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A controversial life-size statue of a former president placed in a Newport Beach park suffered damage after a botched attempt by a thief to remove it from the site, according to Newport Beach Patch . The statue of Ronald Reagan, approved in January , was unveiled last month. more › Continue reading here: Controversial Ronald Reagan Statue Damaged in Attempted Theft
Starting Monday, residents and visitors can use Beverly Hills’ newest parking garage at 450 N. Crescent Drive, which offers approximately 470 spaces and three electric vehicle charging stations. “Thanks to efficient planning, the city has saved $7 million—a 15 percent reduction in total cost—for this garage,” Mayor Barry Brucker said at Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the three-level structure. All council members were present for the event. The day rates for the city-owned lot are $1 per hour for the first two hours and $3 per hour thereafter, with a max rate of $22. There is a $5 flat rate for parking after 6 p.m. and a monthly rate of $125 when available. “A proud first for the city are the electric car charging stations located on every level of the garage,” Brucker said. There is currently no additional cost to use the charging stations. The garage also features an underground, energy-efficient water irrigation system as well as some green space with park benches. To find the locations of other city-owned lots in Beverly Hills, click here . Be sure to follow Beverly Hills Patch on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook . Follow this link: City Opens North Crescent Drive Parking Structure
A new report finds that the frustrating California economy is forcing Californians to radically change how their cities and counties are governed from now on. A political and economic earthquake is shocking the Golden State into a very different kind of future. Golden Governance The new “Golden Governance” report highlights seven California communities that are not just sitting on their hands complaining about the state economy, they are completely restructuring governance and their approach to citizen engagement. The report finds that the state’s current economic situation is actually driving innovation, with local leaders fundamentally changing their approach to governance to meet the demands of America’s most-informed citizens. Many Californians say it’s about time. The state of California is now leading the nation with innovative approaches that have government and citizens co-creating workable solutions for the the financial and service needs of communities. A couple of the seven communities showcased in the “Golden Governance” report include: Salinas, CA , where a participatory budgeting process had taxpayers directly prioritizing public services to meet city budget limitations. Redwood City, CA , where an unpopular $72 million waste water recycling plan caused taxpayers to propose alternatives that respected the city’s budget. The “Golden Governance” report is something by which every Californian can become inspired toward active engagement and participation. The extensively researched report was sponsored by some outstanding nonprofit, nonpartisan and multipartisan organizations that care about the economic future of California: California Forward (Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles) Center for Individual and Institutional Renewal (San Francisco) Davenport Institute for Public Engagement at Pepperdine University (Malibu) National Conference on Citizenship (Washington) The “Golden Governance” report was released from Stanford University’s Bill Lane Center for the American West , which studies how technology and hands-on engagement can work together to improve how California communities are governed. Leaders representing the report’s sponsoring organizations are excited about where the California economy is headed in 2012 and beyond, as citizens become aggressively involved in community issues. Pete Peterson , Executive Director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement, praised the progress enjoyed by some California communities, which he hopes to see happen statewide. “Redwood City is just one example of how citizens and government officials can come together to identify innovate policy solutions.
In tonight’s Extra Extra, Vin Scully comes in third place, high-speed rail needs at least four Groupon IPOs and a couple married today is in it for the long run. Plus: Keep up with us on Facebook , and follow us on Twitter: @LAist @LAistFood @LAistSports . more › Here is the original post: Extra, Extra: What High-Speed Rail Needs, Vin Scully Gets Third Place, Biebs Agrees to Take Paternity Test
SONORA, Calif. — A 65-foot white fir tree selected as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree was cut down and removed from a picturesque setting in the Sierra Nevada mountains on Saturday, then loaded on a truck for a 4,500-mile journey from Northern California to Washington, D.C. When crews arrived at the tree Saturday morning they found it covered in snow, said Jeff Crider, a spokesman for U.S Capitol Christmas Tree Tour, a nonprofit project overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. “It was 18 degrees, with four inches of snow,” Crider said. “It’s freezing up here and getting ready to snow again.” The Stanislaus National Forest tree was selected based on its shape and fullness and color, officials said. Work crews will box it up on Sunday, with a portion encased in Plexiglas so that people can view it during its upcoming nationwide tour. A bladder bag attached to its base will be filled with water on a daily basis to keep the tree fresh, Crider said. The tree is scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 28, with a lighting ceremony at the front of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 6. It will be decorated by 5,000 ornaments handmade by California residents, and House Speaker John Boehner and a child from California will light it. Read the rest here: Christmas Tree For US Capitol On Way From California
Amid the Crystal Cathedral chaos, Christians are speaking out against selling the church founded by Robert Schuller .
The Crystal Cathedral , founded by Christian author Robert Schuller , is in the midst of its greatest crisis, but could it be an opportunity in disguise for the embattled Garden Grove, California megachurch? While prospective new owners circle the Crystal Cathedral like sharks with their offers, could it be possible for the famous Orange County Christian ministry to redeem itself? Many Christians bear witness that the power of God is miraculously powerful, but will the Lord step in at a time when Robert Schuller’s church desperately needs its own “Hour of Power”? Bidders vs. God Several Christian leaders have commented that it looks like wealthy negotiators have been lining-up to play “Let’s Make A Deal” for the House of God. The eye-popping architecture of the gleaming Crystal Cathedral sits on 40 acres of extremely desirable Southern California real estate, in a perfect climate and in a prosperous county. The bargain basement asking price from a seller perceived as being desperate makes the property irresistible to opportunists of every persuasion. Several parties have expressed an interest in acquiring a piece of glory, with four of them recently announcing their interests publicly. Chapman University formally offered $51 million for the iconic megachurch, and the educational institution may end up as the new owner. The Protestant Christian ministry has been looking desperately for a way to cover $52 million in debts since filing bankruptcy.
A prolific “upskirt” photographer in San Diego County was arrested after police said they found thousands of pictures on his phone of women who didn’t know them were being photographed. A local store caught the alleged creep taking pictures on a surveillance video and tipped off the police. more › Link: Prolific ‘Upskirt’ Photographer Caught in San Diego County
