Iconic ‘Donaldson Futuro’ flying-saucer home near Idyllwild lists for $1.5M

• October 8, 2026

A rare space-age prefab mountain retreat resembling a harvest-gold flying saucer landed on the market near Idyllwild this week for $1.495 million.

Perched atop a granite outcrop in the forested San Jacinto Mountains on steel legs painted to match the hull, this 1969 relic of retro-futurism is known as the Donaldson Futuro.

The unique home features a lightweight fiberglass-reinforced polyester plastic shell wrapped in bubble windows. Its striking looks — and its spot on the National Register of Historic Places — are entirely due to its namesake and longtime owner, Milford Wayne Donaldson.

As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, Donaldson is a preservation architect who served as President Barack Obama’s appointee to chair the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation from 2010 to 2019.

Long before taking on that national role, he rescued the plastic UFO-shaped structure from a parking lot behind the San Diego Design Center in the late 1970s, sparing it from the scrap heap, the article added.

Recognizing its potential, he bought the neglected gem and relocated it to a local boatyard, where he spent several decades restoring it.

In the 1960s, Finnish architect Matti Suuronen designed the self-contained unit known simply as the Futuro. Futuro Enterprises in Philadelphia manufactured this particular model.

Atomic Ranch noted it is one of only 19 survivors left standing in the United States, while The Wall Street Journal puts global numbers at between 50 and 60 of the estimated 100 made worldwide.

Donaldson relocated the ultra-compact structure to a half-acre Pine Cove lot that he and his wife, Laurie, bought for $70,000 in February 2003, public records show.

According to reports, they hauled the 11,900-pound, shrink-wrapped Futuro on a flatbed truck escorted by the California Highway Patrol, blocking three lanes of traffic and creating a tailgate of cars.

A crane helped place the home on the site, surrounded by ponderosa pines, California black oaks, white firs and manzanitas. Only then did the Donaldsons tackle the 793-square-foot interior.

When the retractable airplane-hatch entry door opens, it reveals a circular floor plan with a new gold-flecked, non-asbestos popcorn ceiling.

Natural light floods the space through 16 custom acrylic portals and a skylight, which replaced the original flue opening above.

Privacy walls frame the bedroom and bathroom, while built-in seating frames the lounge and dining area inside the circular layout. It flows into a compact, lime-green kitchen with custom cabinetry.

A stone monument features two bronze plaques designating the home as California Historical Landmark No. 1062 and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Timothy McTavish of Desert Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.

Donaldson is a pioneer in historic preservation. He launched his career after studying historic architecture in Sweden during the 1960s. After returning to the U.S., he founded Heritage Architecture and Planning in 1978, operating out of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter where he spearheaded the district’s revitalization. His expertise earned him high-profile government appointments, including serving as California’s state historic preservation officer from 2004 to 2012 under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He and his wife live near Sacramento.

​ Orange County Register 

Westminster participates in National Walk & Roll to School Day

• October 8, 2026

Students put their best foot forward Wednesday morning.

Then their other foot, and so on. Or they peddled or scooted.

National Walk & Roll to School Day is held annually on Oct. 7 and lots of families took the opportunity to leave their cars at home and get to school walking or riding along their neighborhood streets.

The city of Westminster got in the spirit with city officials and police officers at campuses to welcome students and spread the message promoting healty lifestyles and safer streets.

At Westminster School District’s Schmitt Elementary on Trask Avenue, students were met by city and school representatives waving pom-poms, and one even dressed as a traffic cone. Officers also kept a watchful eye as families crossed streets.

School Principal Sarah Nead-Rendon greeted students wearing a traffic cone hat.

“Walk & Roll to School Day is a reminder of how connected our community can be,” said Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta, project manager for the city’s Safe Routes to School Plan. “I’m proud to see students, friends, and neighbors walking, biking, and rolling to Westminster schools each year. It is wonderful to witness the collaborative efforts of our city staff, school district, police department, and volunteers who make these journeys safe.”

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County scores and player stats for Wednesday, Oct. 7

• October 8, 2026

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Scores and stats from Orange County games on Wednesday, Oct. 7

Click here for details about sending your team’s scores and stats to the Register.

