Category: CNN Regional

KCBS

By Nicole Comstock

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — An Eaton Fire survivor said thieves stole $16,000 of equipment from his contractors while they rebuilt his Altadena home.

“He had some expensive equipment in there, and they stole their equipment,” Altadena resident Jim Osterling said. “They broke into another truck right there. That worker came out and saw them and chased them.”

Osterling’s home is only a half mile from where the Eaton Fire started. He said thieves have also targeted his neighbors’ construction sites.

“It’s deplorable and inexcusable,” he said. “These folks are coming up and seeing what they can steal.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station said they have not seen an uptick in crime. In December 2025, they received only two residential burglary reports, compared to 12 in December 2024. LASD has increased patrols in the area, with extra deputies checking on construction projects and residential properties.

Osterling hopes the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in LA County have not discouraged contractors from reporting burglaries. He urged his neighbors to remain vigilant and contractors to keep their equipment locked up.

“All of these contractors coming up, helping us rebuild, we need to alert them,” he said. “They need to be vigilant.”

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station believes that the $16,000-burglary may have been a random crime of opportunity.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Nicole Comstock

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — An Eaton Fire survivor said thieves stole $16,000 of equipment from his contractors while they rebuilt his Altadena home.

“He had some expensive equipment in there, and they stole their equipment,” Altadena resident Jim Osterling said. “They broke into another truck right there. That worker came out and saw them and chased them.”

Osterling’s home is only a half mile from where the Eaton Fire started. He said thieves have also targeted his neighbors’ construction sites.

“It’s deplorable and inexcusable,” he said. “These folks are coming up and seeing what they can steal.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena Station said they have not seen an uptick in crime. In December 2025, they received only two residential burglary reports, compared to 12 in December 2024. LASD has increased patrols in the area, with extra deputies checking on construction projects and residential properties.

Osterling hopes the ongoing immigration enforcement operations in LA County have not discouraged contractors from reporting burglaries. He urged his neighbors to remain vigilant and contractors to keep their equipment locked up.

“All of these contractors coming up, helping us rebuild, we need to alert them,” he said. “They need to be vigilant.”

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station believes that the $16,000-burglary may have been a random crime of opportunity.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KCBS

By Matthew Rodriguez

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A man with a machete terrorized laundromat customers in Pomona over a San Francisco 49ers jersey, according to the owner.

“He was kind of looking at my son, and he saw my son with his red 49ers jersey on,” owner Phil Hernandez said. “He made a comment to the effect of get that red shirt off.”

The Pomona Police Department said the incident occurred on Saturday at 9:14 a.m., the same day the 49ers played the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL playoffs.

Security cameras showed the suspect walking into the laundromat and going after the owner’s son, who was wearing a George Kittle Niners jersey.

“He kind of made it look like he was going after him,” Hernandez said. “My son took off, I think, appropriately.”

Hernandez said the suspect left the business after the encounter but came back. After calling the police, Hernandez tried to hold the door closed while the suspect continued to yell outside. Security cameras showed the suspect swinging the machete and breaking the glass front door.

Hernandez said the suspect also made a comment about his red hat.

No one was injured during the altercations. The suspect left the area before officers arrived. Pomona PD said they have not located the suspect.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Matthew Rodriguez

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A man with a machete terrorized laundromat customers in Pomona over a San Francisco 49ers jersey, according to the owner.

“He was kind of looking at my son, and he saw my son with his red 49ers jersey on,” owner Phil Hernandez said. “He made a comment to the effect of get that red shirt off.”

The Pomona Police Department said the incident occurred on Saturday at 9:14 a.m., the same day the 49ers played the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL playoffs.

Security cameras showed the suspect walking into the laundromat and going after the owner’s son, who was wearing a George Kittle Niners jersey.

“He kind of made it look like he was going after him,” Hernandez said. “My son took off, I think, appropriately.”

Hernandez said the suspect left the business after the encounter but came back. After calling the police, Hernandez tried to hold the door closed while the suspect continued to yell outside. Security cameras showed the suspect swinging the machete and breaking the glass front door.

Hernandez said the suspect also made a comment about his red hat.

No one was injured during the altercations. The suspect left the area before officers arrived. Pomona PD said they have not located the suspect.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Joy Benedict, Dean Fioresi

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A Corona family is outraged after learning that the hit-and-run driver who killed their son in 2020 is being released less than three years into her nine-year sentence.

Benjamin Montalvo was just 21 when he was struck from behind while riding a bike with friends in front of his old high school back in June 2020. His parents say the group was heading to meet his brother for a late dinner when it happened.

“She was texting,” said Kelli Montalvo, Benjamin’s mother. “Twenty-four texts were exchanged in the six minutes surrounding the crash.”

The driver, Neomi Renee Velado, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run for the crash. In 2023, she was sentenced to nine years in prison, but now, she’s due for release in February, just over two years into her sentence.

“Stabbed in the heart when it happened, and now a punch in the gut,” said Benjamin’s father, Eddie Montalvo. “When do they care for the victims?”

