. Today, it stands as a lone agricultural oasis in the middle of suburbia, but Haggard plans to sell off about 120 acres to builder Toll Brothers.

"We thought it was a good time," he said.

Haggard, the fourth generation to make a living from the land, said he has seen Plano evolve from the farming community he grew up in to a city of more than 250,000.

Cows and alpaca at Haggard Farm graze mere yards from the rush of traffic in the heart of the city.

"If we have a cow that gets out or a llama that gets its head stuck in the fence, we get calls," Haggard said.

The plan to sell the land is not finalized.

But it has already stirred up concern from neighbors and the city about adding extra retail space at a time when other, aging shopping centers in Plano struggle to lease space.

"We've tried to be really cautious about creating additional retail zoning, retail development, in areas where we don't think there would be a market to support it," said Phyllis Jarrell, city director of planning.

After that input, plans for retail were replaced by townhomes.

While the idea of selling the farm is bittersweet, it's time for progress, Haggard said.

But the family will keep about 60 acres for personal residences and pasture land for the animals.

"This has been closest to our hearts," Haggard said. "We're just really blessed, we've been able to stay here as long as we have."

The City Council will look at the plans again on Nov. 14.

Seal Beach to Hold Town Hall On Salon Shooting

The City of Seal Beach will hold a town hall meeting to update the community and discuss the emergency response to the salon massacre that left 8 people dead, the largest mass-murder in Orange County history.

Presentations from the police department, the Orange County fire Authority, and the District Attorney's office are planned, with each outlining their response and the events that followed the tragic events.

Scott Evans Dekraai, 42, of Huntington Beach, is accused of shooting innocent victims inside and outside the Seal Beach Salon Meritage on October 13. He is charged with eight felony counts of special circumstances murder for committing multiple murders and one felony count of attempted murder.

More: Ongoing Coverage of the Seal Beach Massacre

District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, who announced he will seek the death penalty against Dekraai, will explain the latest developments in the case and take questions from the public, said Farrah Emami, spokesperson for the Orange County DA.

The Town Hall will also provide the community with grief resources.

"A Crisis response team, made up of mostly volunteers, will be talking to the community about the various stages of grief they may be going through," said Mark Persico, Seal Beach's director of development services.

The event will be being at 7:00 p.m. at McGaugh Elementary School Auditorium on 1698 Bolsa Avenue, Seal Beach.

Nearly 20 people were inside the Meritage when the shooting began. Prosecutors say Dekraai was involved in a child custody dispute with his ex-wife, who worked at the salon and was killed.

 

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FAA Creates Web Page to Report Laser Attacks

Federal Aviation Administration has created a new website to report laser attacks.

The FAA describes a laser attack as any time a laser is directed at an aircraft, which can shine into the cockpit and distract or temporarily blind pilots.

The new site collects laser information, download-able videos, information on the effects of lasers on pilots, and links for reporting laser incidents.

"Safety of the traveling public is our absolute number-one priority. We will do everything we can to get the word out about how dangerous it is to point a laser at an aircraft. These incidents must stop," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in a press release.

Laser event reports have increased steadily since the FAA created a formal reporting system in 2005. Reports rose from nearly 300 in 2005 to 1,527 in 2009 and 2,836 in 2010. This year, pilots reported 2,795 laser events through Oct. 20, according to FAA data.

Police Raid Two D.C. Hemp Shops

Seven people were arrested during police raids at a couple of hemp shops in D.C.

Six employees and one customer of the Capitol Hemp stores were arrested on drug paraphernalia charges, police said. Three of the employees also were charged with drug possession with intent to distribute.

The raids happened during store hours Wednesday, store owner Adam Eidinger said.

Eidinger, who is a well-known local activist, has been a strong advocate for medical marijuana. He said the raids were unjust and politically motivated.

No drugs were found at the store, he said, and police confiscated $3,000 worth of inventory, including computers, cash registers, and tobacco waterpipes and vaporizers.

Capitol Hemp stores will re-open Friday. 

Eidinger recently called for an Occupy Adams Morgan movement in response to plans to build a luxury hotel in Adams Morgan.

Whale of a Tale in Monterey Bay

Santa Cruz is a tourist destination for sure. Just try getting over Highway 17 on a warm weekend day in the summer.

But the good people at the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council are always trying to get more people to come to the area. The above photo just might do the trick.

The photo was taken during a marketing shoot on the Monterey Bay on Tuesday, said Christina Glynn with the CVCl.

