CONTACT US

Contact Form

    Santa Ana News

    Jackson Kollock throws six touchdowns to lead Laguna Beach football past Garden Grove
    • October 6, 2023

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

    GARDEN GROVE — Junior quarterback Jackson Kollock flings spirals to teammates all over the field. Highly-recruited tight end Ryner Swanson dominates as much at defensive end as he does on offense. And Charlie Hunt might be the junior wide receiver to watch grow along with his team’s quarterback.

    The Laguna Beach football team continued to imprint itself in Orange County’s football consciousness Thursday as the small-school power defeated host Garden Grove 42-7 in a nonleague game.

    Kollock tossed six touchdown passes — one off his season high — as the Breakers (6-1) invoked a running clock en route to their sixth consecutive victory. It was the Breakers’ first win against Garden Grove since 1953.

    Swanson became Laguna Beach’s all-time receptions leader with his first grab, the 156th of his career. The senior, who is committed to BYU, added a fumble recovery, tackle for loss and forced an interception on defense.

    Hunt caught two touchdown passes from Kollock and nabbed an interception.

    It was a productive night for a program that has won 27 of its past 34 games, and appears headed toward a division promotion for the CIF-SS playoffs after claiming Division 9 last fall for its first section title.

    “For Laguna Beach, that’s good stuff,” said eighth-year coach John Shanahan, who shares the credit with his administration, assistant coaches, players and their families. “We have all the pieces in place. The goal is to try and hold onto this for as long as possible.”

    Kollock, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior, completed passes to 10 different teammates and finished 22 of 30 for 277 yards.

    He tossed touchdowns of 18 and 3 yards to Hunt, an 8-yarder to Swanson, a 3-yarder to freshman Wyatt Bogdan and showed off his arm with a 45-yard scoring strike to senior Charlie Tyus.

    “I just do whatever feels natural, whatever I have to do to win,” Kollock said. “If that’s getting out of the pocket (and) making a play or if that’s staying in there, delivering a throw and taking a hit, I just do what I got to do to win.”

    Laguna Beach’s offensive line gave Kollock plenty of time to throw despite playing without injured left tackle Joshua Burdiek. The group of Skyler Schwarm, Charlie Kelly, Fletcher Liao, Teddy Dworakowski and Leonardo Adjemian didn’t allow a sack.

    Garden Grove (2-5), a Division 9 quarterfinalist last season, opened with an eight-play, 66-yard drive that was capped by a 17-yard TD run by QB Branden Roth to take a 7-0 lead.

    Laguna Beach responded with 42 unanswered points and forced three turnovers.

    “If we play like this, we could go further than a CIF championship,” said the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Swanson. “We’re going to be in a higher division this year for sure. … We got to buckle up mentally and just go.”

    Added Kollock: “Last year’s regional championship (loss) sticks with us. We need to break that barrier and make it to state.”

    Next week, Laguna Beach opens defense of its Pac 4 League title by playing host to Ocean View on Oct. 13. Garden Grove opens defense of its Big 4 League championship against Marina at Westminster High on the same night.

    It will be a critical opener for Garden Grove, which hasn’t missed the playoffs under 10th-year coach Ricardo Cepeda.

    Related Articles

    High School Sports |


    El Dorado football team overcomes tough times to beat Foothill

    High School Sports |


    High school football live updates: Thursday’s games for Week 7 in Southern California

    High School Sports |


    Ray Fenton of Los Alamitos, Dan O’Shea of St. Margaret’s to coach O.C. All-Star football game

    High School Sports |


    Fryer on Football: Previews and predictions for Week 7’s top games

    High School Sports |


    Video: Steve Fryer and Dan Albano predict the winners of Week 7’s top football games

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Justin Fields, DJ Moore break out as Bears snap 14-game losing streak
    • October 6, 2023

    By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer

    LANDOVER, Md. — Music blared from the Chicago Bears’ locker room after a victory for the first time in almost a year, and players danced and jumped around with joy.

    All thanks to Justin Fields and DJ Moore being perfectly in tune.

