Blackout Possible As Time Warner, Viacom Fail To Reach Agreement & Contract Deadline Nears

Don't be surprised if certain cable channels don't work for you when you click on your television to watch the Rose Parade Thursday morning.

Reuters is reporting Viacom Inc and Time Warner Cable remained at a standoff on Wednesday, but were hopeful that top executives would step in to resolve a dispute that threatens to prevent more than 13 million U.S. subscribers from seeing "Dora the Explorer," "SpongeBob SquarePants" and Jon Stewart.

"Christmas is over, but Viacom is still playing Scrooge, threatening to pull its MTV Networks off of Time Warner Cable at midnight tonight unless we ask our customers to pay exorbitant price increases," Time Warner Cable Chief Executive Glenn Britt said today in a statement as reported this afternoon by the Los Angeles Times.

No face-to-face meetings between executives have occurred for several weeks, sources on both sides said. The sources asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.

At issue is an extra $35 million to $40 million that Viacom wants Time Warner to pay for carrying its cable channels, including MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. MORE>>

image: ABC News

Happy New Year!!! Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009!!!

Reuters is reporting Wall Street closed out its worst year since the Great Depression on Wednesday after an unstoppable credit crisis and a dreadful economic outlook left investors questioning their faith in stock markets.

A string of financial disasters culminating in the collapse of Lehman Brothers in the middle of the night in September precipitated the third biggest percentage loss ever for the Dow industrials and the broad S&P 500.

By Nov. 20, the S&P had hit an 11-year low, destroying more than a decade of returns for many Americans and wiping out memories of record highs reached just 13 months earlier.

"It was plain ugly out there," said Kurt Brunner, a portfolio manager with Swarthmore Group in Philadelphia.

"All in all, it's something that I truly hope is once-in-a lifetime thing."

Nonetheless, U.S. stocks managed to close the year on an up note on Wednesday as fresh efforts to stem the recession from Washington lifted equities for the second consecutive session.

For the year, the Dow fell 33.8 percent, for its bleakest year since 1931; the S&P skidded 38.5 percent; and the Nasdaq posted its worst year ever, with a 40.5 percent drop.

When all was said and done, the S&P 500 found itself $5.02 trillion lighter than it was last year.

The bursting of the housing bubble began a long chain of events culminating in the worst credit crisis in a generation.

A deep mistrust grew between banks while growing doubts among investors about the American banking model crippled financial stocks and yanked a key pillar supporting U.S. equity markets. MORE>>

image: Detroit Red Wings Fan Club

Police Blotter: Strong Arm Robbery Outside AM/PM

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2008, a female stopped at the AM/PM at Seine and Base Line to make a withdrawl from the ATM inside the business. After withdrawing $200, the victim exited the business and walked to her car that was parked in the parking lot outside the business. As the victim reached her car the suspect approached and said, "give me the money." No weapon was displayed, but the victim was afraid she might be harmed so she complied with the suspect's demands. After taking the money, the suspect fled in a dark green Dodge Caravan.

The victim and a witness followed the suspect to the area of University and the 215 freeway where they lost sight of him. The suspect is described as a black male adult with a light complexion, approximately 6'2" tall, a large build and missing a tooth on the right side of his mouth.

Anyone with any information about this robbery is encouraged to contact the Highland Police Department at 909-425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or on the web site at www.wetip.com.

Police Blotter: Mail Boxes Destroyed With Dry Ice Bombs

According to a news release issued by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, just before midnight on December 30, 2008, an unknown suspect or suspects placed a plastic, 2-liter bottle filled with dry-ice and water in a mailbox in front of a home in the 7100 block of Bradford Avenue in Highland where it exploded. About an hour later, at 1:00 a.m. on December 31, a second dry-ice device exploded inside another mailbox in front of a home in the 26400 block of Pacific Street in Highland. In both cases, the mailboxes were destroyed, but fortunately no one was injured.

These devices are extremely dangerous and the use of them is a felony crime. No suspect information has been obtained at this time. However, physical evidence was collected at both scenes for analysis. The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Detail is coordinating the evidence analysis.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Highland Sheriff's Station at 909-425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or on their web site at www.wetip.com.

