Extra, Extra

Photo by JT3 11 via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

• As the fires continue to blaze around Southern Cali, the LAUSD and Pomona School Districts say that they will keep schools open tomorrow, but outdoor activities will be canceled for the day due to poor air quality. Schools in Brea and Yorba Linda will be closed however.
  
• The fires have not only closed schools, canceled marathons, closed streets and freeways and suspended rail service... they have brought in looters. As evacuees leave, they move in. Insane...
  
• Bad News: The fires surrounded a Sylmar hospital. Worse News: The fires cause a power failure at the hospital. Worser News: The backup system put in place for emergencies fail to work forcing the evacuations or some patients.
  
• Federal authorities have raised the reward for the recovery of some stolen explosives from $5,000 to $25,000. There is a news conference scheduled tomorrow to make a formal announcement.
  
• Insane LAUSD budget cuts of $200 - $400 million, in the middle of the school year no less, will cause larger class sizes, more layoffs, and even early retirement for some.
  
• Finally, with all the fires burning around us, the geniuses at the Americana at Brand (the new shopping center in Glendale) decided the best thing to do to kick off the holiday season was to have a pyrotechnic display. Neighbors from around the area ran out in panic at the sight of smoke and flames. Yes... geeeenius.