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Family, Friends Honor Borderline Bar Shooting Victim Alaina Housley

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Mourners gathered Wednesday morning for a memorial to honor an 18-year-old Pepperdine University student killed in the Borderline Bar mass shooting.

Alaina Housley, the niece of actress Tamera Mowry-Housley, was killed in the shooting Nov. 7 in Thousand Oaks. Housley's uncle, former Fox News correspondent Adam Housley and the actress were pleading with the public to help find the 18-year-old before they learned of her death.

Mowry-Housley delivered an emotional tribute to her niece when she returned Monday to "The Real."

"When Alaina would walk in a room, she would change the atmosphere," Mowry-Housley said, describing the late teen as "very sweet, loving and kind.

"She was my niece from marriage, but she was my friend and my sister from my heart."

Housley, who was in her first year at Pepperdine University, was one of 12 victims shot and killed when a gunman opened fire inside the bar during a college night event. The outpouring of grief in the community northwest of Los Angeles in the days and weeks following the attack has included candlelight vigils and memorial services, including one in honor of a Ventura County Sheriff's sergeant killed while responding to the shooting.



Photo Credit: Photo via Facebook

Donate a Toy at The Spirit of Christmas Train

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Trains?

We don't mean to rail against convention, or provide an engine against what's normally done, or even choo-choose the wrong answer here.

But when we say that people can generally board a train? We're not just whistling.

For trains are meant for riding, quite typically, and while model trains were not created for passengers, full-size rail-runners can most definitely cart around a whole heap of human-sized travelers.

But a full-size train, one that's famously associated with Fillmore, will not be whisking adventurers to, nor fro, on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Rather, this is a train ride that has been created solely for Santa Claus, though the Jolly Old Elf isn't simply train-ing around just for the sake of seasonal fun: He'll be stopping at a number of places along the tracks and collecting unwrapped toys to donate to children in need, on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of Fillmore & Santa Paula.

Look for Santa to also have some sweet giveaways in his big bag o' joy, like candy canes and coloring books.

And his picturesque ride? It's the old-school #14 steam locomotive, a classic that'll be dressed up in seasonal finery, complete with wreaths, ornaments, and bows.

Also on board for this cute, train-tastic toy-raiser, in addition to the Fillmore & Western Railway? A number of area agencies, including the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Fillmore Fire Department.

When to see Santa and hand Ol' Saint Nick your unwrapped toy or toys? The train chugga-chuggas on Dec. 2, starting at 5 o'clock, from the Montalvo Metrolink Station.

You can find all of Santa's stops on this page, and where exactly you'll need to be to wave at the train, and meet the bearded superstar, and, most importantly, provide cheer to children in the Santa Clara Valley in Ventura County.



Photo Credit: Fillmore & Western Railway

Stray Pig Named Piggy Smalls Up for Adoption

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Piggy Smalls is up for adoption.

Yes, a pig by the name of Piggy Smalls is looking for a forever home after she was found wandering the streets of East Palo Alto earlier this month, according to the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA (PHS/SPCA).

"Piggy Smalls is extremely friendly and will make a wonderful pet for someone who has the space she'll need to thrive and live a happy life," according to PHS/SPCA Communications Manager Buffy Martin Tarbox.

The adult female pig was found by police on Nov. 8 at the intersection of Alberni Street and Laurel Avenue in the Peninsula city, according to the PHS/SPCA. She was scooped up and transported to the PHS/SPCA, but no one came forward to claim her.

Piggy Smalls checks in at roughly 45 pounds and could grow even more, according to the PHS/SPCA. She is considered to be an adult, but the PHS/SPCA does not know exactly how old she is.

On average, pigs can live anywhere from 12 to 18 years, according to the PHS/SPCA. The animals enjoy feasting on pig pellets, fresh vegetables and alfalfa hay. Piggy Smalls is said to be "very fond" of apples.

Those interested in adopting Piggy Smalls can call 650-340-7022. Her adoption fee is listed at $100.



Photo Credit: PHS/SPCA

Trump Says Pardon for Paul Manafort Is 'Not Off the Table'

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President Donald Trump left open the possibility of pardoning his former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, in an interview with The New York Post on Wednesday, telling the publication that the option is "not off the table."

"It was never discussed, but I wouldn't take it off the table," Trump told The Post. "Why would I take it off the table?"



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Take 'Grinchmas' to the Max, at Universal Studios Hollywood

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Credit one Theodor Geisel with creating many imaginative marvels and wonders and an almost incalculable amount of happy things.

