Monday, September 30, 2013
POMONA CHRISTMAS PARADE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES THREE POLICE OFFICERS AS GRAND MARSHALS
POMONA, Calif. – The Downtown Pomona Owners Association (D.P.O.A.), organizer of the Pomona Christmas Parade, is pleased to announce that this year’s Parade Grand Marshals will be Pomona Police Officers Rolando Betancourt and Travis Johnson, and Sergeant Christian Hsu, all of whom recently received Lifesaving Valor medals from the Pomona Police Department.
The 2013 Pomona Christmas parade takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, rain or shine, along Second Street in downtown Pomona. Participants will march west on 2nd Street, then south down Park Avenue, and will finish at Pomona City Hall, where the festivities will continue throughout the day with “Holiday at the Plaza.”
This year’s parade theme, “125 Years of Christmas in Pomona,” celebrates the city’s 125th birthday. The parade committee, which consists of local community members, also plans to honor individuals who have worked tirelessly to make a difference in Pomona and have performed extraordinary deeds over past years. A nomination form, due by October 31, 2013, is available online (www.downtownpomona.org) so residents can suggest deserving individuals. The chosen honorees will be featured as community heroes in the Pomona Christmas Parade.
The officers who will serve as grand marshals this year recently were awarded Lifesaving Valor medals for rescuing an unconscious man from a burning vehicle. The three encountered a burning truck on May 22, 2013, in Pomona, and tried to use fire extinguishers to extinguish the blaze, but were unsuccessful. Fearing someone might be trapped inside the cab of the truck, Officer Betancourt reached inside, despite not being able to see anything but smoke, and with the assistance of Officer Johnson pulled the driver to safety, while Sergeant Hsu continued to use the fire extinguisher.
With more than 100 entrants and 2,000 participants expected from all areas of the city and beyond, Pomona’s Christmas Parade truly embraces the community spirit of Christmas. Marching bands, equestrians, car clubs, floats, JROTC groups, girl scouts, boy scouts, sporting leagues, school clubs and more all have their chance to shine in the parade.
Don’t miss it. Plan now to take part in this local tradition. Applications to participate, sponsorship, and community hero nomination forms are now being accepted. Forms are online at www.downtownpomona.org.
Triangle Shoe Store 2/14/1925
Triangle Shoe Store E. Second St. Locust St. City Ord. Parking time limit 1 1/2 Hours 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Sundays and Holidays.
Ren's Note: The building is still there and has been turned into a bar of some sort, with different levels.
And to this day it never did open and just stays empty.
Oct10, 2013 - Nov 02, 2013
Rob Zombie's Great American Nightmare
Location: FairplexGroundbreaking musician and filmmaker Rob Zombie will unleash his Great American Nightmare on Los Angeles this Halloween season. This bone-chilling experience will combine the most advanced haunted house attractions with a not-to-be-missed music festival from top artists in hard rock, alternative, EDM, and more, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from October 10 through November 2, 2013.
The fully immersive haunted house experience will feature three attractions based on Zombie’s own horror films: Lords Of Salem Total Black Out, The Haunted World Of El Superbeasto 3D, and Haunt Of 1,000 Corpses. The shocking and sometimes frightening fright attractions will offer a three-dimensional experience with animatronics and effects, a maze that is the ultimate definition of claustrophobia and fear, sudden chills and startling thrills, and salacious humor that will make one scream with fright and laughter.
It will also feature 15 nights of music from top national and regional artists in the indie/punk, EDM, metal, rock and Latin genres including Andrew WK, BL3ND, Blood On The Dance Floor, Dirtyloud, Dirtyphonics, Doctor P, Emilie Autumn, Evol Intent, Fei-Fei, Goldfinger, Heavygrinder, Kottonmouth Kings, Metalachi, One More Time, Ozomatli, Reel Big Fish, Terravita, The Used, Twiztid, William Control, Zomboy, and many more.
In addition to music, one special night will also feature the outrageous pro wrestling sensations Lucha Libre USA.
Tickets are available starting at only $30 beginning Saturday, June 29 online Each ticket includes access to all haunted house attractions, concerts and midway activities. VIP packages will also be available for purchase.
