Deshmukh took over last month as general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a sprawling, aging system that pipes water hundreds of miles to 19 million people in Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Diego.

Roughly 20 percent of Met’s water comes from the dwindling Colorado River, over which negotiators from seven Western states are haggling in a race to strike a new deal before water-sharing rules expire at the end of the year.

Another third of the supply comes from Northern California, where boom-and-bust weather has intensified long-simmering fights over sending water south and Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking to cement pet water projects like the Delta Conveyance Project and Sites Reservoir before he is termed out at the end of the year. The rest comes from local rainfall, groundwater or recycled water.

Deshmukh must figure out how to keep this delicate water puzzle together, all while dealing with the politics of a 38-member board and regional power struggles both inside and outside of California. He spoke with about the balance between affordability and reliability and his early priorities in the wake of leadership tumult at the agency.

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Ayan Papoli, 58, was found dead at the bottom of a 75-foot embankment in Crestline, a San Bernardino Mountains community, on Nov. 18, 2025.  

Initially, investigators were unable to identify Papoli and believed her death was the result of an accident. They released a composite sketch of her in hopes someone would come forward and identify her.  

Four days after her body was discovered, she was reported missing from her Newport Beach home and was officially identified by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office on Dec 1.  

“Initially, they determined her injuries to be consistent with a fall,” Jenny Smith, a spokesperson with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson. “But after our coroner’s office reviewed her circumstances further, they decided that it was a homicide.”  

Gordon Abas Goodarzi, 66, Papoli’s husband, was arrested in connection with her death on Jan. 23 at his home in the affluent L.A. County city of Rolling Hills. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office charged with him murder two days later.  

So far, investigators have not said what led them to the 66-year-old, but in an amended criminal complaint, the DA added special circumstances of “lying in wait” and “murder for financial gain.”  

Iranian born, Papoli emigrated to the states with her family when she was 18 and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles Times reported. She later met Goodarzi and the couple founded a clean-energy company called U.S. Hybrid. 

The couple’s two adult sons created a website in their mother’s memory, writing that they are devastated by her death. They described her as a woman with a passion for creative expression who “spread light, love and joy wherever she went.”  

The site makes no mention of their father’s arrest in the case and KTLA’s attempts to reach them for this story were unsuccessful.  

As for Goodarzi, he’s being held without bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino County.  

In a statement to KTLA, his attorney, Scott Simmons, said, “My client looks forward to his day in court where the facts and evidence will clearly establish his innocence.” 

This is the second high-profile murder case against an affluent husband in a matter of months.  

Southern California farming magnate Michael Abatti, 63, was arrested in connection with his wife’s alleged murder on Dec. 23.  

The estranged couple were reportedly entangled in a bitter divorce when Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the couple’s Arizona vacation home on Nov. 20.  

She succumbed to her injuries while being rushed to the hospital.  

The post Details emerge in death of Southern California tech CEO’s estranged wife appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

For communities in Southern California, the chief consequence of the Biden-Harris border crisis is the explosion of fentanyl. The fentanyl crisis is ripping families apart, killing over 200 Americans per day and serving as the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.

And like many other problems we face, our leading adversary Communist China is the main culprit. As laid out in a recent report, the Chinese Communist Party is responsible for manufacturing, shipping, and profiting off of fentanyl. Our adversary takes advantage of an open southern border to funnel fentanyl into the U.S.

The CCP and Mexican drug cartels profit as Southern California families suffer.

The worsening fentanyl crisis calls for action. I’m proud to have recently been appointed to a newly formed committee in Congress committed to finding solutions to stopping the flow of fentanyl.

The Fentanyl Working Group, a product of the Select Committee on Communist China, is committed to pursuing new enforcement measures to restrict trafficking while strengthening or imposing sanctions on foreign entities involved in the fentanyl trade. While the potential solutions are multi-faceted, the most immediate action to be taken is clear. Secure the border.

Our region sees this issue firsthand. I frequently listen to horror stories from our law enforcement officials regarding the flow of deadly drugs into our communities and households.

The volume of narcotics coming across our border has dramatically increased over the past four years. According to congressional testimony from Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, seizures of fentanyl powder increased 676% from the time President Biden took office through 2023. Seizures of fentanyl pills have increased nearly 4,00%.

The materials used to produce fentanyl – known as precursors – are manufactured in China, smuggled across our border, and introduced to our communities via drug cartels. Even more scary, these precursor chemicals often enter the U.S. via our ports in Los Angeles, then are driven down to Mexico and returned to our streets as fully potent narcotics.

Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris Administration does not take the fentanyl crisis seriously – even as family after family suffers the loss of loved ones. If it was on their radar, they would have already shut down the border and with it, points of entry for drug smuggling. Their own policies upon taking office repealed proven, effective solutions for reducing illegal immigration.

