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Why it’s harder than ever for Colorado mountain towns to bid construction projects

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

For government entities — including local towns and state agencies like the Colorado Department of Transportation — most of its capital projects go through a bidding process to hire contractors.However, the recent pinch for construction companies — a combination of high demand, rising and unpredictable construction costs and labor challenges — has made it more difficult for Eagle County municipalities to either receive bids within budget or find contractors at all. “Over the past 25 years in the Vail area, it often seems that we have short periods of sharp increases in construction costs followed by periods of modest increases,” said Tom Kassmel, Vail’s town engineer. “However, the last few years have been unique with steep cost increases coupled with limited contractor availability.” For several projects, the town of Avon has received no bids at all. Eva Wilson, the town’s public works director, said this included a project to repair town trails and an HVAC improvement...

Man, woman found dead inside car in Rancho Palos Verdes

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the fatal shooting of two people in Rancho Palos Verdes early Monday morningAccording to an LASD bulletin, the incident was reported around 6:50 a.m. in the 7000 block of Palos Verdes Drive. The victims, a man and a woman, were found dead inside a blue Subaru in a parking lot overlooking the Pacific Ocean, according to Sky5 reporter Rich Prickett.Two people were found dead inside a bullet-riddled Subaru in Rancho Palos Verdes. Monday, July 24, 2023. (KTLA)The vehicle was riddled with bullets.It was not immediately known if authorities were looking for any suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. 

ESPN soccer analyst recovering after fainting on live TV at Rose Bowl 

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

A soccer analyst for ESPN fainted on-air while covering a match at the Rose Bowl. Shaka Hislop was giving pre-match commentary on the field before the Real Madrid-AC Milan Soccer Champions Tour friendly on Sunday evening with ESPN’s Dan Thomas when he suddenly began to sway back and forth before losing his balance completely and passing out. Hislop, who played goalkeeper for several teams in England and the United States from 1992-2007, fell face-first and took Thomas down with him, video shows. “We’re going to need some help,” Thomas said as he got back to his feet. ESPN went to commercial break shortly after Hislop passed out.   Did this woman fake winning the $1 billion Powerball jackpot? Thomas appeared live during halftime of the match to update viewers of Hislop’s condition, saying that he was both “conscious and talking” and that he “apologized profusely.” It is not clear if the weather was a factor; temperatures in Pasadena were in the mid-80s when he fell u...

Suspects in Molotov cocktail attack on Costa Mesa Planned Parenthood facility due in court

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

Two of three men charged in the firebombing of a Planned Parenthood clinic last year in Costa Mesa are due to be arraigned in court Monday.Chance Brannon, 23, of San Juan Capistrano, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, and Tibet Ergul, 21, of Irvine were arrested following the March 13, 2022 incident. An image of a Molotov cocktail was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.A third suspect, identified as 21-year-old Xavier Batten of Brooksville, Florida, was arrested Friday in connection with the firebombing, the U.S. Department of Justice announced. All three are suspected of being involved in the throwing of an ignited Molotov cocktail at the clinic. The incendiary weapon started a fire in the doorway causing the Planned Parenthood Costa Mesa healthcare clinic to close the following morning and cancel about 30 appointments. Street racers take over shopping center parking lot in Diamond Bar “The violent and reckless attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic allege...

Suspect Hospitalized after Stolen Vehicle Pursuit on Interstate 80 [Berkeley, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

Man Hit after Fleeing from Stolen Vehicle Near Powell Street ExitBERKELEY, CA (July 24, 2023) – Wednesday night, a person was struck by a car following a stolen vehicle pursuit on Interstate 80.Initially, a deputy sheriff spotted the stolen vehicle around 7:48 p.m. in the city of San Pablo. However, the vehicle with two occupants immediately fled before the deputy performed a traffic stop.After a short while, the deputy caught up with the suspect but terminated the pursuit after the suspect started driving recklessly.The pursuit continued when another deputy spotted the stolen vehicle along westbound Interstate 80.According to the report, the suspect’s vehicle encountered mechanical problems causing it to stop near the Powell Street exit.Subsequently, the driver and the passenger fled the scene on foot by running across the eastbound lanes of I-80. Police said the driver of the stolen vehicle was struck by a passing civilian vehicle.Authorities provided first-aid to the suspec...

