Black Friday brawls break out at two Wal-Mart stores

There are good deals to be had, but there's also a downside to Black Friday, given the lines and the search for parking spaces as well as the short tempers and sharp elbows that don't quite live up to the usual holiday spirit.

The L.A. Times Money & Company blog details two incidents today at Wal-Mart stores.

In Upland, store management called police at 2:44 a.m., asking for assistance in dealing with customers who were “fighting inside.”

The store had remained open all night as a security precaution after a Wal-Mart worker on Long Island, N.Y., was trampled to death last year on Black Friday when a surging, impatient crowd rushed the doors after the store opened.

A little over an hour later, authorities were called to a Wal-Mart in Rancho Cucamonga when a fight broke out in the electronics section.

--Andrew Blankstein

Octuplets mother Nadya Suleman says she's off food stamps, welfare

Octuplets mother Nadya Suleman said she is no longer receiving food stamps or other forms of public assistance for her 14 children.

The La Habra woman, who received worldwide attention when she gave birth to octuplets this year, said in an interview with NBC News that her family is not receiving any welfare benefits from California taxpayers.

She was pressed by NBC's Matt Lauer about the issue, and she repeatedly said she was receiving "zero" and "nothing" from the government.

There was some controversy when The Times revealed in February that Suleman was receiving food stamps and that some of her children received federal supplemental security income.

Screenwriter Roger Avary moved from work furlough program to jail after tweeting episode

"Pulp Fiction" co-screenwriter Roger Avary is behind bars at the Ventura County Jail today -- several days after what is believed to be the writer/director's tweeting revealed that he was serving his sentence for a fatal car crash in a furlough program rather than in jail.

In September, Avary was sentenced to a year in jail for causing a car crash in Ojai that killed a passenger and injured Avary's wife.

Earlier this week, Times technology blogger Mark Milian discovered some tweets coming from @avary and speculated over whether Avary was tweeting from jail.

But Avary wasn't in jail. Rather, he was serving his time in a Ventura County work furlough program, which allows him to go to his job during the day. He reports back to the furlough facility -- a modified former Air Force barracks at Camarillo Airport -- at night and on weekends.

It's unclear when officials decided to allow Avary to enter the furlough program, or how that decision was reached. It is also unknown where the screenwriter spent his days, but inmates in the program are not allowed to work at home.

Today, however, officials said Avary is in full-time custody. He reported to the Ventura County Jail for incarceration on Thanksgiving Day for "security issues," said Sheriff spokesman Ross Bonfiglio.

Campers left stranded on Santa Cruz Island after boat drifts away

Four campers were left stranded on Santa Cruz Island early today when their boat drifted away after its anchor became detached, authorities said.

A witness reported the incident about midnight to the Coast Guard's Los Angeles-Long Beach command center, which dispatched a rescue boat and a helicopter from from its Channel Islands station, said Petty Officer Christina Bozeman of the Coast Guard. 

The 26-foot boat’s anchor became detached, causing the boat to drift about two miles, Bozeman said.

The four campers, whose names were not released, told authorities they were setting up when they realized their boat had drifted away. 

The boat was later located by the Coast Guard. No injuries were reported, Bozeman said.

--Ruben Vives

IRS files $79,000 tax lien against Schwarzenegger [Updated]

The Internal Revenue Service has filed a federal tax lien against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for nearly $80,000, public records show.

The lien was filed May 11 at the Los Angeles County recorder's office for $79,064, according to a record in an electronic database that includes lien filings. The record does not indicate what property the lien was placed on, but it lists the debtor as Arnold Schwarzenegger with the governor's home address in Brentwood.

[Updated at 11:42 a.m.: A federal tax lien would be attached to all of the governor’s properties, according to the IRS.]

The lien was reported this morning by TMZ.com, which posted a copy of a lien document that says it is from the county recorder's office. That document shows that Schwarzenegger owes $39,047.20 from 2004 and $40,016.80 from 2005. The document also lists a section of the IRS code that suggests the debt may be penalties for a failure to report certain business transactions.