The intent was to show businesses that Santa Cruz is a good place to hold a conference or retreat. They hired models to pose as conventioneers on a Pacific Yachting and Sailing boat learning how to sail (the outing is supposed to build teamwork among execs).

While they were busy making that magic, the group noticed some whales off the side of their boat, so photographer Paul Schraub grabbed his camera and started taking pictures.

All of a sudden, two huge humpback whales breached the surface simultaneously within a few feet of kayaker Alan Brady, who said the whales were so close that he had to duck out of fear of being hit by the tails. He was not injured.

Glynn called it a once-in-a-lifetime photo.

For locals, the shoreline behind the whales is Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz. Whales have reportedly been very active in the past week, feeding on an abundance of anchovies off the coast.

The image might not have been the intent of the outing, but it is considered a win for the marketing department.

SDUSD Credit Rating Downgraded

The San Diego Unified School District's credit rating was downgraded by credit ratings agency Moody's Investors Service on Thursday.

The ratings on the district’s outstanding general obligation bonds were downgraded one notch from Aa1 to Aa2.

“The outlook on the district's ratings remains negative,” Moody's Investors Service reported. The move reflects “the district’s substantially narrowed financial flexibility after material draws on reserves in recent years.”

The move would not impact existing debt, but could impact the district's cost of borrowing money, according to the district.

“The credit rating agencies periodically review the financial position of public agency borrowers to make adjustments based on changing circumstances,’ said Ron Little, Chief Financial Officer for the district.  “This rating downgrade, while disappointing, is understandable given the continuing fiscal challenges faced by the district and the pending midyear K-12 education budget cuts potentially coming from the state.”

The downgrade has no immediate financial impact on the district, Little said.

“This credit downgrade does underscore the importance of sound and prudent budget solutions for our 2012/13 budget now under development,” said Little. "We have been actively developing budget reduction strategies for the Board of Education to consider that would address the concerns raised by Moody’s regarding the district’s financial position.”

Emotions continue to run high for communities in the San Diego Unified School District because of the recent school closures from budget cuts.

School board member Scott Barnett talked with concerned employees and parents Thursday about the impending plans to shut schools down.

The meeting was held at Dana Middle School, one of the several schools slated to close.

“If we are going to save this district from going out of business, from going broke, that means the choices are going to be clear and I think that aside from parents fighting for individual school sites, they are going to have to speak up and say to the board, we need to make these large decisions. Otherwise the state will come in and force decisions that aren't good for anybody,” said School board Member Scott Barnett.

The district says that closing one school equals a half million dollars in savings.

In total, ten are on the list to be cut.

Lawmakers Want Hearings After Baby's Death on Staten Island

City lawmakers told USA LOCAL NEWS on Thursday that they’re calling for a hearing to explore issues raised by the death of a four-month-old boy in day care.

According to a child welfare investigation, two workers at the day care

failed to check

on Jeremy Davila for a substantial amount of time on March 25. When they did check on him he was unresponsive and not breathing, according to the report.

The medical examiner determined that Jeremy’s death was natural, although the exact cause was undetermined.

“We got to make sure kids are safe,” said Jeremy’s mother, Jeanette, who has been fighting since her son’s death to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

On Thursday, she picked up another ally.

“We hope to have a hearing on this matter early in the month of November. There are many questions that need to be answered,” said Maria del Carmen Arroyo, chair of the City Council health committee.

Jeremy’s day care, Kiddie Academy of Staten Island, told USA LOCAL NEWS via email that it did not play a role in Jeremy’s death, and the workers accused of “inadequate guardianship” did not receive a hearing on the matter.

City officials tell USA LOCAL NEWS that Kiddie Academy of Staten Island is safe for children and the day care has implemented a plan to physically check on sleeping babies every 15 minutes.

The City Council wants to explore similar ideas for all day cares, specifically, “the frequency of how those children are monitored and how well the staff is trained to be able to accomplish and be able to carry out those tasks,” explained Arroyo. “We believe that this hearing will provide an excellent opportunity to get answers to those questions and more importantly to identify opportunities to improve the process.”

Arroyo told USA LOCAL NEWS that they hope to have a joint hearing with officials from the Administration for Child Services and the city Health Department.

Ex-TSA Agents Admit to Stealing Cash from JFK Bag

Two former Transportation Security Administration officers based at John F. Kennedy Airport have admitted to stealing $40,000 in cash from a checked bag.

