Eye Level Pasadena Blogger Picnic

Jill and Gavin Doughtie held their second blogger picnic yesterday, and it went off extremely well with anywhere from twenty-five to thirty bloggers and users present. Many of us met for the first time face to face, but bloggers are extroverts, so it did not feel like we had never met before and we all got along very well. Pictured at the left is Edward with Aaron Proctor, a very fun man to be around.

Nubia from this blog was also in attendance as well as Kanani and David.

Todd Ruiz, writer for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune was on hand, and had some interesting stories on his travels across the planet. Todd writes a blog titled Under the Dome, which can be accessed from our favorite links.

Larry Wilson, editor of the Pasadena Star News, also joined the group and can be read online at Public Eye.

The Foothill Cities bloggers Centinel and Publius posed for this picture at the bottom of post, now to figure out who's Publius and who's Centinel as everyone in the group held up a sign with one of their names?

Group photo by Debbie Swanson Patrick

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Guild cuts dues to $12/month for ANG unit

When MediaNews Group decided it would no longer recognize the Guild as the representative of its employees at its ANG newspapers, it also stopped deducting union dues from those workers' paychecks. So the Guild has announced that effective immediately dues for all employees in that unit will be reduced to a flat $12 a month, regardless of salary. Previously the dues were 1.659 percent of an employee's after-tax pay. "This money, plus lots more from the local and international union, will be financing our union-building campaign," the Guild says on its Web site.

The ANG unit covers about 125 workers, and "almost 80 of those are dues-paying members," said Carl Hall, a Chronicle reporter who heads the Guild's local unit in a Aug. 14 Chron story. MediaNews has merged the ANG reporters with 170 non-union newsroom employees from the Contra Costa Times.

The Guild says:

Even as we fight to protect our 20-year-old unit’s negotiating rights, we have begun discussions with our Contra Costa Times colleagues to gauge interest in expanding our unit and bargaining power. We’re explaining to them that we need a strong voice to deal with Dean Singleton and his cronies. The new BANG “umbrella” means a lot of changes — and promises management may be making now won’t necessarily be remembered six months from now. Only by sticking together can we have a fair chance at meaningful raises, improved benefits, and protection against arbitrary firings. Already, we’re seeing that [Contra Costa Times] people understand why we need to find common ground — and fast!

Guild cuts dues to $12/month for ANG unit

Thank You Aaron Proctor

I have been bestowed with the honor of being Aaron Proctor's Favorite Person of the Week, on his blog.

Thank you Aaron.

I will meet face to face with Aaron Proctor tomorrow at the bloggers picnic in Pasadena.

Many feel blogs are un-important and no one pays attention to what we have to say; most bloggers in the foothill areas have embraced Aaron Proctor, so lets see how much hype we can generate for this young man in his quest to become mayor of Pasadena in the next election.

Advertisment of Press Display

Press Display shows the user how to gather news from newspapers around the globe, could this be the way news will be delivered in the future?

Tribune Revenues Down 5.9% in July

TRIBUNE COMPANY PRESS RELEASE
August 24, 2007

Tribune Revenues Down 5.9% in July

Publishing Advertising Revenues Decline 10.3%; Television RevenuesDown 3.7%

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2007 – Tribune Company (NYSE: TRB) today reported its summary of revenues and newspaper advertising volume for period 7, ended Aug. 5, 2007. Consolidated revenues for the period were $467million, down 5.9 percent from last year’s $496 million.

Publishing revenues in July were $319 million compared with $349 million last year, down 8.6 percent. Advertising revenues decreased10.3 percent to $247 million, compared with $275 million in July 2006.

• Retail advertising revenues decreased 6.0 percent with the largest declines in the department stores and home furnishings categories, partially offset by improvements in the health care and restaurant categories. Preprint revenues, which are principally included in retail, were up 3 percent for the period.

• National advertising revenues fell 3.7 percent, with declines in auto, financial and resorts, partially offset by an improvement in the movie category.

• Classified advertising revenues decreased 18.2 percent. Real estate fell 24 percent with the most significant declines in the Florida markets, Los Angeles and Chicago due to difficult year-over-year comparisons. Help wanted declined 19 percent and automotive decreased 14 percent. Interactive revenues, which are primarily included in classified, were $22 million, up 11 percent, due to growth in most categories.

Circulation revenues were down 5.4 percent due to single-copy declines and continued selective discounting in home delivery.

Broadcasting and entertainment group revenues in July were flat at $147 million as a decrease in television revenues was offset by increased revenues at the Chicago Cubs and Tribune Entertainment.Television revenues fell 3.7 percent, with lower automotive, movie and political advertising, partially offset by strength in the telecom/wireless and health care categories.

Click here for complete Tribune Statement

Good job, Pressmen!

Stop what you are doing. Take your bow.

I have to say that the front page photograph of the grieving women is gorgeous. A great printing job by all, to bring out Pier Paolo Cito's photography.
Here it is online... but because of the coloration, it has far more drama in print.
When I was a kid, I read National Geographic. It brought the world to me. As you know, I grew up in an area of farms and rivers. The newspaper, books and magazines were important ...more so than TV. Stuff like this photo tells an important story. Something like this makes me slow down, pay attention and read.
Thank you. Everyone from the writers, editors and the pressmen did a great job.

Blog Makeover in Progress

As I tired of seeing the same old blog day after day I was easily convinced to change the format to a new and fresh look. Many of the fuctions are not yet running, but will be very shortly.

Deployment and Return

Recently I heard from my married daughter, Candice, that her husband is expected to return from Iraq within the next 2 to 3 months. I am, of course, thrilled at the prospect of having my son-in-law and daughter together again. They were married only five months when he deployed and that was over a year ago.

The experience of having a close family member deployed opened my eyes to a lot of things that I'd never given a second thought to. I had never realized the extent of the sacrifice the military families endure and how difficult it is to hold their lives together in the face of long deployments. I also never thought of the physical discomfort the troops face because of climate and distance from home. Listening to my daughter talk about her experiences as a military wife was a real eye-opener for me. I had no words of wisdom to give her because it was something I had never experienced. Instead, I tried to be supportive of her and Thomas, and I also put a yellow ribbon around the tree in front of my house.

