Poll: Weiner drops to fourth place

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) has dropped to fourth place in the New York mayoral race, according to a new poll.

The Quinnipiac poll released Monday found Weiner with 16 percent support among Democratic primary voters, well behind New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn who leads the pack at 27 percent.  

Former New York Comptroller Bill Thompson tops Weiner with 21 percent and New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio holds 20 percent support. 

The poll's findings follow revelations earlier in the month that Weiner, who had previously been the frontrunner in the race, had continued holding sexually explicit conversations with Internet users in 2012, after he resigned from Congress following similar behavior. 

The poll found that 53 percent of likely voters think Weiner should drop out of the race while 40 percent think he should stay in. 

Weiner has not indicated any plans to drop out of the race, even as his opponents and national politicians denounce him. Last week House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called his behavior "reprehensible." 

The poll was conducted from July 24-28 among 446 likely Democratic primary voters. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points. 

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Former Senate candidate Gomez joins GOProud

Former Senate candidate Gabriel Gomez (R-Mass.) is joining the Board of Directors of the conservative gay group GOProud, the group announced Tuesday.

Gomez ran against then-Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in the special election to replace John Kerry, now secretary of State.

"We are truly honored to have Gabriel Gomez join the GOProud Board of Directors, GOProud Board of Directors Chairwoman Lisa De Pasquale said in a statement.

Prior to running for office Gomez, a former Navy SEAL, worked as an investment banker. In a statement Gomez said he was honored to join the organization.

"I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the GOProud board and staff, reaching out to young voters, conservative activists and lawmakers with our message of free markets, limited government and personal responsibility. I often said during my campaign that I did not support any type of discrimination and groups like GOProud are important, now more than ever, as we expand the conservative moment."

Gomez has indicated that he's considering running for office again, according to The Boston Globe.

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Former Sen. Harry Byrd Jr. dead at 98

Former Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr., the Virginia Democrat-turned-independent who made his name urging fiscal discipline, died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

Byrd served 17 years in the Senate, from late 1965 until January, 1983. Byrd replaced his father, Harry Flood Byrd, after poor health forced him to retire from his Senate seat.

The younger Byrd won the 1966 special election for the remainder of his father’s term before breaking with the Democratic party. He won re-election as an independent in 1970 and 1976.

In the Senate, Byrd pushed for fiscal restraint and supported Virginia’s stance against desegregation. 

Byrd is survived by his son, Tom Byrd, the president and publisher of The Winchester Star.

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De Blasio: Weiner 'invalidated himself' as candidate

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) has “invalidated himself” as a candidate and should step aside, Bill de Blasio, one of Weiner's opponents in the race for New York City mayor said on Tuesday.

The New York City public advocate called the latest revelations in the scandal over Weiner's lewd online behavior a “sideshow” that “has to end” during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“I think Anthony Weiner loves New York, and I think he should act on that by stepping aside,” de Blasio said.

Weiner has declined to drop out of the race despite admitting that he continued to send sexually explicit online messages to young women, even after he resigned from Congress in 2011 for similar behavior.

Weiner has taken a nosedive in the polls since the latest revelations last week.

De Blasio added that if Weiner drops out, he would not seek his endorsement.

“I think he has invalidated himself as a public figure obviously, so that’s not an endorsement I'd seek,” de Blasio said.

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Corker: GOP shutdown threat a ‘silly effort’

Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) on Tuesday blasted a plan endorsed by at least a dozen Republican senators to shut down the government to block funding for ObamaCare.

“I think it’s a silly effort,” Corker said on MSNBC’s “Daily Rundown.” “What people are really saying who are behind that effort is that, 'We don’t have the courage to roll up our sleeves and deal with real deficit reduction and spending decisions, and we want to take ourselves out of the debate and act like we’re being principled to the American people.'”

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) says he’s recruited more than a dozen Republican colleagues willing to block a continuing resolution to fund the government beyond Sept. 30 if it includes funding for implementing the president’s healthcare reforms.

The second- and third-ranking members of Republican leadership, Sens. John Cornyn (Texas) and John Thune (S.D.), have said they support Lee’s plan, as do influential conservatives and potential presidential candidates Sens. Marco Rubio (Fla.) and Ted Cruz (Texas).

 “I don’t look at that as very courageous. I think most of us see through it and realize that these people are really just taking themselves out of the debate,” Corker continued. 

