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More than 3,000 fake Gibson guitars seized in California would be worth M if authentic, U.S. Customs says

More than 3,000 fake Gibson guitars seized in California would be worth $18M if authentic, U.S. Customs says

More than 3,000 fake Gibson electric guitars were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Southern California in what authorities are calling the largest seizure of counterfeit musical instruments at the busiest container port in North America. If they were authentic Gibson guitars, the instruments — which were destined for the e-commerce market — would be worth an estimated $18 million, according to U.S. Customs. They were seized by federal officials at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, a sprawling coastal complex that includes the Port of LA. The massive West Coast port is the busiest in the U.S. among container ports, in the volume of shipments seen, with cargo worth an estimated $292 billion passing through in 2023. While the knockoffs seized by federal authorities were manufactured outside the country, all authentic Gibson guitars are hand-crafted and made in the U.S., said Beth Heidt, chief marketing officer at the company. The iconic guitar brand, founded in 1902 in Kalamazoo, Mich., has all its instruments made at facilities in Nashville, Tenn. and Boseman, Mont. — with several generations of artisans behind the more than 100-year-old company, she said. “This is really emotional and personal for us because our teams have generations who have dedicated their entire lives to making these instruments,” Heidt said, describing Gibson’s guitar-making as a craft passed down generations within American families. Among the seized guitars were imitations of designs such as the Gibson SG and Les Paul, and while the majority were Gibson knockoffs, some were counterfeits of other well-known brands like Fender, Heidt said. She said there were models worth about $2,500 each if they were authentic as well as imitations of higher value Gibsons that would typically retail for more than $10,000. Federal authorities would not release any details about suspects in the investigation or where the instruments came from. U.S. Customs officers worked with Gibson’s intellectual property experts to determine whether the guitars were counterfeits, according to LA County Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Kitchin, who oversees the department’s piracy division. Violating the federal statute that protects U.S. consumers from counterfeit products can result in a fine of up to $250,000 and 10 years in prison, said Jaime Ruiz, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Africa Bell, director of the LA-Long Beach Seaport, said the record-breaking seizure was especially noteworthy since the port is the largest container port in the country — collecting $19 billion in import duties, taxes and fees during the last fiscal year. She said finding counterfeits and contraband “in this massive amount of cargo arriving here everyday is like trying to find the smallest of needles in the largest of haystacks.” Heidt said seasoned guitar players would be able to easily tell the difference between the fake Gibsons that were seized and the brand’s authentic instruments, from the sound to other elements visible to the trained eye. “We can pick it up immediately and tell,” she said, describing flaws in the fakes such as in the finishing, a more “flimsy” and light feel, placement of the logo, misplaced inlays and flaws in where the neck of the guitar meets the rest of the body. Andrea Bates, an attorney for the company who protects its intellectual property rights in court, said the well-known brand only sells through its website and authorized retailers which are listed on the site. Over the past fiscal year, Bell said, more than $2 billion in counterfeit products have been seized at the Southern California port. John Pasciucco, U.S. Customs’ deputy special agent in charge for Los Angeles, said the selling of counterfeit goods can not only violate intellectual property rights and undermine respected brands that play by the rules, but also put consumers at risk. They can be made with substandard, even dangerous materials posing health risks — while also potentially being made through forced labor. Products made with paint containing lead, potentially dangerous counterfeit medications and knockoff brand cosmetics bearing that can cause severe skin reactions are just a few examples given by federal authorities of such potentially harmful counterfeits. More from CBS News Marissa Wenzke Marissa Wenzke is a journalist based in Los Angeles. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Santa Barbara and is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School. Source link

