#San Diego Business Journal

[subsidystadium]

Former San Diego councilman talked to city leaders about a sports arena. Forgot to mention being a paid consultant for the project.

Last night, I saw a very interesting article on a site called LaPresna.org. In it, they discuss a former San Diego Councilman (Byron Wear) going in front of the city four different times to push hard on approving a development project that would involve a new sports arena district. This in itself is not that odd. Except, in this case, it was a bit different since he wasn’t telling anyone that he…

[mermaidchansons]

Divine Indeed: Part One

Neighbor!Terry Richmond x Divine Wells (black OC)

Story Summary: Divine Wells, an autistic seamstress, deals with waves of change after she picks up her life and moves to San Diego for a new job. She thought she’d finally found peace in her new normal; until Oshun decided to push her path to collide with her fine ass neighbor, Terry Richmond.

Words: 1400+

Warnings: none

Author’s Note: I guess I’m back like John Wick lmfao. I know this is short but there will be more! My taglist is old so if you would like to be removed, lemmie know. Thanks for reading the beginning of this 5 part series <3 - Ashanti

Pt. 1 Pt.2

“Phone, wallet, journal, where the hell did I put that key?” Divine shivered from the cold as she rummaged through her tote, searching for her mail key. She knew she should have added the key to her ‘Heathers’ lanyard when she moved in two weeks ago. But no, the endless streams of thought tossed that out completely. Here she was, tired from her first day at the new job, freezing from the sudden drop in temperature outside; dragging her bandaged fingers through her belongings and wincing at the pain. The sounds of the busy road and the bustling community echoing in her apartment complex were bouncing against her cat ear headphones. Overstimulation had already begun to creep up her shoulders, causing her to search hurriedly.

“It’s fine, just breathe,” she murmured to herself, before squatting and emptying her bag on the floor. 

When the fashion house hired her full-time, she hadn’t expected to be welcomed with such a joyful yet overwhelming welcome. The office was fast-paced, everyone wanted to introduce themselves and compliment her work at last season's fashion week. Divine, as grateful as she could be, was exhausted. The fabric archive was extensive, her desk was flooded with natural light, and the office was close to her new favorite coffee chain. All good things, all great things; but the exhaustion of change was eating away at Divine’s joy. Greedily gobbling it up and leaving nothing but crumbs in her hands. It was enough to make her sick.

Divine took out her phone and turned on its flashlight, illuminating the inside of the black tote. The silver mail key glimmered in the light in the left corner of the bag, causing Divine to sigh in relief. Accommodating change with ever lessening spoons was an easy way to ruin what should have been a good day.

 Change was a concept that both pushed and plagued her existence in this world. It was a fickle thing, really. A breakup with her freak of the week or a sudden change in plans could dissolve all ability to function; however, so could a new high paying job, a new apartment, a new city. When Divine was 7 years old, her twin sibling Sera found her crying under the ancestor table with her eyes shut tight. She was praying, begging Oshun and Elegba to stop time altogether and keep the waves of change from lapping at the beach of life that she had been thrust upon, unwillingly. Most of her childhood was spent running away from the throws of time. Her parents brought their twins up in love and the teachings of the Orishas, wanting to grant them spiritual guidance that would prepare them for anything they should face. But it didn’t truly matter whether the change was good or bad, Baby Divine would still have to regulate herself, manipulating and reforming her spirit to adapt to a new mold. Every now and again, the freshly 31-year-old would find herself in her tub with her ears below the water, desperately pleading for Oshun to still time. Only for a moment, just enough time to get her bearings. Divine had made her plans, carefully entwining every new task with just enough time to find balance. However, the Orishas did not take these plans into consideration when they made her. Oshun had her own plans. 

Divine shoved the spilled contents of her life back into her tote and walked into the mailroom. She leaned down to unlock what she thought to be her mailbox, eager to get her package and scamper off to her apartment before anyone saw her bent over. The key didn’t work in #71, #74, or #75, and she could never remember. She made a mental note to reread her move-in papers so that she wouldn’t be in here for this long again. There was nothing wrong with sharing a mailroom with other folks, but Divine knew she took up space. She was a dark skin woman with thick thighs, an ass that could stop traffic, and a tummy to match. Today’s pants were put on when Divine was hyping herself up this morning, telling herself that ‘an ass this good deserves to be seen’. But 10 hours later with little to no patience, the less she could be perceived by others, the better. She just needed to get her new stuffy, a pig with wings, and get out as soon as she could.  The music in her headphones transitioned into a new song and the slow plucking of a bass guitar steadily built up in her ears before King Woman’s voice floated in. 

I don’t have to sell my soul

He’s already in me

I don’t need to sell my soul

He’s already in me

Unlocking door #78, Divine sent a silent thank you to the ancestors before pulling two letters out. There was no package. Why was there no package? Divine reached her arm in as far as she could and felt around the empty space, her shield of annoyance stopping her from noticing a person entering the room. 

“The front desk usually leaves a key for bigger packages,” the deep voice boomed out. Divine, scared out of her wits, moved a bit too fast, clanging her wrist against the mail to get out. She looked at the person surprisingly, shaking the pain away from her wrist. He was soaked to the bone like he’d just been caught in a rainstorm; the wet fabric of his shirt clung to his thick, muscle-lined frame. Divine had gotten so lost in drinking in the man’s tall frame, that she had forgotten all about her key and the mailbox. Package be damned. 

I wanna be adored

I wanna be adored

“I’m sorry, could you say that again?” Divine stood up straight, fixing her clothes, and put one side of the headphones behind her ear. The man was practically a giant, so tall that she was sure he had to duck to walk into the room. Her eyes locked with his and she audibly gulped. His eyes were transportive, a stunning grayish blue with flecks of green folded in. They looked like wells filled to the brim with a storm, desperate to escape and wreak havoc on anyone in its path. 

