Hate crimes in California rose 20% in 2022, report says

• June 28, 2023

Hate crimes have risen in California, according to a new state Department of Justice report.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and community leaders gathered in front of the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 27 to discuss the state’s latest report on hate crimes, and ongoing efforts to combat rising hate and extremism.

Reported hate crimes increased roughly 20% last year, up from 1,763 in 2021, to 2,120 in 2022, the report said. Officials define hate crimes as a criminal offense against a person or property, motivated by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity.

Key takeaways from the 2022 Hate Crime in California report include:

Hate crimes against Black communities increased 27.1%, from 513 in 2021 to 652 in 2022.
Anti-Hispanic hate crimes rose from 197 in 2021, to 210 in 2022.
Anti-Asian hate crimes fell from 247 in 2021, to 140 in 2022; a decrease of 43.3%.
Anti-Jewish hate crimes increased 24.3% from 152 in 2021, to 189 in 2022.
Anti-transgender hate crimes increased from 38 in 2021, to 59 in 2022.

Anti-Islamic, Protestant, LGBTQ+, and gender non-conforming hate crimes also rose from last year. The number of hate crimes referred for prosecution increased 5.9%, from 610 in 2021 to 647 in 2022.

The state Department of Justice has collected and reported data on hate crimes since 1995.

Officials also released an updated bulletin providing information for local law enforcement agencies on how to respond most effectively to hate crimes and incidents.

For example, when police come across a hate crime, they should first ensure the safety of the victim and document all evidence of what happened, according to the bulletin.

Bonta urged the community to stand united to combat extremism in order to alleviate, and eliminate, hate in California.

“[Hate] seems to be so many places, so pervasive, from national political leaders to sometimes our own neighbors,” Bonta said. “Racist, xenophobic, homophobic, destructive language is being brandished about all too freely to alienate, discriminate and inflict lasting physical and emotional harm… the hate crime data report shows us statistically what we already know; that we who work in our communities know to be true from our lived experience; that hate crimes are up.”

Bonta added that reporting hate crimes can be uncomfortable, so there may be hate crimes and victims not accounted for by the data.

Bonta said the Department of Justice is working to fight hate crimes through roundtable discussions and community outreach, identifying hate crimes and meeting with leaders to come up with solutions. In May, Bonta denounced such acts at a roundtable in Orange County, on the one-year anniversary of a hate-motivated shooting at a Taiwanese church in Laguna Woods.

“Hate is not new, and fortunately neither is rallying together in solidarity,” he said.

Ken Chasen, the Senior Rabbi of Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles, said that an increase in antisemitic acts should remind the community that it is urgent and necessary to create a safe and inclusive state.

“Whenever a society permits any minority population to be targeted with hate, all minority populations will be targeted with hate,” Chasen said. “We will not combat this scourge of hate by dividing from one another in parochial self-interest. The way to stop the hatred is to band together as never before, to declare shoulder to shoulder that there is no place for hate in the state of California.”

Sunitha Menon, managing director of operations of Equality California, said that while the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender community celebrates their identity — they are still frequent targets of attacks, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric.

“It is never one bill in session, one post on social media, or just one elected official speaking against our community,” Menon said. “The domino effect is clear, and we cannot allow this behavior to continue and put lives at risk.”

Any victim or witness to a hate incident or crime in California can report and receive bilingual support online at www.cavshate.org, or by calling (833) 866-4283 or 833-8-NO-HATE; available Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Outside of those hours, you can leave a voicemail, or call 211 to report hate and seek support in over 200 languages.

L.A. County has a confidential hotline — 211 — where people can report hate crimes and incidents, resources and support. Those in Orange County can report online or through the county’s confidential hotline, 714-480-6580.

For more information on hate crimes and resources, visit oag.ca.gov/hatecrimes.

Related links

LA vs. Hate announces ‘Summer of Solidarity’ events to combat hate, celebrate diversity
With reported anti-Asian hate crimes rising, Reps. Michelle Steel and Katie Porter call for speedier investigations
LGBTQ leaders reflect on Pride, from defiance and visibility to bridge-building
Orange County is ‘not immune’ to hate crimes, AG Bonta says
Rainbow flag burned at North Hollywood school where some parents oppose Pride event

​ Orange County Register 

These are 10 Orange County cities that allow fireworks sales

• June 28, 2023

Only 10 Orange County cities allow the use and sale of legal, “safe and sane” fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.

Legal fireworks must have the State Fire Marshall seal on their packaging.

All cities in Orange County prohibit the use of fireworks without the state seal and many have hefty fines for those caught using illegal fireworks.