Police Blotter: Attempted Kidnapping Reported

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 6:35 p.m., a 13-year-old male juvenile was walking in his neighborhood in the vicinity of Chanticleer and Gold Buckle. The suspect, described as a black male adult, approximately 30-40 years of age and six feet tall, with a thin build and short black hair, stopped his vehicle next to the boy and asked him for directions.

The boy told the suspect he did not know where the street was and started to walk away. The suspect then offered the victim candy if he would help him find the street. This caused the victim to become scared and walk faster away from the car. The suspect got out of the vehicle but did not approach the victim as he was too far away.

The vehicle is described as a black sedan, with black tinted windows, a spoiler on the trunk lid and an antenna decoration that resembled a red shot gun casing. Also, there was fast food trash on the dash of the vehicle.

The Highland Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department would like to remind parents to speak with their children about the dangers in talking to strangers and getting into a vehicle with a person they do not know.

Anyone with information about the attempted abduction is asked to call Deputy P. Gentry at Highland Police Department at (909) 425-9793.

Police Blotter: Stolen/Forged Checks Result In Six Arrests

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on December 26th, 2008 a local business located in the 15000 block of Main Street notified Sheriff's Dispatch there were two subjects attempting to pass a stolen and forged check. Several deputies responded to the location and arrested Joseph Mason on suspicion of possession of the stolen and forged checks. The vehicle Joseph Mason was driving had stolen property in it from a vehicle burglary.

Information provided led deputies to respond to a residence in the 17000 block of Linden Street. While observing the residence, several vehicles left the location. Two deputies stopped a red 1997 Ford truck that left the location and arrested Robert Barling on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and burglary tools. The Sheriff's helicopter observed a motorcycle leave the residence and a short pursuit ensued. William David lost control of the motorcycle and crashed near the traffic stop of the Ford truck. William David was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and parole violation.

A search of the residence located in the 17000 block of Linden Street was completed. Stolen items were recovered including sports memorabilia, collectible coins, tools and bonds. Several items were released to victims at the scene and two burglaries were cleared as a result of the investigation. Terry Mason, Stephanie Anderson and Sharon Evans were arrested at the Linden Street address for charges ranging from possession of stolen property, parole violation and warrants.

Any victims with similar items stolen should contact Detective Powers at the Hesperia Sheriff's station, 760-947-1500.

Amazon Reports 2008 Best Holiday Season Ever

In a rare bright spot for the retail industry, Amazon.com announced the 2008 holiday season finished as its best ever, with over 6.3 million items ordered worldwide on the peak day, Dec. 15, which is a record-breaking 72.9 items per second.

"We are extremely grateful to our customers," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "We wish everyone happy holidays and the very best for the coming year." MORE>>

Personally I bought several gifts from Amazon this year and had them shipped directly to my home. Items over $25 were shipped for free, which no doubt bit into Amazon's profits but increased sales overall.

image: Martin Oeser/AFP via Business Week

Police Blotter: Thieves Make Off With Circuit Breakers

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Thursday, December 25, 2008 at about 10:38 PM, unknown suspects were able to interrupt power to the breaker room located in the new Highland Crossings Shopping Center, 27949 5th Street in Highland. The suspect(s) stole the circuit breakers valued at approximately $20,000.

Anyone who has information about this crime is urged to contact either Deputy James Diaz or Sgt. James Williams at the Highland Sheriff’s station at (909) 425-9793.

Man in Santa Suit Kills at Least 8 at Holiday Gathering, Sets House Afire, Takes Own Life

In perhaps one of the most bizarre Christmas crimes on record, an estranged husband, dressed in a Santa Claus outfit, arrived at a gathering of his former wife's in-laws in Covina where he opened fire then set the house ablaze, killing at least eight people and injuring several others.

As of this posting it's on The New York Times' home page and the most popular news story of the day on CNN's web site. The Los Angeles Times has been following the story closely as well.

