April 30, 2014 – Daily Brief — The SCV Talk Archive

Things are Heating Up: “I don’t know for a fact that there are blockers." So says a Metro spokesman, in response to a cease-and-desist letter sent to Metro's electronic billboard contractor Allvision, in response to numerous claims of petition blockers throughout the city. The Signal
Lawsuits Flow Like Water: Castaic Lake Water Agency has been hit with a lawsuit by the Newhall County Water District, alleging CLWA broke the law in a pursuit to build an aquatic monopoly when it acquired Valencia Water Company. KHTS
No ID: Firefighters discovered a badly burned body after a fire in Newhall, but investigators are still working on an ID. The Signal KHTS
A Powerhouse Lawsuit: More than 100 SCV residents and businesses are part of a $20 million lawsuit filed against the LA Department of Water and Power, after the so-called Powerhouse Fire last year destroyed 30 homes, 28 outbuildings and charred some 30,000 acres. The suit alleges the blaze was sparked by Powerhouse No. 1 (SCV History), Los Angeles' first power plant, built nearly 100 years ago. KHTS
Holding Onto Teachers: Good piece by Perry Smith on how improved budgeting is helping SCV schools retain more teachers. KHTS
Next Stop, Anniversary Celebration: If you haven't been to beautiful Union Station lately, Saturday might be the day to go. Metro is celebrating the station's 75th anniversary all day. Avoid the freeways: Take the Metrolink from SCV, ride the rails right into the station and enjoy a day of rambling around downtown Los Angeles. Daily News
Easing the Pressure: "There is one person on top of another.... It is a pressure cooker simmering." The state has begun early release of nonviolent offenders from prisons, in an effort to ease overcrowding (For example, a women's prison that is at 183 percent capacity). LA Times
In a Rail Pickle: Just west of SCV, the Fillmore & Western Railway Co. could be forced to shut down amid a legal dispute. LA Times
The Power of Crowdfunding: SCV filmmaker Jeff Johnson was able to complete a documentary on hard-working comedian Bert Kreischer after raising $31K through an online campaign. KHTS
The Annual Cycle: Get ready for the annual two-wheeled commute, Bike to Work Day is making its annual return. City Briefs