DMV recalls ‘unacceptable and disturbing’ license plate mocking Oct. 7 attack on Israel

• December 13, 2024

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Friday that it “is taking swift action to recall” a set of license plates that mocked the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

The license plate read “LOLOCT7,” which stands for laugh out loud, according to a post on X from the organization StopAntisemitism.

“Demand the CA DMV recall this license plate that celebrates the October 7th terrorist attack — a vile mockery of the 1,200 innocent lives lost and the countless others scarred,” the watchdog organization StopAntisemitism said in a post on the social network X.

https://x.com/StopAntisemites/status/1867378263846236666

The DMV called the personalized plate “unacceptable and disturbing” in a post on X.

The vehicle with the custom plate was seen at the intersection of Jefferson and Sepulveda boulevards in Culver City, according to StopAntisemitism.

The DMV pledged in a post on X to “immediately strengthen our internal review process to ensure such an egregious oversight never happens again.”

“We sincerely apologize that these personalized plates were not properly rejected during our review process,” the DMV said in a post on X. “The use of hateful language is not lonely a clear violation of our policies but also a violation of out core values to proudly serve the public and ensure safe and welcoming roadways.”

​ Orange County Register 

Corky: Shopping with some of the folks who know surfing the best

• December 13, 2024

It’s mid-December here in the beautiful O.C. and there is a lot of shopping going on.

We like to think we will get prepared for the holidays early and not have to rely on last-minute, rush-job shopping for those all-important gifts for special friends and family who will be the lucky replicants this year.  But, do we really ever do that?

You might be one of the extremely organized few who do that, and good on ya if that’s you.  But I am one of those who seem to wait to get to it when the clock is ticking down to the last “fa la la la laaaa” and “ho ho ho,” as Santa Claus jumps into the chimney.

I delivered my suggested gifts for surfers list a few weeks ago, all good and on time.  But today I thought I might follow that up with a bit of what I consider a good suggestion on where you shop to buy those gifts.

I am a firm believer in supporting your local surf shops when shopping for gifts for surfers.  Most all surf shops are owned and run by fellow surfers who are trying to make a living.  In doing so they provide the exact stuff that you will be looking for.

I was looking for Hawaiian shirts, one of my favorite items to give close pals.  The coolest are the vintage ones that we used to search the thrift stores for.  There is a guy right here in Costa Mesa off 17th Street that has a cool little store that specializes in those: Dirt Cheap Plants and Hawaiian Shirts.  I get all mine there.  The owner’s name is Nik, cool dude, long time surfer and knows his stuff.

Surf shops are the same thing. You go in, talk to a local surfer who works there, and get help finding exactly what you need. There are small “mom-and-pop” type stores where you very possibly could be talking to the owner himself.

Frog House in Newport Beach is one of those.  T.K. is the owner, and much of the time the salesman.  He knows his stuff. Infinity in Dana Point, same kinda deal. Steve and Berri are the owners and are on the floor talking to ya.  All these people could be sitting in the lineup catching waves that very morning.

Even with some of the larger surf shops you get this same kind of thing.  Huntington Surf & Sport, for example, is one of the larger surf shops. It is run by Aaron Pai and his entire family – who all surf.

Surf shops have come a long, very long, way since I was a kid.  In those days, the shop was probably the exact place where the boards were made.  They smelled like resin.  Sometimes you stepped in it.  And they sold surfboards and maybe T-shirts.  That was it.  Later they would stock wetsuits, repair stuff and maybe wax (when surf wax came about).

Today, modern surf shops carry tons of stuff, all surf-related and perfect gift items for surfers.  From boards, wetsuits and wax to all sorts of accessories that would include water watches, clothing, videos, books, suncare, sunglasses, travel bags and on and on.

Yes, you can find some of this stuff at the mall.  But it’s doubtful that you will find a local surfer there as a salesperson to help you fine-tune that gift.  Shop for anybody else at the mall, shop for surfers in your local surf shops.