    Fields and Moore connected eight times for 230 yards and three touchdowns to give the embattled Bears their first win of the season, beating the Washington Commanders, 40-20, on Thursday night, just hours after word emerged of the death of franchise great Dick Butkus.

    “We just needed a win, get the mojo going in our favor,” Moore said. “It felt amazing to get the first win under our belts.”

    Relief was palpable at the end of a 14-game skid dating to last season – since Oct. 24, 2022, the last time they won a game. All the off-field drama the organization has been mired in for weeks melted away in the moments of celebration.

    “The feeling that we all had after the game is a feeling that you just never want it to end,” Fields said. “Just proud of the way all the guys came out and played.”

    Fields had four touchdown passes to match the career high he set last week, this time coming in a winning effort as Chicago (1-4) jumped out to a 24-point halftime lead and, unlike Sunday, held on.

    “He’s a heck of a good, young football player,” Commanders coach Ron Rivera said.

    Fields threw for 282 yards and ran for 57 yards, including a rush for a first down late in the third quarter after tipping the ball to himself following a high snap. Moore had 137 yards receiving in the first half alone, becoming the first Bears player to surpass 125 before halftime since at least 2000 and eventually reaching a career high.

    “This morning I was nervous – out-of-this-world nervous,” Moore said. “I guess that was my body telling me that we were about to go off.”

    It was such an impressive showing that it got the attention of Lakers star LeBron James, who posted on social media: “J Fields and DJ Moore going crazy right now!!! SHEESH!!”

    The Bears also got a defensive performance that felt like a fitting way to honor Butkus, the fearsome Hall of Fame linebacker who died at age 80 earlier Thursday. They forced two turnovers and sacked Sam Howell five times in bouncing back from blowing a 21-point lead and losing to Denver.

    “We harped all week on finishing,” said Greg Stroman, a former Washington cornerback who picked off Howell. “We do great things as a team. We played well for three strong quarters last week, so just were building off that and that was the message: Build off that and finish.”

    Washington (2-3) lost a third consecutive game, this time struggling with missed tackles and blown coverage on defense, while again failing to force a turnover. Couple that with Howell’s interception, and there was a reason the Commanders were booed off the field at halftime by fans who again packed FedEx Field for another sellout.

    Their second-half comeback bid fell short, stunted by Logan Thomas fumbling, a later drive stalling in the red zone and Joey Slye missing a 46-yard field goal attempt with five minutes left. Washington got as close as 10 points, but couldn’t end its losing streak and keep Chicago’s going.

    “It starts at the top,” Rivera said. “That’s on me.”

    LONG DISTANCE

    Chicago got its four longest plays of the season: 58-, 39-yard and 56-yard completions from Fields to Moore and a 34-yard run by Khalil Herbert. Three of those came in the first quarter alone.

    INJURIES

    Bears: Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds received medical attention late and walked off the field. … Center Lucas Patrick and rookie running back Roschon Johnson underwent concussion evaluation during the second quarter and were quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. … Receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (Servite High) and running back Travis Homer each left with a hamstring injury.

    Commanders: Washington lost two key special teams players early in the first quarter. All-Pro Jeremy Reaves left with a knee injury and second-year defensive back Christian Holmes with a hamstring injury. … Defensive tackle John Ridgeway was injured late.

    UP NEXT

    The Bears host the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 15.

    The Commanders visit the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 15.

    Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore celebrates during their 40-20 victory over the Washington Commanders on Thursday night in Landover, Maryland. Moore had eight catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns as the Bears snapped a 14-game losing streak that dates to last season. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

    Fields to Moore again! An early lead for the Bears. @justnfields @idjmoore#CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
    Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/cz0PKVSfHl

    — NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

    Slick route. Elite throw. The Fields-to-Moore duo is living up to the hype tonight. #CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
    Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/c1C05P9oLu

    — NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

    DJ MOORE
    DJ MOORE
    DJ MOORE

    A hat trick in his 5th game as a Bear! @idjmoore#CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
    Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/llD1Ppb7vb

    — NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

    Just how @justnfields planned it. #CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
    Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/bmcgkgWsN4

    — NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

    The @ChicagoBears locker room couldn’t be happier to celebrate a dub #CHIvsWAS pic.twitter.com/aj55Pfbm9c

    — NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Orange County scores and player stats for Thursday, Oct. 5
    • October 6, 2023

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

    Scores and stats from Orange County games on Thursday, Oct. 5

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

    THURSDAY’S SCORES

    FOOTBALL

    ORANGE LEAGUE

    Western 52, Savanna 7

    ORANGE COAST LEAGUE

    Orange 56, Calvary Chapel 29

    Santa Ana 49, Costa Mesa 10

    GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

    Los Amigos 13, Rancho Alamitos 12

    NONLEAGUE

    Laguna Beach 42, Garden Grove 7

    Passing: (LB) Kollock 22-30-1-277, 6 TDs. (GG) Roth 4-13-1-40.

    Rushing: (LB) Rogers 3-28, Kollock 1-12. (GG) Reyes 14-70, Peah 4-33.

    Receiving: (LB) Vellmure 5-41, Swanson 4-58, 1 TD. (GG) Rodriguez 3-30, Mendoza 1-10.

    El Dorado 41, Foothill 19

    Rushing: (ED) Bento 10-140, 1 TD; Murray 19-140, 4 TDs. (Fh) Mitchell 18-94; Jellerson 1-3.

    Passing: (ED) Bento 13-19-1-166. (Fh) Miali 21-29-1-183, 2 TDs.

    Receiving: (ED) Raya 4-55; Meek 3-26. (Fh) Zerkel 8-67, 2 TDs; Jellerson 5-55.

    GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

    SUNSET LEAGUE

    Los Alamitos 6, Laguna Beach 0

    SOUTH COAST LEAGUE

    El Toro 40, Capistrano Valley 14

    TRINITY LEAGUE

    Orange Lutheran 26, Rosary 6

    Santa Margarita 6, JSerra 0

    BOYS WATER POLO

    SEA VIEW LEAGUE

    Aliso Niguel 17, Trabuco Hills 7

    Goals: (AN) Geiger 5, Lynch 5

    Saves: Kennedy (AN) 14

    Other Sea View scores

    Mission Viejo 12, Tesoro 5

    SOUTH COAST LEAGUE

    San Clemente 14, El Toro 7

    EMPIRE LEAGUE

    Valencia 11, Tustin 3

    Cypress 17, Kennedy 7

    PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

    University 10, Laguna Hills 5

    Portola 11, Irvine 10

    Woodbridge 10, Northwood 8

    TRINITY LEAGUE

    Servite 18, St. John Bosco 8

    NONLEAGUE

    Fountain Valley 14, La Quinta 4

    Rancho Alamitos 13, Savanna 7

    Saddleback 20, Pioneer 6

    El Modena 11, Segerstrom 7

    Esperanza 11, Yorba Linda 9

    GIRLS GOLF

    WAVE LEAGUE

    Corona del Mar 209, Laguna Beach 237

    FREEWAY LEAGUE

    Sunny Hills 199, La Habra 240

    PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

    Northwood 187, Woodbridge 209

    TRINITY LEAGUE

    Santa Margarita 186, Rosary 271

    Tijeras Creek (par 36)

    Medalist: Cagle (SM) 34

    GIRLS TENNIS

    PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

    Beckman 17, Laguna Hills 1

    University 18, Irvine 0

    CRESTVIEW LEAGUE

    Canyon 9 (71), Villa Park 9 (67)

    EMPIRE LEAGUE

    Cypress 13, Valencia 5

    Pacifica 12, Kennedy 6

    ORANGE COAST LEAGUE

    St. Margaret’s 18, Orange 0

    ORANGE LEAGUE

    Western 16, Santa Ana Valley 2

    Century 16, Magnolia 2

    WAVE LEAGUE

    Newport Harbor 17, Marina 1

    Laguna Beach 18, Edison 0

    GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

    Segerstrom 9, Godinez 8

    TRINITY LEAGUE

    Mater Dei 12, Santa Margarita 6

    SAN JOAQUIN LEAGUE

    Pacifica Christian 17, Capistrano Valley Christian 1

    Fairmont Prep 13, Tarbut V’Torah 5

    GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

    GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

    Rancho Alamitos def. Bolsa Grande, 3-0

    Los Amigos def. Loara, 3-2

    PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

    Beckman def. Northwood, 25-14, 25-14, 25-21

    PACIFIC HILLS LEAGUE

    Woodbridge def. Portola, 20-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-21, 15-13