But here's an especially happy thing about 1957's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!," arguably one of the most well-known of Mr. Geisel's many impish, brainish books.

Er, make that Dr. Seuss, of course, the moniker Mr. Geisel blithely wrote and illustrated under.

And that happy thing? The name of the Grinch's wet-nosed, tail-wagging companion: Max.

For if ever a tail, er, a tale earned the meaning of "max," as in taking emotion and drama and fun to the ultimate limit, it is this cheerful window into the world of Whos, roast beasts, and the cranky resident of Mt. Crumpit.

Universal Studios Hollywood understands the idea of max-a-tude, every day of the year, but especially when Grinchmas sassily saunters into theme park.

For everything is fully max'd at the park's over-the-top, December-dazzling, meet-the-Grinch gathering, a holiday happening that really does... push it... to the max.

And that max-ness will be in full, green flower beginning on Saturday, Dec. 1 when the Grinch, Max, and a host of Whoville residents pop up to sing, dance, josh, joke, pose for photos, and send a Seussian splash of seasonal magic into the lives of park guests.

There's that twisty and tall tree, too, that looks as if it grew in soil fortified with Seuss-style magic.

Grinchmas, which has become a yuk-packed yuletide staple at the Universal City destination, along with Christmas in the Wizarding World, will pop up over several select December dates, and starting on Dec. 14? It'll run all the way to New Year's Eve Eve.

Which, in Whoville, they say, is also known as Dec. 30.

Park admission gets you into all of this green-tastic gaiety. Feeling the Max-tastic merriment?

Then take it to the max, and call upon Mt. Crumpit — er, Universal Studios Hollywood — when the green (former) meanie sets up talky shop, all to add a more vivacious and vinegary dimension to our most sugar-sweet month.

Universal Studios Hollywood and NBC-owned TV stations operate under the same parent company NBCUniversal.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Shakeup at Sheriff's HQ as New Boss Readies Takeover

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The top executive staff at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is being replaced as Sheriff-elect Alex Villanueva prepares to be sworn-in next week.

"We're replacing the command staff at the top, as every new Sheriff has done," Villanueva told NBC4 Wednesday. "We're bringing people from within the organization up, and bringing two retired people back."

Villanueva confirmed those retirees are Robert Olmsted and Ray Leyva, who both served as commanders. Villanueva said the moves perhaps appeared sudden because the transition period was so short, and said more staff changes would be made in the coming months. He'll be sworn-in December 3.

"As the Sheriff-elect promised, he's cleaning house, and that doesn't just mean fire everybody with the wave of a wand, it means going in and meticulously reviewing every position, effort, and reform, for expedience, accountability, and effectiveness," said Villanueva spokesman Danny Leserman.

Some of the current Department executives have opted to retire rather than demote to lower-ranking positions, a senior Sheriff's official said. Members of the executive staff above the rank of commander are appointed by the sitting Sheriff, so they can be reassigned at will, according to LASD officials familiar with the Department's staffing rules.

A section of the County charter says whenever someone elevated to one of the appointed jobs is removed, they return to their previous non-appointed role, typically of commander or captain.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Giraffe to Have It: Geoffrey Costume Goes to Auction

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It may be a bittersweet win for one Toys"R"Us fan, but there are hundreds of other pop culture gems to peruse in the mondo line-up of block-ready items.

Photo Credit: Prop Store

Philippe's Dips into Local Delivery, Oh Goodness Yes

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Let's not squabble about what "ASAP" means, or even "asaper than ASAP," when there are so many beautiful matters we can wholeheartedly and wholestomachly agree on.

Like?

Mustard can sometimes be sinus-brighteningly hot. Soft bread that's been au-jus'd can be exceptionally savory.

And enjoying a classic Los Angeles sandwich of the heartiest variety, from the easy perch of one's own sofa, without going outside into the world to purchase the aforementioned sandwich, just might be a major thing of delight.

And such a major thing of delight arose, like the fragrance rising from a freshly composed Philippe the Original French Dip, on Wednesday, Nov. 28 when the iconic eatery announced it is launching local delivery.

Indeed, you may remember that Philippe's revealed an online delivery service in the spring of 2018. This is not the same, but it is very Southern California: Postmates, Philippe's new partner, will be bringing up the local delivery end of things.

Ladle on the hot mustard and give a hearty shout of joy, area Philippers.

Things to nosh upon, before ordering?

