Latest News from Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Coastal rail closed due to landslide risk to resume service between San Diego and Orange counties
The coastal rail linking Orange and San Diego counties is expected to resume service next month after crews spent nearly six weeks reinforcing tracks that were subject to landslides and coastal erosion. Service on the oceanside rail — which extends from Dana Point in south Orange County to the southernmost stops in San Diego County, including San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside — is set to resume June 7, according to an Orange County Transportation Authority update. The rail line, which serves Metrolink's commuter trains and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, was closed in April to begin construction. The California Coastal Commission approved emergency construction last month after several sections of the rail, which lie below bluffs, were deemed unstable and at immediate risk of landslide and coastal erosion. Crews placed 5,900 tons of large boulders, known as riprap, along the rail, which are intended to absorb flowing water and stabilize potential runoff that may obstruct the rail. Up to 240,000 cubic yards of sand will also be placed between two crucial points along the rail between Mariposa and North beaches. The OCTA said crews are preparing to construct a 1,400-foot-long catchment beside the rail, but noted that the construction schedule is still being determined. The OCTA estimated the total cost of the projects to be about $300 million. In the update, the OCTA acknowledged the recurring interruptions to its passenger rail service: 'Over the past four years, San Clemente's eroding bluffs — on both city and private property — have repeatedly forced the closure of the rail line that has operated largely uninterrupted for more than 125 years.' Work will continue daily between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. before the rail's opening. Service on the Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink are still scheduled to resume normally starting June 7.
Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
Moorpark school district driver arrested on suspicion of DUI while transporting students
A Moorpark school van driver was arrested on the job Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to authorities. The driver, who operated a small van for the Moorpark Unified School District, was picking up a student Wednesday morning when the child's parent reportedly smelled alcohol on the driver, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. The parent promptly called the school district, which notified the Moorpark Police Department. A statement from Supt. Kelli Hays said the district's transportation dispatch instructed the driver to pull over and stop the van immediately after receiving the report. The students on the van were transferred to a backup van and safely arrived at school on time, and their parents were contacted shortly after the police investigation concluded, the superintendent said. Deputy K'Lynn Jackson, the school district's resource officer, confirmed to The Times on Thursday that police conducted a field sobriety test, including a breathalyzer check, but she was not authorized to share the results. The driver, 39-year-old Jason Watson of Moorpark, was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail. In a written statement to The Times on Thursday, Hays commended the parent who made the initial report and the Moorpark Police Department. 'The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,' Hays' statement continued. 'MUSD's Transportation Department maintains a strong safety record and requires all drivers to complete extensive background checks and training. In addition, all drivers are subject to strict federal drug and alcohol regulations, including pre-employment screening and random drug and alcohol testing throughout the year.'
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- General
- Los Angeles Times
West Hollywood shopping center installs chirping device to discourage homeless from camping out. Will it work?
Some customers walking out of the West Hollywood Trader Joe's wear an annoyed look on their face, and it has nothing to do with rising grocery prices. The source of the irritation is a small blue box installed in a stairwell leading to the market, the latest tactic used by property owners to deter unhoused people from camping out in the area. The motion-activated device chatters like a loud, anxious cricket as people pass by the shopping center. 'It's so annoying,' Jeffrey Howard said as he left the market with his groceries. 'It's like an alarm from a smoke detector that you're just waiting for somebody to turn off.' Another shopper, Travis Adam Wright, said he thought the device was a poor response the homeless problem and a bad look for West Hollywood. 'It feels indicative to a jerk's first response to people living on the street,' he said. The blue box joins a growing list of deterrents deployed by Southern California business owners and property managers who have taken matters into their own hands to address the homeless crisis. In downtown Los Angeles, a property owner blasted the monotonous children's song 'Baby Shark' to deter camping last month. In 2023, L.A. Metro began blaring loud classical music as part of a pilot program to drive away homeless people from subway stations. But the blue box, dubbed the BlueChirper, emits a racket that is devoid of rhythm. The chirping sound is triggered by the passing of anyone under the motion-sensing device, regardless of their intention. A spokesperson for the city of West Hollywood said a code enforcement officer is scheduled to visit the stairwell to see if the device complies with the local noise ordinance. If there is a violation, the city will recommend alternatives. West Hollywood spokesperson Joshua Schare said the chirping device is not in line with the city's response to the homeless population, which includes having nonprofit organizations provide outreach services. The property management company at the shopping center learned about the device through other news stories and installed it several weeks ago. The company said it is testing out the device, but so far the results seem positive. 