NBA 2022 Finals Game 1

So basketball fans were waiting for this night. The Warriors finally host the Celtics for Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Finals.

The first half was a toss-up.

The third quarter went one way and the fourth quarter another.

Let us watch the full game highlights or relive it.

 

NBA Finals 2022 Set

Western & Eastern Conference Champs

The Golden State Warriors will host the Boston Celtics on June 2nd. And finally the games will be nationally televised.

The Warriors will hold home-court advantage in this series because they finished with a slightly better regular season record than the Celtics.

If the regular season games will be any indications, this will likely be an exciting if not a long series. 

The Warriors and Celtics split their regular-season games. Both teams have shown that they can win on the road as well on their home court, so one team winning their away games will probably be the key to this series.

West Conference Final, Warriors vs Mavericks Game 1 Recap

NBA

With the two LA (SoCal) teams out of the playoffs, we are covering the lone California Team left standing, the Golden State Warriors.


Warriors vs Mavericks Game 1 Recap

The Warrior team (No. 3) hosts Game 1. The home team took advantage of the home crowd and the poor shooting of the visiting team.

It was an exciting game, with the outcome looking more and more in favor of the home team as the game progressed, especially after the end of the third quarter.

Blowout Game

As most were expecting, the more rested and the more experienced team won. The main difference? Poise, ball movement, moving without the ball, experience and three point shooting.

West Conference Semi-Final, Warriors vs Grizzlies Game 1 Recap

With the two LA (SoCal) NBA teams out of the playoffs, let us cover the lone California Team left standing, Golden State Warriors.

Warriors vs Grizzlies Game 1 Recap

The Memphis Grizzlies (No. 2) hosts Game 1 of the one of two 2022 NBA Western Conference Second Round Seven Game Series against the Warriors.

It was an exciting back and forth game, with the outcome determined only at the last second of regulation time.

Let's watch the Game Recap

Spoiler

In the end, the Warriors steal game one. The main difference? Poise and experience.

Carson CA Earthquake

September 17, 2021
7:58 pm

USGS Interactive Map

https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ci39812319/map

California Stay At Home Order is Triggered By ICU Capacity

The new stay at home order by California Governor Newsom is based on each regions ICU capacity.

When the intensive care unit (ICU) capacity in a region drops below 15%, then the new regional stay at home order will take effect.

Check the Official Covid-19 California Website for details.

ICU Capacity

• Socal Region is currently at 0.0% ICU capacity
• San Joaquin Valley Region is currently at 0.0% ICU capacity
• Bay Area Region is currently 13.7% ICU capacity

All three Regions have a Stay at home order in effect right now.

• Greater Sacramento Region is currently 16.2% ICU capacity
• NorCal Region is currently 28.7% ICU capacity

Covid-19 Articles

Toyota Leaving Torrance For Good

TMS

Toyota Hdqtrs Torrance CA (Coolcaesar Wikimedia Commons)

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. was founded in October of 1957 in Hollywood, California. [Toyota USA Company History]

50 Years in Torrance

In 1967, the Japanese car maker chose to build their North American headquarters in Torrance because it is right smack in the middle of LAX and the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Torrance and the South bay is also home to many Japanese Americans who speak Japanese and are familiar with the Japanese culture.

California to Texas

Back in 2014, construction of a new headquarters in Plano, Texas began and the initial move from Torrance to Plano also started. In the summer of 2017, the final move out from Torrance would be complete -- along with several thousands of jobs.

Incidentally Nissan, another Japanese car maker moved its U.S. Headquarters from next door Gardena to Tennessee in 2006.

Honda, which also used to be housed in Gardena, before moving to Torrance is still headquartered there, but for how long, we shall see.

Daily Breeze (South bay History -- Toyota In Torrance)

Click here for article

Election 2016: November 8, Go Out and Vote!

This election is definitely one for the record books.

Not only is California having a record number of registered voters, it also has a record number of propositions on the ballot and a record setting 224 page Voter Information Guide.

On the national level, no other time in recent memory are the American people so deeply divided as to what they stand for in the issues being decided as well as what's at stake.

