Canyon boys basketball, minus its top scorer, beats Villa Park in Crestview opener

• January 13, 2024

ANAHEIM — The Crestview League boys basketball opener between Villa Park and Canyon on Friday at Canyon High School was played at a frenetic pace for most of the first half.

But because of missed shots and turnovers by both teams, the low score didn’t match the fast pace.

The contest was played at a more controlled pace in the third quarter and that’s when the Comanches began to take control.

Canyon led by five at the half, then extended the lead to 11 in the third quarter and while the home team had some difficulty putting the game away down the stretch, the Comanches had enough of a cushion to hold on for a 54-50 victory.

“Yeah, it was sloppy,” Canyon coach Nate Harrison said. “Big crowd and a big game. I felt like we took control of the game in the third quarter and then just turnovers late allowed them to stay in the game, but yeah, I’m proud of our kids.”

The victory is the eighth in a row for the Comanches (16-4, 1-0), who have won the past three without their leading scorer Jaden Goodall.

Harrison had no information Friday on the nature of Goodall’s injury or how long he will be sidelined.

“We don’t know what the prognosis is yet,” Harrison said. “So we’ve been battling. He’s important to us and we’ve just been battling to keep our head above water.”

Josh Goodall, Jaden’s twin brother and Canyon’s second-leading scorer, has picked much of the slack during his brother’s absence.

Josh Goodall scored 20 points to lead Canyon on Friday, including back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Comanches a 37-26 lead midway through the third quarter.

Canyon led by 11 early in the fourth quarter when the Spartans (11-11, 0-1) went on a 9-2 run and were within four with 2:32 remaining.

A pair of free throws by Staf Yilmazturk gave the Comanches a seven-point lead with 40 seconds remaining, which was too much of a deficit for the Spartans.

Harrison had plenty of praise for Villa Park’s Malakhi Johnson, who scored 10 of his team-leading 19 points in the fourth quarter.

“A lot of credit to Malakhi, who just played a phenomenal basketball game,” Harrison said. “That kid really wanted it. He played really hard and played with his heart.”

Villa Park coach Kevin Reynolds said his team accomplished its goal defensively, which was to hold Canyon to under 55 points.

A long scoring draught by the Spartans in the first half was a key factor in the loss, Reynolds said.

“I thought we had shots but we couldn’t make them,” Reynolds said. “We thought we would get a little more offense than we did.”

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​ Orange County Register 

Youthful Los Amigos boys basketball races past Loara to stay unbeaten in league

• January 13, 2024

ANAHEIM — Los Amigos boys basketball has a roster with just one senior on it, so coach DeAndre Ferguson notes that “growing pains” have been a theme this season for the Lobos.

However, their youth was not a deterrent as they defeated Loara 63-46 in a Garden Grove League game Friday night at Loara High.

Los Amigos improved to 13-6 overall and 3-0 in league play as they were led by a sophomore, Mekhi Belote, who had a game-high 23 points, and a freshman, Marc Basallo, who scored 13 points.

“They are going through the growing pains,” Ferguson said of his team. “And they’re slowly coming out of it, but there’s many more (games). They (Belote and Basallo) had a great night tonight but it was a team effort.”

Lobos guard Tomas Pacheco and teammate Joshua Martinez both had eight points, and Rich Toledo played great defense on Saxons center Markus Toscano, an all-league selection last season.

Toscano grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots but was held to eight points.

“Richie (Toledo) is special, he’s an impact player, no matter what,” Ferguson said. “He brings a lot to the table. If it’s not scoring, its rebounding and defense. He shows up in other ways,”

Toledo collected 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Loara coach Mohammad Abuhadwan credited Los Amigos for its defensive effort on Toscano.

“They have a lot of length to match him,” Abuhadwan said. “I thought they did a good job getting a hand up on him, they were physical with him, and their athleticism was a factor against us.”

Los Amigos jumped out to a 8-1 lead in the first quarter before the Saxons (13-7, 2-1) settled in and chipped away at the deficit thanks to a pair of 3-pointers from Raska Neak.

Neak finished with 12 points on four 3-pointers and Aaron Cortez added 11.

Belote was active in the opening quarter, scoring eight points.

Loara tied the game 14-14 to end the quarter when Cortez drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The Lobos outscored Loara 15-5 in the second quarter and took a 29-19 lead into halftime.

Los Amigos and Loara went back and forth in the third quarter with Basallo knocking down three 3-pointers during the eight-minute period.

That helped the Lobos keep a 10-point advantage thanks to the clutch shooting from Basallo.