'We are all cognizant of and concerned about the care of our homeless population,' Investors' Property Services President Robert Warren III said via email. 'On the other hand, we have a responsibility to work to provide clean and safe access to and throughout this shopping center.' The chirper represents one of the not-so-subtle ways property owners and others are making public places feel unwelcome to the unhoused. Armrests protruding from the middle of a bus bench or park bench are an understated way of keeping people from lying down, said Esther Margulies, professor with the USC School of Architecture and Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute. Margulies said she understands the frustration property owners encounter when people are trying to seek shelter around their buildings. But she said devices like the chirper represent the private sector trying to solve the problems that should be addressed by local government. 'By creating these kinds of hostile elements that take people away from shelter or just move them around, we're not treating the root cause,' Margulies said. 'We are diminishing and demeaning the quality of our public environment, because we're responding to this social and economic problem without treating the cause.' The latest data show there were 75,312 homeless people in Los Angeles County in January 2024, roughly 200 fewer than in the previous year, but about 6,100 more than in 2023. In March, Los Angeles County Supervisors approved a $908-million-funding budget for homeless services, including the first rollout of funding under the Measure A sales tax intended to address the city's homeless problem. The BlueChirper device retails for $400 and was invented out of frustration. Stephen McMahon invented and first deployed the device outside his Santa Monica condominium complex storage area after a break-in and a neighbor with her infant daughter was assaulted by two men. McMahon initially proposed a solution to his homeowners association board to deter trespassers. Now the retired director of photography is fielding orders for the BlueChirper after teaching himself how to make a circuit board that can emit the annoying sound and flash a blue light. He says the device works as intended at his condo complex. The majority of sales are from women younger than 40 who like the 'non-aggressive aspect' of the device, McMahon said. He wishes he didn't have to resort to this tactic, but feels there has been little done to address the homeless crisis in Los Angeles County. 'I don't want to punish anybody. I just want them to go somewhere else,' he said. In West Hollywood, local merchants say the device has managed to deter people from camping in the stairwell that leads to Santa Monica Boulevard and several eateries. The chirping is hardly noticeable at a nearby pizza restaurant with the doors closed. But four businesses away at Waxology Weho, employee Roxanne Moreno said she can hear the sound and finds it embarrassing that this is the solution used to address the homeless problem in the area. 'These people are patrons too and this comes across as another step to criminalize homelessness,' Moreno said. 'What is the end goal for all of this?'
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
What Are Hemorrhoids? Types, Causes, and Clinical Insight
Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are one of those health issues no one likes to talk about—but they're super common and affect millions of people worldwide. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins or blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus, and this swelling can cause discomfort, itching and even bleeding. In fact, hemorrhoids are swollen veins like varicose veins in the legs, both caused by increased pressure in the blood vessels. While they're often lumped into one category, hemorrhoids come in different types and stages, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. Understanding what hemorrhoids are and why they happen can help reduce the stigma and encourage early care. Let's start with the basics: hemorrhoids aren't abnormal in and of themselves. They're actually part of your normal anatomy. These vascular cushions are located just inside the anal canal and help maintain continence—essentially they help seal the anal opening along with the sphincter muscles. These cushions are made up of hemorrhoidal tissue which is present in everyone. This is different from other things like anal fistulas and anal fissures. Each hemorrhoidal cushion contains: Trouble starts when these structures become engorged, lose their supportive tissue and slide down. This engorgement causes swollen blood vessels and that's when we call them 'hemorrhoidal disease' [1]. Not all hemorrhoids are the same. They're classified based on their location relative to the dentate (or pectinate) line—a key anatomical landmark in the anal canal. The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary depending on the type, internal