The deadline for submitting information is 10:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 p.m. Saturday.

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

SUNSET LEAGUE

Huntington Beach 68, Marina 0

ORANGE LEAGUE

Bolsa Grande 58, Magnolia 18

FREEWAY LEAGUE

Villa Park 14, Sunny Hills 6

NORTH HILLS LEAGUE

La Habra 40, Brea Olinda 0

Pacifica 48, Troy 0

PACIFIC HILLS LEAGUE

Laguna Beach 7, Pacifica Christian/OC 6

ORANGE LEAGUE

Century 12, Western 0

GROVE LEAGUE

Saddleback 12, Savanna 0

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Woodbridge 44, University 13

BOYS WATER POLO

SUNSET LEAGUE

Newport Harbor 14, Corona del Mar 8

Goals: (NH) Polenzani 5. (CdM) Kozlowski 6.

TRINITY LEAGUE

JSerra 12, Orange Lutheran

Goals: (JS) Yonker 2, Park 2, Fine 2, Taylor 2, Wraith 2.

Other scores

Santa Margarita 15, St. John Bosco 9

GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

Kennedy 15, Tustin 5

EMPIRE LEAGUE

Valencia 19, Cypress 5

ORANGE COAST LEAGUE

Segerstrom 18, Costa Mesa 9

Katella 9, Godinez 8

NONLEAGUE

Mira Costa 13, Foothill 8

GIRLS GOLF

COAST LEAGUE

Estancia 279, Western 334

Dad Miller GC (par 35)

Low score: Alliman (Est) 46

Estancia 279, Santa Ana Valley 351

CRESTVIEW LEAGUE

Crean Lutheran 187, Yorba Linda 205

FREEWAY LEAGUE

Brea Olinda 179, La Habra 204

​ Orange County Register 

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh enthusiastic about rookie offensive linemen

• October 8, 2026

EL SEGUNDO — Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he gazed into the eyes of the team’s four rookie offensive linemen earlier this week and was reminded of a day many years ago, when he was a veteran quarterback entering his team’s huddle and locking eyes with another set of rookies tasked with protecting him from opposing defenders.

Harbaugh didn’t say how he and his youthful teammates fared that day, but it’s safe to say the winless Chargers won’t be at their best if Pro Bowl tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater plus left guard Trevor Penning can’t play against the Denver Broncos on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

“The rookie offensive linemen, their demeanor, their focus, their opportunity, just love them,” Harbaugh said.

The Chargers (0-4) started the season Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals with one rookie lineman, with second-round draft pick Jake Slaughter assuming the starting center position after Tyler Biadasz, a past Pro Bowl selection, suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp.

Alt (neck), Slater (ankle) and Penning (concussion) were hurt in the Chargers’ 30-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Chargers ended the game with rookies Logan Taylor at left tackle, Slaughter at left guard, Jacob Spomer at center and Travis Burke at right tackle.

Right guard Cole Strange was the lone veteran in the five-man formation, and will be again if Alt, Slater and Penning can’t play against the Broncos. None of the three injured players participated in practice Wednesday. The Chargers on Tuesday signed veteran tackle Daniel Brunskill to the practice squad.

In addition, they opened the practice windows for offensive lineman Branson Taylor (neck) and fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock (foot) to return from injured reserve. They were placed on IR to start the season and sat out the mandatory minimum of four games before rejoining their teammates for Wednesday’s practice.

“It’s not something you can give, it’s earned,” Harbaugh said of his faith in inserting four rookies onto the starting offensive line. “They’ve been earning that since the day they got here back in May for spring practices, and they’ve proven to themselves as they go.

“That’s what a player does. A player proves to himself that he belongs and you prove it to your teammates. They had an opportunity to do that in a game this past weekend (against the Seahawks), so they acquitted themselves well. I saw a confident demeanor, one that was ready to accept a challenge.”

This week also has brought back memories of Harbaugh’s playing career.