“That’s a special point guard right there,” Ferguson said of Basallo.

Belote scored 10 points in the fourth to help the Lobos pull away while Gerald Loadholt added six points.

The Lobos continue league play next week when they face La Quinta while Loara will look to bounce back against Santiago.

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​ Orange County Register 

JSerra boys basketball holds off Santa Margarita following suspension of coach

• January 13, 2024

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — JSerra’s boys basketball team took the court Friday for another Trinity League showdown, but this time without its head coach.

Seniors Aidan Fowler and Sebastian Rancik made sure the Lions passed the challenge.

Fowler sparked a second-quarter run and Rancik returned from illness to make a key block in the final minute to the help No. 2-ranked JSerra defeat visiting No. 3 Santa Margarita 47-39 to even its record in league.

Fowler, a high-energy point guard, scored a game-high 17 points and added four assists for the Lions (17-3, 2-2). Rancik scored a highlight basket at the end of the first half en route to 10 points and blocked a layup with 48 seconds left in regulation to protect a 44-37 lead.

“We always say: good teams are led by coaches. Great teams are led by players,” Fowler said. “We have a lot of seniors on our team and we know how to compete. Even though we do miss Coach Keith (Wilkinson), we do know how to run the show.”

Senior Korin Hull, playing with a wrapped hand, came off the bench to grab seven rebounds for JSerra while freshman Godschoice Eboigbodin grabbed 10 boards. Both forwards also blocked a shot.

The Lions faced their first major test since Wilkinson’s shoe-throwing ejection with officials during a loss at Mater Dei on Jan. 5.

Wilkinson served a mandated one-game suspension Wednesday in a 59-42 victory against No. 16 Orange Lutheran. He accepted an additional five-game ban to make his suspension six total games, the CIF Southern Section announced hours before tipoff Friday.

The sixth-year coach and former USC player also apologized for his behavior with officials.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for allowing my emotions to get the best of me,” he said in a statement released by JSerra. “I respect the game of basketball, players, coaches, officials, and fans. I want to thank CIF for being patient and hearing my concerns.

“Finally, I want to thank the school president, principal, athletic director, and the JSerra Catholic High School community for their unwavering support.”

Assistant coach C.J. Cooper served as the Lions’ interim coach.

Santa Margarita (15-6, 2-2) forced five turnovers in the opening period and followed seven points from Dallas Washington to lead 11-7 early.

Fowler sparked a 10-0 run the second period erased an eight-point deficit and helped JSerra lead 21-16 at halftime. He capped the second period with a long assist to the Colorado-bound Rancik, who spun in a reverse layup just before the buzzer.

JSerra kind of highlight tonight Fowler Rancik, senior dynamic duo stepped up tonight v SM ⁦@JSerra_Hoops⁩ ⁦@JSerraAthletics⁩ pic.twitter.com/fzeo9DxnRN

— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) January 13, 2024

Fowler erupted for 10 points in the third period and opened the fourth with an assist to Ranick for a 3-pointer in the corner. The basket opened a 40-22 but the Eagles made it close behind 10 points in the fourth by senior Jonathan Moxie.

Moxie sank two 3-pointers in the fourth and was the only Santa Margarita player to reach double figures.

JSerra plays at Servite next week before traveling to St. John Bosco on Jan. 19 to begin the second half of league.

“We want our revenge on Bosco and Mater Dei,” Fowler said. “We have to take care of Servite next but we’re ready.”

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​ Orange County Register 

Southern California natives Savy King, Ally Lemos begin their NWSL careers early

• January 13, 2024

ANAHEIM — Savy King made the decision to leave North Carolina after her freshman season.

The choice, although a difficult one, paid off as she was selected No. 2 overall in Friday’s NWSL Draft by expansion team Bay FC.

“It was hard because of how much I really loved it,” King said of North Carolina. “It helped me grow so much as a person and as a player, it’s been such an amazing journey there and such an amazing season, but this was definitely the next step in my dream.”

King followed her North Carolina teammate Ally Sentnor to the Anaheim Convention Center stage as Sentnor went No. 1 to the other expansion team – the Utah Royals.

“It’s a testament to the amazing program that it is,” King said. “I love UNC so much, it’s my second home, I’m so happy I got to go there and spend one year there and be coached by amazing coaches and Ally and I get to share this amazing moment.”

King is the third-youngest player (18 years, 11 months) ever selected in the NWSL Draft.