    NORTH HILLS LEAGUE

    Brea Olinda def. Villa Park, 25-17, 17-25, 19-25, 25-19, 15-12

    Canyon def. El Modena, 3-0

    ORANGE COAST LEAGUE

    St. Margaret’s def. Santa Ana, 3-0

    SOUTH COAST LEAGUE

    Dana Hills def. San Clemente, 3-0

    SURF LEAGUE

    Huntington Beach def. Newport Harbor, 25-15, 25-13, 24-26, 25-15

    Los Alamitos def. Edison, 3-0

    WAVE LEAGUE

    Marina def. Laguna Beach, 17-25, 25-14, 25-18, 22-25, 15-13

    Corona del Mar def. Fountain Valley, 3-2

    SAN JOAQUIN LEAGUE

    Pacifica Christian def. Tarbut V’Torah, 25-22, 25-12, 20-25, 25-20

    Capistrano Valley Christian def. Fairmont Prep, 25-9, 25-9, 25-3

    EXPRESS LEAGUE

    Acaciawood Academy def. Newport Christian, 3-0

    Liberty Christian def. Waldorf OC, 3-0

    ACADEMY LEAGUE

    Samueli Academy def. Calvary Chapel/Downey, 25-13, 25-8, 25-11

     

     

     

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger just gave San Marino’s The Huntington Library a very big gift
    • October 6, 2023

    By Josh Funk

    Investor Charlie Munger, who’s been Warren Buffett’s right-hand man for more than five decades, has made a $40 million gift to The Huntington Library and Art Museum, which he’s supported in the past.

    Munger gave 77 Class A Berkshire Hathaway shares to the San Marino museum, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    At Thursday’s closing price of $523,545.06 a share, that made the gift worth more than $40.3 million.

    A decade ago, Munger, who lived in Pasadena, gave the Huntington museum nearly $33 million worth of Berkshire stock to help pay for a new education and visitors center. Huntington spokeswoman Susan Turner-Lowe said this latest donation will be used to build more than 30 residences for visiting scholars to use while they spend time at the museum doing research.

    Charlie Munger (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, FileAssociated Press)

    Turner-Lowe said scholars often spend a school year studying at the Huntington and the expensive rental market in Los Angeles has made that difficult to afford. She said this is “a long-time dream that is in the process of being fulfilled in a major way.”

    Once a billionaire, Munger’s fortune never rivaled his best friend Buffett’s. But Munger lost his billionaire status long ago as he steadily gave away his fortune, and roughly $1 billion of his stock went into a charitable trust in 2010 after his wife died.

    After his latest donation, Munger still holds 4,033 Class A Berkshire shares. But back in 2000 he held 15,911 shares, which would be worth more than $8.3 billion today if he’d hung onto it all.

    Related links

    Munger donates $3 million in stock to Huntington Library
    As Hurricane Hilary looms, Huntington Library doubles down on effort to protect its trees

    Munger, who is known for his quick wit and acerbic manner, will turn 100 in January. He often quips that “I have nothing more to add” after some of Buffett’s more long winded answers at Berkshire’s legendary shareholder meetings, but he’ll also cut right to the heart of an issue in his own answers. For instance, he’s called cryptocurrencies “evil” and “stupid because they’re likely to go to zero” and are far too “useful to kidnappers and extortionists and so forth.”

    The conglomerate that Munger helped Buffett build owns dozens of companies, including BNSF railroad, Geico insurance and several major utilities along with well-known brands like See’s Candy and Dairy Queen along with numerous manufacturing firms. Although Berkshire is based in Omaha, Nebraska, where Buffett lives, Munger has long lived in southern California, so much of his charitable giving has been focused on the West Coast.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    High school football live updates: Thursday’s games for Week 7 in Southern California
    • October 6, 2023

    Looking for live high school football updates? Click here

    Follow along tonight, Thursday, October 5, as our Southern California News Group reporters provide scores, stats, videos and much more from the sidelines at tonight’s Week 7 games.

    Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

    https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

    THURSDAY’S GAMES

    CIF-SS

    BIG WEST-LOWER LEAGUE

    Great Oak at Corona, 7 p.m.

    CITRUS BELT LEAGUE

    Redlands at Cajon, 7:30 p.m.

    DEL RIO LEAGUE

    La Serna vs. Santa Fe at California HS, 7 p.m.

    DESERT SKY LEAGUE

    Barstow at Victor Valley, 7:30 p.m.

    Granite Hills vs. Adelanto at Apple Valley HS, 7 p.m.

    DESERT VALLEY LEAGUE

    Banning at Desert Hot Springs, 7 p.m.

    GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

    Los Amigos vs. Rancho Alamitos at Bolsa Grande HS, 7 p.m.

    GOLDEN LEAGUE

    Quartz Hill at Eastside, 7 p.m.

    MISSION VALLEY LEAGUE

    South El Monte at Rosemead, 7 p.m.

    MOJAVE RIVER LEAGUE

    Apple Valley at Hesperia, 7 p.m.

    Ridgecrest Burroughs at Sultana HS, 7 p.m.

    MOUNTAIN VALLEY LEAGUE

    Miller at Rubidoux, 7:30 p.m.

    Pacific at Indian Springs, 7:30 p.m.

    San Bernardino at Jurupa Valley, 7:30 p.m.

    ORANGE LEAGUE

    Savanna vs. Western at Glover Stadium, 7 p.m.

    ORANGE COAST LEAGUE

    Costa Mesa vs. Santa Ana at Santa Ana Stadium, 7 p.m.

    Orange vs. Santa Ana Calvary Chapel at Segerstrom HS, 7:30 p.m.

    RIO HONDO LEAGUE

    La Canada at San Marino, 7 p.m.

    SKYLINE LEAGUE

    Fontana at Bloomington, 7 p.m.

    Riverside Notre Dame at Arroyo Valley, 7:30 p.m.

    San Gorgonio at Colton, 7:30 p.m.

    NONLEAGUE

    Artesia at Garey, 7 p.m.

    Eisenhower at Kaiser, 7 p.m.

    Foothill vs. El Dorado at Tustin HS, 7 p.m.

    Grand Terrace at Rim of the World, 7 p.m.

    Jurupa Hills at Carter, 7 p.m.

    Laguna Beach at Garden Grove, 7 p.m.

    Pomona at Ganesha, 7 p.m.

    Summit at Rialto, 7:30 p.m.

    Workman at La Puente, 7 p.m.

    L.A. CITY

    CENTRAL LEAGUE

    Bernstein at Mendez, 7 p.m.

    Contreras at Belmont, 4 p.m.

    Hollywood at Roybal, 4 p.m.

    MARINE LEAGUE

    Narbonne at Wilmington Banning, 7:30 p.m.

    8-MAN

    CIF-SS

    Milken vs. Faith Baptist at Birmingham, 7 p.m.

    TRI-COUNTY PREMIER LEAGUE

    Downey Calvary Chapel at CSDR, 7 p.m.

    Hillcrest Christian at Malibu, 6:30 p.m.

    Noli Indian at Entrepreneur, TBA

    Football

    — James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) September 1, 2023

    Related Articles

    High School Sports |


    Jackson Kollock throws six touchdowns to lead Laguna Beach football past Garden Grove

    High School Sports |


    Orange County scores and player stats for Thursday, Oct. 5

    High School Sports |


    Fryer: Capistrano Valley Christian girls volleyball could go far with grit and determination

    High School Sports |


    Ray Fenton of Los Alamitos, Dan O’Shea of St. Margaret’s to coach O.C. All-Star football game

    High School Sports |


    Swanson: Still in middle school, Sydney Douglas’ basketball future is coming soon

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    OC judge rules mentally ill killer will not be released to outpatient facility
    • October 6, 2023

    An Orange County judge ruled late Thursday that a drifter who bludgeoned a Huntington Harbour woman to death on a beachside road nearly 30 years ago will not be released from a state mental hospital to an outpatient facility due to concerns that he remains a potential danger to the community.

