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L.A. public defender released after being wrongfully imprisoned in Venezuela

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

A Los Angeles public defender was one of ten American prisoners in Venezuela who were released Wednesday in a prisoner exchange.The Americans were swapped for an ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The ally, a fugitive defense contractor known as “Fat Leonard,” is at the center of a Pentagon bribery scandal, according to the Associated Press.One of the released prisoners is L.A. native, Eyvin Hernandez, a 44-year-old L.A. County Public Defender whose loved ones said has been wrongfully detained in a Venezuelan jail for nearly two years.In March 2022, Hernandez was vacationing in South America when he was kidnapped near the border of Colombia and Venezuela. He was accused of being an American spy after refusing to pay a $100 bribe to a gang, his family said.Eyvin Hernandez in a personal photo.Eyvin Hernandez in a personal photo.Friends and loved ones gathered at the UCLA School of Law on Jan. 18, 2023 to call for Hernandez's release from being wrongfully detained at a Venezu...

Long Beach City Council approves proclamation supporting ceasefire in Gaza

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

Long Beach City Council officials formally approved a proclamation calling on the federal government to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The city joins a growing list of California cities that have approved similar measures.The council voted 5-2 in favor of the proclamation following hours of public comment from nearly 200 people, according to the Press-Telegram. The publication stated that mostly pro-Palestine speakers spoke at the meeting.However, some Long Beach residents who attended the meeting didn't support Long Beach "telling an independent free country how to defend itself." Israel uncovers major Hamas command center in Gaza City as cease-fire talks gain momentum The proclamation was introduced by council members Joni Ricks-Oddie, Roberto Uranga and Al Austin.Before the formal approval, the Long Beach Community United for Peace, a group representing the “Palestinian Community in unity with Muslim, Christian and Jewish allies and supporters from various backgrounds,”...

BoatBuddy Club: Miami’s #1 Shared Yacht Rental Service

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

BoatBuddy Club is a groundbreaking concept taking the boating community by storm. Hailed as Miami’s premier shared yacht rental service and founded by serial entrepreneur Ari Gold, BoatBuddy Club is much more than a service; it’s a community that connects like-minded individuals, couples, and small groups to enjoy unforgettable yacht experiences together.BoatBuddy Club’s inception was a response to Ari’s personal struggle with the soaring costs of boat rentals in Miami. While the joy of weekend boating with friends was unrivaled, the financial and logistical challenges presented significant obstacles. The idea of BoatBuddy Club took root as a service that would connect individuals with a shared passion for the water, fostering a community of like-minded individuals seeking affordable yachting experiences.This vision extends beyond a mere rental service as BoatBuddy Club aims to cultivate genuine connections and friendships. In Ari’s experience, several ...

National Signing Day: Cal adds 22 recruits for 2024

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

Cal’s early-signing class is loaded with prospects from Texas, but one of the Bears’ biggest gets might prove to be a player they managed to keep from moving relocating to the Lone Star state.Ja’ir Smith, rated as one of the top junior college safeties in the class, flipped from a commitment to TCU to play for the Bears. Smith, moved up the prospect ratings boards at the College of San Mateo but is originally from North Carolina.Coach Justin Wilcox and his staff signed 22 recruits in all, with nine coming from Texas.Related ArticlesCollege Sports | Hawaii Bowl-bound San Jose State Spartans dial in on defense with 2024 recruiting class College Sports | Stanford signs 2024 class, including top recruit in remission from lymphoma College Sports | Early football signing period: Where Bay Area high school stars will play College Sports | Best of the West: MW, not Pac-12, is the region’s top conference ...

Review: With ‘Lego Bricktales’ in VR, a classic toy explores a new frontier

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

In the age of video games, toys have faded in popularity as gadgets and screens become what children want. Teddy Ruxpin’s time has come and gone and the reign of Furby has passed, but Legos remain the eternal childhood toy.Aside from their timeless quality, a reason that the iconic Danish toy has continued to grow in popularity is that the Legos Group wasn’t afraid to dabble in video games. “Lego Star Wars,” “Lego Jurassic World” and other titles brought the concept of the toy to a new generation and turned them into fans.A WORLD YOU CAN PEEK INTONow, the toy is entering another new frontier — virtual reality — as Thunderful Group brings ClockStone Studio’s project to the Meta Quest series of devices. The work doesn’t ask players to become a minifigure and venture through block worlds, but rather, it lets them create a character and move them through intricate dioramas.It’s comparable to what Polyarc did with “M...