On last plug, if you want a “wave painting,” I am your guy.  [email protected].   Hey, just sayin’.

Support your local surf shops and local surfers.  Have a super cool yule.

​ Orange County Register 

Why Santa Ana’s independent bookstore LibroMobile may close its doors in 2025

• December 13, 2024

Santa Ana’s sole independent bookstore LibroMobile may be closing its doors.

“In the last six months, our book sales have been incredibly low, and so on top of that, California state arts funding was cut, which means we lost two big grants, like $50,000 worth of funding that we normally get for our programming,” says owner and founder Sarah Rafael García. “We don’t have enough money projected for 2025. Right now, we’re not even sure we’re going to make it to June.”

SEE ALSO: Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more

García, who works another full-time job that runs through May, has had to cancel LibroMobile’s annual literary festival and events programming and she’s been dipping into her own income to keep the doors open at the store, which has two employees and additional student help.

“I have been contributing my own personal funds to keep it going,” she says. “We’re grassroots – I’m not a rich person, you know? I started the bookstore with a $10,000 yearly income, so I always tell people, I know how to survive off of very little money.”

She plans to continue doing pop-up sales events and the quarterly open mic night, although the money crunch has affected that event as well.

“We cannot pay our headliners. So whatever poet chooses to accept the invite to headline, they’re doing it for free,” she says.

The problem, she says, is not enough book buyers.

“We won’t be able to maintain a brick and mortar if people don’t buy books,” she says. “If we don’t increase book sales significantly in the next couple months, then in March I’m going to have to probably announce that we’re definitely closing in June.”

And while she says she’ll find a way to keep doing pop-ups and other events – she launched LibroMobile with a hand-me-down garden cart that gave the venture its name – “We won’t have a brick and mortar store, which is a really sad thing for our city, as the only independent bookstore in Santa Ana.”

No, it’s not the rent

García makes one thing clear: Don’t blame her landlords.

“We don’t pay market-rate rent. So when people say, ‘Oh, it’s your landlord, they should decrease it.’ That’s not true. They have been 100% supportive. They have not increased our rent because they know we’re in this situation,” she says. “They want to figure out how to make it work.”

She says LibroMobile reciprocates by creating community events in English and Spanish at the Bristol Swap Meet to bring people to the food courts as well as by helping to fund the site’s murals with grant money and city support.

“We’re more than a bookstore. We’re creating a place for our community where they can explore literature and the arts without having to pay for it,” she says, but adds that there are always costs to cover. “We have to pay a DJ. We have to pay for the equipment. Sometimes we have to rent chairs if we expect a bigger crowd for an event. So all those are additional costs.”

But she’s committed to serving the community.

“This is home for me … Santa Ana is where I went to school and keep returning, even though I have nobody left here, other than friends and chosen family, my godparents. But it’s still what I call home.”

Her father, Rafael Castillo García, worked for the Orange County Register for 10 years until he died unexpectedly in 1988 at age 36. She recalls how her father – who studied the paper to improve his language skills, attended community college and wrote poems he’d leave on the family refrigerator – would leave the house dressed in crisp slacks and a dress shirt.

“He always dressed sharp to go to work, to try to impress us to have better jobs,” says García, who would learn about the physical nature of his work after his death. “I didn’t know he was a labor worker. I had to go empty his locker out, and I found the coveralls.”

What’s next?

García says she has considered suggestions to start a crowdfunding campaign but ultimately decided against it.

“I know I could probably set up a GoFundMe, but where would that take us a year or two from now? We’ll be in the same position. If I don’t cultivate the culture and the tradition in Santa Ana and Orange County, then we’re still not creating sustainability,” she says. “I’m trying to cultivate the want and the need of books, not just holding rent.”

So what can local readers do to help?

“I want them shopping at the bookstore. [laughs] We go days without someone buying a book sometimes,” she says.