The Montalvo family received a letter from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation notifying them that Velado would be released next month, adding to what they say is nonstop pain for their son’s loss.

“I keep hoping there is a mistake, that they’ve done a miscalculation,” Kelli Montalvo said.

The family says that they’ve been told that even with her nine-year sentence, it was more likely that Velado would serve half of the time before she was released, assuming she stayed out of trouble.

“Nine years, four and a half, now two and a quarter. … What about us?” Eddie Montalvo asked. “Does anyone think about our family?”

They’ve reached out to CDCR to ask why she’s being released so early, but haven’t yet heard back. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it hasn’t been informed why yet either.

Though they believe in second chances, the Montalvo family says they haven’t seen any remorse from Velado since the tragedy occurred.

“This was her fourth hit-and-run,” Kellie Montalvo said.

While they know nothing will bring Benjamin back, they hope that his memory continues to live on and that VElado will somebody understand what was lost.

“The best thing that could happen, is her to attempt to reach out to us and show any kind of sadness, remorse and accept responsibility and then go on and change her life,” Kellie Montalvo said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KCBS

By Joy Benedict, Dean Fioresi

Click here for updates on this story

    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A Corona family is outraged after learning that the hit-and-run driver who killed their son in 2020 is being released less than three years into her nine-year sentence.

Benjamin Montalvo was just 21 when he was struck from behind while riding a bike with friends in front of his old high school back in June 2020. His parents say the group was heading to meet his brother for a late dinner when it happened.

“She was texting,” said Kelli Montalvo, Benjamin’s mother. “Twenty-four texts were exchanged in the six minutes surrounding the crash.”

The driver, Neomi Renee Velado, was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run for the crash. In 2023, she was sentenced to nine years in prison, but now, she’s due for release in February, just over two years into her sentence.

“Stabbed in the heart when it happened, and now a punch in the gut,” said Benjamin’s father, Eddie Montalvo. “When do they care for the victims?”

The Montalvo family received a letter from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation notifying them that Velado would be released next month, adding to what they say is nonstop pain for their son’s loss.

“I keep hoping there is a mistake, that they’ve done a miscalculation,” Kelli Montalvo said.

The family says that they’ve been told that even with her nine-year sentence, it was more likely that Velado would serve half of the time before she was released, assuming she stayed out of trouble.

“Nine years, four and a half, now two and a quarter. … What about us?” Eddie Montalvo asked. “Does anyone think about our family?”

They’ve reached out to CDCR to ask why she’s being released so early, but haven’t yet heard back. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it hasn’t been informed why yet either.

Though they believe in second chances, the Montalvo family says they haven’t seen any remorse from Velado since the tragedy occurred.

“This was her fourth hit-and-run,” Kellie Montalvo said.

While they know nothing will bring Benjamin back, they hope that his memory continues to live on and that VElado will somebody understand what was lost.

“The best thing that could happen, is her to attempt to reach out to us and show any kind of sadness, remorse and accept responsibility and then go on and change her life,” Kellie Montalvo said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Tori Mason

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — Hospitals across Colorado are urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as supplies drop during one of the most demanding times of the year.

At Denver Health, a Level 1 trauma center that also handles elective surgeries and major medical emergencies, doctors say blood is a resource they can’t function without.

“It’s extremely important that we have an adequate blood supply,” said Dr. Bailee Olliff, Trauma Medical Director at Denver Health.

Denver Health’s blood bank administers about 500 units of red blood cells every month, along with about 100 units of fresh frozen plasma, which contains clotting factors.

To help put that into perspective, Olliff explained that each unit is about 250 milliliters, meaning it takes about four units to make one liter of blood.

A typical blood donation is also about one unit.

“In your body right now, you have about five liters of blood circulating most of the time,” she said. “When people donate, they’re giving about a unit of blood.”

The need for blood goes far beyond one type of patient.

Trauma patients may require transfusions after everything from car crashes and falls to penetrating injuries, and Denver Health also treats many patients dealing with medical emergencies like gastrointestinal bleeds or those undergoing heart procedures.

“We get a lot of transfers,” she said. “And especially right now for ski season, blunt traumas, falls, car accidents, really anything where you have experienced an injury, you could be at risk for losing blood.”

While Denver Health can work with community partners to bring in additional blood if needed, shortages are still a concern.

She said hospitals have to be judicious and ensure patients are receiving the right products at the right time.

“We’re going to do the right thing for the patient every time,” she said. “We’re going to make sure that we find the resources to take care of our patients here.”

Type O blood is among the most important donations because it can be used quickly in emergencies.

“The most common product transfused here is O blood – either O positive or O negative,” she said. “So if you are an O blood type, it’s actually very important that you donate.”

In severe trauma cases, patients may not be able to tell doctors their blood type or there may not be time to wait.

“We check your blood type right away when you come in for a trauma,” she said. “But O is what we can give to everyone … just as an emergency, until we know your blood type.”

