the current

Tag: coronavirus

  • A Deadly Trifecta: Covid Cases, Violent Crime and Public Corruption Rise Sharply in LA County – How Supervisor Sheila Kuehl “Reimagines L.A.”

    A Deadly Trifecta: Covid Cases, Violent Crime and Public Corruption Rise Sharply in LA County – How Supervisor Sheila Kuehl “Reimagines L.A.”

    You gotta hand it to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. The man has some Mad-Max forward-thinking skills.

    Back on July 21st, based on the decisions made by our county leaders, Sheriff V predicted if massive defunding continued, the streets of Los Angeles would like a scene out of Mad Max.

    Well hot damn if that prediction doesn’t look like it’s coming to fruition a lot faster than any of us – even the top cop in charge in L.A. County – could have possibly imagined it would.

    Last week, state and local officials delivered yet another round of sobering statistics due to the COVID19 crisis. And for those of you who are not sober, by all means feel free to take a shot or two before you take in these statistics – because these numbers are ugly – and defunding hasn’t even happened yet!

    Sheriff Villanueva announced in his weekly live updates on December 2nd, that Homicide is up 31.58% YTD. That is not a typo. Homicide is climbing up in double digits and Aggravated Assault is not far behind, almost entering double digit territory at 9.95%.

    I’m on pins and needles waiting to see how high the numbers go this week!

    Last Wednesday, Sheriff Villanueva delivered some trouble crime statistics on his weekly, live social media updates.

    Not to take away Sheriff V’s thunder and all after producing some impressively frightening numbers, but I was able to find even more staggering statistics coming out of Pasadena. Are you ready for this one? (I suggest double shots at this point).

    Pasadena Police Chief John Perez said, in the past year, his city has seen an 80% spike in violent crime when it comes to gun violence.

    For those of you doing the math, we have just 20% to go until gun violence is up 100% – and that’s just in Pasadena – defunding in L.A. County hasn’t even kicked in yet! 

    Pasadena Daily News, December 3rd, 2020.

     

    It was no surprise to already overburdened, understaffed and soon to be drastically underfunded law enforcement, to see a significant increase in crime due to pandemic fatigue and the devastation to the economy from the virus. But, I certainly don’t think anyone “Reimagined” L.A. would be this bad, this fast. 

    Could it be the “visionaries” behind the defund-first-ask-questions later movement, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Civilian Oversight Commission Chair Patti Giggans and their political enforcer OIG Max Huntsman are too busy “reimagining” what their lives are going to look like after the DA finishes their investigation into the LA Metro Pay-To-Play scam and indictments are handed down?

    Don’t worry, The Current Report will be court side when that goes down.

    GIDDY UP

    After throwing all those horrible statistics your way, believe it or not, there is a glimmer of hope in Southern California law enforcement. A few cowboys stepped up as soon as the Stay-At-Home orders were served up by French Laundry fan Gov. Newsome – and they kicked it back to the cook.

    Leading the charge among Southern California Sheriffs is Riverside County’s Chad Bianco who hit rock star status over the weekend making national headlines with his COVID-KICK-THE-POLITICIANS-ASS campaign.

    Sheriff Bianco certainly knows how to deal with how wild, the Wild West is getting. Immediately out of the gate, Bianco opened a serious can of whoop ass on local and state officials – specifically Governor Newsome. Bianco was not at all gentle about the spurs he was shoving back up the Governor’s “hypocritical” ass … and who doesn’t love a cowboy who knows how to use his political spurs?

    Bianco cracked the whip in a publicly released video statement on December 4th, that his office will not be “blackmailed, bullied, or used as muscle” against Riverside County residents to enforce Gov. Gavin Newsom’s coronavirus orders. He admonished the Democratic governor’s “dictatorial attitude” toward Californians, “while he dined in luxury, traveled, kept his own business open, and sent his kids to in-person private school”.  Bianco also called the state’s metrics to justify stay-at-home orders “flat-out ridiculous” and “unbelievably faulty.”

    Now that’s a REAL  cowboy!

    Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

    “Leaders do not threaten, attempt to intimidate, or cause fear; bullies do,”

    – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco

    THE WRITING ON THE  (BATHROOM) WALL

    Remember all the smoke and mirrors at the beginning of the pandemic when Supervisor Kuehl was calling Sheriff V a “whiner” because the Board was removing him as the head of Emergency Operations?

    Well, at the time, Sheriff V expressed his concern over the B.O.S. leaving him out of important meetings and strategy sessions early in the crisis. Up until March 23rd, neither Villanueva, nor any law enforcement official had been included in any of the LA county press conferences. “This is about taking care of people, not elected officials or politicians,” Villanueva said. Which, in layman’s terms means, long before the lockdown, and the vote to remove him, the BOS was keeping the man in charge of public safety out of the loop to keep the public safe. Get it?

    Fast forward 10-months-two-lockdowns-shattered-lives-and-skyrocketing-crime later, now you can sure as sh*t see what his frustration was back in March.

    It wasn’t the sound of “whining” (as Kuehl puts it), it was the sound of the head of the largest Sheriff’s Department in the country, an elected official, getting some good-old-fashioned-pissed-off. That’s what that was.

    After all, he was witnessing the desecration of an over 70 year old ordinance and dismantling of critical emergency infrastructure – that he was elected to run – especially during a state of emergency (a.k.a. global pandemic).

    Plain and simple, the removal of the Sheriff as head of the EOC was intended to be the first of many steps intended to distance the Board from critical law enforcement oversight. Their goal? To take unilateral control of the county with Kuehl as the puppet master pushing propaganda through her paid media sources focusing on demonizing Sheriff Villanueva.

    Why?

    Because Kuehl is still bitter her political ally, former Sheriff Jim McDonnell, got his ass handed to him by Villanueva in the 2018 Sheriff’s election. McDonnell has the dubious honor of being the first incumbent to lose in the 150-year history of the department. OUCH.

    But trust me, he earned it.

    In this interview for SCPR just days before the vote to remove Sheriff Villanueva from the head of the EOC, Kuehl, states the efforts to remove Villanueva started in January 2019, (coincidentally – and conveniently – when the newly-elected sheriff took office) – however, the county had already been “overseeing” Emergency Operations for approximately a decade.

    “It is a shift of power on paper. ” said Kuehl “But frankly, for the last 10 years there has been an Office of Emergency Management and they have been tasked with overseeing emergencies. Earthquakes etc.”

    If you are following closely, Kuehl and her double talk in that interview outed the County as being responsible for the failures during the Woolsey Fire, not the Sheriff – even though her boy Jim McDonnell was still in charge of the Sheriff’s Department.

    In reality, former Sheriff McDonnell checked out during the Woolsey Fire because the proverbial writing was on the bathroom wall and Villanueva was already picking out the paint color for his new office on the 8th floor at the Hall of Justice.

     

    But, Kuehl was hoping we would miss that critical piece of information while she was informing the radio show host he was “being played” by Sheriff V.

    I mean, how dare a journalist question Supervisor Kuehl about why they would remove the Sheriff from a position the department has held for over 70 years!

