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Tragic shooting at Bakersfield football game claims teen life
1 day ago•Source: Los Angeles Times
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Rapid Sorrento Valley brush fire drives evacuations in San Diego
A fast-moving brush fire in San Diego's Sorrento Valley near Penasquitos Creek grew to about 131 acres with zero containment by late afternoon, prompting evacuations around 3:30 p.m. A large response including four engines, brush rigs, two helicopters, Cal Fire aircraft, bulldozers, and a Type 3 Strike Team supported by police traffic control; an evacuation center was set up at Mandell Weiss Eastgate Park. By 5:45 p.m. containment was about 15%, with crews aiming to halt forward spread and address hotspots overnight; the cause is under investigation.
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Ex-Inmate Firefighter Admits Sparking Deadly Gann Fire in California
Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, a former inmate firefighter who served in California’s Conservation Camp Program, admitted to starting the Gann Fire in Calaveras County, a blaze that burned thousands of acres and killed Susan Solari, owner of Hinterland German Shepherds. Smith had previously worked as an inmate firefighter and faced prior legal trouble; he told KCRA he was cutting metal scraps to pay for his wife’s birthday and expressed remorse. He was booked on charges including recklessly causing a fire and operating equipment capable of sparking vegetation, though no formal charges have yet been filed.
Idle Edison Transmission Line Ignited Eaton Fire, Devastating Altadena, Report Finds
A state- and county-led investigation found that out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission equipment sparked two electrical arcing events, causing burning material to fall onto dry brush and igniting the Eaton Fire in Eaton Canyon near Altadena in January 2025. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the blaze burned over 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 9,400 buildings, and killed 19 people. The report cites multiple Edison-related violations, though the utility disputes full liability while facing lawsuits and offering a wildfire compensation program.
Out-of-service SCE tower blamed for deadly 2025 Eaton Fire
LA County Fire officials say the 2025 Eaton Fire was sparked by electrical arcing on an out-of-service Southern California Edison tower, igniting dry brush and quickly growing to about 22 square miles, killing 19 and destroying thousands of homes and businesses; investigators and SCE are reviewing the findings amid related lawsuits and ongoing court filings.
Long Beach Warped Tour death prompts investigation into fatal brain injury
A concertgoer at the Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach suffered a traumatic brain injury on July 26 and died days later; Long Beach police say initial findings found no foul play, but the investigation continues and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
LAPD probes after trio found shot dead in Hollywood apartment
Three adult men were found shot dead inside a Hollywood apartment; LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating and no cause of death has been released, with investigators still determining the circumstances.
Waymo-involved crash near downtown L.A. injures multiple
A two-vehicle crash near Venice Boulevard and Toberman Street in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles left several injured, with at least two hospitalized and others treated at the scene. The incident began as an auto-pedestrian collision; Waymo says its vehicle was not at fault after a blue sedan struck a pedestrian outside a crosswalk, then swerved into oncoming traffic and hit the self-driving car. LAPD and fire officials say investigations are ongoing.
Drone captures close encounter as great white sharks lurk near kids off Southern California coast
A great white shark was seen swimming dangerously close to a group of children off the Southern California coast, with drone video showing the encounter from about a mile away. The photographer said the kids were unaware of the shark’s presence, noted a dorsal-fin wound that could be from a boat propeller, and observed the shark breach twice, suggesting the injury might keep it lingering and more willing to approach people.
Century-Old Water Main Break Floods Sunset Strip in West Hollywood
An 110-year-old riveted steel trunk line ruptured early Thursday in West Hollywood, sending thousands of gallons of water down Sunset Boulevard, creating sinkholes and prompting street closures and transit disruptions. The 1916 pipe forms a major artery for LA’s water system, and its replacement isn’t slated until 2031 amid broader aging-infrastructure challenges for LADWP, which has faced funding and contracting hurdles in overhauling pipes. Officials cautioned that while water remains safe to drink, streets, businesses, and bus service were severely affected as crews assess and repair the line and surrounding infrastructure.
Police brace for potential social-media‑driven takeover at Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park police warn of an unsanctioned, social-media-promoted event at Knott’s Berry Farm this weekend, following a chaotic Newport Beach July 4 takeover that led to hundreds of arrests. Authorities are coordinating with park officials, will boost patrols, and plan to identify organizers and pursue enforcement actions against anyone engaging in criminal or disruptive behavior.
L.A. Street Vendor Breaks Silence, Demands Respect for Frontline Vendors
A 62-year-old LA hot dog vendor, Arabelia Martinez, was assaulted in downtown Los Angeles. A 19-year-old suspect faces charges including assault likely to produce great bodily injury with a possible hate-crime enhancement. Martinez and her family spoke at a City Hall news conference, calling for an end to violence and discrimination against street vendors, as a viral video sparked public outcry. Authorities are weighing hate-crime allegations; advocates say violence against street vendors is underreported and worsened by immigration-enforcement tensions. Police credited investigators and urged others to report attacks.