Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Articles written by Samuel Alioto


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  • Everest Climbers Pass Numerous Bodies of Unsuccessful Hikers On Their Way to the Summit

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Dec 13, 2023

    At 29002 feet tall, Everest is the world's tallest mountain. Oxygen must be carried up the path for most people to complete the trek, due to the thin air at the height of a commercial airline flight. For over twenty years, numerous mountaineers ascending Mount Everest have encountered "Green Boots," a deceased climber who lost his life near the summit in 1996. "Green Boots' body serves as a grim milestone for climbers, indicating their proximity to the summit.⁠ Despite ongoing uncertainty...

  • Elon Musk to Visit Israel November 28. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Will Tour Kibbutzim Destroyed by Hamas. #ElonGoToGaza Trended on Twitter

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Nov 27, 2023

    Tesla and X owner Elon Musk is expected to visit Israel next week, during which he will visit towns near the Gaza border that were attacked by Hamas on October 7, N12 reported on Thursday. According to the report, Musk will meet with President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit. The visit comes as Musk continues to come under fire for failures to combat antisemitism on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, for sharing content from antisemitic accounts, and for...

  • Teacher Attacked by 270 Pound "Boy" Last Summer Wants Brendan Depa to Incur the Maximum Sentence

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Nov 22, 2023

    The Florida teacher who was beaten unconscious by a 270 pound teen reportedly wants "no mercy" for her attacker. She says she has been living off donations. The victim, Joan Naydich, says her whole life has been turned upside down and she wants the maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars for her attacker Brendan Depa. Brendan Depa viciously beat Noan Naydich in 2023 after she took away his Nintendo. Brendan Depa faces up to 30 years in prison for the brutal beating. His sentence will be...

  • IPhone Stolen at Gunpoint in Robbery at 17th Street and Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Sep 18, 2023

    9/10/23: Police are searching for a suspect who brandished a gun while robbing a person of an iPhone and watch. A 911 caller reported the incident at 1626 Wilshire Blvd, just after 6 pm PST. Reaction on Social Media was quick: "You can usually track the location of a iPhone. Should be easy to catch this criminal," one woman wrote on Facebook. "The great tragedy of our times is we KNOW how to fight crime and maintain law and order and we KNOW how to create thriving societies but we are poor in...

  • Dead Man Found in a Barrel Floating in the Malibu Lagoon, Identified as Javonnta Murphy, 32

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Aug 7, 2023

    The LA County coroner has identified the body found in a 55 gallon barrel in Malibu lagoon on Monday. Javonnta Murphy, 32, was an aspiring musician from Sylmar with a social media presence. His friends posted on social media to express sorrow and dismay that someone so young, so seemingly harmless, had died, and in such a strange way as well. "One day, the true story will come out," one of them tweeted. The deceased body found inside the barrel at Malibu Lagoon was identified as...

  • Small Claims Court Moves From Santa Monica Courthouse, to Beverly Hills

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Jun 12, 2023

    The Superior Court has announced that effective July 3, 2023, all small claims hearings in the Court's West District will be moved from the Santa Monica Courthouse, 1725 Main St., Santa Monica, to the Beverly Hills Courthouse at 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. This from the office of Clerk of Court David W. Slayton. "While in-person small claims hearings will transition from the Santa Monica Courthouse to the Beverly Hills Courthouse, litigants can continue to appear remotely using...

  • Owners of 33 Apartments in Ocean Towers Indicted For Allegedly Embezzling Funds From Ocean Towers HOA

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|May 19, 2023
    1

    5.5.23: John Spahi, 70 and his son, Omar Spahi, have been arrested after a grand jury indicted them for converting HOA funds to their personal use. Ocean Towers is the only Cooperative apartment building in Santa Monica. For years, residents have alleged that the Spahis dominated the board of Directors of the HOA, and improperly used HOA funds for personal uses. Also indicted were Joe and Dorothy Orlando, who managed the building. The complaint alleges that the Spahis owned or controlled 33 of t...

  • Santa Monica Youth, 19, Found Dead on Freeway Embankment After Car Accident

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 24, 2023

    Joshua Bodor, 19, has been found deceased on a freeway embankment. He was a graduate of John Adams Middle School and Santa Monica High School. His family announced his death on GoFundMe website. In an email to us, Joshua's father said that he died in an automobile accident. "It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Joshua Bodor's passing," wrote Ilona Bodor on Godfundme.com. Her announcement continues below. "Joshua, a 19-year-old resident of Santa Monica, California, was found in a...