The Queens District Attorney's Office says 44-year-old Coumar Persad, of Queens, and 31-year-old Davon Webb, of the Bronx, pleaded guilty on Thursday to grand larceny, obstructing governmental administration and official misconduct. They each face six months in jail and five years' probation at their Jan. 10 sentencing.

Authorities say the two TSA officers swiped the cash after spotting it in a piece of luggage while it was being X-rayed. The cash was recovered.

An attorney for Persad said his client understands he made a mistake and wishes to move on with his life.

Dan Burke, Media Industry Veteran, Dies at 82

Daniel Burke, a media industry veteran who helped create Capital Cities/ABC Inc. before it was sold to The Walt Disney Co., has died of complications from diabetes. He was 82.

Burke, along with Tom Murphy, built Capital Cities from a television station in Albany, N.Y., into a company with newspapers, magazines and TV and radio operations.

With Warren Buffett's backing, Capital Cities Communications bought ABC for $3.5 billion in 1986, in what was then the largest non-oil company merger in corporate history.

After helping merge the two companies, Burke was elevated to CEO, where he remained until he retired in February 1994 on his 65th birthday.

Disney bought Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion in 1996.

Burke's son, Steve Burke, a former president of ABC, is now the CEO of Comcast Corp.'s NBCUniversal.

Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement that "Dan had a significant impact on me and all those he touched," calling him a "gifted executive and natural teacher, and a man with a strong sense of right and wrong."

Murphy said Burke was a "brilliant executive" and a "friend whose intelligence and integrity greatly inspired those around him."

"He was serious and committed, with a wicked sense of humor that made every day more fun. The world is a better place for all he contributed," Murphy said.

Two years before he retired, Burke bought the Eastern League minor league baseball franchise, the Sea Dogs of Portland, Maine, with the aim of providing family entertainment in the state where he spent his summers.

Kathie Lee Gifford sang the National Anthem at the first opening day for the Sea Dogs in 1994.

Sea Dogs General Manager Geoff Iacuessa said Burke died surrounded by family Wednesday morning at his home in Rye, N.Y.

Burke was chairman emeritus of the team and his family said in a statement that "overseeing the operations of the team and watching stands filled with families enjoying baseball on beautiful summer nights became one of his life's greatest pleasures."

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Harriet "Bunny" Burke; his children Steve Burke, Frank Burke, Sally McNamara, Bill Burke and 14 grandchildren.

Air Traffic Controller From First Lady Close Call Made Mistake Before

The air traffic controller responsible for a plane carrying Michelle Obama getting too close to a military cargo jet made the same mistake at least four times in the past, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The first lady’s Boeing 737 got within 2.94 miles of the much larger 200-ton C17 in April. Regulations require five miles to avoid wake turbulence when the lead plane is significantly larger.

The first lady’s plane had to abort its landing at Andrews Air Force Base.

The air traffic controller was taken off the job but has since had training and is eligible to handle planes again.

Addiction Specialist Testifies in Michael Jackson Doctor's Trial

An addiction specialist faced aggressive questioning from prosecutors Thursday after testifying in the trial of Michael Jackson's personal physician that he believes the superstar developed an addiction to a powerful pain medication months before his death.

But Dr. Robert Waldman backed away from that assertion under cross-examination.

"Would you diagnose Michael Jackson as addicted to Demerol based  strictly on these documents in my hand, yes or no?'' Deputy DA David Walgren asked, holding up a stack of medical records.

"Probably not,'' Waldman answered.

Waldman, one of the final defense witnesses expected to testify in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, said Jackson received "above average" doses of Demerol in the months before his death on June 25, 2009. Waldman said that a symptom of Demerol withdrawal is insomia.

Jackson was plagued by sleep problems as he prepared for a series of planned London concerts, according to previous witness testimony and LAPD detectives' interview with Dr. Conrad Murray.

"I believe there is evidence that he was dependent on Demerol, possibly,'' Waldman said under defense questioning.

Defense attorney Ed Chernoff claimed during his opening statement that Jackson was addicted to Demorol and Murray was not aware of the addiction.

The drug was not found in Jackson's system after his death. Jackson received the Demerol shots from his longtime dermatologist, Dr. Arnold Klein. Klein is not facing accusations in the case.

Defense attorneys are attempting to counter last week's detailed testimony from the prosecution's propofol expert, who sharply criticized Murray's treatment of Jackson and referred to the defense theory that the King of Pop self-administered the drug as "crazy."