Schwarzenegger's spokesman, Aaron McLear, said in a statement that the "governor has paid his taxes in full and on time."

"No one, including the IRS, has notified the governor of any issues whatsoever with his taxes," McLear said. "We are contacting the IRS to determine if the document in question, which appears to be a penalty for missing info and not for unpaid taxes, is legitimate and if there is any discrepancy to resolve."

-- Michael Rothfeld in Sacramento

Details emerge about Roman Polanski's life in Swiss prison

With Roman Polanski set to be released on bail, new details are emerging about his time behind bars.

An inmate who served time in the same Swiss prison said the famed director received special treatment.

In an interview with Zurich's Radio One, Yussi Akram said Polanski was able to regularly call his wife and attorneys and communicated frequently with guards at the prison outside the city. Akram also said Polanski's cell was equipped with a special emergency button he could use to summon guards.

Polanski has been at the prison for two months, ever since Swiss authorities arrested him on a warrant related to a three-decade-old child sex case in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, a close friend of the director's said Polanski is depressed and has lost 30 pounds.

"His fear of the U.S. verges on panic and he has lived with that fear for so long that it's become obsessive," director Janusz Morgenstern told a Polish radio station, according to ABC News. He added Polanski's children have been pulled out of school in part because of taunts from other children.

Polanski is expected to be released in the next few days after a Swiss court granted the director bail.

The court based its decision on Polanski's pledge of $4.5-million bail along with what the court called supporting measures, including electronic monitoring, which would alert the authorities if he tried to leave home or remove a monitoring bracelet.

Polanski is expected to stay at his Alpine chalet.

Legal experts say the bail probably will lengthen the battle over whether Polanski should be extradited to Los Angeles to face sentencing for having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old at Jack Nicholson's home. The decision also raises other questions, given that Polanski fled from the United States just before his sentencing in 1978. Swiss justice officials repeatedly have denied his bail requests, saying he is a flight risk.

Swiss officials told Reuters that they don't think Polanski will be released for a couple of days.

-- Shelby Grad

1 person killed, 2 critically injured in Palmdale crash

A motorist was killed and two others were seriously injured this evening when two vehicles collided near Palmdale, authorities said.

The accident was described as a T-bone collision that occurred about 7:30 p.m. at 116th Street and Pearblossom Highway, said California Highway Patrol Officer Patrick Kimball.

The driver of one vehicle was fatally injured. Two others were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, Kimball said.

Authorities responding to the scene discovered two dogs dead in the backseat of one of the vehicles, he said.

All lanes of both roads -- except for the westbound Pearblossom Highway lanes -- were shut down for more than an hour as a result of the crash.

-- Jack Leonard

2 injured in collision between car, Gold Line train

Two people suffered minor injuries this evening when their car collided with a Gold Line Metro train in East Los Angeles, authorities said.

The car turned in front of the eastbound train at a crossing near 3rd Street and Rowan Avenue about 8:20 p.m., said Sheriff’s Lt. Greg Hinkle. The two occupants of the car complained of pain and were taken to a hospital, he said.

A California Highway Patrol officer said the pair were riding in a Chevy Malibu, which was towed after the crash.

The one passenger on the train was uninjured.

-- Jack Leonard

3 injured, including two L.A. County deputies, in crash

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and a motorist were hospitalized this evening with what were believed to be minor injuries when a patrol car collided with a van in South Los Angeles, authorities said.

The deputies were responding to a call when the crash occurred about 8:15 p.m. near Central Avenue and 84th Street, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Kusayanagi.

He said deputies were investigating how the collision occurred.

-- Jack Leonard

Motorcyclist killed in 100-mph crash on 101

A 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed today when he crashed into a metal guardrail on the 101 Freeway at an estimated 100 mph, authorities said.