and external hemorrhoids have different hemorrhoid symptoms like pain, bleeding, swelling, irritation and prolapse [3]. Recognizing these symptoms is important for diagnosis and treatment. These are above the dentate line and are covered by rectal mucosa which has no pain receptors. That's why internal hemorrhoids can go unnoticed—until they start bleeding or prolapsing. A common sign is the presence of bright red blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of hemorrhoids but should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions like colorectal cancer or anal fissures as these can also cause similar symptoms [4]. They're classified into four grades: These develop below the dentate line, under the skin (anoderm) that's rich in sensory nerves. That means they're more likely to cause pain, itching and swelling. If a blood clot forms inside an external hemorrhoid (a condition called thrombosis), the pain can be intense [6]. A thrombosed external hemorrhoid typically presents as a firm, bluish or purple lump under the overlying skin, and is often associated with severe pain. The overlying skin may become stretched or irritated, and after the thrombosed hemorrhoid resolves, skin tags can develop as soft, painless protrusions [5]. So, what causes hemorrhoids to go from helpful cushions to problematic bulges? It comes down to a few key mechanisms: Think of it like this: if you over-inflate a water balloon, it stretches and weakens. Add gravity and pressure from below (like from straining), and it starts to bulge or even rupture. Contributing factors include: To prevent hemorrhoids, focus on prevention strategies such as adding fiber to your diet by consuming high fiber foods, whole grains, vegetables and whole grains, and fruits vegetables and whole. Using a fiber supplement or fiber supplements can also be beneficial. Make sure to drink adequate fluid to help soften stools and promote regular bowel movements [9]. Maintaining digestive health is important, as issues like digestive and kidney diseases or kidney diseases can impact overall well-being. These strategies can help prevent hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a common reason patients visit colon and rectal surgeons. While not life-threatening, they can significantly affect quality of life when symptoms become chronic or severe. Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam, often including a digital rectal exam to check for blood and abnormalities. Additional procedures like anoscopy or colonoscopy may be used to rule out other causes and ensure accurate diagnosis, guiding appropriate hemorrhoids treatment. Most hemorrhoid symptoms—such as pain, swelling, itching and bleeding—can be managed with conservative care. Common signs include blood on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after bowel movements. Home treatments like warm baths, sitz baths and using damp toilet paper help reduce irritation and provide relief. When symptoms persist or hemorrhoids are large, office treatments such as rubber band ligation, infrared coagulation or sclerotherapy may be recommended, often performed with numbing medicine for comfort. For severe or persistent cases unresponsive to conservative or office-based treatments, surgical options like hemorrhoidectomy or stapled hemorrhoidopexy may be necessary. These procedures remove problematic hemorrhoid tissue and are reserved for more serious conditions. Post-procedure, mild pain is common and manageable with home care. Health care providers play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment guidance and postoperative care. Lifestyle modifications, including high-fiber diets and improved toilet habits, remain essential for preventing hemorrhoid flare-ups and maintaining digestive health. Hemorrhoids are a part of our anatomy but when they become swollen, prolapsed or thrombosed they become a problem. They are classified into two types—internal and external—with varying degrees of severity. At the core of the issue are vascular changes and weakened support structures which is often made worse by straining, poor diet or sitting for too long. Understanding the anatomy and mechanics of hemorrhoids helps not only in diagnosis but also in choosing the right treatment. And for many, simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing hemorrhoidal disease from taking over their daily life. [1] Mott, T., Latimer, K., & Edwards, C. (2018). Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment Options. American family physician, 97(3), 172–179. [2] Lohsiriwat V. (2012). Hemorrhoids: from basic pathophysiology to clinical management. World journal of gastroenterology, 18(17), 2009–2017. [3] Reese, G. E., von Roon, A. C., & Tekkis, P. P. (2009). Haemorrhoids. BMJ clinical evidence, 2009, 0415. [4] Sneider, E. B., & Maykel, J. A. (2010). Diagnosis and management of symptomatic hemorrhoids. The Surgical clinics of North America, 90(1), . [5] Halverson A. (2007). Hemorrhoids. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 20(2), 77–85. [6] Sanchez, C., & Chinn, B. T. (2011). Hemorrhoids. Clinics in colon and rectal surgery, 24(1), 5–13. [7] Bernstein W. C. (1983). What are hemorrhoids and what is their relationship to the portal venous system?. Diseases of the colon and rectum, 26(12), 829–834. [8] Mounsey, A. L., Halladay, J., & Sadiq, T. S. (2011). Hemorrhoids. American family physician, 84(2), 204–210. [9] Fox, A., Tietze, P. H., & Ramakrishnan, K. (2014). Anorectal conditions: hemorrhoids. FP essentials, 419, 11–19. [10] Sardinha, T. C., & Corman, M. L. (2002). Hemorrhoids. The Surgical clinics of North America, 82(6), 1153–vi.