Glendora native Ally Lemos, who left UCLA after her sophomore season, was selected ninth by the Orlando Pride.

“This is surreal,” Lemos said. “It’s a dream come true. The little kid in me is absolutely screaming.

“After I chose UCLA as my next home, I didn’t think I would be leaving. It was a really difficult decision, but I just felt that I was ready for something bigger, the professional challenge. It was a difficult decision, but my parents, brothers, teammates, coaches gave me the confidence to fully, truly bet on myself.”

In two seasons at UCLA, Lemos made 44 appearances, scoring three goals with 11 assists.

“I was back and forth (on deciding to leave early), because UCLA is a special place,” Lemos said. “My sisters are there, my teammates, I see them as a my sisters. My coaches are like my family. It was a really tough decision, but I felt I was ready to endure the professional challenges.”

Lemos is the fourth-youngest player (19 years, 10 months) to be selected in an NWSL draft.

UCLA forward Reilyn Turner (Laguna Beach High) was selected sixth overall by Racing Louisville. In four years at UCLA, Turner scored 42 goals. Turner was the Pac-12 Forward of the Year.

The next pick, Penn State defender Kate Wiesner (Monrovia High) was selected by the Washington Spirit. Wiesner played four seasons at Penn State (71 games).

Stanford defender Kennedy Wesley went 12th in the first round to San Diego Wave FC. Wesley, from Los Alamitos, attended Valley Christian High then played five seasons at Stanford, making 104 appearances.

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USC’s Zoe Burns was the first pick of the third round (No. 29 overall), going to Utah.

ANGEL CITY SELECTS FELICIA KNOX

Angel City didn’t have a pick until No. 37, and the club used it on Alabama midfielder Felicia Knox. Knox made 87 appearances in four seasons at Alabama, scoring 18 goals and adding 31 assists.

ANGEL CITY ACQUIRES MIDFIELDER

In a pre-draft trade, Angel City acquired midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard from San Diego Wave FC in exchange for $40,000 in allocation.

Dougherty Howard made 17 appearances last season with San Diego. She has also spent time with the Washington Spirit (2017-2020) and Orlando Pride (2021-2022).

​ Orange County Register 

California’s budget deficit will test if school spending is the key to achievement

• January 13, 2024

When California’s governors and legislators write state budgets, they begin with projecting how much revenue the state is likely to receive.

It’s a semi-educated guess that is often billions of dollars removed from the eventual reality, given the high level of volatility in the state’s taxation system.

With a revenue number in hand, officialdom then calculates how much of it must be allocated to public schools under Proposition 98, the 1988 ballot measure that governs financing of K-12 schools and community colleges.

It’s roughly 40%, but since the revenue assumption is shaky at best, Prop. 98’s complex formulas are subject to varying interpretations. The calculation also includes estimates of local property taxes, so the number that emerges for schools is also rather arbitrary.

Whatever the figure may be in any given year, it never precisely squares with reality, which then requires reconciliation in the next budgetary cycle. The 2024-25 budget that Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed this week exemplifies the annual exercise.

When he and the Legislature agreed on a 2023-24 budget last June, they decided that Prop. 98 would give schools, in property taxes and state aid, $110.6 billion in 2021-22, $107.4 billion in 2022-23, and $108.3 billion in 2023-24.

This week’s budget declares that those numbers are cumulatively $11.3 billion too high since revenues are running well under previous estimates. Meanwhile, the Legislature’s budget analyst, Gabe Petek, had calculated that they are $21 billion too high because his revenue estimates are lower than the governor’s.

The differing revenue estimates – and the equally divergent calculations of school financing – together account for most of the $30 billion-plus gapbetween Newsom’s estimate of a $38 billion deficit and Petek’s $68 billion estimate.

By tapping into a special reserve fund for schools, Newsom’s budget proposal makes up most of his $11.3 billion shortfall between what Prop. 98 requires and what school officials thought they would be getting over the three-year period, thereby shielding them from having to absorb big reductions in money they’ve already spent.

However, if Petek’s more pessimistic revenue estimate turns out to be closer to reality than Newsom’s, schools could take big hits and state officials would face pressure to change how schools are financed and how state aid, whatever the level, is allocated.

The latter generally is based on attendance – so much for each student, with bonus allocations to school districts with substantial numbers of English learners or students from poor households to help them overcome a chronic achievement gap in basic academic skills.

Newsom’s proposed budget projects that K-12 schools will receive $126.8 billion in 2024-25 from local property taxes, state aid and federal funds, or an average of $23,519 per student.