Here’s the information on when fireworks can be bought and used in those towns that do allow the “safe and sane” varieties:

Anaheim: Residents may purchase the approved fireworks from June 28 to July 4 at 16 stands, here is where you can find the nearest stand. Fireworks may only be used from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4. Sales end at 9 p.m. on the holiday.

Fireworks use is not allowed in the hilly eastern side of Anaheim where wildfires are a risk. The ban runs east of the 55 and east and southeast of the 91 freeway.

Buena Park: There will be safe and sane fireworks sold at booths throughout the city from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1 to July 3 and 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Fourth.

RELATED: Looking for things to do on July 4 or places to watch professional fireworks shows. Check out our listing of events hosted by communities around Orange County.

Costa Mesa: Fireworks will be on sale from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 30 to July 3 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 2-4.

Fullerton: Stands open in the city from noon to 10 p.m. July 1 to 3 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.

Garden Grove: Fireworks sales will be open in the city from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 through 3 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4. Use of safe and sane fireworks is allowed on private property only from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.

Huntington Beach: Safe and sane firework sales at city-approved booths will be from noon to 10 p.m. on July 1-3 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be used in the city only on July 4 – from noon to 10 p.m. No fireworks at the beach or in public places.

Santa Ana: The city allows booths hosted by community groups to sell safe and sane fireworks starting at noon on July 1. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. on July 1; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 2 and 3; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from July 1 to 4.

Stanton: Sales of safe and sane fireworks in the city are allowed from noon to 10 p.m. on July 1 and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 2 to 4. Approved fireworks may only be used on private residential properties and only from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 1-4.

Villa Park: Safe and sane fireworks will be sold at city-approved stands starting at 10 a.m. on June 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 30 to July 3 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be used from noon to 10 p.m. on July 4.

Westminster: Approved fireworks may be sold from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting on June 30 to July 3 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 on residential streets.

Related links

Has misuse taken the spark out of fireworks in California?
2023 fireworks buying guide: Which state-approved pyrotechnics are worth the price?
10 July 4th fireworks shows lighting up Southern California
How Southern California casinos are celebrating the Fourth of July

​ Orange County Register 

Where you can celebrate July 4, see fireworks in Orange County

• June 28, 2023

Orange County communities are set to celebrate Independence Day with parades and festivals, concerts and carnivals, capping it all off with a variety of fireworks shows to choose from.

Here is a listing of many of the safe, fun and free events communities are hosting to celebrate the Fourth of July. All events are on July 4, unless otherwise noted.

Aliso Viejo

The Aliso Viejo Community Association presents its July 4 celebration at Grand Park. The HOA’s event is 6 to 9:30 p.m. with a concert, carnival games, family activities and a fireworks show capping it all off. Information about when the park opens for saving spots and street closures is at avca.net.

Anaheim

The Anaheim Hills community’s annual celebration will include a day of activities, beginning at 7 a.m. with the Firecracker 5K/10K Run/Walk – the starting line will be on Santa Ana Canyon and Imperial Highway in front of the Canyon High School track. The Yankee Doodle Dog Show will be at 9 a.m. at the high school’s softball field.

This year’s parade begins at 1 p.m.; it starts out from Canyon High and travels along Santa Ana Canyon Road. Food booths and entertainment will be at Peralta Park, with live music starting at 3 p.m., until the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Information: anaheim.net/fourthofjuly.

Participants make the first turn in front of the judges at the kiddie parade at the 38th Annual Country Fair on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at City Hall Park in Brea.(Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

Brea

Celebrate Independence Day at the 43rd Country Fair on July 4 at City Hall Park, 401 S. Brea Blvd. The fair will open at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and last until 3 p.m. with entertainment, food, a car show, various contests, games and rides planned all day. The Kiddie Parade starts at 10:45 a.m. Admission to the Brea Plunge is free starting at noon. Information: cityofbrea.net

Costa Mesa

The city hosts a July 3 community celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center. Tijuana Dogs and 80’Z All-Stars will be performing at the 5 to 11 p.m. event that is free and will also feature activities for families and contests for all ages. Councilmembers will read the Declaration of Independence. The fireworks show will be at 9:30 p.m. Information: costamesaca.gov.

Dana Point

The city’s fireworks show will light up the harbor at 9 p.m. A barge off the coastline of Doheny State Beach is used to shoot off the fireworks, which are planned to be bigger this year. Popular viewing spots include Pines Park, Heritage Park, Lantern Bay Park, Baby Beach, Doheny State Beach, The Harbor Island and the Sampson Overlook Gazebo. The Harbor Shuttle will run throughout the day.