    Clearly, the unassuming host didn’t get the memo that you can only interview Kuehl if you are going to exclusively push her narrative, and her narrative only. Kind of like how Spectrum News did for Kuehl pushing her “non-story” after Fox 11 outed her “risky behavior” dining out at her favorite restaurant after voting to close restaurants because they were “the most dangerous place to catch COVID”.

    SHOW ME THE MONEY

    Now, with the removal of the Sheriff as the head of the EOC, Kuehl was perfectly poised to put a new puppet in charge and who better than someone with extensive experience in finance to run Emergency Operations.

    Well, when you know how much Kuehl loves money, her choice, County CEO Sachi Hamai, was hardly a surprise. I mean, it makes perfect sense appointing an accountant to run public safety during a global pandemic, right? Of course it does…NOT.

    “Don’t forget that Kuehl was an actress before becoming a politician,” said a source close to the criminal allegations against Kuehl. “It’s all smoke and mirrors with Kuehl, and she supports bad people doing bad things. Look what has happened with Covid-19. Kuehl turned Emergency management over to Sachi Hamai, and now we are shutting down business for the second time.”

    So, what was Hamai’s first move as head of Emergency Operations of the County during a state of emergency and a global pandemic? As usual, it was all about the money, honey. Hamai decided the first, most emergent move while people are losing their livelihoods, scared to death of contracting the virus and ending up sick- or worse – was to make sure sheriff deputies use their vacation pay while in quarantine due to exposure from the virus while on duty. 

    Talk about priorities!

    While watching this train wreck running Emergency Operations, I got a tip on some hair-raising emails regarding the EOC saga that I needed to get my hands on. So, I made some inquiries.

    Remember all that noise about removing the Sheriff because of lack of transparency? Well check this out this cornucopia of attempted cover-up by the county.

    The art of manipulation by the LA County PIO office responding to PRA requests – especially when they know you are asking for sensitive information that could expose their lies and corruption.

     

    Meanwhile, the county was funneling millions of CARE ACT funds into their COVID “PR” strategy. The powers that be felt no shame using government money that should have been used to support businesses financially devastated by the coronavirus, for their own personal propaganda campaign. The money went straight into the pockets of personal friends and campaign donors who own PR companies.

    Fox 11’s Bill Melugin broke the story of the P.R. contracts now totaling over $1.9million. Shortly after Fox 11’s story, The Current Report  followed up with more dirt on the insider trading committed by one of the agencies – and one who just so happens to be friends with – and contributed to – Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s campaign.

    While I’m willing to give Barger a pass because she voted against the defunding of law enforcement and the inquiry to remove the Sheriff from his position, she really does need to learn how to pick her friends better.

    SHOW ME MORE MONEY

    According to Kuehl, Hamai made “great sacrifices” to put off her retirement to stay on for four months during the pandemic and cockblock, I mean “oversee”,   Sheriff Villanueva doing his job to ensure public safety during not one, but TWO states of emergency.

    Kuehl thought Hamai did such an outstanding job (doing nothing but being a puppet), she decided to give her a bonus of almost two times her salary and label it “harassment by the Sheriff”.

    Ten days after Hamai whined to Kuehl (there goes that word again) that Sheriff V wasn’t being nice to her in a public forum, even though she is a public official and is supposed to address other public officials, and their concerns, in public, Kuehl thought the best way to deal Hamai’s hurt feelings (a.k.a “harassment”), was to write her a $1.5 million check, at taxpayers expense, to make her feel better.

    No formal mediation or litigation. The County just a wrote a check lickety-split and filed it under “It’s the Sheriff’s Fault”.

    What was Kuehl’s solution when she expressed how sorry she was “Alex’s feelings were hurt” in this interview? Stripping the Sheriff of being head of EOC.

    Talk about getting a raw deal! But then again, we all know how much she likes women more than men.

    FROM PANDEMIC PLANNER TO PARTY PLANNER

    One thing we know for sure is politicians sure know how to party. Gavin Newsome seems to be the premier party boy with his high-profile political date night at French Laundry and we even heard rumblings of a co-hosted Christmas party in the works with Pelosi – and this after he handed out orders to close all restaurants!

    Not far behind is Supervisor Kuehl, who “risked it all” to have dinner at her favorite restaurant, Il Fornaio, just hours after declaring restaurants “the most dangerous place to catch Covid”. After refusing to address a number of news channels as to why she was immune to catching Covid at a restaurant, yet everyone else wasn’t and they desperately need to be closed down, Kuehl referred to local news sources as “cartoon networks” (except for Spectrum News who played by her rules and pushed her “non-story”). That was a rich statement coming from a former actress who is no stranger to TV. Could she be hinting a new animated series is on the horizon?

    Not to be outdone by his peers, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti is refocusing his efforts away from solving the economic devastation faced by the citizens of Los Angeles and has accepted the post of Chief Party Planner of the Biden inauguration. Yep, “Yoga Pants” Garcetti is following his dream in the hospitality industry and headed to Washington DC to plan the biggest party in the nation. So big, it’s only thrown once every four years.

    Meanwhile, rumors are circulating around Los Angeles that Garcetti has reached out to L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl to see if she will donate her Il Forno frequent diner points to the Biden Inauguration Party fund to reduce the cost of catering.

    Believe it or not, there is a light at the end of this political pandemic tunnel as criminal indictments are looming over Kuehl, Giggans, Solis and L.A. Metro’s Phil Washington.

    Kuel’s co-horts, Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger have begun to pull away from their alliances with Kuehl and refused to support Kuehl’s motion to remove the Sheriff. Two out of five ain’t a bad start, we’ll take it.

    Last week, Supervisor Hahn also pointed out that the actions of L.A. County Supervisors are beginning to erode the trust of the citizens Los Angeles.

    “We have to remember that we who are in public office are held to a very high standard as we should be and one of the things I’m realizing with some of these new restrictions is if we can’t garner the trust of the public to be with us in this fight against the virus, then we’ve lost a big battle and I’m feeling that now nine months into this is we’re beginning to lose the trust of the public,” Hahn said.

    I would say that’s putting it lightly Janice, but thanks for the sentiments.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: Shortly after it went live, County counsel sent us an official “non-response” to the PRA published in this article. I never received the document attached to the December 12th email sent me as a response to my article, nor could county counsel provide me with the email showing it was actually sent the day it was drafted.

  • LA Metro Distributes Counterfeit N95 Masks to Employees: 97 Infected, 2 COVID Related Deaths – Potential Criminal Liability Looms Over Executives

    LA Metro Distributes Counterfeit N95 Masks to Employees: 97 Infected, 2 COVID Related Deaths – Potential Criminal Liability Looms Over Executives

    A potential criminal investigation could be looming over LA Metro CEO Phil Washington, Chief Operations Officer Jim Gallagher, Systems Security and Law Enforcement former Interim Chief and current Executive Officer Aston Greene, as well as other high level executives at the agency, if it is discovered that employees, including drivers of LA Metro buses, were never informed the N95 masks they were issued as PPE back in April of 2020, were counterfeit and offered no protection from the COVID19 virus.