  • Airman Who Worked on Security Systems Arrested for Treason in Pentagon Leak Case. #Discord

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 20, 2023

    The FBI has arrested a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard in connection with the disclosure of highly classified military documents on the Ukraine war, authorities announced Thursday. "Today the Justice Department arrested Jack Douglas Teixeira, in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorized removal, transmission, and transition of classified national defense information. He is an employee of the United States Air National Guard," said US Attorney General Merrick...

  • Former LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas Convicted of Corruption Charges

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 5, 2023

    Once among the most powerful politicians in the nation's most populous county, a Federal jury on Thursday convicted former LA County Supervisor and LA City Councilman Mark Ridley Thomas on charges of bribery, conspiracy, mail fraud and wire fraud. The charges related to benefits his son received at the University of Southern California (USC). The verdict, which jurors reached in their fifth day of deliberations, marked a tragic turn for a gentleman who for more than 30 years was a powerbroker...

  • Homeless Man Arrested for Burglarizing Guesthouse in 500 Block of Marguerita Avenue, in Santa Monica

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Jan 20, 2023

    A 27 year old homeless man was arrested for burglarizing a guesthouse behind a home in the 500 block of Marguerite Avenue, Santa Monica Police Lt. Rudy Flores wrote the following press release: On January 17, 2023, at approximately 8:33 PM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Officers were dispatched to a Burglary Alarm call at a residence in the 500 block of Marguerita Ave. Dispatch was also contacted by an individual reporting she observed someone enter the guest house of the residence, remo...

  • Scooter Company Kicks In $25,000 to Santa Monica Education Foundation for SMMUSD Programs

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Dec 3, 2022

    I have to admit I love riding scooters. It's a way to go to our office in Downtown Santa Monica, without having to park. It's fun to watch couples riding them. There are several electric scooter companies present in Santa Monica, including Lyft, Lime, Bird and Spin. But the three letter name company VEO has donated $25,000 to the Santa Monica education campaign. Here's the press release from the Santa Monica Education Foundation: Santa Monica Education Foundation Kicks off December Fundraising...

  • Shooting on 26th and Wilshire in Santa Monica Late Sunday Night Wounds One Man

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Nov 2, 2022
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    A shooting Sunday night at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd and 26th Street in Santa Monica, wounded one man. He suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. This is breaking news; details are lacking at this time. The shooting occurred near the Union 76 Gasoline station. The Los Angeles Police Department later got a call for a shooting and Wilshire and Bundy, less than half a mile away. This indicates that it may have been a car to car shooting, since the location of the shooting moved west on...

  • Pedestrian, Dog struck in Traffic Accident at 22nd Street and Pico Blvd.

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Oct 31, 2022

    10/25: A female pedestrian was struck in a marked crosswalk, across Pico Blvd. at 22nd Street in Santa Monica Tuesday evening. The pedestrian was walking her dog when they were struck by a vehicle on the westbound side of the street (nearer to Virginia park). It's unknown if the dog was struck but the canine fled from the scene. Further details are pending....

  • Residents of Beijing Report City is Calm, Normal, and all Monuments and Tourist Attractions are Open

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Sep 28, 2022

    Americans residing in Beijing report that the situation there is normal. There is no sign of a coup or of unusual military movements. "This is Xinhua Gate, the main entrance to the Zhongnanhai compound, where the entire central leadership resides and works, including Xi Jinping," posted Georg Fahrion. "Elite paratroopers have wrested control over the gate, cunningly disguised as the five middle-aged dudes who always stand there," he said, obviously tongue in check. He posted other photos of comm...

  • Hurricane Ian Lands at Sanibel Island as Category 4 Storm; Storm Surge up to 18 feet

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Sep 28, 2022

    1 pm EST: The National Hurricane Center said that the eyewall of Hurricane Ian was moving onshore at Sanibel and Captiva Islands. In an update, Acting NHC Director Jamie Rhome said that extreme wind warnings would be in place for the Sanibel, Cape Corral and Boca Grande areas. An extreme wind warning is in effect for Englewood, Rotonda, and Grove City until until 2 p.m. EDT. "Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter...

  • Despite LA Times Intervention, Rick Caruso Holds His Own in First Mayoral Debate Against Politician Karen Bass

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Sep 24, 2022

    Candidates for mayor of the nation's second largest city faced off for the first time at the Skirball Center Wednesday night. In a move right from the LA Times Playbook, the reporter for the Times reminded real estate developer Rick Caruso that he had been registered as a Republican. Which is incredibly insulting, but that's the LA Times. Congresswoman Karen Bass tried to imply that just like her, Caruso had been involved in some sort of corruption. "Most corruption in City government involves d...