“You’re good,” the giant said, offering small bits of reassurance, “if you have a package, they leave a key to the community package box. May I?” 

Divine shifted to the side to allow him enough room to sidestep in front of her and grab the key that had lodged itself into the back corner of her mailbox. She watched him intently as he moved to open the community box, making note of how the muscles in his back moved. Her mouth went dry watching him and it was as if all the water in her body was flooding to her middle. She needed to get out of here, as soon as possible. 

The kind man handed her her missing package with the key on top, their hands touching and setting off a string of electricity that shot up her arms and down her spine. An unintentional staring match has begun and Divine tore eyes away, intimidated and aroused. 

“Thank you. Bye,” Divine curtly turned on her heels and rushed out of the mail room, and made a beeline straight to the stairs; elevator be damned. Who was that god of a man? Was he watching her walk away? God, she hoped that he was. Divine didn’t want to be perceived but if he was watching she’d make it worth the watch. She relaxed her body and amped up the sway of her hips before checking over her shoulder to see that he was turned away. She dragged her hands down her face, groaning in embarrassment. Her sibling would get a kick out of this.

@babybluepeaches @muse-of-mbaku @melaninmarvel @ashanti-notthesinger @naturallyqueenie @howtoshuckatlife @goldieccentric @archivistofwakanda @alexundefined @minyara-kun @destinio1 @siriuslycollinss @raysunshine78 @madamslayyy @notdsg @ghostfacekill-monger @soufcakmistress @greennightspider @bitchacho25 @jordanhelah @puremolasses @ajspencer1892 @monochrome-pineapple @psuedo4 @bubblyqueen @chaneajoyyy @blowmymbackout @tchallasbabymama @megamindsecretlair @nahimjustfeelingit-writes

Thanks For Reading!

[roosterforme]

Adult Education Part 22 | Hangman x OC

Summary: After visiting Jessica's family in Massachusetts and his family in Texas, it's time to officially finish moving in together. It's also time for Jake to take his girlfriend on a little adventure she has always dreamed about.

Warnings: Fluff, sex in public, language, 18+

Length: 2000 words

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Female OC

This story is part of the Beer Boy and Sugar universe but can be read on its own! Adult Education masterlist

Seriously, who let Jake on my masterlist!? Banner by @mak-32

Epilogue Part One

Three months later...

The airport in San Diego was absolutely overrun with business travelers and families on summer vacation. It seemed like there were people rushing in every direction, trying to catch connecting flights or grab their luggage and go. But Jake was in no hurry at all. He'd just left the laidback state of Texas. Tomorrow was Saturday. His girlfriend was on term break.

In fact, he missed his luggage going around the baggage carousel twice because Jessica had her lips pressed to his. "You know," he murmured after the second time, "we would already be home by now if you weren't so damn distracting."

She shook her head. "We have to stop by my apartment on the way and pick up the last few boxes."

Jake smiled. "I know. Then it's official, Baby." Her lease was ending on Monday, and they left those boxes of old textbooks and scientific journals so they could still claim she was going to be moving in, not that she essentially already had. Jake didn't want to make a poor impression on her family, but it turned out he didn't have anything to worry about. And neither did she.

"So Thanksgiving back in Massachusetts and Christmas in Texas," she murmured against his neck as she let her head rest on his shoulder. "We're going to be very busy this year."

"There's no escaping my mom now," he told her. "She's probably already crocheting a Christmas stocking with your name on it. I think she almost evaporated into thin air when she hugged you. Physical proof that her son is dating someone with a PhD who looks like a supermodel nearly took her out."

"Jake," she whined with a laugh. "Supermodels don't wear glasses or read the science joke of the day emails."

"Mine does," he insisted. "There's my bag again. Now can we please go home?"

"Absolutely," she replied as he grabbed his luggage before it could sneak by a third time. "I'm determined to cook an edible dinner one night while I'm off. Plus, I really wanted to spend this week while you're at work organizing all of my stuff at the condo."

He grinned as they exited the airport holding hands. "Actually, you're coming to work with me on Monday."

"I am? For what?"

"Well... that's a bit of a surprise."

---------------------------

Jessica watched Jake stack the three remaining boxes of her things in his arms and carry them out to his truck. She could have only managed to take them one at a time, but he even humored her barrage of questions while he went.

"When are you going to tell me what the surprise is? Will you tell me now? How will I know what to wear to base with you on Monday if you don't tell me what it's for?"

He was silent for the first part of the ride from her old neighborhood as they made their way toward the pacific coast and his condo, and she looked out the window while she tapped her foot anxiously. When he took an unexpected right turn instead of a left, she turned to look at him.

"You really want to know?" he asked, his face just gorgeous in the orange and purple light as the sun finished setting.

"Yes!"

He chuckled. "Well, I thought this would be a fun little celebration of sorts since you found out Brian isn't coming back in the fall. And I think it's something you've been wanting to experience." 

Jessica tipped her head back against the headrest and smiled. Advanced Calculus had texted her when they were at the airport in Boston about to fly to Texas, letting her know Brian took a position at the local community college. She wouldn't even have to look at him when her classes started up again next month. She had been so excited, she and Jake had very awkward but enthusiastic sex in the airplane lavatory as they flew over Pennsylvania. 

When he pulled his truck off the main road and along the bay, Jessica had to hang on as he drove down an unpaved street as the sky darkened. "Where are we going?" she asked, as they bumped along, driving parallel to a tall fence with barbed wire across the top of it.

"I want to show you something," he muttered, coming to a stop between the rocky bay beach and the fence. "There's the hangar, and there's my jet."