The defense claims Jackson created a "perfect storm" of medications in his system and self-administered the fatal dose of propofol, usually reserved for surgical settings, when his doctor stepped out of the bedroom June 25, 2009 at a rented Holmby Hills mansion.

That propofol was being administered as a sleep aid at the mansion was just one of Dr. Murray's critical mistakes, according to Dr. Steven Shafer, the prosecution's expert on the drug testified. Shafer also said last week that Murray lacked the proper equipment to monitor his patient.

Shafer had words for Dr. Paul White, the defense's propofol expert who is expected to testify Thursday. Shafer said he was "disappointed" when asked for his opinion on White's suggestion that Jackson died by drinking propofol. It's a theory the defense proposed during opening statements, then abandoned later in the trial.

The jury might get the case next week.

Doctor Tears Up as Patients Testify

After weeks of hearing prosecution witnesses call Murray inept and motivated by interests other than the welfare of his superstar patient, a parade of character witnesses took the stand Wednesday to defend a man they characterized as caring.

Patient Ruby Mosley provided that day's most engaging testimony. Mosley was emphatic in her defense of her doctor, bristling at the suggestion he was motivated by money. Defense attorney Ed Chernoff asked Mosley, of Houston, whether she thought Murray was "greedy."

"Do I what?," Mosley asked as she leaned forward in her seat. "No."

She was one of five Murray patients to testify. One credited Murray with saving his life. Another called him loving and compassionate.

"They paraded them very quickly," said legal analyst Ed Navarro. "The second thing is, they're not attacking the breach of the standard of care, which the prosecution did such a good job at with their three final witnesses."

Prosecutors said the issue was not with Murray's care for the patients the defense presented, but with his care for one patient -- Michael Jackson.

Deputy DA David Walgren asked patient Andrew Guest, "I don't mean to be flip about this... but Dr. Murray never gave you propofol in your bedroom, did he?"

"No sir," Andrew Guest responded.

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Murder Suspect Had Meth Problem: Court Docs

The Lakeside man arrested on suspicion of killing a woman had previous run-ins with the law.

Andrew Richard Welch, 45, was arrested once in 2008 and twice in 2005, according to court documents.

In 2005 he was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for possession of a methamphetamine pipe. Another arrest occurred when he took another person's vehicle and drove it without permission.

Welch was arrested in 2008 for possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop. Court records say this stop was filmed by TV show "Cops."

This last case is still an ongoing issue as records show Welch continually failed to complete self help meetings.

Track Work, Marathon Change Metro Service This Weekend

If you are planning to ride the Metrorail this weekend, be prepared for possible delays. Major track work is scheduled on the Green, Red and Orange lines Friday night through Sunday, Metro said.

Red Line trains will single track between Dupont Circle and Union Station, Metro said. The Waterfront, Navy Yard, Anacostia and Congress Heights stations on the Green Line will be closed at 10 p.m. on Friday until opening Monday.

There will be additional Metrorail changes Sunday due to the Marine Corps Marathon. Metro said it will open two hours earlier than normal at 5 a.m. and that there will be additional Blue Line trains running at times.

A full list of impacts is provided below:

Green and Yellow Line – 10 p.m. Friday, October 28, through closing Sunday, October 30

• From 10 p.m., Friday, October 28, through closing on Sunday, October 30, buses will replace trains between L'Enfant Plaza and Southern Avenue stations.
• Four stations will be closed: Waterfront, Navy Yard, Anacostia and Congress Heights.
• Green Line trains will operate in two sections--between Greenbelt and Huntington and between Branch Avenue and Southern Avenue.
• Free "local" shuttle bus service will operate between L’Enfant Plaza and Southern Avenue with stops at Waterfront, Navy Yard, Anacostia and Congress Heights.
• Free "express" shuttle bus service will operate between L’Enfant Plaza and Southern Avenue with an intermediate stop at Anacostia station.
• The last train will depart Branch Avenue 20 minutes earlier than usual—at 2:04 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights and at 11:04 p.m. on Sunday night.
• Customers using shuttle buses should allow 30 minutes of additional travel time.
• Yellow Line trains will operate between Huntington and Greenbelt throughout the weekend.

Normal rail service will resume on Monday, October 31.