RELATED: Only 10 Orange County cities allow the sale and use of fireworks. Check here for which ones.

Huntington Beach

The city has big plans for the holiday weekend, starting with a block party from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 30 on Main Street. A carnival and festival will be open noon to 10 p.m. daily from July 1-4 at 6th and Pacific Coast Highway.

The Surf City Run 5K will kick off at 7 a.m. on July 4 and run along Main Street and PCH. Register online.

Also on July 4 the traditional Main Street Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Finally, at 9 p.m. a fireworks show will be launched over the water.

Information on these events and more is available at hb4thofjuly.org.

Irvine

The city and the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee will host a Fourth of July Field of Valor from July 1 to 14 on the Irvine Civic Center Lawn. Community members can sponsor a flag in honor of a veteran, active duty, or fallen service member; visit cityofirvine.org/fieldofvalor.

Laguna Beach

The city will be hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Heisler Park at 9 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from Monument Point, which will be closed all day, and starting about 5 p.m., the area of Heisler Park from Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs will be closed.  At about 5:45 p.m. the Condor Squadron will perform a fly over of the city. Information: lagunabeachcity.net.

Laguna Hills

The community’s Fourth of July Celebration includes festivities at the Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex. From 4 to 9 p.m., community members can enjoy live music, carnival rides and activities and food trucks. The event is free to attend, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. Information: ci.laguna-hills.ca.us

George Wilmington, left, runs with an American flag with Travis Weaver during the 41st Annual Fourth of July “Run in the Parks, July 4, 2019 at Crown Valley Community Park.Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer

Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel Family YMCA hosts its 44th Run in the Parks with a 5K and kids race. First is the 5K at 8 a.m. Information and registration: ymcaoc.org/run.

The Chamber of Commerce hosts a pancake breakfast to accompany the run, cost is $8 at Crown Valley Park.

The city is hosting a free pool party from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Laguna Niguel Aquatics Center.

There will be a 5:30 p.m. flyover of the city and an Elton John tribute band kicks off the evening’s festivities starting at 6 p.m. at Crown Valley Community Park. The fireworks show launches at 9 p.m. at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Information: cityoflagunaniguel.org

Lake Forest

The community will celebrate with a parade kicking off at 9:30 a.m. at Ridge Route and Toledo Way. It will follow Toledo Way, turn right on Lake Forest Drive then right onto Serrano Road and end at Ridge Route. Information: lakeforestca.gov.

La Habra

The city will host an Independence Day party for the community at La Bonita Park, 1440 W. Whittier Blvd. Electric Vinyl will perform live, there will be a military flyover, kids’ activities, vendors and a fireworks show will cap the night. Gates open at 4 p.m. Presale wristbands can be purchased at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Information: lahabraca.gov

La Palma

The city’s annual Fitness Run for Fun has 5K and 10K events for running and walking as well as a kids race. First start at 7:30 a.m. There is also a pancake breakfast in Central Park. Information: cityoflapalma.org

Los Alamitos, Seal Beach

The annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacular will be held at the Joint Forces Training Base, enter via Lexington Drive or Orangewood Avenue gates. Fireworks show is at 9 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 8:45. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, there will be no other seating available.  The free event is hosted by Los Alamitos and Seal Beach will feature music, a family fun area and food vendors. Information: cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation

Mission Viejo

The city’s July 4th Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular returns. Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda will be closed for the fair that starts at noon and will feature live entertainment, rides, food trucks and games. Admission is free. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.  Information, including on shuttle service: cityofmissionviejo.org.

Newport Beach

Several parades and activities are planned throughout the city.

The Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. at 36th Street Park and travels down Balboa Boulevard to Channel Place Park, where there will be a free festival with carnival games, jump houses, crafts and food. The festival runs to 11:30 a.m.

There will be a children’s bike parade at 10:30 a.m. at Mariners Park.

The Old Glory Boat Parade begins at 1 p.m. in Newport Harbor at Lido Isle. The annual parade is hosted by the American Legion Yacht Club and American Legion Post 291. Information: alyc.com

A fireworks extravaganza at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort caps the day’s activities at 9 p.m. There are also activities and entertainment earlier in the day.

Information: newportbeachca.gov

People watch fireworks go off during the 4th of July Celebration at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. (Photo by Kyusung Gong, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Orange

The city has a tradition of getting a jump on celebrating American Independence with its community celebration on July 3, starting at 4 p.m. The popular event will be held at Grijalva Park, 368 N. Prospect St.