Jessica looked to where he was pointing, and she could barely make out HANGMAN printed across the side of one of the aircrafts. "Oh!" she gasped, realizing she'd never even visited him on base before. 

"Come here, and I'll tell you the surprise," he crooned, killing the engine and unbuckling her seatbelt. He coaxed her to his lap and said, "If you want to fly with me on Monday, I got special permission to take you up since you're a physics professor."

"What?!" Jessica's eyes went wide. "Are you serious?"

His smile was soft and genuine as he nodded. "Does that mean you still want to do it?"

"Jake!" She pushed his shoulders back against the seat and shook him slightly as he laughed. "I wrote my PhD thesis on jet propulsion in military aircrafts! Of course I want to fly with you!"

"I know," he drawled as he smirked. "I read your thesis, remember? Barely understood a word, but I did read it."

"Smart Boy," she moaned as she kissed him. "I can't wait for Monday." As she raked her fingers back through his hair, his hands came to rest on her hips. She kissed and nipped at him, pausing to say, "I'm so excited."

When Jessica's tongue slipped between his lips, she rolled her hips against him. He groaned and cupped her butt, guiding her to do it again. He was so obviously hard in his jeans now, and she didn't want to wait until they got home. "Feels like you're excited, too," she said with a grin before she licked his lip.

"Fuck, Jessica. If you're like this today, you'll be a mess on Monday after we actually fly together."

She gasped and nodded. "Oh my god. You're right."

"I know I am, Baby. You'll be dripping wet for me by then."

When she clenched around nothing as his hand snaked up the front of her shirt, she admitted, "I already am." She ground down against his cock and whispered, "You know how we had that quickie the other day way out on your parents property?"

Jake moaned and said, "I'll remember that for the rest of my life. Bending you over the tailgate of my dad's old truck."

"Well," she murmured, licking a stripe from his chin slowly back to his ear. "It's pretty dark now. You could bend me over your own tailgate."

Jake's hand was opening his door before she finished her sentence, and he hauled her back behind his truck. He was a little rough, pulling her against him and making her stumble as he dropped the tailgate down. He kissed her lips and rubbed the front of his jeans against hers before he said, "It'll have to be quick again. Before any of the guards drive by."

"Okay," she agreed, and then Jake had her pinned down from behind as she made a surprised noise. She let her head rest on her folded arms as she turned toward the fence. It was now too dark to see the hangar or any of the jets as Jake reached around and undid the front of her jeans. He yanked them down along with her sage green thong before unzipping his own pants and letting his cock rest against her butt.

"You weren't kidding, Smart Girl," he whispered, teasing her clit and running his finger through her slit. "You're soaked."

The evening air was cool on her bare skin, and when he separated her with his long fingers, she shivered for so many reasons. Then he connected them together, plunging inside her as she cried out.

"Shhh," he warned, and she bit her lip. "Be a good girl. I'll make it fast."

"Oh god," she groaned softly, her whole body bouncing against the tailgate with each of his rapid thrusts. She couldn't stop the little grunts and needy sounds she made for him every time his hips slammed into her butt, but he was moaning her name softly too as he fucked her. 

He just went harder and harder, and Jessica had to hold onto the tailgate with quivering fingers as he hit the spot that made her shake for him. "Jake," she whispered as he leaned down over her back as she came. But he wasn't done yet.

His voice was rough like the gravel beneath her feet. "I love you. I love fucking you. I can't wait to take you home. I can't wait to fly with you." He grabbed her hips and drove himself deep as she continued to clench softly around him, and then he came too. And this time she had to remind him to be quiet.

"Jake, you're so loud," she warned as his thrusting grew shallow. "And I see headlights," she hissed.

"Fuck," he growled, pulling out of her and sending his cum dribbling down the insides of her thighs as she yanked up her underwear and jeans. There was definitely a security vehicle headed past the hangar on some sort of patrol route. "Let's get out of here," he said, pulling her toward the driver's side door. 

Jessica scampered inside, barely making it to the passenger seat before Jake had the engine roaring to life and the truck shifted into reverse. Deftly and with a smile on his face, he reversed back down the bumpy road like it was nothing. "That was a little close," he said as he slowed down before making it back to the pavement.

She bit her lip and said, "What if I said I kind of love tailgate quickies?"

He glanced at her as he slowed at a stop sign. "Well then I would say I'll come up with a list of places we can sneak off to."

Her hand stroked his thigh as she said, "Get to work on that."

-------------------------

The fact that Jake managed to pull this off after weeks and weeks of planning left a smile on his face. On Monday, he watched as Phoenix helped Jessica into a flight suit in the hangar, and then he handed her a helmet. She was grinning at him as she slipped it onto her head. "You look like you're ready to go, Dr. Reed," he said as he fastened it into place for her. 

"I'm so ready, Lieutenant Seresin," she replied, bouncing slightly on her booted feet as she ran her fingers along the HANGMAN patch on his own flight suit. "How many Gs do you think we'll hit? Can we roll upside down?"

"Jesus," he laughed. "Next thing you'll be leaving me in the fall to go to flight school."

She pouted and said, "My eyesight is too poor."

He kissed the tip of her nose before picking up his own helmet. "Not to be a WSO."

"Oh my god, Jake! You're right!"

She asked him a million questions in a row as she followed him across the tarmac, and he could only answer about half of them for her. "Why don't you tell me, Reedy," he finally said as she climbed the first rung of the ladder. "You're way smarter than me."

She turned back and looked at him. "Maybe just a little bit. But you know how to do the one thing I'll never get to do. Actually fly this thing!"

He placed a hand on her waist, giving her a squeeze through the rough fabric. "I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself. I'll try to answer any questions you have when we're in bed later. How does that sound?"