There's a daily delivery window of 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 in the evening. "Delivery radius depends on peak hours and availability of drivers from Postmates," says the restaurant site.

And, indeed, you can order more than just those Famous French Dips, if you're hankering for old-school pickled eggs or pecan pie at home.

Will your French Dip and coleslaw and tapioca arrive asaper than ASAP?

Again, we're not going to squabble over that one. But we will say that mustard is hot, a French Dip is filling, and being able to chow down on one of our city's starriest sandwiches without getting out of your comfies is now an awesome option.

The details? They're as tangy as a dollop of fiery mustard. Read all.



Photo Credit: Eric Shin

Suspect ID'd in Richmond Hit-Run That Killed 1-Year-Old Boy

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Richmond police identified the woman arrested in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 1-year-old boy Sunday morning.

Sylvia Welch, 31, was the driver who fled the scene was later arrested, according to police. She faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

The hit-and-run collision happened around 11:50 a.m. in the area of Cutting Boulevard and S. 17th Street, Lt. Matt Stonebraker with the Richmond Police Department stated.

Arriving officers found that the young boy had been hit by a car traveling eastbound along Cutting Boulevard, according to Stonebraker.

The boy was rushed to a local hospital, but he did not survive, Stonebraker said.

Welch was arrested a few miles away from where the hit-and-run occurred, Stonebraker said. An investigation is ongoing.



Photo Credit: Richmond PD

Torrance Memorial Hosts Holiday Festival, Winter Wonderland

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Walking in a winter wonderland!

Torrance Memorial Medical Center continued its 35th holiday festival and winter wonderland on Tuesday.

The nonprofit's annual holiday festival opened this week and runs through Sunday, Dec. 2. It spans 30,000-square-feet and features 36 themed and decorated Christmas trees, a holiday shopping boutique, a food court and live music.

One tree dubbed "How the Grinch PINK’d Christmas!" is decorated in pink and Grinch-themed ornaments to promote awareness of breast cancer. A travel-themed tree with ornaments crafted by adults with special needs is titled "Are We There Yet?" And, a special Alzheimer's disease tree titled "A Vision of Hopes and Dreams" is on display with real postage stamps available for purchase.

More than 60 workshop volunteers worked a combined 3,000 hours to put the event together – including making hundreds of items by hand to be sold at the holiday boutique.

Admission to the event during public hours is $5. Children 5 and under are free and seniors and those with special needs are free on certain days. All event details can be found here

Event proceeds will benefit the construction of the Hunt Cancer Institute, a two-story facility that will host all of the instiution’s cancer treatment services and clinical research trials in partnership with Cedars-Sinai.



Photo Credit: KNBC-TV/Azucena Varela

Is 'Game of Thrones' Behind Rise in Husky Impounds?

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Several employees at the Department of Animal Services believe there is a correlation between HBO’s hit fictional television show "Game of Thrones" and a rise in the number of huskies populating Riverside County’s animal shelters.

Does Thumbtack.com Connect You With Professionals?

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A homeowner says he trusted a website to connect him to a professional contractor - but that's not what he got.

Brett Shannon needed a fence around his property. He hired a contractor using the website Thumbtack.com -- a site that promises to help you "find local professionals."

Shannon wanted a professional: somebody who's been doing this for a living, knows the ins and outs and the correct way to do things. But he says that's not what he got.

He said he paid a contractor $6,000 and ended up with an unstable fence; with planks cut too short and crooked posts.

"When I saw the finished project - no, there's no way that this was somebody who should be classified as a pro," he said.

It turned out he was right. The contractor wasn't a professional at all. He wasn't licensed, as required by state law.

"I thought we had been scammed, ripped off. And Thumbtack had participated in this," he said.

Shannon expected Thumbtack to weed out unlicensed contractors from its site. But it doesn't.

When NBC4 posted jobs that require licensed contractors, about 40 percent of the contractors that made a bid on NBC4's posted jobs weren't licensed to do so.

"You know, it doesn't surprise me," Rick Lopes of the California Contractors State License Board said. Lopes said the board has used Thumbtack to target unlicensed contractors in stings.

Lopes said the board has reached out to Thumback, offering to help it keep unlicensed contractors off its site. But Lopes said Thumbtack didn't respond.

"It's an OK first place to start. But don't just hire somebody because they came up on Thumbtack. And don't assume Thumbtack has done a background check or checked them or knows the quality of their work," Lopes said.

Thumbtack said it requires professionals to certify that they won't take jobs they're not licensed to perform. Because of that, the company says it booted Shannon's contractor from its site.