Choose Your Poison

This is also the election year where the top two Presidential candidates are so much hated, so unpopular, so much maligned, and have so many criminal allegations against them, it's unprecendented if not downright unbelievable. The issues and the personalities involved have even divided friends and families.

It is so bad, many well known personalities have vowed to do unthinkable things and spend all their money in support of their candidate or to move out of  the country if the results don't go their way.

But the common folks just want to get all this over with and move on, some still live with or have gone back to live with their parents, many don't have a place to lay their heads for the night or pay their bills and loans and most can hardly find enough money to buy the groceries to last them until their next check.

Lots of people have already voted by mail and through early voting, but the bulk of the voters will have 7 AM until 8 PM on Tuesday, November 8th.

Whichever side of the fence you belong to in all the issues, do your assignment, prepare your sample ballots and go out and vote!

Remember, still no ballot selfies in California.

So Cal School District Bans Clown Costumes

Scary Clown

With several reports over unknown individuals dressing up as creepy clowns along with threats of violence and mayhem continuing and creating anxiety in many parts of the nation, another school district has banned clown costumes altogether in all of their school premises.

Although many of these reported disturbing clown sightings and threats were relatively harmless or even hoaxes, many of them have created havoc and are creating mass hysteria among the youth and their parents.

In light of these increasingly troubling incidents which have entered the So Cal area in early October, Tammy Khan, Public Information Officer of Torrance Unified School District have just announced that their school district will not allow anyone (students, teachers, staff, parents, anyone) who is wearing a clown costume in any TUSD school site .


Related News: 

Creepy Clowns at San Pedro Elementary School

Clown Sightings in SoCal Prompt Warnings From Local Law Enforcement


Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, by Kelly

Higher Than Normal Chance of a Magnitude 7 or Larger Earthquake Until October 2016

Salton Sea Earthquake Swarm of September 2016

Map of recent quakes near the Salton Sea

 USGS/GOOGLE MAPS

The California Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council (CEPEC) announced last Tuesday that due to the sequence of small earthquakes clustered near Bombay Beach, in the Salton Sea area could trigger a large earthquake (magnitude 7 and higher) on the San Andreas itself.

CEPEC believes this earthquake swarm may increase the probability of a major earthquake on the San Andreas Fault to values between 0.03 % and 1.0 % for a magnitude 7.0 or larger earthquake occurring over the next week (or until 0900 hrs Pacific time, October 4, 2016). The Salton Sea area is  just west of the southern extension of the San Andreas Fault.

CEPEC recommends to residents of the affected areas to maintain a prudent level of earthquake preparedness (click link below for 10 Things to Do Now to Prepare for the Big One).

Source: CEPEC Memorandum September 27, 2016

U.S. Geological Survey

News Update:Earthquake Swarm Near Bombay Beach, California September 30, 2016 

Weather.com: Earthquake Swarm Causes at Least 18 Earthquakes in 24 Hours in Central California

Recommended Reading: 

California Office of Emergency Management Reminders

Ten Things to Do to Prepare for the Big One

LA Holds First Ever Fleet Week

Labor Day Weekend

On Labor Day Weekend 2016, the City of LA will host it's first Fleet Week at the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles, September 2 to 5, 2016.

What is Fleet Week

Fleet week is a celebration of the sea services. On this week marines and sailors from U.S. Navy ships make a major city a port of call. This has been a naval tradition since 1935.

Fleet Week will feature the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard.

What To Expect

• There will be Free U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ship tours (details check here)
• Great photo opportunities #selfie
• Aerial demonstrations throughout the weekend
• Special dockside tours for the elderly and special needs guests
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Expo with hands-on exhibits and displays
• Military, fire, police and other emergency vehicles and equipment
• U.S. Bank Veterans Village with services and resources for active and retired military
• Discounted tours to Battleship IOWA (free admission to veterans and active military) and S.S. Lane Victory (free admission to active military)
• Great local dining + popular food trucks and beverages
• Live entertainment
• Free parking shuttle and Downtown Red Car Trolley service
• Lots of shopping, dining, and fun all around the LA Waterfront and LA Harbor

Port of LA Video: What To Expect

For other details check the LA Fleet Week website, also their facebook page, the Port of LA page, the LA Waterfront page.