She nodded at him as her eyes went wide. "That actually sounds great. Let's go." She then climbed the ladder in record time, leaving Jake laughing on the tarmac before he followed after her. 

He would be happy to follow her as long as she would let him.

--------------------------

Jessica Reed is just winning so hard now. Fuck off, Brian. One more filthy part of this story to come. Thanks for reading! And thanks @mak-32 and @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 23

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[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

This 1953 Muntz Jet convertible underwent a three-year custom build under previous ownership, and it was purchased by the seller in 2021. The car is powered by a fuel-injected 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end, and it is finished in Apple Pearl with a white Carson-style removable top over gray snakeskin-style Naugahyde upholstery. Features include custom bodywork, an Art Morrison frame, power-assisted steering, four-wheel disc brakes, airbag suspension, Painless Performance wiring, and more modified and fabricated details. This custom-built Muntz is now offered with a copy of Rodder’s Journal magazine featuring a story on the build and a clean California title in the name of the seller’s business.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The steel, aluminum, and fiberglass body is mounted on an Art Morrison ladder frame that was boxed and finished in semi-gloss black, and the floor was raised 3″. The exterior was repainted in a Sherwin Williams two-stage Apple Pearl mixed by the late Stan Betz. Features include a chopped Duvall-style windshield, 1950 Chevrolet headlights, dual Appleton spotlights, 1951 Ford Victoria side windows, and a white removable Carson-style top fabricated to match the height of the chopped windshield. Additional equipment includes color-matched rear fender skirts and chrome bumpers. Wear from fitting the top is noted on the rear deck.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Steel wheels sourced from a 1976 Dodge measure 15″ and are mounted with Cadillac Sombrero-style covers and whitewall tires. A matching spare fitted with a BFGoodrich Silvertown tire is mounted within a rear-mounted Continental-style chrome carrier. A Mustang II front end accommodates power rack-and-pinion steering , and the car rides on an electronically-adjustable Air Ride Technologies airbag suspension system along with 2” lowered front spindles, Strange Engineering tube shocks, a rear Panhard bar, and front and rear sway bars. The seller reports that the front control arm bushings were recently replaced.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Braking is handled by GM G-body-sourced calipers matched with Ford Granada discs up front and Ford SVO-specification calipers and discs at the rear.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The cabin was customized by Jim’s Auto Trim of San Diego, California, and features Glide bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in gray snakeskin-style Naugahyde upholstery, along with matching treatments for the dash trim, headliner, and door panels. Additional equipment includes a 1952 Lincoln steering wheel mounted to a shortened Lincoln steering column, gray cut-pile carpet, and a Pioneer stereo housed within a custom center cubby.

The engine-turned “Hollywood” instrument cluster houses Stewart Warner gauges consisting of an 8k-rpm tachometer, a 160-mph speedometer, and auxiliary readings for fuel level, battery charge, oil pressure, and water temperature. The five-digit odometer displays 25k miles, though total chassis mileage is unknown. A Lokar pedal assembly was fitted during the build.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The Corvette-sourced 5.7-liter LT1 V8 features a polished fuel intake manifold along with billet aluminum valve covers, and additional features include an Opti-Spark distributor, a Griffin aluminum radiator, and a wiring loom sourced from Painless Performance Wiring. A set of long-tube headers are connected to a 2.5″ exhaust system equipped with dual Dynaflow mufflers. The seller reports that the oil was recently changed.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

Power is routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end with with 3.55:1 gears and Strange Engineering 31-spline axles. Additional photos of the underside, drivetrain, and suspension components are presented in the gallery below.

Custom 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible

The car was featured in issue #36 of Rodders Journal magazine

[dailyanarchistposts]