Thumbtack also offered to mediate his complaint with his contractor, but he declined.

"It's caused so much anguish in our lives, in our home," Shannon said.

As for the unlicensed contractors that bid on NBC4's jobs, Thumbtack said it's "reminding" them not to accept jobs they're not licensed to perform.

Thumbtack also said that occupational licensing is "incredibly complicated," and that it's constantly looking to improve its processes so its customers can hire with confidence.

Remember, when hiring a contractor, be sure to check their license. Check them here.



    Photo Credit: KNBC-TV

    Is 'Game of Thrones' to Blame for Husky Uptick at Shelters?

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    Several employees at the Department of Animal Services believe there is a correlation between HBO’s hit fictional television show "Game of Thrones" and a rise in the number of huskies populating Riverside County’s animal shelters.

    Based off an extinct North American prehistoric carnivore, dire wolves resemble large wolf-like creatures on the television show. In the show, the dire wolves first appear as puppies. As they grow, they become more vital to the storyline and develop relationships with the characters.

    In addition to their wolf-like resemblance, dire wolves characteristics resemble Siberian Huskies. Animal Services Chief Jaclyn Schart believes fans of the show are making the correlation, and are seeking huskies as pets. 

    "We really do believe the series has caused our husky spike," said Schart in a Department of Animal Services press release. "It's the same trend shelters experienced with '101 Dalmatians' or 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua.' Popular culture drives up interest in certain breeds."

    In 2013, 351, or 1.7 percent of all impounds, consisted of husky or husky mixes in the county’s shelters.

    As the show has gained popularity, the number of husky or husky mixes has increased to 1,027, or nearly seven percent of impounds in the county’s shelters.

    Although "Game of Thrones" may be a reason for the increase in husky impounds, Schart believes there is another reason for the large intake of husky breeds.

    "They're very cute as puppies, but then they grow up to become huskies and they're hyper active," Schart said in the news release. "Then the adopter brings them back."

    Huskies account for the highest returned breeds at the shelter at nearly 13 percent, based on 2018 statistics.

    Illustrators Remember, Honor Spongebob Creator

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    Illustrators took to Twitter to express their grief of the passing of cartoonist, Stephen Hillenburg.

    Photo Credit: Vincent Lovallo

    Photos: Rockefeller Center's Tree Lighting Ceremony

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    Photo Credit: Mary Altaffer/AP

    14-Year-Old Beaten, Sexually Assaulted in Santa Ana Park

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    A 14-year-old girl was sitting alone on a park bench Saturday night when she was violently attacked by a man Saturday night in Santa Ana, according to Santa Ana police.

    Investigators say the 14-year-old girl walked alone to Cabrillo Park following an argument with her mother and was sitting on a park bench around 1 a.m. when a man sat next to her and struck up a conversation in Spanish.

    When she tried to walk away, the man pulled out a knife and began punching her.

    "He strikes her in the head and torso with a closed fist, chokes her and forces her to commit a lewd act," Santa Ana Police Department corporal Anthony Bertagna said.

    The suspect is described as a man in his 30s, around 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds, with short black hair, brown eyes and a short beard.

    The girl was eventually able to escape and ran home.

    Police say that they do not believe that the man is a transient despite numerous homeless people frequenting the park.

    On Wednesday, families using the playground told NBC4 they feel safe at the park during the day, but they never come after dark because the park is not well lit and has no security cameras. 

    "I don't come here at night," Jasmine Guillian, a Santa Ana resident, said. "It's not safe, especially for girls. There're always men here."

    Parents are warning their kids to be especially cautious of strangers.

    Police have stepped up patrols around the park, and they're checking with the nearby cities of Tustin and Orange to see if they have any similar attacks.

    2 Suspects That Appeared to Walk Away From Police Still Outstanding in Louis Vuitton Theft

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    After police tracked down and cornered suspected thieves that had taken approximately $20,000 worth of Louis Vuitton bags to the parking lot of a Mid-City pawn shop Monday, the Newport Beach Police Department confirmed that two suspects had escaped, and the descriptions of the outstanding suspects matched the two men NBC4 caught on video walking out of the pawn shop and around the corner, with police only a few feet away.

    Newschopper4 Bravo was over the pawn shop parking lot where a white sedan holding five suspected thieves had stopped before police swarmed the area. Two men left the parking lot and walked into the pawn shop carrying large luxury bags that appeared to match the stolen items.

