Eric Licas
banner
ericlicas.bsky.social
Eric Licas
@ericlicas.bsky.social
Janitor turned journalist based in Southern California. Current and past bylines with the Daily Pilot, South Pasadena Review and Orange County Register.
via Fatima Hussein
Advocates fear that the potential unlawful release of taxpayer records could be used to maliciously target Americans, violate their privacy and create other ramifications.
apnews.com/article/trea...
A privacy breach at the IRS: Taxpayer data wrongly shared with DHS, court filing says
The IRS has erroneously shared the taxpayer information of thousands of people with the Department of Homeland Security, according to a new court filing.
apnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:51 PM
via Tristan Longwell
“It's not about what we want, folks, it's about what we need," said Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian. "Right now, we have a budget to close a gap that's roughly over $20 million and every little bit helps."
outlooknewspapers.com/glendalenews...
Measure Expanding Ad Zoning in Glendale Draws Criticism
Despite requests from some members of the public to postpone its decision, the Glendale City Council at its meeting on Feb. 3 adopted ordinances amending sections of the municipal code
outlooknewspapers.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:50 PM
via Adithi Ramakrishnan
Not all scientists are convinced Kanzi is playing pretend like humans do. There’s a difference between envisioning juice being poured into a cup and maintaining the pretense that it’s real, said Duke University's Michael Tomasello.
apnews.com/article/ape-...
Can apes play pretend? Scientists use an imaginary tea party to find out
A new experiment hints that an ape may be able to play pretend like humans do.
apnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:50 PM
via Phoebe Huss
Most of the stops led to no arrests, citations or drug seizures. Instead, the stops resulted in “intel development,” meaning federal intelligence was developed regarding interactions between civilians and cops even when no crime was committed.
calmatters.org/education/20...
Why this California university helps with border patrol
UC San Diego is among several local police agencies that get money from the Department of Homeland Security to watch for illegal border activity.
calmatters.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:27 PM
via Hosam Elattar
PYLSD Trustee Leandra Blades and the board have landed in the spotlight for banning critical race theory, adopting a parent notification policy, violating the state’s open meeting law and sparking concerns from parents about book bans.
voiceofoc.org/2026/02/loca...
Local Orange County School District Considers Supporting ICE
Board members are considering supporting ICE while simultaneously looking to bar federal agents from entering nonpublic school areas.
voiceofoc.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:25 PM
via Cayla Mihalovich
“These defendants’ conduct enables unlicensed people who are too young or too dangerous to pass firearm background checks to illegally print deadly weapons without a background check and without a trace,” said California AG Rob Bonta.
calmatters.org/justice/2026...
California sues websites that publish blueprints for 3D printer ghost guns
California law enforcement agencies seize about 11,000 ghost guns every year. The state now is suing websites that help people manufacture untraceable firearms.
calmatters.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:24 PM
via Gabriel San Román
“There has to be a specific threat,” said Kelly Aviles, an attorney who specializes in public records law. “The Anaheim Police Department has to be able to justify why they can’t publicly disclose an officer’s name.”
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Citing 'threats,' Anaheim PD withholds officer's name in fatal shooting case
The name of the Anaheim police officer who shot and killed Alberto Arzola, 19, during a December encounter is being withheld from TimesOC on the grounds of unspecified threats.
www.latimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:24 PM
via Jarret Liotta
“There are still naysayers who come in,” explained owner Matthew Renoir. “They just don’t get it. They say things like, ‘I don’t know your business plan.’ That’s my favorite.”
outlooknewspapers.com/burbankleade...
Burbank Video Rental Store Celebrates Value of Physical Media
Burbank store Be Kind Video celebrates DVDs, Blu-Rays and even VHS tapes. Offering both rentals and sales, the store serves as a center for film lovers with an appreciation for
outlooknewspapers.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:47 PM
via Tristan Longwell
Although he’s receiving relocation assistance in his search for a new place, Angel Felix said he’s been faced with higher rents, smaller unit sizes and a long commute to work with plans to move out of the city.
outlooknewspapers.com/glendalenews...
Tenants Say Goodbye to Glendale's Garden Homes Complex
Glendale Garden Homes tenants held a yard sale before their March 26 eviction, ending a 20-year fight against demolition. A new six-story, 149-unit affordable housing project is set to replace
outlooknewspapers.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:47 PM
via Andrew Turner with photos by James Carbone
“Unless you’ve done it as a kid, nobody walks by the wrestling room and goes, ‘Hey, that’s my sport,’" Sonora coach Dave Carrizosa said. "You got to be tricked into it."
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Huntington Beach girls’ wrestling comes up short to Sonora in CIF Division 4 final
The unseeded Oilers advanced to the final of the CIF Southern Section Division 4 dual meet championships, before falling to the host Raiders, 66-16, on Wednesday.
www.latimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:46 PM
FVFD officials say folding ambulance service into the fire department will create a foothold for entry-level employees to grow in the department. Talented volunteer firefighters come and gone because there weren’t any roles for them to advance into.
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Fountain Valley transitions to in-house ambulance service, adds 19 fire department jobs
Fountain Valley creates new, entry-level fire department positions as part of transition to in-house ambulance service. Hourly pay for the jobs will range from $18.50 to $22.49.
www.latimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Organizer Olivia Alva acknowledged that some students “just wanted to participate because they wanted to get out of school.” Yet even if that were the case, the walkout may have been the beginning of something they might not have initiated otherwise.
outlooknewspapers.com/southpasaden...