Footnotes, part 9

[741] Associated Press, December 4, 2000

[742] The New York Times, July 20, 2002

[743] Multinational Monitor

[744] Chicago Business

[745] San Francisco Chronicle, December 8, 2001

[746] PR Newswire, November, 2000

[747] Greenpeace USA

[748] The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Aug 10, 2001

[749] The AP State & Local Wire, January 25, 2001

[750] San Francisco Gate, January 13, 2001

[751] The Boston Herald, January 26, 2001

[752] Canadian Dimension, March 1, 2001

[753] The Associated Press, January 28, 2001

[754] The Hartford Courant

[755] The New York Times, February 21, 2001

[756] The San Francisco Chronicle

[757] The Associated Press, April 5, 2001

[758] The Associated Press, February 2, 2001

[759] The Tampa Tribune

[760] The AP State & Local Wire, February 14, 2001

[761] The New York Times, February 8, 2001

[762] The Indianapolis Star

[763] UPI, March 17, 2001

[764] The Associated Press, March 14, 2001

[765] The Associated Press, April 16, 2001

[766] The Associated Press, April 11, 2001

[767] Associated Press, April 25, 2001

[768] The Boston Globe, April 12, 2001

[769] The Tampa Tribune, April 18, 2001

[770] The Michigan Daily, April 10, 2001

[771] Star Tribune

[772] The Boston Globe, May 28, 2001

[773] The Chicago Tribune, July 2, 2002

[774] The Houston Chronicle, April 12, 2001

[775] The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, April 25, 2001

[776] Bloomberg News, May 22, 2001

[777] Reuters May 31, 2001

[778] The San Francisco Chronicle, May 12, 2001

[779] Associated Press, May 24, 2001

[780] Associated Press

[781] Reuters, June 30, 2001

[782] The Charleston Gazette, June 22, 2001

[783] ChainStore.com

[784] Reuters, July 3, 2001

[785] The New York Times, June 7, 2001

[786] New York Times, June 23, 2001

[787] Chicago Tribune, June 21, 2001

[788] The San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 1, 2001

[789] CNN, June 15, 2001

[790] Associated Press, June 5, 2001

[791] The Chicago Tribune, July 4, 2001

[792] Winston-Salem Journal, July 7, 2001

[793] The Washington Post, July 2001

[794] The New York Times, July 25, 2001

[795] The Seattle Post Intelligencer, July 17, 2001

[796] Richmond County Medical Society, August,2002

[797] Associated Press, Aug. 17, 2001

[798] Associated Press, Aug. 21, 2001

[799] Knight-Ridder/Tribune, Aug 30, 2001

[800] The Associated Press, August 1, 2001

[801] O Globo via Fin.Times World Media, Sept. 12, 2001

[802] New York Times, Sept. 26, 2001

[803] The Seattle Times, Sept. 22, 2001

[804] The San Diego Union-Tribune, September 21, 2001

[805] “On Class Conflict in General,” by Gustav Schmoller, American Journal of Sociology, volume 20 (1914–15) pp. 504–531.

[806] U.S. Federal Trade Commission

[807] The Standard

[808] Multinational Monitor, July/ August 1999

[809] Multinational Monitor, May 1997

[810] Chattanooga Times, June 10, 2001

[beardedmrbean]

California’s largest daily newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, announced on Tuesday that it is laying off at least 115 people -roughly a quarter of its staff- as it continues to hemorrhage money.

The layoffs were announced in a newsroom-wide email from L.A. Times president and Chief Operating Officer Chris Argentieri, according to reporter Matt Pearce.

“This total, while devastating, is nonetheless far lower than the total number of Guild layoffs initially expected last week,” Pearce posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Last Friday, members of the Los Angeles Times Guild, the union representing newspaper staffers, staged a one-day walkout to protest the anticipated job cuts.

“Slashing a quarter of the newsroom is devastating by any measure – to our members and their families, to our morale, to the quality of our journalism, to the bond with our audience, and to the communities that depend on our work,” the Guild said in a statement. “We believe our decision to go on strike saved scores of newsroom jobs today.”

Tuesday’s layoffs come after the paper slashed 74 positions in July, the union said.

In an article published in the L.A. Times on Tuesday, the newspaper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, said the cuts were needed to account for losses totaling $30 million to $40 million a year due to declining subscriptions and advertising revenue.

“Today’s decision is painful for all, but it is imperative that we act urgently and take steps to build a sustainable and thriving paper for the next generation. We are committed to doing so,” Soon-Shiong said.

Among the senior editors laid off were the paper’s Washington bureau chief and deputy Washington bureau chief, its business editor and music editor.

L.A. Times video game industry reporter Sarah Parvini was also let go.

“It’s been an honor to work at the paper for nearly a decade, launching a video game beat, helping to win Pulitzers, covering diverse communities. To my colleagues, [the L.A. Times Guild], readers: Thank you,” Parvini tweeted.

Soon-Shiong and his family purchased the L.A. Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune from Tribune Publishing for $500 million in 2018.

Layoffs and buyouts have hit a wide swath of the news industry over the past year. The Washington Post, NPR, CNN and Vox Media are among the many companies hit.

An estimated 2,681 news industry jobs were lost through the end of November, according to the employment firm of Challenger, Gray and Christmas. That was more than the full years of 2022 and 2021.

[remembertheplunge]

My sister Zoe's journal entry re: my partner Jim's death

I am now on the couch in Atwater watching Big Love and tired of watching TV with Mom because she is drunk and tired and cannot follow the plot. She wanders off. I wait. Wait. Explain. Explain.

I’d like to finish it. (watching the show)

What a long, long day.

I cannot believe Jim is gone. 

So this is family. He drove me nuts, but, I never wanted this. His empty spot.

He will not be working in his gardens, hunting for treasures at yard sales, going to the farmer’s market. Demanding Lew love only Jim. 

He was a solar eclipse. He came along and Lew disappeared to me.

The distance so far I had decided not to attend another Thanksgiving. I wanted out of this family, perhaps all families. I’d just have animals and books. People are tiring me out.

Oh Jim, I did not want this. You had such a strong life force. You died because of a faulty part. Otherwise, you were fine. But, that is how frail bodies are.

To see you in bed in the living room, (awake) a wake. I thought I saw your left eye move. Just for a second

 When I first entered the room, the house told the story that things had changed.

Housework had fallen far behind.

The look of disease, narrowing of hallways with book cases, one bed five feet deep in clothes. 

Wine glasses tucked into book cases and on tables  all around Jim in the house.

I felt ill, not sure if I was going to cry or throw up.

While we were there, lividity set into his yellow, jaundiced skin. 

He was quiet and still. So unlike Jim who was not quiet or still.

I am wondering how Lew will go on?

They had their jobs to do, how will Lew go on without Jim?

I guess he just will.

As do all widows and widowers.

Life keeps coming at you.

At Lew’s for Jim: (People who attended Jim’s wake)

Jim’s friend from Oakland, a blonde. We hung a butterfly flag for Jim.

A neighbor who is a nurse

A lawyer who lived in San Diego

Another lawyer took Lew’s cases today

Many phone calls

Mom and I brought 2 bottles of wine and yellow Calla Lilies, a beautiful plant.

Jim’s gone and I cannot believe it.

Yet, he is gone.

End of entry

Note:

After my partner Jim died in our house on 9/09/2009, I kept his body for a day and threw a wake party. A lot of people came including my sister Zoe and my mother. Two of my lawyer friends helped me bath Jim and dress him. He had gone into full rigor mortis, meaning his body was stiff or stone like. That’s what my sister was referring to in her journal entry above when she wrote about lividity.