I've made it a point to thank every member of the military I meet now. Thanks never seems like enough, but they are always so happy to hear it. When Thomas deployed I promised myself that I would attend mass every chance I got and pray for his safety and it's a promise I have not yet broken. However, instead of letting my promise fall to the wayside when Thomas is home, I will continue to pray for the safe return of my cousin, Jan, who deployed August 1. The day Jan deployed, I put another yellow ribbon around my tree.

Jade

P.S. Thomas' ribbon will come down when he arrives home, Jan's will stay until she does the same.

My New Slideshow

by Kanani aka "Easy-Writer"
The photobucket server isn't working. Last night it was, this morning it isn't. I'll try to locate the problem --it's not generating thumbnails. It might be that the free version server just can't keep up with demand. So do I go "pro" and give them the $25?
Not sure.
Anyone here have photobucket pro?
Update: 11:35 PST
Ok. I have had chocolate with nuts. I have done errands. I have gone to pick up my hive medication (I get hives in the summer). Photobucket is working now. I blame the Mommybloggers, tweens, teens and lunchtime execs on the east coast for using up the bandwidth in the morning our time. So if this doesn't load, wait until they are all on the train going home, or if you have insomnia.

And before I forget, Hello Mr. Hiller and Mr. Zell. We hope you enjoy the new look of our blog.

Thursday Afternoon Media News

Taix Restaurant 1962

Guild will attempt to organize Coco Times - San Francisco Peninsula Press Club

Let's rename the Los Angeles Times - Native Intelligence

Portland Press Herald lays off eight - Morning Sentinal

Times-Union lays off 60; ad revenues cited - Jacksonville.com

Journal to trim sections, staff to reduce costs - Winston-Salem Journal

Orange County Register Publisher Anderson Leaving - Orange County Business

FitzSimons claims Teamsters Misrepresent the Facts - Los Angeles Times

MediaNews did not hire union workers at the Trib - East Bay Express

New Format For Our Blog

As Kanani suggested, I changed the template for the blog, which I thought was such a great idea I went ahead and changed everything immediately. The links will be up sometime today as well as additional features, hope you enjoy the change?

Hey Ed,
Why don't we put this blog on a new template? It's a lot easier to add new links on the sidebar and change the color on links and such.

As you can see, I added GeoFinder and put it in the wrong place.
Anyway, decide.
We'd have to input all the links on the sidebar, but then maybe some of them should be culled anyway.

This just in....

"Sam Zell Gives It Straight"

Cajones

Over on Easy-Writer some video footage about impeachment.

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: Tracy Press cuts Tuesday, Thursday editions

The 9,800-circulation Tracy Press announced today that it is dropping its Tuesday and Thursday editions and will now print just three days a week — Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. A "to our readers" note from Publisher Bob Matthews and Editor Cheri Matthews said:

"We don’t take this change lightly. We know some of you would prefer to have the paper delivered to your home every day. But it’s a new world in the newspaper business, and we’re embracing it as quickly as we can, with the resources we have. Economic necessity is driving this decision as much as the changing realities and challenges of the business we’re in. If we could deliver the printed newspaper every day, we would. But it no longer makes economic sense for us to do so."

They emphasized that the paper's Web site, www.tracypress.com, would be updated seven days a week.

The 109-year-old, family-owned paper evolved over the years from a weekly to a twice a week paper, and then, in 1986, to a five-day daily, according to the Tracy Press Web site. In 1995, it added a Saturday edition. Last year, the Tracy Press dropped its Monday edition and returned to a five-day publishing schedule (Tuesday-Saturday). The Record competes with Dean Singleton's Tri-Valley Herald and Dow Jones' Stockton Record. In June 2006, it switched from paid circulation to free delivery to local homes.

Tracy Press cuts Tuesday, Thursday editions

The Montana Cowboy Story

This was sent to me. I don't know who originally wrote it, but it made me laugh!


A Montana cowboy was overseeing his herd in a remote
mountainous pasture when suddenly a brand-new BMW advanced out of a dust cloud towards him.

The driver, a young man in a Brioni suit, Gucci shoes, Ray Ban sunglasses and YSL tie, leans out the window and asks the cowboy, "If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, will you give me a calf?"

The cowboy looks at the man, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, "Sure, Why not?"

The yuppie parks his car, whips out his Dell notebook computer, connects it to his Cingular RAZR V3 cell phone and surfs to a NASA page on the Internet, where he calls up a GPS satellite navigation system to get an exact fix on his location which he then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo. The young man then opens the digital photo in Adobe Photoshop and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany. Within seconds, he receives an email on his Palm Pilot that the image has been processed and the data stored.

He then accesses a MS-SQL database through an ODBC connected Excel spreadsheet with email on his Blackberry and, after a few minutes, receives a response.
Finally, he prints out a full-color, 150-page report on his hi-tech, miniaturized HP Laser Jet printer.
"You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves," he says.
"That's right. Well, I guess you can take one of my calves," says the cowboy.

He watches the young man select one of the animals and looks on amused as the young man stuffs it into the trunk of his car.
Then the cowboy says to the young man, "Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my calf?"

The young man thinks about it for a second and then says, "Okay, why not?"
"You're a Congressman for the U.S. Government", says the cowboy.
"Wow! That's correct," says the yuppie, "but how did you guess that?"
"No guessing required," answered the cowboy. "You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about cows... this is a herd of sheep. Now give me back my dog."

Message from David Hiller - Publisher LAT

Folks,

As most of you have heard, our managers had a visit from Sam Zell here last week and we have now put the video of his remarks and Q&A session up on TimesLink. Any recap by me could not begin to do justice to Sam, so you will want to check out the video, but here are my headlines:

--High energy straight-talking business owner looking for same in us

--Committed and confident in the deal getting done (don’t focus too much on current stock price)

--He doesn’t associate with mediocrity, so wants to “go for greatness”

--Believes Los Angeles Times is very important and “has a great future”

--“I promise you I did not come here to be captain of the Titanic”

--“My head and neck only look forward;” “I don’t really give a [ ] about the past”

--So don’t talk about the excuses of the past (Chandlers, LA v. Chicago, etc.)