“We are the only bookstore in Santa Ana, but not just that. We’re the only bookstore in Orange County that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and People of Color books, as well as Spanish, multicultural and bilingual books. We have a whole beautiful collection of BIPOC cookbooks – like, who does that, right? – on top of a special collection that prioritizes ethnic studies, gender studies and academic books at affordable prices.”

SEE ALSO: Bestsellers, authors, books and more can be found in the Books section

García underscores her commitment to keeping prices reasonable – or even free. She stocks a Little Free Library at the Bristol Swap Meet, too.

“Maybe that’s why we’re not making enough money. But that’s the whole point of keeping books that are relevant to our community accessible and affordable,” she says.

While she says that the store is proudly political, García thinks LibroMobile has something that benefits the entire community.

​“If you don’t like our politics, there’s still plenty of other books you can read in our store,” she says. “We have something for everyone, but we’re also not going to hide our political stances for the sake of capitalism.”

For more stories about : Sign up for our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more

​ Orange County Register 

Shore Thing: Adventures in Avila Beach – The Monthly Traveler

• December 13, 2024

Greetings, fellow wanderers! It is I, The Monthly Traveler, back to whisk you away to yet another magical destination. This time, our compass points to Avila Beach, a serene seaside escape nestled on California’s Central Coast. A quick detour off Highway 1 and voila—you’re in a world of ocean breezes, rolling vineyards, and sunny charm. Whether you’re planning a weekend jaunt from the Bay Area or adding a pit stop to your Highway 1 road trip from Los Angeles, Avila Beach is calling your name.

Arrival in Paradise

As you approach Avila Beach, the scenery transforms from the rugged beauty of the Central Coast to a tranquil sycamore tree filled valley. This is no ordinary valley—it’s home to mineral hot springs, luxurious spas, and the perfect prelude to the vibrant town ahead.

Emerging from the trees, you’ll find Avila Beach bathed in its uniquely warm micro-climate. Yes, it’s often sunnier here than at neighboring beaches, making it a slice of coastal perfection year-round.

Exploring the Beach and Beyond

First stop? The town’s main beach! A postcard-worthy stretch of white sand is framed by calm bay waters and a bustling promenade. This is the heart of Avila, where paddle boarders glide across the gentle waves and beachgoers bask in the sun. For those traveling with furry companions, nearby Olde Port Beach is a dog-friendly haven where pups can frolic to their hearts’ content.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Hop on the Bob Jones Trail, affectionately known as the “City to the Sea” path. This scenic route winds through lush meadows and along San Luis Obispo Creek, offering walkers, bikers, and joggers a front-row seat to the region’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for wildflowers, grazing deer, and even the occasional hawk overhead.

Savor the Local Flavors

No visit to Avila Beach is complete without indulging in its culinary treasures. Along Front Street, you’ll find charming oceanfront eateries serving everything from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to farm-to-table creations. Grab a seat on a patio overlooking the water—trust me, the views make every bite taste better.

Wine lovers, rejoice! Avila Beach is a gateway to the celebrated San Luis Obispo wine region, where cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme. With tasting rooms scattered throughout town and vineyards a short drive away, it’s the perfect place to sip and savor. And if you’re visiting in the fall, don’t miss the local apple orchards for a taste of See Canyon’s finest harvest.

Historical Highlights

Avila Beach isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s also steeped in history. For a journey back in time, make your way to the Point San Luis Lighthouse. Perched atop a windswept bluff, this Victorian Gothic beauty has been guiding mariners since 1890. Accessible by a guided hike, trolley, or kayak, the lighthouse offers stunning ocean views and a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.

For a hands-on marine adventure, the Central Coast Aquarium is a must. Kids and adults alike can marvel at tidepool creatures, learn about local ecosystems, or even participate in beach cleanups and other conservation efforts. Who knew learning could be so much fun?

The Central Coast Aquarium is a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon. This interactive attraction features touch tanks, marine exhibits, and hands-on activities that bring the underwater world to life. The little ones—and the young at heart—will love it.