Worldwide, bad actors are taking note of America’s porous Southern border. These are the consequences of policies that fail to discourage illegal immigration, at the expense of those seeking to come to the U.S. legally.

Make no mistake, both the President and Vice President own this crisis. Since President Biden put VP Harris in charge of the border early in his term, illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking have surged.

As an immigrant myself who now represents many first-generation Americans in Congress, I will continue to push the Biden-Harris administration to encourage legal immigration while cracking down on illegal border crossings.

Many of my constituents and I came here legally, worked hard, and fought for the American dream. But illegal immigration disrespects the rule of law as well as those seeking to come here the right way. And as we continue to learn, an unsecure border ensures the spread of harmful substances like fentanyl throughout our communities.

Enough is enough. It’s time to secure the border, protect Southern California families, and hold those preying on our communities accountable.

Michelle Steel represents California’s 45th congressional district and serves on the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the CCP.

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And Californians are looking for answers.

Why costs are rising

There are several factors that influence electricity prices across the United States, including the cost to build, finance, maintain and operate power plants and the electric grid, as well as weather conditions and state regulations, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration .

In California, the driving force behind rate hikes is utilities recovering the cost of wildfire mitigation, transmission and distribution upgrades and rooftop solar incentives, according to a recent quarterly report by the California Public Utilities Commission’s Public Advocates Office.

Over the last 10 years, rates at California’s three big utility companies have risen as much as 110%, according to the report.

Layered on top of those climbing rates is an increase in energy use by customers amid excessive heat. And that’s the primary reason behind larger bills, said Gabriela Ornelas, spokesperson for Southern California Edison.

“The greatest impact we see on monthly bills is overall energy use,” Ornelas said.

Consumers have been moved to stay cool. Data from the National Centers for Environmental Information confirmed that last month was California’s hottest , with an average temperature of 81.7 degrees, surpassing the prior record from July 2021 by almost two degrees.

Amid the heat, the quarterly report stated the average monthly bill in July rose to $185 for Southern California Edison customers in the Greater Los Angeles area from $177.50 the month before .

Meanwhile, San Diego Gas & Electric had an average bill of $123, while Pacific Gas & Electric’s customers paid an average of $205. PG&E’s bill actually dropped from an average of $226.05 the previous month; reasons included recovery costs ending for certain past wildfires, according to Mary Flannelly, policy and communications advisor for the California Public Utilities Commission’s independent Public Advocates Office. She said that dip is likely a blip, though. “Future [rate] adjustments and rising costs” may drive rates back up, she said.

Some consumers have speculated that the larger electric bills are the result of a new rate plan that charges consumers based on when they use energy at home. Ornelas said that’s not necessarily true.

What is the time-of-use rate plan

Traditionally, customers paid for electricity based on their total consumption of energy every month. This is typically called a tiered rate plan.

By now, most California consumers, unless they opted out, have been transitioned to a time-of-use plan.

Implemented from 2020 to 2021, the plan offered by Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric was meant to align rates with the costs of producing electricity and reduce overall energy costs.

Consumers on time-of-use plans are charged based on when they use energy during the day, with seasonal changes. Each service provider has a similar baseline plan: During the summer months (June through September), the peak usage hours are from 4 to 9 p.m. During this high-demand time period, there is a higher cost for using electricity.

The rates are meant to encourage customers to shift their energy usage from periods when there is typically more demand on the electric grid and electricity is more expensive to produce, Ornelas said.

“We know 4 to 9 p.m. is usually when folks are returning from school, returning from work,” she said, “and we [understand] that some people need to use energy when they need it.” But they will pay a premium.

All three utility providers offer versions of the time-of-use plan. For example, one plan has peak hours from 5 to 8 p.m.; another is geared toward electric or hybrid car owners, who are encouraged to plug in during super-off-peak hours from midnight to 6 a.m.

To better understand which plan will best fit your energy use needs and your budget, visit your service provider’s website and use their plan comparison tool.

• Edison has an online comparison tool that offers plan estimates based on your past usage.
• San Diego has an online questionnaire that can help you compare rate plans.
• PG&E customers can compare electric rate plans by logging into their account .

How to cut your costs

Switching up your energy use habits can cut the cost of your bill, but you might need some reminding. You can sign up for Flex Alert notifications via text or email to help nudge you in the right direction.

Flex Alerts are typically issued a day ahead to help consumers plan out how to reduce their energy use during the summer peak hours. During those hours, if you can, avoid using larger electric appliances. Instead, use them in the morning or early afternoon.

The alerts also may be issued when there are unplanned power plant outages, when fires threaten or affect transmission lines or in the event of humid, hot weather and heat storms.