The suspect, according to reports, was identified as 45-year-old Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, who later killed himself in front of his brother’s house in Sylmar, about 40 miles from the scene of the shootings, the police said.

Pardo reportedly arrived armed with cans of accelerant, and went to the house looking for his former wife, Sylvia, with whom he had been entangled in a bitter divorce.

This incident has nothing to do with Highland except we can count our blessings we aren't dealing with a spectacular crime of this magnitude in our community today. There's something beyond evil about this crime, where the perpetrator dressed as the ultimate seasonal symbol of trust, innocence and good will to gain entry into a private home where he was unwelcome and murder, yes murder, the guests at a family gathering.

What could possibly have inspired him to do this? How could things in this person's life have gone so wrong for him to get the idea this was an appropriate solution? Taking his own life in turn after wreaking such havoc was the coward's way out. I feel sorry for his family, friends, the victims and the communities where this occurred.

image: Covina Police

Police Blotter: Pair Arrested In Beating & Robbery

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, Allan Gomez, 20 years of age, (pictured), and a 16-year-old Hispanic female have been arrested in relation to robbery and beating of a local pastor.

On December 6, 2008, Pastor James Warman was beaten and robbed while hanging Christmas decorations at the Church of the Valley on Baseline in Highland. Warman was hospitalized for over a week with head trauma. The suspects at the time were described as two Hispanic male adults between the age of 19 and 25 years old.

During the investigation, detectives discovered Warman’s credit cards had been used to make several online purchases, some less than 2 hours after the attack. Warrants were obtained to search the location where the purchases originated.

On December 22, 2008, at about 2:00 p.m., Deputies from the Highland Station and members of the Sheriff’s Department’s Gang Team served a search warrant at a residence in the 7400 block of Hillview Street in Highland. Several items of evidence were recovered connecting Gomez and his juvenile girlfriend to Pastor Warman’s property and use of his credit cards.

Gomez was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property, fraudulent use of a credit card, and a probation violation. He was booked into the Central Detention Center where he is being held without bail. The juvenile was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of receiving stolen property, fraudulent use of a credit card and is also being held without bail.

Detectives continue to investigate and gather additional evidence regarding Gomez’ connection to the robbery and attempted murder of Warman, as well as trying to identify and locate the second suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detectives Peterson or Yost at the Highland Police Department (909) 425-9793 or telephone WE-TIP at 1-800-782-7463.

End Of The Line For The Lowly VHS Tape Format

The Los Angeles Times has a nice story that tells us what we already know: The VHS format tape cassette is dead. MORE>>

The format has been in decline for years. I sold all my son's old Disney cassettes, classics perhaps but not if you can't view them. Folks scarfed them up on eBay some years ago for $2, $5 and in some cases $10 each. I tossed my last mass-produced commercial tape in the discards box in the garage last week, a relatively high-mileage copy of Big Daddy starring Adam Sandler.

I still have a few tapes sitting around here I can't seem to part with, an interview from KCBS/Channel 2 News, a public-access appearance before that and my son's first swimming lessons.

Somehow I've got to figure out how to get these converted to DVD before that format is rendered obsolete as well. I guess that's just progress.

image: www.prblog.typepad.com

Despite Tough Times, Consumers Still Cling To Tradition Of Christmas Trees In Their Homes

According to a Reuters story, beleaguered Americans may have to trim the size of their Christmas tree this year or cut back on gifts to afford one, but few will do without the holiday centerpiece no matter how bad the economy.

While the Christmas tree may be a sacrosanct part of family festivities for tens of millions of Americans, some consumers are expected to economize on other things to be able to have a tree or downsize to a smaller tree or cheaper variety.

The tradition of bringing a tree indoors and decorating it for Christmas has been traced back to Germany in the 16th century. Some say it has pagan origins. MORE>>

image: www.allthingschristmas.com/trees.php

Gas Prices Fall To Lowest Level Since Feb 2004

Reuters is reporting the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States fell 5 percent in the past two weeks, hitting its lowest level since February 2004, according to the nationwide Lundberg survey released on Sunday.

