Complete walkthrough of Hollywood Walk of Fame from Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles, California. source
Stunning sunset walk at Pacific Beach (PB) boardwalk in San Diego, California USA. Pacific Beach is a vibrant coastal … source
North Long Beach Los Angeles California USA North Long Beach North Long Beach (also referred to as North Town or Northside) … source
LOS ANGELES, CA — Over the past two years, the number of homicides and shooting victims in Los Angeles has fallen by more than 25%, Mayor Karen Bass announced on Tuesday. Just two days shy of her second anniversary in office, Bass emphasized the progress made in her crime reduction initiatives. Homicides have reduced by 28.1%, gang-related homicides have seen a decrease of more than 50%, and the number of shooting victims is down by 26.2% since 2022, according to Los Angeles Police Department data. “Homicides are down, and our Fire Department has enhanced safety measures thanks to decisive actions aimed at protecting Angelenos, but we understand that many in L.A. still feel unsafe daily—that must be addressed,” Bass stated. Stay updated on what’s happening in Los Angeleswith free, real-time alerts from Patch. “We are committed to responding swiftly to crime as it occurs, preventing crime from happening in the first place, and aiding our firefighters to ensure we create a safer Los Angeles for everyone,” she added. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell joined Bass and promised initiatives in the upcoming year to enhance safety by tackling burglaries, vehicle thefts, and robberies. Stay updated on what’s happening in Los Angeleswith free, real-time alerts from Patch. The mayor also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat organized retail crime. This year, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force and Cargo Theft Unit were established, leading to over 350 arrests and the recovery of more than $66 million in stolen goods, officials reported. The task force includes personnel from the California Highway Patrol, LAPD, L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, and other regional law enforcement agencies. Moreover, city officials noted that the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety has been successful in reducing gang-related crime through initiatives like Summer Night Lights and Fall Friday Nights. Summer Night Lights served 316,800 community members with food, activities, and resources, enabled 12,534 youths to engage in free basketball or soccer games at local parks, and allowed 2,670 adults to join evening sports leagues. Officials noted that previous reductions in crime were observed in areas where Summer Night Lights programs were implemented, and the LAPD is set to provide data for 2024 in January 2025. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley joined Bass at Tuesday’s announcement, underscoring additional advancements and initiatives aimed at safeguarding Angelenos. They mentioned that the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety secured unprecedented funding of over $50 million to upgrade outdated fire trucks and equipment. City News Service To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Source link
Associated Press SAN DIEGO (AP) — The sheriff of the fifth-largest county in the U.S. took a stand on Tuesday against a newly established policy aimed at curtailing collaboration with federal immigration authorities, creating a conflict regarding the challenges facing President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation strategies. Earlier that day, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to prevent the sheriff’s department from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the enforcement of civil immigration laws, including deportations. Although California law generally restricts such cooperation, it does allow exceptions for individuals convicted of specific violent crimes. “We refuse to let our local resources be misused for actions that separate families, undermine community trust, or divert essential local resources from tackling our most critical issues,” stated Nora Vargas, who, along with two other Democratic supervisors, supported the policy. In response, Sheriff Kelly Martinez asserted that the board does not dictate policy for her office, as she is also an elected official. She made it clear that she would not comply with the new directive. “Current state law appropriately balances limiting local law enforcement’s collaboration with immigration authorities while ensuring public safety and fostering community trust,” Martinez remarked. Although her office identifies as nonpartisan, she has been affiliated with the Democratic Party. With a population of 3.3 million and its position along the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego County is among the more significant local governments enhancing protections for individuals living in the country without authorization. Meanwhile, several states and counties are preparing to support Trump’s deportation initiatives. The resources at ICE’s disposal for executing the mass deportations sought by Trump are limited. Consequently, the agency will heavily depend on local sheriffs to notify them of individuals in custody and to potentially detain them temporarily if requested, allowing federal officials time to arrest these individuals on immigration-related charges. Trump’s border chief, Tom Homan, has pointed to San Diego as a location