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Mailbag: Veteran disappointed in MAGA-style Memorial Day in Huntington Beach
As a former U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman I served with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam where I tended to Marines in combat and where I received my own Purple Heart medal. It is on Memorial Day that I attend Memorial Day services to pay respects to my fellow Marines and sailors who never made it home, as I was lucky enough to do. As a resident of Huntington Beach I attended this year's event at Pier Plaza by the pier where Memorial Day services are held annually. This year's service had the undertones of a mini MAGA pep rally. The former H.B. city attorney stood up for a bow as he was praised for doing the good work for H.B. back in Washington, D.C. We know what that work is. During a reading of the fallen, a council member dressed in bright MAGA red stood out as the current president did when he attended Pope Francis' recent funeral services. Attention-getting to be sure. This smug show of politics was so out of line. The day is meant to honor the fallen — not to enhance your political standing. Victor BravoHuntington Beach The Newport Beach City Council, which was once considered fiscally conservative, has been involved in its share of lawsuits. Perhaps this is not unusual for a city of its size. The most important one at the present time is the lawsuit that has been filed by a representative organization of residents alleging the city has violated its charter. Also, other memorable ones involved issues related to John Wayne Airport and with Banning Ranch. As to lawsuits, I have advocated for many years for greater transparency regarding the litigation the city is involved in, including its costs, but with no results. By the end of next month, public funds amounting over half a million dollars will have been spent on two special elections since 2022. The election for the NMUSD school board seat will cost up to nearly $500,000. The latest use of a large sum of the public's money was brought about by a petition signed by 361 people against a population of 123,000 NMUSD voters. It has brought disunity to Newport Beach and is a perfect example of fiscal irresponsibility, which has been supported by some of the City Council. On May 14, it was revealed by the Daily Pilot that the majority of the City Council has been backing a candidate with a questionable financial history. Andrea McElroy's financial and litigation background brings scrutiny to her qualifications to serve on the school board. Evidently some of her public supporters are unaware of this because two of them wrote previously in a letter to be made available to the city, 'Andrea, a business owner and mother, brings proven fiscal accountability...' They described her as earning trust from neighbors, educators and leaders. It is unknown who was privy to Andrea's true financial background. Maybe everybody was and they supported her nonetheless. There is also the possibility that they were just careless in their background check. Her support has seemed to remain consistent despite this revelation. It certainly would have been much more harmonious to the public and advantageous to the schools if the legal selection of Kirstin Walsh had never been challenged. Lynn LorenzNewport Beach As a former school board president who helped forge the partnership between our city and school district to bring school resource officers (SROs) to our campuses, I write to express my strong support for Andrea McElroy's candidacy for NMUSD school board trustee and to highlight the significance of her endorsement from the Newport Beach Police and Fire associations. Years ago, our community recognized the need for a collaborative approach to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. The introduction of SROs was a pivotal step, blending law enforcement's expertise with our schools' nurturing environments. This program, built on trust and mutual respect, has fostered safer schools while creating positive relationships between students, staff and officers. It wasn't just about security — it was about building a culture of care, accountability and community. The Police and Fire associations' endorsement of Andrea is no small matter. These organizations represent the men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting us, and their support tells us that Andrea understands the delicate balance required to maintain safe, supportive schools. Their trust in her reflects her commitment to policies that prioritize student safety while respecting the unique role of educators. As someone who has seen the SRO program's impact firsthand, I know how critical it is to have leaders like Andrea who value these partnerships. Andrea's vision aligns with the principles that guided our original efforts: collaboration, community engagement and a steadfast commitment to our students' futures. Her endorsement by the Police and Fire associations underscores her ability to bridge public safety and education, ensuring our schools remain places where students can thrive. I urge our community to support Andrea. Her leadership will honor the legacy of our SRO program and strengthen the bonds that help our schools and our city succeed. Karen Yelsey, Former NMUSD school board presidentCorona del Mar I am writing to recommend Andrea McElroy for the open position on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District school board. I am a retired NMUSD teacher. I taught elementary students at Newport Heights Elementary for 28 years. I also taught for the education department at the University of California, Irvine and was a regular lecturer for the teacher education