    To date, there have been 378 cases and 3 deaths related to COVID19 at LA Metro since the beginning of the pandemic. A total of 97 drivers tested positive with two drivers dying due to complications from COVID19.

    CAUSE FOR COVID PANIC

    The first red flag raised regarding L.A. Metro’s disregard for public safety  was reported early in the pandemic after a driver at the Carson station tested positive for the Coronavirus. The positive diagnosis sent city officials immediately into a tail spin.

    On Thursday April 2nd, Carson City Council “urged” L.A. Metro to suspend all bus service in the County fearing a potential super spreader could occur among the 100,000 residents and beyond. Mayor Albert Robles outraged at the lack of action and accountability from L.A. Metro executives released this statement:

    “Churches are essential, but they’ve been closed down. Many other businesses that provide essential services have been closed down. Have done the responsible thing. But for L.A. Metro to not be responsible, not care about their own employees, not care about the passengers, not care about the community at-large and immediately suspend their operations is just irresponsible.”

    COUNTERFEIT COVID PROTECTION

    In May, an employee of L.A. Metro discovered the N95 masks, specifically model DTC3X that were issued to employees in the beginning of April, at approximately the same time the first driver tested positive for the Coronavirus.

    A driver wearing one of the counterfeit masks distributed by LA Metro.

    On May 8th, 2020, a L.A. Metro Signal Inspector concerned for the safety of employees and the general public using Metro services, contacted Collins Kalu, L.A. Metro’s Sr. Director Safety Certifications and Operations Manager, inquiring about the follow-up – or lack thereof – regarding the notification to agency officials counterfeit masks were distributed more than a month previously and employees were still wearing the masks unaware they provided little, if any protection.

    Email from LA Metro employee to the Director of Safety Certifications.

     

    The response from the Director of Safety Certifications acknowledging the claim re: counterfeit masks.

     

    Kalu responded to the Signal Inspector that the counterfeit masks, (although the model number was transposed in his email incorrectly) was “under further investigation”, however, after 97 confirmed infections and two COVID related deaths of bus operators, it appears no notification has been made to employees about the counterfeit masks that were in distribution.

    Union representatives were contacted, seemingly unaware and/or not willing to comment on counterfeit masks distributed at LA Metro to employees.

    Further investigation also showed no mention or warnings regarding the counterfeit PPE were sent by the union.

    Even more alarming is the email I received from L.A. Metro’s PR Department, Joni Honor categorically denying the existence of the counterfeit masks and in anticipation of the release of this article, a follow up notice implying the masks were never in existence went out to Metro employees this morning.

    The email sent to me by LA Metro PR Executive Joni Honor.

    The email below sent to L.A. Metro employees (after my media inquiry) denying the masks were distributed.

    PUBLIC SAFETY IN PERIL

    Ironically, at the time the counterfeit masks were being distributed and used by L.A. Metro employees, CEO Phil Washington was put in charge of the COVID response task for all public transportation by APTA for all of Public Transportation in the country by APTA Chairman Nuria I. Fernandez General Manager and CEO Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in San Jose, CA and APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. Upon his appointment Washington said “In developing this industry-wide commitments program, we are working to build back public confidence in riding transit by increasing sanitation practices, requiring masks for all customers and operators and working around the clock to keep our frontline essential employees healthy.”

    Even though the list of accusations of public corruption and negligence against Washington is long, Supervisor Sheila Kuehl has gone on record to say he is “the best manager she has ever seen.”

    However, when Kuehl and the other members of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, who oversees L.A. Metro, were contacted about the counterfeit masks, they received and read, but did not reply to inquiries.

    The “read” receipt from Supervisor Sheila Kuehl concerning the counterfeit N95 masks.

    SQUEAKY WHEEL

    A complaint was filed in the last few days to the Office of Inspector General at LA Metro who is now investigating L.A. Metro’s role in the cover-up of distributing counterfeit PPE and potentially contributing the death of at least two drivers.

    SOUNDING THE EOC ALARM

    LA County has lived through not one, but two States of Emergency since the beginning of the pandemic with the Board of Supervisors making some very alarming decisions regarding public safety.

    Just days into the lockdown, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to give CEO Sachi Hamai control over the Emergency Operations. This calculated power grab by the board was meant to alienate and discredit Sheriff Alex Villanueva who has been target of continuous attacks by the B.O.S. and Civilian Oversight Committee Chairman Patti Giggans, since he took office in January, 2019. The move was rationalized by the Board based on an “audit” after the devastating Woolsey Fire and the apparent “lack of coordination” between agencies, which at the time was under the command of former Sheriff Jim McDonnell. “This radical gutting of the Emergency Code is irresponsible,” Sheriff Villanueva said “The pattern is very clear – when you’re in trouble, you will build more bureaucracy.”

    The audit’s recommendation, which was bought and paid for by the Board of Supervisors (to fit their agenda) was that the emergency center be placed under the leadership of the county CEO who, conveniently reports directly to the Board of Supervisors – and would give little to no oversight from the Sheriff. “This is about who can coordinate the best – it’s not correct for this to go under just law enforcement,” said Supervisor Kuehl which has now allowed a  pattern of corruption in the public safety sector to rise to dangerous levels not seen before.

    As more whistleblowers come forward providing significant evidence of criminal negligence with regard to the health and safety of the county employees and the public at large, the removal of Sheriff Villanueva as the head of Emergency Operations could prove to be a fatal mistake by the ongoing mismanagement of Public Safety by the LA County Board of Supervisors.

    Now the responsibility of L.A. Metro executives to notify employees of faulty PPE and rectify the issue, could be the subject of a criminal manslaughter investigation if proven the counterfeit masks did not protect the drivers who died from COVID related illness.

    This is a developing story.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Life During Covid: How To Find A Good Divorce Lawyer

    Life During Covid: How To Find A Good Divorce Lawyer

    By Joy Dracup Stanley ESQ, and Brittany Dracup ESQ.

    Feature image: @kellysikkema

    Divorce has long been ranked one of the most stressful and traumatic experiences of one’s life, second only to the death of a child or loved one.  One of the most unfortunate aspects of divorce is that your spouse in many cases wields the power to make your life a living hell during the process.  Therefore, it is critical that you find an attorney who can defend and creatively protect you in the event you have a litigious/nasty divorce.  A good divorce attorney serves two primary functions – that of the tough advocate, and that of a strong counselor.  A tough advocate will think outside the box in presenting you with all of your legally available options.  A strong counselor will educate and advise you of the potential consequences of each option from a comprehensive standpoint – a cost-benefit analysis that considers not only the price of your case plan and your goals, but also the impact your choices will have on your family post-divorce.  Whether you are looking to settle or go to trial, a good divorce attorney will be able to guide you down either path.