    Leonard Patton never went to prison for the 1994 killing of Jessica Uniack, a 47-year-old mother of two who Patton attacked with a tire iron and struck more than 20 times in the head and body. Instead, Patton was found not guilty by reason of insanity and has spent the vast majority of the decades since the killing receiving treatment in a locked state mental hospital.

    Doctors treating Patton recently determined that he was ready to move to move to an outpatient facility, concluding that the psychosis that led to the killing and Patton’s social phobia and severe social anxiety issues were under control due to medication and Patton’s acceptance of his condition and his crimes.

    That led to an outcry by Uniack’s family and pushback from prosecutors, who noted that a similar release in 2006 to Leisure Towers Guest Home — a facility in Orange — ended with Patton repeatedly violating the terms of his release and being sent back to a state hospital.

    After a series of recent hearings, Orange County Superior Court Judge Erin Rowe on Thursday denied the request to move Patton to an outpatient facility, finding that he still poses an undue risk to the community. Along with citing his past “knowing” rule violations, the judge also noted that Patton’s “baseline state” is one of severe social phobia that can lead to impulsive decisions and aggressive thoughts.

    “The court is concerned about Mr. Patton’s ability to cope,” Rowe said.

    A group of around two dozen Uniack’s family members and supporters embraced outside the Santa Ana courtroom following the ruling. Most wore green in honor of Uniack, who was born on St. Patrick’s Day.

    “There is obviously some relief,” said Alex Uniack, one of Jessica’s sons. “It is not something you want to celebrate, it is not like everything is ok. It is nice to have a good day in court, but in the back of my head I know it will come up again.”

    Patton, who was not in the courtroom but participated through video conferencing, is currently housed at the Sylmar Health and Rehabilitation Center. Had the judge approved his request there was talk that he could have been housed at Leisure Towers again, though the facility apparently revoked that possibility after Patton’s potential move was reported in the media, according to testimony.

    During Patton’s time at Leisure Towers in 2006, DA investigators followed Patton to an auto parts store in Riverside County and watched him purchase a tool that could be used as a knife. A search of his room also turned up knife blades and other sharp objects, court records show, and Patton was moved back to a locked facility.

    Dr. Nicole Caceres testified that Patton’s past violations during his treatment was self-sabotaging behavior related to his social phobia. The doctor said Patton has made significant strides in treatment, has accepted his condition, acknowledges the behaviors he needs to avoid and is ready to move to an outpatient facility for his next step in reintegrating into the community.

    “Mr. Patton has evidenced the ability to withstand a very stressful situation and not self-sabotage,” the doctor said of his progress.

    Deputy Public Defender Shawn McDonald noted it has been more than 15 years since Patton’s last stint in an outpatient facility. McDonald argued such a move now would be safe for the community and beneficial to Patton’s treatment.

    “We had concerns over the years and the concerns have been addressed,” McDonald told the judge. “He has been treated, slowly and deliberately.”

    Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Wah argued that the doctor had acknowledged during her testimony that if Patton were to stop taking his medication he could “decompress” quickly and suffer psychotic symptoms. The prosecutor noted that with Leisure Towers no longer an option it wasn’t clear where Patton would be housed, if released, and what the rules would be.

    “This court, and the community, cannot take that risk,” Wah said.

    At the time of his arrest, Patton’s family expressed relief that he had been captured, after they had tried unsuccessfully to get him committed to a mental health facility prior to the killing.

    On Dec. 8, 1994, according to court filings, voices in Patton’s head persuaded him to take a plane from his home in Minnesota to Los Angeles. He rented a car, drove to Orange County and got in a fender bender with Jessica Uniack along Pacific Coast Highway in Seal Beach.

    As Uniack got out of her car to exchange information Patton immediately attacked her, killing her. Patton abandoned his rental car, instead stuffing Uniack’s body onto the passenger floor of her own vehicle and driving to a nearby hospital emergency room. He then stole a truck, and was found by police wandering around Newport Beach.

