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News, notes and observations from LA Observed and selected media sources. Sometimes daily, often in the morning.
Five people have been killed and at least 10 wounded in an outbreak of gang-related shootings across South Los Angeles the last several days. One gang counselor said gang members are antagonizing each other on social media and spreading rumors. "The young people are excited and they're ready to go to war. We're talking and they're not listening." LAT
Gov. Jerry Brown and challenger Neel Kashkari held a televised (and radio-aired) debate last night. It was called "fiery" and "spirited." AP, Bee, KPCC, NYT, LAT, Rough & Tumble
Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff in the Orange County DA's office, put out a press release alleging "unethical and inaccurate reporting by the Voice of OC" and reporter Adam Elmahrek. This story might be what it's all about.
Scientology of the Valley's "royal governor" Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, "has provided what may be the creepiest Scientology advertisement of all time." It features L. Ron Hubbard as a baby Buddha. The Underground Bunker
The Napa quake produced more violent shaking and ground ruptures than expected in a 6.0 magnitude quake. LAT
Why El Niño is never a good drought bet. KQED
California blue whale populations have recovered to near pre-whaling levels, according to a new study. KPCC
Does the Crenshaw store of Buffalo Wild wings charge an 18% "black tax" during big sports events? The Liberator.com
When Hillel Aron defended LA's honor before the Encyclopedia Britannica. LA Weekly
Jon Christensen, who has a weekly column at LA Observed, has joined San Francisco-based Stamen Design as a partner and strategic adviser based in a new Los Angeles office. Announcement
The @latimes newsroom is scary-quiet right now. My kingdom for the clack-clack-clack of typewriters
— David Lazarus (@Davidlaz) September 4, 2014