    • Referral from a Fellow Divorcee

    The best way to find any professional in the service industry is to get a “direct referral.”  This does not necessarily mean a referral from someone who just knows the attorney personally.   A “direct referral” as used herein is a referral from someone who has personal experience with that attorney’s services in their own divorce, or other family law matter.  There are three things a client will remember about their attorney at the end of their divorce case – How much it cost, how long it took, and most of all, how well they fared in the outcome.  In family law, no matter how good the attorney, it can sometimes be difficult to find a happy client when all is said and done.   A client’s heightened emotions combined with the high price they have to pay for one of the most difficult experiences of their life, can result in a pyrrhic victory.  Hence, one of the best ways to find a good divorce lawyer is through a client who was happy with their divorce lawyer at the end of the game.

    • Referral from Another Family Law Professional

    Another good source for a “direct referral” is anyone who has worked in family law, including paralegals, legal assistants, file clerks, or even another family law attorney.  In the unlikely event that you find an attorney who is too busy to work on your case, ask them if they have a referral.  It is a good sign if an attorney is being referred to you by another family law professional, because that likely means they have had a good experience working with them and respect their work.  When dealing with two dueling spouses, the last thing you need is an attorney that will pour gasoline on that fire.  If you know of anyone who works in family law, that person would be another good source for finding your divorce lawyer.

    • Referral from a Therapist, Accountant, Real Estate Appraiser, or Private Investigator

    Family law attorneys frequently work with many professionals outside family law, such as therapists, accountants, real estate appraisers, and private investigators.  Therefore, if you know of someone who works in these professions, they would be another good source to get a “direct referral” for a good family law attorney.  The key for referrals is to find someone who has personal experience with your prospective attorney’s work and/or services.

    • Beware of Attorneys with the Pitbull / Shark Reputation

    There are many who believe a good lawyer is vicious and aggressive.  However, contrary to popular belief, the “Pitbull” or “shark” attorney is not necessarily doing you any favors.  The California Family Code, as well as the Code of Professional Conduct, are designed to encourage settlement between the parties in a divorce, and civility and professionalism between opposing attorneys.  Therefore, before going to court on an issue, the attorneys (on behalf of the parties) are required to “meet and confer,” or negotiate, in an attempt to settle the matter without the court’s intervention.  If an attorney achieves the reputation of being vicious or aggressive, this typically means they are highly litigious, and do not communicate with their client or the opposing party in a way that encourages negotiations. They make more money by being difficult when it will not necessarily get you what you want. This type of behavior, if proven in court by your spouse or their attorney, can cause you and/or your attorney to be sanctioned.  Judges do not appreciate ill-behaved attorneys, and the courts have become less and less tolerant of those who exhibit unprofessional behavior and cause irresponsible litigation.  Thus, be wary of the attorney with the “Pitbull” / “shark” reputation in your search.  Do not misunderstand.  You need a tough attorney, but an infamously difficult and nasty attorney, more often does not achieve your goals. The smarter attorney is not so obvious.

    • Certified Family Law Specialist

    A Certified Family Law Specialist is not necessarily the better choice.  There are many top family law attorneys, and even “famous” family law attorneys, who are not Certified Family Law Specialists.  Officially, the Family Law Specialist Certification became a permanent program under the California State Bar in 1985.  However, family law attorneys did not really start to see very many Certified Family Law Specialists until the late 90s, and even then, the program was not taken seriously.  Hence, many of the best family law attorneys in the game right now are NOT Certified Family Law Specialists because the certification was either not in existence, or new after they had already been in practice for many years.  Thus, a Certified Family Law Specialist is not necessarily the better choice.

    • Check the State Bar Website

    A great place to obtain raw data on your prospective attorney is the California State Bar website (just Google, “California attorney search”).  The California State Bar holds valuable public information you will unlikely find in an attorney’s bio on their firm website.  Along with an attorney’s contact information, law school, and bar admission date, the California State Bar provides information as to whether an attorney has ever been professionally disciplined or had their license suspended.

    • Size Doesn’t Matter – The Big Firm v. The Boutique Firm

    Contrary to popular belief, a bigger law firm is not necessarily going to get you better representation in your divorce.  If you are being represented by a big family law firm, this does not mean you have more attorneys working on your case.  The structure of a big family law firm really only consists of a large cluster of boutique firms – it is typically split up into different teams of no more than three (3) attorneys.  Very few cases in family law need more than two or three lawyers working on them at any given time.  Any good boutique firm will be able to always supply whatever a case needs no matter how big that case becomes.  The large majority of family law firms, even some of the most successful firms, have three or even two attorneys with staff and law clerks.

    • Do Not Be Afraid of a Higher Hourly Rate

    Do not shy away from an attorney because they have a higher hourly rate.  This can be huge mistake.  Good attorneys work with at least one or more associates that have a lower hourly rate.  Choosing an attorney because they have a low hourly rate, can be one of the most expensive decisions you make in choosing your lawyer.  For example, you can hire a lawyer who is $350 an hour, and they can take twice as long to do the work.  They are also not as good as the higher rated attorney. This also results in paying more or even worse, needing to hire a better attorney later to fix the mistakes of the cheaper attorney.  This is a common problem in family law.  An ineffective attorney can really mess up your case in irreparable ways. Therefore, take heed when you choose your attorney based on their hourly rate.  We all know that you often get what you pay for, and in law that is almost always the case.

    • Do Not Be Afraid to Change Attorneys

    If you have already hired a divorce attorney and are unhappy with their services, you should know that it is very easy for a good lawyer to take over an existing case without much expense.  Clients are often afraid to leave a lawyer that they are unhappy with because they think it will be too hard for a new lawyer to come up to speed on the facts and history of the case, or that it will cost too much to do so.  This is absolutely not accurate.  A smart, efficient, and competent attorney will be able to take over even the biggest mess of a prior attorney with ease.  You will end up paying a lot more staying with a bad attorney than you will switching to a new one.

    Joy Stanley Law Corporation is one of the preeminent family law firms in Los Angeles. For over twenty-five years, the firm has been dedicated to exceeding client expectations with client representation at the highest level.  The firm is internationally renowned for its child custody expertise in international Hague Convention proceedings, child custody move aways, and custody evaluations. While the firm’s reputation is well known for litigating with a high rate of success, the firm first and foremost focuses its efforts on working with its clients towards settlement to achieve the most efficient and cost effective outcome if at all possible. To this end, many of the firm’s cases are resolved in settlement conferences with a team of professionals if necessary to bring the case to a resolution in an effort to avoid costly litigation. The attorneys at Joy Stanley Law Corporation are well known for their innate ability to bring couples together to resolve their differences with a strong focus on limiting the emotional and financial costs of protracted litigation.

    Brittany Dracup became a member of the California Bar in May 2018.  Prior to her admission to the California Bar, Brittany worked in the field of family law as a paralegal and legal assistant for over 5 years.  Brittany currently practices family law in San Diego.
  • L.A. County Board of Supervisors Meeting: Stay At Home Order “With All Certainty” Extended Three Months

    L.A. County Board of Supervisors Meeting: Stay At Home Order “With All Certainty” Extended Three Months

    The stay-at-home order due to expire May 15th, will be extended “with all certainty” for the next three months acknowledged by Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer at the LA County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday as originally reported by the The L.A. Times.  Dr. Ferrer said during the meeting the only way that timeframe would change was if there was a “dramatic change to the virus tools at hand”.

