Letter: You’d have to be brainwashed to think Kamala Harris is the answer to America’s problems

• October 26, 2024

Remember when Kamala Harris told us that Bidenomics is working and she’s very proud of the Biden economy?

I think she said this somewhere around the time she told us that there’s no border crisis and she’s the border czar. How she knew this by never having gone to the border is Kreskin-like.

When asked if she’d do anything different than Joe Biden the answer, aside from her usual word salad was…”no.” Things were just peachy back then.

Now we’re being told by Harris that if you vote for her she’ll fix everything.

Weren’t you and Biden in charge all this time? Why didn’t you fix things while you were in office? Biden even said that Harris was in on all the decision making. Like all roads leading to Rome, all her answers lead to the scapegoat of the Democrats, Donald J Trump. Everything was his fault.

Harris even makes the Orwellian claim that the economy was terrible under Trump compared to today. Very confusing since I thought it was bad now. I distinctly remember gas and food prices when Trump was president. They were much lower. Interest rates were much lower. Inflation was much lower. We were energy independent.

Harris and her ilk say whatever they expect people to believe at any given time of day, reality be damned.  One sentence has nothing to do with the other.

People have been so conditioned to hate Trump that no matter how much Harris and her ilk lie, people will lap up what they’re told by the propagandists on CNN or MSNBC.

Unfortunately people who’ve been brainwashed don’t realize they’ve been brainwashed since they’ve been….well, brainwashed.

John Cramer, Los Angeles

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​ Orange County Register 

Here’s what Americans fear the most in 2024

• October 26, 2024

With Halloween only days away, we’re looking at the findings of Chapman University’s Survey of what scares us.

The survey

The goal of the Chapman University Survey of American Fears is to collect data annually on the fears, worries and concerns of Americans and how those fears are associated with other attitudes and behaviors. The survey asked more than 1,000 people across the country about 85 fears in a wide range of categories, from crime to natural disasters to ghosts, spiders and public speaking.

This is the 10th year of the survey, conducted for Chapman by SSRS and using a probability-based method. The survey was fielded in the spring over the internet. There were 1,008 respondents, with a margin of error of +/- 4%

‘Americans are becoming more afraid’

“This year, all of our Top 10 fears were expressed by more than half of Americans, and many were high throughout the rest of the survey,” said Christopher Bader, chair of Chapman’s sociology department. “This tells me Americans are becoming more afraid in general, about everything.”

The fear of corrupt government officials tops the list, as it has for the previous nine years. Americans are also very fearful about loved ones becoming seriously ill or dying, nuclear war, terrorism and running out of money.

Recent world events have stirred fears about war and terrorist attacks, given that six of the top concerns have to do with war or warfare, Bader said. The fear of running out of money moved from the 10th spot on the 2023 list to No. 6. Climate fear has been consistent year over year, with about 49% of respondents saying they were afraid or very afraid of the effects of climate change.

You can see the full list for 2024 here.

Chapman University professors have a book available, which was published by NYU Press “Fear Itself, The Causes and Consequences of Fear in America,” by Christopher D. Bader, Joseph O. Baker, L. Edward Day and Ann Gordon.

The authors say persistent fear negatively affects individuals’ decision-making abilities and causes anxiety, depression and poor physical health. Further, fear harms communities and society by corroding social trust and civic engagement. Yet politicians often effectively leverage fears to garner votes, and companies routinely market unnecessary products that promise protection from imagined or exaggerated harms.

Source: The Chapman University Survey of American Fears; Chapman’s Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Pew Research Center

​ Orange County Register 

Santa Anita horse racing consensus picks for Saturday, October 26, 2024

• October 26, 2024

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti and Mark Ratzky. Here are the picks for thoroughbred races on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Trouble viewing on mobile device? See consensus picks

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​ Orange County Register 

Halloween 2024: Where to find special foods, pizza deals and more

• October 26, 2024

Purple is the new black this Halloween as restaurants strive to dress up their menus for the holiday.

