President Barack Obama's First 100 Days

100 days in office and going strong. Congratulations President Obama.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2009

17 Years Ago in Los Angeles

Today will mark the 17th anniversary of the L.A. Riots of '92.

Happy Anniversary.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Swine Flu Not in L.A., Yet.

Dr Jonathan Fielding, L.A. County Director of Public Health, held a press conference on the steps of the L.A. Hall of Administration about the swine flu. Dr. Fielding stated "there are definitely no cases of the swine flu (in L.A.) at this point." He also said his department is investigating two possible cases of the swine flu though.

Dr. Fielding also gave basic instructions to the public to combat the flu. They include frequent hand washing, for the length of time it takes to sing either the "A-B-C" or the "Happy Birthday" song twice, with hot soapy water. He also said to avoid touching touching ones eyes, nose, or mouth. 

The wearing of surgical mask in public will provide little or no protection to the flu according to Dr. Fielding. The Dr. also sees no reason for Angelenos to avoid next week's Cinco de Mayo celebrations and marches.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Tent City Coverage

Was on assignment yesterday to shoot the Tent City located in Ontario, CA. Tent City is a homeless encampment located next to the Ontario Airport. Homeless people from the surrounding areas took over a plantless dirt patch just west of the airport, parked their campers and cars, pitched tents making the patch their new home. Over the last year, the City of Ontario has evicted many of the homeless residents, and forced the ones left to wear colored wrist band with due dates to vacate the encampment. Tent City is now surrounded by cyclone fencing and port-o-pottys giving the encampment a stark prison like look. The 150 residents that live there now are under constant guard by Securitas security agents, and have to follow strict rules. When I tried to photograph Tent City, I was told to leave the area by the Securitas agents. The agents followed me street to street, even pushing my camera into my face at one point. Another person joined in to attempt to stop me from taking  photographs, waiving their hands in front of my camera lens as well. They called me every name in the book and threatened to call the police, which they said they did. The police never came. It was a bizzare day, and I was told that they have my license number and are going to come over my home and harass me.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Lotus Vs Expedition in the Rock

A 2007 Lotus Elise and Ford Expedition slammed into each other on Eagle Rock Blvd. The driver of the Lotus, Elliot Worman, was able to walk away while the Expedition's passengers went to the hospital. The Expedition made a U turn in front of the south bound Lotus, then crashed into the side of a building on Eagle Rock Blvd. Elliot Worman claims the advanced British technology and safety systems built into the Lotus Elise saved him from grave injury.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

California State Prison Lancaster Converts to a Full Time Facilty

California State Prison in Lancaster moves forward with plans to hold more dangerous inmate criminals in long term lock up. Lancaster city officials have been against this plan fearing a criminal element frequenting and setting up residence in the city.

The Lancaster Prison facility will now permanently house the "worst offenders" including child molesters, gang members, and unruly and violent inmates.

The California prison system has about 1500 inmates backlogged in need of permanent housing in the prison system. The Lancaster facility will begin next month with the new plan.

California State Prison Lancaster is the only state prison in L.A. County.

Photos By Ted Soqui c 2009

Chris Brown Pleads Not-Guilty

Singer Chris Brown arrived at the Criminal Courts building to enter his plea in the assault case against him. Chris Brown arrived in a black SUV, looking only at the ground as he passed a gauntlet of paparazzi and news photographers, with his attorney Mark Geragos leading the way.

Rihanna, his girlfriend who he brutally attacked, is refusing to testify against him. Brown plead not-guilty to the charges against him.

The 21 year old singer is expected back in court on April 29, the anniversary of the L.A. Riots.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009