where the upcoming administration’s agendas may be hindered by “sanctuary” laws— a term used for local and state governments that impose restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Homan stated on Fox News Channel that laws preventing ICE from accessing county jails “put the community at risk.” Unlike San Diego, he plans to meet with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat interested in potential collaboration. This new policy aligns San Diego with seven other California counties, including Los Angeles, which recently implemented a policy that exceeds state mandates, according to Vargas. Jim Desmond, the sole opposing voice, argued that the policy would protect individuals convicted of violent offenses, referencing the 2015 shooting death of 32-year-old Kate Steinle in San Francisco and other notorious incidents involving individuals unlawfully present in the country. “These tragedies could have been avoided, yet sanctuary laws facilitate such incidents by allowing illegal offenders to return to our communities instead of being turned over to ICE,” asserted Desmond, a Republican. Vargas indicated that “a loophole” in state law permitted sheriffs to collaborate with ICE under specific conditions concerning individuals convicted of violent crimes, leading to the county transferring 100 to 200 individuals annually to immigration authorities. Now, ICE will require a judge’s order to receive assistance from the county. Before the vote, Martinez, who has mostly refrained from discussing immigration policies, took umbrage at Vargas’ labeling of the state law as a “loophole.” She emphasized that California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, has thwarted attempts to impose stricter limits on cooperation with ICE. Source link
Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Airline News of US » Porter Airlines Launches New Nonstop Flights Connecting San Diego, Palm Springs, and Toronto, Boosting New Cross-Border Travel Between Southern California and Canada Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Porter Airlines has launched new nonstop services connecting Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with two key Southern California cities—San Diego and Palm Springs. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the Canadian budget airline, as it strengthens its presence in the U.S. market. The inaugural nonstop flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Toronto took off this week, making Porter the eighteenth airline to operate out of SAN. Additionally, Porter will offer seasonal nonstop flights between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Toronto. The airline has committed to operating four weekly flights from San Diego to Toronto on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. By offering year-round service, Porter demonstrates confidence in the demand for this route, signaling that travel between these destinations will not be limited to seasonal trends. Porter Airlines’ Strategic Positioning in Southern CaliforniaPorter’s expansion into Southern California reflects its strategic focus on connecting Canadian and U.S. travelers. Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, welcomed the airline to SAN. She highlighted the significance of this route, noting that it provides San Diegans with enhanced access to Toronto, a city renowned for its business, finance, arts, sports, and cultural offerings. Simultaneously, Torontonians gain expanded connectivity to San Diego’s vibrant business hubs and picturesque beaches. In addition to its San Diego route, Porter Airlines has introduced seasonal flights to Palm Springs. These flights will operate three times a week, further strengthening Porter’s foothold in the Southern California market. Aircraft and In-Flight ExperienceAll of Porter’s nonstop flights from San Diego and Palm Springs will be serviced by the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. This state-of-the-art aircraft features a two-by-two seating configuration, ensuring passengers enjoy a more comfortable experience without the inconvenience of middle seats. To enhance the passenger experience, the aircraft is equipped with free Wi-Fi for all travelers, setting a new standard for budget airline offerings. Potential Benefits for Southern California and TorontoPorter Airlines’ entry into San Diego and Palm Springs is expected to deliver substantial economic and tourism benefits. For Southern California, the new routes provide a direct connection to Toronto, encouraging Canadian visitors to explore the region’s iconic beaches, cultural landmarks, and business opportunities. Likewise, Toronto is poised to benefit from increased tourism and business travel, as Southern Californians take advantage of the new nonstop service to one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities. Key highlights of these new routes include: Year-Round Connectivity: Four weekly flights from San Diego offer consistent access to Toronto. Seasonal Service: Three weekly flights from Palm Springs cater to peak travel demand. Enhanced Comfort: State-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 aircraft with no middle seats and free Wi-Fi. Impact on the Travel IndustryPorter Airlines’ decision to expand into Southern California underscores the growing demand for cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada. This move is part of a broader trend among budget airlines to offer direct international