“We’ve got an opportunity to get our country right as it relates to fiscal issues. We’ve taken some big steps, and when people take themselves out of the game like this, I think people see through it and understand what’s really taking place,” he added.

Backlash against the plan has picked up steam recently among some Republicans in the Senate.

Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) spoke out against the plan last week, and Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) called it “the dumbest idea I've ever heard.”

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) warned Friday a government shutdown would cost the GOP control of the House and could destroy the party.

“The strategy that has been laid out is a good way for Republicans to lose the House,” Coburn said in an interview with the Washington Examiner's Byron York.

“Lee’s answer [to critics] is, ‘Give me a different strategy,’” Coburn said. “Well, there isn’t one because we lost the [election]. I’m getting phone calls from Oklahoma saying, ‘Support Mike Lee,’ and I’m ramming right back — support him in destroying the Republican Party?”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), however, has refused to back the idea.

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De Blasio: Weiner 'invalidated himself' as candidate

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) has “invalidated himself” as a candidate and should step aside, Bill de Blasio, one of Weiner's opponents in the race for New York City mayor said on Tuesday.

The New York City public advocate called the latest revelations in the scandal over Weiner's lewd online behavior a “sideshow” that “has to end” during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“I think Anthony Weiner loves New York, and I think he should act on that by stepping aside,” de Blasio said.

Weiner has declined to drop out of the race despite admitting that he continued to send sexually explicit online messages to young women, even after he resigned from Congress in 2011 for similar behavior.

Weiner has taken a nosedive in the polls since the latest revelations last week.

De Blasio added that if Weiner drops out, he would not seek his endorsement.

“I think he has invalidated himself as a public figure obviously, so that’s not an endorsement I'd seek,” de Blasio said.

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Former Sen. Harry Byrd Jr. dead at 98

Former Sen. Harry F. Byrd Jr., the Virginia Democrat-turned-independent who made his name urging fiscal discipline, died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

Byrd served 17 years in the Senate, from late 1965 until January, 1983. Byrd replaced his father, Harry Flood Byrd, after poor health forced him to retire from his Senate seat.

The younger Byrd won the 1966 special election for the remainder of his father’s term before breaking with the Democratic party. He won re-election as an independent in 1970 and 1976.

In the Senate, Byrd pushed for fiscal restraint and supported Virginia’s stance against desegregation. 

Byrd is survived by his son, Tom Byrd, the president and publisher of The Winchester Star.

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Former Senate candidate Gomez joins GOProud

Former Senate candidate Gabriel Gomez (R-Mass.) is joining the Board of Directors of the conservative gay group GOProud, the group announced Tuesday.

Gomez ran against then-Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in the special election to replace John Kerry, now secretary of State.

"We are truly honored to have Gabriel Gomez join the GOProud Board of Directors, GOProud Board of Directors Chairwoman Lisa De Pasquale said in a statement.

Prior to running for office Gomez, a former Navy SEAL, worked as an investment banker. In a statement Gomez said he was honored to join the organization.

"I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the GOProud board and staff, reaching out to young voters, conservative activists and lawmakers with our message of free markets, limited government and personal responsibility. I often said during my campaign that I did not support any type of discrimination and groups like GOProud are important, now more than ever, as we expand the conservative moment."

Gomez has indicated that he's considering running for office again, according to The Boston Globe.

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‘The Seeing Eye’ Trains Pups For A Life Of Service

GARDEN GROVE (CBSLA.com) — The oldest existing guide dog school in the world is helping the visually impaired gain a sense of independence with the help of a four-legged friend.

Blinded by a bombing while serving in Iraq, army veteran Jesse Acosta is now aided by his guide dog Charlie.

“The doctors said that it looked promising for me that I would survive,” said Acosta. “But that I would have to be accustomed to being blind.”

Acosta says Charlie does more than just help him get around Garden Grove.

“He has calmed me down with my PTSD,” said Acosta.

“It’s just like, you know having a focus and a purpose in life,” he said. “You have to take care of that animal who’s going to take care of you.”

CBS2's Sharon Tay got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how seeing eye dogs are learning the skills they need to guide the blind from their very first steps as puppies.

At The Seeing Eye, dogs are trained using different objects and toys designed to teach them physical skills while also discovering different textures and noises.