--Our success is about “relevance and revenue and respect”

--Focus, focus on our customers; find out what they want; readers are customers not some theoretical thing

--Without revenue we can’t print the paper

--Online is growing well – but latimes.com can be great only because the LA Times is great and stays relevant

--Need more sense of urgency to change and get things done; “Not next week – now”

--He’s a contrarian – looks to find value by looking at things differently

--Believes in giving people authority and local decision-making, and then holding them accountable

--“I can’t do it” has to be eliminated from our vocabulary

--The future is up to us; Sam wants our plans not his plans; wants open, candor from us (doesn’t kill the messenger)

So check it out, and I’d love to hear from you about what you take away from it.

Please also be aware that this session with Sam was off the record, and this material should not be disclosed outside the company.

Also, good news on shareholder approval of our transaction yesterday. Now need FCC approval, which is expected, and then deal should be completed before end of year.

Meanwhile, what can we do? Keep driving revenue to show improvement in the remainder of the year, and push ahead with our Times Change efforts with the urgency Sam displays.

David

SOURCE : Mark Lacter of LA Biz Observed

Editors note, if this information is not to be seen outside of the Los Angeles Times, how did Mark Lacter get a copy?

Happy 22nd Birthday Lauren Padgett

Lauren Padgett

Tonight the Padgett Family will celebrate Lauren's twenty-second birthday, which will be the first family celebration without Bryan present. I'm certain a few tears will be shed in between the laughter and love for one another.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN

Love,

Dad

Tribune in the News

Woody, Russ, and Kal

Tribune fined in worker's death - Chicago Tribune

Tribune And The Sam Zell Deal: Is It Really Done Yet? - CNBC

Tribune Company Income Statement - Edgar

Will Zell Have a Change of Heart? - The Motley Fool

Tribune Shareholders Think Zell's Swell - Forbes

Tribune Company Files SEC Form 8-K - Edgar

LA Times to ERS News: Cease and Desist - Kate Coe

Zell Reassured Los Angeles Elite With Blunt Talk - Ken Reich

At the "Outdoor World" Store in Rancho Cucamonga

Otis Chandler's hunting mounts along with photos are at the Outdoor World store in Rancho Cucamonga. Here are some photos. I wrote about it here.
Click on the images to make them larger.







I call this one, "Sam Zell tries to keep his remarks off the record."

Is Mattel the only Guilty Party?

Last Friday after visiting with the lawyer’s on Wilshire Blvd., I thought I would drive down to the beach for a few cold beers and cool air, but was waylaid by friends and stopped in El Segundo. While sitting at the bar I met a young man from Mattel, and our conversation naturally swayed to the toy recall Mattel is doing voluntarily. But the question we were both left without an answer to, why aren’t the other toy importers recalling their toys that were manufactured in China by the same company Mattel used?

Thank You Washington Mutual

After learning of my son Bryan’s death I was paralyzed and did not open my snail mail for nine days, the bills and cards of condolences just piled up un-opened. When I started coming out of my daze on Friday August 17th, I quickly paid all of my bills, everything a few days late.

Washington Mutual tacked on a $39.00 late fee, and I only owe them $400, so this was almost a ten percent late charge. I wrote to Wamu explaining why I was late with my payment, and to my delight Washington Mutual reversed the $39.00 late fee.

Thank you Washington Mutual.

Take Back the Times: Zell Vowed To Times Managers, Deal Remains On

A feisty Sam Zell, occasionally using expletives and conveying the idea he intends to take charge of the Tribune Co. in no uncertain terms, told L.A. Times managers last week that he is determined to go through with his agreement last spring to buy the company.

When asked about the advertising and revenue fall that have ensued since he made the offer, Zell declared, according to someone who was there, that the Tribune papers have really not had an owner now for months, and that when he takes over, he will roll up his sleeves and go to work. He indicated his first steps would resound through the company.

[cut]

As the L.A. Times, the New York Times and even an AP business writer have said this week, there are still obstacles to be overcome, if the Zell purchase is to be consummated. First, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must approve the deal, agreeing to waive the prohibition against a company owning major newspaper and television outlets in the same city, as the Tribune does presently with the Times and Channel Five in Los Angeles. Second, as the New York Times reported Monday, there must be an independent solvency analysis of Tribune before the deal can be finalized.

To continue reading entire column click on link below.

Zell Vowed To Times Managers, Deal Remains On

Save Our Trade: Tribune Employees Financial Protection Committee Newsletter

Tribune employees and employee owners need answers to important questions.

What happens if the company is unable to secure financing for the 2nd half of the deal We're already carrying $7 billion in debt and our company is in a downward spiral. Selling the Chicago Cubs won't cover it, so what is the company's plan?

The company and its handpicked ESOP trustee agreed to extraordinary terms to secure the financing for the first half of the deal--which may not be able to be paid. It has been widely reported that the banks will be reluctant to loan Tribune the money it needs to close the deal, and if so at what new cost?. What protections (other than going to court) are in place for ESOP participants to avoid billion of dollars in further debt?

Is the Board seeking a plan B? Are other scenarios being considered to protect the long-term interests of the company, the employees or the communities we serve?

The real question is will management face its employees and shareholders and answer these important questions?

Tribune Employees Financial Protection Committee Newsletter

Tribune Company News

Tribune shareholders OK buyout - Los Angeles Times

Death Deal for Tribune Employees Approved - Nikki Finke

TRIBUNE HIT BY DEBT DOWNGRADE - Benton Foundation

Tribune Stock Surges Ahead of Vote - Forbes

Teamsters to Warn Tribune Shareholders - Editor & Publisher

Tribune Shareholders Back Zell's $8.2 Billion Buyout - Bloomberg

Tribune vote a sure thing; firm's future not as certain - Chicago Tribune

Grieving Families

Not wanting to be selfish I thought about comparing my son’s death with Jill Leovy’ blog all weekend, and was elated to see a post on Ken Reich’s blog this morning, but his slant is the disproportion of minority deaths compared to Caucasian deaths.

My take on all the deaths is a bit different, I’m looking at the families left behind, and what they are feeling after losing a loved one, which I’m certain have parallels with the death of my son Bryan. Are you aware there have been 537 homicides in Los Angeles County this year, how many people have been affected, 20,000, 30,000, or more?

How about the war in Iraq, or Afghanistan, how many people have lost loved ones as we have? We have all witnessed grieving Iraq parents carrying their dead children as tears streamed down their faces, do these people care less about their loved ones than us, I think not. Death is all around us; we just feel the grime reaper will not come knocking at our doors any time soon.