    The comments by Dr. Ferrer were made after the nation’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, warned Congress of “dire consequences” should they continue the push to ease orders which could trigger an outbreak.

     

     

     

  • Soft Opening Scheduled Wednesday for L.A. County Beaches

    Soft Opening Scheduled Wednesday for L.A. County Beaches

    L.A. County officials announced Monday, May 11th, the long anticipated and controversial issue of re-opening L.A. County Beaches. Health officials outlined the first phase where physical distancing and wearing masks while participating in activities such as walking, running, and biking will continue to be part of the safety measures in place to slow the spread of the COVID19 virus. Congregating, lounging and sunbathing are prohibited. Officials will be monitoring crowd compliance, and the potential rise in contamination should mandates not be followed, before considering lifting protocols.

    Surfers at Zuma Beach before the pandemic.

    “We don’t want a stampede to the beaches,” Nicole Mooradian, public information officer for L.A. County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors, told the  Los Angeles Times. She added that they expect this first step of opening to last about six weeks. “It could be shorter and it could be longer. It just depends on how many people come, and what the attendance looks like.”

    Orange County was the center of controversy after Governor Gavin Newsom ordered beaches to shut down, after crowds acted in defiance of COVID-19  stay-at-home orders. Most beaches have since re-opened for passive recreation only.

    Additionally, protestors gathered in Huntington Beach near the pier in Huntington Beach on Saturday to reiterate their calls for the reopening of California’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic. Approximately 1,500 people gathered in the area around 2 p.m., according to the Huntington Beach Police Department, but the protest carried on without incidents and no arrests were made. Many of the protesters were seen without facial coverings and were also seemingly defying physical distancing guidelines.

    In stark contrast to Orange County, deputies patrolled empty beaches along the coast from Topanga to Ventura County Line reporting very few incidents. Most visitors and local residents have complied with the county orders and few citations have been issued according to law enforcement.

    Lost Hills Station deputy Steve Arens patrolling Zuma Beach.
    Deputies patrolling Zuma Beach Saturday, May 9th.
    LASD Mounted Patrol, Zuma Beach, May 2nd

    One incident however did make headlines shortly after the beaches were ordered closed when a paddle boarder from Pacific Palisades ignored L.A. County Lifeguards demands to exit the ocean.  An LASD boat was brought in from Marina Del Rey Station to assist, and once the Sheriff’s boat arrived on scene, the suspect then complied and swam to shore. The suspect was arrested for Disobeying a Lifeguard 17.12.115 LACC and Violation of Government Code 8665. A surfer was also escorted off the beach when he refused to leave and given a $1000 citation.

    Ventura County was slow to react to complaints of crowds congregating at the popular County Line surf spot closing that location on April 5th while allowing parking on PCH still drawing crowds. Officials finally closed parking on along PCH on April 30th from Point Mugu south to the Los Angeles County line.

    CalTrans closing off parking on PCH April 30th.

    Lost Hills Acting Captain Chuck Becerra told The Current Report deputies will continue to be on tactical alert  on the weekends anticipating crowds for Memorial Day, which in years past has seen approximately 200,000 visitors over the four day holiday.

    Trails were re-opened last weekend with mixed reviews, which if obeying the health officer mandates becomes an issue, Senator Henry Stern warned the public officials will not hesitate to shut the recreational areas down again.

    Governor Newsom is expected to make a statement this week outlining the lifting of additional limitations should L.A. County remain on track with slowing the spread of the virus. “Millions of Californians answered the call to stay home and thanks to them, we are in a position to begin moving into our next stage of modifying our stay-at-home order,” said Governor Newsom. “But make no mistake – this virus isn’t gone.

     

  • Bikers Be Aware: Famed Hang-out Neptune’s Net Closed by County Until New Strategy to Handle Crowds Is In Place

    Bikers Be Aware: Famed Hang-out Neptune’s Net Closed by County Until New Strategy to Handle Crowds Is In Place

    Since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown, famed biker hang-out Neptune’s Net has been at the center of local coronavirus controversy. The popular tourist destination on PCH at County Line, where Malibu meets Ventura County, has been overrun by visitors and bikers who frequent the seaside spot.

    And now the County has shut them down pending a plan to control crowds is in place, following social distancing guidelines per county and state public health guidelines.

    After the first photos of large crowds circulated on social media in late March showing patrons congregating en mass  in the Neptune’s Net parking lot, and across PCH at the County Line surf spot, Malibu local Senator Henry Stern got involved in the efforts to collaborate with officials to promptly close down the beach and demand police presence to manage groups gathering at Neptune’s Net.

    Neptune’s Net management told The Current Report they were not expecting the crowds that first weekend anticipating the public would abide by the Safer-at-Home mandates. Much to their surprise, large crowds showed up and staff was overwhelmed.

    After the initial backlash on social media, efforts made by Neptune’s Net management in the following weeks was proving to be effective until the hot weather returned last weekend.

    Last weekend, hundreds of bikers swarmed PCH and the owner was forced to call 911 after a large group of gangs refused to leave. Two CHP units were dispatched to the scene.

    The county stepped in this week closing Neptune’s Net until an acceptable plan is put in place for their parking lot crowd control. Management is also seeking additional potentially permanent security measures to ensure the safety of their staff and law abiding customers.

    The hot weather resumes this weekend with Camarillo police and CHP on alert for crowd control at County Line.

     

     

     

  • Coronavirus: While COVID-19 Infections Continues to Climb in Prisons, Overall Crime Declines in L.A. County During Shutdown

    As California officials scramble to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in prisons, outbreaks have flared up at two crowded California prisons, confirming the worst fears of prisoner families and advocates — and adding fuel to a growing federal court fight over the state prison system’s response to the pandemic.

    Statewide, 115 inmates and 89 corrections employees have tested positive for the coronavirus and state prisons are already overcrowded with prisoners sharing close quarters.

    Meanwhile, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has faced heavy scrutiny for releasing low level criminals with sentences of 30 days or less to relieve overcrowding in the jails, described as a “tinderbox of potential infection.”  by Scott Kernan, former secretary, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

    Fears of an uptick in crime due to the release of the low level criminals from over populated prisons  in L.A. County so far have been unfounded. Sheriff Villanueva told FOX 11 that LASD was the first Sheriff’s department in the country to begin the early release of inmates, which they began on February 28th. LASD focused on releasing nonviolent criminals in pre-trial detention, or those who were about to finish their sentences within 30 to 60 days. The most violent are still locked up behind bars with the remaining 75% of the jail population.

    On Monday, Sheriff Villanueva released crime statistics through April 18th:

    One statistic that has risen as expected was domestic violence, which rose by 8.37 percent since the COVID-19 shutdown began. However, the Sheriff’s Department remains vigilant in pursuing abusers and keeping felons locked up behind bars.

    Recently, the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to a domestic violence call arresting the suspect for assault. After the suspect bonded out, he assaulted the victim a second time. Lost Hills deputies were able to apprehend the suspect after the second offense, and the judge to set bail at $1 million dollars to guarantee the victim’s safety. The suspect currently remains behind bars.

