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Couple who killed 10-year-old Anthony Avalos sentenced to life in prison

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

A woman and her boyfriend who were convicted last month of torturing and killing the woman's 10-year-old son were sentenced to life in prison without the possible of parole.The office of former District Attorney Jackie Lacey initially sought the death penalty for the couple, 33-year-old Heather Maxine Barron and 37-year-old Kareem Ernesto Leiva, but current District Attorney George Gascón's office decided against it, making life in prison without parole the harshest punishment allowed.During the the victim impact statement portion of the hearing, one speaker asked the judge to give the couple "the maximum sentencing allowed.""These two are monsters, and monsters belong in cages. Please, do not give them the opportunity to hurt somebody else," the speaker said.The pair was convicted last month of first-degree murder and torture in the killing Anthony Avalos, who died June 21, 2018. The conviction was handed down by a judge, as the pair waived their right to a jury trial. Lancaster...

Several classic Disneyland rides to temporarily close

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort in June won’t be able to enjoy several classic rides due to scheduled refurbishments.Beginning on June 5, Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland and The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will be closed. The resort hasn’t provided a specific reopening date for the rides.The Peter Pan’s Flight, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Alice in Wonderland are all located in Fantasyland in Disneyland. Disneyland attractions that typically don’t have long lines The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction is located in the Paradise Gardens Park area at Disney California Adventure, directly across from the Paradise Bay lagoon, where the World of Color shows take place.The theme park periodically schedules refurbishments for its attractions to ensure everything is working properly.During this time, Splash Mountain will also be closed as Walt Disney Imagineers work to reimagine the attraction into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure....

Man shot to death outside high school in Willowbook

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a man in front of King/Drew High School in Willowbrook early Tuesday.The shooting was reported around 5:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of East 120th Street.When deputies arrived around 8:30 a.m., they found the Black male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his head, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.He was pronounced dead at the scene.Sky5 footage showed the victim was found in a planter on campus, directly below a sign for the magnet school, which is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.KTLA has reached out to LAUSD to learn if the shooting involved anyone connected to the school.No further information was released.Anyone with information was encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. To remain anonymous, call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Pl...

Mattel releases 1st Barbie doll with Down syndrome

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

Mattel, Inc. has released a Barbie doll with Down syndrome in an effort to help more children find a toy that represents themselves. The doll is a part of this year's Barbie Fashionistas lineup. To ensure accuracy, the toymaker says it worked closely with the National Down Syndrome Society. The organization helped the brand sculpt the doll as well as provide guidance on accessories. The doll features a new face shape and body sculpt to be "more illustrative of women with Down syndrome," Mattel said in a news release. The palms include a single line, "which is a characteristic associated with those with Down syndrome."Photo: Mattel/Barbie The doll's puff-sleeved dress features butterflies and yellow and blue colors, which are symbols and colors associated with Down syndrome awareness, the toymaker explained. The doll also wears a pink pendant necklace with three upward chevrons, which represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic material that causes the charact...

Joshua Mora Injured in Hit-and-Run on Whittier Boulevard [Los Angeles, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

Hit-and-Run Collision in Boyle Heights Severed 13-Year-old Boy’s LegLOS ANGELES, CA (April 23, 2023) – Thursday afternoon, a hit-and-run crash in Boyle Heights left Joshua Mora severely injured.The collision happened on March 30th, at around 3:30 p.m., at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Orme Avenue.According to reports, a motorcyclist lost control of their vehicle and hit Mora at a crosswalk. However, the rider got back on his motorcycle after sliding approximately 80 feet and fled the scene.Responding medical personnel transported the boy to LAC + USC Medical Center for treatment. Medical professionals expect to perform multiple surgeries on 13-year-old Joshua Mora in the following days.Local residents have been appealing to city officials to improve the dangerous conditions at the intersection. In addition, the lone crosswalk in the area has no signal lights or visible traffic signals.Those with additional information about the Boyle Heights hit-and-run are encour...