The national average for self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline was about $1.6622 a gallon on Dec. 19, down some 9.04 cents from two weeks earlier, according to the nationwide Lundberg survey of 5,000 gas stations in metropolitan areas.

That is less than half what consumers paid in July when the average price reached an all-time high of $4.11 a gallon. It is also $1.31 per gallon less than the average price paid this time a year ago.

High gas prices over the past year have crimped demand, hurting producers and retailers, but the economy will get a boost from the drop in prices, survey editor Trilby Lundberg told Reuters.

"It is extremely healthy that we have had a crash, which will help (economic) recovery," she said.

Lundberg added that current gas prices, which have come down in tandem with crude oil prices, reflected some normalization in retail margins. MORE>>

I paid $1.59 a gallon at Sam's Club last week, about $3.00/gallon less than I paid at the peak in July. Has the falling price of gas encouraged you to resume your former driving habits?

image: Paul Sakuma/AP via MSNBC.com

Bush Throws $17.4 Billion Lifeline To Auto Industry

Reuters is reporting President George W. Bush announced today the government would make available $17.4 billion in short-term loans to General Motors and Chrysler to prevent the imminent collapse of the U.S. auto industry.

"Given the current state of the auto industry and the economy, Chapter 11 is unlikely to work for American auto makers at this time, " said the President in announcing the bailout.

Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors, said his company would promptly access billions and proceed with implementation of their restructuring plan. Ford, on the other hand, claims at present it has adequate liquidity and would not seek a loan.

Conservative Republicans criticized Bush's decision as throwing good money after bad. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the unsuccessful 2008 Republican presidential candidate, said on www.freep.com, he regretted that Bush had decided to “give away” $17 billion to automakers “while failing to receive any serious concessions from the industry.”

President-elect Obama at a press conference in Chicago to announce more cabinet appointments, called the move "A necessary step for the auto industry." MORE>>

I'm having a real hard time with these well-dressed CEOs who fly to Washington DC aboard private aircraft to ask for government handouts while I'm buying clothes at Wal-Mart, canned goods at Big Lots and driving a truck with a cracked windshield to make ends meet. Something has gotten completely out of balance in this world when those who fail to manage their businesses effectively are rewarded and those of us who scrimp, save and live within our means get to pick up the tab.

In the short term it may be really ugly for the auto industry and the economy as a whole if a large manufacturer failed, but long term perhaps it's what needs to happen. Detroit's Big Three account for 45% of auto sales, according to a story in Business Week, while 16 others pick up the rest. The herd needs some thinning in these tough economic times.

While Bush thinks he's doing what's best, if a supposedly conservative president is throwing around money like this, what's the likelihood of a new-age FDR Democrat making the right decision for the long-term health of the economy in three months time?

image: Spencer Platt-AFP/Getty Images

DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint @ Base Line & Palm Dec. 19th

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department release, the Highland Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, December 19, 2008, from 6:00PM to 2:00AM, at Baseline and Palm Avenue in the City of Highland.

DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers.

This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as insuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers.

A DUI checkpoint is a proven effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Highland Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

San Manuel Band Of Mission Indians Aid Operation Phoenix

According to a news release, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has stepped in to make this holiday season a merry one for 150 Operation Phoenix youth. The Tribe has purchased 150 pieces of sports equipment to be distributed at the three Operation Phoenix Centers on Saturday, December 20th.

“The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is happy once again to team up with Mayor Morris to make the Holidays just a little brighter for some of the children in the city of San Bernardino,” said James Ramos, San Manuel tribal chairman. “We wish all the children and families our sincere best for the Holiday Season and a joyous New Year!”

Mayor Patrick J. Morris and representatives from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians shopped for items Monday, December 15 at Big 5 Sporting Goods at 245 North E Street in San Bernardino.

Operation Phoenix is Mayor Morris’ multifaceted crime fighting plan for the City of San Bernardino, the image of which was tarnished by the arrest in July of center supervisor Michael Steven Miller on suspicion of child molestation of two young girls and another more than a decade before. The Press-Enterprise reported Miller subsequently was charged with two dozen crimes and faces life in prison if found guilty of all counts.

