Hot Seats for Heated Rivals

LOS ANGELES–Rabid college football fans should expect to empty their wallets trying to find a seat to the Dec. 3 match-up between cross-town foes USC and UCLA.  While ticket supplies are dwindling at a rapid pace, remaining openings have sold for up to $6,000 each.

Resale ticket brokers throughout California believe the SoCal square-off will be the highest grossing regular season college football game of the year.  Sales may even stretch beyond those of any regular season NFL game.

Total sales revenue recently surpassed $500,000, as average ticket prices reached $367.  Local brokers are undoubtedly excited for the holiday season, as the Dec. 3 game will be followed by the Jan. 4 Rose Bowl.  If USC and Texas meet in the championship game, ticket prices could soar even higher.

Students Pierced During Study Hall

TARZANA–An 11^th grade girl at Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES) was recently uncovered running a tongue piercing parlor clandestinely in her school’s bathroom. 

Lidia Mendez noticed an object in her 14-year-old daughter’s mouth when leaving for school, and when her daughter failed to spit it out, the piercing operation was exposed.

Other girls received similar tongue ornaments, completed with a needle and rubbing alcohol and for a nominal fee.

"We addressed the issue and appropriate disciplinary action was taken," said SOCES Assistant Principal Mariann Aguilar. "The child wasn't forced. She was a willing participant."

According to California law, no one under age 16 can receive a tongue piercing without parental consent.  Legitimate tattoo parlor employees warned that amateur operations can be extremely dangerous because of the tongue’s many blood vessels.

Some SOCES pierces visited the doctor for HIV and hepatitis tests.

Seeing-Eye Dog Nabbed in the Desert

PALM SPRINGS–After finishing a training session, 2-year-old chocolate Labrador “Halo” was locked and secured in her kennel in a van parked near the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs. When a trainer returned from walking another dog, the kennel was open and the dog was gone.

Unfortunately, the dog’s mysterious disappearance is not only detrimental to her program, but also means that a sight-impaired person has lost their guide.  Guide Dogs of the Desert’s Mindy Romero notes, “Whoever took her will realize taking Halo not only hurts us emotionally, but you took somebody’s eyes.”

A $1,000 reward has been offered for the dog’s safe return.  If you have any information, contact Guide Dogs of the Desert in Palm Springs at (760) 329-6257.