OXNARD–A recent police sting uncovered six ice cream truck vendors selling BB guns to minors for $5 a piece.  Local complaints about children buying imitation weapons led to the police investigation.

According to responding officers, most seized weapons attained real functioning lasers, locking slides and magazines that pop out for easy reloading.  “If you stick that if front of your pants, display it or exhibit it, there’s no way that the average person would know it wasn’t a firearm,” said Senior Officer Andrew Salinas.

Companies cited during the crackdown include Pedro’s, Raphael’s, Vero’s, Los Compadres and Gina’s Ice Cream Trucks.  Two Gina’s employees were cited, and could be fined and serve time if convicted.

Beverly Hills Cop Steals from Police Department

BEVERLY HILLS–A search of the home of former Beverly Hills Police Department range master led to some surprising discoveries.  Police found various gun parts, ammunition, police records, badges, and other police memorabilia in the home and car of civilian Dan Pollara.

Pollara managed the department’s shooting range for seven years, and was arrested Friday on suspicion of commercial burglary.  He recently resigned as range master and took a job in Ventura County. 

Pollara is free on $20,000 bail.

A Treehouse with its own address

BRENTWOOD–Neighborhood disputes over home additions usually involve add-ons that impede on serene ocean sun downs or the dazzling glow of a city nightscape.  A recent feud in Brentwood centers on an atypical type of disputed add-on, the neighborhood treehouse.

TV Producer Les Firestein, whose work includes “The Drew Carey Show” and “Wanda At Large,” hired renowned builder Roderick Wolgamott Romero to construct an elaborate treehouse for his 18-month old daughter. 

The structure sits within three eucalyptus trees in Firestein’s backyard and is composed of reclaimed wood and vintage stained glass from South America.  It includes an aerial deck highlighting views of the neighborhood and cost over $50,000.

Next-door-neighbor Richard Fleming, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, complains the treehouse has a direct view into his backyard swimming pool and hot tub.  City building inspectors have suspended work temporarily, noting that the structure’s size requires a building permit.

“We just want to make this a magical place,” said Firestein.

Hasta Lavista Minorities?

LOS ANGELES–According to groups of minority leaders in Los Angeles, many of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed measures on the Nov. 8 ballot will have a detrimental impact on communities of color.

A constituency of concerned leaders and community members met Tuesday night to discuss the controversy.  Invoking the memory of Rosa Parks, speakers from the NAACP and other organizations argued that Proposition 77, which would erase legislator’s ability to draw their own districts, effectively dilutes the voting power of large minority communities.

Support for the rallying cries was mixed, as some attendees believed the gathering was a one-sided event.  Still, community activists remain united.  With their guidance, the Alliance for a Better California has had over 100 volunteers traveling door-to-door through South LA over the last few weeks endorsing a vote for minority campaigns.