Red Line – 10 p.m. Friday, October 28, through closing Sunday, October 30

• Red Line trains will share one track between the Dupont Circle and Judiciary Square stations to allow for utility line stabilization at Farragut North station and installation of new emergency phones.
• On Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Red Line trains will depart every 10 minutes from Shady Grove and Glenmont stations. Every other train from Shady Grove station will terminate at Dupont Circle; every other train from Glenmont will terminate at Union Station.
• At all other times during the weekend, Red Line trains will depart approximately every 20 minutes from the Shady Grove and Glenmont stations.
• Trains operating through the work zone (between Dupont Circle and Union Station) will operate every 20 minutes in each direction. Customers are encouraged to consider alternate travel options.  (See "Alternate Service Information" below.)
• The last train departing the Glenmont station will leave 11 minutes earlier than usual. The last trains will depart Glenmont at 2:26 a.m. on Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, and 11:26 p.m., on Sunday, October 30.
• Customers should allow about 30 minutes of additional travel time and expect crowding conditions.

Orange Line – 10 p.m. Friday, October 28, through closing Sunday, October 30

• Orange Line trains will share one track between New Carrollton and Cheverly while personnel install new rail and related infrastructure.
• Every other Orange Line train in the direction of New Carrollton will terminate at Cheverly and return to Vienna.
• Customers traveling through the work zone should allow about 20 minutes of additional time.

Alternate Service Information for Red Line Customers

Red Line customers, especially those attending Halloween festivities in Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle and Downtown, are encouraged to consider bus alternatives to the Red Line.  

 

In addition, DC Circulator offers convenient, frequent bus service at several Red Line stations:

• To/from Woodley Park station: Service to Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, U Street, McPherson Square
• To/from Dupont Circle station: Service to Georgetown and Rosslyn Metro
• To/from Union Station: Service to Navy Yard Metro

Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, Oct. 30

• Metrorail will open two hours early, at 5 a.m.
• At the request of marathon organizers, Arlington Cemetery Station on the Blue Line will open after the start of the race.
• Metro will operate additional Blue Line trains from 5 to 9 a.m., and from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Blue Line trains will operate every 7 1/2 minutes between Franconia-Springfield and Stadium-Armory stations.
• Buses that normally use the Pentagon Transit Center will be relocated to Pentagon City Station between 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. Customers who normally travel to transfer between bus and rail at the Pentagon should plan to travel via Pentagon City instead.
• Race participants are encouraged to use a SmarTrip card or a plastic cover to protect paper farecards. In previous years, race participants have had their farecards demagnetized due to moisture.

Analysis: Legislative Reform is Truly Not a "Slam Dunk"

For career politicians it’s one of the oldest tricks in the book.

Every 10 years, after the census figures come out, politicians re-draw the lines in their districts so that they can be re-elected again and again.

Politicians might say it ensures stability. Or, putting it more accurately, it ensures that it’s almost impossible for a newcomer to take their place.

On this issue, Governor Cuomo has been on the side of reform since the beginning of his term. He wants a special, impartial commission to re-draw the boundaries of districts. Neither party would be in control. That’s the theory anyway.

Meanwhile, the legislative redistricting committee has been holding hearings around the state. And, as a New York Times editorial stated, “the exercise is a sham. The new political districts are being drawn in secret for one overriding purpose:  to protect party majorities and incumbents, often for life.”  

In plain language, the legislators are putting the fix in -- for themselves. So the reformers argue.

Cuomo now threatens to veto any redistricting proposal from the legislature that means incumbents are protected.

Hank Sheinkopf, a veteran political operative, dissents from the reformer’s view. He asked me: “Where is it written that there should be an independent commission? It is the Legislature’s job to re-draw district lines. If they don’t do it, why have a Legislature?

Sheinkopf adds: “I think this is likely to wind up in the courts anyway.”

Cuomo, in a sense, seems to agree. On a radio show in Albany, he said: "My vetoing the law isn’t a slam dunk either,right? Because then a court will decide whether or not the law is a good law, whether or not I had the right to veto in the first place so we’re not really sure what happens by that route either.”     

Sheinkopf says of Cuomo’s approach: “It’s a way to create favor with the editorial writers.”

That may be so but there has to be a better way to accomplish this reform. We’re floundering around and neither the Legislature, the governor, nor the voters seem to have the answer.

This is the sad truth.

 

NJ Woman Caught in Hitman Plot to Kill Ex's New Girlfriend

A 42-year-old Bergen County woman was arrested by federal authorities Wednesday night, charged in a plot to hire a hitman to kill her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend, prosecutors said.

Nicole Faccenda, of Lyndhurst, N.J., was remanded to jail after appearing in Newark federal court Thursday. She faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if she is convicted.

