A Cookie, A “DUI” Checkpoint, And A Redbox Rental
Corner Bakery Cafe M&M Cookie
Well, tonight I decided I’d check out the DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Topanga Canyon Blvd. I parked at the Topanga Promenade mall and stopped by Corner Bakery Cafe and got myself an M&M Cookie then walked over to eyeball the checkpoint.
It was about 8:40pm and it didn’t seem like they were making any arrests or tows just yet. Still getting warmed up, I suppose. The checkpoint was on southbound Topanga Canyon Blvd just south of Oxnard Street. Interestingly, it didn’t seem like they were making any effort to stop folks who turned left onto Califa Street. I’m assuming that’s where all the drunk people and illegal immigrants would turn. [note to people who don't understand sarcasm here - I'm saying this with SARCASM!]
Redbox Kiosk
Afterward, I stopped by the Redbox DVD rental kiosk at the 7-11 store at 20914 Ventura Blvd. I’ve never actually used a Redbox kiosk before, but I figured I’d give their $1/night DVD rentals a shot. I rented Extract. A very fine film.
Redbox DVD
Popularity: 16%
LAPD Peforming “Sobriety Checkpoint” A/K/A “Revenue Shakedown” In Topanga Area TONIGHT
The LAPD will unfortunately be conducting a “sobriety and drivers license checkpoint” tonight in our area. It is well known and widely reported that these checkpoints have little to do with catching drunk drivers and are essentially about the revenue they collect when they catch people driving on suspended licenses. Your vehicle will be impounded. The notice included a map which had the intersection of Califa St and Topanga Canyon Blvd marked, however if it s not 100% clear if that is where the checkpoint will be.
If you encounter this checkpoint, please disregard your civil rights before entering. I joke not when I tell you this is one of the most evil things going on with the government of California today. Watch the video below for more information as well.
A sobriety and drivers license checkpoint will be held tonight.
The purpose of the sobriety checkpoint is to reduce the number of traffic collisions involving intoxicated drivers and hit and run collisions. During this year, residents residing in the Topanga Area endured 19 driving under the influence-related and 99 hit and run traffic collisions. The checkpoint will educate the community to use designated drivers and not drink and drive. Our message is simple: If we catch you drunk, you will be arrested.
It is the Los Angeles Police Department’s goal to continue providing public awareness on the dangers of drinking and driving, and the laws concerning driving without a valid driver’s license. Motorists approaching a checkpoint will observe traffic signs, information and police officers advising that a checkpoint is ahead. Once diverted into a lane, each motorist will be detained momentarily while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. We can all help make our streets safer, please report Drunk Drivers – Call 911.
Update: Full time and location info from LAist (8pm to 3am).
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LAPD Seeks Information In Today’s Canoga Park Murder
Information on homicide, 22000 blk of Cantlay Street, sought by LAPD.
On February 25, 2010, at approximately 0830 hours, Los Angeles Police Department uniformed patrol officers assigned to Topanga Area responded to an “Assault with a Deadly Weapon” radio call at the 22000 block of Cantlay Street in the City of Canoga Park.
Upon officers arrival, they observed a male Hispanic unconscious, lying outside in the residence driveway. Victim, identified as 46 year old Juan Rivera of the San Fernando Valley sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and attempted emergency medical treatment with negative results. Victim Juan Rivera succumbed to his injuries and died at scene.
Los Angeles Police Department Homicide Detectives assigned to Topanga Area are following-up on all potential leads and are seeking the publics assistance.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Topanga Area Homicide Detectives at (818) 756-3363 during business hours, or after hours and on weekends at (818) 756-4800.
Popularity: 15%
LAPD Reports 8:30am Homicide In Canoga Park Ths Morning
A homicide occurred at approximately 8:30AM this morning in the 22000 block of Cantlay Avenue. Homicide investigators are on scene and are pursuing leads in the investigation. The suspect is not believed to be in the area.