I have heard from many parents that have lost children, and the loss stays with you the remainder of your years, according to their letters. This Wednesday my daughter Lauren will celebrate her twenty-second birthday, but Bryan will not be attending the party, so his entire family will feel the sorrow of his absence.

Allow me to express the feelings of losing a child, PURE HELL.

Fifteen days ago I sent a text message to all of my children, and it read, “Kids, I will be at the Venice Beach Bistro at 3:00 p.m.”, Bryan and Nathan came down for the food and music. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see my son alive.

The reason I bring this up, I have continued my old habit of starting a text message to invite Bryan to places we would frequent, only to catch myself and stop cold, forgetting he’s no longer with us. Many parents go through the same thing, but maybe in different ways, forgetting their child isn’t here as I do.

In closing tonight, I will be answering all of your emails starting tomorrow, it has been too difficult reading and replying when my eyes are filled with tears.

The Anti-Social Ice Cream Gathering Sunday

Yesterday was another gathering of bloggers, this time with a different twist; it was an ice cream social, later titled the anti-ice cream social by many blogs around town. Put together by Cecilia at 5th and Spring, and co-hosted by Blog Downtown, the turn out was much more than I expected and everyone had a great time chatting about different subjects.

Everytime anyone would stop for a moment and look towards our group, we asked one another "Could that be Militant Angeleno".

Joseph Mailander of Martini Republic, and now a blogger at Mayor Sam’s was on hand, to the delight of all the bloggers present.

And luckily Ed Fuentes was there or I would have been the lone smoker of the group. It was great getting out of the house for a few hours of fun, thanks everyone for attending.

It was extremely hot and sticky, but the iced drinks and ice cream from Piccomola Italian Ice Cream saved the day.



BlogRoll

Don Garza
Blog Downtown
5th and Spring
View from a Loft
Mayor Sam's Sister City
Trained Monkey
Sha in L.A.
Bert Green
Angelenic

Take Back the Times: Shocking Statistics in LAT Sunday From Jill Leovy

The crime statistics conveyed by Jill Leovy, the L.A. Times' admirable reporter on the Los Angeles police and crime in the minority communities, in Sunday's newspaper were indeed shocking.

In terms of homicides this year, the toll in the black and brown communities is dramatically greater than it is in the white ones. There is three times more danger of getting killed in the Hispanic areas as the white, and nine times greater chance in the black ones compared to the white ones.

The Leovy articles were accompanied by a map showing where the homicides have been taking place. Even though the overall number throughout the city has been going down, from 2,113 in 1992 to 1,085 in 2006, still the varying rates among racial groups are depressing. According to the statistics gathered by the Times for 2007 thus far, 34 of every 100,000 blacks have been the victims of homicides this year, compared to 11 for Latinos, just 3.2 for whites and 2.7 for Asians.

Continue reading Ken Reich by clicking on link below.

Shocking Statistics in LAT Sunday From Jill Leovy

Blogger Going Down Today

The blog will be shut down at 4:00 p.m. PDT this afternoon for about ten minutes for a scheduled outage.

This #*@$(*!!! Old House

The back of my house, built 1939
Over on Easy-Writer

"This is the house that people have coveted. It's the "Leave It To Beaver" house, the "Hazel" house, the one that everyone who was raised in the 50's and 60's dreamed of owning. Well I do. And let me tell you, it has been more akin to "Mr. Blanding's Dream House."

Will the Tribune Sale be Completed?

With Tribune Company stock well below the $34.00 per share buyout price, and credit tightening, makes one wonder if the buyout plan with Sam Zell will be completed. Tomorrow shareholders of record will vote to allow the sale to continue, but where is the FCC in all of this? After almost eight years of legal wrangling, the FCC is unable to decide if the Tribune Company can own television stations, newspapers, and radio stations in the same market. Here’s what is being said in the Blogosphere regarding the Tribune Company LBO.

How Solid Is the Deal for Tribune Company? - New York Times
What's Happening with the Tribune Deal? - Gawker
Tomorrow's Tribune Deal on Shaky Footing - New York Observer
Will Tribune Deal Fall Apart? - Editor and Publisher
Speculators not betting on Tribune buyout - Los Angeles Times
Wall Street skeptical on Tribune buyout plan - Baltimore Sun
Investor Doubts Put Deals in Jeopardy - Wall Street Journal

My Muses

Over on Easy-Writer

...."She tells him that she likes things from Tiffany. He goes to the store and picks out a key fob --the least expensive thing you can buy from the store. Steven goes to her house --a very nice home in Beverly Hills. He hands her the little blue box. She looks at it, doesn't open it, and literally tosses it across the room where it lands on the mantle atop a pile of other blue boxes.
I won't tell you the whole story, just in case you want to rent the movie, but it brings up the question: Do you have a muse?"

Consequences of Street Racing

After running a Google search on illegal street racing I was floored at the sheer numbers of young people losing their lives for a moment of fun, everyday of the week. Not to mention the ones that survive, but are never the same again because of their injuries.

A neighbor mentioned donating Bryan’s car to police agencies for displaying at high schools, if anyone knows whom I can contact it would be appreciated.

The following pictures were taken by George Ogden and sent to me via email of the aftermath of Bryan’s accident.

Believe it or Not File

We had a very unusual event happen last week, seems a good friend of my son’s, went to his apartment and helped herself to my son’s belongings. While the children and I were at our lowest point, how could someone stoop to this level, I keep asking myself?

Some people have absolutely no regard for others feelings, especially after losing a loved one.

On a happy note, many of Bryan’s personal items were returned tonight. The children and I are elated to have Bryan’s clothing, watches, colognes, jewelry, and personal papers returned to our possession.

We all want to hold onto something that Bryan owned for personal memories.

Thursday Morning Media News

Eddie Santos Pressman Olympic Plant

Tribune shares fall farther below takeover price - Marketwatch
Zell remains committed to Tribune buyout-source - Reuters
MediaNews cuts ties to Guild at ANG papers - San Francisco Peninsula PC
N.Y. Times July Ad Sales Dip 3.5 Percent - Associated Press
A world of media conflicts - Santa Barbara News-Press
Trial dissects roles at newspaper - Los Angeles Times

Save Our Trade: Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: One Door Closes, and Another Door Opens

So in short my mother in law and Ed's Mom Molly are cousin's making my wife and Ed 2nd cousins.