According to the federal prosecutor's complaint, Faccenda contacted an acquaintance in Florida last Wednesday, looking for help in finding someone to kill her ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. 

"She told this acquaintance she had a black dress ready to wear to the intended victim's funeral and would 'spit on the casket,'" the prosecutor's complaint said.

The unnamed acquaintance contacted federal authorities, who recorded a subsequent phone conversation between Faccenda and the acquaintance, who said he'd found someone to carry out the murder.

In later phone conversations with the acquaintance and the purported hitman -- who was actually an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -- Faccenda said she would pay the hitman $5,000 in advance and $5,000 after the new girlfriend was killed.

"Faccenda said she wanted the new girlfriend to be gone and her boyfriend to be miserable," the complaint said. "She said she wanted the girlfriend shot in the head, that the boyfriend could be shot in the foot, and if something happened to the girlfriend's children, 'Oh well, I'm sorry.'"

Faccenda had a child of her own with her ex-boyfriend. The ex also had a child with his new girlfriend, authorities said.

Faccenda met the acquaintance at a gas station parking lot in Secaucus Monday, and gave him an envelope filled with $2,000 for the undercover hitman, prosecutors said. She told him the name, photo and license plate number of the intended victim.

On Wednesday, the acquaintance called Faccenda to tell her the victim was shot in the head and it was made to look like a robbery.

Faccenda was arrested by federal ATF agents at her workplace a short time later.

She was charged Thursday with using the mail and facilities of commerce with the intent that a murder be committed for payment.

“This was a cold and calculated plan to end the life of another person,” U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said. “It failed because of the actions of a private citizen, who immediately contacted authorities, and the diligence and hard work of federal investigators. Because of their quick action, a life was saved."

There was no immediate comment from Faccenda's attorney.

October Snow?

A Nor’Easter headed towards the Philadelphia region this Saturday has a Winter Storm Watch in effect for areas north and west of the city including the Poconos, Lehigh and Berks County, according to meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz.

Snow could even fall in areas closer to the city, "Hurricane" said.

While uncommon, October snow in the region isn’t unprecedented as inches of snow have been recorded even in Philadelphia in past years.

The cool down should begin Thursday night into Friday as a Freeze Watch is in effect overnight Friday into Friday morning for ome of the Pennsylvania suburbs including Berks, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery Counties, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected to begin Friday night into Saturday throughout the area. In some areas it could change to snow.

Per the National Weather Service:

Saturday: Rain and snow likely before 11 a.m., then rain between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then rain and snow after 2 p.m. High near 42. North wind between 10 and 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

It's still likely to early to figure how much snow, if any, will fall and in what exact areas.

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National Park Service Distributes Rules for Occupied McPherson Square

U.S. Park Police and protesters are getting along fine so far at the McPherson Square tent city, but the National Park Service is concerned about keeping things safe and tidy so their guests can continue some good, clean demonstrating.

NPS is posting and distributing rules and regulations at McPherson Square with the hope of keeping the park beautiful.

In particular, NPS wants to protect Gen. McPherson. Demonstrators are asked not to eat or drink at the base of the statue to prevent permanent stains. Nor should anything be attached to the statue or any of the trees and plants in the park.

To protect the grass, temporary structures like tents with flooring should be moved every four days to allow the turf to get sun and water. Last week, the Washington Examiner reported new grass installed earlier this year is already dead and could cost $200,000 to replace.

For safety’s sake, any generator should be surrounded by 3-foot-high fencing. For nature’s sake, they must be on matting of three-quarter inch plywood or other NPS approved material covered by some absorbent material and a tarp to keep fuel off the ground. Drip pans are required under any nozzle, and refueling is limited to between 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. Campers can’t store the fuel at the park.

NPS recommended at least one portable toilet per 300 people and promised to collect trash three times a day.

On Tuesday, more than 100 tents packed the square, the Associated Press reported. Assemblies of 500 or fewer don’t require permits for the square, but cooking and camping -- defined as ”the use of park land for living accommodation purposes such as sleeping activities, or making preparations to sleep (including the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping) or storing personal belongings, or making any fire, or using any tents or shelter or other structure or vehicle for sleeping or doing any digging or earth breaking … “ -- are prohibited, though ongoing.

NPS advised that Park Police is monitoring McPherson Square for compliance with these rules.

Dodgers Lawyer: Stow Has Blame for Beating, Too

Bryan Stow left the hospital for a rehabilitation center earlier this month, but the attack on Stow remains at the forefront of several legal disputes.