There will be entertainment, food trucks and kids activities. As the sun sets, the Orange Community Master Chorale will perform then the fireworks will go off. Tickets are $7 and are on sale at the Community Services Department, 230 E. Chapman Ave., through 5:30 p.m. on July 3, or at the event. Information: cityoforange.org.

Orange Park Acres is hosting its 56th parade on July 4, which kicks off at 10 a.m. It will start at Salem Lutheran Church and School. Information: orangeparkacres.org.

San Clemente

The city continues its Fourth of July tradition with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. from the San Clemente Pier. The approximately 20-minute show can be seen from many beaches and hilltop areas.

San Juan Capistrano

The city is hosting a four-day carnival at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, July 1-4. There will be rides and food for sale. Rides require tickets be purchased. Attendees can watch fireworks at 9 p.m. on July 4. The city’s trolley is free for the weekend. Information: sanjuancapistrano.org.

Santa Ana

For the 11th year, Santa Ana will host an Independence Day celebration. Starting at 5 p.m. with live music, a play area for kids, food, exhibitors and much more at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Information: ci.santa-ana.ca.us

Tustin

The community will celebrate at the Tustin High football field, 1171 El Camino Real, with entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free; picnics are OK. Take some canned goods, which Operation Warm Wishes will be collecting for homeless veterans. Fireworks display will be at 9 p.m. Information: tustinca.org.

Villa Park

Stars on Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. at Villa Park High School. Kids of all ages decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons and such to participate in the parade, which will travel a mile and a half through residential streets. Line up at 8:30 a.m. at the school. Information: vpcsfoundation.org

Yorba Linda

Yorba Linda’s annual Fourth of July Spectacular will kick off at 5 p.m. with family activities, food vendors and Kayln & The New Frontier performing.  Access from Veterans Park and Yorba Linda Middle School. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The event is free. Information: yorbalindaca.gov.

East Lake Village will get into the spirit early with its annual Patriotic Boat Parade on July 3. Boats will be decked out with the red, white and blue – and lights – to tour around the lake starting at 8:45 p.m. The public can watch from the greenbelts that surround the lake. Food trucks in the village’s parking lot will be selling from 6 to 9 p.m.

The Nixon Presidential Library & Museum will play host to historical actors portraying presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Franklin D. Roosevelt and George Washington for Independence Day. The 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. event does not include admission to the library, which requires purchase of a ticket.

Related links

Has misuse taken the spark out of fireworks in California?
2023 fireworks buying guide: Which state-approved pyrotechnics are worth the price?
10 July 4th fireworks shows lighting up Southern California
How Southern California casinos are celebrating the Fourth of July

​ Orange County Register 

Angels’ Reid Detmers thriving with a new version of his slider

• June 28, 2023

ANAHEIM — For the second straight season, it seems that Reid Detmers’ fortunes have turned with a change to his slider.

A year ago, the Angels made an adjustment to have him throw it harder. He continued too far on that trajectory in the winter, so this year they’ve dialed it back.

“The harder you throw it, the more rise it’s gonna have so it’s more like a cutter,” Detmers said. “I learned that the hard way. Once I started realizing it’s more like a cutter, it’s not as good as the ones that have depth. I needed to make a change.”

A day after Detmers pitched his fourth consecutive dominant game, he detailed the journey of his slider.

Detmers said the Angels’ pitching braintrust convened after he gave up four runs in five innings in a June 1 start in Houston, raising his ERA to 5.15. The consensus was the extra velocity he’d found on his slider over the winter was hurting more than it was helping.

Detmers also realized that by trying to throw the pitch with less velocity, it was allowing him to have better command with it when he did reincorporate some velocity.

The end result was that he now has two varieties of sliders to use, one that is around 90-91 mph and one that is 85-86 mph.

“I wouldn’t say it makes life easier, but it definitely makes you feel you have something they’ve never seen before,” Detmers said. “I could throw the soft one and the next pitch I can throw the hard one. Make them think ‘Which slider is he going to throw?’”

After Detmers returned from a one-game minor league stint last summer, his average slider velocity had increased from 83.6 mph to 87.1 mph. His ERA with the new slider was 3.04 over 13 starts.

This season, Detmers’ slider averaged 90.2 mph over his first 10 starts, up until that game in Houston. Opponents were hitting .279 against the pitch. His fastball, meanwhile, averaged 94.9 mph.