Save Our Trade: Los Angeles Times Pressmens 20 Year Club: One Door Closes, and Another Door Opens

Take Back the Times: Sam Zell To Speak At LAT In Period Of Crisis

"The Tribune deal, in particular, is a source of concern, since it hinges largely on the viability of an employee stock ownership plan that would assure a large amount of debt. Steeply declining ad revenue could potentially push that debt burden to its breaking point."

Take Back the Times: Sam Zell To Speak At LAT In Period Of Crisis

One Door Closes, and Another Door Opens

As a child I grew up with my father’s parents in Alhambra, CA., and had no contact with my mother, Amalia Rodriguez, or her family. I have many uncles and aunts that I would not know if I met face to face, and I’m certain I have crossed paths with many of my relatives in my travels through East Los Angeles but was unaware of their presence.

Before leaving for my son Bryan’s viewing on Monday I took a phone call from a colleague, asking many questions? He started by asking if my mother’s name was Molly, was my brother Julio Barajas, and was I called Sluggo as child, all with an answer of YES from me.

For a moment I was puzzled and wondered how he knew so many personal facts I have never aired online, then he told me we are cousins. I was floored and laughing out loud with my tears flowing down my cheeks at the same time, could this be true I asked myself?

My cousin and I have been at odds with one another over union organizing at the Los Angeles Times, but have always retained respect for one another even with our differences. We have spoke on the phone for hours on end before this tragedy, and embraced one another yesterday at Bryan’s funeral.

Los Angeles Times Pressmen, meet my cousin, Ronnie Pineda from Save Our Trade Blog. I have heard for years things like this happen for a reason, I’m sure the reason will be revealed to us.

My cousin Ronnie with Pete and Bill

Bubba Mugs and size XXXXL

Easy-Writer: A Trip To Outdoor World Out there amid the frillery of newly built homes in Rancho Cucamonga is a new store called Outdoor World. In a way, it reminded me of when Chevy Chase takes his family to the vacation grail called WALLY WORLD.

Funeral Notes

Today, on a sad day, we were friends, parents and Pressmen.

Nubia, Jade, Deb, David Markland, Cody Baby, Jess, Ronnie, and so many others (whose names I never got), came through with chicken, sandwiches, drinks, plates, cups, napkins, salads, fruit and desserts in a show of support for our friend, Ed.

So many people thanked us. I explained to them that it was a pleasure to be able to do this for the family. There was never any question for any of us of stepping up, that's what this group does.

Onward, with a sadder heart, but going forward with more love and friendship.

It Has Been a Hell of a Day

It has been a hell of a day!

To all you street racers out in the Blogosphere, think of your families the next time someone at a stop light challenges you to a race, is gambling with your life worth the risk of a stranger driving faster than you? When you stop and think about it rationally, the ten to fifteen second adrenaline rushes certainly is not worth losing your life over.

This morning I luckily caught an email from Peter Wilgoren, senior producer of KCBS/KCAL Los Angeles, wondering if I would agree to be interviewed regarding the dangers of street racing. Without hesitation, I replied in the positive, and sent off my home and cell numbers. And shortly afterwards Linda Alvarez called, but I was unable to set an exact time for filming due too a physical this morning. After taking the physical I called Ms. Alvarez and gave her the green light to come to my home. As the news crew arrived in their highly marked van, my ex-wife and Bryan’s mother Susan pulled up, she had no clue what was about to happen.

It was extremely difficult to face the camera without shedding tears, but Susan and I held up rather well, and thanks to Ms. Alvarez we felt at ease in her presence. If you know me, you know I would have snapped several photos of Ms. Alvarez and myself for Face Book, but this was not on my agenda today.

Susan and I sent out a message today with the help of KCBS, Peter Wilgoren, Linda Alvarez, Brian Humphrey, and Darleene Powells, which we hope makes a difference. We are not seeking publicity or additional hits for our blog, just a message to young men and women on what can happen if you take chances street racing.

Today we gathered at the mortuary for the viewing of my son’s body, and the mortician worked magic in making Bryan look like we remember him. My children covered Bryan’s head with flowers attempting to mask all the stitches along the side of his head. I left the room many times to shed my tears; it’s just so awful to see my son in this state.

I have worked at the Los Angeles Times for over thirty-five years, and the Los Angeles Times had a policy of sending representatives from the company for employees and their families in a show of respect after a death. I’m sorry too say, this policy was changed some years ago, so when the senior vice-president of production, Russ Newton, appeared at my son’s viewing I was so pleased with his presence.

After receiving a big bear hug from Mr. Newton, he gave me condolences from David Hiller, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and that really brightened my sad day.

Before closing tonight, I have a bombshell I will be dropping on the Orange County and Olympic Pressrooms after my son’s burial. As a direct result of my son’s death, I have been informed I have a cousin I did not know of till today, as my cousin and I screamed and laughed in elation on the phone we have decided to wait till after Bryan’s funeral to reveal this fact. This newfound cousin will be changing the dynamics’ of my blog, because he’s now family.

Peace be with you all,
Edward

Click on title for video. HAT TIP to JozJozJoz

Our Interview with Linda Alvarez

Bryan’s mother (Susan) and I just completed an interview with Linda Alvarez regarding street racing, and the pain that results when there are tragic accidents, such as with my son Bryan a few days ago in Azusa.

The story will air at 3:00 pm on channel 9 and 5:00 pm on channel 2 today, in hopes of preventing another accident from street racing.

It was not easy as our tears flow rather easily, but I hope we can make a difference for other families, and my son’s death was not in vain.

Bryan's Aunts Letter to Children

Dear Kristine, Lauren, Margaret, Nathan and Joanna:

I spent some time this morning thinking of all of you and was lead to read a small book called "Healing Grief". Would you please take some time to read some thoughts that have been helpful reminders for me. All of you have been through the pain of shock and disbelief. You have found out that we all are so different. We need to accept the differences of each other. Be patient with each other and how we respond to Bryan's death. Do what seems right for you. There are no rules. Don't try to get around grief. Have the courage to go into it and through it. Let your heart break. That will bring healing. You will have the strength to do what needs to be done, to rebuild your life.

