2008 quotes: Top of the news

Firefighters at Metrolink crash

"This is a human tragedy that is beyond words. A horrific night this evening."
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at Metrolink crash scene in Chatsworth

"Officer Randal Simmons was a good friend, loyal partner and an exemplary officer."
Tim Sands, president (then) of the Los Angeles Police Protective League

"Today is a very difficult day."
Sheriff Lee Baca, reporting the shooting death of Deputy Juan Escalante

"That is a real possibility with the wind conditions."
County fire chief P. Michael Freeman on threat of wildfire racing from Chatsworth to Malibu

"If I hurt someone, it was never my intention. I apologize."
Mirthala Salinas in Los Angeles Magazine

"So far none of the MOCA trustees who put the museum in dire straits have resigned. Is there no responsibility ethic?" — Arts blogger Tyler Green

"Mr. Christensen's use of Anthony Pellicano to illegally wiretap his adversary in order to gain a strategic advantage in litigation was a stain on the entire legal community."
Federal prosecutors after conviction of lawyer Terry Christensen

"May I finish?"
Anthony Pellicano to federal judge

"The strike is over."
Writers Guild of America West president Patric Verrone

"The fire destroyed nearly 100% of the archive prints kept here on the lot."
Universal, announcing it will be unable to honor film bookings

"'I just finished sewing up a dead boy."
Long Beach ER surgeon Mauricio Heilbron Jr. in Op-Ed piece

"Let me be very clear about one thing: We have a serious interracial violence problem in this county involving blacks and Latinos."
Sheriff Lee Baca in Op-Ed piece

"I don’t care about illegal people who are working here and taking care of themselves. I just feel I am obligated to target illegal aliens in gangs.”
Jamiel Shaw Sr. after his son is murdered

"Anyone truly committed to mitigating the violence between the Bloods in Jamiel’s neighborhood and 18th Street should try to organize a truce between the two neighborhoods."
Gangs blogger Alex Alonso

"This isn't over and we know it."
Monrovia official discussing racial violence in the city

"She showed no compassion. She told my sister as she slit her throat that she didn't (care) for her or her unborn baby."
Debra Tate opposing parole for dying Manson family follower Susan Atkins

"The third time around, I've become a bit slack about the whole routine."
Times reporter David Zahniser on his 1989 Camry being stolen again

"if he don’t start nothing’, there won’t be nothin."
Wave columnist Betty Pleasant anticipating meeting with LAPD Chief William Bratton

Flickr photo by fourbyfourblazer

All 2008 in review posts at LA Observed


More by Kevin Roderick:
Ralph Lawler of the Clippers and the age of Aquarius
Riding the Expo Line to USC 'just magical'
Last bastion of free parking? Loyola Marymount to charge students
Matt Kemp, Dodgers and Kings start big weekend the right way
LA Times writers revisit their '92 riots observations
Recent 2008 in review stories on LA Observed:
2008 quotes: Top of the news
2008 quotes: Only in L.A.
2008 quotes: Politics
2008 quotes: Media
2008 quotes: Transitions

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