And these links:

10 Reasons To Go To LA Fleet Week 2016 (Port of LA)

7 Things You Need To Know About LA Fleet Week (Daily Breeze)

Marines Have Landed: First Ever LA Fleet Week (Official Website of the US Marine Corps)

LA Hosts Inaugural Fleet Week (America's Navy)

#LAFleetWeek20166

Warning: Tens of thousands of people are expected at the different venues and around nearby cities and attractions throughout the fleet week, patience, diligence, precaution, and good common sense are advised.

If all else fails, there is always the port's streaming live video.

Port of LA LIVE STREAM VIDEO

Be Careful On Those Cliffs

Woman Falls Off A Cliff

Point Fermin Park, San Pedro

It happened once again, two days ago, someone fell off the cliff at Point Fermin Park at San Pedro.

This mishap was only two weeks from when two other people fell to their deaths at the cliffs off Paseo Del Mar also at San Pedro.

Accident

LAPD Watch Commander and the LA CIty Coroner's office said it was an accident.

The thing is this kind of "accident" can be avoided if people would stop going over those four foot cement and metal fence barriers.

They are there for a good reason because the area sealed off is deemed unsafe and many other people in the past have had accidents and have died in the area. In fact in 2007, a USC Trojan football player was found dead at the bottom of the same cliffs on a Saturday afternoon.

The rocks and the trails on the other side of these fences are steep, they are slippery, the dirt loose, there is nothing to hold on to and the drop is anywhere from 75 to 100 feet straight down to the jagged rocks below (see photo below).

At both of these recent incidents those involved were only 24 years old and younger (24, 23 and 21 years old). And helicopters have to be called in to recover the bodies. Many of the people who do venture to cross those barriers are much too young to know of the many horrific deaths associated with these cliffs in the past decades.

Our Condolences

Anyway, these new victims are again much too young and have many years and dreams ahead of them. Our condolences to their families and loved ones. Again, be careful out there, respect the barriers and stay safe.

Point Vicente Light House and Cliffs at nearby Palos Verdes

Read More About This at These News Source: Daily Breeze
LA Times, The Cliffs are Alluring and Deadly

Photo Credit: Dylan & Hannah, and PKM

NBA Finals History

Oakland, California, Game 7 Winner Take All NBA Finals

NBA Finals Logo

NBA history happened tonight between the defending NBA Champions (Golden State Warriors) and the runners up last year (Cleveland Cavaliers) at the Oracle Arena, when Kyrie Irving made this three point shot with less than a minute to go.

Video: Kyrie's 3 Pointer

89 All, One Minute To Go

This broke the 89 all tie and eventually pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead with the cushion to win the 2016 NBA Finals and be the first team in the NBA Finals history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win it all.

This amazing shot came after LeBron James appeared from nowhere to block a sure two points at the other end, from the previous offensive play of the Warriors (a 5 point swing).

Legal or Not, It was a Tremendous Effort

The Best Player In the World

Wit, grit, nerves of steel and pure athleticism won it for the Cavs who finally won an  NBA title for the first time in its franchise history and more importantly it also marks the first major sports championship for the city since 1964. The final score was 93 to 89.

Hats off to LeBron (arguably the best player in the world), Kyrie and the rest of the unsung heroes of the Cavaliers who did the impossible. Of course they did get a boast due to "coaching lapses" by Steve Kerr, a "little help" from the league, a few calls, and a few breaks that went their way. But we can take nothing away from the win. The Cavs won fair and square and in the Warriors home court to boot -- a fitting payback for last year's final game which the Warriors won on the Cavalier's home court.

Vegas Odds

For any Warriors fan out there, if it is any consolation, their team is still the top favorites to win next year's finals according to Vegas odds, with the Cavs as second favorite. And it should definitely be another great rematch if both teams do come back to play it one more time.

Talking of history, the Warriors did make NBA History in the regular season by winning 73 games, the most by any NBA team and Stephen Curry for being the first unanimous MVP.