  • Explosion of Uncertain Origin Damages Vehicle Parked Near Westminster Dog Park in Venice

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Sep 21, 2022

    9/14/22: Several people on "Nextdoor" reported that they saw or heard an explosion that blew out the windows of a Range Rover parked near the Westminster dog park. While some said it was a car bomb, others speculated that it was a meth lab. Still others thought one homeless person living in a car in Venice, retaliated against another by bombing his car. "I was looking for this on cit app and here. We heard the boom around 2ish, but did not know at the time what it was." posted Jay Reitzfeld....

  • Santa Monica Fire Department Extinguishes Fire on 17th Street

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Sep 5, 2022

    9.1.22: Multiple callers called 911 to report a structure fire in the 1400 block of 17th Street in the Mid-City neighborhood. Firefighters arrived at 9:48 pm, to find a "well-developed fire" within one apartment unit. They "began an aggressive suppression effort and a rapid search for any potentially trapped occupants. Fortunately, all residents were able evacuate and there were no reported injuries," said SMFD Capt. Patrick Nulty in a press release. Firefighters extinguished the blaze before...

  • Santa Monica Police Seek a Serial Sexual Assault Suspect who is also a Convicted Sex Offender

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Aug 17, 2022

    Santa Monica Police say they need the public's help to find a suspect who grabs women and girls' from behind, then runs away. They are also looking for other victims. The SMPD arrested Anthony Barrett, 29, after he "grabbed a female's buttocks then fled" in downtown Santa Monica. He was released. The SM City Attorney filed Sexual charges against Barrett on August 9th. Because he had a prior record, Barrett had been required to register as a sex offender, but did not do so. So he was also...

  • Anne Heche's Family Declares Her Brain Dead, Disconnects Life Support

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Aug 15, 2022

    Actress Anne Heche remains in a coma. She will never recover from her injuries one week ago, says a family spokesman. They have declared her legally dead. "We've lost a bright light, a kind and loving mother, and a loyal friend," said her family in a statement. Life support has been turned off. After her death, her organs will be donated per her wishes. Her two sons issued a statement that they hope she will find freedom and happiness in the afterlife. "Hopefully my mom is free from pain and...

  • Private Hospitals Push Back Against $25 Minimum Wage in Los Angeles Hospitals That Excludes Public Healthcare Workers

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Aug 3, 2022

    If you watch as much TV as I do, you've seen the ads with the healthcare workers, arms crossed, complaining that LA's new healthcare minimum wage is unfair. The $25 minimum wage only applies to private sector hospitals, and not to public sector hospitals. The measure, which was sponsored by unions like SEIU-UHW, was signed into law by Mayor Garcetti on July 8th. It puts before the voters a ballot initiative to establish a $25/hr minimum wage for private sector healthcare workers who work in...

  • Santa Monica Police and Fire Conduct "Threat Alert" Drill at John Adams Middle School

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Jul 1, 2022

    On Friday, June 24, 2022, the Santa Monica Fire and Police Departments conducted Active Threat training at John Adams Middle School. "The objective of this exercise was to train our first responders and test their response to high-risk, complex, events involving multiple agencies and potentially multiple victims," said Police Lt. Rudy Flores in a press release. The training exercise was a resounding success with lessons learned by both our police and fire departments as well as our school...

  • Woman Wanted for Robbery and Felony Hit and Run, Arrested for Catalytic Converter Theft in Santa Monica

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 25, 2022

    Two men and two women were arrested for catalytic converter theft near Colorado Blvd and Harvard Avenue in Santa Monica. The four were booked for Grand Theft Conspiracy. The theft of catalytic converters has become a serious problem in California. The thieves fence the anti smog devices at scrap metal yards, which pay up to $300 for the semi precious metals inside, which include palladium and rare earths. Replacing them can cost more than $3000 for the vehicle owner. One suspect, later...

  • Court Takes Guilty Plea in Sexual Assault/ Wine Spiking Case in Santa Monica

    Samuel Alioto, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 5, 2022

    Michael Hsu plead guilty to sexually assaulting a female victim, after spiking her wine glass at Fig Restaurant, Miramar Sheraton, with MDMA. This was apparently a woman Hsu was then dating. Surveillance footage captured Hsu spiking the drink. Three women witnessed the drink spiking, reporting it to the female victim. "Don't roofie someone on our watch!" memes of the three women, went viral in 2016, just after the incident. "An electronic search warrant of HSU's cellular phone device later...

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