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That’s double what it was a decade ago, but there’s no indication that the sharp increase in school spending has resulted in a commensurate increase in academic achievement. The state’s own competency tests, as well as nationwide tests, show little, if any, overall improvement and the achievement gap is as wide as ever.

Per-pupil financing is likely to increase in the years ahead because public school enrollment is declining and Prop. 98’s formula is largely based on revenue, regardless of how many students are in the system.

K-12 enrollment peaked at 6.3 million in 2004, is now below 6 million and is expected to drop to under 5 million in the next decade due to low birthrates and the state’s overall population decline.

It will test whether money is truly the key to educational achievement, as the education establishment contends, or other factors are preventing California kids from realizing their potential.

Dan Walters is a CalMatters columnist.

​ Orange County Register 

Paul George leads Clippers past short-handed Grizzlies

• January 13, 2024

By CLAY BAILEY The Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Paul George scored a season-high 37 points, Kawhi Leonard added 22 and the Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 128-119, on Friday night.

George connected on 12 of 18 shots from the field, going 7 for 10 from 3-point range, in his sixth game this season with at least 30 points. Leonard, who signed a three-year $152.4M contract extension on Wednesday, was 10 of 16 from the field.

Amir Coffey had 13 points, making all six of his attempts as the Clippers shot 55% from the floor.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 21 points, and Xavier Tillman finished with 20 points and nine rebounds. David Roddy scored 17.

Desmond Bane had 15 points for the injury-riddled Grizzlies before leaving in the third quarter when he hurt his left ankle on a drive to the basket.

Shortly after Bane’s departure, the Clippers pushed their lead to 23 points. They were still shooting above 61% overall and 52% from behind the arc at the end of the third.

The Clippers’ recent success – winning eight of nine and 22 of their past 28 games – has moved them into fourth place in the Western Conference ahead of a showdown with first-place Minnesota on Sunday.

Memphis continues to deal with a season full of injuries. Leading scorer Ja Morant, who was suspended 25 games to start the season for twice waving a gun on social media, underwent surgery on his right shoulder Thursday and is done for the season.

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Immediately after that, the team announced his backup, point guard Marcus Smart, injured his right ring finger and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. They were part of a half-dozen Memphis rotation players out with injuries against the Clippers.

Meanwhile, the Clippers were at full strength, which showed in the second quarter. They outscored Memphis 42-27 in the period, shooting 76.2%, including 7 for 10 from long range. That stretched the lead to 65-53 at the break.

UP NEXT

The Clippers play at Minnesota on Sunday at 4 p.m. PT.

​ Orange County Register 

Octavia’s Bookshelf owner Nikki High on the Pasadena bookstore’s incredible first year

• January 13, 2024

What if you had a dream – and it came true?

Nikki High, owner of Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena, might be one of the best examples of this you could ever imagine. After posting a tweet on Dec. 31, 2022, that read in part, “I took the leap and quit my job to open my very own bookstore,” her message went viral, resonating with tens of thousands of people who saw it as 2023 began.

She opened her store on Feb. 18, 2023, to what can only be described as a phenomenal success: a beautiful opening ceremony, lines stretching up the street and book buyers who came on Day One – and haven’t stopped.

“It doesn’t feel like quite a year – sometimes it feels like it’s been two days, and other times it feels like 10 years. But I’m still processing all of it,” says High. “I’ve just been on the best ride for the last 12 months.”

Stopping by the store last month to catch up, I asked her if she was surprised by everything that’s happened.

“I think the biggest surprise, which it shouldn’t be, is just how much support I’ve gotten from everyone, particularly the Pasadena and Altadena community – the San Gabriel Valley, in general. I mean, Pasadena is a really special place,” she says. “And so on Day One when I open, there’s this giant line, and I thought, ‘Well, I just, you know, hit the jackpot.’”

She’s already expanded, taking over the larger space next door last September.

“That was weird – wild – but meant to be, right?” she says, explaining that she’d been welcome to use the larger space as needed, and then learned it was available, but didn’t think she’d be able to swing it.

But the property management company came back with a plan. She recalls them saying, “‘We’ve been doing a lot of talking in the office. We are so happy that you’re here and you’ve quickly become an anchor to the development and so we want to make this work.’”

“And so they came up with this plan that made good sense to me. So I said, ‘Yes.’ I’ve been saying a lot of yeses this year,” High says with a laugh. “It feels really good.”