    Despite stats showing that violent crime has been down across the board recently, the Sheriff said he fears it may not stay that way for long “We just have to be hyper-vigilant because that pendulum can eventually swing in the opposite direction…”

    However, Villanueva told The Current Report criminals who think the pandemic is a prime time to prey on the vulnerable better think twice. LASD is currently on full deployment and more manpower is on the street “If you commit a felony, you are going to jail”.

    Follow our breaking news coverage on Twitter.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Covid-19 Shutdown: Surfing Is Not A Crime, But Trespassing Is. Stiff Penalties Issued In SoCal

    Covid-19 Shutdown: Surfing Is Not A Crime, But Trespassing Is. Stiff Penalties Issued In SoCal

    While Huntington Beach continues to remain open to surfers during the Coronavirus shutdown, L.A. County beaches are closed “until further notice” Sheriff Alex Villanueva tells The Current Report.

    Editor’s Note: Ventura County Mayor Matt LaVere released a statement yesterday that Ventura park and beach facilities were re-opened as of 5:00pm April 18th. The City of Ventura will also follow the guidance of County public health professionals and will re-open its parks and beaches as well. City of Ventura parks and beaches will officially be re-opened Monday night after the City Council authorizes this new order at a special city council meeting. Both the County and City of Ventura have decided to keep playgrounds, parking lots and restrooms closed.

    The very first weekend of the Covid-19 shutdown proved more extreme measures were needed to ensure people would adhere to the protective mandates put in place by lawmakers to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.

    Scores of people flocked to southland beaches as if it was a normal spring break vacation day. The social media posts showing crowds at tourist destinations caused a tremendous stir calling out city and state officials demanding action.

    After seeing the disturbing images of crowds gathering at the Malibu Pier and southland beaches violating state and county protective measures senator Henry Stern addressed his disappointment in the public on social media. In his post, the Senator hinted at the potential closures of recreational outdoor spaces as a result of the public’s blatant disregard for public safety.

    The scene that caused a social media stir the first weekend after the State-at-Home orders were issued.

    Immediately after the weekend’s events, officials responded by ordering all L.A. County beach parking lots closed. The Current Report met with LASD/Lost Hills Station Acting Captain Chuck Becerra as he was giving the orders to his deputies to close parking lots immediately until further notice.

    On April 2, LASD deputies patrolling the popular Surfrider Beach surf break in Malibu cited one surfer and arrested a paddle boarder. Both individuals refused to leave the beach as directed by deputies.

    The paddle boarder, from Pacific Palisades, made headlines when he ignored L.A. County Lifeguards demands to exit the ocean and remained in the water for approximately 30-40 minutes. A Sheriff’s Department boat was brought in from Marina Del Rey Station to assist, and once the Sheriff’s boat arrived on scene, the suspect then complied and swam to shore. The suspect was arrested for disobeying a Lifeguard 17.12.115 LACC and Violation of Government Code 8665. He was booked at the Lost Hills station and subsequently released with a promise to appear in court. According to our sources, the suspect told officers his actions would now earn him”street cred” and was allegedly unfazed by his actions that carry stiff legal penalties resulting from the Stay at Home order on March 19th by Governor Newsom in response to the rapidly growing Covid-19 virus.

    Deputies awaiting surfers to exit the ocean at Surfrider Beach. PC: Bill Pruitt

    On April 5th, just days after the paddle boarder was arrested and one surfer was cited at Malibu’s First Point, “Surfing is not a crime” was spray painted on the famous Surfrider wall. The graffiti has since been removed.

    While a few beaches in Orange County have been closed, including all of Laguna Beach’s and the Wedge in Newport Beach, Huntington State Beach remains open, and continues to attract crowds. Yesterday, a large group gathered near the Huntington Beach Pier, violating protective measures to protest the shutdown. To date, Orange County has the highest number of reported cases of the Covid-19 virus.

    Law Enforcement all over Southern California are actively issuing citations, including in San Diego County where more than 120 were issued int he last week.

    As of Monday, sheriff’s deputies across the county had issued 68 citations, San Diego police had issued 47 and Carlsbad police had issued 10 for a total of 125, according to figures provided by each department. The total roughly doubled from a week ago.

    In many cases the citations were issued at locations that are closed to the public, including beaches and parks. “Officers either saw the people walk past and around barricades or people admitted to knowing the beach was closed,”  a law enforcement spokesperson said.

    “We are grateful that the overwhelming majority of the community has been acting in compliance with the orders. We understand that this is a difficult time and that staying at home is essential, but not necessarily easy,” said the police spokesperson,  “We are still wanting compliance through awareness at our trails, parks and beaches but we are citing when necessary.”

    The citations are subject to misdemeanor charges that carry potential fines of up to $1,000, up to six months of jail time or both.

    Santa Cruz Parks, seemingly more relaxed on protective measures to stop the spread of the virus than other coastal areas in the state, reopened beaches and trails Thursday after only a week  of strict closures, and a countywide ban on surfing.

    The temporary prohibition on use of recreational spaces took effect April 9 at the order of Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel. It expired midnight Wednesday, leaving residents once again able to surf and exercise on beaches, West Cliff and in most area parks.

    Citations issued by area law enforcement shot up while the order was in effect, with at least 249 fines handed out over the weeklong period for violating the closures or other shelter-in-place rules.

    As new signs began to surface at Westward Beach in Malibu displaying a June 1st expiration date, The Current Report reach out yesterday to L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva for an update on the closure of L.A. County Beaches who offered the beaches would be closed “until further notice” confirming L.A. County is committed to ensuring public safety until the virus is no longer a serious threat to the public.

    New No Parking signs displayed in Malibu as of April 15th.

     

  • Turning Chaos into Opportunity: Lessons in Building a Brand During a Crisis

    Turning Chaos into Opportunity: Lessons in Building a Brand During a Crisis

    Whether it’s a personal crisis, or a pandemic, these moments can be a breeding ground for creativity and growth.

    January 1st, 2020, a new decade, new opportunities, and a clean slate that felt fresh and full of life.

    Fast forward a few months, suddenly, the hopes, dreams, and goals we were committed to were placed on an indefinite hold. Our day-to-day existence came to a screeching halt. And so, the Coronavirus journey began.

    Navigating personally and professionally through a crisis, especially one of global proportions, may seem overwhelming, but it can also be a tremendous opportunity for growth.

    Below are personal anecdotes and important lessons I have learned during the most difficult times of my life that ultimately led to personal and professional success.

    Lesson #1: Learning to Pivot

    The economic crash of 2008 was my first lesson in how to deal with a professional crisis.

    My husband and I were re-financing our home in the hills above Malibu, which surprisingly, we were able to accomplish in the middle of a real estate crisis.

    However, I owned a small brick and mortar at the time that was not faring so well as retail stores were taking a huge hit not only from a failing economy, but also because fashion bloggers had been successfully driving business online, and away from mom and pop retailers like myself.

    Vintage one-of-a-kind denim from the brick and mortar retail store I closed during the financial crash that started in 2008.