I brought my sister’s journals back with me after she died in May 2023. I didn’t know she kept journals until just before she died. My law practice has kept me busy since then. I have not had a chance to look at her journals until now.

I had never read the above entry until today. I had no idea it existed. As I was typing it for the blog, although I’d read some of the initial sentences earlier, I had not read the whole entry. I was thus like you, new to it..

I’m amazed to see Jim’s death through her eyes. The journal allowed this miracle to happen.

[chrisodonline]

The other day, I was being ridiculous (no surprises there) and telling Apryl that I wanted to see Chris O’D and Paget Brewster do something together and even pitched a show about 2 widowers who meet at crossword puzzle convention and stumble into solving murders. I was joking around about seeing it on Paramount+, so, of course, my brain kept going and came up with possible LA spinoffs. You’re welcome -- or I’m so sorry. There’s no telling which it should be:

Kilbride and Kilbride: Kilbride thinks he’s retired, but then he and his son set up a private investigation business in San Diego.

Assault and Batter:  Nina Barnes a.k.a. Cake Boss Lady balances her day job keeping up a bakery and teaching classes, supplying arms, and helping government agencies with intel. But things get complicated for Cake Boss Lady when she’s asked to become the primary supplier to an international syndicate the feds are trying to take down. Their weapons guy uses her cake decorating classes as a cover to retrieve the goods, but Nina finds herself starting to fall for him. Will she have to pick a side -- or can she have her cake and eat it, too? (The movie version of this would be called Disarmed.)

In from the Cold: Arkady Kolcheck goes Hollywood! When a TV show about Russia during the Cold War is looking for a consultant to help them make things “authentic,” some back channels lead them to Arkady. Arkady thinks he’s the perfect person to help since he’s KGBeen there and done that. After everyone goes through enough legal forms to build a small shelter with, Arkady is hired -- with a federal agent assigned, as their punishment for a recent botched op, to make sure he doesn’t reveal any intel that might hurt the US. Arkady has no issues adjusting to the Hollywood life, but can Hollywood adjust to Arkady?

PSYOP: When the navy needs to conduct a PSYOP, a less common approach for them, they ask Dr. Nate Getz to help plan and prep the team. Nate is surprised by the assignment until he meets the team: a rag-tag bunch of misfits with rogue tendencies and an allergy to authority. While Nate is initially thinking, “Oh no. Not again,” he starts to realize he might be able to help this team in more ways than one. Will this team accept that kind of help, though? (Even though they definitely need it.)

Colonel of Truth: Raymond Hanna’s doctor suggests he start journaling to better cope with his memory loss. Unfortunately for his son Sam, Raymond decides to do something a little different: he’s discovered social media, and he’s not turning back. Raymond is brutally blunt and straightforward with any and all opinions he has on everything: from news stories to movies to women he flirts with at the Senior Center. Sam sees some improvement in Raymond’s overall mood, and his father even seems sharper. However, Sam knows there’s a risk his father could say something he’s not supposed to at any time. Can Sam keep his father at least somewhat reigned in?

(The next one is an inside joke that just keeps going.)

Good Queen Bess Goes West: When Good Queen Bess’s owner inherits a house in a sleepy little town whose main attraction is an Old West themed park, Good Queen Bess goes along for the ride. All is not as it appears, though, and strange things keep happening. People disappear. Items go missing. Rumors that the place is haunted keep swirling. Lucky for the town, Good Queen Bess is on the case, and she is one bad mother clucker. Good Queen Bess soon assembles her team of Bock-aroos to get all Scooby Doo on this joint. Can they find the culprits and bring them to justice, or will they find out the place is truly haunted?

[ruggiethethuggie]

for @eatbugsrugster - June 14 * reference is this post cause i have a big ole birthday encyclopedia. post is not original thoughts. excerpts will be cited.

June 14th The Birthday of the Supervisor | "I am living the dream."

Life Lesson: Resisting the urge to always take charge. The Way Forward: To understand that sometimes the only way to empower people is for them to learn from their own mistakes. Luck Maker: Treat all people, whatever their status, as important- a less important person today might one day hold the key to your good fortune.

Those born on June 14 often have a desire to take the lead. They have the ability to observe what is going on around them, and sum up quickly what needs to be done and who should do it. Their self-confidence means they find it impossible to stand on the sidelines. With strong personal opinions and a compulsion to take action to reach their goals, they are capable of outstanding success. They make charismatic leaders, but their actions can be perceived as bossy and abrupt, and, whenever challenged, they can become confrontational. It is important they make a concerted effort to become aware of the damaging impact their blunt force can arouse in others. Born CEOs, they love all things to do with the media and can excel in publishing, music, film, journalism, videos and influencing. They make gifted business leaders and their competitive nature draws them to sport, sales, the military, education, politics, social-media influencing, commerce, entrepreneurship and business. They should ensure they allow themselves plenty of time to relax and switch off and that they take vacations instead of working through them. For self care, wearing, meditating on and surrounding yourself with shades of green will encourage you to find a balance between your own feelings and the feelings of others. The lives of these people are busy and full of admirers, and their loved ones often feel they have no time for them. Until the age of 37 the focus is on emotional security, and they try to develop a greater awareness of and consideration for the feelings of others. After 37 they have even greater self-confidence and need to ensure their directness does not tip over into arrogance, as this alienates others. Once they learn to respect the sensitivities of others, they have the potential to be outstanding supervisors, leaders and contributors to whatever field they choose to devote their forthright opinions and common sense intellect to. Once they have learned the difference between opinion and fact, their destiny is to do what they do best: lead, motivate and inspire others.

© Excerpt Cite: Francis-Cheung, Theresa. “June 14.” The Encyclopedia of Birthdays, Thunder Bay Press, San Diego, CA, 2022, pp. 237–237.