Hours
6:30 - 11 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays
6:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Visit greatamericannightmare.com for more information
Oct 02, 2013
04:00 PM - 08:00 PMProlong Twilight Cruise
Location: FairplexAll '72 and earlier rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars are invited to join us in the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum parking lot at Fairplex from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Featuring celebrity selectors and great raffle prizes the Prolong Twilight Cruise is an event car-lovers won't want to miss. Vehicles selected by our celebrities win the opportunity to parade down the Pomona Drag Strip on Sunday morning during the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in November.
Twilight Cruise admission is FREE and free admission to the Museum after 3 p.m. Food and beverages are available. It's a fun evening and a great chance to see some of the coolest cars in Southern California, so please join us.
All proceeds generated by the raffle go to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Prolong Twilight Cruise is run by the Cal-Rods Car Club. PROLONG Super Lubricants is the proud Sponsor of the NHRA Twilight Cruise.
Parking is at Gate 2
KX 93.5 presents:
Phosphorescent
Indians
Mon, September 30, 2013
7:00 pm
The Glass House
Pomona, CA
$18.00
Tickets
This event is all ages
  Goldenvoice |
| Gogol Bordello |
| with: Mariachi El Bronx |
| Choose either GA Floor (standing) or GA Balcony (unreserved seats). GA Balcony tickets do not include access to the Floor or Pit areas. Pit wristbands are given out on a first-come first serve basis to GA Floor ticket holders based on capacity. |
| Oct 11 |
| Doors open: 8pm |
| Show Starts: 9pm |
| Genre: Punk Rock |
| Ages: All Ages |
| Tickets Onsale: Friday, 8/16 at 10am |
| Ticket Price: $28.50 adv / $32 dos |
| Use Password: VIDA |
|
Gas Prices Keep Falling
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County is $3.945.
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County fell Sunday for the 12th consecutive day, decreasing 1 cent to $3.945.
According to GasPriceWatch.com, the average price of a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline in Rancho Palos Verdes was $3.90 on Sunday. Figures covering the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula were not available.
The average price in Los Angeles County 7.6 cents less than one week ago and 20.9 cents lower than one year ago but 10.9 cents more than one month ago, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price rose 14 consecutive days before the decreases began.
—City News Service,
Officials: Crane Needed to Lift Hangar Off Plane at Santa Monica Airport, Fire Now Out
By City News Service
There were no survivors in the crash of a twin- engine Cessna Citation jet aircraft that veered off a runway and crashed into a hangar during landing at Santa Monica Airport today, authorities said.
Capt. John Nevandro of the Santa Monica Fire Department said in a televised interview that "it was an unsurvivable crash.''
The crash into the hangar caused enough structural damage that it collapsed on the plane, which caught fire, making it impossible for rescuers to get close to the wreckage.
Few details have been released in the aftermath of the crash, which happened about 6:20 p.m., Federal Aviation Authority spokesman Ian Gregor said.
The number of people aboard the plane was unknown, he said.
Authorities at the scene said it would be necessary to use a crane to lift the hangar off the plane Monday morning to determine how many people died in the crash.
Fire from the impacted hangar spread to two adjacent hangars, but those blazes were put out, Bridgette Lewis of the Santa Monica Fire Department said.
The eight-seat plane took off from Hailey, Idaho, Gregor said. The craft -- which flight-tracking data showed made four flights between Haley and Santa Monica since Sept. 15 -- was registered to Creative Real Estate Exchange, which according to its website is a business based in Atlanta, Ga., and Birmingham, Ala., various media reports said.
FAA records show the owner of the plane to be a Malibu resident according to the reports.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
A Windmill for Ptown
We have a windmill now for Ptown and it works great, this will help water the grove and feed water to Lake Pomona. Yeah I was thinking on a Lake Pomona, then the water from the lake can water the grove, still working on it.
Working on it
Well it loos like someone is starting to work on the first floor of this here building, if you all recall there use to be a pool hall there for a few years.
This would be on the southwest corner of Second and Gordon St. and check it out their even bringing back the old brick walls.