“They have to look out for tree branches that would hang down and hit the person in the head,” said Peggy Gibbon, director of canine development at The Seeing Eye.

At eight weeks old, the puppies are placed with temporary families.

Melissa Baumgartners and her daughter Katelyn are raising their eighth dog, a German Shepherd puppy named Yogi.

“I tell him he’s growing up for greater things,” said Baumgartners. “And he’s going to be a hero when he grows up.”

Daughter Katelyn said it’s hard to give the dogs up, but they know their sacrifice is for the greater good.

“I am so grateful to them for what they do for the blind community,” Acosta said. “Little did they know they would be helping not just the blind community but those of us coming home with PTSD.”

For more information on The Seeing Eye, visit their website.

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Carson City Council Passes Resolution Declaring Local Emergency Over Polluted Soil

CARSON (CBSLA.com) — The Carson City Council voted Monday to declare a state of local emergency over polluted soil in one local neighborhood.

A packed audience of residents gave a standing ovation when the resolution was passed.

“This is an environmental disaster in the city of Carson,” said Mayor Jim Dear. “This contamination is clearly severe and clearly is doing damage to our city.”

In March 2011, the state Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered Shell Oil Company to “assess, monitor, and cleanup and abate total petroleum hydrocarbons and other contaminants of concern” in the soil and groundwater in the Carousel community.

The report (PDF) found higher-than-normal levels of benzine, arsenic, lead, and explosive methane gas in over 200 soil samples of the property.

The Carousel tract of homes was built on top of land that Shell had previously owned and used to store barrels of oil, according to city officials.

In the early 1960s, the tanks were drained and abandoned and the property sold to a developer. According to city officials, the area was supposed to be cleaned by Shell Oil before the 278 homes were built.

Mayor Dear said the resolution will force Shell to the bargaining table, after promising to address the situation four years ago.

“The City Council of the City of Carson hereby declares the existence of a state of local emergency within the Carousel tract,” the resolution reads.

“We request that the Governor proclaim a ‘state of emergency’…because in the opinion of the City Council…local available resources are inadequate to cope with the emergency.”

Residents like Cathy Post who live in the Carousel community north of Lomita Blvd. between Avalon Blvd. and Main St. have reported adverse health affects from living near the site.

“Within two years of living here, I was hit with flesh-eating disease and I remember thinking, ‘What the hell happened to me?’” Post said. “I almost died from it twice.”

Among those lending support to the cause is environmental activist Erin Brockovich, who attended the council meeting.

Brockovich said in more than two decades of work she had never seen a city council pass a resolution declaring a local emergency. She said Carousel is among the most serious cases of contamination in the country.

“You have a known contaminant benzine, children cannot play in their yard, years and years have passed,” she said. “The contamination underneath could cause an explosion, and I just don’t think it gets more serious than that.”

Mayor Dear says Shell should purchase the homes from residents and the land from the city.

“The only way to clean the homes, and to clean the land under them, would be to remove these homes that are on slabs,” said Mayor Dear. “There’s no other way to do it.”

But after years of battle, many resident say they just want out.

“I don’t want to live in Carson anymore,” said one resident.

Shell did not send a representative to the meeting Monday, and a call to Shell Oil’s media headquarters was not returned.

Shell did send a letter to the council saying that they don’t believe the health danger from the gases is as desperate as the neighbors and city officials feel. They also said that by passing Monday’s resolution, they may actually be slowing down the cleanup process.

The soil findings were previously blamed as a major factor in derailing plans for a possible NFL stadium in the northwest corner of Carson.

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2 More Charged In Kidnapping, Murder Of Glendale Man

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Two more people—including the brother of the original suspect—were charged Monday in the brutal death of a Glendale man.

Hovanes “John” Maskovian, 34, and Nazaret “Nick” Bayamdzhyan, 19, were added as co-defendants in an amended complaint in connection to the killing of 33-year-old Joshua West, who was beaten, run over by a car and shot before being dumped on a Sun Valley road on April 24.

KNX 1070’s Claudia Peschiutta reported that initially, only Hachik “Kriss” Maskovian, 28, was charged with murder.

2 More Charged In Kidnapping, Murder Of Glendale ManClaudia Peschiutta

“It was originally filed as a hate crime and murder with a special circumstance that it was committed in part based upon the sexual orientation of the victim,” said Deputy District Attorney Geoffrey Lewin.