One more history that we can be pretty sure of is that LeBron is the unanimous MVP of this finals. He was the man, played all positions, played both ends of the court and was the de facto coach and team leader.

Need To Even Things Out

Most people have predicted that the mighty Warriors would win and repeat this year, even though the NBA placed mostly Lebron apologists in as ABC 7 Finals sportscasters (not to mention a handful of Cavs apologists broadcasting in SoCal radio sports shows), I guess to kind of balance things out.

At any rate, a lot of history was made and game 7 will come down in history as probably the only real championship game of this series, as let's face it, all the previous six games were decided by more than 10 points (and the better team, down the stretch won it).

Photo Credit: NBA Media Central, Wikimedia Commons

Video: LeBron's Block of Igoudala's Layup

The State of the Union & the State of the Nation

The State of the Union versus the State of the Nation

 

SOTU 2016 

versus

Long lines to get a Powerball Ticket

January 12, 2016, President Barack Obama gave his last State of the Union address. But it seems like many of the common American people couldn't care less. Because most of them were busy wondering what numbers to pick, where to get the cash, where to go, how to get there and they were actually standing in line and waiting to buy their magic power ball tickets.

2016 State of the Union Address Full Video

And who can blame them, the very next day, the biggest lottery win ever will be up for grabs and the winner would have been the first lottery billionaire in US history.

That is a real once in a lifetime chance -- yes even if it was only a one in a 300 million chance in actually hitting it.

News of the Day

All the news networks were busy covering the long lines of people who were trying their luck in winning the big money.

People were lining up, people were doing office pools, people were hitting all the lucky stores, doing all their pre-buying rituals to purchase their tickets, people were driving across town or across state lines even. People were using their rent money or their savings, so you name it, it was probably done.

1.6 Billion Dollars

And guess what, one "lucky" person from the Los Angeles area, actually got all the numbers right (4, 8, 19, 27, 34 and 10) and won the big jackpot.

There were actually two other people who got the same numbers down, one in Florida and one in Tennessee. What were the odds of that happening?

So now, the question is...

What Are You Going To Do With All That Money?

So there you go -- that's the state of the nation for you.

News Link: ABC News

On another news, LA football fans were busy doing this:

What can I say, the US, is still football nation. SOTU what?

President Obama Addresses the Nation Regarding the San Bernardino Shooting

Oval Office Speech

Previous Oval Office Address, Wikimedia Commons

President Obama finally addressed the nation regarding the shooting at San Bernardino County, California that happened four days ago.

Presidents of the United States traditionally broadcast speeches from the Oval Office to address the American people in times of national disasters.

Single Deadliest Terror Attack on US Soil Since 9-11

And the incident at San Bernardino was indeed a national disaster, one which would have been a bigger tragedy and a political black eye if the perpetrators weren't neutralized before they were able to use their destructive home made bombs and the thousands of rounds of ammunition still in their possession.

Better Late Than Never

In fairness, even though it could have been made a few days earlier, it was a "well-written politically-correct", "well-thought of" and "carefully crafted" speech.  And it was badly needed by the people of the U.S. Watch the 13 minute speech below.

Video: The President Addresses the Nation on Keeping the American People Safe

Potential Terrorist Attack On Southern California

America Burning

CNN News Photo: Suspects SUV

Hashtags such as America Burning, California Burning has been popping up on social media all throughout the day today.

Why? Because apparently there was a "workplace violence" incident happening at the headquarters of the Inland Regional Center located at San Bernardino County since this morning and it had spilled into the streets of the Southland.

News Links

All through out the day it was in all the TV channels of Southern California. The FBI has called it a "potential" terrorist attack. The local government, the local police and all the local agencies and local news outlets were still calling it workplace violence and active shooters until 8 pm.

Terror

Anyway, at around the same time, Fox News finally announced the name of one of the suspects and then what everyone has feared was bared. Nobody still wants to say it, but yes all indications are there that this was indeed a terror attack at SoCal.