    Although I was well positioned in terms of my location being in a high profile tourist destination and attracting global press, unfortunately that was not enough to sustain my business during the recession. It was evident the 2008 crash was the beginning of the end for retail. It was time to change my business strategy.

    First order of business was to unload my overhead. Once I completed that monumental task, I focused on how best to meet the needs of businesses in my industry. Online fashion was the future and I wanted to use my knowledge and skill set in this rapidly changing economic landscape.

    I prioritized accordingly, immersing myself in learning web design, graphics and creating visually appealing content. These new creative skills allowed me to use my fashion knowledge in a new, inventive and profitable way.

    Once I mastered those skills, I launched a consulting business offering my services to small and medium sized brands. The goal was to guide my clients through the design process, put together marketing strategies to help them build a robust customer base, and engage followers on social media.

    I was also preparing myself for the future by creating a digital arsenal which has grown to include a team of developers who are always on the cutting edge of new technology.

    The Takeaway: Adjust your skill set or business to meet current demands and anticipate long-term needs to safeguard yourself from a future financial crisis. If you need guidance on how to pivot, ask for a referral and hire a professional.

    Lesson #2 : Not all crises are created equal

    A few years later, well into economic recovery after the 2008 crash, I was approached by local activists involved in a very high-profile environmental battle in Malibu. The activists (also personal friends of mine) were aware of my online marketing skills, and were desperate for help distributing accurate, scientific information about this controversial project.

    Although a little reluctant to get involved in an issue not in my wheelhouse, I was fascinated by environmental activism and willing to educate myself.

    Using what I learned in the 2008 crash, I pivoted my business once again, and intuitively took the plunge into new unchartered waters.

    The tragic story that unfolded after our efforts to educate the community regarding the Malibu Lagoon Project was told in Smithsonian Magazine.

    Once I agreed to join the project, I focused on information gathering. I interviewed biologists and experts in the field, and as soon as I was armed with enough essential information, I applied my messaging and marketing skills to design a website specifically for the public to access information about the project. The community was actively engaged in the battle, and any fact-based information was well received. We posted consistently on all social media channels, and our audience began to grow rapidly. Before we knew it, we became a media authority on this high-profile project.

    Our efforts also attracted mainstream media, building our database extensively for the project, and future projects to come.

    The Takeaway: Become an authority in your chosen field. Post accurately and consistently. As a result, your audience will build organically and with verifiable information, you will build trust. When you build trust, you will build business.

    Lesson #3: From Concept to Creation

    The lessons learned in the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project were very productive in terms of brand building, however, it had painful consequences.

    One of the activists in the group suffered from bi-polar disorder and depression, and a local contingent who opposed the project created discord in the community. The pressure became too much for her to handle. The day the project was scheduled to begin, she suffered a bi-polar episode and committed suicide.

    As a result, drama and gossip ensued taking its toll on our group, and divided our tight knit community.

    Although devastated by this event, I refused to allow this tragedy to ruin the progress made by so many committed individuals. The project was environmentally successful, and it would be a shame to waste that success especially when it led to one of our own taking her life.

    Using my newly developed media skills, I decided to take control of the narrative. I saw a void that needed to be filled locally and felt it was a perfect opportunity to create a publication showcasing the authenticMalibu lifestyle.

    The first issue was a big success. We told powerful stories about the true heroes of our community, not the garden variety celebrity stories you see published in mainstream magazines. Our branding was strategic. We focused only on brands that reflected our core values, and in turn, those brands supported us. 90265 Magazine’s luxurious paper stock made it a keepsake for years to come, and as the publication grew in popularity it became a tremendous asset to support my branding and marketing clients.

    The Takeaway: Take control of your own narrative. It’s the most vital part of reputation management. Whether it’s personal or business, the right messaging and distribution can turn a tragic situation into an inspirational experience.

    90265 Magazine print version on newsstands. 

    Lesson #4: Follow the Flow

    As a newly established publishing company in yet another continuously evolving landscape (specifically the rise of lifestyle websites and the decline of print media), I encountered a growing area of conflict; what advertisers would pay for print ads, versus what they would pay for online marketing. The mindset of advertisers had not quite grasped the intangible values of internet exposure.

    Twelve issues later, and with more and more readers transitioning to online platforms, I was also craving more exciting, educational, and meaningful stories that affected our community and motivated to push for much needed positive change in local government.

    That’s when I decided to pivot again, and added a second publication to focus more on local news, politics and the environment.

    The Local Malibu , an activist journalism platform launched in October, 2014. The tabloid size (16″x10″), bright white stock, full color publication was the new age, edgy version of the traditional newspaper which was still a very powerful tool in print.

    After the loss of Ann Sobel, the original owner of the Surfside News, and the pioneer of activist journalism and investigative reporting in our area, there was yet another gap that desperately needed to be filled in local media.

    Our experience with previous environmental projects, from collecting and reporting data, to our online messaging strategy, and the success of 90265 Magazine made for a seamless transition to reporting fact-based news.

    The Local Malibu heavily focused on preservation and supporting the majority voter block. The other two local newspapers took the opposite stance, supporting the interests of politicians and developers (in other words, “show me the money”).

    Our publication rallied behind, and won two successful ballot measures. Shortly after, we were the only publication supporting the Team Malibuslate, successfully seating not one, but three City Council members in the 2016 election, putting our publication on top in terms of influence in our community.

    Council member Rick Mullen on the cover of The Local Malibu shortly after winning the election. Mullen was the top vote-getter in the race with the 2016 election attracting a historical turn-out at the polls.

    A year and a half later, on June 22, 2018, an unprecedented tragedy occurred in our area. A young father was shot to death while camping with his two young daughters at Malibu Creek State Park. This sent shockwaves through our high-profile community, and quickly became a global news story.

    Unsure of how to handle the story (reporting on murders was not my forte), I was laying in my bed at 11 p.m. that night when I received a private message on The Local Malibu Facebook page. A resident informed me a Tesla was shot at as it drove through Malibu Canyon, four days before the murder, at the same time, just outside Malibu Creek State Park. The details of the incident led me to believe there was a potential sniper on the loose. Fearing for the safety of my community, it prompted me to post a public safety message immediately on our Facebook page. Within a few hours of posting, multiple victims came out on that thread exposing the two-year law enforcement cover-up in the Malibu Creek State Park Shootings.

    Uncovering that information led to more tips and allowed me to continue investigating the shootings. Ultimately, exposing the cover-up led to the widow filing a $90 million lawsuit against the state, and in turn gave me tremendous credibility in my new field.

    On the business side, reporting on the shootings taught me a lot about our web traffic (which skyrocketed as the story unfolded). I was able to thoroughly analyze my analytics, prepare new strategies, which in turn was of great benefit to my branding and marketing clients who have always remained my bread and butter.

    My PR rolodex quickly expanded due to the global exposure of this tragic event, as did developing influential relationships. During the shootings I met Alex Villanueva, who was running for Sheriff of L.A. County. Villanueva achieved the impossible with a grass roots campaign in the 2018 election, becoming the first Democratic Sheriff in over 150 years. The relationship I continue to have with Sheriff Villanueva has been extremely effective in creating a more cohesive, trusting relationship with the Sheriff’s Department in our community, as well as many other positive outcomes involving law enforcement.