After further investigation, however, Lewin said it was determined the death wasn’t a hate crime. He said John Maskovian dated West for about eight years. They had taken out insurance policies together before they broke up in December 2012. Lewin said West’s policy appears to be the motive in the case.

The two brothers and Bayamdzhyan were charged with attempted kidnapping and murder, along with special circumstances allegations of lying in wait and murder for financial gain. The hate crime allegation brought against Kriss Maskovian was dropped.

The trio was denied bail. Their arraignment, which was scheduled for Monday, was postponed until Sept. 11.

Prosecutors will later decide whether to seek the death penalty.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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7 Facing Charges Following Looting, Fights At US Open Of Surfing

HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Nine people were taken into custody and seven face charges following a “major” disturbance at the conclusion of the US Open of Surfing in Orange County, police said Monday.

The first reports of fights occurred just after 7:15 p.m. Sunday with officers attempting to break up a large crowd in downtown Huntington Beach, police said.

“The crowds began fighting, damaging property and refused to disperse,” said officials.

Police said 15 to 20 portable toilets were knocked over. Two city trucks and four police cars were also damaged.

Video from the incident shows a stop sign ripped from the ground and used to break the display window of the Easy Rider Bike Shop on Main St. One bike was stolen.

“I started wrestling with a looter to pull the second bike back in,” said store employee Bert Etheredge. “And then all of a sudden the people turned and just started running up Main Street, like a flood of people. And that was scary. So we all ran into the shop, locked the doors and shut down the windows.”

Police from 21 Orange County departments were called to the area, with more than 200 officers on scene. After declaring an “unlawful assembly” and giving orders to leave the area, officers fired rubber projectiles and pepper balls to disperse the crowd.

“I want to make clear that the law enforcement officers in my view used a great deal of restraint when facing a barrage of bottles, bricks, rocks and other devices being thrown at them from a crowd of people who repeatedly failed to disperse after being ordered to do so,” Chief Small said.

Order was restored around 9p.m. Chief Small said the additional support from O.C. police departments helped officers to neutralize the situation quickly.

“There were very few minor injuries and there was some, but minimal, damage to public and private property,” Huntington Beach Police Chief Ken Small said at a news conference Monday afternoon.

One person was also arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, Lt. John Domingo told KNX 1070. The weapon was reportedly a skateboard.

8 Arrested Following Looting, Fights At US Open Of SurfingKNX 1070

“Damage included damage to city vehicles, portable toilets, newspaper racks, broken windows and street signs,” Lt. Mitchell O’Brien said.

Police said several witnesses captured the vandals on cell phone cameras and social media and have turned the footage over to authorities.

“We’re getting a lot of stuff on Twitter, Facebook,” said Lt. O’Brien. “We’ve got a team of people sifting through that” to identify those involved.

We have restored order – we are sifting through videos right now at 1 AM and will identify those involved. Please send video or pics—
Huntington Beach PD (@HBPD_PIO) July 29, 2013

“We’re extremely disappointed and saddened by the disturbance that occurred up on Main St. after the close of the US Open of Surfing,” organizers said in a statement posted on Facebook. “We work tirelessly with City staff, police, fire and other agencies to ensure a safe environment for all.”

Huntington Beach police were still looking for additional suspects and requested that anyone with pictures, video or information to call (714) 375-5066. Photographs and footage can also be sent to a special email address set up for the investigation at HBPDfiles@gmail.com.

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AG Calls San Diego County Clerk’s Gay Marriage Petition Improper

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California Attorney General Kamala Harris says the elected clerk of San Diego County is improperly using the state’s legal system to try to prevent same-sex couples from getting married.

Harris argued in court papers filed Monday that county clerk Ernest Dronenburg Jr. picked the wrong venue when he asked the California Supreme Court to declare that gay marriages remain illegal in all but two of the state’s 58 counties.

She says the state court does not have authority to limit a federal trial judge’s order declaring California’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages to be unconstitutional and prohibiting its enforcement.

The U.S. Supreme Court let that order stand last month, clearing the way for gay marriages to resume.

Harris says Dronenburg is trying only “to create legal uncertainty where none actually exists.”

Dronenburg’s lawyers have until Aug. 9 to respond.