Anger

This is normal. There is no one to blame for his death, you may want to find someone or something. Anger should be expressed and admitted, then let go of. Be careful, physical vent may be dangerous. Anger often fades, the sooner you will heal.

Guilt

Accept your mistakes. Writing a letter to Bryan may help you. You can say everything you wish you had said. Guilt and regret are normal. God's forgiveness is real. His Mercy is huge. If you need help call Auntie's or get help from a counselor at Church.

Tears

Tears are a helpful form of release. The lack of tears can be understood and allowed for.

Growth

Time will not heal grief. You have to deal with it, to work through it. You can become something more than you were.

Grief prolonged

Traumatic death, like Bryan's car accident does prolong grieving. A legal battle will keep wounds open. You may need extra time. Don't be hard on yourself for taking that extra time.

Talk about your loss

Be with friends that you can talk about your pain and loss. If a friend wants you to "snap out of it" or "stop talking about what happened to you", find another friend.

My heart goes out to all of you. Do not be afraid of this journey. You are never alone. God is always with you. He wept too. When his best friend Lazarus died, he wept. Bryan is home with God, who gave him life from the very begining. I am so consoled that his Nana is helping him enter paradise. I imagine she was with him at the moment his soul left his body.

We love you all dearly, you are cherished, Love your Aunties (Genine and Christine)

Tell Us What You Can Bring or Help

Pressmen and Bloggers...

We are handling the food, drink and cutlery for the reception which will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery after the burial. Even though some of us didn't know Bryan, we're helping out because we love Ed and have gotten to know his family over his years of blogging about them.

The mass and cemetery are at TWO different locations. The reception will follow the burial. Update: Ed's sister says the family is huge. Plan for food for 100+. For location and time info go here.

What we need:

Hands on deck: --after the mass to bring the flowers over to the cemetery (Update: The funeral home is going to do this).

Hands on deck before --people who don't mind skipping the funeral and coming to help set up at 9:45 am.
Hands on deck after --people who will tear down and clean up.

Music --some soft music for after would be nice. (Update: Ed's kids will take care of this)

Nametag Guardian --a sociable person who will give out nametags. I think there will be a fair number of bloggers there and it'd be nice to know who they (we!) are.

Basics
Plates -(update: Ed's sister will bring all the plates, napkins, cutlery, cups, etc.)
Napkins
Cutlery --forks, spoons, knives
Cups


Drinks --no alcohol as per requested by the funeral home.
Bottled water (remember --it's going to be hot)
Sodas
Punch --if someone has a large container they use at soccer practices for the masses

Food --preferably finger foods. Should be brought already laid out on platters. Please put your name on the bottom of your platter.

Sandwiches made on buns --(100) --need two people to do fifty each, or 4 people to do 25 each. These are easy to make.
Fried Chicken --please put on platter prior to leaving your house
Whatever else is your specialty

Salads --please provide serving spoons. Please have things put into a bowl already.
Fruit Salad
Potato or macaroni salads
Pasta salads

Desserts
Cookies --please put on platter prior to coming
Cakes --please provide something to cut it with

Flowers for the reception are being provided by a family member.

If you are going to the funeral, you can drop off the food at 10:00, then proceed to the funeral. There is very limited refrigerator space, so if you have something that needs to be cold, then drop it off in a cooler. If you don't want to drop off the food, please make sure you have the food in an ice cooler, since it will be a few hours before the reception takes place. If you are a family member attending the viewing, you can drop off your food the night before. Make sure your name is on any platters and serving implements. We won't be there, but Ed's sister Jeanine will.

Please let us know on this blog
1. What you will be bringing --how many it will serve
2. If you can be a Hands On Deck and which shift.

Thank you for helping.
I will be out of town Saturday until Monday. I hope that Jade, Jesse, Wolf and Nubia will be able to keep track of everything and answer questions Deb is also helping and will be there at the cemetery to set up. I will check back when I return --no internet access where I am going. But the three of you have my cellphone. The phones work fine over there.

Thank you Blogosphere

Bryan (top left) with siblings and cousins

I have to say one thing to all you Bloggers out there; I love you! Below you will find links about my son in the Blogosphere.

.

LAObserved Kevin Roderick

Metroblogging David Markland

Fishbowl LA Kate Coe

LATimes Pressmen Forums Jesse Espinoza

Militant Angeleno Militant Angeleno

Save Our Trade Ronnie Pineda

Foothill Cities Centinel

Los Angeles Fire Department Brian Humphrey

JozJozJoz - Joz Joz Joz

.

Many other Bloggers have sent condolences which are appreciated.

Services For Bryan Padgett

Viewing:
Monday, August 13, 2007
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Queen of Heaven Cemetery & Mausoleum
2161 S. Fullerton Road
Rowland Heights, CA. 91748-3598
Phone: (626)964.1291
(Update: Ed's kids want the viewing to be small. Family only, please. But please come to the funeral. Thank you.)

Funeral:
Tuesday, August 14th
10:30 am
St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
1835 Larkvane Rd
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Phone: (626) 964-3629

Bryan Padgett RIP Jan 11, 1983 - Aug. 08, 2007

Bryan's FamilyBryan's Mustang
Bryan's Siblings (Lauren not pictured) and parents

Bryan's memorial

Crash scene @ Roland and Azusa Ave.

Thank You Everyone

Bryan and Joann

I would like to thank everyone for their support the past two days; your calls, text messages, emails, cards, and comments mean an awful lot. I will get back to everyone as soon as possible.

Bryan’s entire family spent a few minutes at the accident scene this afternoon, and from the damage in the aftermath, Bryan died an instant death. I snapped many photographs and have a few pictures of what is left of Bryan's Mustang, in hopes some young adults and teens might understand the consequences of street racing.

All the funeral arrangements have been completed today, and will be shared soon.

Thanks again everyone,
Edward

Bryan Padgett in Fatal Street Race

AZUSA - A 19-year-old Baldwin Park woman was arrested on suspicion of felony manslaughter after being involved in a street race that killed the driver of another vehicle she was racing, police said Wednesday.

About 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, two black Ford Mustangs were seen racing along Azusa Avenue near Gladstone Street hitting speeds that police and witnesses estimated to be 120 mph, Azusa police Lt. John Momot said.