The unidentified rider was traveling eastbound about 2:28 p.m., when he struck the guardrail on the right shoulder just west of the 405 Freeway, said California Highway Patrol Officer Jose Nunez.

The man, who lived in Sherman Oaks, was thrown from his 2009 Suzuki motorcycle, Nunez said.

He was pronounced dead half an hour later at Sherman Oaks Hospital.

-- Jack Leonard

Villaraigosa heads to Mexico for cultural event and business meetings

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is scheduled to visit Mexico over the next four days to lead a delegation of authors, artists, filmmakers and musicians to the 2009 Guadalajara International Book Fair, where Los Angeles has been declared the guest of honor.

Villaraigosa also plans to meet with business leaders in Guadalajara and Mexico City to encourage investment in Los Angeles, according to a statement released by his press office.

--Phil Willon

Suspect in sexual assaults turns himself in to police

A 22-year-old man who posed as a magazine photographer and was being investigated for alleged sexual assaults turned himself in to police this afternoon.

Keith Nichols, a security guard who has lived in Compton, Hawthorne and South Los Angeles, was booked at the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division on suspicion of sexual battery in the sexual assaults of at least four young women, police said.

The crimes began early last month and took place within a one-mile radius of the subway station at 7th and Figueroa streets, said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon.

Nichols told his victims that they could become models for Vibe, Vernon said. But before they could get hired, Nichols said he had to measure them for "custom-fitted underwear," according to police.

At least four women agreed to the fitting, in which Nichols touched "their most intimate body parts," Vernon said. They never got called back about the modeling work, he said.

Vernon said the women were measured in public areas out of the view of passersby. In two cases, Nichols met his alleged victims on the light-rail line between Long Beach and Los Angeles. Those two women, in turn, each had a roommate they referred to Nichols, police said.

-- Andrew Blankstein and Baxter Holmes

Woman injured in South L.A. shooting

A woman was hospitalized with injuries after a shooting this morning in South Los Angeles.

Police say a man fired several rounds from a handgun at about 10 a.m. near Compton Avenue and 54th Street. They believe he was aiming at another woman but missed, said Lt. Samuel Rhone of the Los Angeles Police Department's Newton Station.

Several rounds did hit a vehicle, and a nearby woman was injured, possibly by flying glass. The injured woman was not the intended target of the shooting, Rhone said, and the exact cause of her injuries remained unclear. The victim's name was not immediately available.

Police are in the process of investigating the incident and searching for the shooter.

-- Baxter Holmes

Pickup truck rams South L.A. church

A pickup truck struck a church in South L.A. late last night, damaging the building, which was empty at the time.

The incident, which occurred in the 5300 block of Hooper Avenue, was reported just before midnight, said Lt. Lydia Leos of the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Traffic Division.

The driver, a 22-year-old man, was heading northbound on Hooper Avenue and tried to make a left turn onto 54th street, Leos said. He then collided with the church. She said speed was a factor.

The two-story church was empty at the time of the accident. Firefighters and the Building and Safety Department were called to the scene to assess the damage to the church.

The driver and a 19-year-old passenger were unharmed. No arrests were made.

-- Baxter Holmes

Anaheim Hills fire 90% contained [Updated]

A wind-driven fire near Anaheim Hills that has burned 80 acres and had been expected to be fully contained Wednesday night is still burning, but authorities expect to have it out early today.

The fire was 90% contained as of 8 a.m., said Capt. Greg McKeown of the Orange County Fire Authority. No homes have been evacuated and no structures damaged. There was a minor eye injury to one firefighter last night.

There are about 65 firefighters battling the blaze, which was reported at about 10 p.m. Tuesday, McKeown said.

Firefighters are currently in mop-up and are checking for remaining hot spots, McKeown said. There are no helicopters on the scene.

[Updated 4:30 p.m.: The fire was fully contained at 12:47 p.m. today with about 80 acres burned, McKeown said. All units have been released to go home.]