department at UCI. I had the pleasure of teaching Andrea's daughter, Savannah, for two years, as a second grader and as a third grader. During these periods of time, Andrea was a regular weekly volunteer in my classroom. Her easy rapport with my students enabled me to have her lead a small group of struggling math students every week. These groups usually included two or three second language students. Andrea was firm, but her sense of humor put the kids at ease, and they always looked forward to their group time with her. Andrea's daughter, Savannah, was one of the most creative and talented students I've had the good fortune to teach. From a very young age Savannah sang publicly, and her poise on stage naturally led her to an interest in acting. Savannah began playing the lead role in school productions at Newport Heights, and throughout her entire tenure in NMUSD. Although she attended Newport Harbor High School, she was often asked to perform in productions at other Newport Mesa high schools when needed, including Estancia and CDM. Contributing to the community was something both Andrea and Savannah enjoyed very much. Andrea began as the parent lead volunteer for our school plays at Newport Heights, and she continued to run school productions throughout Savannah's career at Newport Mesa. Andrea McElroy was the most prolific supporter of the arts in NMUSD during my time in the district. Being a performing musician myself, I can't imagine a better suited candidate for the school board. In my opinion, NMUSD has always needed a champion for the arts like Andrea. John G. DaffronHuntington Beach This Huntington Beach City Council is a collection of opportunists lacking true leadership or the skills to govern effectively. What you call leadership is nothing more than a parade of gimmicks — empty gestures masking incompetence. And it's the citizens who foot the bill for council failures. Just look at the air show settlement fiasco and the growing list of reckless legal battles we're likely to lose — each one, a costly reminder of the council's inability to govern responsibly. H.B. residents reacted to the latest council library overreach and collected more than 13,000 signatures to get Measures A and B on the ballot. Measure A would repeal a City Council ordinance that created a 21-member panel to oversee children's books — an unelected, unqualified group overriding trained library staff is farcical. If someone objects to a book in the library, they can submit a formal complaint. A panel of three librarians will then review the book and decide whether it is proper for that specific section of the library. Measure B protects the public library from privatization by requiring voter approval before it can be outsourced. Stop the H.B. City Council now and vote 'yes' on Measures A and B. Protect history before it is too late. Remember: Hitler did not start with ovens — he started with books. First banned, then burned — then came the people. Andrew EinhornHuntington Beach You can tell the character of an individual by the way he responds to criticism. Chad Williams responded by using the word 'porn.' Black's law dictionary defines 'porn' as that which is pertaining to obscene literature; obscene, licentious, appealing to a prurient interest. If an individual's prurient interest is aroused by a book on potty training, then he must be a very disturbed individual. The H.B. City Council seeks to privatize and control the library and ban any books they deem unfit. They appointed a committee of unqualified individuals to determine what books are fit. This is what 'Fahrenheit 451' is about. It took the signatures of nearly 14,000 registered voters, both Democrats and Republicans, to qualify and schedule the June 10, special election, at a cost of more than $1 million, when the election could have been held in November. I urge all voters to read Measures A and B to see if any porn issues are present and vote with a clear conscience. That is why I ask all Huntington Beach residents to see this election as a mandate against the MAGA vested city council and vote 'yes' on both Measure A and B, to preserve the independence of our community library. As the Rolling Stones song goes. The H.B. City Council can't always get what they want, they get what they need! Richard C. ArmendarizHuntington Beach The Huntington Beach City Council continues to misinterpret the 1st Amendment — often invoking freedom of religion while ignoring the foundational principle of separation of church and state. You're free to practice your faith in your home, your place of worship and among your community. However, intentionally imposing religious beliefs through city governance—whether in council chambers or in public libraries—is, in my view, unconstitutional. This special election goes beyond library content. It's about protecting our freedoms, our community's quality of life, and the 1st Amendment rights of all its residents. It's become a referendum on how we expect our City Council to govern — respectfully, lawfully and with due consideration. Regardless of our political views or religious affiliation (among the 30+ houses of worship in our city), we must reject the divisive rhetoric and confrontational behavior that's tearing our city apart. We all agree: Parents — not the government — should guide their children's upbringing. Further, any attempt to privatize our public library system must be put to a citywide vote, not rubber-stamped by a City Council majority. If you agree, please vote 'yes' on Measures A and B. Measure A repeals the Library Book Review Committee Ordinance. Measure B requires a public vote before contracting with any private, for-profit entity to manage our library system. Larry SlonimHuntington Beach