One of the Mustangs was driven by Bryan Padgett, 24, Glendora. About the same time, the driver of a 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was coming home from work and southbound on Azusa Avenue and trying to turn left onto eastbound Roland, police said.

Padgett's Mustang spun out of control and hit the Tacoma with such force that it totaled the pickup truck. The Mustang sheared a 12-foot telephone pole, uprooted three trees and destroyed iron fencing before stopping 10 feet from the a residence on Azusa Avenue, Momot said.

Padgett was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The driver of the pickup was uninjured.

The driver of the other Mustang, Christina Ochoa, 19, of Baldwin Park, was not involved in the collision. She was held on suspicion of felony manslaughter, and released on $50,000 bail for her involvement in the street racing, Momot said.

From San Gabriel Valley Tribune

One arrested in fatal traffic accident

AZUSA - One person was killed in a traffic accident around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, and another was arrested.

Lt. Paul Dennis of the Azusa Police Department said that two cars were involved in a wreck, but said he was not certain exactly what the arrest was for.

Dennis did confirm that the arrest was for a moving violation of some sort, and said he believed speeding was a factor in the accident.

"It look like there may have been a speeding contest," said Dennis.

The accident took place around the intersection of Azusa Avenue and Rowland Avenue.

A Parents Worst NIGHTMARE!

The coroner has just left my home with terrible news, my son Bryan was killed this morning in an auto accident in Azusa.

My children and I are numb, not sure what emotion too feel at this moment. I am suppose to die before my children, not Bryan before me.

We will miss Bryan very much and his memory will be with us forever.

So You Think You Can Write?

Over on Easy-Writer

"I don't know of any writer who hasn't found that others often come to him with their unrequited dreams to be a writer....."

Wednesday Morning Links

Jeff Johnson and Dean Baquet

Outsourcing Editors in San Gabe - Kevin Roderick

Joel Stein Chat Miserable Failure - Kate Coe

Reader as Writer - Foothill Cities

Goodbye to Newspapers… - Writing About Lives

WEB MAY TOP PAPERS IN AD $$ BY 2011 - New York Post

Layoffs At Broadcasting & Cable, MultiChannel News - Nikki Finke

SFC Launches New 'Journalism of Action' After Big Cuts - Editor & Publisher

Updated list of those leaving the Chronicle - San Francisco Peninsula Press

Herald plant sold as paper takes steps to streamline - Boston.com

CBC is cracking down on its employees' personal blogs - NPR

Save Our Trade: Know Your Rights!

Weingarten Rights:

The rights of employees covered by the NLRA to request union representation during investigatory interviews if they reasonably believe that the interview could result in their being disciplined. Weingarten rights also guarantee the rights of union representatives to assist and counsel employees during interviews which could lead to discipline.

I have been asked if another person may accompany an individual as a witness, if an individual is being asked to answer questions by supervision that may involve disciplinary action against them and above are our rights named after a 1975 Supreme Court Decision, NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc.

Save Our Trade: Know Your Rights!

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: National coverage of Bailey killing muted

Richard Prince of the Maynard Institute says in his blog that black journalists are troubled by the paucity of coverage of the Chauncey Bailey killing by the national media.

"It seemed like the major white media as a whole didn't respond to the shooting of a black journalist the way I KNOW they would [have] responded had it been a white journalist murdered (a la Daniel Pearl)," former Washington broadcast journalist Rudolph Brewington told Prince.

"[I]f a white American editor had been gunned down, you bet it would have been a bigger story. There is no excuse other than race, Oakland and Muslims, all intertwined," said Paul Delaney, a former senior editor at the New York Times and founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Prince said black journalists have noted that Bailey's killing has received far less coverage than the murder of retired NY Times editor and reporter David E. Rosenbaum or the 1976 car-bomb killing of Don Bolles of the Arizona Republic. Even journalists who were injured in Iraq have received more coverage than Bailey, Prince notes.

National coverage of Bailey killing muted

Suspect Held in Shooting Death of Oakland Journalist

RIP Hal Fishman 1931-2007

Long time newscaster Hal Fishman passed away this morning with his family at his side. Mr. Fishman was an icon to the local news in Los Angeles.

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: No more 'buffet-style' journalism at Chron

"Details are a little vague, but essentially the new slogan is: 'Journalism of Action.' Call it the ChronicleWatch-ification of the Chron: Bronstein reportedly envisions a paper whose staff will not simply report, but seek to effect positive change in the community and drive public policy."

San Francisco Peninsula Press Club: No more 'buffet-style' journalism at Chron

Newspaper News

Martin Conboy, Sandy Ochoa, and Raul Campos

OC Register Editor Ken Brusic Announces Layoffs - Kate Coe

Los Angeles Times Editor O'Shea Resents that Remark - Kevin Roderick

You have got to be kidding me Los Angeles Times - Nikki Finke

Don't bet on a 'paper' chase - CNN Money

Newspaper Subscribers Want Local News - Paul La Monica

Los Gatos News to cease publication - San Fransisco Peninsula Press Club

Newspaper Turmoil Likely to Continue - Associated Press

Muslim Bakery Members Suspected in Editors Death - Oakland Tribune

Oakland editor slain in suspected contract killing - Los Angeles Times

Washington Post 2Q Earnings Fall 13 Pct - Associated Press

The Last Thing a Newspaper Wants is Attention - Chicago Reader

Memo from Orange County Register editor Ken Brusic - Romenesko

Cabin Fever

Get Lost With Easy-Writer: Cabin Fever

"Sometimes I think about buying a cabin. No, not here in this state bursting at the seams and will kick up to 60 mil. No, southern New Mexico, or maybe even southern Utah. Anyhoo... I see myself with a cabin, I'm doing the "vision" thing here......free associating, you see...."

(Ed... congrats for making it with the Times for this long. And no.. the blog isn't about you, it's about all of us. )

I'm Still Working at the Newspaper

Thirty-five years ago today yours truly started working at the Los Angeles Times in the long gone Transportation Department. Tomorrow Bob Bagwell will mark sixty years working for the newspaper, so I would be considered a new comer to Bob.

Last week someone left a cartoon from the newspaper referring to bloggers in my mailbox at work, with the claim my blog is all about me me me me me. This might be true.

I wonder if Greg Malcolm will allow me to depart the Olympic Pressroom early tonight in celebration of this special day?