Farm-Fresh Fun

Just a stone’s throw from town lies Avila Valley Barn, a beloved destination for all ages. Browse the farm stand for fresh produce, pick up a homemade pie, or get up close and personal with the resident goats, alpacas, and peacocks. Pro tip: visit during the holidays, especially around Christmas, to enjoy festive decorations, seasonal treats, and the warm, welcoming charm of winter on the Central Coast. It’s the perfect place to soak in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.

Indulge in Relaxation: Hot Springs and Spas

If your ideal getaway involves serious relaxation, Avila Beach delivers. The area’s natural hot springs are a therapeutic delight, offering mineral-rich waters to soak your cares away. Combine that with a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment, and you’ve got the recipe for bliss.

A Place to Stay, A Place to Play

Avila Beach isn’t just a destination—it’s a retreat tailored to every kind of traveler. From boutique inns and luxurious resorts to cozy vacation rentals, finding your perfect home away from home is effortless. Plus, with a range of exciting lodging specials available, there’s always a way to make your stay even sweeter.

Whether you’re planning ahead or booking last-minute, there are plenty of opportunities to save. Many accommodations offer discounts for early bookings, prepaid stays, and memberships like AAA or AARP. For those seeking a luxurious escape, some properties feature spa services or romantic celebration packages that include thoughtful touches like champagne, chocolates, and rose petals for a truly indulgent experience.

Traveling with your pet? Avila Beach makes it easy with specials on dog-friendly rooms. You might even find packages that include perks for your pup, like complimentary treats or dining vouchers. It’s a tail-wagging way to ensure your four-legged companion is as pampered as you are.

If you prefer the comforts of a vacation rental, you’ll love the options available in the area. From cozy cottages to beachfront homes, rentals often include enticing specials, such as discounted rates for longer stays or last-minute bookings. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a serene getaway, these rentals provide all the comforts of home in a stunning coastal setting.

No matter your travel style or budget, Avila Beach offers the perfect place to rest, recharge, and revel in the charm of the Central Coast. With so many ways to save and stay, your dream getaway is closer than you think.

Click here for more information and lodging specials.

Farewell, for Now

Avila Beach is a place where time slows down, where the sea meets the vines, and where every moment feels like a postcard come to life. Whether you’re hiking the bluffs, sipping local wine, or simply lounging on the sand, this hidden gem has a way of capturing your heart.

Until next time, stay curious!

—The Monthly Traveler

​ Orange County Register 

New Zealand scientists suspect specimen of world’s rarest whale died from head injuries

• December 13, 2024

By ROD McGUIRK

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Scientists suspect the first complete specimen ever recorded of the world’s rarest whale died from head injuries, an expert said Friday.

The first dissection of a spade-toothed whale, a type of beaked whale, was completed last week after a painstaking examination at a research center near the New Zealand city of Dunedin, the local people who led the scientific team, Te Rūnanga Ōtākou, said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

A near-perfectly preserved 5-meter (16-foot) male was found washed up on a South Island beach in July. It was the first complete specimen ever recorded. There have only been seven known sightings and never of a living spade-toothed whale.

New Zealand conservation agency beaked whale expert Anton van Helden said the whale’s broken jaw and bruising to the head and neck led scientists to believe that head trauma may have caused its death.

“We don’t know, but we suspect there must have been some sort of trauma, but what caused that could be anyone’s guess,” van Helden said in a statement.

All varieties of beaked whales have different stomach systems and researchers didn’t know how the spade-toothed type processed its food.

The scientific team found the specimen had nine stomach chambers containing remnants of squid and parasitic worms, the statement said.

Among the more interesting finds were tiny vestigial teeth in the upper jaw.

“These little teeth embedded in the gum tells us something about their evolutionary history. It’s remarkable to see this and it’s just another thing that we had no idea about,” van Helden said.