RELATED STORY:

Court Rejects San Diego County Clerk’s Bid To Stop Gay Marriages

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Angels Trade Left-Hander Downs To Atlanta For Minor Leaguer Rasmus

Reliever Scott Downs #37 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in a MLB game on September 20, 2011 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Angels defeated the Jays 10-6. (credit: Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have added a needed left-hander to their bullpen by acquiring Scott Downs from the Los Angeles Angels for minor league righty Cory Rasmus.

The Braves have lost left-handed relievers Jonny Venters and Eric O’Flaherty to season-ending elbow injuries. The 37-year-old Downs joins Luis Avilan as lefties in Atlanta’s bullpen.

Downs was 2-3 with a 1.84 ERA in 43 games with the Angels. He is 36-35 with a 3.47 ERA in 12 seasons.

Downs had 29 consecutive scoreless appearances from May 5-July 23 before giving up three hits and two runs in a 3-1 loss at Oakland in his last outing with the Angels on Saturday.

Rasmus had an 8.10 ERA in three appearances with Atlanta this season before he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 18.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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150 Pimps Arrested In Nationwide Child Trafficking Bust

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds of children have been rescued as part of a nationwide sex trafficking sting that resulted in 150 arrests, federal investigators said Monday.

Nearly 50 FBI divisions worldwide took part in “Operation Cross Country,” a three-day enforcement action in 76 cities – including Los Angeles and San Diego – focusing on underage victims of prostitution, according to FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller.

Three pimps were arrested and two juveniles were recovered in Los Angeles, while authorities in San Diego arrested six and recovered five minors during the operation, which typically begins with local enforcement actions that target truck stops, casinos, street “tracks,” and websites that advertise dating or escort services, according to the FBI.

KCAL9's Kristine Lazar reports that the Los Angeles office of the FBI expects to arrest at least three more pimps and rescue two more children in the coming days.

The operation – which was the FBI’s seventh and largest such enforcement action to date – was carried out as part of the Bureau’s Innocence Lost National Initiative, and was conducted in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties, Eimiller told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.

All of the children rescued will receive care.

“They’re placed in protective custody and we work with our victim’s specialists to get them help,” said Eimiller.

Eimiller said the use of Craigslist, Backpage and other free Internet classified sites has changed the way investigators track down both child traffickers and their victims.

“It is challenging also because the nature of online advertising means that they can make these women available anywhere, and so it also leads to the extended problem of interstate trafficking of women for the purposes of prostitution,” Eimiller said.

Since its creation in 2003, the FBI said the Innocence Lost National Initiative has resulted in the identification and recovery of more than 2,700 children who have been sexually exploited.

According to the FBI, many of the pimps arrested will face federal charges that bring stricter prison sentences, including the possibility of life behind bars.

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1 Injured In Huntington Beach Riot Following U.S. Open Of Surfing

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Bicycle salesman Bert Etheredge locked down the shop where he works and sent customers and co-workers into a back room when he saw a raucous mob moving up the main street of a California beach town after a popular surf contest.

Moments later, the wild crowd yanked out a stop sign and rammed it through the window of the Easyrider shop before stealing a bike.

“It was like a flood of people,” Etheredge said. “A running from the bulls kind of thing.”

More than 100 police officers responded to quell the disturbance on Sunday night in Huntington Beach, the city that bills itself as “Surf City USA,” after a fight broke out across from the beach where thousands of spectators had gathered for the popular nine day-U.S. Open of Surfing.

The raucous crowd toppled portable toilets, threw items from rooftops and smashed car windows along the popular downtown strip lined with restaurants, bars and surf and skate shops.

Police fired pepper balls and rubber projectiles to break up the melee.

One person was treated for injuries at a hospital after apparently being hit by a flying bottle and one of the rubber projectiles, Huntington Beach police Lt. Mitchell O’Brien said.

Seven people were booked into jail, one for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly hitting an officer with a skateboard. Others were being investigated for drunken conduct and failure to disperse. Officers initially detained nine people, but two were later released.

“Any time you have thousands of people put together like this, you have the potential for things to go wrong,” O’Brien said.

Property damage could reach tens of thousands of dollars, he added.

Police were sifting through photos and video of the melee posted online and expect to make more arrests.

At a news conference Monday afternoon, police Chief Ken Small defended the officers’ actions.