South Pasadena Students Come Out in Force to Protest ICE Actions
Hundreds of students in South Pasadena walked out of classrooms last week in one of numerous demonstrations held across the country to protest ongoing deployment of Immigration Customs and Enforcement
outlooknewspapers.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:03 PM
via Alejandra Molina, Laura Anaya-Morga, Hanna Kang and Marina Peña
For decades, student-led walkouts on the Eastside have served as a powerful tool for activism. Now, a new generation of students is carrying on the tradition.
thelalocal.org/immigration/...
LAUSD students walk out in protest of ICE raids
Students from Boyle Heights to Koreatown marched for immigrant rights and safe schools as similar national protests continue in reaction to federal enforcement action.
thelalocal.org
February 5, 2026 at 9:02 PM
via Outlook Valley Sun
Resident Ann Hasbun said that many of the students who participated are “living in a bubble of safety,” but that it was empowering to see them step out of their comfort zone, and “stick up for people that need our support.”
outlooknewspapers.com/lacanadaoutl...
ICE Protest Garners Over 400 La Cañada Flintridge Community Members, Students
La Cañada Flintridge students and community members gathered at Memorial Park on Jan. 30 to decry aggressive immigration enforcement across the country.
outlooknewspapers.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:01 PM
via Sara Cardine
“This action reflects a broader wave of youth activism highlighting how students across the country are responding to national events and advocating for change,” said Sage Hill senior Isaac Alegria, who organized the sit-in with Kian Khazei.
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Sage Hill students hold sit-in as part of 'National Shutdown' ICE protest
Students of the Newport Coast school Friday peacefully demonstrated to denounce recent immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.
www.latimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:01 PM
via Gabriel San Román
Vanderpool’s resignation comes amid an investigation into a Lake Havasu retreat he did not disclose and marks another controversial chapter in Anaheim where cozy relationships between officials and power brokers have been scrutinized.
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Anaheim city manager resigns amid state watchdog probe into Havasu retreat
Jim Vanderpool's resignation as city manager followed a closed session meeting where Anaheim City Council did not opt to fire him. The FPPC is currently investigating Vanderpool for a chamber-paid tri...
www.latimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Via Outlook Valley Sun
The event is free with admission and no registration is required. The program includes a lecture and a birding tour in the Gardens. No previous experience is required.
outlooknewspapers.com/lacanadaoutl...
Descanso Gardens to Host Great Backyard Bird Count Tour
Descanso Gardens will host the Great Backyard Bird Count from Feb. 13–16.
outlooknewspapers.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:30 PM
“The team that was here before June, they were holding things together,” Mayor Sheila Rossi said. “… We’re really talking about the past so that we can now move toward the future.”
outlooknewspapers.com/southpasaden...
South Pasadena Finances on Track Ahead of Midyear Budget Drafting
The South Pasadena City Council and Finance Commission applauded staff last week for untangling years’ worth of unreconciled accounting while putting systems in place to ensure accurate and transparen...
outlooknewspapers.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:29 PM
“I didn’t really think anybody would ever help like that,” Patricio Pineda said. “To me, I thought that was all people like, ‘Nah, they just want money for it or something.’”
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
After years of struggle, a surprise ride forward for Orange County family
The Pineda family, aided by nonprofits, overcomes a child's battle with leukemia and achieves financial stability. This week they also received a surprise gift: a 2021 Tesla SUV.
www.latimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:28 PM
via Cayla Mihalovich
“The president is not going to listen to me ... so what really is the point of that?” CA Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said. “I’m less interested in making statements... and instead trying to find a way forward."
calmatters.org/justice/2026...
California chief justice steps up monitoring of immigration arrests at courthouses
Seventeen California courts reported immigration enforcement activity since President Trump took office, a practice that the state's chief justice says "instills fear" in witnesses.
calmatters.org
February 2, 2026 at 7:28 PM
via Gabriel San Román
Cypress Councilmember David Burke championed lowering the city’s limit on individual contributions to council candidates from $5,900 to $500. Another change mandates that the names of the top five donors appear on campaign literature.
www.latimes.com/socal/daily-...
Cypress moves forward with campaign finance reform ahead of local elections
Cypress City Council gave initial support for a law that will cap individual contributions at $500 while requiring disclosure of top PAC donors on political campaign literature.
www.latimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:27 PM
via Kristen Hwang
The new rules would require acute psych hospitals to have at least 1 licensed nurse per 6 adult patients. Opponents say an aggressive timeline will inadvertently lead to the closure of dozens, if not hundreds, of psychiatric beds.
calmatters.org/health/2026/...
California regulators cracked down on psychiatric hospitals. Here’s why facilities say beds could close
Psychiatric hospitals could close beds under proposed state rules if regulators don’t allow implementation time, facilities warn.
calmatters.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:16 PM
via Angelina Hicks
"I would absolutely support rescinding the general plan amendment... it’s probably the most responsible way to respect the referendum process,” Councilwoman Sara Weber said. “I certainly don’t want to spend any money on an election."
voiceofoc.org/2026/01/newp...
Newport Beach Reverses Course on Contentious Surf Park Proposal
Newport Beach officials rescinded a previous approval for a wave pool project after enough residents signatures pressured the council to take another look.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:15 PM
via Noah Biesiada
“The City spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to put this on a special election ballot just to boost Tony Strickland’s State Senate campaign and Michael Gates’s efforts for an appointment,” Huntington Beach resident Mark Bixby wrote.
voiceofoc.org/2026/01/is-h...
Is Huntington Beach’s Voter ID Law Finished?
After the state Supreme Court declined to review the case, it’s unclear what options the city has left to implement voter ID.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Thank you for elaborating on your position, Barbara.
outlooknewspapers.com/opinion/lett...
Letter to the Editor: Clarifying Tree Ordinance Concerns
Since The Review has referenced my position on the newly-adopted tree ordinance, I would like to clarify my concerns.
outlooknewspapers.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:33 PM