Fast food chains offer a variety of ghoulish specials, from burgers to sweets, while full service restaurants focus on cocktails.

Related links

Halloween: 5 spooky bars and speakeasies to experience in Southern California
Halloween 2024: Where to find pumpkin patches in Southern California
MAP: Here’s all the Spirit Halloween stores in Southern California

And since pizza takeout has become a Halloween tradition, some pizzerias are doing holiday promotions.

Some offers require membership in loyalty programs. Check the chains’ website for details.

Here are some of the specials restaurant chains have announced online, in social media or in news releases.

Quick service

Auntie Anne’s: The pretzel chain has partnered with Spirit Halloween on a holiday bucket to be filled with Pretzel Nuggets. Spirit Halloween has a matching costume. auntieannes.com 

Baskin-Robbins: This year’s treats include a Spooktacular Polar Pizza, already sliced with chocolate chip cookie crust and its flavor of the month,Twix Caramel Crunch ice cream. It’s topped with M&Ms. baskinrobbins.com

Burger King: An “Addams Family” menu includes Wednesday’s Whopper with a purple bun, Gomez’s Churro Fries and Morticia’s Kooky Chocolate Shake. bk.com

Carl’s Jr: The Ghost is a burger made with ghost pepper cheese, bacon and a “soul-scorching sauce.” carlsjr.com

Chipotle Mexican Grill: The chain’s in-store Boorito promotion will run from 3 p.m. to close. Diners who visit a restaurant in a holiday costume can get an entrée for $6 in-restaurant, according to a news release. chipotle.com

Cold Stone Creamery: Boo Batter Ice Cream is back. It’s a charcoal-colored version of its Cake Batter Ice Cream. Other treats include Scaredy Cakes, an ice cream version of cupcakes that come in six packs. coldstonecreamery.com

Duck Donuts: This year’s Spooky Box is available through Nov. 3 with such creations as Spiderweb Surprise, Fright Night and So Mummy. duckdonuts.com

Dunkin’: Halloween Munchkins Donut Hole Treats come with a Halloween bucket. Beverages include the Potion Macchiato, served hot or iced. It’s made with espresso and milk with a “purple marshmallow ube flavor.” dunkindonuts.com

Fatburger: Customers get a free cookie with any purchase in-store or online through Oct. 31. Use the code trickortreat24 at checkout. fatburger.com

Jack in the Box: The Mummy Wrapped Monster Taco is the chain’s signature big taco wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. jackinthebox.com

Krispy Kreme: Scary Sharies, available through Nov. 27, include “Ghostbusters” such as the Slimer Doughnut and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. krispykreme.com

McDonald’s: This year’s Boo Buckets have fresh monster faces in orange, white, green and blue. They come with Happy Meals. mcdonalds.com

Qdoba: Rewards members can get a Boogo deal on Oct. 31. If they order an entree and drink they will get a free entree loaded into their rewards account. qdoba.com

Rubio’s Coastal Grill: Every burrito will be $8.99 for Rubio’s Rewards members on Oct. 31. Scan your QR code at the register for in-store purchases or order digitally. rubios.com

Sonic: Witches Brew is a green apple slush topped with soft-serve and caramel bubbles. It’s available online or through the chain’s app. sonicdrivein.com

Wendy’s: A new Boo! Bags meal includes a Dave’s Single, small fries and a small Frosty, plus a glow-in-the-dark Frosty figure and this year’s Boo! Book coupons. They will be available while supplies last. wendys.com

Pizza

7-Eleven: Rewards members who buy a whole pizza can get a second pizza for free Oct. 30-31. 7-eleven.com

California Pizza Kitchen: Build-your-own or baked Jack-o-lantern pizzas are available through Oct. 31 for takeout or free delivery on orders of $25 or more with the code CPK. cpk.com

Chuck E. Cheese: Pumpkin Pepperoni Pizza and Slime Cookies are on the menu during Boo-tacular, which runs through October and includes trick-or-treating and free tickets for kids who come in costume. chuckecheese.com