They “used a great deal of restraint when facing a barrage of bottles, bricks, rocks” and other objects, he said.

The U.S. Open of Surfing draws thousands of people every year to Huntington Beach. The event that ended Sunday included surfing, skateboarding and live music.

“We’re extremely disappointed and saddened by the disturbance,” said a statement on the U.S. Open of Surfing website. “We work tirelessly with city staff, police, fire and other agencies to ensure a safe environment for all.”

Shopkeepers say downtown — known for its scenic beaches and crashing surf — is often the scene of drunken bar brawls and rowdy behavior — but not rioting. Locals say some of the worst offenses come during the U.S. Open of Surfing when young partiers descend on the strip and leave a mess

“The people who come here aren’t here to shop. They’re just here to cause trouble,” said Michelle Hogan, manager of Island Cowgirl jewelry shop, which escaped the ruckus unscathed.  “There’s the drunkenness and the craziness but something like a riot is unheard of.”

Police said one of the arrestees was from Huntington Beach. The other six were from other Southern California cities.

On Monday, there was little sign of the disturbance except for a boarded-up window at Easyrider and a handful of television news trucks parked on the main strip. Beachgoers wearing flip-flops cruised by on colorful bicycles as tourists shopped for trinkets and stopped for lunch on a typically sunny summer day.

Tracey Boyle, 45, said she wasn’t fazed by the melee in the tourist town where she and her three children from Northern California had come to spend their vacation.

“It’s just something that got out of hand,” Boyle said. “You can’t imagine what it would be at a surf event — they seem too chill to get in that kind of confrontation, but they clearly did.”

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Billionaire Warren Buffett Auctions Off Personal, All-You-Can-Eat Tour Of See’s Candy

(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire Warren Buffett is auctioning off an all-you-can-eat tour of the See’s Candy factory in California to benefit an education nonprofit there.

Bidding had already reached $35,000 by Monday afternoon, but it remains to be seen whether the final price of this auction will rival the annual auction of lunch with Buffett which routinely tops $1 million.

The online auction that runs through Aug. 13 will benefit Communities In Schools of Los Angeles. It is being offered on the charitybuzz.com website.

Buffett says he’ll teach the auction winner the proper way to eat a bonbon during the half-day tour. Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate has owned See’s Candy since 1972, and he spends hours munching on See’s treats while answering questions at Berkshire’s annual meetings.

Buffett did not immediately respond to questions about this new auction Monday.

For more than a decade, the only time Buffett auctioned off a chance to meet with him was the lunch auction that helps fund the Glide Foundation’s efforts to help the poor and homeless in San Francisco.

The winner of this year’s lunch auction paid $1,000,100. That’s a bargain compared to the previous five years when the winning bids all topped $2 million, including the record 2012 bid of $3,456,789.

This new See’s Candy auction could affect bidding on the lunch auction. But Glide Foundation founder Rev. Cecil Williams said he’s not worried about interest in the lunch auction declining.

“We are pleased and happy to see Mr. Buffett engaging in this opportunity,” Williams said. “He is a giver, not a divider and he will be giving again to the community. This is another way for him to help people.”

And the winners of the lunch auction are guaranteed more time to talk with Buffett, which could help keep that event more valuable.

The lunch auction winners get to spend several hours asking Buffett questions about business, philanthropy and life.

The fine print on the candy auction site promises only a meeting with Buffett where the winner can take a picture with the renowned investor and get something autographed, so the candy tour may not offer nearly as much opportunity to learn from Buffett.

Investors all over the world watch what Buffett does and try to copy his moves because of his remarkable track record. Through the end of 2012, Buffett’s Berkshire has delivered a compounded annual gain of 19.7 percent to investors — more than double the S&P 500's growth rate.

And Buffett, 82, has been gradually giving away his fortune since 2006. He plans to eventually divide most of his shares of Berkshire stock between five charitable foundations, with the largest block going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Buffett’s Berkshire owns roughly 80 subsidiaries, including clothing, furniture and jewelry firms. Its insurance, utility and railroad businesses typically account for more than half of the company’s net income. It also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co. and Wells Fargo & Co.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Bomb Squad Checks Out Suspicious Package Near Burbank Airport

BURBANK (CBSLA.com) — A suspicious package was found near the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, authorities said Monday.

The item was reported around 10 a.m. at the corner of Winona and Hollywood Way, according to police.