[coochiequeens]

Dylan mulvaney wasn't a nobody before the trans thing. His father had enough money to open a cookie business where he just gave the cookies away as some feel good charity. Anyone who could afford to do that has money. My guess is the trans thing was fear of aging as a twink.

"Controversial Budweiser-pitching transgender TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney is deeply rooted in San Diego’s Republican old-boy network, reports Rupert Murdoch’s New York Post. “Her grandfather, James Mulvaney Sr., who died at age 87 in 2010, was a lawyer, investment banker and president of the old San Diego Padres baseball team. He later was vice-president and general counsel of the Padres when they entered the National League,” says the paper’s April 6 account, linked to a January 2005 interview and profile of Mulvaney here by Don Bauder. “Mulvaney Sr. also worked as a banker and businessman for the controversial financier and industrialist C. Arnholt Smith at Westgate Corporation, who was one of Richard Nixon’s earliest supporters as well as friend to mobsters like Moe Dalitz. Smith’s empire collapsed in 1973 when his bank, the U.S. National Bank, where James Mulvaney Sr. was president for a while, collapsed. At the time, the Wall Street Journal called the bank collapse “the largest in the nation’s history.”

sometimes i think leftist youtubers have worms for brains.

so let me get this straight... the detransitioner who has nothing to gain and everything to lose comes out and talks about how transition ruined her life. she's lost friends. she's being ridiculed by the entire internet. but SHE'S the grifter?

and not dylan mulvaney? who was a fucking nobody until like a year ago? who has made absolute bank off his trans identity? who met the fucking PRESIDENT? who has 10 million followers on tiktok? who is getting a million sponsors solely because of his trans identity? he's somehow not the grifter? please explain i am confusion.

[epacer]

San Diego Unified School District

Interim Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. was named a Latino Leader of Influence by San Diego Business Journal and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for her dedication to advancing large-scale change initiatives that improve outcomes for students and educators.

Her bicultural upbringing and experiences crossing the San Diego border have guided her widely respected and visionary work as a teacher, administrator, executive leadership coach, senior director of equity, deputy superintendent, and now as the first Latina to lead the second-largest school district in California as interim superintendent.

San Diego Unified is proud of the diversity that makes up our district, and 45% of our students are Latinx.

Our students, educators and school communities are fortunate to have Dr. Bagula's wisdom and leadership at the helm.

#BetterSD

[sidewalkstamps]

Auerbach Construction, Inc. (Photo taken by me, I think, on April 2, 2023 - I don't know whose hands that is.)

Auerbach Construction, Inc. was founded by Ernest Auerbach, who was born in 1916 in Brooklyn, NY and died on February 1, 2010 (this was actually quite difficult for me to be sure about but I now am). He is buried at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, CA (findagrave.com). The below photo was added to Find a Grave by Romper90069.

In the Great Depression, "he grew and sold produce, and later became a producer broker." In World War II, he was in the Horse Cavalry of the U.S. Army. Moving to California after the war, he founded the Ernest Auerbach Company in Santa Monica, CA in 1946 for real estate construction, management, and financing.

According to the 1965 Westside City Directory, Auerbach at that point was still operating as Ernest Auerbach Co and was located at 11965 Montana Av, apartment 2 (City Directories Inc., accessed via the Los Angeles Public Library).

Apparently he was also a racehorse breeder, who started a thoroughbred breeding farm in San Diego County, CA in 1977 ("Ernest Auerbach, Santa Monica real estate developer, dies at 93," Jewish Journal, February 17, 2010).

He was the chairman of the board of the Auerbach Construction company and had "built 'something' on almost every street of [Santa Monica], from small residences to apartment houses" (LA Times). Same for much of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades. By 1987, he had "built more than 10 million square feet of commercial, retail and residential properties valued at more than $500 million." And at that time, they focused mostly on "industrial high-tech and commercial properties" through LA, Orange, and San Diego counties. Their headquarters since 1982 was Auerbach Plaza at 2001 Wilshire Blvd.

In 2001, he founded a bank that became the First Business Bank in San Diego, CA (Jewish Journal).

According to the Los Angeles Times, Auerbach was a "mild-mannered man with an uncanny eye for the right opportunity" ("By Veteran Developer: An Instant Replay of Santa Monica Values," Evelyn De Wolfe, The Los Angeles Times, April 5, 1987).

Rodney Freeman, who is Managing Partner of Metro Properties, includes his 18 years at Auerbach Construction, Inc. in his bio on Metro Properties's website. According to the aforementioned LA Times article, Freeman led Auerbach Construction Co. from at least 1987.

Simon Schreier, now of S. Schreier & Associates, Inc., was Senior Project Manager for Auerbach Construction from 1994 to 1997 (rocketreach.co).

[thedatagroupnewsservice]

ICYMI: XiFin CEO Lâle White Named "CEO of the Year" by San Diego Business Journal http://dlvr.it/T9k77w

[wildcatdiscoverytechnologies]

Wildcat Shifting from R&D to Battery Production

Wildcat Discovery Technologies is making significant strides by transitioning from research and development to full-scale battery production. This strategic move, highlighted in the San Diego Business Journal, marks a pivotal shift in the company's operations. With a new focus on manufacturing, Wildcat aims to meet the growing demand for advanced battery materials. The company is set to leverage its innovative technologies to enhance production capabilities and support the electric vehicle (EV) market. CEO Mark Gresser emphasized the importance of this transition in positioning Wildcat as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how Wildcat Discovery Technologies can power your sustainable energy needs.