Police Blotter: Robbery Suspects Are Caught

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department release, on Wednesday, December 3, at about 8:15PM, an 18-year-old female was walking on Baseline near Cunningham Street when she saw three black male adults sitting in a blue Ford Taurus parked at the edge of the road. As she passed the vehicle, two suspects exited the vehicle, one grabbed her and the other stole her purse. The victim was uninjured and all three suspects fled the scene.

On Thursday, December 4, at 1:25AM, deputies from the Highland Station saw a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description near Del Rosa Drive and Fisher Street. As deputies stopped the vehicle, the three occupants ran. Captured were Theophalis Cobbs and Joseph Jones, both 19, as the third suspect escaped. The vehicle was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle from Highland.

Jones was positively identified by the victim as the suspect who stole her purse and was arrested on suspicion of robbery, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest. Cobbs could not be identified and was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property and resisting arrest. Both suspects were booked at Central Detention Center.

Police Blotter: Robbery Suspects Trade Shots With Deputies

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Monday, December 8, 2008, deputies from the Highland Sheriff’s Station responded to a 911 call reporting a residential robbery. Upon arrival, deputies were informed by a witness that two men armed with handguns had entered an apartment at 25847 9th Street, and were robbing the occupants of the residence. The house was occupied by 5 adults and 4 children ages 6 months (twins), 5 years, and 15 years.

The first responding deputies observed Sergio Jimenez, 23 of San Bernardino, inside the residence from the front window. As deputies were awaiting the arrival of additional officers, both suspects burst out of the front door and began shooting. The second suspect was shot during the ensuing gun battle and was taken to a local hospital where he died during surgery.

Jimenez fled on foot but was caught nearby by a San Bernardino Police Department K-9 unit. He was booked at the Central Detention Center on two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and residential robbery.

One of the deputies narrowly missed being hit by a bullet fired by the deceased suspect. The bullet grazed the Deputies uniform shirt sleeve. Investigators recovered property, comprised of money and identification, taken from the residence from the suspect who was killed.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call Det. Steve Pennington or Sgt. Tom Bradford of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail at (909) 387-3589.

Police Blotter: Pastor Beaten While Decorating Church

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at approximately 9:28 p.m., the Church of the Valley’s newly-appointed pastor was severely attacked by two unidentified hispanic males.

James Warman, his wife and daughter went to the church to put up Christmas decorations in preparation for the Christmas Season church services. As Warman left the church to get more decorations from a storage room, he was attacked by the two suspects with an unknown weapon. Warman sustained severe facial and head injuries as a result of the attack.

The suspects continued to beat on Warman even as they were confronted by the pastor’s wife. The suspects stole the victim’s wallet, ran towards the front of the church and continued eastbound on Base Line towards Cunningham Street.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Yost or Deputy Alvarado of the Highland Station at (909) 425-9793. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Second Conviction in Cee Vee's Shooting Trial

The Press-Enterprise is reporting the second defendant on trial in the 2005 shooting deaths of a Highland liquor store owner and his employee has been convicted of his crimes.

Despite the fact that he did not fire the gun, a jury found Darwin Lamont Richardson guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of robbery as well as other allegations in the March 2005 holdup of Cee Vee's Liquor Store.

Earlier this week a jury returned guilty verdicts against triggerman Christopher Turelle White.  Both owner Steven Hall and clerk Brian Gregorio cooperated with the robbers, handing over cash and lottery tickets, but were shot anyway.  Video shown at trial reportedly showed White shooting both Hall and Gregorio.  Richardson reportedly cased the store before the robbery and waited in a vehicle outside.

A third defendant, Tristan Darnell Allan, who accompanied White into the store during the robbery and subsequent shooting, is scheduled to appear in court December 13 for separate trial.  Both White and Richardson are scheduled to be sentenced on February 13.  MORE>>

Police Blotter: Ex-Con Assaults Deputy, Is Shot & Wounded

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Sunday, November 30, 2008, at about 3:33 p.m., the Highland Police Department received a report of a reckless driver in the area of Cole and Baseline. The reporting party provided a description of the vehicle and a license plate number. A check of the license plate revealed the vehicle was reported stolen on November 28, 2008, in the city of Beaumont.