Nikki High, seen here on Dec. 20, 2023, reflects on the success of Octavia’s Bookshelf as she approaches the Pasadena bookstore’s one-year anniversary on Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo by Erik Pedersen)

The store has not only connected with the local community, she says, but others looking to open bookstores in their own neighborhoods.

“I’ve had some folks reach out to ask me how they can replicate the success here,” she says. “I’ve been eager to share with people … because we need more bookstores everywhere. So I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.”

She says she received help herself from booksellers at The Salt Eaters Bookshop, Malik Books and Vroman’s. But she singles out Jazzi McGilbert of Reparations Club for being a friend and resource over the past year.

“Her support, her ongoing support, has been so incredible,” says High. “I am just so grateful for her, specifically.”

Throughout our conversation, customers shop and talk – including a former coworker of High’s from Trader Joe’s. I pass the time browsing – I picked up a copy of “Miracle at St. Anna” by James McBride – and playing with a foster puppy that High has in the store that day.

Looking around the room, especially the Octavia E. Butler shelves, I ask about the books she’s sold the most over the past year. Maybe “Kindred” or “Parable of the Sower”?

Along with works by Butler, bell hooks, Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker and others, High mentions a children’s book, “Kash’s Hats” by Mariah McCloud.

“Since we’ve opened, it’s been my No. 1 selling children’s book,” she says. “She lives in Pasadena. It’s been really cool.”

High is also aiming to help young readers, especially those who can’t always afford books. She’s working with local schoolkids and has an idea – a dream, let’s say – for this new year.

“In 2024, I would love to be able to raise funds so that I can do a book fair at one of the local elementary schools or junior high schools – and all the books will just be free. Every student can get two books. So I’m working on it,” she says.

“That’s my biggest goal.”

For more information, go to the website.

A shopper, seen here on Dec. 20, 2023, inside Pasadena’s Octavia’s Bookshelf. (Photo by Erik Pedersen)

Readers write in about reading

We get mail. And paper airplanes. (Getty Images)

I got more feedback than usual after last week’s newsletter about counting the number of books you read. Here are some of the responses:

Regarding the number of books one reads, I learned a long time ago it’s not about the number but rather the enjoyment those books give you. Also, don’t waste time on a novel that’s “not doing it for you.” The rest of the world might love it, but if you don’t, just stop. There are way too many books out there for you to enjoy. – C.L. Altman, Michigan

I really had a laugh at the first paragraph of the intro to your newsletter. Yes, we have a lot in common. My home office has five book-loaded bookshelves and there are stacks of books on the floor, making it almost impossible to walk into the office. I visit my local library and their used bookstore almost every week. And I watch out for announcements in the OC Register and my email for Bookish, which I really enjoy. I read a variety of things: mysteries (Michael Connelly, Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Dean Koontz) and non-fiction including biographies and autobiographies.  – Jean Kulla

Thanks for this gentle reminder to read what you can, when you can, how you can. – Jhoanna Belfer, Bel Canto Books

Funny thing, given your most recent column: I actually do keep a running list/count of every book I read start to finish (for the last 20 years anyway). If I didn’t count, I fear, I wouldn’t read as much. and, according to me, everything counts – a graphic novel just as much as “War & Peace” (which, actually, I haven’t read yet). – A reader, Glendale

My column about music books apparently got shared around and I’ve been hearing from folks from around the country about that, too, which is great.

Finally, you may or may not have read the story I wrote about author Duane Swierczynski that ran earlier this week (though not here in the Book Pages); if not, I hope you will. I’ve gotten lovely responses from readers and am hoping to spread the word a bit here about Team Evie, the foundation that Swierczynski and his wife Meredith established in honor of their late daughter Evelyn, which provides books to kids at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

You can also read more about Swiercyznski, whose book “California Bear” is out this week, in the Book Pages Q&A below.

Duane Swierczynski on a powerful piece of writing advice

Author Duane Swierczynski discusses his 2024 novel, “California Bear,” at Clearman’s North Woods Inn on Dec. 5, 2023. It’s his first solo novel since 2016’s “Revolver” and most recent since his 2023 bestselling collaboration with James Patterson “Lion & Lamb.” (Photo by Erik Pedersen /Cover courtesy of Mulholland Books)

Duane Swierczynski is the author of novels, nonfiction, scripts, audio originals and the recent bestselling collaboration with James Patterson, “Lion & Lamb.” His just-published novel is “California Bear,” and he spoke with Erik Pedersen about it and followed up by taking the Book Pages Q&A.