“Being a player and what it felt like when I was put in that position, you know?” Harbaugh said. “And that feeling of stepping up to the challenge, and being a quarterback and stepping into the huddle and there some rookie offensive linemen when I was a veteran quarterback.

“I had the same feeling today, as a coach, watching them go into the huddle (during practice). That brought back some good memories. I saw what I wanted to see, needed to see. Just their demeanor. Just the way they took the field. Their focus and excitement for the challenge. Like a ‘bring it on’ mentality. I love it, I love it. I see that with our entire team.”

SAME OLD STORY

Justin Herbert didn’t have Slater available to protect his blind side last season, after Slater sustained a season-ending knee injury during training camp. He also didn’t have Alt to end the season after Alt suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans.

So, it won’t seem foreign to him if Slater and Alt can’t play this weekend.

“The game doesn’t change too much,” Herbert said. “You should do your job of playing quarterback, get the ball out quickly, making sure you’re avoiding sacks, eliminating turnovers, finding the open guy. So, if that’s what I’m able to do, then you can take out the pass rush as much as you can.”

INJURY REPORT

Offensive lineman Kayode Awosika (fibula), cornerback Donte Jackson (hamstring), safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring), outside linebacker Khalil Mack (rest) and wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) also didn’t practice. Jackson and McConkey were hurt in the game against Seattle.

​ Orange County Register 

Jeanie Buss’ 5 siblings file response in court over battle to sell minority stake in Lakers

• October 8, 2026

LOS ANGELES — In the latest chapter of the lingering battle between Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and her attempt to stop her siblings from selling their remaining 17.8% stake in the Lakers, her five siblings filed a formal response in court on Wednesday in opposition to their sister, arguing that Jeanie does not have the right to block the deal.

Jimmy, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss had not released a statement since Jeanie Buss and her legal counsel filed a petition on Aug. 24 asserting that the siblings had violated the Buss Family trust by voting 5-0 to use their tag-along rights to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger’s pending purchase of the franchise at a $12.5 billion valuation – and that Jeanie Buss shall remain “controlling owner” of the Lakers.

Being governor of the Lakers – or any NBA franchise for that matter – requires holding at least 15% of ownership in the team. Jeanie Buss represented the Lakers at the NBA’s Board of Governors meeting in September in New York City.

A court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8 in Los Angeles Superior Court. The NBA Board of Governors next meets in November.

“Jimmy, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss, the five of six siblings who voted to sell the Trust’s shares in the Lakers, today filed their formal opposition, demonstrating that Jeanie Buss’s petition is legally and factually baseless …,” the Buss siblings, sans Jeanie, said in a statement to the Southern California News Group on Wednesday.

“While discussions among the siblings continue, their focus remains on facilitating the proposed transaction and the Trust’s participation in it, while ensuring that all beneficiaries, including Jeanie, are treated equally. Today’s filing is a necessary step to protect those interests and ensure the transaction proceeds on schedule.”

Wednesday’s court filing, obtained by SCNG, argues that because two-thirds of living trustees voted to sell the 17.8% stake, that the trust should therefore be terminated.

“Jeanie’s efforts by the Petition to avoid this inescapable conclusion for her own self-interested reasons are contrary to the Trust Agreement’s express terms, constitute a breach of her fiduciary duties as a trustee, and must be rejected,” the filing states.

Jeanie Buss’ attorney, Adam Streisand, argued in the August petition that the 5-0 vote that the siblings made was invalid – and that she “never agreed to any sale, was never consulted, and was never even informed.” Streisand did not return request for comment as of Wednesday evening.

The motion also calls for Janie and Joey – the other two trustees alongside Jeanie – to be held in contempt of court and be removed as trustees, while also requesting that Johnny, Jimmy and Jesse also be held in contempt of court for having “aided and abetted” their trustee siblings.

Everything comes back to the family’s trust – and what followed after the death of Dr. Jerry Buss in 2013, and his decision to select Jeanie Buss to run the Lakers. Jerry Buss bought the team in 1979 and the Buss Family trust continued to own the team until October 2025 when Dodgers owner Mark Walter officially purchased the franchise at a $10 billion valuation.