“It’s a week I’ll never forget in my life, it’s certainly a highlight and it’s the start of the storytelling around this beautiful animal,” van Helden added.

The dissection was also notable because scientists and curators worked together with local Māori people to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and customs into each step of the process.

Following the dissection, the local iwi, or tribe, will keep the jawbone and teeth of the whale before its skeleton is displayed in a museum. 3D printing will be used to replicate those parts retained by the iwi.

To Māori, whales are a taonga -– a precious treasure -– and the creature has been treated with the reverence afforded to an ancestor.

New Zealand is a whale-stranding hotspot, with more than 5,000 episodes recorded since 1840, according to the Department of Conservation.

The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealand’s Pitt Island. Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986.

Associated Press writer Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement — and 5 things to do if you need to catch up, according to experts

• December 13, 2024

Rachel Christian | (TNS) Bankrate.com

Just because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery.

Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap.

5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement

You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement. A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers.

Here’s how to get started.

1. Use the Rule of 25 to get a ballpark number

A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25. Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement.

For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years.

While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save.

2. Compare your savings to Fidelity guidelines

Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track.

—By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary

—By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary

—By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary

—By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary

—By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary

For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67.

But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind.

3. Use an online retirement calculator

Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track.

You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases.

4. Map out your retirement budget

Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce.

First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting.

“Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management.

For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement.

“Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme.

Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as:

—Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s

—Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA

—Pensions

—Annuities

—Selling your home or business

—Rental income

—Inheritance

“If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning.

From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly.

5. Talk to a financial adviser

For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional.

Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement.

Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time.

Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary, meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries.

You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes.

5 ways to catch up on retirement savings

Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings.

1. Scale back your spending now and in retirement

Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping.

Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching.

Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners.

It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before.

“Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.”

Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line.

And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement.

“Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says.

Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date.

“Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.”

2. Delay retirement by a year or two

Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow.

“Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger.

Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits.

“You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger.

Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age, your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off.

3. Save more

It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible.

Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier:

—Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road.

—Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit.

—Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA.

4. Invest more aggressively

If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder.

Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance.

5. Take advantage of new retirement account catch-up contributions

Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution.

But thanks to SECURE 2.0, a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career.

Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career.

Bottom line

There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up.

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

​ Orange County Register 

Irvine police unveil technology center to catch crime in real time

• December 13, 2024

Irvine has become the first city in Orange County to open its own Real Time Crime Center, where police are using a mix of street cameras and other technology, data and analytics to solve and prevent crime.

The $2 million center, located at police headquarters, is manned by two crime specialists, a crime analyst and a drone pilot. The center’s staff monitors calls that come in to dispatch and identifies patterns, observes footage from security and other cameras around the city and operates a police drone.

“We track recent crime trends and patterns,” Senior Crime Analyst Rebecca Woolsey said. “If we see a call come out that looks similar, we can match, day, time and location to see if it’s related.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which handles law enforcement for 13 cities and some unincorporated areas across Orange County, opened its own $110 million real-time crime center in June in Tustin.

Kent said nearly three-fourths of the people arrested for crimes in Irvine come from elsewhere.

“We’re the safest city of our size (in the country),” Irvine police chief Michael Kent said, “but we need additional tools to deal with continuing crime – property crime, retail theft, motor vehicle theft.”

There were 1,323 reports of violent crime in Irvine in 2023, about 2% fewer than in 2022. Reports of property crime in the city in 2023 totaled 4,984, a less than 1% decline from the prior year.

As in other cities, those crimes include retail theft. Recently, an automated license plate reader alerted authorities to a car police said was connected to a string of thefts at the Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp said. Officers were dispatched and located the car’s occupants, reportedly seen tossing a pair of stolen $1,000 Prada sunglasses into the bushes. Two men were arrested.

The technology is also helping authorities locate missing persons and assist other agencies during wildfires and natural disasters.