Hollywood Way was closed between San Fernando and Thornton as a bomb squad investigated. The package was cleared around 11:45 a.m. and the road was reopened.

The airport remained open, but travelers were urged to use Sunland or Buena Vista to access the airport.

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Boy Released After ‘Technical Rescue’ At Knott’s Soak City

BUENA PARK (CBSLA.com) — Fire crews were on scene to perform a technical rescue at an Orange County water park, authorities said Monday.

Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded to a call around 1:45 p.m. that a 12-year-old boy was injured at a ride at Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park, according to officials.

Crews used an emergency life-saving device to rescue the boy, who was stuck under a metal partition on one of the rides at the water park.

The boy was not seriously injured and was released to his father, according to the OCFA.

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Authorities Looking For Answers After Missing Father Of Two Found In Burning Car

FONTANA (CBSLA.com) — Four days after a Fontana man was kidnapped from his driveway and killed, investigators are still looking for answers.

The body of Alejandro Padilla, 40, was found inside a burning vehicle, which was confirmed to have belonged to the victim, after it was reported he went missing early Friday morning.

The vehicle was found in a public park in the 1000 block of Etiwanda Street in Rialto, about six miles from his home on Beechcraft Avenue.

Neighbors report that the neighborhood is normally peaceful and the park, where Padilla’s remains were found, is known as a family-friendly area.

“It’s a nice family neighborhood,” Rialto resident Edgar Samperio said, “Makes no sense, really.”

Padilla, a father of two, was reportedly heading to work when the kidnapping ensued.

Investigators suggest that Padilla may have tried to fight off the assailants, as evidence of a bloody struggle was found in his driveway.

Residents and authorities alike are now hoping to find answers through a number of security cameras, which are set up at the park.

Police, however, are not saying what, if any, video they were able to get from the cameras.

No arrests have yet been made.

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Arraignment Postponed For Saudi Princess Accused Of Human Trafficking

Meshael Alayban was arrested at her condominium in Irvine after the victim, a 30-year-old woman from Kenya, left the residence and flagged down a passing bus, authorities said. (Photo courtesy OC Sheriff’s Dept.)

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — The arraignment for a Saudi princess for human trafficking charges was postponed Monday.

Meshael Alayban, who was arrested July 9, is accused of holding a domestic servant against her will.

The alleged victim, a 30-year-old Kenyan woman, escaped from Alayban’s Irvine home with a pamphlet from the U.S. State Department on human trafficking.

The woman then reportedly flagged down a bus for help.

The 42-year-old did not appear in court Monday, angering the judge, KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports. Arraignment For Saudi Princess' Human Trafficking Case PostponedPete Demetriou

Alayban’s attorney, Paul Meyer, told the judge an arrangement had been worked out through prosecutors to delay the arraignment to a later date.

In March 2012, authorities say the victim was contracted through an agency in Kenya to work for Alayban’s family. However, once she arrived, her passports and contract were taken from her by Alayban.

The victim was required to work excessive hours and paid only a fraction of the agreed upon salary, according to officials.

When the victim complained about the working conditions and asked for her passport back so she could leave, Alayban refused to give it to her, Sheriff’s officials said.

Prosecutors say Alayban is one of the six wives of Saudi Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz al Saud.

The Saudi royal family is extensive, with thousands of princes and princesses, including some who have run into trouble with the law.

Alayban is free on $5 million bail. A new arraignment date was set for Sept. 20.

RELATED STORY: Saudi Princess Arrested In Irvine On Human Trafficking Charges

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Boy, 4, Found Wandering The Streets Of Woodland Hills

CANOGA PARK (CBSLA.com) — A 4-year-old child was found early Monday wandering the streets of a San Fernando Valley neighborhood.

The boy was found by a Woodland Hills resident around 1:55 a.m. in the 23000 block of Friar Street, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

“It was really loud . . . so I slid the bathroom window open and looked out and the little boy was on my porch, just bawling,” Jeff Rios said.

Rios called police who located the child’s parents at a residence a few blocks away.

The boy’s mother said the child has a history of getting out a bed and wondering around the house.

“He must have gone to his brother’s room and found the cracked window, I don’t know,” the child’s mother tearfully told CBS2's Louisa Hodge. “I was woken up with the police knocking on my door,” she said.