Reminder or not, there are a number of ways that you can reduce your energy use.

1. Be smart about how you use your air conditioner. If you can’t avoid using it, let it run until your home is cooled down and then open the windows, but keep the window coverings in place to maintain the cool air.
2. Or pre-cool your home in the morning. Adjust the thermostat to the low 70s then flip the A/C off so by the time the afternoon rolls around, and the heat starts to kick in, your home will remain somewhat cool, Ornelas said.
3. Avoid using appliances that can heat up the house, such as the oven or stove top. Instead, enjoy the evening temperatures and grill your food outside.
4. If you have the space, give your dryer a break and hang-dry your clothes.
5. Get in the habit of charging your devices including laptops, phones and tablets before 3 p.m. or after 9 p.m. — avoid doing so during peak hours.
6. When you’re not using an electronic device, unplug it. Or if they’re connected to a power strip, turn the strip off.
7. If there are multiple TVs in your household, trying wrangling the family together for a movie night on one screen — or use one laptop. Better yet, scrap the screens altogether and dust off a board game, SoCal Edison suggests .

How to get assistance with monthly bills

Each utility provider has its own financial assistance programs and payment plan options for consumers.

SoCal Edison, PG&E and SDG&E all offer qualifying individuals or households 20% or more off their electricity bills. Eligibility is based on income and whether you or someone in the household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. More information on Edison’s eligibility requirements are online . PG&E’s requirements can be found on its website, and SDG&E lists its information on its website as well .

The utilities also offer the Family Electric Rate Assistance program, which helps households of three or more with an 18% discount on their electric bills. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on each utility’s website.

These are just two programs; each utility offers discounted rate plans based on income and household size, payment plans and one-time bill assistance for eligible energy consumers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta City Council Tuesday will consider an ordinance identical to one passed nearly a year ago by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors intended to crack down on catalytic converter thieves by establishing specific regulations and penalties lacking under state law.

“The theft of catalytic converters has been an increasing problem throughout Southern California in recent years, with the city of Murrieta experiencing at least six thefts per month,” according to a statement posted to the council agenda for Tuesday. “The purpose and intent of this ordinance is to curb the theft of converters throughout the city.”

Council members are slated to conduct an initial hearing on the proposal, Ordinance No. 606-24, and if approved, it would return for a second reading and final approval next month.

The measure is identical to one approved by the county Board of Supervisors for application throughout unincorporated communities in September 2023.

The principal proponents of the county ordinance, Supervisors Kevin Jeffries and Yxstian Gutierrez, noted that catalytic converter theft was among “the fastest growing crimes in the country.”

There were nearly 400 converter thefts countywide in 2023, roughly double the number in 2022, according to public safety officials.

Catalytic converters are used to filter emissions to cut down on the volume of pollutants discharged by cars and trucks. They’re located within a vehicle’s exhaust system and average about $1,200 apiece. Components include metals like palladium, platinum and rhodium, which command per-ounce prices ranging from $1,000 to $14,000. Thieves take the converters to scrap metal dealers and sell them.

The Murrieta ordinance would make it a misdemeanor offense to unlawfully possess a catalytic converter detached from a vehicle. A person caught with one would have to provide “verifiable valid proof of ownership,” or risk facing criminal charges.

Bills of sale, auto body shop documents indicating that the converter was removed by owner consent, email messages between the possessor and previous owner showing there was an agreement to relinquish the device, pictures of the vehicle from which the converter was removed and other evidence would be required to establish appropriate possession under the ordinance.

Without that paper trail, a person caught with a converter may be charged, slapped with fines between $1,000 and $5,000, as well as possibly do time in county jail.

Similar measures are in effect in San Bernardino County and municipalities in the region, including Eastvale and Upland.

Local law enforcement officials have supported specific regulatory action aimed at converter thefts because of what they’ve described as an absence of clear state provisions that address the activity.

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The largest was reported late Thursday night near Aguanga, just east of Temecula. The magnitude 3.1 quake was reported at 11:45 p.m.

Then at 8:18 a.m. Friday, a magnitude 2.5 temblor was reported about 65 miles to the north near the San Bernardino County city of Loma Linda.

The larger jolt was felt across Southern California, according to reporting into the USGS.

The quakes follow two that struck the Lake Elsinore area Thursday morning. The first temblor was reported at 9:39 a.m. about 3.7 miles west of Lake Elsinore, according to the USGS. It was initially reported by the agency as a magnitude 4.0, then 3.9 before being confirmed as 3.6.

A magnitude 3.0 quake followed in the same area one minute later.

Both temblors were felt across Southern California, according to the USGS.

The two quakes occurred near the Elsinore Fault Zone, though it’s unclear what caused the activity. The fault is part of the trilateral split of the San Andreas fault system and is one of the largest in Southern California.