Q. Is there a book or books you always recommend to other readers?

I have a long list of forever titles I’ll recommend, especially if a friend is new to a genre—and I have some insight into that friend’s personality. But usually, when I’m evangelizing for a book, it’s one I’ve recently finished and want to tell the world about. In recent years, this has included “Bullet Train” by Kotaro Isaka (the movie was a blast, but the novel is even better), Kim Newman’s “Anno Dracula” (which eluded me for years, until it finally clicked), Newton Thornburg’s “To Die in California” (a powerful and heartbreaking revenge novel), Michael Shea’s “Polyphemus” (especially for “The Autopsy,” one of the freakiest horror stories I’ve ever read), and the next series of books I’m about to mention in reply to your next question…

Q. What are you reading now?

“The Murderbot Diaries” by Martha Wells, which is the fast-paced misanthropic sci-fi action epic I didn’t know I needed. The voice is pitch perfect, the humor is dark, and the action is spectacular. Even better, the first five installments are novellas, starting with “All Systems Red.” You will plow through ‘em like popcorn. The tastiest, saltiest popcorn.

Q. How do you decide what to read next?

I don’t know how common this is, but I’ll go through a run of books within the same subgenre (Midcentury crime, Victorian horror, 1980s mainstream lit, and so on.), then abruptly decide: Okay, enough of that for now! Currently I’m in a science-fiction mood… specifically cyberpunk and robot stuff. Why robots? I have no idea. I have no choice but to comply with my brain’s demands.

Q. Do you remember the first book that made an impact on you?

My father had a battered, coverless paperback copy of “The Interrupted Journey,” about the (alleged) UFO abduction of Betty and Barney Hill. I read that thing through the gaps in my fingers, and I went to bed every night terrified I’d be next.

Q. Is there a book you’re nervous to read?

I might be nervous to re-read “The Interrupted Journey,” to tell you the truth.

Q. Can you recall a book that felt like it was written with you in mind?

In the spring of 1998 I walked into a comic book shop near NYU and walked out with a small stack of Robert Sheckley paperbacks—they were on a front shelf selling for something like $5 a pop. I took them home to my Brooklyn apartment and started reading them with both a sense of awe and familiarity. Awe, because Sheckley’s imagination knew no bounds, and familiarity, because finally, here was a writer whose brain sort of worked like mine. I’m not equating myself with Sheckley—the man was a master. But I felt a sense of kinship, and his example gave me the confidence to attempt my first novel, “Secret Dead Men.”

Q. Do you have any favorite book covers?

I will forever be a fan of the Vintage Crime/Black Lizard covers from the late ’80s through early ’90s. So stylish, so slender, so satisfying, even before you open the book. To me, they’re the apex of trade paperback design.

Q. Do you listen to audiobooks? If so, are there any titles or narrators you’d recommend?

I do, especially when I’m faced with a long drive or a flight. This year I listened to Steve Powell’s “Love Me Fierce in Danger” (his James Ellroy biography) as I drove to and from Las Vegas. And while driving cross country last year, I passed some time with David J. Skal’s “Dark Carnival,” his biography of “Dracula” director Tod Browning. For some reason, I’ll usually opt for biography or historical nonfiction when I’m going to be on the road for a while. Maybe that’s me looking for a traveling companion.

Q. Is there a genre or type of book you read the most –and what would you like to read more of?

I try to read widely, but don’t stress out too much about catching up with literary classics I have may missed. If they cross my path, and I respond to them, cool! But what I’m forever chasing is the high of discovering a unique voice. Word of mouth is huge for me. If a trusted friend says I should check out a certain book, it’s a dead certainty that I will.

Q. Do you have a favorite book or books?

You could ask me this question every day for the rest of my life, and the answers would vary wildly. (Hell, they’d probably vary by the hour.) The best thing I could do is invite you to my writing office, gesture at my shelves, and (honestly) tell you: These. These are my favorite books. I keep what I love, and pass along the others to used bookstores or little libraries. I realize this sounds like I’m ducking the question (which I am, because it’s a huge question), but on the tops of my bookcases are rows of boxed sets from the Library of America: Vonnegut, Bradbury, American Noir, Hammett, Women Crime Writers, Elmore Leonard, American Science Fiction, Shirley Jackson, Philip K. Dick… all of these are huge important to me, which is why they’re (literally) at the top of my home library.

Q. Which books do you plan, or hope, to read next?

I’ll probably dive into the phone book-sized “The Big Book of Cyberpunk,” edited by Jared Shurin, over the holiday break. I asked Santa for a copy of Sam Wasson’s new one, “The Path to Paradise,” which is all about Francis Ford Coppola and Zoetrope Films. I’ve been listening to Bret Easton Ellis’s podcast interview with Wasson, and I’m literally shaking with anticipation.