Orange County officials were concerned that dry, hot winds could push the fire toward homes, but McKeown said that fear had subsided as full containment of the fire neared.

-- Baxter Holmes

Hot, breezy Thanksgiving in L.A., but a sharp cooling trend coming

Southern California should experience a hot and breezy Thanksgiving Day, but temperatures are expected to drop significantly this weekend.

The National Weather Service predicted temperatures in the 80s today. A red-flag wind warning is expected to expire later this morning, but breezy conditions should continue today. The winds helped drive a brush fire in Orange County on Tuesday and a small blaze above Glendora last night.

But a cooling trend is coming. Forecasters say Friday will see temperatures in the high 60s. The cooler temperatures are forecast to continue through the weekend.

For road conditions and other Thanksgiving travel resources, check out The Times' guide.

Roman Polanski's release from jail imminent, Swiss officials say

Roman Polanski could be released from a Zurich jail any time now after Swiss justice officials said they would immediately comply with a court's ruling granting the famed director bail.

"Polanski will be released from custody as soon as bail has been transferred, ID and travel documents have been lodged and the electronic monitoring system has been installed and tested," said the Federal Office of Justice in a statement provided to Agence France-Presse.

Polanski is expected to stay at his Alpine chalet, under electronic monitoring.

Legal experts say the bail probably will lengthen the battle over whether Polanski should be extradited to Los Angeles to face sentencing for having sex with a 13-year-old more than three decades ago. The decision also raises other questions, given that Polanski fled from the United States just before his sentencing in 1978. Swiss justice officials repeatedly have denied his bail requests, saying he is a flight risk.

Under the terms of the bail, Polanski, 76, would be restricted to his chalet in Gstaad, a ski resort with mountain views. The village of 2,500 has long been known as a celebrity hangout, having been home to Elizabeth Taylor, Roger Moore and David Niven, among others.

Man posing as magazine photographer accused of sexually assaulting four women [updated]

A 22-year-old South Los Angeles man who posed as a Vibe magazine photographer is being investigated in connection with at least four sexual assaults of young women, whom he allegedly told he would hire as underwear models, Los Angeles police said today.

The crimes began in early October and took place within a one-mile radius of the subway station at 7th and Figueroa streets, said LAPD Lt. Paul Vernon.

Keith Nichols, a security guard who has lived in Compton, Hawthorne and South Los Angeles, told his victims that they could become models for Vibe, Vernon said. But before they could get hired, Nichols said he had to measure them for "custom-fitted underwear," according to police.

At least four women submitted to the examination, in which he allegedly used a measuring tape to carry out the ruse. He then touched "their most intimate body parts," and they never got called back about the modeling work, Vernon said.

Former LAPD officer arrested for allegedly burglarizing Orange County church

A former Los Angeles Police Department officer who tried to evade deputies was arrested after allegedly burglarizing Saddleback Church in Orange County, KTLA News is reporting.

Charles Mottern, 45, of Irvine, was Tasered after he allegedly tried to flee from Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies, who were investigating reports of property stolen from the church,  according to authorities quoted by the station.

Mottern had been working at the church since August 2008 as a security guard, sheriff's officials say. Church officials reportedly noticed that items began disappearing, including cameras, computers and radios after Mottern had been hired.

Last Thursday, security guards at the church interrupted a burglary in progress and saw a suspect flee in a black BMW.

Sheriff's investigators, who were alerted by the church, obtained a search warrant for Mottern's home. They saw him driving a black BMW. He was Tasered after he fled in his car, parked the vehicle and then tried to escape on foot, authorities said.

Mottern was booked Tuesday on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, evading arrest and resisting arrest, authorities said. It was unclear when he worked for the LAPD.

--Robert J. Lopez

Photo: Charles Mottern. Credit: KTLA.

Man slain in South L.A. area

A man was gunned down and killed this evening in an unincorporated neighborhood near South Los Angeles, authorities said.