“I was hearing some feedback from like the other guys on the other teams that were saying with the slider being so hard, they can just look in a certain area,” Detmers said. “If it’s a fastball at 95 or a slider at 92, they can go in that area and have a decent chance. That makes complete sense. I needed to figure out how to make it a little bit slower to get them out of that range.”

In the four starts since, the average slider is 88.5 mph, which is still higher than last year because now he’s throwing the softer one and the harder one. Opponents have hit .147 against his slider in the last four games.

He’s also maintained his fastball velocity at just under 95 mph, before and after the slider change, which has given him more of a gap between the pitches. That’s eliminated the need for him to throw his changeup at all.

In those games, Detmers has allowed one run or fewer and struck out eight or more each time, joining Shohei Ohtani and Nolan Ryan as the only Angels pitchers to do that in four straight starts.

Mike Trout said he was impressed with what he saw from center field as Detmers held the Chicago White Sox to one run in seven innings on Monday night.

“Reid’s nasty,” Trout said. “He’s throwing all his pitches for strikes and changing speeds with his slider, throwing one hard, throwing one soft. It’s pretty impressive.”

NOTES

Left-handed reliever Matt Moore (strained oblique) said he’s not sure when he’s going to get back on a mound for a bullpen session or a simulated game. Moore said “my whole body felt kind of sore” after Saturday’s simulated game, so now they are taking it day by day. “I think it’ll be ready when it’s ready,” Moore said. “It’s hard to say more than that. I know we’re doing our best.” …

Third baseman Anthony Rendon (bruised wrist) took batting practice on the field for the first time since he was injured on June 15. “That’s a big step,” Manager Phil Nevin said. “We’ll see where we go from there.” …

Right-hander Ben Joyce (ulnar neuritis) advanced to throwing on the field for the first time since he was hurt. A day earlier he had thrown indoors. …

Infielder Eduardo Escobar did not land in Orange County until around 90 minutes before game time, so the Angels activated him from the restricted list but did not put him in the starting lineup. Escobar had been in Florida to complete the process of becoming a United States citizen. …

Outfielder Jo Adell was optioned. He had been up for just one day while Escobar was away. …

Outfielder Mickey Moniak acknowledged that his left hip was sore on Monday, the result of him catching his cleat while rounding second base on Saturday night. However, he said he was feeling much better on Tuesday, well enough to start in center field. …

Trout got the day off on Tuesday. Nevin said they had planned to give Trout one day off during this stretch of 13 games without an off day, and they agreed after Monday’s game that this was the best one. The Angels won five of the first six games in which Trout was not in the lineup.

UP NEXT

White Sox (RHP Lucas Giolito, 5-5, 3.41 ERA) at Angels (RHP Jaime Barria, 2-2, 2.14 ERA), Wednesday, 6:38 p.m., Angel Stadium, Bally Sports West, 830 AM

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​ Orange County Register 

Lakers draft picks Jalen Hood-Schifino, Maxwell Lewis ready to hit ground running

• June 28, 2023

EL SEGUNDO — For Jalen Hood-Schifino and Maxwell Lewis – who the Lakers selected with the Nos. 17 and 40 picks in last Thursday’s NBA draft – the last few days have been “surreal”, as Lewis put it.

Not just because their dreams of making it to the league came to fruition. But because of who the Lakers, and a specific Lakers great, meant to them.

Both Hood-Schifino and Lewis mentioned the late Kobe Bryant as a source of inspiration growing up. Lewis said his father, Robert, who is from Inglewood, put a poster of Kobe in his room growing up.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said Hood-Schifino mentioned the “Mamba Mentality” as “one of the pillars in his life” in a previous conversation.

“The first thing I thought of was Kobe, because growing up, I was a big Kobe fan,” Hood-Schifino said about his initial reaction to being selected by the Lakers. “I was just like, ‘This can’t be real right now.’ I didn’t really have no emotions. I felt like I couldn’t cry. Couldn’t really talk. I didn’t really hear nothing. Just like, ‘Dang, I’m really about to be a Laker.’ I’m just really thankful.”

But as the rookies got settled into the UCLA Health Training Facility during Tuesday’s introductory press conference, the conversation shifted.

The 6-foot-6, 215-pound Hood-Schifino, who was Indiana’s second-leading scorer last season, and the 6-7, 195-pound Lewis, Pepperdine’s leading scorer last season, won’t be asked to play the same roles as rookies that they did in college.

The 20-year-old rookies will have to adapt and find ways to fit into a Lakers team that is coming off a Western Conference finals appearance and expects to challenge for the title in 2023-24.