Bryan Stow: Timeline of Events | Ongoing Coverage

And now it appears the Dodgers, in filing a civil complaint against Stow's attackers, are trying to shift the blame for the Opening-Day attack against the two men arrested for assault.

And, apparently, put part of the blame on Stow himself.

"One of the things the jury will be asked to do is to determine what percentage of fault various individuals have for this event," Jerome Jackson, attorney for the Dodgers and team owner Frank McCourt, told ESPN Los Angeles.

"You're saying to the jury, '[The Stow family] are saying we're 100 percent liable. But does that mean [Marvin] Norwood and [Louis] Sanchez, who beat this guy up, have no liability? And, does it mean Mr. Stow himself has no liability?'" Jackson told ESPN.

Stow was released Oct. 11 from San Francisco General Hospital and moved to a rehabilitation facility. The 42-year-old Giants fan has regained some mobility and no longer has a breathing tube.

The Dodgers noted more than a month ago that they intended to file a lawsuit against Sanchez and Norwood, and on Thursday, Jackson did just that.

"What happened to Bryan Stow was a tragedy," Jackson told ESPN. "The Dodgers have held fundraisers. The Dodgers have helped police in solving this case. That doesn't mean we're legally responsible for what happens here."

The Changeup: McCourt Era Timeline, Key Issues in Bankruptcy Case

"What baffles me is that the level of public outrage at the Dodgers seems to be higher than the level of outrage at the people who inflicted the blows," he said.

Jackson also noted that he's been working on "these cases for 23 years" and has never seen one where it didn't "take two to tango."

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Woman, 77, Attacked at Work in Bed-Stuy

A 77-year-old woman was attacked by a man who attempted to sexually assault her just after noon inside her place of work, police said.

Authorities released surveillance video showing the suspect.

The woman was attacked Wednesday. She struggled and he fled.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Brush Fire Burning Near Anza Borrego

Firefighters are battling a 15-acre wildfire in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in northeastern San Diego County.

 

California Department of Forestry and Fire spokeswoman Roxanne Provaznik says the slow-moving blaze erupted at midmorning Thursday near campgrounds off Montezuma Valley Road.

 

Fifteen engines, five airtankers and four helicopters are among the resources dispatched to the blaze.

 

Provaznik says the airtankers have made good progress against the head of the fire.

Check back for updates on this story.

Copyright NBC San Diego / Associated Press

BK Man Convicted in Illegal Kidney Transplant Scheme

Lawyers for a New York man who pleaded guilty Thursday in the first ever federal conviction for illegal organ trafficking say their client performed life-saving services for severely ill people.

Levy Izhak Rosenbaum admitted in a Trenton federal court to brokering three illegal kidney transplants for New Jersey-based customers in exchange for payments of $120,000 or more. He also pleaded guilty to a conspiracy count for brokering an illegal kidney sale.

Attorneys Ronald Kleinberg and Richard Finkel say Rosenbaum never solicited clients but agreed to help desperately ill people by finding them kidney donors.

The lawyers claim the surgeries occurred in prestigious American hospitals and were performed by experienced transplant experts. They did not name the hospitals.

They say the recipients are leading healthy lives thanks to Rosenbaum.

Suspected Drunken Driver Crashes Into Buena Park Swimming Pool, Say Police

Four college students in Buena Park were awoken in the middle of the night when a suspected drunken driver crashed through a wall, landing his pick-up truck in their swimming pool, said police.

"I think I might still be dreaming. It was the middle of the night and I heard a loud shake and a bang, and I thought we were having an earthquake," said tenant Ernie Duarte.

"I look outside my back window and I hear a guy yelling for help and then there's a big truck in my pool. It's crazy right now," Duarte said.

The crash happened about 1:20 a.m. Thursday in the 6400 block of Dale Street in Buena Park, said Sgt. Eileen Jones of Buena Park police.

The 25-year-old driver was able to escape his vehicle and swim out of the pool. He was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, said Jones.

The driver was not injured in the crash, Jones said.

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D.C. Government Making Big Bucks Off Blocking-the-Box Tickets

Most drivers see red when they encounter gridlock. The District government sees green. As in dollar signs.

D.C. issued more than 1,500 citations for drivers for “failure to clear an intersection” in the 2011 budget year, according to a report in the Washington Examiner.

That’s a significant jump from the previous year, when 1,080 gridlock tickets were issued. The total take from both years, according to the Examiner:  $263,000.

