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Teen Driver's Crash on PCH Kills Nobu Malibu Chef; SUV Linked to Hollywood Composer
3 days ago•Source: Los Angeles Times
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1.645 min•4 days ago
Nobu Chef Ryo Uchimiya Killed by Teen Driver in Malibu Crash
Ryo Uchimiya, a 51-year-old chef with 25 years of experience at Nobu Malibu, was killed early Saturday morning when a 16-year-old driver struck his parked vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway. The teen driver, who was not intoxicated, remained at the scene, but no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
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Brent Underwood’s Six-Year Quest to Revive California’s Cerro Gordo Ghost Town
Brent Underwood spent $1.4 million in 2018 to buy the abandoned silver-mining town of Cerro Gordo near Lone Pine, California, using his life savings and a high-interest loan. Six years later, he is converting the site into a tourist destination with a hotel, eight cabins, and a restaurant. Despite facing significant challenges, including an electrical fire that destroyed a nearly finished hotel, Underwood remains committed to preserving the town's history while making it accessible to visitors. The town is currently open for day visits, with free self-guided tours and paid weekend mine tours.
South Bay Quake Felt Across California Amid Recent Seismic Surge
A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck the South Bay on Sunday morning, felt as far as Oxnard. The event followed a 2.6-magnitude tremor and occurred during a period of heightened seismic activity in California, though no significant damage was reported.
Three minor quakes shake Southern California in 20 minutes
A 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Hermosa Beach on Sunday morning, following two smaller tremors earlier in the day. The USGS reported weak shaking with no injuries or major damage, though hundreds of residents reported feeling the tremors across the South Bay.
Regulatory gaps in California sober living homes under scrutiny after Presley Gerber death
Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford, died of a suspected overdose at an unregulated Santa Monica sober living home, prompting investigations into drug access and state oversight failures.
SPUR Report Warns Bay Area Commutes Could Double If Transit Funding Fails
A new study by SPUR warns that rush-hour traffic delays in the San Francisco Bay Area could double if public transit systems face severe budget cuts. The report highlights potential increases of 15 to 43 minutes in travel times on major highways like the Bay Bridge and Caldecott Tunnel. These delays would result from an estimated 430,000 people losing access to BART stations, forcing them onto freeways and adding over 498 million vehicle miles traveled annually. The financial crisis stems from BART’s annual deficits of $350 million to $400 million, with potential regional deficits reaching $800 million next year. To address this, voters will decide in November on a sales tax increase to fund transit operations. While SPUR advocates for the measure, opponents dismiss the study as a scare tactic, arguing that the proposed tax would be more costly than the transit system itself. The situation underscores the critical link between public transit funding and regional traffic congestion.
California Mobilizes for Potent El Niño Ahead of Winter Storms
Gov. Newsom declares a statewide emergency as El Niño storms threaten California with high surf, flooding, and coastal erosion; multiple counties and cities have proclaimed emergencies and activated emergency operations centers in anticipation of a very strong El Niño through December, with NOAA warning of significant impacts to infrastructure and communities.
Low Altitude, High Risk: NBC4 Helicopter Crash in Los Angeles
An NBC4 helicopter covering a Chatsworth bus crash crashed in Los Angeles, killing two reporters and a bystander. Video and audio from the final moments show the chopper hovering at low altitude with an alarm likely signaling a loss of rotor RPM or hydraulic failure, making an autorotation difficult. Experts note the crew was in a dangerous height–velocity zone, and while the AS350 B2 is a common, reliable news helicopter, engine or rotor problems can lead to a catastrophic loss of control. The NTSB is examining the recordings as crucial evidence to determine the cause.
Floriston Fire closes I-80 and drives evacuations in Nevada County
The Floriston Fire in Nevada County prompted evacuations and a westbound closure of Interstate 80 at the California–Nevada line. The fire has grown to about 640 acres with roughly 5% containment, and crews expect to remain on scene for at least a week to extinguish hotspots, while residents should be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen and power outages are possible for some customers.
In-Flight Audio May Point to Cause in NBC4 Helicopter Crash
Investigators probing the NBC4 helicopter crash in Chatsworth say the final live-broadcast audio—where the engine winds down and a horn signals low rotor RPM—may be the most important evidence, as they review maintenance records, weather, and pilot training to determine the cause. Early theories center on mechanical failure, with hovering at low altitude (a dangerous “dead man’s curve”) complicating an autorotation. The crash killed NBC4 journalist Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a bystander, while a separate bus crash and an arrest related to that incident added to the day’s tragedy; investigators continue to piece together what happened and why.
Off-campus frat function leaves CSUF student dead; alcohol suspected
An 18-year-old Cal State Fullerton student died after being dropped off at Providence St. Jude Medical Center following an off-campus fraternity function unaffiliated with the university; police say alcohol appeared to be a factor and the cause and manner of death are under investigation, with CSUF offering counseling to students.