Identity Theft with Advice for all

Many emails arrive in my inbox on a daily basis, and I do my best at responding to everyone in a timely manner, but at times it becomes very overwhelming. As an example, my Earthlink Outlook Express folder has over two thousand unread messages, but my new Verizon account has no unread messages. This happens because I am able to place email addresses into categories with Verizon, so when a message arrives from my children I see it immediately, but let me get to my point as I need to shower and take care of some business before work.

As I scanned my email this morning I noticed a message from a writer, with some great advice for all of us. The writer suggested making two photocopies of all the contents of my wallet, insuring to copy both sides of every card. With one copy being placed in my car, and the other at home in a secure place, in the event my wallet is lost or taken. I will be following this advice this afternoon, and suggest everyone do so as well.

Wednesday my daughter had a doctor’s appointment, which requires a co-pay of $20.00, it was when I went to pay I discovered my medical reimbursement card had also been taken. So I had to pay the fee with cash, as well as her prescription, and file a claim with Wage works to be reimbursed. By making copies of everything in my wallet, I will know when something is missing, such as my medical Visa Debit card.

Would you know if a card was missing from your wallet or purse, probably not.

Thank You Mike LaPerruque

Occasionally my personal life interferes with my hobby of blogging, which is the case this week with my absence online. As a homeowner, my house seems to be taking my time everyday, last night was no different. As I drove home last night my son Nathan called and mentioned the lights in his bathroom would not turnoff, because the switch that controls the power under the faceplate had fallen off. This caused a detour on my way home to our twenty-four hour Wal-Mart to purchase a new switch. As I carefully removed the old switch, I always turn the power off, with limited lighting due too the hour of night I was unable to turn off the power. Once the new switch was installed I was able to take a deep breath, I had been holding my breath as I slowly moved the power lines from one to the other.

Now that I have thoroughly bored you will my simply life, allow me to share what’s happening with my debit and credit card mess at work.

After three calls to the LAPD regarding the breaking and entering of my locker at work, the officer or dispatcher I spoke with told me to file my case with the San Dimas Sheriff’s Department. When I reminded her the crime took place in Los Angeles, she said because I live in San Dimas I should file my case here in my city.

In case your not aware of this, the Sheriff’s and Los Angeles Police Department’s do not care for one another, so I was not about to visit the San Dimas Sheriff’s in this matter, knowing the sheriff would send me back to LAPD.

Tiring of running in circles over this I sent a message to Mike LaPerruque, and as I arrived at Olympic yesterday I was informed Mike was angry over the way the LAPD attempted to throw this off to another agency. Mike apparently called the right person because a young Officer Martinez arrived at our plant at 3:45 p.m. yesterday and created an incident report, and when I explained what the dispatcher told me, the officer said this was indeed an LAPD case not the San Dimas Sheriff’s case as the dispatcher had directed me.

There’s much more to this case which I cannot share at this moment, but will keep my colleagues at Olympic informed as soon as possible.

It feels so good having someone like Mike LaPerruque watching our backs at Olympic, since many of us feel we are but step-children in the Tribune Company, and will be shed as soon as possible. Thank you Mike for going the extra mile for the men and women working at Oly.

"Lottery" by Patricia Wood

Over on The Writerly Pause
Army Medical Technician, Professional Horsewoman, Special Education Teacher, Ph.D. Candidate in Education
and now a novelist of what is already a best seller!

An interview with Patricia Wood, an author who has a breakout novel "Lottery" debuting on August 2.

"Get into the details of your character's life."
by David Cossaboom and Kanani Fong

We met with Patricia Wood on a yacht in Hawaii.
Rather, she was on the yacht and in Hawaii. We were in a small dining room, two dogs underfoot, watching Patricia via an iChat.....

Wednesday Night Newspaper News

Raul Campos and Fred Kirby

Globe to print 2 rivals' papers - Boston Globe

Manhattan Media Buys a Weekly - New York Times

Dow Jones sale a sign of dynasties' decline - Los Angeles Times

Rudeness, threats make the Web a cruel world - USA Today

Coup Could Force 'Chicago Sun-Times' Sale - Editor & Publisher

Daily News is Eliminating Zone Coverage - The Paper Trail

Management is Looking for Whatever They Can Jettison - C Mass

Take Back the Times: A Bad Day For Newspapers, WSJ, Daily News Fall

So the Bancroft family sold out at the Wall Street Journal, just as the Chandler did at the L.A. Times. The results have already been terrible for the Times, and the prospects are not much better for the Wall Street Journal.

Sure, Rupert Murdoch is a better businessman than the laggards at the Tribune Co. have proved to be. He will be able to use Journal reporting throughout his empire, perhaps, and Dow Jones will now make sales that the unimaginative Bancrofts never thought of making.

Click on link below to continue reading Ken Reich.

Take Back the Times: A Bad Day For Newspapers, WSJ, Daily News Fall

Car Fifty-Four Where Are YOU?

The thefts in the Los Angeles Times men’s locker room at the Olympic Facility, has jumped genders. A presswomen has had her locker broken into, and at this time I do not know if her debit card or credit card was taken, but I do know the card taken was used at Yum Yum Donuts.

I’m still waiting for Wells Fargo Bank and Washington Mutual to return my email regarding the exact times my cards were used at Yum Yum Donuts.

I was approached by a colleague yesterday that had just returned from a ten-day vacation, and asked about the break-ins he had just heard about. He mentioned that his Master combination lock was not turning easily any longer. After telling him what was occurring in our locker room, he immediately headed to his locker to remove his cell phone, car keys, and wallet from his locker. And questioned why management at our plant had not posted a memo regarding the thefts, which I had no answer for.

After speaking with Mike LaPerruque, department head of security for the Los Angeles Times, I was convinced to file a report with the Los Angeles Police Department. Yesterday Sergeant Akbar Syed called the LAPD at 1:30 p.m. requesting an officer come by the Times Oly plant so I could file a report, we are still awaiting for an officer to come by at this time.

Mr. LaPerruque mentioned he spent twenty-two years with the Los Angeles Sherriff Department, and felt having the LAPD on site would send a message out, that he will longer tolerate the thefts.

Murdoch set to win Dow Jones

Rupert Murdoch is on the verge of clinching his bid to buy Dow Jones after several members of the controlling Bancroft family decided to back the deal.