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9 indicted in $200M counterfeit goods smuggling scheme from China through LA-area ports

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Nine people, including logistics executives, warehouse owners and truck drivers, were indicted for allegedly orchestrating a smuggling operation believed to have escorted $200 million worth of counterfeit and other illegal products from China into the U.S. through the Los Angeles- Long Beach port complex, federal prosecutors announced today.   Eight of the defendants

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Hughes Fire: 10,278 acres, 24% contained, some evacuations lifted/reduced

With conditions improving on the fire lines and containment growing, evacuation orders and warnings were dramatically scaled back today around the Hughes Fire near Castaic Lake. While evacuation orders remained in place for areas around the immediate perimeter of the fire, other nearby neighborhoods were reduced from evacuation orders to warnings, while warnings were lifted

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Preliminary Damage Costs for LA Fires at $385M, Expected to Rise

Damages and emergency response costs related to the early days of the multiple wildfires that burned in Los Angeles are anticipated to reach $385M with that figure expected to grow, according to a preliminary report issued today.   During a discussion with City Council members, City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo said numerous facilities and public infrastructure

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LA County offers eviction, short-term rental protections to fire victims

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution today offering eviction protection for renters who open their homes to people or pets displaced by this month’s wildfires, and promoting increased short-term rental availability.    Tuesday’s resolution protects tenants in unincorporated areas of the county against eviction when hosting unauthorized occupants or pets displaced

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Man arrested for suspected arson in Griffith Park amid Red Flag Fire Warning

A man suspected of intentionally setting a brush fire in Griffith Park was arrested today after flames briefly threatened nearby homes. Authorities responded to the 2700 block of Glendower Avenue to reports of a small brush fire burning near several residences around 1 p.m. Monday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Firefighters quickly extinguished

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2 arrested for impersonating firefighters, using illegitimate fire truck in Palisades Fire area

By KABC Staff Click here for updates on this story     California (KABC) — Two people from Oregon were arrested for reportedly impersonating firefighters and using an illegitimate fire truck in the Palisades Fire evacuation zone, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced Sunday. According to LASD, Los Angeles Police officers patrolling the area on Saturday

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Karen Bass appoints Steve Soboroff to lead LA rebuilding effort

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today appointed longtime civic official, businessman and developer Steve Soboroff to lead rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the devastating wildfire that wiped out the majority of Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas.    “Steve Soboroff’s name is attached to hope,” Bass said in naming him the city’s chief recovery officer.

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Evacuation order lifted after fire breaks out at battery storage facility in Central California

By Hanna Park and Rebekah Riess, CNN (CNN) — An evacuation order has been lifted after a lithium-ion battery fire broke out at a power plant facility in Central California Thursday night, officials said Friday. “In an abundance of caution, Monterey County Health Officials are advising residents to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed,

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District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation Sets up Anti-Price Gouging Hotline

An anti-price-gouging hotline set up by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation is active today.    The number was established to report suspected instances of price gouging following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency on Jan. 7 due to wildfires in Los Angeles, according to a statement from the DA’s

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Newsom Signs Order Barring Predatory Real Estate Offers in Burn Areas

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order today aimed at cracking down on land speculators who make “aggressive and unsolicited cash offers” to purchase properties affected by the Southland wildfires.   “I have heard first-hand from community members and victims who have received unsolicited and predatory offers from speculators offering cash far below market value —

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