    In comments to the judge, Alex Uniack said that at the time of the not guilty by reason of insanity verdict, “We were told the man who murdered my mom would spend the rest of his life where he belongs — in a locked state hospital.” The son described the recent hearings as a “grueling process” in which doctors helped Patton make sure he was dealing with the stress of the legal process while “the families are left on their own.”

    “Please don’t allow him the freedom to do this again,” the son told the judge.

    Orange County DA Todd Spitzer indicated he was pleased with the ruling.

    “A convicted murderer who bludgeoned an innocent 47-year-old mother of two after a traffic accident will remain in a locked facility as a result of vigorous advocacy by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to prevent him from being released back to the community,” Spitzer said in a written statement. “We will never stop fighting to protect public safety and we are relieved that the victims’ loved ones can sleep soundly knowing the man who murdered their mother will not be allowed to live freely among the rest of society.”

    Staff writer Tony Saavedra contributed to this report.

    Related Articles

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Trump allegedly discussed nuclear secrets with Mar-a-Lago member

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Trump claims presidential immunity for Jan. 6 actions

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Evidence: Trump’s financial statements integral to loan deal

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Police blame some deaths on ‘excited delirium.’ ER docs consider pulling the plug on the term.

    Crime and Public Safety |


    Julia Ormond sues Weinstein saying he assaulted her

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Sen. Dianne Feinstein honored at memorial service as leader with integrity
    • October 6, 2023

    By JANIE HAR

    SAN FRANCISCO — The late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein was toasted Thursday at a memorial service as a leader with uncommon integrity and a defender of American values — as well as a talented artist and a grandmother who gave crooked haircuts in her kitchen.

    President Joe Biden, who sent recorded remarks, was among the short list of speakers who praised Feinstein at the private memorial service outside San Francisco City Hall. Vice President Kamala Harris, herself a product of San Francisco politics, and other national leaders spoke in person to send off the first female mayor of San Francisco and longest-serving woman in the U.S. Senate.

    “She was always tough, prepared, rigorous, compassionate. She always served the people of California and our nation for the right reasons,” Biden said. “God bless a great American hero. She was something else, and she was a dear friend.”

    The service marked the end of two days of events in the city that launched Feinstein’s political career amid tragedy. Hundreds of everyday people streamed into City Hall on Wednesday to pay their respects to the woman who shattered numerous glass ceilings.

    On Thursday, it was time for national leaders and Feinstein’s family to share tributes to the woman they knew. They did so with personal and warm anecdotes that reflected Feinstein’s kindness, wit, and passion for the city in which she was born and raised, California and the country.

    Eileen Mariano recalled how Feinstein, her grandmother, created the AMBER Alert program and protected California’s deserts. But she was also a woman who hated losing at chess, cut hair crookedly and sang Mariano to sleep with “You Are My Sunshine.”

    She taught Mariano to put in the work and to keep going no matter what.

    “That, and she would also say to me, if you ever go out of town, no matter where you’re going, it doesn’t matter if you’re going to a city or the desert or a beach or the mountains, always pack a black pantsuit. There is no occasion to which you can’t wear a black pantsuit,” Mariano said.

    About 1,500 people were invited to the private memorial, where two large outdoor screens showed photos of Feinstein over the years. Guests seated in white chairs sweltered on an unseasonably hot day as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight team soared overhead, occasionally interrupting speakers with the roar of their jets.

    The flight demonstration squadron is in the city as part of Fleet Week, an annual San Francisco celebration started by Feinstein in 1981 when she was mayor.

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor, and former Gov. Jerry Brown were in the audience, though neither offered remarks. Feinstein was the officiant at Brown’s 2005 wedding to his wife, Anne Gust, a matchmaking effort referenced by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, another San Franciscan, in her remarks.

    More than three dozen U.S. senators and representatives attended the service.

    Several speakers reflected on Feinstein’s dedication to the job.

    Harris said after she was sworn in as a U.S. senator, Feinstein congratulated her with a glass of California chardonnay and a binder full of her legislative initiatives.