Oldoerp said that the drone is used in a strictly reactionary way; it does not conduct regular surveillance.

When it opened, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said its center was the first of its kind in the county. However, despite not officially opening until this week, Irvine’s center was first piloted back in October 2022, Oldoerp said. And though the unveiling took place on Thursday, it has been functioning for a few months.

Similar centers have been cropping up all across the nation, and in neighboring counties. In September, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opened its first Real Time Watch Center at its station in Agoura Hills.

The Irvine center doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the larger sheriff’s department center has. But Irvine police hope to expand, and say they soon will have the ability to monitor security footage at local businesses.

Irvine receives $2 million in state funding for Real Time Crime Center

​ Orange County Register 

Rams kicker Joshua Karty comes through when needed most

• December 13, 2024

SANTA CLARA — As Joshua Karty waited for reporters in the locker room following the Rams’ 12-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers, he checked his phone. A professor of his from Stanford had emailed him, saying it looked like the 49ers had tipped one of his four field goals on the day, even though the ball had still stayed true through the uprights.

“I was like, ‘No, I don’t think so because the ball flight seemed good,’ and I didn’t think anything was wrong with it,” Karty said once media had gathered around him. “But sometimes you just need a little bit of luck; I think I was due for some luck. So, you know, I’ll take it when I get it.”

The rookie kicker had gone through a turbulent stretch leading up to Thursday’s return to the Bay Area. In the previous four games, he was 1 for 3 on field-goal attempts. In the one game in which he cleanly made his lone field goal, in Sunday’s victory against the Bills, he missed an extra point that could have given the Rams a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.

But against the 49ers, in a game in which the Rams could not get into the end zone, Karty was clean. He made all four of his attempts. Three came from inside 30 yards, but the 48-yarder was the one San Francisco tipped and still went in.

“He’s steady, he’s consistent, he’s kind of unflappable,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “And he went out there and I mean even the long one, 48-yarder, he knocked that thing true and it was firm and it had great trajectory on it. And then the next three were excellent. … He did a great job, I was really proud of him but I don’t know that I was too surprised.”

The conditions Thursday were wet and slippery, but Karty said that doesn’t disrupt his part of the kicking operation so much as it does the long snapper and holder.

Instead, he focused on doing his part, and not letting the preceding weeks affect his confidence as he lined up.

“It’s a good relief,” Karty said of the performance. “Stuff happens in football and it’s a long season and you’re not defined by a single game. I’m not defined by this game, I’m not defined by a game from a month ago. So just keep chugging along and finish the season strong and try to get that playoff spot.”

And he got to enjoy his return up near his college stomping grounds. His parents were in attendance, as was his girlfriend – still a student at Stanford – and some buddies who still live in Northern California.

Walking the Levi’s Stadium field, he’d hear 49er fans calling out, “Go Stanford,” as he thought of the irony of playing another rivalry game in the Bay.

“It makes me think of college, Stanford vs. Cal. I loved that game and I did well in that game over the years,” Karty said. “And I feel like the 49ers are our biggest rivals. Which is funny because there may or may not be video evidence of me saying that they were my favorite team like a year ago. But not anymore, so it’s great to beat them and it’s huge for the team and it means a lot.”

NOTES

Outside linebacker Nick Hampton tore his pectoral muscle against the 49ers and will require season-ending surgery, McVay said Monday.

The Rams expect tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) to return for his season debut next week against the New York Jets, McVay said.

Rookie offensive lineman K.T. Leveston (ankle) will not be activated from injured reserve to the active roster after practicing for the past three weeks, McVay said. Given all the flux the offensive line has undergone this year, McVay didn’t want to make a roster move to add Leveston, a seventh-round pick out of Kansas State in April’s NFL draft, to the active roster.

“He’s done a good job,” McVay said. “But he is a guy that we’re excited about his future. I thought he did a good job with the couple weeks of practice that he did have and looking forward to working with him for years to come.”

​ Orange County Register