The slaying occurred about 6:25 p.m near Normandie Avenue and 104th Street in the Westmont neighborhood, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

No additional details were available.

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.

-- Robert J. Lopez

Firefighters respond to brush fire above Glendora [Updated]

Firefighters are responding to a brush fire that has broken out in the foothills above Glendora, authorities said.

The blaze has burned about half an acre near Glendora Mountain Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Seven fire engines, four hand crews and three helicopters have been dispatched to the blaze, the department said.

[Updated, 9:45 p.m.: The fire has been knocked down, contained to the half-acre. Most units have left, but hand crews remain on the site.]

-- Robert J. Lopez

Anaheim Hills fire nearly contained but crews will be on alert over weekend

Firefighters have nearly encircled a wildfire near Anaheim Hills but will be beefing up units during the Thanksgiving weekend because of the warm weather forecast.

The blaze, which broke out Tuesday night near the 241 toll road, was 90% contained this evening, with full containment expected Thursday, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

The fire charred 80 acres on the east side of the tollway near Windy Ridge Road. The cause was under investigation.

The blaze was whipped by gusty winds that blew through the hills. But ground crews, aided by water-dropping helicopters, were able to stop the flames from jumping the highway and burning toward populated areas.

The fire authority will be staffing each 24-hour shift through Monday with 11 additional firefighters, two water tankers and an on-call incident management team.

Gusty northeast winds of up to 45 mph and low relative humidity across much of Southern California were  expected to continue through Thursday, the National Weather Service said.  Temperatures will reach the low 80s in valley areas and 70s along the coast.

Conditions will cool down beginning Friday, but the area could warm up again and experience dry northerly winds Sunday, the weather service said.

--Robert J. Lopez

View Anaheim Hills Fire in a larger map

Man shot dead in East Los Angeles

A man was fatally shot this afternoon in East Los Angeles, authorities said.

The shooting occurred about 4 p.m. in the 4200 block of East Olympic Boulevard, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

The name and age of the victim were not released. No additional details were available.

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at (323) 890-5500.

-- Robert J. Lopez

Roadway to LAX shut down as bomb squad investigates bags thrown from car [Updated]

A main connector road to Los Angeles International Airport has been shut down after police responded to reports this evening that two duffel bags were tossed out the window of a passing car, authorities said.

A bomb squad from the airport police is on the Sky Way access road, which runs alongside Terminal 1 from West 96th Street to World Way North, authorities said. Police responded around 6:30 p.m. after reports that the bags were thrown from a Mercedes sedan.

A witness flagged down police after seeing the bags tossed onto the roadway, authorities said.

Traffic in and around the airport has been heavy much of the day as travelers leave and arrive for the Thanksgiving weekend.

No additional details were available.

[Updated, 7:45 p.m.: The roadway has been reopened, and two people who police believe were engaged in an argument that led to the bag-tossing incident are being questioned.]

-- Andrew Blankstein

Juror bails out San Luis Obispo rancher jailed over conditions at his housing for the homeless

It won’t be three hots and a cot on Thanksgiving day for San Luis Obispo rancher Dan De Vaul, who was sentenced to 90 days in jail earlier this week for illegally housing tenants on his property.

De Vaul, 66, will enjoy turkey with all the trimmings after being bailed out Tuesday by one of the jurors who convicted him of two misdemeanor violations. Mary Partin, who posted De Vaul's $5,000 bail, told local reporters that she regretted her guilty votes and wanted to help him.

His release at 6:15 p.m. came a day after a San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge ordered him to serve 90 days in jail for unsafe conditions at his Sunny Acres ranch.

Under California law, if a person is convicted of a misdemeanor and has filed an appeal, he can post bail, prosecutors said.

A jury in September convicted De Vaul for building a three-story dormitory without a permit and for housing residents of his sober-living program in unsafe conditions, including exposed electrical wiring. He also has illegally stored junked autos and trucks, officials have said.

County code enforcement officials have been trying to get De Vaul to clear up his violations for seven years.