    The vice president also recalled being a young prosecutor on Nov. 3, 1992, when she drove from Oakland into San Francisco to celebrate Feinstein and Barbara Boxer winning election to the U.S. Senate — making California the first state to send two women to the chamber. Harris then reflected on her journey back to San Francisco for Thursday’s memorial, this time on Air Force Two.

    “Dianne, the women of America have come a long way. Our country has come a long way. And you helped move the ball forward and our nation salutes you,” she said.

    Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, meanwhile, recalled Feinstein fracturing her ankle on a walk in Lake Tahoe and, instead of going to the doctor, proceeding with a planned summit to talk about policy issues related to the prized natural resources straddling California and Nevada.

    He said one of his proudest moments was working with Feinstein to pass legislation banning the manufacturing and sale of certain types of semi-automatic guns. The legislation expired a decade later, in 2014. But he said he was also indebted to her as a father of two daughters.

    “Because of Dianne, my daughters grew up in a world that’s a little bit fairer, a little more just and more accepting of women in leadership,” he said.

    Feinstein, who died last week at her home in Washington, D.C., of natural causes, spent much of her career in the U.S. Senate but will be known as the forever mayor of San Francisco, a role she inherited in tragedy.

    She was president of the Board of Supervisors in November 1978 when a former supervisor assassinated Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, the city’s first openly gay supervisor, at City Hall. Feinstein, who found Milk’s body, became acting mayor and won election twice to serve as mayor until 1988.

    Related Articles

    Politics |


    Mourners pay their respects to Dianne Feinstein in San Francisco City Hall

    Politics |


    Laphonza Butler, who will be sworn in Tuesday as California’s senator, called smart and savvy

    Politics |


    What does Laphonza Butler’s appointment mean to race for Dianne Feinstein’s vacant Senate seat?

    Politics |


    With Dianne Feinstein’s death, Alex Padilla becomes California’s senior senator overnight

    Politics |


    How Sen. Feinstein got elected and the wave that followed her

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More
    Trump allegedly discussed nuclear secrets with Mar-a-Lago member
    • October 6, 2023

    By Kaanita Iyer | CNN

    Former President Donald Trump allegedly discussed potentially sensitive information about US nuclear submarines with a member of his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, following his presidency, ABC reported Thursday.

    Sources told ABC that the member is Anthony Pratt, an Australian billionaire who allegedly went on to share the information he received from the former president during an April 2021 meeting with “more than a dozen foreign officials, several of his own employees, and a handful of journalists.”

    ABC also reported that according to sources, a former Mar-a-Lago employee told investigations that he was “bothered” by the former president disclosing such information to someone who is not a US citizen. He added that he heard Pratt sharing potentially sensitive information minutes after his meeting with the former president, sources told ABC.

    These allegations were not included in special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment of Trump over his handling of classified documents. But the incident was reported to and investigated by Smith’s team, according to ABC.

    A Trump spokesperson slammed ABC’s report, telling CNN that the claims “lack proper context and relevant information.”

    “The Department of Justice should investigate the criminal leaking, instead of perpetrating their baseless witch-hunts while knowing that President Trump did nothing wrong, has always insisted on truth and transparency, and acted in a proper manner, according to the law,” the spokesperson said.

    CNN has reached out to Pratt and the special counsel’s office for comment.

    Pratt allegedly told investigators that after he told Trump that Australia should buy submarines from the US, the former president went on to share how many nuclear warheads US submarines carry and “how close they can get to a Russian submarine without being detected,” sources told ABC. But Pratt told investigators that he was not shown any government documents, the sources said.

    CNN previously obtained an audio of a July 2021 meeting Trump had in his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, during which the former president acknowledged that he held on to a classified Pentagon document about a potential attack on Iran. The audio, exclusively reported by CNN, was a critical piece of evidence in the special counsel’s indictment.

    Trump is facing 40 counts in the classified documents case, including willful retention of national defense information and conspiracy to obstruct justice. It is one of four cases in which the former president has been indicted.

    Trump, who is seeking to return to the White House and remains the GOP front-runner, asked the judge presiding over the case late Wednesday to delay the trial until after the 2024 elections. A similar request was previously denied.

    ​ Orange County Register 

    Read More