Papa John’s: Jack-o-lantern-shaped pizzas start at $9.99. It also comes in a Halloween Bundle with cheese sticks and 2-liter soft drink bottle for around $18.99. papajohns.com

Round Table: A Halloween special includes Large Double Play Pepperoni Pizza and an appetizer for $22.99-$27.99. roundtablepizza.com

Casual restaurants

Applebee’s Grill & Bar: The chain is serving a Dollar Zombie with a Gummi Brain and a $5 Boo Lagoon, made with Bacardí Lime and Malibu Coconut, blue curaçao and pineapple juice. applebees.com

Bar Louie: Specials include $5 Blue Moon drafts and Halloween shots. The martini of the month is the Purple Reign Martini made with Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka. A portion of sales will go to No Kid Hungry. barlouie.com

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Specials include the Spooky Pizookie served with orange-colored vanilla ice cream, the Unlucky Ducky cocktail and Boo-Berry Sour, plus a kid-friendly Orange Scream-sicle mocktail. bjsrestaurants.com

Chili’s Grill & Bar: Witch’s Brew, made with Lunazul Blanco Tequila, is the margarita of the month. chilis.com

IHOP: Scary Face Pancakes make their annual return. With the purchase of any adult entree, kids younger than 12 can get a free pancake and toppings to decorate it with. The offer is dine-in only. ihop.com

Johnny Rockets: Customers can get a free cookie with any in-store purchase through Oct. 31. Mention the promo to redeem. johnnyrockets.com

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​ Orange County Register 

Dodgers’ bullpen gets reinforcements but loses Evan Phillips to sore shoulder

• October 26, 2024

LOS ANGELES — Before the bullpen gates even opened for the first time in the World Series, the Dodgers’ relief corps took two steps forward and one step back.

Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol both returned from injuries and were added to the active roster. However, Evan Phillips was left off the roster due to shoulder fatigue.

“Obviously not having Evan available for this series certainly is disappointing,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Game 1 against the New York Yankees on Friday. “We’ve got to make sure we protect him – short term, long term. But being able to add Brusdar and Alex to this roster is a huge addition. I think they match up well with this ball club, and they’ve got experience.

“So I think that obviously losing Evan was a blow, but getting two nice additions is big.”

Phillips pitched the sixth inning of Game 6 in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, walking back-to-back batters before escaping the inning. He was supposed to go back out for the seventh inning and face right-handed hitter Starling Marte. But Phillips’ shoulder tightened up and he didn’t go back out.

An MRI showed no structural damage to his shoulder but Phillips continued to have fatigue in the days leading up to the World Series.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the deciding factor in leaving Phillips off the roster was the rules governing injury replacements during the World Series.

“The way the Major League Baseball injury rule is written, we wouldn’t be able to replace him in that it was something that was pre-existing,” Friedman said.

Phillips led the Dodgers with 18 saves this season and pitched 6⅔ scoreless innings over the course of the NL Division Series against the Padres and the NLCS.

“Obviously, Evan has been a huge part of the success we’ve had in the bullpen,” Friedman said. “Even more than the talent of Evan, just the amount that he has poured into this, it’s hard for him not to be a part of this. I know he’s going to do everything he can with the guys in the ’pen to get them ready, but obviously it’s really disappointing.”

Vesia (rib injury) and Graterol (shoulder) both faced hitters during the Dodgers’ workouts in the days leading up to the World Series.

Graterol made just seven appearances during the regular season due to a recurring shoulder problem and a hamstring injury. He has not pitched in a game since Sept. 24. It remains to be seen if he will be able to pitch on back-to-back days or more than one inning in an outing.

“He’s healthy,” Friedman said. “He’s been building back up. He’s faced hitters. He’s up to 97 (mph). He’s bounced back well. Stuff’s in a good place.”

ROJAS RETURN

The Dodgers also added shortstop Miguel Rojas back to the active roster and dropped outfielder Kevin Kiermaier.