A lot of these old brick walls have old doorways that get filled in with bricks and plastered over, this is a good example of that. And not seen for years, same goes for old windows, sure gives it that rustic look.
I was looking up at the ceiling and I was wondering if any of the old tin ceiling is left. Sometimes when they drop the ceiling in these old building, the old tin ceiling gets covered up and forgotten.
But that could be a good thing, be kind of like a time capsule of buildings past.
Well I hope you all enjoyed the picture show, you all have a nice day now.
Here’s a list of programs and deals for Sunday, the final day of the fair. More information can be found at lacountyfair.com.
Sunday’s hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday’s Deals:
• Ralphs Any-Day Tickets: admission tickets $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, comes with exclusive unlimited carnival ride wristband ($35). Restrictions apply. Presented by Ralphs.
• Cardenas Any-Day Tickets: admission tickets $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, available at all participating Cardenas Markets.
• Costco Savings Pack: $54.99 for 4 any-day tickets, one parking pass and 44 carnival ride/game tickets. At participating Costco store.
• Children 5 and younger are free every day.
Sunday’s Top Things To Do:
Bad Company: The one and only Bad Company, led by legendary frontman Paul Rodgers, is one of the most acclaimed bands of the classic rock era, putting its indelible stamp on rock ‘n’ roll with a straight-ahead, no-frills musical approach that has resulted in the creation of some of the most timeless rock anthems. A limited number of free general admission tickets will be available beginning at 3 p.m. at the ticket kiosk on Rose Lane. Reserved seats are available at ticketmaster.com and the Fair box office. 7:30 p.m.
Live Shark Encounter: Daily. Come face-to-face with the sharks swimming around in our 5,000-gallon tank. Hear from shark experts on the nature of these giant marine critters.
Kissmania: Kissmania dons the 1977-1978 Love Gun era stage and costumes to recreate the essence of what makes the original Kiss legendary while incorporating the biggest and best hits of their entire 35-year career. Join in the fun at the Coca Cola Stage. 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Mojo’s African Safari: Daily. Visit zebra buddies Barcode and Stripes, reptiles, exotic birds and other animals when you embark on a wild African Safari adventure with Mojo the Weeper Capuchin monkey.
Magic Tree House “Passport to Adventure”: Beloved children’s book series “The Magic Tree House” comes to life with a live character show. Brother and sister duo Jack and Annie bring their time traveling adventures to life in this inspiring tribute to the magic of reading. Located in America’s Kids.
The Flying Umbrella Ship: Daily. Mango and Dango are a multi-talented theatrical circus duo that specializes in amazing technical circus skills from stilt walking to juggling to hula hooping. Esmeralda’s Traveling Circus.
Man Remains in Jail After Bizarre Rampage
William Kelly is accused of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with an apparent vehicular rampage across Palos Verdes.
A 65-year-old motorist with a long rap sheet remained jailed Saturday as police and sheriff's deputies investigate his apparent rampage in an Audi across several Palos Verdes Peninsula cities.
William Thomas Kelly, of Torrance, remained locked up at the sheriff's Inmate Reception Center in downtown Los Angeles. He had been booked for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon for reportedly crashing his car into several vehicles, over and over again, and crashing into a bicyclist Thursday in Palos Verdes Estates, deputies said.
Deputies told the Daily Breeze that they smelled alcohol on Kelly's breath. Kelly, who has three other prior convictions for driving-related offenses, was held Saturday in lieu of $30,000 bail.
The newspaper reported that Kelly crashed his black Audi into a woman's car at Via Alvarado and Via Sola, then backed up and hit her car again. He then allegedly sideswiped a parked vehicle in the 3000 block of Paseo del Mar.
The driver reportedly clipped a bicyclist on Via Pacheco, the motorist then backed up behind the bicyclist, again drove into the rider and his bike, and pushed them into plants on the side of the road, the newspaper reported. As the bicyclist unclipped his shoes from the pedals and walked away, Kelly then allegedly drove back and forth over the bicycle.
