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Ex-Compton councilman paid bribes for marijuana permits, DOJ says

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

A former councilman for the city of Compton has been arrested on a federal grand jury indictment accusing him and a consulting client of paying $70,000 in bribes to another politician in exchange for for marijuana permits, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Isaac Jacob Galvan, 36, was arrested Monday at his Compton home on a 10-count indictment filed earlier this month.Also arrested as part of the bribery scheme was Yichang Bai, 50, of Arcadia, the owner and operator of W&F International Corp., a Diamond Bar-based import-export business.Galvan and Bai are charged with one count each of conspiracy and bribery, and eight counts of honest services wire fraud, officials said.Galvan allegedly paid the funds to a “corrupt” member of the Baldwin Park City Council, identified as Ricardo Pacheco, for votes and to support commercial marijuana permits for Bai’s corporation.Back in 2017, Baldwin Park began allowing the cultivation, manufacture and distribution of marijuana within c...

'You look great, honey. Let's talk about our 401(k)'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

It's called a "money date."The idea is that many if not most couples are reluctant to sit down and talk finances. So why not make such interactions more attractive by dressing them up as nights out?"I have even suggested to clients, 'Have the money date in your sexy clothes,'" Christine Luken, a financial coach based in Cincinnati, told the Wall Street Journal."Just go ahead and have it naked -- as long as you get the money stuff done," she said.It's a new spin on an old challenge: Getting couples to actively engage with their finances by setting budgets and investment goals, and by doing the heavy financial lifting that comes with living within one's means.The Journal cited the example of Tierra and Gregory Bates, who put on their fanciest duds, head to an upscale steakhouse and mix a little finance with their flirting."We’re discussing things, but we’re celebrating at the same time," Tierra said. "Treating ourselves while still talking about the goals we have in mind."I say: Whate...

2 California universities share top spot in U.S. News & World Report rankings

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

For the seventh year in a row, the University of California, Los Angeles has been named the nation’s top public university by U.S. News & World Report, tying another University of California school: U.C. Berkeley.The publication has released its annual list which measured factors including graduation rates, student performance, retention, faculty salaries and peer assessments.Not only did UCLA and Cal land at the top among public schools, but they also tied for 15th among all institutes of higher education, public or private.“The success we have had in college rankings is reflective of the hard work, dedication, resilience, ingenuity and excellence of the people who make up the Bruin community,” said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block in a statement.Among the top 25 national universities, UCLA ranked highest in social mobility, which looked at the academic success of diverse students, particularly first-generation students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, the ...

Filmmaker John Waters receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

Cult filmmaker John Waters, the self-proclaimed Pope of Trash, is finally getting a little praise from Hollywood.Waters was honored with the 2,763rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday.“The Hollywood Walk of Fame, you’re the best, and I hope the most desperate showbiz rejects walk over me here and feel some sort of respect and strength,” he said in his acceptance speech.“The drains on this magic boulevard will never wash away the gutter of my gratitude, the flotsam of my film career, or the waste of Waters’ appreciation. Thank you, Hollywood, this time I’ve finally gone beyond the valley of the dolls.”He received the honor surrounded by many who starred in the outrageous films he’s been churning out for decades. The guest speakers included stars Ricki Lake and Mink Stole along with photographer Greg Gorman.Steve Nissen, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, from left, Ricki Lake, John Waters, Greg Gorman, Mink Stole, and Matt Fritch, chairman of the board ...

Police seek assailant in Hemet fatal stabbing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

The Hemet Police Department is looking for a killer after a person was fatally stabbed early Monday morning.The attack was reported just after 12:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of South Gilbert Street, police said in a news release.Responding officers found the victim, whose identity has not been released, suffering from "several stab wounds," and despite lifesaving efforts on scene and at a local hospital, they succumbed to their injuries.No suspect description was available, and the investigation is ongoing.Anyone with information can contact Detective Daniel Cortez at 951-765-2433.Editor's note: the generic image attached to this article included information from an unrelated case

Santa Claus now accepting requests

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

The U.S. Postal Service says Santa Claus is now open for business.USPS has launched its beloved Operation Santa program for the 111th year. Children (of all ages) are encouraged to write a letter to Santa with their gift requests and drop it in the mail.An example of a letter to Santa from USPS's Operation Santa program. (USPS)The letters “travel to Santa’s U.S. satellite workshop,” are opened and reviewed, and then posted to the Operation Santa website, the Postal Service says.Personal information will be redacted.“USPS Operation Santa provides an online channel where people can safely and securely help children and families have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not - one letter to Santa at a time,” USPS said in an announcement Monday.To be included, letters should have first and last names and a complete return address. They also require a First-Class Mail postage stamp.Send to:SANTA CLAUS123 ELF ROADNORTH POLE 88888USPS says letters to Santa must be legible and in...