More Amazing Things To Do In Palm Springs

Nestled amidst the mystique of the California desert, Palm Springs is not just a haven for sun worshippers and architectural enthusiasts; it is also a vibrant cultural hub that breathes life into art, film, and music through a series of splendid events and festivals. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this ongoing guide dives into the myriad cultural happenings throughout the year, ensuring you experience the city in all its colorful glory. Film Festivals: Lights, Camera, Action! Palm Springs International Film Festival (January) Kicking off the year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is a cinematic delight that showcases the best in global cinema. This prestigious festival features over 100 films, including world premieres and award-winning shorts. Attendees have the chance to meet industry insiders, attend panel discussions, and participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors. This event sets the stage for film fanatics to immerse themselves in diverse narratives and groundbreaking storytelling. Palm Springs ShortFest (June) For lovers of the art of short storytelling, the Palm Springs ShortFest offers a curated selection of short films from around the world. With hundreds of submissions and a multitude of genres, this festival is perfect for those looking to discover innovative talents and fresh perspectives. Engaging panel discussions and networking events add to the allure, making it a rare opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. Music Festivals: A Melody for Every Taste Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April) Though technically located in Indio, just a stone’s throw from Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an iconic event that draws music lovers from every corner of the globe. This massive festival features eclectic lineups across multiple stages, spanning genres from rock and pop to EDM and hip-hop. Beyond the music, the art installations and fashion scene add to the vibrant atmosphere, making Coachella a cultural phenomenon. Desert X (February to April, biennial) While Desert X isn’t a traditional music festival, its live events and performances throughout Palm Springs add an aural dimension to the extraordinary outdoor art exhibition. Artists from around the globe create site-specific works that engage with the desert landscape’s aesthetic and cultural narrative. Visitors can explore art installations while enjoying live music and performances that amplify the experience, creating a symphony of sights and sounds. Art Events: Inspiration in Every Stroke The Palm Springs Art Museum Events Home to diverse art collections and dynamic exhibitions, the Palm Springs Art Museum hosts regular events throughout the year, including lectures, art classes, and themed gallery evenings. Visitors can delve into the local art scene, meet artists, and participate in workshops that enhance their appreciation of art. Special events often coincide with new exhibitions, offering a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the museum’s offerings. Art Walk (February and October) Held twice a year in the heart of Palm Springs, Art Walk transforms the city into a bustling artistic hub. Galleries extend their hours, local artists showcase their talents, and live performances fill the streets. Visitors can enjoy live music, mingle with artists, and purchase unique pieces while soaking up the electric atmosphere. A Calendar of Events: Stay Tuned To make the most of your visit to Palm Springs, keep an eye on the local event calendar. Here are some time-honored festivals and events you won’t want to miss: Palm Springs Pride (November): Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a vibrant parade and festivities. Modernism Week (February): A homage to mid-century modern design, featuring tours, parties, and lectures. The Vintage Market (monthly): A treasure trove for vintage lovers, with pop-up vendors and local artisans. Conclusion: Embrace the Culture Palm Springs is alive with culture and creativity, and no visit is complete without experiencing its diverse array of festivals and events. Whether you’re taking in an acclaimed film, dancing to live music, or wandering through art galleries, the city offers an exceptional palette of cultural experiences that enrich the soul. Plan your trip around these vibrant happenings, and immerse yourself in the fertile ground where art, music, and film converge. Remember, Palm Springs is more than just stunning landscapes; it is a celebration of creativity that invites everyone to join the dance.

[4K] 🌴 Palm Springs Village Fest | Walking Tour | Street Fair | California, 2022

VillageFest has been a weekly institution Palm Springs community since it first began in 1991. This Palm Springs street fair … source

48 hours in LA – Part 2! #foodie #food #losangeles

our website: https://www.sistersnackingllc.com/ our instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistersnacking/?hl=en our tiktok: … source

4 MUST EAT Mexican Restaurants in San Diego! | Jeremy Jacobowitz

Jeremy JacobowitzJeremy Jacobowitz is in @sandiego eating the best mexican food in the city #foodies #foodie #sandiego … source

[4K] Los Angeles 🇺🇸, Huntington Beach to Long Beach – California USA in Mar 2022 | Drive

This is a video of the Los Angeles Long Beach Sunset. This video is linked below. https://youtu.be/a27W_kcwavg #Shorts. source

Los Angeles Headlines

LOS ANGELES, CA — The father of a 31-year-old woman who went missing after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport was discovered dead on Sunday. Ryan Kobayashi, father of Hannah Kobayashi, had recently come to Los Angeles to assist in the search for his daughter. Around 4 a.m. Sunday, the 58-year-old man died after jumping from a parking structure near LAX, with police suspecting suicide, according to reports. The medical examiner has verified the father’s death but has yet to provide an official cause. Stay informed about what’s happening in Los Angeleswith free, real-time updates from Patch. The daughter was traveling from Maui to New York City to visit family on Nov. 8 and missed her connecting flight at LAX. She reportedly visited The Grove shopping center on Nov. 10, where she attended a Nike event and posted a photo on her Instagram. Her family indicated that she returned to LAX on Nov. 11 but did not board a flight. On that same day, they began receiving unusual text messages from her. Stay informed about what’s happening in Los Angeleswith free, real-time updates from Patch. The family stated, “Hannah’s final message was concerning — she expressed fears that someone might be trying to steal her identity and money.” They added, “We haven’t heard from her since, and we are deeply worried for her safety.” Hannah’s aunt, Larie Pidgeon, told USA Sunday that the messages from her were unusual, featuring “strange phrases, calling us babe, and other things that were not typical of her usual communication style.” Family members recently mentioned that they had acquired surveillance footage showing her near the downtown Metro train station adjacent to Crypto.com Arena, though the exact timing of the footage remains unclear. They noted that “it is evident from the footage that Hannah does not seem to be in a good state, and she is with someone.” A vigil was held for her in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, and the search for her continues. To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Source link

San Diego News Update

SAN DIEGO, CA — On Saturday, military officials reported that the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a vessel with 36 individuals attempting to enter the country unlawfully. The Coast Guard’s Sea Otter crew detected the 33-foot boat approximately seven nautical miles off Point Loma, and it was confirmed to be operating without navigation lights. “The boarding team from the Sea Otter, together with members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, boarded the vessel and found 37 migrants aboard,” stated the Coast Guard in a press release. Stay informed about San Diego’s developmentswith free, real-time updates from Patch. The 37 individuals were brought to the Ballast Point Coast Guard facility before being handed over to Customs and Border Protection, as per officials. Among those, 30 were from Mexico, two were from El Salvador, three were from Guatemala, and one was Colombian. The boat’s operator was identified as a U.S. citizen, officials stated. Stay informed about San Diego’s developmentswith free, real-time updates from Patch. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox.Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. To request the removal of your name from an arrest report, submitthese required items toarrestreports@patch.com. Source link