Kelly's black Audi then sped around the peninsula along Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive South, and hit three parked car and three moving vehicles, sheriff's officials told the Daily Breeze.
"He was sideswiping cars and then stopping in front of them, putting his car in reverse and driving in reverse toward our victims," sheriff's Sgt. Mark Moffett told the newspaper.
The newspaper reported that Kelly' eventually rammed his Audi into the gates to a FAA radar tower at the top of Crest Road. As a result, Kelly could be charged with a federal crime, the Daily Breeze reported.
He was unconscious when deputies approached his car.
He was arrested at 5:45 p.m. Thursday by deputies from the sheriff's Lomita station.
A court date has not yet been set, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department inmate locator page.
—City News Service.
Motorcyclist Injured on 405 Freeway Near the 101
A motorcyclist was injured during a fiery, single-crash Sunday on the San Diego (405) Freeway in Sherman Oaks, a fire official said.
The condition of the motorcyclist was not immediately known, said Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Paramedics rushed him to an
area hospital.
Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the northbound freeway at the Ventura (101) Freeway at 12:18 p.m., Humphrey said.
Initial reports were that the burning motorcycle was in northbound lanes, and the injured motorcyclist was in southbound lanes.
By City News Service
Live Auction Preview
These are tough economic times and many families are just barely able to make ends meet. This includes many working families, often times referred to as the working poor. One of our main goals is to reduce homelessness by helping families remain in their homes by providing food/clothing so they can use their limited financial resources for rent, utilities, etc.We operate a 5,000 sq. ft. walk-in facility on Arrow Highway in Glendora where families can receive food, clothing and resource counseling assistance on Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 5-7 pm. They can also enroll their children in our reading tutor program on Monday afternoons at 4:00 pm.
Food DonationsWe are in need of food donations: Any type of non-perishable food items or toiletry products will be welcomed. Our normal food sources have decreased significantly so we really need your help! We are forced to purchase more food which is placing a strain on our financial resources.
Shepherd's Pantry provide services in six main areas to include Food, Clothing, Resource Counseling, In-home Food Delivery, Children's Reading Tutor Programs, and Hair Cuts.We serve the following cities:
Azusa, Baldwin Park, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, La Verne, San Dimas & West Covina (On your first visit, you Must bring proof of residence address)
Azusa, Baldwin Park, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Puente, La Verne, San Dimas & West Covina (On your first visit, you Must bring proof of residence address)
Saturday, September 28, 2013
TODAY !
For vendor inquiries call Carolyn Hemming, owner of Antique Gallery, at 909-573-4594.
For information about downtown events & businesses call the D.P.O.A at 909-469-1121.
For information about downtown events & businesses call the D.P.O.A at 909-469-1121.
L.A. County Fair Highlights for Saturday, September 28
Here’s a list of programs and deals for Saturday. More information can be found at lacountyfair.com.
Saturday’s hours: 10 a.m. – midnight
Saturday’s Deals:
• City of Hope Bloodmobile will be at the fair. On-site blood drive donors receive a ticket for one free return admission to the fair.
• Ralphs Any-Day Tickets: admission tickets $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, comes with exclusive unlimited carnival ride wristband ($35). Restrictions apply. Presented by Ralphs.
• Cardenas Any-Day Tickets: admission tickets $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, available at all participating Cardenas Markets.
• Cal Poly Pomona and UCLA day. Check lacountyfair.com for promotions for students, staff and alumni.
• Costco Savings Pack: $54.99 for 4 any-day tickets, one parking pass and 44 carnival ride/game tickets. At participating Costco stores.
• Children 5 and younger are free every day.
Saturday’s Top Things To Do:
Moto X Champions Tour: The Metal Mulisha Moto-X Champions feature the biggest names from the most iconic team in FMX competing in a unique head-to-head double elimination format. Part of the End of Summer Concert Series, presented by Toyota. A limited number of free general admission tickets will be available beginning at 3 p.m. at the ticket kiosk on Rose Lane. Reserved seats are available at ticketmaster.com and the Fair box office. 7:30 p.m.