“Coming in as a rookie, obviously, you start from the bottom,” Hood-Schifino said. “Obviously, you have to find your niche and find what you need to do to help your team win. Whether that’s being vocal, being an assist guy, playing defense or whatever it is, I’m going to go in there with the approach that I want to help the team win and get better every single day.”

Cracking the rotation of a playoff team as a rookie isn’t easy.

Minutes typically aren’t given out from Day One as they would be on a younger, rebuilding team coming off a losing season. It will take more work to earn playing time.

But in Coach Darvin Ham’s eyes, the best way for Hood-Schifino and Lewis to earn their playing time will be by proving they’re ready to compete and handle responsibilities on the defensive end.

“We have all the faith in the world in these two, that they’re going to fall right into place with what we’ve got going on,” Ham said. “As a young player, the harder you play [and] compete, particularly on the defensive end, usually, those guys are the ones who get the minutes early. The offense will catch up. But first, they have to establish a competitive tone, and buying in, knowing what we’re doing defensively. That’s going to translate into everything else.”

Pelinka has said the front office values continuity heading into free agency, which begins Friday at 3 p.m. PT.

How Hood-Schifino and Lewis will fit into that vision remains to be seen and is something the rookies will have to prove.

But Pelinka doesn’t want to put a ceiling on how Hood-Schifino and Lewis could contribute to a team that’s looking to remain a contender.

“We’re at the doorstep of free agency and we’ve been pretty clear since our last game with the success of making it to the Western Conference finals, we want to try our hardest to keep this core of guys together and also improve around the edges and on the margins to not only get back to where we were last year but hopefully take the next step and get into the NBA Finals,” Pelinka said. “The league is full of young players that can surprise – even in the playoffs.

“The team that beat us, Denver, had a guy that they drafted last year [Christian Braun] that was in their rotation. So I don’t want to put a limit on what either of these guys here can do for Coach Ham and the team. They’re gonna start with the foundation of work, and if they earn minutes in our rotation, that’s because they put in the work to do it. But I do think guys can be impactful in this league – even young players.

The Lakers begin Summer League play on July 3 in the six-team California Classic in Sacramento before heading to Las Vegas for the league-wide event (July 7-17).

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​ Orange County Register 

Camp Pendleton identifies 3 Marines who died in fiery crash on the 5 freeway

• June 28, 2023

Camp Pendleton officials on Tuesday identified three Marines who served in units belonging to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force among the four people who died in a fiery car crash on the 5 Freeway over the weekend.

Two of the Marines, Sgt. Daniel Nichols and Cpl. Rodrigo Zermeno Gomez Jr., were assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group. Staff Sgt. Joshua Moore Jr., was assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

“These U.S. Marines will truly be missed,” said a statement from the command. “Our thoughts are with the friends and families who are grieving this loss.”

Nichols, 26, of Texas, was an ammunition specialist who enlisted in April 2017. His service medals include the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and a Certificate of Commendation.

Gomez, 21, of Arizona, was a maintenance management specialist. He enlisted in August 2020 and medals he had received include the National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Moore, 27,  of Kentucky, was an ammunition chief. He enlisted in September 2014. His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and a Certificate of Commendation.

The three Camp Pendleton Marines and another person who had not been identified as of Tuesday pending family notification died in the single-vehicle crash Saturday morning on the 5 Freeway in Downey, officials said. The California Highway Patrol received a call about 2:30 a.m. reporting the crash involving the 2018 Dodge Charger traveling south on the freeway. Investigators believe the driver lost control of the car, which then struck a concrete pillar and a metal guard rail, according to KCAL.

The force of the collision “caused the vehicle to split in two, subsequently ejecting the two rear passengers onto the right shoulder,” a statement from the California Highway Patrol said.

Mona Darwish and City News Service contributed to this report.

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San Juan Capistrano man and woman found dead in possible murder-suicide

• June 28, 2023

Orange County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives and the Coroner’s office are investigating a possible murder-suicide after a man and a woman were found dead inside a San Juan Capistrano home on Tuesday, said sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Woodroof.

Civil deputies were serving an eviction notice around 8 a.m. on the 3000 block of Paseo Santiago when they entered the home and discovered the two bodies, which may have been there for a few days. Investigators believe the suspect was found dead inside the house, and there is no threat to the public, said  Woodroof.

The investigation is ongoing. Details on the cause of death and the identity of the two individuals were unavailable.

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The Compost: Here’s how to reduce your e-waste footprint

• June 28, 2023

Welcome to The Compost, a weekly newsletter on key environmental news impacting Southern California. Subscribe now to get it in your inbox! In today’s edition…

It’s hard not to get sucked in by the latest and greatest gadgets.