Rojas has been playing with a strained adductor muscle for weeks and expects to have surgery to address the injury during the offseason. He aggravated it during the NLDS and was left off the roster for the NLCS. But Rojas participated in the Dodgers’ full workout Wednesday and was cleared to return.

Roberts said Rojas will be in the starting lineup for Game 2 against Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón. Other than that, he will be available to pinch-hit or be a late-game defensive replacement.

Rojas’ return won’t affect utility man Kiké Hernandez’s playing time. Roberts said Hernandez will be in the lineup each game.

FREEMAN STATUS

Because he did not play Game 6 of the NLCS, Freddie Freeman has had a full week off to rest and treat his injured right ankle.

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“He’s kind of in the position he was when he started the DS (because of the down) time before that series,” Roberts said. “We’re all just sort of hoping that we’ve got out of the woods and we can kind of maintain where he’s at now – because what happened as the (NLDS) series progressed, prolonged, then it went south.

“Right now he’s in a good spot so we’re just hoping that we can kind of sustain it.”

Freeman finished the NLCS with just one hit in his last 15 at-bats and hasn’t had an extra-base hit since injuring his ankle on Sept. 26.

“I feel pretty good walking and I feel okay hitting,” Freeman said earlier this week. “It’s all the more movement stuff of running and stuff like that.

“When you get hurt, I think every day away from that injury, and every day you treat it, it’s only going to be better. So I’m hoping that these pretty much six, seven days that I will have off – because I didn’t play in the last one – will be what I need to be able to go.”

​ Orange County Register 

Southern California airports receive more than $60 million in FAA grant funds

• October 26, 2024

Southern California airports received more than $60 million in grants announced this week by the Federal Aviation Administration for various upgrade projects, part of roughly $970 million in funds awarded to airfields across the nation.

“Investing in America’s airport infrastructure isn’t just about upgrading runways and terminals — it’s about growing local economies, creating jobs, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of travel,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “With the grants we’re announcing today — nearly $1 billion in total — we’re helping modernize 125 airports across the country in order to make their operations safer, more accessible, and more convenient for travelers.”

A total of 125 airport-related projects nationwide received funds.

Los Angeles International Airport received $30 million that will be used for the Terminal Roadways Project, which includes “construction of roadways, ramps, bridges, pedestrian bridges, intersection improvements, traffic signals/controls, traffic monitoring/management equipment, street lighting, signage and striping, sidewalks.”

John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana received $10.6 million for the installation of six replacement escalators that are earthquake-safe, more reliable and will “generate up to 20% energy savings,” according to the FAA.

Hollywood Burbank Airport received $9.3 million for “exterior glass, roofing and drywall for a replacement passenger terminal, consisting of 14 gates.”

San Diego International Airport was awarded nearly $12.1 million for new terminal construction, including “the installation of two passenger boarding bridges, pilings, foundation concrete, flooring, roofing and structural steel.”

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Palm Springs International Airport, meanwhile, received $6 million to fund “the demolition of existing foundations and exterior building walls, as well as the construction of a new foundation for the expansion of the existing terminal.”

“We’re working to ensure passengers’ safety, comfort, and convenience throughout their airport journey,” FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin said in a statement. “Today’s investment also builds communities by providing good-paying jobs and infusing dollars in local economies.”

​ Orange County Register 

Israel launches airstrikes against targets in Iran

• October 26, 2024

By Jon Gambrell | Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Israel launched airstrikes early Saturday targeting what it described as military targets in Iran in retaliation for a ballistic missile assault Oct. 1, officials said. There was no immediate information on damage in the Islamic Republic.

Israel’s military described the attack as “precise strikes on military targets in Iran,” without immediately elaborating.

“The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since Oct. 7 – on seven fronts – including direct attacks from Iranian soil,” an Israeli military statement said. “Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond.”

In Tehran, the Iranian capital, the sound of explosions could be heard, with state-run media there initially acknowledging the blasts and saying some of the sounds came from air defense systems around the city.