At 4:08 p.m. the vehicle was located on Alice Street south of 14th Street in Highland, parked in a residential neighborhood. Shortly after the vehicle was located, Troy Eugene Decker, age 35 of Beaumont, was observed to enter the vehicle and leave north on Alice. Additional deputies from the Highland Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Central Station responded to assist.

At 14th Street and Alice a Deputy from the Central Station pulled up to the intersection with his emergency lights activated as a Deputy was traveling behind Decker, also with the emergency lights activated. Decker stopped at the intersection and accelerated in reverse. Decker again stopped and accelerated forward toward the Central Station Deputy. The Deputy fired at Decker striking him one time in the arm. Decker continued north on Alice, east on 15th and came to a stop at 15th and Vine Street. Decker was taken into custody without further incident.

Decker was found to have a no bail warrant issued by the California Department of Corrections for parole violation. Decker was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail responded to conduct the investigation. Decker will be booked into County Jail for the parole violation and a report will be submitted to the District Attorney for charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and grand theft auto.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident may contact Detective Mark Pederson or Sergeant Tony De Cecio of the Homicide Detail at 909-387-3589. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call WE TIP at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).

Freak Show Entertainment's Film Premieres In Los Angeles

Highland-based Freak Show Entertainment's feature film "Run! Bitch Run!" premiered recently at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles.

Robert James Hayes II, Freak Show Entertainment writer/editor, reports:

"As the lights dimmed, a hush of anticipation filled the room. When the soundtrack rumbled through the speakers and the title appeared on the screen, the crowd exploded into applause, damn near giving us a standing ovation before the movie even started.

The audience eventually settled in, clinging to the edge of their seats, for the entire 90 revenged-filled minutes. When the shocking finale was seen, the boisterous crowd did something it hadn’t done all night. they sat there quiet, shocked at what had been unveiled. It took them a few seconds to digest the climactic finale. As the first closing credit hit the screen, the crowd flew into a frenzy of applause and cheers, waiting until the very last credit to roll and the lights to come up before leaving their seats.

The premiere was a very exciting event for everyone involved and a sign of good things to come for “RUN! BITCH RUN!” and Freak Show Entertainment."

image: Freak Show Entertainment

Police Blotter: Arrest Made In Feed Store Robbery

According to San San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, an arrest has been made in the November 25 armed robbery of All Pet Feed & Tack.

The crime was similar in method and suspect description to four other armed robberies that had occurred within a short distance of the intersection of Baseline Street and Sterling Avenue over the past three weeks. Investigators developed physical evidence and obtained witness statements that led them to suspect 19-year-old Justin Washington had committed these crimes.

On Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at about 3:50 PM, Washington was arrested with the help of the Sheriff’s Gang Team in the 7400 block of Elm Street. He was interviewed by Highland station detectives and then booked for Robbery at the Central Detention Center.

Investigators are still seeking information that will lead to the identification of the second suspect in this series of crimes. He is described as a Black male adult in his early 20’s. Anyone with information is urged to contact either Sergeant Don Lupear or Detective Matt Yost at the Highland Sheriff’s station, 909-425-9793. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Cee Vee's Shooter Found Guilty On All Charges

The Press-Enterprise is reporting that Christopher White was found guilty of all charges against him today stemming from a Highland liquor store robbery and double murder in 2005.

White was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the shootings of Cee Vee's Liquor Store owner Steven Hall, 53, and clerk Brian Gregorio, 25, on March 16, 2005. The men had cooperated with the robbers but were shot anyway.

A jury composed of seven women and five men needed only a few hours to convict White on all counts, including two counts of robbery and counts related to deadly use of a firearm.
The victims' families, who cheered and applauded as the verdicts were read, were quickly admonished by Judge Brian McCarville, who previously warned them to maintain proper courtroom decorum.
White is scheduled to be sentenced in February. MORE>>