Kissmania: Kissmania dons the 1977-1978 Love Gun era stage and costumes to recreate the essence of what makes the original Kiss legendary while incorporating the biggest and best hits of their entire 35-year career. Join in the fun at the Coca Cola Stage. 7:30 and 10 p.m.
Gold Medal Flour Scratch Bakers Cookie Challenge: The new Gold Medal Flour Scratch Bakers Cookie Challenge will celebrate the most delicious and most award-worthy cookies at the fair. Judging begins at 5 p.m. at the Village on Broadway.
Mysteries of the Amazon: Daily. The spectacular Flower & Garden Pavilion takes Fairguests into the exotic foliage of South America. Enjoy the colorful creativity of the pavilion and look for toucans, emerald boas and a sloth in the atrium.
Aerial Arts Circus Show: Daily. Aerial acrobats from Hollywood Aerial Arts demonstrate their amazing mid-air tricks. Guests can learn the skill firsthand for a nominal fee. Visit our website for more information. Show times: 2, 4, 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m.
Barnyard Racers Pig Racing: Daily. See the fastest pigs in North America as they race snout to snout down the ham stretch to reach their ultimate goal – an Oreo cookie. FairView Farms.
City Councilman Proposes Standing Rewards in Hit-and-Run Crashes
City Councilman Joe Buscaino, pointing to an "alarming'' rash of hit-and-run crashes in the Los Angeles area, today proposed offering standing monetary rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of drivers who flee the scene of a collision.
A motion introduced by Buscaino calls for putting in place a $1,000 reward for collisions that result in property damage, $25,000 for collisions that cause "bodily injury'' and $50,000 for those that result in death.
Rewards for information on hit-and-run crimes are currently offered on a case-by-case basis, with City Council approval required on each.
Buscaino wants automatic rewards to be offered on all hit-and-run crimes. Similar standing rewards programs are already in place for illegal dumping, graffiti and vandalism crimes, he said.
"We shouldn't wait for an incident to offer a reward, especially if we're trying to change the culture of hit-and-runs in the city of Los Angeles,'' Buscaino said.
He said that "if witnesses know, and drivers are well aware that they can be turned in, we hope to begin to change that culture and encourage motorists to stop, render aid and exchange information.''
Buscaino said he hopes standing rewards for hit-and-runs "can become law in 30 to 60 days.''
"We can no longer wait on this issue,'' he said, calling the 20,000 annual cases of hit-and-runs logged by the LAPD "alarming.''
"The city of Los Angeles is known as the hit-and-run capital of the country, and we cannot stand for it,'' he said.
LAPD investigators say many hit-and-run cases go unsolved because of the "lack of evidence or testimony from witnesses,'' according to Buscaino's motion.
If the motion goes forward, the city attorney, chief legislative analyst and other city officials would be asked to report back on the fiscal impact and a process for offering a standing reward.
Several hours before Buscaino introduced the motion, a pedestrian was struck and killed in Hollywood by a hit-and-run driver.
In addition to his "standing reward,'' motion, Buscaino also called for a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is esponsible for the death of 26-year-old Manuel Ayala, who was struck Sept. 19 while crossing Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington.
Councilman Bob Blumenfield also introducing a reward motion today involving an Aug. 26 hit-and-run collision that resulted in the death of an 84- year-old pedestrian with a walker who was crossing a street.
Raising penalties in hit-and-run cases has become the focus of both local and state leaders in recent months. A bill by Los Angeles Assemblyman Mike Gatto to double the statute of limitations for hit-and-runs from three to six years is awaiting the governor's signature.
Buscaino said city officials are also urging state officials to make the penalties for hit-and-run offenses "on par with DUI offenses.''
By City News Service
How to Celebrate National Coffee Day!
There’s a day to celebrate everything in this country and coffee is no exception! This Sunday, September 29th, is National Coffee Day and there may be millions of wired, jittery people bouncing off walls this weekend with free promotions and giveaways at various cafes and coffee shops. Of course they’re giving it away—more for ways for us to become addicted!