May 2023: Celebrate all month long with these exciting events and observances

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

May 2023 is just around the corner, and with it comes a whole host of exciting events and observances to look forward to. From the traditional celebrations like Mother’s Day and Memorial Day to the lesser-known but equally important World Press Freedom Day and International Day of Biodiversity, May 2023 is shaping up to be a month of significance and meaning. Whether you’re a lover of the arts, a sports enthusiast, or simply enjoy taking part in community events, there is something for everyone this May. With so much happening, it can be hard to keep track of everything. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the highlights of May 2023, so you can plan your month ahead and make the most of all the exciting events and observances on offer. Read the full article on our sister site, The Greensheet, here. Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you ...

Kevin Amstutz Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Crash on State Route 62 [Yucca Valley, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

30-Year-Old Killed in Pedestrian Crash near Hillview RoadYUCCA VALLEY, CA (April 25, 2023) – Early Sunday morning, Kevin Amstutz was involved in a fatal pedestrian crash on State Route 62.The incident occurred on April 16th, at around 5:00 a.m., on the eastbound lanes of State Route 62 just west of Hillview Road.According to reports, Amstutz was driving a Ford F-150 on 29 Palms Highway when he struck a pedestrian who was walking along the road. The impact left pedestrian with serious injuries.Medical personnel arrived shortly after and transported the 30-year-old pedestrian to Hi-Desert Medical Center. Later, officials at the hospital pronounced the victim dead, due to the extent of his injuries.Meanwhile, 60-year-old Kevin Amstutz remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Following preliminary duties, investigators ruled out alcohol or drugs as a potential factor.The Sweet James law firm sends out their heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of the ...

Yosemite Valley to close due to flood risk from melting Sierra snowpack

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

In the latest impact as California’s massive Sierra Nevada snowpack begins “the Big Melt,” from warming spring temperatures, much of Yosemite National Park will close from Friday night until at least Wednesday morning due to flood risk.The Merced River, which flows through the middle of Yosemite Valley, is rising and is expected to peak Monday at about 2 or 3 feet above its flood stage. At that level, vehicles won’t be able to drive on Northside or Southside Drive in and out of Yosemite Valley.“Its a difficult decision and we understand that people are disappointed. But the health and safety of visitors is our primary concern,” said park spokesman Scott Gediman. “We’ve had our biggest snowpack on record. We’ve needed it here in California. We’re thankful for that. But it inevitably leads to snow melt.”Yosemite Valley areas east of the El Capitan Bridge — located about 2 miles west of the park visitor center — will close at ...

What’s next for abortion pill after Supreme Court’s ruling?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

By Mark Sherman and Jessica Gresko | Associated PressWASHINGTON — Nothing will change for now. That’s what the Supreme Court said Friday evening about access to a widely used abortion pill.A court case that began in Texas has sought to roll back Food and Drug Administration approval of the drug, mifepristone. Lower courts had said that women seeking the drug should face more restrictions on getting it while the case continues, but the Supreme Court disagreed.The court’s action almost certainly will leave access to mifepristone unchanged at least into next year, as appeals play out, including a potential appeal to the high court.The new abortion controversy comes less than a year after the Supreme Court’s conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.The following is a look at the drug at issue in the new case, how the case got to the nation’s highest court and what’s next in the le...

Single-family home sells in Fremont for $1.6 million

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:04:36 GMT

5666 Turban Court – Google Street ViewThe property located in the 5600 block of Turban Court in Fremont was sold on March 20, 2023 for $1,560,000, or $788 per square foot. The house, built in 1963, has an interior space of 1,980 square feet. The property features four bedrooms, four baths, a garage, and two parking spaces. The unit sits on an 8,800-square-foot lot.Additional houses have recently been sold nearby:A 1,307-square-foot home on the 5500 block of Simm Court in Fremont sold in December 2022, for $1,250,000, a price per square foot of $956. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.In March 2023, a 1,131-square-foot home on Butano Park Drive in Fremont sold for $1,150,000, a price per square foot of $1,017. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.On Don Way, Fremont, in December 2022, a 2,011-square-foot home was sold for $1,680,000, a price per square foot of $835. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.