    January 2020 at Sheriff Villanueva’s office at the Hall of Justice. From left, UnderSheriff Tim Murakami, myself and Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

    The experience also led to an invaluable opportunity developing a docu-series about the shootings for a major network.

    Many may argue these opportunities came because I was in “the right place at the right time”, but it is really about trusting your instinct no matter what the circumstances. I could have very easily chosen not to pursue the story and stick to the reporting on the environment and politics. I trusted my instincts and went for it. That decision literally changed my life — and my career.

    The Takeaway: Trusting your intuition is vital when considering a new career path — even in the midst of chaos and tragedy. If it feels right, you will find the tools, or the tools will find you.

    Lesson #5: Knowledge is Power

    A few months later, the Woolsey Fire ravaged through the Malibu and surrounding communities.

    I evacuated to my mother’s home close to LAX and watched helplessly as my friends and neighbors posted apocalyptic scenarios on social media.

    While scouring newsfeeds for more in-depth information on the damage in our community and unsure of what to do, fate stepped in. My good friend Tricia called me. She had just landed at LAX returning from a trip to London and was staying at a hotel a block away. We immediately planned to head back at sunrise. Shortly after, Dana Goodyear, a journalist with The New Yorker Magazine also contacted me and asked if I was headed back to Malibu the next morning. I told her yes and she asked if she could join us. At that moment, our destiny was determined.

    On our way back to Malibu the next morning, the smell of smoke intensified as we traveled through each barricade on PCH. The damage was overwhelming as we got closer to Ground Zero (the west end of Malibu), yet I could see a number of inconsistencies posted online that needed to be corrected immediately.

    I handed the phone to Tricia and we began to post multiple, detailed updates in a calm and measured fashion, correcting inaccuracies. With each update, we provided emergency information, resources, and organized disaster relief throughout the day and night until residents were allowed back in their homes close to two weeks later.

    Returning to the scene and reporting accurate detailed information, hard to come by for mainstream media, built our publication a tremendous following. We amassed over 1 million hits, over multiple platforms, with 406,300 impressions on The Local Malibu Facebook page alone.

    These were priceless, hard-earned milestones in building a brand that under normal circumstances would have required a significant financial investment. I provided information no one else could, I created a niche and continue to.

    I can confidently say 2018 was the most traumatic, yet, biggest growth year for myself personally, and for my career, leading to multiple, lucrative, consulting deals based on my perseverance in the midst of tragedy.

    The Takeaway: Chaos is often an opportunity to go deep within and discover what you are most passionate about.

    During each of these life changing events, I discovered my passion is empowering people with knowledge that will enrich their lives.

    Now is the time to discover yours.

    Cece Woods is a Brand Strategist, Editor in Chief and Activist living in Malibu, CA.

  • Stiff Consequences During Covid-19 Shutdown: Surfer Cited and Paddleboarder Arrested at First Point

    Stiff Consequences During Covid-19 Shutdown: Surfer Cited and Paddleboarder Arrested at First Point

    Yesterday was a busy day at Malibu’s world renowned First Point.

    Deputies patrolled the popular surf break citing multiple offenders which includes arresting on paddle boarder. Lost Hills Station confirmed that all complied when asked to leave the beach.

    The paddle boarder, from Pacific Palisades, ignored L.A. County Lifeguards demands to exit the ocean and remained in the water for approximately 30-40 minutes. An LASD boat was brought in from Marina Del Rey Station to assist, and once the Sheriff’s boat arrived on scene, the suspect then complied and swam to shore. The suspect was arrested for Disobeying a Lifeguard 17.12.115 LACC and Violation of Government Code 8665. He was booked at the Lost Hills station and subsequently released with a promise to appear in court. According to our sources, the suspect told officers his actions would now earn him”street cred” and was allegedly unfazed by his actions that carry stiff legal penalties resulting from the Stay at Home order on March 19th by Governor Newsome in response to the rapidly growing Covid-19 virus.

    L.A. County Lifeguards and LASD coordinate in the water to bring a rogue paddle boarder disobeying orders to exit the ocean at First Point.

    “To protect public health, I as state public health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health, order all individuals living in the state of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors,” stated Newsom in his order.

    The order is enforceable by law, and the Office of Emergency Services has been given the authority to take necessary steps to ensure its compliance. This order utilizes California Government Code section 8665, which mandates that any person who violates or willfully neglects to obey the shelter in place order can be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Failure to adhere is punishable by a fine up to $1,000, a maximum sentence of six months jail time, or both.

    A surfer escorted off the beach yesterday was cited for violating government code 8665.

    Aside from the legal consequences, there is a growing health concern among scientists including Kim Prather, a leading atmospheric chemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography who was interviewed by the L.A. Times.

    “I wouldn’t go in the water if you paid me $1 million right now,” she said.

    In her research, Prather has found that the ocean churns up all kinds of particulate and microscopic pathogens, and every time the ocean sneezes with a big wave or two, it sprays these particles into the air. She believes that this new coronavirus is light enough to float through the air much farther than we think. The six-feet physical distancing rule, she said, doesn’t apply at the beach, where coastal winds can get quite strong and send viral particles soaring.

    Many beachgoers know they can suffer skin rashes, stomach illness and serious ear and respiratory infections if they go into the water within three days of a heavy rain, because of bacteria and pathogens washing off roads and into the ocean. Raw or poorly treated sewage entering the ocean also poses major health risks.

    During the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project biologists and scientists weighed in on the faulty septic systems in the Colony that contributed to contributing to a toxic surf break at First Point.

    The excavation during the project discovered some of the adjacent Colony houses to the lagoon had covert illegal discharge pipes that led into the back of the lagoon. Several eye witnesses claim that at least one particular home owner would sump pump untreated human waste of his submerged flooded septic through his illegal discharge pipe directly into the lagoon. The EPA deemed that area of the lagoon a “Dysfunctional Death Zone” and surfers referred to it as the “Polio Pond.”

    Surfrider Foundation staff scientist Katie Day weighed in on Covid-19 and the potential for high concentrations of the viable COVID-19 virus could put freshwater recreation users at risk.

    Regardless of known health risks regarding close contact during the Covid-19 health crisis, State Parks and Ventura County have been less than motivated to enforce state mandates based on the crowds that continue to congregate at Ventura County Line, and Neptune’s Net, a tourist destination who has been overwhelmed trying to implement social distancing according to public health guidelines. The first weekend of the Stay at Home Order, owner Margaret Cho told The Local Malibu they “didn’t expect anyone because of the Stay at Home order and was completely unprepared for the crowds”. They have since constructed barriers to limit crowds from gathering.

    Crowds gathered at Neptune’s Net the first weekend of the Stay at Home order resulting in additional protection measures set up by the owners.

    Repeated efforts have been made by community members putting pressure on lawmakers to enforce the government codes at County Line are expected to result in closing off  of access to the County Line surf spot any day now requiring law enforcement to fine or arrest violators going forward.