Friday, September 27, 2013
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Alleged Miss USA "Sextortionist" Caught, Stays With Claremont Relatives
A 19-year-old college freshman accused of carrying out an online "sextortion" scheme that targeted victims around the world-- including the recently crowned Miss Teen USA-- was staying with his grandparents in Claremont this week as officials prepared to monitor his internet usage at his Temecula home.
The Riverside County man accused of using malicious software and tools to disguise his identity and take nude photos or videos of young women through remote operation of their webcams, without their consent, was released Thursday afternoon on $50,000 bond, an FBI spokeswoman said.
Jared James Abrahams made his initial court appearance Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Santa Ana, the same day a federal criminal complaint against him was unsealed after his pre-arranged surrender in Orange.
The Temecula teen will be subject to pretrial supervision and home detention with electronic monitoring, Laura Eimiller of the FBI said in an update on federal court proceedings in Orange County.
Abrahams had agreed to stay at his grandparents' home in Claremont Thursday night, where the computer there was to be locked up, so officials have enough time to install a device that will monitor usage on it at his Temecula home.
Then Abrahams will be confined to his Temecula home and required to wear a GPS monitor. He also will be prohibited from using any computers except for one desktop computer at home for only school work, provided he's able to continue his education.
He is due back in court Nov. 4 for possible arraignment. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing, so it is likely prosecutors will seek an indictment before then.
Abrahams' attorney, Alan Eisner, said after Thursday’s hearing that his client has been diagnosed with autism.
The defendant's family, who were in court Thursday, "want to express their profound regret and remorse for his behavior," Eisner told reporters after the hearing. "They acknowledge the harm to the victims and the victims' families."
Abrahams has received some treatment for his autism before the alleged incidents took place, "but to the level he apparently needs," Eisner said.
U.S. District Judge Jean Rosenbluth struggled with fashioning terms of the defendant's release because of his computer skills and how "ubiquitous" internet-connected devices have become.
"What he did was very serious," the judge said, adding that it amounted to "world-wide compromising of minors' privacy."
Abrahams' mother told the judge she's home all day and could keep an eye on her son. His father pledged to get rid of all computers in the home to ensure his son's release.
Rosenbluth admonished the defendant to avoid computers for anything other than school work or else he would be locked up until trial.
The reigning Miss Teen USA, Cassidy Wolf, 19, alerted the FBI to the alleged scheme. Wolf contacted authorities when she realized she could no longer change her passwords on multiple online accounts, and that an online profile photo of her was replaced with a semi-nude picture of her, according to the FBI.
Wolf then received an email containing a nude photograph of her, threatening to make her "dream of being a model ... into a pornstar" if she failed to capitulate to his demands for more explicit photos, according to the federal complaint.
The photos of Wolf were taken by Abrahams through a camera on her computer after he hacked into it, first at her Orange County home and later following her move to a Temecula residence, authorities said.
According to the FBI, investigators found evidence that Abrahams tried the same scheme on a 19-year-old woman in Maryland, a 17-year-old in Temecula, a 23-year-old woman who was the older sister of another victim, and a 17-year- old girl in Ireland. The FBI also alleges it has found evidence of victims in Canada and Moldova.
Investigators suspect there are more victims they have not identified, according to the FBI's Laura Eimiller.
The teen in Ireland pleaded for mercy, according to the complaint.
"I'm downloading Skype now," the FBI alleges she wrote to Abrahams. "Please remember I'm only 17. Have a heart."
Abrahams is accused of replying, "I'll tell you this right now, I do NOT have a heart!!! However I do stick to my deals! Also age doesn't mean a thing to me!!!"
Abrahams would promise to destroy the embarrassing photos if his alleged victims complied with his demands, according to the FBI complaint.
Abrahams is accused of using "malware," a software that infects other computers and allows hackers to take control of web cams, according to the FBI. Abrahams is accused of even heckling Wolf for making her password too easy to guess.
FBI investigators also allege Abrahams sought help with hacking from others in online forums.
Abrahams would allegedly obtain nude photos of the victims and threaten to make them public if the victims did not send him more sexually suggestive photos and talk to him through the online service, Skype, according to the FBI.