On Tuesday and Wednesday quakes rattled the desert area, with the largest registering a magnitude 3.4.

The Inland Empire quakes follow a magnitude 4.4 temblor that hit at 12:20 p.m. Monday near Highland Park in Los Angeles.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage from any of the earthquakes.

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The man, Ricardo I. Flores, also known as Koyote the Blind, faces eight felony charges, including rape by force and aggravated sexual assault, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The authorities said the acts occurred from 2012 to 2023. If convicted, Mr. Flores could face up to life in prison.

Mr. Flores, 59, who is being held in jail without bail, was arrested on Aug. 7 as he re-entered the country after a visit to Mexico, according to the Riverside County Sheriff. In a news release, the sheriff’s office said that some of the alleged crimes took place at an address that matched the location of Xicoco Shamanic Arts, an organization led by Mr. Flores in the city of Moreno Valley, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.

The authorities said they believed there could be more victims and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

Mr. Flores was arraigned on Aug. 9 in Riverside Superior Court. His next scheduled court appearance, on Aug. 23, will be a continuation of the arraignment, according to a statement from Riverside Superior Court.

A spokesman for the Riverside District Attorney’s Office said in an emailed statement that it did not comment on cases still under investigation or awaiting trial. The Riverside County Public Defenders Office, which is representing Mr. Flores, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Mr. Flores describes himself in online profiles as an exiled shaman — a person who claims to have access to spirits — originally from El Salvador. He also says he is an accomplished magician and yogi.

As Koyote the Blind, Mr. Flores has led a number of organizations and has written books and offered teachings revolving around esoteric spiritual ideas, according to his online biographies. Central to his teachings is a “healing system” and “ancient healing energy” called “Aka Dua.”

In various venues, Mr. Flores has also referred to teachings related to sex. On podcasts and blogs, he discusses his mastery of “Sexual Alchemy” and “Sex Magick.”

A bearded man who often appears in photos and videos in a bowler hat and colored beads, Mr. Flores has mainly resided in recent years on the grounds of Xicoco Shamanic Arts, a registered charitable organization.

In addition to appearing in YouTube videos and on podcasts, Mr. Flores has in recent years offered workshops and retreats at Xicoco that can cost participants thousands of dollars. According to social media posts, the activities sometimes involve dances around a large tent.

Xicoco’s website says it “hosts Sweat Lodges, Vision Quests, and a Medicine Wheel.”

Mr. Flores has promoted esoteric ideas for decades. His talks and books draw on a number of different thinkers and spiritual traditions, including magicians and mystics like Aleister Crowley and Carlos Castaneda. He also often invokes Indigenous groups like the Toltecs, a civilization that lived centuries ago in what is now Mexico.

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The average home price in the six-county region now stands at $876,280, up 0.4% from May, according to data from Zillow.

Prices rose in all counties, including Los Angeles County, where the typical home costs $892,304.

In Orange County, the average is $1.16 million.

The increases represent another hit for prospective home buyers struggling to afford a home in an expensive region at a time when interest rates are the highest they’ve been in more than 20 years.

Only 14% of L.A. County households could reasonably afford a median-priced house in the fourth quarter, according to the California Assn. of Realtors. In the Inland Empire, the situation is better, but still fewer than 30% of households in Riverside and San Bernadino counties can afford a median-priced single-family house.

While affordability is the worst it has been since the 2000s housing bubble, some relief could be on the way.

Economists say home values are rising because of a shortage of homes for sale, though that is easing somewhat.

In June, the number of homes for sale in L.A. County rose 22% from a year earlier, the third consecutive month supply has risen. Other counties saw similar increases.

When mortgage interests rates surged in 2022, home prices fell as buyers pulled away and inventory swelled. But prices started rising again last year as homeowners increasingly chose not to sell, unwilling to give up rock-bottom mortgage rates on loans taken out before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, economists and real estate agents say homeowners increasingly believe rates in the 6% to 7% range are here to stay and are deciding a new home is more important than keeping a 3% mortgage.

In theory, if the supply of homes for sale increases enough, home prices would fall. But many economists cite several reasons they believe that won’t happen.

California has long built too few homes relative to demand, the economy is growing and many homeowners will still choose to hold on to their ultra-low-rate mortgages.

A more likely scenario, according to experts, is home values will rise less than they have been, providing an opportunity for incomes to catch up.

That might already be happening.

June’s nearly 8% annual price increase is less than the 9% gains posted in recent months and the lowest since January.

Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, said it’s too early to tell if home price growth is really starting to slow, or if the deceleration Zillow shows is noise in the data.

That said, he does expect a slowdown to come.

“Prices can’t go up 8% a year forever,” Green said.

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