Q. Is there a person who made an impact on your reading life – a teacher, a parent, a librarian or someone else?

Art Bourgeau, owner of the former Whodunit bookshop in Center City Philadelphia, took me under his wing when I was a twentysomething loner looking for something good to read. Not only did he recommend an amazing run of hardboiled paperbacks, but he gave me some incredible advice that really didn’t take root until decades later. Art told me that readers look for glimpses of the author in their books. I dismissed that, because twentysomething Me was desperate to hide behind fictional characters. But a quarter century later, I believe that Art was right, and I’m trying to embrace that idea, rather than run from it.

Q. What do you find the most appealing in a book: the plot, the language, the cover, a recommendation? Do you have any examples?

The voice. If a voice is unique and grabs me, I’m your fan for life. Kurt Vonnegut grabbed me with the opening of “Breakfast of Champions,” for example. It reads like a foreword, but then you realize wait… this is the actual novel. Nineteen-year-old me had no idea you were allowed to do that.

Q. What’s a memorable book experience – good or bad – you’re willing to share?

Whenever I travel, I try to read books set in the city I’m visiting. Six years ago I had a business trip to London, which coincided with the release of Nick Triplow’s biography of Ted Lewis, “Getting Carter.” I spent my free time in Soho pubs reading the biography, along with “Jack’s Return Home.”

Q. What’s something about your book that no one knows?

Actually, Erik, something you said made me realize something about my own novel that I didn’t know. “California Bear” is very much focused on food, from dive bars to diners to donuts. It wasn’t something I was consciously focusing on while writing it, but wow, it’s certainly there.

Q. If you could ask your readers something, what would it be?

“What is wrong with you?” But the truth is, it’s probably the same thing that’s wrong with me.

More stories, authors and bestsellers

Brandi Sellerz-Jackson is the author of “On Thriving.” (Photo credit: Jeanette Polynice/Quinn Moss Photography/Courtesy of Ballantine)

A better tomorrow

Surviving isn’t enough. So Pasadena’s Brandi Sellerz-Jackson wrote “On Thriving.” READ MORE

• • •

Here are some of the 20 books coming out in early 2024 that we’re looking forward to reading. (Courtesy of the publishers: Flatiron, Riverhead, Viking, Doubleday, Counterpoint, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Random House, Belt, Harper Collins)

What to read in 2024

20 highly anticipated books coming this year that we want to read. READ MORE

• • •

“The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride is the top-selling fiction release at Southern California’s independent bookstores. (Courtesy of Riverhead Books)

The week’s bestsellers

The top-selling books at your local independent bookstores. READ MORE

• • •

Bookish (SCNG)

Next on ‘Bookish’

The next installment is Jan. 19 at 5 p.m., as hosts Sandra Tsing Loh and Samantha Dunn offer a preview of UC Riverside’s annual Writer’s Week in February. Guests include Los Angeles Review of Books editor Tom Lutz and poet Rigoberto González. Sign up for free now.

• • •

Read any books that you want to tell people about? Email [email protected] with “ERIK’S BOOK PAGES” in the subject line and I may include your comments in an upcoming newsletter.

And if you enjoy this free newsletter, please consider sharing it with someone who likes books or getting a digital subscription to support local coverage.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

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​ Orange County Register 

Former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva grilled in public about deputy gangs

• January 13, 2024

Over four tense hours, defiant former Sheriff Alex Villanueva sparred with Los Angeles County’s sheriff’s oversight commission Friday, Jan. 12, over allegations he condoned and protected deputy gangs while in office.

Villanueva, who was ousted by voters in the 2022 election, denied the allegations and verbally assailed the panel for impugning his character.

“That’s disgusting, appalling,” Villanueva tersely responded to a barrage of questions from the commission’s special counsel, Bert H. Deixler, during a hearing at the Loyola Law School.

For several years, Villanueva rejected subpoenas from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission to testify about the existence and proliferation of deputies allegedly tattooed with symbols for gangs with ominous names, including the Banditos.Cavemen, Compton Executioners, Cowboys and the Grim Reapers.

Villanueva’s refusal to testify until Friday wasn’t lost on Deixler. “I’ve been trying to meet with you since March of 2022,”  Deixler said at the outset of the hearing. “I have heard you say on television that if the CSC wanted to hear your testimony they should have invited you.”