routes that cater to both leisure and business travelers. By selecting Toronto as a gateway city, Porter leverages its strong Canadian base while appealing to American travelers seeking affordable and convenient options for international travel. For the travel industry, Porter’s expansion reflects an increased emphasis on enhancing connectivity between secondary cities and major metropolitan hubs. The airline’s use of the Embraer E195-E2, a fuel-efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft, also highlights the industry’s shift toward sustainable and customer-centric innovations. Global Effects on TravelersThe addition of these nonstop routes provides greater accessibility for travelers in both Southern California and Toronto. For Canadian passengers, the ability to reach San Diego’s renowned beaches and Palm Springs’ luxury resorts directly makes Southern California an even more attractive destination. Conversely, U.S.-based travelers gain easier access to Toronto’s diverse cultural scene and thriving business districts. Globally, Porter Airlines’ move exemplifies the role of regional carriers in reshaping international air travel. By offering competitive fares and enhanced in-flight experiences, airlines like Porter are redefining what travelers expect from budget carriers. This trend is likely to influence other airlines to follow suit, increasing competition and improving options for passengers worldwide. Conclusion: A Milestone for Porter Airlines and the Travel IndustryPorter Airlines’ launch of nonstop flights from San Diego and Palm Springs to Toronto is a significant step in its growth strategy. By focusing on underserved markets and prioritizing passenger comfort, the airline is setting a new benchmark in budget travel. The year-round and seasonal services not only strengthen connections between Southern California and Toronto but also illustrate Porter’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of modern travelers. For the travel industry, this development highlights the importance of regional carriers in enhancing global connectivity. As Porter continues to expand its network, its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction will likely inspire other airlines to explore similar opportunities. For travelers, the new routes represent a chance to experience seamless, affordable, and comfortable international travel. Source link
LONG BEACH, CA — Troubled aerospace giant Boeing has announced more than 500 layoffs across California, including 115 workers in Long Beach and 144 in El Segundo. According to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN, notices filed with the state Employment Development Department last month, the company also plans to lay off nearly 180 people from a pair of Seal Beach facilities, and 57 more in Huntington Beach. Additional cuts are planned from facilities in San Diego. “As we announced in early October, we are adjusting our workforce levels to align with our financial reality and a more focused set of priorities,” according to a company statement released Tuesday and reported by Long Beach Watchdog. The Watchdog reported that most of the affected workers will leave within two months of being notified, and eligible workers will receive severance pay, job-search assistance and three months of subsidized health care. The Seattle Times reported that about 3,500 workers nationally were being impacted by layoffs at the Arlington, Virginia-based company. The company has been reeling since a panel fell off of a Boeing- manufactured Alaska Airlines plane mid-flight in January. It was further hampered by nearly two-month machinists strike, although the company has denied that the work stoppage contributed to the layoffs. The list of layoffs by location includes: Seal Beach, 179; El Segundo, 144; Long Beach, 115; Huntington Beach, 57; and San Diego, 21. Smaller or even single layoffs were also taking place in Fullerton, Mission Viejo, Murrieta, Victorville, El Monte, Van Nuys, Palmdale, Ventura, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Edwards Air Force Base (3), Sacramento, San Jose, Pleasanton, Lemoore and Mountain View (4). Copyright 2024, City News Service, Inc. Source link
The eastern portion of Malibu remained under an evacuation order on Tuesday, while the rest of the city and parts of unincorporated Los Angeles County were under an evacuation warning. These warnings impacted an estimated 18,000 residents. The fire, named the Franklin Fire, ignited shortly before 11 p.m. Monday along Malibu Canyon Road in the hills north of Pepperdine University. Driven by intense Santa Ana winds, the fire quickly spread, engulfing approximately 2,850 acres by Tuesday afternoon without any containment, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. During a news briefing Tuesday morning, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported that only a “minimal number” of homes had been destroyed, though he could not confirm the exact number of structures affected. He also asked residents to limit lawn sprinkler use to help preserve water pressure for firefighting efforts. More than 800 firefighters worked tirelessly on the ground Tuesday, constructing containment lines while air tankers dropped water on the flames. Despite strong winds, firefighting aircraft were able to operate through the night and into early Tuesday morning, Marrone said. “We will sustain a coordinated air and ground attack on this fire for as long as necessary,” he added.