As part of the Walter transaction, per Wednesday’s filing, Jeanie Buss and Walter entered into a letter agreement that stipulated that she would remain team governor for five years, as well as becoming an alternative governor thereafter if she or her “affiliated entities” held at least 5% of ownership of the Lakers.

Jeanie Buss’ status as “controlling owner,” and how it’s described in the Buss family trust, is the heart of her case to retain the 17.8% stake in the team. Buss would have to relinquish her role as team governor should the stake she is attached to drop below 15%.

Even if Jeanie Buss was correct, Wednesday’s filing argues, the beneficiary respondents – Jimmy, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse – could vote to terminate the trust, and then the trustees would have to redistribute the stakes equally between the five siblings, who could then sell them.

“Jeanie’s argument is at most a meaningless academic exercise,” the filing states.

Their Buss Family stake, accounting for the $12.5 billion valuation, would be worth about $2.2 billion.

​ Orange County Register 

Clippers trying to make the most of Rui Hachimura’s skills

• October 8, 2026

INGLEWOOD — Shortly into the Clippers’ preseason opener on Sunday, point guard Darius Garland found Rui Hachimura with a pinpoint pass that the newly acquired forward took and pulled up for a 3-point shot.

Garland found Hachimura again 42 seconds later, this time resulting in a running dunk. The two connected on two more seamless passes in the Clippers’ 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The plays were instinctive and automatic – chemistry developed over the course of just a few weeks.

“We’ve been working together a lot during that week,” Garland said after Wednesday’s practice. “We’re in training camp, so it was good to finally put it to use though, put it to work against somebody else.”

Before the Clippers signed Hachimura to a two-year, $28 million free agent contract, Garland had already done his homework on the former Laker.

Before the team gathered for unofficial workouts, Garland knew Hachimura was an elite 3-point shooter with an efficient mid-range jumper, a power forward who can exploit mismatches with his 6-foot-8, 230-pound body.

“Yeah, we already knew what type of talent Rui is,” Garland said. “So, just trying to figure out his spots, but the Golden State game was definitely a little sample size of what we can do.”

Hachimura averaged 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 28.3 minutes over 68 games (41 starts) with the Lakers last season. He shot 51.4% (307 for 597) from the field and 44.3% (116 for 262) from 3-point range, which was the fifth-best mark in the NBA.

UNEXPECTED TALENT

Garland, 26, has seen plenty of rookies in his eight seasons in the NBA. This season, two have impressed him – Keaton Wagler and Baba Miller. Most know about Wagler: the No. 5 overall draft pick out of Illinois, where he was a two-time consensus second-team All-American. Miller, however, is more of an enigma.

Miller is a 6-11 forward from Spain who bounced around the college game, playing at Florida State and Florida Atlantic before finishing at Cincinnati. His soft outside shooting touch is notable, but he can do much more on the court.

“Just his athletic ability, him stretching the floor, him switching one through five (defensively), just him being himself really communicating, blocking shots, rebounding the ball,” Garland said. “I think he’s got a lot of people kind of hyped and surprised a little bit. Not surprised, but pretty excited.”

NOTES

Injured players Brandon Ingram (Achilles), Kobe Sanders (hip impingement), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot surgery) and Bradley Beal (knee inflammation) all continue doing individual player development work during their recovery, according to the team. Beal was on the court Wednesday but did not participate in drills. Sanders is day-to-day while Niederhauser and Ingram are out for the start of the season. …

The Clippers filled their open training camp spot with Jahmyl Telfort, who landed the last two-way contract last season. The team waived Fletcher Loyer on Tuesday.

​ Orange County Register 

ALDS: Jo Adell, José Ramírez lead Guardians past White Sox in Game 3

• October 8, 2026

CHICAGO — Jo Adell and José Ramírez powered Cleveland with a pair of two-out triples, and the Guardians avoided an AL Division Series sweep by cooling off the Chicago White Sox with a 9-3 victory in Game 3 on Wednesday.