 AAA Mid-Atlantic auto club doesn’t advocate blocking the box but at the same time, it’s easy for drivers to get stuck at an intersection and become “an innocent victim” said John Townsend of AAA.

There’s more than one way to become a victim. The police officer who stops you won’t necessarily write a ticket for “failure to clear an intersection.” The officer might decide you ran a red light. The penalty for that is even more expensive, at $150. Kaching.

Thief Makes ATM Withdrawal From Back of Machine

Police say someone pulled cash out of a Fairfax Station ATM from the wrong side of the machine.

Fairfax County law enforcement said a thief cut a hole through the drywall behind the room where an ATM was housed on the 5600 block of Ox Road.  The crime was detected on October 17, when a customer tried to use the machine, and noticed a strong burning odor in the air.

Behind the machine, the ATM's wires were sliced through and a hole gaped in the wall.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), e-mail at (274637). A $100 to $1,000 cash reward will be paid for information that leads to an arrest.

 

Surprise Move in WWII Vet Neglect Case

In a surprise move the attorney for a paid caretaker accused of letting a 93-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor live in filth declared the defendant competent to stand trial, according to prosecutor Claudia Grasso.

A mental competency hearing was held for Milagros Angeles at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Arnold Bauer, 93, was found earlier this year in his home on Euclid Avenue in unincorporated El Cajon. The home was filled with rat droppings, dirty dishes, overflowing sinks, non-working toilets and garbage.

The World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor was sent to the V.A. Medical Center where it was discovered that he has prostate cancer and a severe urinary tract infection. He also suffers from dementia.

Sheriff's detectives arrested Bauer's caretaker, Milagros Angeles, 62, and charged her with elder abuse.

Angeles allegedly looted Bauer's bank accounts. She was wearing five layers of clothing when deputies arrested her, according to prosecutors. They say bundles of $100 bills were hidden inside each layer of clothing and she had a hidden money belt.

The prosecutor said there's evidence that the suspect sent money to banks in the Philippines.

At her arraignment, Angeles was ordered to have no contact with Bauer and to stay 100 yards away.

Bauer survived the Pearl Harbor attack, on board USS Vestal.

Another hearing is scheduled for November 10.

New York Grocery Store Comes to Maryland

Shoppers in Prince George’s County will soon have another option when it comes to groceries.

New York based Evergreen is taking over a space in the 2300 block of Iverson Street in Temple Hills.

A Safeway store occupied that spot for about 60 years until about three months ago.

The new store will focus on fresh produce and seafood, and plans to complement larger grocery stores like Wegmans, rather than try and actively compete against them.

Evergreen officials plan to open the doors by Thanksgiving and hire about 60 employees.       

Loudoun Man Charged With Child Porn Possession

Law enforcement arrested a 49-year-old Loudoun County man for possession of child pornography on October 27.

Jeffrey Lee, of Stillbrook Farm Drive in Broadlands, was picked up after an investigation involving federal agents and the county sheriff's department.

According to charging papers, police took an interest in Lee when Lee he allegedly uploaded pornographic images from his work computer in Reston.

Investigators said that on computer hard drives seized in the investigation, Lee's writing details decades of sexual encounters with juveniles.

So far, he has been charged with 9 counts of possession of child pornography.

'Midnight' Gets Lost in the Dark

A 500-dollar reward is being offered by the Pets Plus in Delran, New Jersey for anyone who knows the whereabouts of "Midnight." 

The 13-pound Yorkie-Bichon mix slipped out of his collar Wednesday night, and ran away.  He was taken outside the store by an employee, after his grooming session, according to Store Manager Joshua Salyer.

Employees chased the dog across Route 130, but lost track of him when he disappeared into a very dark area, says Salyer.   

If you see "Midnight" or have any information, contact the Pets Plus in Delran, 856-764-4414.

Nordstrom Rack Opens at Plaza Bonita

The newest Nordstrom Rack location opened at Plaza Bonita Mall in National City Thursday.

Nordstrom Rack offers the name brands in the Nordstrom stores at a savings of 30 to 70 percent.

The Seattle-based company currently has Racks in Mission Valley and San Marcos so this new store is its third in the county.

Additionally, the company operates four Nordstrom stores in the area, at Fashion Valley, Westfield's UTC, Horton Plaza, and at North County in Escondido.

Nordstrom Rack will be located on the second level of the mall near Interstate 805 and State Route 54 owned and managed by Westfield.

Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.