1 Killed in Three-Vehicle Rollover Crash on Loop 202 [Chandler, AZ]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

One Pronounced Dead after 3-Car Rollover Accident near Price RoadCHANDLER, AZ (July 24, 2023) – Early Saturday morning, one victim was killed in a three-vehicle rollover crash on Loop 202.Police responded to the scene around 6:00 a.m., near Price Road after receiving multiple dispatch calls.According to reports, three vehicles collided in the area. However, the events leading up still remain unclear.In addition, investigators say one of the vehicles was located on its roof with extensive damage. Due to the extent of injuries sustained, medics pronounced one victim dead at the scene.Emergency crews diverted traffic to Loop 101 during cleanup and preliminary duties.At this time, authorities have not yet identified the deceased victim, and an active investigation into the fatal rollover crash on Loop 101 is still currently underway.The team at Sweet James offers their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim. May you find comfort and strength through...

Five Injured in Rollover Crash on Interstate 80 [Reno, NV]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

Two-Car Crash near Keystone Avenue Left Five InjuredRENO, NV (July 24, 2023) – Friday evening, a rollover crash on Interstate 80 near Keystone Avenue left five people injured.The incident happened on July 19th, at around 7:00 p.m., between Keystone Avenue and Virginia Street.According to reports, one of the involved vehicles was entering the freeway when it struck another one. As a result of the collision, one of the vehicles rolled over.Emergency crews arrived at the scene shortly after. After initial assessments, paramedics transported five people to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.Following the officials blocked off the lanes surrounding the crash. Then, crews performed cleanup and preliminary duties.At this time, no further details regarding the rollover crash on Interstate 80 are available. Authorities will update the public once they have more information.Make our roads safer by abiding by all traffic laws and following the conditions of t...

One Dies in Fiery Motorcycle Collision on Loop 101 [Tempe, AZ]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

Rider Pronounced Dead after Motorcycle Accident near University DriveTEMPE, AZ (July 24, 2023) – Saturday night, one rider was fatally struck in a fiery motorcycle collision on Loop 101.The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m., on the northbound lanes of the freeway near University Drive.Per reports, the motorcyclist approached stopped traffic and was unable to stop in time. As a result, the rider struck the back of a stopped vehicle and immediately caught fire.Investigators say the rider was not wearing a helmet and died at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released their name or place of residency.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. Once available, further details will be provided about the fatal motorcycle collision on Loop 101.The team at Sweet James would like to take this opportunity to extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim. May you find comfort and s...

Hollywood Stars Shine at the Redwood

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

Hollywood Stars Shine at the Redwood: One of the great, underrated sub-categories of rock & roll is the guy who tried being in a band in his youth, gave up to have a normal life, and then returned to music in in his retirement. A great example of this modern phenomenon is the Stooges’ James Williamson. What better way to spend your later years than to have some fun with old friends, with some disposable income in your pocket?That brings us neatly to the Hollywood Stars. Four decades ago, they were managed by Kim Fowley and looked to be on the brink of some modest success. At the very least, they seem destined for some New York Dolls-esque underground notoriety. Fowley and guitarist Mark Anthony wrote an early version of the song “King of the Night Time World,” later rearranged by Paul Stanley and Bob Ezrin for the classic Kiss Destroyer album. The Hollywood Stars clearly had something. But music is a cruel mistress and thing didn’t work out. They pretty m...

For More Than 20 Years, Via Veneto is Still An Essential Italian Classic in Venice

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:51:19 GMT

Whether it’s the private loft above the chandeliers or a candlelit table by the window, Via Veneto is still one of the most romantic classic Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, celebrating more than 20 years on Main Street.And while the intimate feel of the low-lit dining room isn’t lost on the likes of regulars that include Chris Hemsworth, Matt Damon, Harrison Ford, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, owner and founder Fabrizio Bianconi warmly welcomes each and every patron, serving them as if they were a guest in his own home. Bianconi came to the United States from Rome in 2003, working his way hosting through the California restaurant industry. After many months searching for the perfect space, Bianconi, with the help of rock star partner Warren Cuccurullo (Duran Duran, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai), stumbled on the charming venue on Main Street with high ceilings and a beautiful stone floor. The walls are lined with a carefully curated selection of Italian wines including Sicilian Donna...