A Tehran resident told The Associated Press that at least seven explosions could be heard, which rattled the surrounding area. The resident spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Meanwhile, state media in Syria described its air defenses as targeting “hostile targets” there as well.

Iran has launched two ballistic missile attacks on Israel in recent months amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip that began with the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel also has launched a ground invasion of Lebanon.

The strike happened just as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was arriving back in the U.S. after a tour of the Middle East where he and other U.S. officials had warned Israel to tender a response that would not further escalate the conflict in the region and exclude nuclear sites in Iran.

White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement that “we understand that Israel is conducting targeted strikes against military targets in Iran” and referred reporters to the Israeli government for more details on their operation.

Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

Dodgers, fans honor legacy of Fernando Valenzuela before Game 1 of World Series

• October 26, 2024

LOS ANGELES — On an October Friday in Dodger Stadium, just shy of his 21st birthday, Fernando Valenzuela delighted a full house when he gutted his way through a rough outing to beat the New York Yankees and reverse the course of the 1981 World Series.

Whether the fans were the 12-year-old Mexican American kid next to his dad in the top row of the reserved level in seats they were selected to buy in a postcard drawing or the longtime season ticket holders far closer to the action, they were enthralled throughout what turned out to be the final start of Valenzuela’s spectacular rookie season.

On an October Friday 43 years (and two days) later, fans gathered again to pay tribute and say goodbye to one of the most beloved Dodgers before, appropriately, Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. Valenzuela died Tuesday, at 63 years old after an illness that his family has kept private.

Juan Carlos Gonzalez from Eastvale made sure to get a picture of Valenzuela’s No. 34 at the top deck level entrance to Dodger Stadium among the team’s other retired numbers.

“Fernando was a great representative of our Mexican heritage and was a huge part of why people loved the Dodgers for a long time,” said Gonzalez, who at 43 said he was too young to see Valenzuela play but still understands why he was revered in Los Angeles.

Gonzalez said it was important enough to be at Game 1 with his son, Andre, for the tribute to Valenzuela that he bought tickets on the secondary market late Friday morning.

“It wasn’t cheap, but it’s worth it,” he said.

Linda Avila from Gardena showed up Friday in the No. 34 jersey she’s owned for 10 years and wore to each Dodgers playoff game since the team announced that Valenzuela had been hospitalized.

Her husband Nacho remembered attending the Dodgers’ home opener in Valenzuela’s first season – a last-minute start in place of injured teammate Jerry Reuss – when Avila bought 80 tickets for friends and family to join in the fun.

“So many great memories,” said Nacho Avila, a longtime season ticket holder. “It’s great to be here on a day they’re honoring him.”

The path to Dodger Stadium was easy to follow Friday. One No. 34 jersey after another showed the way, starting in the line for taquitos at Olvera Street’s Cielito Lindo and stopping briefly at the Dodger Stadium sign on Vin Scully Avenue, where the first flowers were placed within an hour of the Dodgers’ announcement of Valenzuela’s death. The memorial on Friday included funeral sprays, balloons, Mexican flags, photos and messages to a local hero.

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The path of No. 34 jerseys picked up again from the parking lots to the admission gates. One of the security guards at the top deck level said he was going to fist-bump everyone who was wearing a Valenzuela jersey, and he stayed busy in the 30 minutes that fans streamed into the stadium.

Eddie Alaniz of Corona sported a twist on the traditional white jersey with blue letters; his was the red, white and green of the Mexican flag.

“I first saw Fernando when he was a reliever at the end of the 1980 season,” Alaniz said. “We didn’t know anything about him at that point, but he was amazing. I was always a fan.”

Sergio Castro from Lake Elsinore walked up to Valenzuela’s retired number and placed flowers on the growing tribute.

“He played baseball the way it’s supposed to be played,” said Castro, who took a picture of his son, Anthony, by the No. 34. “It never seemed to be about the money. It was because he loved it.”

​ Orange County Register