'Suspicious Container' Shuts Down Ventura & Sepulveda

The bomb squad has been deployed to check out a "suspicious container" tied to a tree in Sherman Oaks, police said today. A coffee can-sized container tied to a palm tree with wires and batteries protruding on the southeast corner of Ventura and Sepulveda (map) -- that's catty corner to the Sherman Oaks Galleria -- was reported to the LAPD around 1:45 p.m. Police activity is affecting traffic at the intersection, which is one of the most traveled in the San Fernando Valley.