Metro Source News           09/10/2007    15:21:39


Los Angeles Summary (4th)

>>The Latest

(Undated) -- Here are the stories making news at this hour: Phil Spector's fate is now in the hands of the jury. The Eli and Edyth Broad Foundation donated 20-million-dollars to UCLA's Stem Cell Institute building today. The LA City Council will soon consider a proposal designed to keep new fast-food restaurants from opening in South L.A. Jane Wyman, an Oscar-winning actress, has died in Palm Springs at the age of 93. And, actor Lane Garrison was returned to County LA County Jail to await his sentencing on vehicular manslaughter charges.

>>Jury Now Deliberating Phil Spector's Fate

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The fate of music icon Phil Spector is now in the hands of the jury after a five-month trial in connection with the death of actress Lana Clarkson at Spector's Alhambra mansion. Judge Larry Fidler gave the jury specific instructions on what to do with the hundreds of hours of testimony and evidence, and what "reasonable doubt" means. Fidler said proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves the juror with an abiding conviction that the charge is true. He said the evidence need not eliminate any possible doubt, because everything in life is open to some possible, or imaginary, doubt. If the jury finds Spector guilty of second-degree murder, he could face 15-years-to-life in prison.

>>Governor Comments On Broad Donation To UCLA

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The Eli and Edyth Broad (Brode) Foundation donated 20-million dollars to UCLA's Stem Cell Institute building the state's foundation as the leader in embryonic and adult stem cell research. During Broad's announcement of the gift, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said people such as the Broads are making California a Mecca for stem cell research. Schwarzenegger said California has always been the state that makes big decisions to improve the quality of people's lives and the Broad's have been a wonderful example of the entrepreneurial spirit that we need in this state. He added, over 500-million-dollars has been earmarked for stem cell research in California.

>>LA Officials To Consider Limiting Fast Food Eateries

(Los Angeles, CA) -- It could be called health zoning. The Los Angeles City Council will soon consider a proposal designed to keep new fast-food restaurants from opening in South L.A. over the next two years. According to the "Los Angeles Times," a recent L.A. County public health study shows 30 percent of adults and 29 percent of children in South L.A. are obese, compared to about 21 percent of adults and 23 percent of children in the county overall. A "Times" analysis showed that area of the sprawling city has the highest concentration of fast-food eateries and fewer grocery stores. South L.A. also has the highest rate of diabetes in Los Angeles County, one of several health conditions related to obesity.

>>Firefighters Battling Small Blaze In Simi Valley

(Simi Valley, CA) -- A brush fire estimated at around 30 acres is being fought by Ventura County Firefighters. The small blaze is on the south side of the 118 Freeway and has traffic slowing as it approaches the fire. The freeway hasn't been closed at this point. While light winds are hampering firefighters efforts, it looks as if they'll have it out fairly soon. The freeway is providing a natural fire break. No structures are threatened.

>>"Falcon Crest" Star Dies

(Palm Springs, CA) -- Jane Wyman, an Oscar-winning actress, has died at 93. She died in her home in Palm Springs, California. The "Falcon Crest" star was nominated for four Oscars. She won for her role in the 1948 film, "Johnny Belinda." Wyman was married five times, including the late President Reagan. Her last major appearance was in a 1993 episode of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Wyman also is known for her role in the 1937 film "Gold Diggers" and as a co-star to Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason in "How To Commit Marriage." She died from complications relating to arthritis and diabetes.

>>California Law Enforcement Officials Expand Use of DNA Data Base To Solve Crimes

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley and California Attorney General Jerry Brown were among the officials at Cal State LA today for an educational forum aimed at expanding the state's Felon DNA Data bank. Cooley said the data bank now has almost one million samples and the goal is to use it to identify criminals and solve crimes faster. He said this year the focus is on the use of DNA in solving property crimes, "partial familial matching techniques," and using DNA technology to solve cold cases and "capture criminals at the earliest possible stage." Starting in January 2009 anyone arrested for a felony will have to give a DNA sample.

>>Actor Lane Garrison Returned To County Jail, Awaiting Sentencing

(Undated) -- Former "Prison Break" star Lane Garrison is a step closer to finding out if he will get serious prison time stemming from his involvement in a fatal accident last year. TMZ.com reports that the actor has been moved from California Institute for Men, back to the Los Angeles County Jail. Garrison was sent to the state prison last month to undergo a psychological exam to see if he is eligible for probation. His official sentencing hearing is set for October 31st. The actor already pleaded guilty to the vehicular manslaughter charges against him and could face more than six years in prison. The charges against Garrison stem from a December incident where the 27-year-old crashed his SUV, killing a male 17-year-old passenger. Garrison played Tweener on Fox's "Prison Break."

>>Disney Plans Random Toy Tests

(Burbank, CA) -- The Walt Disney Company is apparently concerned about the recent toy recalls due to lead and has decided to start testing toys featuring its own characters. KNBC-TV reports that testing is expected to begin within in the next two weeks. Disney officials signed off on the plan last Thursday, just days after Mattel announced that it was recalling some 800-thousand chinese-made toys. That was its third major recall of the summer.

>>Firing Of Forestry Service Official Raises Questions

(San Bernardino, CA) -- A former U.S. Forestry Service spokeswoman says she was fired for refusing to down play the severity of the wildfire danger in the San Bernardino National Forest. Ruth Wenstrom tells the "San Bernardino Sun" that when budget cuts forced the reduction of the number of available fire engines, she was instructed to say everything was fine. She refused, pointing to the millions of dead trees and drought-ridden vegetation. Her superiors say the truck reduction isn't anything to worry about because additional resources can always be called upon when needed. Wentstrom's supporters say the additional trucks are needed before a major fire breaks out, not after.

>>Man Charged With Stealing Tree From Thousand Oaks Neighbor

(Thousand Oaks, CA) -- The man believed to be responsible for the theft of his neighbor's pepper tree turned himself in to police last Friday. Jeffrey Ross was booked on suspicion of grand theft and felony vandalism. He'll appear in court this Friday. Kelley Fornatoro returned from a vacation August 10th to discover the tree missing. Her neighbors told her Julian's Tree Care came by and removed it. The company hasn't been paid the 35-hundred dollars for the job and police are calling the Oxnard company the "second victim" in this case. Authorities say there was some sort of dispute between Fornatora and Ross over the tree, but weren't specific as to what it was. A tree expert estimates the cost of replacing the tree in excess of 76-thousand dollars.

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