Adell’s three-run triple gave Cleveland a 4-1 lead in the third inning. Ramírez’s three-bagger drove in Travis Bazzana and Patrick Bailey for a 7-3 advantage in the eighth.

The Guardians recorded two triples in a postseason game for the first time in franchise history.

They became the first major-league team to accomplish the feat since the Dodgers in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series.

Adell, Ramírez, Bailey and Brayan Rocchio each had two of the team’s 11 hits – a complete turnaround for the AL Central champions after they managed just three runs and seven hits in the first two games of the series combined.

Game 4 is on Thursday.

Chicago won its first four games in a surprising postseason appearance after going 60-102 last year. It was backed by a frenzied crowd of 40,590 for the franchise’s first home playoff game since 2021, but there wasn’t much for the fans to cheer in the final innings.

The White Sox struck out 19 times and went 2 for 11 with runners in position. Their bullpen faltered after coming up big in their fast postseason start.

Chicago jumped in front on Kyle Teel’s RBI double off Daniel Espino with one out in the first. But Espino fanned Chase Meidroth before Foster Griffin struck out Tristan Peters looking, stranding runners on second and third.

Griffin set a franchise record for a reliever with seven strikeouts in 2⅔ innings. The left-hander allowed one run and two hits.

Cleveland rallied in the third against Bryan Hudson, who entered after Sean Newcomb pitched two scoreless innings.

Bazzana walked and scored on Steven Kwan’s one-out single to left. Facing left-hander Hagen Smith with two down and the bases loaded, Adell grounded a high fastball down the first-base line for a 4-1 lead.

Adell, who was acquired in an August trade with the Angels, also hit an RBI triple during Cleveland’s 4-3 loss in Game 2. He hit one triple during the regular season in each of the last two years.

Playing in his 48th postseason game – all with Cleveland – Ramírez manufactured an insurance run for the Guardians in the fifth. He doubled, stole third and scored on Chase DeLauter’s grounder to second, beating Teel’s tag with a headfirst slide.

Ramírez’s savvy baserunning gave the Guardians a 5-2 lead. The seven-time All-Star went 0 for 6 with two walks in the first two games of the series.

Up next

Parker Messick starts for Cleveland in Game 4. Messick permitted two runs and four hits over 4⅓ innings in the series opener. The left-hander went 12-9 with a 2.56 ERA in 32 starts during the regular season.

Chicago did not announce its pitching plans before the game. Smith started Game 1 for the White Sox, striking out four in 2⅔ hitless innings.

​ Orange County Register 

8 alleged Mexican Mafia prison gang members charged with attempted murder, extortion in Pomona

• October 8, 2026

Eight alleged members of the Mexican Mafia prison gang have been charged in connection with an attempted murder and extortion scheme in Pomona that authorities say was orchestrated by high-ranking members of the organization, federal officials said.

In July, the victim was reportedly driving down a Pomona street when a person began to walk toward the vehicle while shooting 12 to 15 rounds from a handgun, the FBI said. Shots hit the vehicle at least three times and a nearby parked vehicle was hit at least four times.

The Mexican Mafia allegedly believed the victim of the attempted murder owed them a debt. The victim was placed on an “86” list by the Mexican Mafia, indicating that the victim could not enter Pomona or any illegal casinos operated by the gang, under threat of death. The gang also took the victim’s vehicle, the FBI said.

After the shooting, gang members apparently contacted the victim and demanded $2,000 to avoid further violence and for the return of the victim’s vehicle, authorities said.

During the investigation, authorities seized about $200,000 in cash, methamphetamine and 11 illegal “ghost guns,” which did not have serial numbers.

In addition to the eight Mexican Mafia members, one person was charged with assisting with the crime by cleaning up bullet casings after the shooting before police could collect them as evidence.

The Mexican Mafia associates are being charged for conspiracy to murder, attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle and extortion depending on their role in the crime. Six men ranging in age from 25 to 56 are currently in custody, the FBI said. Authorities are still searching for Jeffrey Griffin, 44, of Montclair and David Arenas, 30, of Pomona.

One 47-year-old man also being charged in the conspiracy is already incarcerated for another charge.

​ Orange County Register