The boy will be evaluated by Child and Family Services before he is returned to his mother and grandmother.

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Carson Mayor Calls On City Council To Declare Condition Of Local Emergency Over Polluted Soil

CARSON (CBSLA.com) — Members of the Carson City Council were expected to hold a special meeting Monday night after the city’s mayor urged lawmakers to declare a condition of local emergency over polluted soil in one local neighborhood.

In March 2011, the state Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered Shell Oil Company to “assess, monitor, and cleanup and abate total petroleum hydrocarbons and other contaminants of concern” in the soil and groundwater in the Carousel community.

Located at the former Kast Property Tank Farm, the tract of homes was built on top of land that Shell had previously owned and used to store barrels of oil, according to city officials.

In the early 1960s, the tanks were drained and abandoned and the property sold to a developer. According to city officials, the area was supposed to be cleaned by Shell Oil before the 278 homes were built.

The report (PDF) found higher-than-normal levels of benzyne, arsenic, lead, and other chemicals in over 200 soil samples of the property.

Residents like Cathy Post who live in the Carousel community north of Lomita Boulevard between Avalon Boulevard and Main Street have reported adverse health affects from living near the site.

“Within two years of living here, I was hit with flesh-eating disease and I remember thinking, ‘What the hell happened to me?’” Post said. “I almost died from it twice.”

The mayor said Shell promised to address the situation four years ago but has done nothing to date.

“They told me, ‘Mayor Dear, we’re going to the right thing’,” he said. “Now we want you, Shell, to live up to that. Do the right thing.”

Mayor Jim Dear is asking the city council to declare a condition of local emergency for the area, which he said will force Shell to the bargaining table.

“Purchase all the homes in the track, purchase the land from the city,” said Mayor Dear. “Clean it properly.”

Erin Brockovich, the long-time crusader against pollution in California, is among those lending support to the cause.

“This is a problem that is plaguing us across the country,” said Brockovich.

Meantime, residents of the Carousel say they are stuck living in the community.

“We can’t leave,” said one resident. “We can’t buy, we can’t sell.”

The soil findings were previously blamed as a major factor in derailing plans for a possible NFL stadium in the northwest corner of Carson.

Shell said the company would wait for the council’s decision.

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Cement Truck Overturns On 5 Freeway On-Ramp In Sun Valley

SUN VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — A cement truck overturned Monday on an on-ramp to the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway in Sun Valley.

The accident occurred around 12:50 p.m. at Tuxford Street and the 5 Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

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Paramedics were sent to treat at least one injured person, officials said.

The on-ramp was shut down while authorities cleared the scene.

No further details were released.

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Closer Brian Wilson Narrows Potential Suitors, Said To Have Affinity For Los Angeles

Reliever Brian Wilson #38 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on June 1, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (credit: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson is said to have narrowed his decision for potential suitors down to a final “three or four” clubs.

Among the clubs said to be of interest are the Giants, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

A number of scouts watched Wilson work out at UCLA last week. The 31-year old hurler underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2012, and last played in the majors on April 12 of last year.

Some scouts, however, are reporting that Wilson is “getting close” to being ready for major league pitching again.

Wilson threw for scouts during Spring Training, but his lack of an overwhelming performance indicated he was not yet ready for major league action. Instead, he opted for more rehabilitation and decided he would not throw for scouts again until he felt he was confident enough.

Wilson has said that he hopes to join a serious contender, and has been described as having an affinity for Los Angeles.

The first-placed Dodgers, meanwhile, are looking for bullpen help, and took part in watching Wilson’s throwing session at UCLA.

A source says that Dodgers reliever Jose Dominguez, who was placed on the DL last week, may be returning to the minors soon. It is unknown whether this is in connection with the club’s interest in Wilson.

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Fire Damages Restaurant On Third Street Promenade

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — A fire damaged the Yankee Doodles restaurant on the Third Street Promenade Monday morning.

Firefighters were sent to the restaurant at 5:03 a.m. and found flames in the kitchen, said Santa Monica fire Battalion Chief Carl Bjerke.

The main part of the fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes, however, grease fuelled flames spread into the ducting system and it wasn’t until after 7 a.m. that the blaze was fully put out.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. A damage estimate was not immediately available, although officials said pre-1933-era building appeared to be structurally sound.

No injuries were reported.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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