Sometimes they promise convenience, like a smart refrigerator that will tell you when you’re running low on milk. Others promise to enhance our health and safety, like a watch that can monitor your heartbeat or a cell phone with emergency satellite communication. Often it’s just about pleasure, such as getting a smoother gaming experience by buying the latest version of your laptop.

But no matter what’s driving our purchases, one thing is clear: Our pricey addiction to electronics is, quite literally, piling up.

Humans generate more than 50 million tons of e-waste each year, according to the latest report on the topic from the United Nations. And while the volume of e-waste has skyrocketed in recent years, the percentage that gets recycled has actually dropped, down now to just 17%.

My colleague Teri Sforza and I wrote about how Chromebooks in schools have become the poster child for this technology treadmill. A coalition of environmental and education advocates led by the nonprofit Public Interest Research Group, or PING, have joined forces on a campaign to slow that Chromebook churn. Their immediate focus is on getting Google to extend what they say are rather arbitrary “death dates,” when the company stops making needed software updates. The California chapter of PING also is backing legislation now in the California Assembly that would force electronics companies to make it easier for people and shops to repair devices.

Both of these efforts could have much broader impacts on how we all interact with technology. If companies are forced — through public pressure or, more likely, legislation — to make their products last longer, we’ll all have less excuse to treat these devices as disposable.

Along with supporting such efforts, here are other steps to help reduce your e-waste footprint:

Use devices you have as long as you can. Most of the environmental damage happens in making and shipping the products, so buying less typically is better than buying a newer version even if it’s more sustainably made.
If your device breaks, try to find a local repair cafe in your area or use a resource like iFixit to fix it yourself. Check with the manufacturer, too, and voice your support for increasing repair options and resources.
If your device works and you just don’t need it anymore, consider donating it to a charity, selling it to a third-party service or repurposing it for another use. An old cell phone, for example, might still be helpful for taking photos or playing music, so you’re not using memory or battery life on your main phone.
If your device can’t be fixed or repurposed, see if it can be recycled. CalRecycle has a search tool that lets you find organizations nearby that recover unwanted devices.
When you need a different device, consider buying a used or refurbished version. They can save you big money and often have lots of life left in them, with many sellers offering at least limited warranties.

This all will help the planet. But it will help our bank accounts, too. A study by PING estimates the average family could save $400 a year if they could repair rather than replace common electronics and appliances. And taxpayer-funded schools and other agencies would save millions if devices lasted longer.

Oakland Unified School District hosts a summer repair internship program, teaching students how to make basic repairs to devices. In PING’s report, it notes the district had to throw out 4,156 “expired” laptops last summer that were otherwise in fine working condition.

“There was so much unneeded waste,” said Rio Blackshaw-Mckee, a senior at Skyline High School in Oakland who participated in the internship. “It felt terrible seeing all those trashed Chromebooks, knowing that the money could have gone to clubs, field trips or learning resources.”

— By Brooke Staggs, environment reporter

 ENERGIZE

Not giving up: Irvine passed a ban on gas hookups in most new buildings just before a federal judge ruled against the same sort of ban in Berkeley. Our Yusra Farzan looked at how Irvine hopes to get around that ruling and still pursue its electrification goals. …READ MORE…

Speaking of Irvine: The city set a goal to hit zero carbon emissions by 2030, which is 15 years faster than the state’s goal. City staff is presenting a five-part plan to help the Orange County city get there during a special meeting this afternoon.

Solar farms vs. our deserts: Is rooftop solar enough to power our fossil-free future? Or can big farms coexist with animals and plants in places like the Mojave Desert? And if not, “should Americans be willing to sacrifice a few endangered species in the name of tackling climate change?” Sammy Roth with the Los Angeles Times tackles the tough questions in his latest piece on repowering the West. …READ MORE…

 HYDRATE

Win for local water projects: Santa Ana just received $5.9 million in state funding to boost the local water supply and improve quality, our Destiny Torres reports. Newly captured groundwater will also help the city turn part of the Santa Ana Zoo parking lot into an urban green space. …READ MORE…

 REGULATE

For the bees and the planet: New rules will help protect bees from a common pesticide used on farms. But there are no regulations on using the insecticide on lawns or gardens, despite research now linking neonics to broader ecosystem problems and health conditions in humans. There also are no regulations on planting seeds pretreated with pesticides. Two bills take aim at these gaps, which advocates say are risky to pollinators, waterways and people. Agriculture groups are pushing back, saying they need these tools. Here’s my look at the background, bills and arguments on both sides. …READ MORE…

