Latest news with #SouthernCalifornia
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Times
More Than 1,000 Troops Are Withdrawn From L.A.
The Pentagon on Wednesday released more than a thousand troops who had been sent to Los Angeles in June, the latest scaling back of President Trump's contentious deployment of the National Guard in Southern California. The withdrawal of roughly 1,350 members of the Guard comes after thousands of other troops were released in recent weeks. Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement that about 250 Guard soldiers would remain in Los Angeles 'to protect federal personnel and property.' The demobilization of most of the California National Guard's 49th Military Police Brigade occurred with only about a week left in what the White House had suggested would be a 60-day deployment that began on June 7. At the height of the deployment, nearly 5,000 members of the Guard had been federalized and dispatched to Los Angeles with orders to help quell protests that had erupted over immigration raids and to protect federal agents conducting the raids. Democratic leaders in the state accused the Trump administration of provoking the protests by sending masked federal agents to carwashes and other workplaces to detain immigrants, and then using the subsequent public outrage over the raids as a pretext for military action. Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles compared the deployment to an 'armed occupation,' and Gov. Gavin Newsom sued federal officials, saying that the deployment was an illegal domestic use of federal troops that had diverted the National Guard from critical functions. Figures released by the governor's office on Wednesday showed that fentanyl seizures had fallen significantly after the deployment diverted about a third of the 450 Guard members on a state counterdrug task force. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Fox News
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas indicted in illegal gambling scheme with suspected criminal figures, DOJ says
Gilbert Arenas, who spent more than a decade in the NBA, was taken into custody Wednesday. The Department of Justice accused the former basketball star of operating an illegal gambling ring from a home he owned in Southern California. A federal indictment obtained by Fox News Digital showed Arenas was charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business and another count of making false statements to federal investigators. Arenas, nicknamed "Agent Zero," is suspected of renting a property in Encino, California, for the purpose of hosting high-stakes poker games, according to the Justice Department. The federal indictment was filed in Los Angeles. According to the document, Arenas is accused of instructing Arthur Kats to stage illegal games. Kats allegedly handled rental payments for other individuals who were also believed to have had a role in the operation. Officials said they obtained text messages believed to show conversations between Arenas and Kats about details of the games in question. One of the defendants, Ievgen Krachun, was identified as the person who oversaw the gambling as it was allegedly being committed inside the home, according to the indictment. Another defendant, Yevgeni Gershman, was described by the DOJ as a "suspected organized crime figure from Israel." Court documents did not name an attorney for Arenas or the other defendants in the case as of Wednesday. The co-defendants are accused by DOJ investigators of receiving money from prize pots and recruiting women to "serve drinks, provide massages and offer companionship" to gamblers. A portion of the women's earnings were collected by the players after services were allegedly rendered, investigators said. The home Arenas owned was raided in July 2022. U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators seized money during the search. Arenas responded by filing a petition with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Arenas last appeared in an NBA game during the 2011-12 season with the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent the majority of his professional basketball career with the Washington Wizards. In recent years, Arenas has become best known for hosting the "Gil's Arena" podcast. There were no lawyers listed in the court documents.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Alonzo Junk Removal Expands Into Lancaster, California
07/30/2025, Lancaster, CA, // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster has officially expanded its service area to include Lancaster, California. The leading CA junk removal company now brings its full range of professional junk removal services to clients throughout the Antelope Valley. This expansion provides local customers a convenient solution for clearing unwanted items, streamlining cleanouts, and responsibly managing waste. With a strong reputation across Southern California for reliable service and transparent pricing, Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster is now accepting appointments in the Lancaster area. The team handles a wide variety of junk removal tasks, including household clutter, old appliances, yard waste, hot tubs, electronics, and renovation debris. Residents and businesses looking for junk removal in Lancaster CA now have access to responsive and same-day service. The company is known for punctuality and professionalism, arriving on-site with the tools and manpower necessary to complete jobs efficiently. Every project is carefully assessed to ensure the right approach, from single-item pickups to full-scale cleanouts. What makes Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster stand out is its customer-first approach and sustainable practices. The team prioritizes recycling and donating usable items to minimize the environmental impact of junk disposal. Instead of sending everything to the landfill, reusable goods are separated and redirected to local donation centers or recycling facilities when possible. This effort has earned the company praise from both customers and community partners. In addition to residential junk removal services, Alonzo Junk Removal supports commercial clients in Lancaster with warehouse cleanouts, office furniture removal, construction site debris cleanup, and post-eviction clearing services. Real estate agents, contractors, and property managers find value in partnering with a responsive team that offers timely scheduling and dependable results. Alonzo Junk Removal follows a simple and transparent process. Customers receive free, no-obligation estimates, with final pricing based on the volume and type of junk removed — no hidden fees, ever. The crew ensures the space is left clean before leaving. Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster also offers flexible scheduling, making it easy for customers to book appointments that work with their timeline. As the need for efficient junk removal in Lancaster CA continues to grow, this service expansion comes at the right time for a city experiencing steady development and population growth. Lancaster residents now have a trusted option to manage home and business clutter without the hassle of renting dumpsters or making repeated trips to the landfill. For anyone looking for junk removal in Lancaster CA, Alonzo Junk Removal provides a reliable and eco-conscious solution. From garage cleanouts and mattress disposal to large-scale property cleanups, the team is ready to help the Lancaster community handle unwanted items quickly and responsibly. Visit Alonzo Junk Removal's website at for more information. About Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster is a professional junk hauling service offering efficient, eco-friendly removal solutions for homes and businesses across Southern California. The company is known for its fast response times, reliable crews, and clear pricing. ### Media Contact Alonzo Junk Removal Lancaster 44434 Tarragon Drive Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 485-4303 newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Alonzo Junk Removal Expands Into Lancaster, California
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Bloodcurdling video shows stranger with huge loop of wire trying to get into teenage girl's bedroom in dead of night
Three teenage girls have been left horrified after waking to the creepy noise of a metal wire scratching at their hotel door during an apparent break-in attempt. Charlotte, 17, who did not want her full name to be disclosed, shared a bloodcurdling video filmed from inside the room where she was staying with two friends at the Marriott Delta Hotel in Garden Grove, Southern California, on Friday. The trio were staying in the hotel for a water polo tournament they were competing in close to Los Angeles at the weekend - but their vacation soon turned to horror. Charlotte's footage shows a long metal wire with a loop on the end emerging from beneath the door before scratching around in an attempt to hook the door handle just after midnight. The stranger almost succeeds in their break-in mission, as the scary contraption grasps the handle at one point. Meanwhile, Charlotte beckoned for her friends in the room to come over. 'Our first thought was it was someone trying to come in there and kidnap us,' she told NBC Bay Area. 'We were all just really scared.' Charlotte said that she tried to communicate with the man trying to break into their room at by grabbing the wire and speaking through the door. They could be heard replying: 'Hello? Is someone still here?' 'Honestly it was probably one of the most scariest things that has really ever happened to me,' Charlotte told NBC. Charlotte's mom said she spoke with the hotel general manager and they said they responded by conducting a room check and switching the teens to a new room. The worried parent said they also admitted that the man using the wire was an employee - but she wasn't reassured by their version of events. 'They did confirm that it was an employee,' she told NBC. 'When I asked if the employee had been terminated, I was told that he was going to be terminated.' When asked what she thought was the purpose of the break-in attempt, she said: 'I have no idea. Was it theft? Was it trafficking? I want to know. 'The explanation that has been provided doesn't add up.' The hotel also apologized by giving the teenage girls a gift basket and a balloon. Charlotte's mother, her coach and other parents filed a police report with the Garden Grove Police Department. The department said they are looking into whether the incident was an attempted crime, or a miscommunication. 'There is the maintenance records and things like that, so whatever communication the hotel has with their staff, work orders, our detectives want to look into that more,' Sgt. Nick Jensen told NBC.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Caribe Cooler Arrives in the U.S.!
The Iconic Mexican RTD Brand Lands in California HOUSTON, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The wait is over. Beginning in summer 2025, Caribe Cooler—Mexico's iconic ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage—is officially launching in the United States. The first stop of this rollout is Southern California, a key market for the brand's growing international expansion. With more than 37 years of heritage and cultural relevance in Mexico, Caribe Cooler is loved for its bold fruit flavors, refreshing taste, and laid-back vibe. The product will be available in 12 oz 4-pack cans featuring the brand's two leading flavors: Peach and Tropical (Mango-Pineapple). It carries 4.7% alcohol by volume and will be sold at a suggested retail price of $9.99 USD. 'Caribe Cooler has connected with generations since 1987. It's a brand made for those who enjoy something tasty, refreshing, and easy to drink,' says Osvaldo Valente, CEO of Bepensa Spirits. Designed for consumers who enjoy socializing in a relaxed and controlled way, Caribe Cooler is ideal for casual gatherings, parties, or unwinding at the beach. It's tailored for Latino and general market consumers looking for a flavorful and easygoing alternative in the RTD space. 'We're very excited about this first step,' adds Frank Scheepers, Commercial Export Director at Bepensa Spirits. 'Caribe Cooler has all the right ingredients to stand out in the U.S. market: flavor, history, and a strong personality. We're committed to building a solid presence alongside our trusted distribution partners, Mexcor International and Sunset Distributing Company.' 'We're proud to help bring Caribe Cooler to the U.S. and support its strategic entry into the California market,' said Eduardo Morales, CEO at Mexcor International. 'With strong consumer demand for authentic, flavor-driven RTDs, we see significant growth potential for Caribe Cooler. This launch aligns perfectly with our commitment to introducing high-quality, culturally resonant brands to American consumers.' 'We're thrilled to launch Caribe Cooler—a brand with a rich heritage and decades of success in Mexico—to the California market,' said Brian Fried, General Manager of Sunset Distributing Company. 'With its vibrant, flavor-forward lineup and natural appeal for social occasions, Caribe Cooler is perfectly positioned to connect with Southern California consumers right from the start. We're proud to partner with Bepensa and Mexcor International to bring this exciting innovation to the state's beverage scene.' This launch marks a new chapter for Caribe Cooler as it sets its sights on becoming the most loved Mexican RTD brand in the U.S. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mexcor Inc
