L.A. Times - Orange County News

Islamic Center of Irvine dismisses popular leader with little explanation

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Board says only that Sadullah Khan was removed for inappropriate conduct. Before taking the Irvine post, Khan was dismissed by his mosque in Los Angeles.

Before the sermon Oct. 9 at the Islamic Center of Irvine, a member of the board got up and informed the congregation that the beloved and charismatic religious director, Sadullah Khan, had been dismissed, citing inappropriate conduct.

Jan Vandersloot dies at 64; leading Orange County environmental activist

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:33:00 -0800

He was a founder of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and a founder and board member of the Ocean Outfall Group, which pushed to clean up waste water pumped offshore in Huntington Beach.

Jan Vandersloot, a leading Orange County environmental activist whose causes included the preservation of the Bolsa Chica wetlands, has died. He was 64.

Ground to be broken on 91 Freeway widening project

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The $59.5-million plan to widen the eastbound side of the freeway for six miles is expected to ease the commute between Orange and Riverside counties.

One of Southern California's toughest commutes is about to get somewhat easier.

FBI clears former Assemblyman Duvall

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Mike Duvall, a Yorba Linda Republican, will not face federal charges after he made comments about having a sexual relationship with a woman believed to be a Sempra Energy lobbyist, officials said.

Former Assemblyman Michael Duvall of Yorba Linda will not face any federal charges after an FBI investigation into his comments, made over an open microphone, that he had a sexual relationship with a woman who was believed to be a Sempra Energy lobbyist, officials announced Monday.

Peet's to buy Diedrich Coffee

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The retailer will gain the Irvine-based roaster and distributor in a cash-and-stock deal worth about $213 million.

Irvine-based coffee roaster and distributor Diedrich Coffee Inc. has agreed to be acquired by Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc. for about $213 million in cash and stock.

O.C. shouldn't accept Irvine Co. land now, environmentalists say

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

The 20,000 acres of nature costs money to maintain -- money the county doesn't have, activists argue. The parks department disagrees, and the donation is moving forward.

The Irvine Co.'s plans to donate 20,000 acres of open space to the people of Orange County -- increasing parkland by more than half of its current size -- has encountered a seemingly unlikely opponent: environmentalists.

Two O.C. toll road operators to forgive fines

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

As part of a pending settlement, the agencies will forgo $40 million in penalties and pay $1.4 million to drivers who alleged in a lawsuit that they were fined excessively for unpaid tolls.

In a pending court settlement that could affect thousands of motorists, two Orange County toll road agencies have agreed to forgive more than $40 million in fines and pay $1.4 million to a group of drivers who alleged that they were charged excessive penalties for unpaid tolls.

Laguna Niguel couple's yard is used as testing ground

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The landscape architects experiment with plants, stone and decor before using similar techniques for their clients.

When they're at work, landscape designers Annemarie and Matthew Hall are the experts, dispensing advice on how to save water, choose appropriate plants and maximize every square inch. But when they're at home in Laguna Niguel, the Halls are pretty much like the rest of us -- that is, stuck with lousy soil, pestered by snails and always on the lookout for smarter, more affordable ways to maintain an attractive, functional garden.

Despite safeguards, peril of night flying is noted in midair collision

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Searchers scour a 644-square-mile area off the Southern California coast after a Coast Guard plane and Marine helicopter collide, apparently killing all nine crew members.

Electronic warning systems and a computerized "notice to all airmen" system exist to prevent midair collisions like the one Thursday night off San Clemente Island that apparently killed nine military members.

Sitrick, Brincko are sold to Resources Connection

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Irvine consulting firm Resources Connection is buying the high-profile Century City PR firm and the Riverside consulting shop that advises companies in bankruptcy.

An Irvine-based consulting firm is buying two Southland consulting shops, including high-profile Century City public relations firm Sitrick & Co., which has represented a raft of bankrupt corporations and image-challenged executives.