I’ll let you know if any more information on this pops up.
Popularity: 16%
Sampling Breakfast And More At Panini Cafe In Woodland Hills
Panini Cafe Turkey Omelette w/Roasted Potatoes
Wow, I’m really loving Panini Cafe. Last week I stopped in for my first meal – The Charbroiled Chicken Kabob – and I knew I’d be back for more. This past weekend I stopped in around 11am for my first sampling of their breakfast offerings. I had the absolutely awesome #2 Turkey Omelette (with Roma Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, and Brie Cheese). You really can taste the freshness in every bite. Definitely one of the best omelettes I’ve had in a really long time and even the side of roasted potatoes was excellent. I will definitely be back soon for more of these great omelettes!
Last week I also had my first panini sandwich from Panini Cafe – the #12 Turkey Panini Melt (Grilled Turkey Breast and Onion with Roma Tomatoes and Smoked Mozzarella on Grilled Filone). Excellent. And, for my side I ordered the Pasta Salad. Incredible. There is definitely a growing panini trend in this country and I can see why. This was a great, healthy, and filling meal for a great price. I see more paninis in my near future!
Can’t wait until my next visit to Panini Cafe!
Popularity: 15%
Savoring The Last Day Of Jamba Juices $1 Oatmeal Wednesdays Promotion
Jamba Juice's Berry Cherry Pecan Oatmeal & Blueberry Lemon Loaf
To the best of my knowledge, today was the last day of Jamba Juice’s $1 Oatmeal Wednesdays promotion. I almost forgot, but I stopped by after work today and grabbed a delicious bowl of Berry Cherry Pecan and it was actually the best flavor I’ve had so far. Lots of sweet goodness mixed with the delicious steel-cut oatmeal. Yum.
I also had a piece of the Reduced-Fat Blueberry Lemon Loaf in attempt to slightly raise Jamba’s profit margins. I have, after all, been taking advantage of the $1 oatmeal while avoiding any smoothie upsells for the past few weeks.
Popularity: 13%
Physical Therapists Protest Anthem Blue Cross Payment Decrease In Woodland Hills
If you need to know what organization on Earth is run by the biggest scumbags ever, all you need to do is look at that big logo on one of those tall buildings in Warner Center. That’s the truth, brother.
The San Fernando Valley Business Journal Online writes:
A group of physical therapy providers protested outside the Woodland Hills headquarters of Anthem Blue Cross to demand the subsidiary of for-profit health insurance company WellPoint reverse its decision to decrease payments for services by 30 percent.
A spokesman for the 35 to 40 protesters said the move comes after a decade of no increases in payments for services provided to Anthem’s subscribers by physical therapists.
“I don’t know if we’re a test case,” said Joel Scherr, who owns a physical therapy practice with three offices in Los Angeles and one in Burbank. “But I do know that they would rather take us on than doctors.”
Attempts to reach a representative of WellPoint were not successful.
According to Scherr and other protesters, Anthem has demanded physical therapy providers agree to a flat fee of $75 per treatment or face minimal compensation in the range of $25 per treatment with no contract.
“They’re decreasing payments to us at the same time they’re decreasing services to patients and increasing their premiums,” Sherr said. “They want us to sign this bad contract or get paid $25 per visit, which means patients will either have to pay a lot more out of pocket or not get the services they need.”
Recently, WellPoint, which is based in Indiana, announced it would be raising individual subscribers’ rates by as much as 40 percent to compensate for what the company said is the fact that there are more unhealthy people in its patient pool because healthier people have dropped their plans during the recession.
The protests come at a time when the insurer is already under scrutiny both nationally and by state insurance commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner. The physical therapists’ protest happened the same day Poizner’s office released results of an investigation into Anthem’s claims-handling practices.
The insurance commissioner found more than 700 alleged violations of state law, including alleged failure to pay claims in a timely manner and alleged misleading of customers.
Popularity: 14%
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