Villanueva shot back: “This is not a real courtroom, there is no cross-examination possible.” That prompted the audience to erupt with a string of insults. “Show us your Bandito tat,” one person shouted at Villanueva.

Deixler, who is running for seat on the Board of Supervisors against incumbent Janice Hahn, then asked Villanueva if it was accurate that while serving as sheriff he had not been truthful about the existence of “deputy gangs, cliques, and subgroups.”

“That’s false,” Villanueva replied.

His testimony touched on such issues as his appointment of Tim Murakami, an allegedly tattooed member of the so-called Cavemen deputy gang, to the position of undersheriff, and his alleged order to department Capt. Matthew Burson to pause an investigation into an off-duty brawl at a party in East Los Angeles in 2018, where older members of the Bandito deputy gang were said to have assaulted younger non-Bandito deputies.

“Is he a Caveman?” Deixler asked, referring to Murakami. “It’s no secret that he was a member of the Cavemen, is it?”

Villanueva appeared to dodge the question about Murakami.

“He served honorably,” the former sheriff said. “You are disparaging him by the name on a tattoo. He’s a retired member of law enforcement in good standing. No, never referred to him (as a Caveman).”

Deixler then played a tape of a debate between Villanueva and current Sheriff Robert Luna during the retired sheriff’s failed re-election bid two years ago. In the tape, Villanueva insists the phrase “deputy gangs” has become “a political buzzword” and that such groups are, in fact, “like unicorns — everyone knows what a unicorn looks like, but I challenge you (to) name one, name a single deputy gang member.”

At one point during the contentious hearing, Villanueva defended his decision not to judge deputies based on any tattoos they might have.

“There are a lot of deputies with tattoos, and if you try to eliminate all the deputies with tattoos with no evidence of misconduct, you are going to create a gargantuan public safety crisis,” he told the panel.

The commission was notified of Villanueva’s decision to appear in a letter last month stating that the former top law enforcement officer of L.A. County “is very willing to testify” at the meeting and will “answer any questions you have under oath.”

The decision came days after a judge scheduled a hearing to decide whether to order the former sheriff to comply with the commission’s subpoenas.

In an interview with ABC7 last month, Villanueva maintained his position that “there are no deputy gangs,” describing the cliques as “subgroups of people that somehow occasionally engage in misconduct.”

Questioning at the oversight hearing also touched on a Friday article in the Los Angeles Times about a 2022 fight between off-duty deputies and a group of teenagers outside a Montclair bowling alley where one of the deputies allegedly flashed a handgun and one deputy punched a 19-year-old in the face.

Two of the men in the group — one deputy and one sergeant — allegedly admitted to investigators that they had matching tattoos, which officials linked to the Industry Indians gang, based out of the City of Industry sheriff’s station.

Asked about the bowling alley incident, Villanueva denied it was an example of deputy gang or “subgroup” behavior, instead labeling it “misconduct among deputies.”

Asked if he found the story “outrageous,” the former sheriff said he did not have enough information to form an opinion.

Villanueva also suggested that deputy cliques were “actually disappearing” as personnel changes, and tattoos are becoming more prevalent in the department.

Despite often sarcastic, contentious questions and answers, Villanueva appeared to agree to return for more questioning in March.

Last year, the commission’s 70-page report said at least a half-dozen deputy gangs or cliques are currently active throughout the Sheriff’s Department, and that misbehavior by members has already cost taxpayers more than $55 million.

The report determined that new deputy cliques form as members of existing groups retire or otherwise leave the Sheriff’s Department.

The special counsel also found evidence to suggest that gangs are reemerging in the Men’s Central Jail after efforts over the years to eradicate the problem of excessive force behind bars.

The Board of Supervisors voted to create the commission in January 2016, giving it a mission to oversee and improve transparency and accountability in the nation’s largest sheriff’s department.

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The legal dispute with Villanueva began in 2020, after the supervisors granted the commission subpoena power, which voters then affirmed by approving Measure R. A few months later, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law granting subpoena power to oversight bodies statewide.

Also in 2020, the commission issued a subpoena directing the sheriff to testify about his response to COVID-19 inside the jails, and the dispute ended up in court, with Villanueva avoiding a contempt hearing by agreeing to answer the commission’s questions voluntarily.

Oversight officials issued more subpoenas, and Villanueva resisted them, which led to multiple court cases.

A Rand Corp. report last year found that 15% to 20% of LASD deputies join gangs, whose membership is usually confirmed by a leg tattoo often bearing a number.

City News Service contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register