"Abrahams infected people's computers with the DarkComet malware so he could remotely operate their webcams, which he learned about on hacker forums," according to the FBI's complaint. "Abrahams was always at his computer so he would watch his victims change their clothes, and he would use the photographs against them."
One of his alleged victims agreed to talk to him through Skype and took off her clothes at his direction, the complaint said.
Abrahams had about 30 to 40 "slave computers" when the FBI questioned him, and had as many as 100 to 150 in the past for hacking, the FBI alleged.
Anyone who believes they were victimized in this case is urged to call the FBI Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
Police in Temecula and Baltimore assisted the FBI in their investigation.
The FBI described Abrahams' alleged actions as "sextortion," which they defined as "a type of extortion and/or blackmail of a victim. Typically, the victim is extorted and/or blackmailed with a nude image of the victim. The person committing the sextortion threatens to release the nude image publicly unless the victim, among other things, performs a sexual act. The person committing the sextortion is typically threatening to harm the reputation of the victim by disclosing the nude image."
The charge of extortion carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in federal prison, according to the FBI.
– City News Service
Cal Poly Pomona Launches 75th Anniversary
From the Cal Poly Pomona Public Affairs Office
President Michael Ortiz encouraged faculty and staff Monday to honor the achievements others have made in building Cal Poly Pomona in the past 75 years and to help shape the university's legacy for future generations.
Speaking at the annual Convocation, Ortiz said a minor stroke he suffered over the summer gave him perspective and lessons that can be applied to the 75th anniversary celebration.
"We can't take for granted the educational mission that has brought us all together. We can't take for granted the intensely hard work that tens of thousands of people have invested into making this university what it is today," the president said. "No one combines excellence, affordability and diversity as we do. We are the hallmark. We are the model. And that is worth celebrating."
The university is already building for the future, having raised about $132 million in its Campaign for Cal Poly Pomona. The campaign seeks to raise $150 million to support hands-on learning opportunities for students, prepare them for the workplace, increase research and scholarship opportunities, and maintain access to higher education for underrepresented communities.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation gave $42 million toward the campaign, which is the largest donation ever given to a CSU. Sterling Speirn, the foundation's president and CEO, told the Convocation audience that the gift renewed the commitment that W.K. Kellogg made toward creating Cal Poly Pomona.
"We're delighted to acknowledge your leadership and your commitment to that future, and we hope that campaign will prove to be ultimately successful and will position Cal Poly in a way that other California public universities are not," he said.
Cal Poly Pomona suffered through six years of state funding cuts to public higher education, Ortiz said. Although the fiscal climate has improved in the past year, the university is still working with just two-thirds of the state funding it received a decade ago.
The president praised faculty and staff for their efforts during the funding crunch.
"You have provided the courses, programs, and services to help support the student experience. With your hard work, dedication and diligence, we graduated 4,650 students last year," Ortiz said. "We launched new services for veterans. We expanded student success programs. We built an environment in which our students can thrive."
Despite the loss in funding, Cal Poly Pomona still produces quality, work-ready graduates, Ortiz said. At mid-career, they earn more than graduates from almost all CSU campuses as well as nationally known colleges such as Purdue, Rutgers and the University of Massachusetts.
Higher education is critical not just for students' success, but also the country and the world, the president added.
"We are educating diverse men and women who see beyond our neighborhoods and cities. They understand the complex and increasingly globalized communities in which they will function and lead," he said. "That is who we are. We are the life force for a free economy and a free people."
Faculty and staff have a stake in their students' future, Ortiz added. He encouraged them to consider participating in a charitable giving campaign to benefit the university. Information about the campaign will be available later this fall.
Convocation also featured a slideshow looking back at Cal Poly Pomona's 75-year history. Music alumnus Michael Jung performed on a Steinway & Sons piano that highlighted an initiative to make the university the first in the UC and CSU systems to use Steinways exclusively.
MediaVision also produced a 75th anniversary video, "Join Us," that celebrates the university's history and looked to its future.
Ortiz and Provost Marten den Boer presented the George P. Hart Award to Patricia de Freitas, a professor in the College of Education & Integrative Studies. The award recognizes faculty members who are regarded as role models and leaders on campus and in the community.
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