Judge blocks California law banning open carry in most public places

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

Associated PressSACRAMENTO — A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a California law that would have banned carrying firearms in most public places, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and deprives people of their ability to defend themselves and their loved ones.The law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September was set to take effect Jan. 1. It would have banned people from carrying concealed guns in 26 places including public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos. It would apply whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon or not. One exception would be for privately owned businesses that put up signs saying people are allowed to carry guns on their premises.U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law, which he wrote was “sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”The decision is a victory for the California Rifle and Pistol Associa...

Bob Melvin says SF Giants plan to lead off Jung Hoo Lee

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

With the six-year, $113 million deal earlier this month, the Giants made Korean center fielder Jung Hoo Lee their biggest free agent acquisition since Barry Zito.If that financial commitment doesn’t show how serious the Giants are about Lee’s ability to contribute at the MLB level, allow the manager to.Bob Melvin, joining The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami’s “TK Show” podcast, said the team expects to give Lee not just the everyday center field job, but also the leadoff spot in the lineup.“As of right now, I don’t see why not,” Melvin said when asked if Lee will lead off. “I’ve written some lineups down since we acquired him, and all of them have him leading off at this point in time. And that’s what he’s comfortable doing, that’s what he’s done before. So as of now, for sure.”The Giants used nine different leadoff hitters last year, most commonly switching between LaMonte Wade Jr. and Thairo Es...

Hawaii Bowl-bound San Jose State Spartans dial in on defense with 2024 recruiting class

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

San Jose State announced the start of the early signing period on Wednesday with a class the Spartans hope could produce sooner rather than later.Ten of the 18 players on SJSU’s list play defense, including five transfers, led by former University of Texas safety Larry Turner-Gooden and College of San Mateo defensive linemen Soane Kolokihakaufisi and Pau Reed.SJSU also added a pair of highly-rated prep defenders in safety Joseph Bay and linebacker Jabari Mann, who recently helped Serra to its fourth straight CCS title.San Jose State loses six starters from a defense that went a long way in helping the Spartans bounce back from a 1-5 start to tie for first place in the Mountain West and secure a spot in Saturday’s Hawaii Bowl.SJSU also added depth on offense, signing Grambling State transfer Floyd Chalk IV, a Southern California native who drew interest from Hawaii, Penn State, San Diego State and Washington coming out of high school after averaging 9.2 yards per carry.SJ...

Tips to avoid porch pirates during the holiday season

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

(KRON) -- The good part about doing your holiday shopping online is that you can get gifts for your loved ones without leaving your couch. The bad part is that when those gifts are sent to your home, a "porch pirate" could be lurking to steal them.These types of thefts tend to increase this time of year, according to the San Rafael Police Department. Serial Bay Area shoplifter arrested 90 times "Unfortunately, with the holiday season upon us, we, along with other jurisdictions, often see an increase in this type of theft activity," SRPD said. In Livermore, one resident saw a "Grinch" stealing a package from their porch using a security camera. That person called the Livermore Police Department, and the thief was arrested. LPD provided some tips on how you can dodge porch pirates this month:"Use package tracking: Most major retailers utilize delivery companies (including the US Postal Service) who will provide updates to you when a package is anticipated to arrive. This will help ...

PHOTOS: Car crashes into pet hospital, San Mateo police say

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:34:29 GMT

(KRON) -- A car crashed into a building at the Crystal Springs Shopping Center in Highlands-Baywood Park on Wednesday, the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) said. A gray Ford sedan crashed into the entrance of Crystal Springs Pet Hospital, located at 122 De Anza Blvd.No pet or person was injured from the crash, SMPD said. Although the crash is still under police investigation, the driver told police her foot slipped on the gas/brake pedal. 2 arrested after stealing $1K of clothing, USPS mail uniform: Sunnyvale police SMPD posted photos taken at the scene (below)."While most crashes into buildings happen due to pedal confusion, wet weather can definitely cause wet shoes, slick tires, and impair vision," SMPD said. "These types of incidents can be avoided with a little bit of patience and by taking into consideration your driving ability, your surroundings, and accounting for weather conditions."San Mateo County Fire Department crews also responded to the scene.