Regardless, at this time there were 14 confirmed dead, 17 seriously injured. Suspects were described as wearing camouflage gear, kevlar, black masks and carrying high powered weapons. There was one shot up black SUV on a terror stricken residential street. Two dead suspects and one suspect either outstanding or in custody. Two bomb like (explosive) devices found and rendered inoperable. And the suspect's residence under quarantine.

Active Shooter

At times like this it is wise to read up on information put up by the Homeland Security on how to respond to active shooters and even to watch this video put out by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Warnng: the following video contains graphic content of a violent nature. Viewer discretion is advised.

Surviving An Active Shooter (LA County Sheriff)

Flu Shots: It’s That Time Of The Year Again

Autumn’s Yearly Rite of Passage

The start of the fall season normally ushers in the normal yearly flu vaccine season.

Beginning October and November most people will traditionally be flocking to their doctor’s clinics and pharmacies to get their yearly flu shots.

Some will wait to see if flu viruses are more severe or more prevalent than usual until they get their shots. Others just do not do shots at all.

If the viral infection is particularly bad then many people will still be getting their shots by December and even January of the next year.

CDC Briefs On This Season's Flu Vaccine

The Question Now is: Flu Shots, Do You Really Need One Or Not?

The answer is really up to you and me. But you can click here for additional information regarding this long standing debate.

Now what ever your stand is if you are in So Cal, then knowing that you might be able to get free flu shots, and more importantly when and where could come in handy. Here is a partial short list.

Free Flu Shots in So Cal

11/2/2015   Torrance Recreation Center   10 am - 12 pm   3341 Torrance Blvd., Torrance

11/3/2015   USC   9 am - 2 pm   700   Childs Way, LA
                  Weingart Senior Center   1 pm - 3 pm   5220 Olivia Ave., Lakewood

11/4/2015   Marycrest Manor   2 pm - 4 pm   10664 St. James Dr., Culver City
                  Woodcrest Library   1 pm - 3 pm   1340 w 106th St., LA

11/5/2015   Claremont Taylor Hall   9 am - 12 pm   1775 N Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont

11/6/2015   Evergreen Baptist Church   10 am - 1 pm   323 Workman Mill Rd., La Puente

11/7/2015   Glendale Health Festival   10 am - 3 pm   1401 N Verdugo Rd., Glendale
                  West Hollywood Public Library   10 am - 3 pm   625 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood

11/8/2015   St. Raphael Catholic Church   9 am - 2 pm   924 W 70th St., LA
                  Highlands Church   9 am - 12 pm   39625 20th St., Palmdale

11/9/2015   Our Lady of Holy Rosary   9 am - 11 am   7800 Vineland Ave., Sun Valley

And the list goes on, please verify by calling or checking them out online.

For a complete list, call or visit 211, or better yet visit the County of LA Public Health website.

10 Things to Do to Prepare for the Big One

2015 Great California Shakeout Video

Join Millions in California's Annual Earthquake Drill (ShakeOut.org/California)

California is Shaking: Time To Get Ready

Fault Types, USGS

People in California, be it in Northern, Central or in Southern California (SoCal) including the Los Angeles (LA) Area have been warned time and time again to be ready for the so-called Big One. The Big One being a strong quake in the magnitude and destruction of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Earthquake Drought

Why? Because aside from the normal shakers, it has relatively been very calm in this area for quite a long time. But after a series of stronger "shakings" these past weeks in many parts of California as well as in other areas within the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as in Chile, Mexico, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, it might just be a matter of time.

It has been a dry season in California for several years now. And you know what they say, that's earthquake weather. I'm not predicting anything and certainly not hoping or praying for it to happen anytime soon but when the earth is ready to move, it waits for no one.

So here is a list of ten things that you should have prepared for before the earth starts shaking violently.

10 Things To Do To Prepare For The Big One

1. First off, Strap everything down; this includes TVs, monitors, tall furniture, fixtures, cabinets and anything that will break or cause injury.

2. Prepare a Plan, this disaster can strike anytime and you or your loved ones can be together or at different locations. A plan for every situation should be made, discussed among your loved ones and specific instructions should be memorized.