    Three men remained at the car, and police managed to take all three men in the parking lot into custody after arriving on the scene--though one of the men led police on a foot chase before giving up.

    Meanwhile, the police did not appear to leave the parking lot area to enter the pawn shop to investigate if the two missing suspects may be inside. After three suspects had been taken into custody, the two men emerged from the pawn shop.

    With Newschopper4 Bravo overhead and police only a few feet away in the parking lot, two men wearing similar pants and shoes as the two men that carried bags into the pawn shop walked out of the front door.

    The two men, who appeared to have taken off their jackets but still matched the descriptions of the two outstanding thieves, proceeded to walk out of the store and slowly amble to the corner, up the street, around the corner and out of sight.

    When NBC4 went to report on the story a couple hours later, two large Louis Vuitton style bags were visible on the counter of the pawn shop.

    On Wednesday, NBPD confirmed that all the stolen goods had been recovered and asked for the public's help in identifying and tracking down the two outstanding suspects that seemed to get away after police tracked down and cornered the crew of thieves to Mid-City from Newport Beach, where the theft took place.

    The outstanding suspects, seen above, are described as males, approximately 18-20 years old with black hair and both wearing white shoes. One suspect was wearing a black hoodie and black pants with a white stripe, while the other suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie with white writing and black pants with a red stripe, according to NBPD.

    Anyone who can identify the outstanding suspects or has additional information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Detective Division at 949-644-3790. Messages may also be left anonymously on the Police Department's recorded hotline at 1-800-550-NBPD.

    VA Tells Capitol It Won't Repay Underpaid GI Bill Recipients

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    The Department of Veterans Affairs told congressional staffers that it will not reimburse veterans who have been paid less than they were owed after student veterans across the country said they have received delayed or incorrect GI Bill benefit payments, NBC News reported

    The news conflicts with a promise VA officials made to a House committee earlier this month that it would reimburse those veterans who received less than the full amount they were due. Two committee aides told NBC the VA said it could not make retroactive payments without auditing its previous education claims, which it said would delay future claims.

    Some veterans have been forced into desperate financial straits stemming from a change in calculating housing allowances under the Forever GI Bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law in July 2017. When its computers were unable to process that change, the VA quickly faced a backlog of veterans’ claims three times higher than normal.

    Because of those issues, the VA had announced earlier on Wednesday that it would delay the Forever GI Bill housing allowance changes until Dec. 2019 — and again promised that retroactive payments would be made to those who did not receive a correct amount. But officials told congressional staffers that once the system is made right next year, they would not make retroactive payments to those who were underpaid because of the housing miscalculations.

    When asked for comment, a VA spokesman reiterated that the agency would delay paying housing allowances in accordance with the new Forever GI Bill until the spring term of 2020 and instead pay housing allowances based on Department of Defense's older Basic Housing Allowance rates.



    Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images, File

    Daniels: Avenatti Filed Defamation Suit Against My Wishes

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    Porn star Stormy Daniels said her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, went against her wishes in filing a defamation lawsuit against President Donald Trump, NBC News reported

    Daniels, in a statement first reported Wednesday by the Daily Beast, said that aside from the defamation case, Avenatti "has spoken on my behalf without my approval," and started a new fundraising site to raise money for her without her knowledge.

    Avenatti told NBC News he was surprised by his client's statement, and said "a number of things" in it were "not accurate." He did not elaborate on what was inaccurate.



    Photo Credit: Mary Altaffer/AP, File

    Brother Charged With Murder in NJ Family Mansion Fire Deaths: Sources

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    The brother of a man found dead along with his wife and two children inside a burning New Jersey mansion has been charged with murder in their deaths, law enforcement sources confirmed to News 4 Thursday. 

    Additional details are expected to be revealed at a news briefing later in the morning. 

    Paul Caneiro is charged with four counts of murder in the deaths of his brother Keith Caneiro, his wife Jennifer and their two kids, Jesse and Sophia. 

    Keith Caneiro was found shot to death outside the family's Colts Neck home last week while the other three were found inside the burning home.

    Officials say all were slain before the fire.

    A few hours earlier that same day, another blaze occurred at the Ocean Township home of Paul Caneiro. He has also been charged with setting fire to his own house and has been in custody since. His attorney in that case, Robert Honecker, has maintained his innocence. Honecker did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the newest charges.

    A joint wake for the slain family will be held at noon on Dec. 2, with their funeral following at 3 p.m



    Photo Credit: News 4 New York
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