[panelrank]

Bridget Brick: A Trailblazing Leader in Real Estate Finance

Bridget Brick has emerged as a formidable figure in real estate finance founded and serves as CEO of Brick by Brick Capital

Bridget Brick has emerged as a formidable figure in real estate finance. She founded and serves as CEO of Brick by Brick Capital and her influence extends far beyond financial solutions to thought leadership, media appearances and industry accolades. This article profiles Bridget’s journey, notable accomplishments and presence across various platforms.

Early Life and Education Bridget Brick was raised in Nashville, Tennessee where she learned a strong work ethic and developed her interest for business early. Educating herself further with a degree in Business provided the basis for future endeavors in real estate finance.

Notable Achievements Industry Accolades: Bridget Brick has received many recognitions in recognition of her contributions to real estate finance industry, including being selected one of “40 Under 40” in San Diego. This honor recognizes both her influence and leadership within this specialized area.

Innovative Financial Solutions: Under Bridget’s direction, Brick by Brick Capital has introduced groundbreaking financial products tailored specifically to investors’ individual needs and helped countless individuals realize their real estate investment dreams.

Bridget has earned her standing within the industry as a thought leader with her keen insights into market trends and financial strategies — she frequently speaks at industry events.

Media Appearances Bridget has garnered media coverage through her expertise and achievements on multiple media outlets. These appearances include being highlighted as part of:

Bridget has appeared on multiple radio and TV programs to share her insight on real estate finance and investing strategies with audiences of various sizes. Her engaging personality makes her a firm favourite with viewers.

Podcasts: Bridget has appeared as a guest on numerous podcasts to discuss everything from entrepreneurial journeys to financial planning strategies, offering actionable advice that listeners find particularly helpful. Her ability to break complex ideas down has proven an invaluable asset to listeners.

Publications and Contribution Bridget has made numerous industry publications her expertise has been featured, providing articles and thought pieces in:

Real Estate Magazines: Bridget has made her expertise on market trends and investment strategies known to a wider readership through several leading real estate magazines, where her insights are frequently featured. She shares practical advice to keep them ahead in today’s real estate environment.

Financial Journals: Her contributions to financial journals provide in-depth analyses of economic factors affecting real estate markets, making her a recognized voice in her field.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bridget is dedicated to giving back to the community. She actively participates in charitable initiatives and mentorship programs geared toward inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.

Bridget Brick’s journey from business graduate to leader of real estate finance has been nothing short of inspirational. Her innovative approach, notable achievements and widespread presence are testaments to her influence. Today as founder and CEO of Brick by Brick Capital she continues to pave her own way for future success proving that anything is achievable through hard work, dedication and vision.

[beardedmrbean]

SAN DIEGO — One of two teenagers charged in connection with the death of a homeless woman texted he intended to go "hobo hunting" before the violence, a prosecutor alleged Monday, according to NBC San Diego.

William Innes, 18, faces the most serious count, first-degree murder, in Monday's charges against the pair in connection with the homicide of Annette Pershal, 68.

Armed with an air rifle loaded with pellets, Innes fatally shot Pershal in San Diego's Serra Mesa neighborhood on or about May 8, authorities allege.

Police responded to reports of a woman down in Serra Mesa on May 8 and called paramedics, who couldn’t determine why Pershal was unconscious, San Diego police said in a statement.

She was taken to a hospital, where doctors determined that she had been shot several times with a pellet gun and that the injuries were not survivable, police said.

Deputy District Attorney Roza Egiazarian said Monday that Pershal was shot in the head, a leg and the torso, according to NBC San Diego. One pellet ruptured her aorta, the prosecutor said. 

Pershal was declared dead three days after she was found, police said.

Egiazarian said in court Monday that Innes sent a group text to contacts who included his co-defendant, Ryan Hopkins, 19, according to NBC San Diego.

It said, "I'm going hobo hunting with a pellet gun," according to the prosecutor.

Egiazarian said authorities found the possible weapon, a Gamo Shadow Whisper air rifle, in a search of Innes’ home, according to station.

Innes faces additional charges of possession of an assault weapon, banned in California, and failure to apply for serial numbers for two would-be firearms under state legislation designed to thwart ghost guns, essentially untraceable firearms that can be 3D-printed.

Hopkins is charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors said he drove Innes to the scene, which NBC San Diego described as a parking lot.

Both teenagers, who live in the area, pleaded not guilty after their arrests last week. They remained in jail without bail, according to jail records.

Hopkins was scheduled to appear in court Thursday, when he will ask for bail, said his attorney, Vikas Bajaj, the station reported.

In court Monday, Bajaj disputed the timing of the “hobo hunting” text, saying it was sent 12 hours after the shooting, the station reported.

He described Hopkins as “a good kid with a warm heart.”

Attorneys for Innes and Hopkins did not immediately respond to requests for comment from NBC News.

The San Diego County medical examiner’s office determined Pershal’s death was a homicide. The cause of death is pending, and the office is “still working on the case,” county spokesperson Chuck Westerheide Jr. said.

Homicides by air-powered guns are rare. “The literature on air weapon deaths yielded only three murders in the United States,” a 2019 study by the journal Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine found.

Pershal's death comes as the city's homeless — a population that has grown beyond 10,000 — face crackdowns by police.

Responding to complaints about blocklong encampments on sidewalks and in front of businesses, the city has taken the hard-line approach, seen in Los Angeles and elsewhere, of essentially outlawing "unsafe camping" outdoors.

People living on the streets also continue to be victimized. In Los Angeles last year, nearly 1 in 4 murder victims was homeless, NBC Los Angeles found.

The state has set aside at least $12 billion to address homelessness.

Residents and patrons of the area where Pershal, known as Granny Annie, was found unresponsive told NBC San Diego she lived on the streets there for at least seven years.