Local News
Watts metal recycler indicted in August explosion – NBC Los Angeles
The S&W Atlas Iron and Metal Corp. and its owners were charged in an expanded 25-count indictment after an explosion earlier this year in its scrap metal recycler, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Thursday.
The indictment charges the company and its owners, Gary Weisenberg and Matthew Weisenberg with 22 felony counts of knowingly disposing of hazardous waste without a permit and one felony count for the deposit of hazardous waste. Both owners are also facing two misdemeanor counts of failure to maintain or operate a facility to minimize the possibility of a fire or explosion and one count of public nuisance.
The defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment Thursday.
The explosion Aug. 12 was the second one in just over two decades. The plant has been the subject of multiple previous lawsuits dating back to 2002 when the recycler last exploded, including one from the Los Angeles Unified School District. The scrapyard sits directly next to Jordan High School.
“Our children and the community of Watts deserve a safe and healthy environment to learn and grow in,” District Attorney Gascón said. “We will hold companies accountable when they put profits over people and endanger the well-being of our neighborhoods. This latest charge is a reminder that the safety of our communities must come first. No business has the right to jeopardize public health, especially in areas that impact our children’s futures.”
According to the district attorney’s office, soil samples taken from in the area displayed excessive concentrations of lead and zinc. Additional samples taken at the plant found excessive concentrations of seven different metals. Metal debris, allegedly from Atlas, has also been found at and around the high school.
A spokesperson for the company provided a statement to the LA Times, describing the expanded indictment as “tactical gamesmanship.”
“Today’s indictment repeats 24 of the counts from the complaint filed more than a year ago and adds a single misdemeanor,” said the spokesperson in a statement. “In court, Atlas explained to the judge the actions they have taken over the years to protect the neighboring school and the court was satisfied with these protections.”
NBCLA reached out to Atlas for a response to the allegations.
The next court date for a pretrial hearing is set for Oct. 28.
Local News
Security guard stabbed inside Metrolink train headed to Lancaster – NBC Los Angeles
Authorities are investigating a stabbing of a security guard inside a Metrolink train near Acton on Sunday night, police said.
The stabbing happened around 9:30 p.m. just before arriving at the Acton Metrolink station.
The security guard was able to subdue the suspect with pepper spray and the help of the doctor.
Deputies made an arrest and the Antelope Valley 285 Train departed en route to its destination in Lancaster.
The security guard was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Local News
Simi Valley mother of 5 fatally stabbed, boyfriend arrested – NBC Los Angeles
A 34-year-old mother of five was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend in Simi Valley, police said.
Simi Valley Police responded to a call of domestic violence on Friday at 830 California Avenue.
The reported party stated that her mother was being stabbed by her boyfriend who she resides with, according to police.
When officers arrived at the home they found the victim, Jessica Tinoco, with multiple stab wounds in the face, chest and abdomen. Tinoco was transported to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
The accused attacker, 34-year-old Raymond Rivas, was arrested and booked into Ventura County Main Jail on charges of murder. Rivas was on Post Release Community Supervision at the time of the incident and was placed on a hold for violating probation.
Local News
‘Old Glory’ oak tree in Stevenson Ranch named historic landmark – NBC Los Angeles
An old oak tree rooted in controversy was assigned a historical landmark on Tuesday following a unanimous vote from the LA County Board of Supervisors.
Developers in 2002 were poised to knock down the oak tree “Old Glory” to make way for a subdivision in the Santa Clarita Valley.
The tree was eventually saved with the help of efforts from one man.
Environmental activist John Quigley spent 71 days on a wooden platform in the tree in protest of the city’s removal plan. Quigley would soon learn not everyone agreed with him.
“The windstorms, all the threats, the gunshots, the exploding mailboxes,” said Quigley.
When asked if it was worth it, Quigley’s response was “absolutely.”
A compromise was met and the tree was carefully removed from its original location and then replanted at its current home at Pico Canyon Park.
After 22 years since Quigley climbed the tree, Old Glory has become an LA County Historic Landmark, giving it protection from ever being targeted again.
“That tree is an incredible teacher, and I think will continue to teach now, with this landmark status,” said Quigley. “Never underestimate the power of one person to create a sea of change in society.”
Arborists believe the tree’s life dates back to the 1600s.
-
News9 months ago6 Ways To Attract a Rich Girl of Your Dream
-
Finance8 months agoWhich credit card is best for small businesses?
-
Finance7 months agoBest Business Credit Cards With 0% APR – February 2024
-
Finance8 months agoHow To Apply For A Chase Business Credit Card
-
Finance8 months agoLimited Time: Sign up for Chase Freedom Unlimited for a Year of Unlimited Cash Back!
-
Finance9 months agoLowe’s Credit Card: New Discounts on Lowe’s Purchases
-
Entertainment9 months agoNetflix Schedule January 2024
-
Tech9 months agoApple Vision Pro: $3,499 headset finally has a release date