Garden Of Eden Festival Confirms a Mega Concert At Adelanto Center with Free Entry for All Burning Man Guests

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

Music enthusiasts, prepare for an unforgettable journey into a sonic paradise. The Garden Of Eden Festival is set to take place on September 30th, 2023 at the Adelanto Plaza & Event Center, bringing a slice of auditory heaven to the heart of California’s desert.Unfurling across the sprawling venue at 12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto, CA 92301, this multi-genre EDM festival promises a thrilling lineup of industry giants and emerging talents.LINEUP: The beats of ETC! ETC!, Teddy Killerz, Murdock, Blaqout, High Zombie, Mista J, Adil C, Sage Sam, Sawyer Sharbino, Alexander James Rodriguez, Neek, among many other talents, will pulsate across four distinct stages, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere that resonates with every music lover’s soul.Dive deep into the Garden Of Eden theme, where sinuous snakes intertwine with luscious apples, beckoning festival-goers into a mythical realm. The venue will transform into an ethereal garden, where captivating visuals and immersive exper...

Single Review: Truth Francisco fans rediscover love for ‘So Alone’ ahead of Suicide Prevention Month

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

The 2020 track, which deals openly and honestly with suicidal thoughts, has resurfaced massively during Suicide Prevention Month.Houston hip-hop artist Truth Francisco has been re-upping one of his most poignant singles, ‘So Alone,’ in honor of Suicide Prevention Month. The song, dedicated to those with mental illness, tells Truth’s personal story of battling depression in the hope that he can inspire others and help them not feel alone.Truth has won acclaim for his music, which delves honestly into the personal tragedies he’s experienced. The rapper has experienced familial loss – including the devastating murder of his cousin – and recently witnessed the destruction of his childhood home in a house fire.Rather than let these tragedies consume him, Truth has turned them into poignant, poetic rap songs, which are beautifully constructed and pack an emotional punch.In ‘So Alone,’ Truth Francisco recounts an incident that occurred while he was in college. He witnessed a ca...

Property Investment Tips From the #1 Real Estate Agent in Staten Island, Robert DeFalco

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

Are you curious about the possibility of making a real estate investment with a modest down payment? Or perhaps you’re weighing the advantages of commercial versus residential property investments?We sat down with Robert DeFalco, Owner of Robert DeFalco Realty and the number one real estate sales agent in Staten Island, to dive into the basics of real estate investment for those seeking to make their first purchase.The Current Landscape The real estate industry is an ever-growing market. While the industry took a hit during the pandemic, it has found its footing again. It’s now standing tall at a remarkable $370 billion, with a promising future ahead, set to flourish at an impressive annual growth rate of 3.72% until 2025.With such incredible growth, now is the perfect time to invest in properties. However, investors should have some basic knowledge of the real estate industry before putting their capital at risk.Choosing the right type of property investment is crucial and d...

Conquer the Game: Find The Top Rated USA Sportsbooks Today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:57:08 GMT

Your quest to conquer the world of sports betting with these top-rated USA sportsbooks is a thrilling adventure filled with potential riches and excitement. Each sportsbook represents a unique path, much like various trails leading to different peaks, offering diverse experiences, and breathtaking views along the way.As you embark on this journey, it’s essential to understand that each of these USA sportsbooks brings its own distinct advantages and character to the tableIn short, here they are (more details on each in the review):BetUSBetOnlineMyBookieXbetBetAnySportsEmbarking on the JourneyThe journey begins by stepping into the realm of sports betting, a thrilling adventure where you play the role of both explorer and strategist. Just as a mountaineer carefully selects their gear, you must choose your sportsbook wisely. These USA sportsbooks are the Sherpas of your betting expedition, guiding you through the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of sports wagering.BetUS: T...