Blood products do have a shelf life, though Denver Health moves through supplies quickly.

She added that Denver Health is able to extend usability by separating whole blood into components when it gets closer to expiration.

“We’re very fortunate to have whole blood here,” she said. “When we see that that is getting close to expiration, we actually spin that down into the different products.”

Most people can sign up to donate, but donors are screened to ensure it’s safe.

“They’re going to ask you a very extensive list of screening questions,” she said. “And then they’re also going to check to make sure that you’re not anemic.”

Some donation organizations also provide extra health information, including blood type and cholesterol screening.

The American Red Cross says the shortage is being driven by a significant drop in donors and disruptions across the country.

“We’re seeing about a 35% decrease in our inventory,” said Andrea Miller, Regional CEO for Colorado and Wyoming.

Miller said winter weather and illness have contributed to the decline.

“We’ve had a lot of storms across the country that have caused over 400 blood drives to be canceled,” she said. “The flu season has really hit them hard, so we’re seeing a lower amount of donors turnout.”

The Red Cross is urging people to make an appointment as soon as possible.

“The easiest way to get ready to donate blood is to go to RedCrossBlood.org and schedule your donation, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS,” Miller said.

For people looking to donate locally, Denver Health will host its own blood drive later this month.

“On Feb. 19, you can actually register through the Red Cross to come to Denver Health and donate and help our community directly,” she said.

Doctors and donation leaders say even one donation can make a difference, especially when it comes to trauma patients who may need blood without warning.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

KCNC

By Tori Mason

Click here for updates on this story

    COLORADO (KCNC) — Hospitals across Colorado are urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as supplies drop during one of the most demanding times of the year.

At Denver Health, a Level 1 trauma center that also handles elective surgeries and major medical emergencies, doctors say blood is a resource they can’t function without.

“It’s extremely important that we have an adequate blood supply,” said Dr. Bailee Olliff, Trauma Medical Director at Denver Health.

Denver Health’s blood bank administers about 500 units of red blood cells every month, along with about 100 units of fresh frozen plasma, which contains clotting factors.

To help put that into perspective, Olliff explained that each unit is about 250 milliliters, meaning it takes about four units to make one liter of blood.

A typical blood donation is also about one unit.

“In your body right now, you have about five liters of blood circulating most of the time,” she said. “When people donate, they’re giving about a unit of blood.”

The need for blood goes far beyond one type of patient.

Trauma patients may require transfusions after everything from car crashes and falls to penetrating injuries, and Denver Health also treats many patients dealing with medical emergencies like gastrointestinal bleeds or those undergoing heart procedures.

“We get a lot of transfers,” she said. “And especially right now for ski season, blunt traumas, falls, car accidents, really anything where you have experienced an injury, you could be at risk for losing blood.”

While Denver Health can work with community partners to bring in additional blood if needed, shortages are still a concern.

She said hospitals have to be judicious and ensure patients are receiving the right products at the right time.

“We’re going to do the right thing for the patient every time,” she said. “We’re going to make sure that we find the resources to take care of our patients here.”

Type O blood is among the most important donations because it can be used quickly in emergencies.

“The most common product transfused here is O blood – either O positive or O negative,” she said. “So if you are an O blood type, it’s actually very important that you donate.”

In severe trauma cases, patients may not be able to tell doctors their blood type or there may not be time to wait.

“We check your blood type right away when you come in for a trauma,” she said. “But O is what we can give to everyone … just as an emergency, until we know your blood type.”

Blood products do have a shelf life, though Denver Health moves through supplies quickly.

She added that Denver Health is able to extend usability by separating whole blood into components when it gets closer to expiration.

“We’re very fortunate to have whole blood here,” she said. “When we see that that is getting close to expiration, we actually spin that down into the different products.”

Most people can sign up to donate, but donors are screened to ensure it’s safe.

“They’re going to ask you a very extensive list of screening questions,” she said. “And then they’re also going to check to make sure that you’re not anemic.”

Some donation organizations also provide extra health information, including blood type and cholesterol screening.

The American Red Cross says the shortage is being driven by a significant drop in donors and disruptions across the country.

“We’re seeing about a 35% decrease in our inventory,” said Andrea Miller, Regional CEO for Colorado and Wyoming.

Miller said winter weather and illness have contributed to the decline.

“We’ve had a lot of storms across the country that have caused over 400 blood drives to be canceled,” she said. “The flu season has really hit them hard, so we’re seeing a lower amount of donors turnout.”

The Red Cross is urging people to make an appointment as soon as possible.

“The easiest way to get ready to donate blood is to go to RedCrossBlood.org and schedule your donation, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS,” Miller said.

For people looking to donate locally, Denver Health will host its own blood drive later this month.

“On Feb. 19, you can actually register through the Red Cross to come to Denver Health and donate and help our community directly,” she said.

Doctors and donation leaders say even one donation can make a difference, especially when it comes to trauma patients who may need blood without warning.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.