3. First Aid Kits are a must. You should have one by your bedside, inside your car or your workplace.

4. To simplify, prepare like you're going camping, so aside from your first aid, you should also have important items such as flashlights, portable radios, tools, a sleeping bag, clothes and other essentials. And besides with everything expected to be out (no power, water, gas, telephone, cable and internet), it would really be like you are really going camping out of nowhere.

5. Get a landline phone unit that does not need electrical power. I know this is old-school and most times hard to find. But in case you have a landline, an old phone connected to it might be your only way to communicate when everything else is out.

6.Know where and how to turn off water, electricity and gas. This one is a biggie.

7. Car, as I've mentioned you need keep a first aid kit and also a disaster/camping kit inside your car. Keeping a spare car key with you is also a good idea.

8. Food, water and prescription medicine. You may have to survive on your own for one, two, three or more days, keep a fresh stock of these necessities.  Also prepare for alternative ways to store and prepare food.

9. Portable potties, you can create your own portables, such as a plastic trash bag over a bucket.

10. And aside from knowing, practicing and actually doing the quake drills during an earthquake, you may also want to call on a higher power to get you through. Pray.

When The Earth Shakes - Animated Video

Earthquake Resources:

Drop, Cover, Hold On

Ready LA, Earthquake Disaster Awareness
America's PrepareAthon

Earthquake Preparedness For People With Disabilities and Other Needs

Writer is a Certified City of Los Angeles Disaster Service Worker

"10 Things To Do To Prepare For The Big One" was originally published at Yahoo! Voices by the same writer

Photo Credit: Jide,  Wikipedia Commons
8/24/14

Los Angeles: Here Comes The Rain

"Godzilla" El Niño

Here comes the first round of the much anticipated rain (at last or I hope).

But as much as we really need rain throughout California, we still have to expect the unnecessary evils that come with it.

Let's see, aside from the rain, thunder, hail and snow, there will be flash floods, mudslides, landslides, potholes, uprooted trees, felled power lines, power outages, road closures and of course traffic will go from bad to worse, pedestrians and drivers will turn from worse to insane.

Driving In The Rain

Just last week, we had a sudden downpour and almost got t-boned by the driver on our right. He or she lost control, spun in front of us narrowly hitting us and two other cars and hit the car directly in front of us.

Anyway, to get us through the nightmare of driving in the rain in LA and the coming "Godzilla" El Nino, or the Bruce Lee El Nino, the LA Times have posted a video titled, Los Angeles: How To Drive in the Rain.

You can watch it below.

A better title for it should simply be Driving For Dummies

Yes, pay attention... goes for every one of us. Stay safe.

'Under God' No Longer Legally 'Under Attack' in California

COMMENTARY | In California, Michael Newdow, an atheist activist, has finally given up his six year legal fight in which he is hoping to stop California school children from saying "under God" when they are "forced" to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rev. Newdow (who is an ordained minister of The First Atheist Church of True Science) has made this somewhat puzzling announcement to stop at least his California challenge recently on his website.

He writes: "For reasons that are best not divulged, we have not been able to provide the required materials to the Supreme Court. Accordingly, this case is now over."

But then again his New Hampshire (Public School) Challenge is still ongoing.

I understand we all have our own often conflicting opinions about "controversial" and hotly contested issues such as this. And I am sure we can argue this one from both sides. But because many of us aren't lawyers or ministers (incidentally Newdow both are), I am sure he has his own reasons but I am inclined to think that this is for the best.

Remember, every school children in the United States have been reciting the current "version" of this pledge since 1954. But historically, the pledge, originally meant as an oath of loyalty to the flag and the republic, has been changed four times since the year 1892.

And if the odds hold true or because of the ever-changing times, many are saying that another slight modification might be in order.

Who knows right? We just live here.

Here are possible changes which I read somewhere that might be implemented.

Source

"'I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, born and unborn."

"'I pledge allegiance to my Flag, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with equality,liberty and justice for all."

I know some of you probably did not think this could happen in your lifetime. And some of you are just too happy you weren't born in the last ten years and have to deal having to be confused reciting this oath on a daily basis.

What do you think?

Originally published at Yahoo! US News in fulfillment of Yahoo! Contributor Network News Op/Ed Assignment.