Pushing a bigger monument: Local and national leaders converged Monday on Eaton Canyon Nature Center in Pasadena to urge President Joe Biden to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument an additional 109,000 acres to the west. Our John Orona has the story. …READ MORE…

Lab-grown meat approved: Would you eat lab-grown meat for the sake of the planet and/or animal welfare? Two California companies are banking on it, and federal regulators just gave them the green light. …READ MORE…

Greenhouse gas inventory: California legislators are trying to create a uniform inventory of greenhouse gases, which cities and counties could use to develop climate plans. Our Kaitlyn Schalhorn reports in her Sacramento Snapshot roundup that Senate Bill 511 would require electrical and natural gas usage broken down by residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. …READ MORE…

 TRANSPORT

Rivian embraces Tesla charging: Shares of Irvine-based Rivian rose after news the company will incorporate Tesla Inc.’s electric-vehicle charging ports into future automobiles and gain access to its supercharger network, Ed Ludlow with Bloomberg reports. …READ MORE…

Get a roundup of the best climate and environment news delivered to your inbox each week by signing up for The Compost.

 PROTECT

Marine life hit by algae bloom: A toxic algae bloom that’s crept down the coast of California from San Luis Obispo County has been sickening and killing hundreds of sea lions and dolphins, our Erika Ritchie reports. One expert said in her 25 years that she’s “never seen anything like it.” …READ MORE…

Sea lion attack: Experts believed the algae could be responsible for reports of a sea lion attacking beachgoers in Dana Point, triggering beach closures this afternoon.

Wildlife district stirs debate: Depending who you ask, our Clara Harter reports an ordinance that just cleared a major hurdle in Los Angeles City Hall would either be a boon to the environment and wildlife, or a curse on some local homeowners and developers. The law would limit how much of a homeowner’s property can be covered in structures and require the use of animal-friendly architecture for new development in hillside communities between Griffith Park and the 405 Freeway. …READ MORE…

High school hit with shrapnel: Atlas Iron & Metal Co. is charged with contaminating the soil and groundwater, producing toxic fumes and spewing shrapnel onto the campus at Jordan High in Watts during dangerous explosions. Clara Harter is back with news on charges from the District Attorney. …READ MORE…

Sand arrives: The first of an estimated 3,000 truckloads of dredged sand has been delivered to Capistrano Beach Park and Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, our Laylan Connelly reports. It’s part of a much-needed infusion of sand that will widen the severely eroded and battered beaches. …READ MORE…

Lakes see algae, too: Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake once again have warnings in place for toxic algae blooms, though Monserrat Solis reports they’re so far not nearly as severe as blooms that happened last summer. …READ MORE…

CELEBRATE

Creative uses for an invasive plant: There’s a meme going around hiking circles about how every group has one friend who points out that the pretty yellow flowers everyone has been admiring on Southern California hillsides in recent months are actually harmful invasive mustard. That friend is me. So I particularly enjoyed this story by the Associated Press’ Julie Watson about artists and chefs finding creative ways to use the destructive blossom.  …READ MORE…

A $3 million state grant will help expand the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s seed bank in Joshua Tree. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

 EXPLORE

Visit a seed bank: If you’ve been to Joshua Tree, you might have driven past this funky sign along the main drag. MDLT is for Mojave Desert Land Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and restoring desert land across Southern California. I recently got to spend time at their headquarters for an article I wrote on the organization’s seed bank, where they aim to collect and store seeds representing all 2,400 species of plants native to our deserts. You can stop by the site to purchase native seeds and merchandise to support the nonprofit. You can also tour their demonstration garden, with lots in bloom right now. And they have a very popular native plant sale each October, where the line starts early in the morning to buy plants that preserve local genetics and are well adapted to our climate. Check it out next time you visit Joshua Tree!

 PITCH IN

Welcome bees: For this week’s tip on how Southern Californians can help the environment… The story I wrote on how insecticides impact bee populations got me looking at more tips for protecting these mighty pollinators. Here are five steps we all can take:

Limit or halt use of chemical insecticides on lawns and gardens.
Plant a year-round bee garden, with an emphasis on native flowers, shrubs and trees.
Leave some bare patches of sunny dirt, which bees can use to nest.
Don’t over manicure. Bees use hollow plant stems and leaf piles as habitat and rest in longer grass.
Support local beekeepers by buying honey at your farmer’s market or other supplier.

Thanks for reading, Composters! Don’t forget to sign up to get The Compost delivered to your inbox and to share this newsletter with others.

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