Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill aimed to protect the data of street vendors from immigration enforcement agencies into law.
Senate Bill 635, known as the Street Vendor Protection Act, will safeguard vendors’ personal information from federal immigration agencies by restricting the collection of sensitive data, such as fingerprints.
“SB 635 ensures that these hardworking entrepreneurs can operate their businesses without fear that their personal information will be turned over to immigration authorities,” said Sen. María Elena Durazo, author of the bill.
SB 635 is designed to provide a safeguard, especially for immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners across California.
“This law affirms California’s commitment to protect immigrant families, support small business owners, and ensure that our limited state and local resources are not used for federal immigration enforcement,” said Durazo.
The current law allows local governments to collect and store sensitive information about vendors, such as their citizenship or immigration status, which can be disclosed to federal authorities.
Durazo thanked the street vendors and community advocates who shared their stories with the legislation.
“Street vendors are a cornerstone of our communities and contribute significantly to California’s vibrant culture and economy,” said Durazo
A 29-year-old Florida man and former Pacific Palisades resident is charged with starting a New Year’s Day fire that became the deadly Palisades Fire Jan. 7.
Jonathan Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday in Florida and charged by federal prosecutors with destruction of property by means of fire.
The New Year’s Day fire smoldered for days in the dense root structure in the LA County coastal community and was fanned by a Jan. 7 windstorm, authorities say.
The suspect was in the Pacific Palisades area on the night of Dec. 31 after working as an Uber driver and dropping off a passenger in the neighborhood, prosecutors say.
Witness statements, a ChatGPT profile, video surveillance, cellphone data, and an analysis of fire dynamics and patterns at the scene were part of the investigation.
The Palisades Fire expanded to 23,400 acres before in was contained Jan. 31. Twelve people were killed and more than 6,800 structures, including residences and businesses, were destroyed.
A 29-year-old man accused of starting a New Year’s Day brush fire that smoldered underground for days and eventually re-ignited to become the deadly Palisades Fire has been arrested in Florida, authorities announced Wednesday.
The suspect was identified as Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Pacific Palisades resident living in Florida who is charged by federal prosecutors with destruction of property by means of fire. Rinderknecht ignited a New Year’s Day fire that smoldered for days in the dense root structure in the LA County coastal community before it was re-ignited and fanned by powerful winds on the morning of Jan. 7 to become one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in county history, authorities said at a Wednesday news conference.
Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday at his Florida residence. His initial court appearance was set for later Wednesday. NBC4 Investigates first reported the arrest in connection with the fire before authorities provided more details at a morning news conference.
The Palisades Fire began in the Palisades Highlands, where a week earlier, a relatively small brush fire now called the Lachman Fire was reported early New Year’s Day. The Los Angeles City Fire Department declined to share records or information about the cause of the New Year’s fire, but officials and the sources said earlier this year ATF agents and local fire investigators were considering whether embers from the New Year’s fire could have reignited in the intense winds Jan. 7.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Rinderknecht, who lived in the neighborhood near where the Lachman Fire started, was in the Pacific Palisades area on the night of Dec. 31 after working as an Uber driver. Two passengers, one of whom was dropped off in the Palisades area, reported that he appeared agitated, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In a statement, Uber said Rinderknecht was not on the company’s app at the time of the fire, but the company worked with investigators to help determine his location by providing information that included GPS data. His access to the Uber platform was removed after the company learned of a connection to the fire, the statement added.
After dropping off the passenger, Rinderknecht parked near Skull Rock Trailhead and walked up the trail, Essayli said. He then used his phone to photograph a hilltop area and listened to a French rap song that included references to lighting fires, he added. Essayli said he listened to the song several times in the days before the fire.
About twelve minutes into the new year, sensors indicated a fire had started in the area.
Rinderknecht was interviewed Jan. 24, but claimed he was near a hiking trail, despite geo-location that showed he was standing in a clearing about 30 feet from the fire as it rapidly grew, Essayli said. Prosecutors said Rinderknecht left the area of the fire’s origin, but came back later that night and recorded video.
“Rinderknecht called 911 several times, but didn’t get through because his iPhone was out of cellphone range,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement. “When he finally connected with 911, he was at the bottom of the hiking trail and reported the fire. By that point, a nearby resident already had reported the fire to authorities.
“Rinderknecht then fled in his car, passing fire engines driving in the opposite direction. He then turned around and followed the fire engines to the scene, driving at a high rate of speed. Rinderknecht walked up the same trail from earlier that night to watch the fire and the firefighters. At approximately 1:02 a.m., he used his iPhone to take more videos of the scene. “
Essayli said Rinderknecht was arrested based on digital evidence, including a ChatGPT profile that authorities said displayed a fire burning and people fleeing from the flames in what appeared to be an urban setting. The image, which also featured burning structures, was produced a few months before the fire, Essayli said.
In the criminal complaint, prosecutors said Rinderknecht typed a question into his ChatGPT app, “Are you at fault if a fire is lift (sic) because of your cigarettes?”
The response was, “Yes,” followed by an explanation, prosecutors said.
Federal prosecutors claim the Palisades Fire suspect’s ChatGPT log shows he created a series of images depicting a burning forest and crowds fleeing. Credit: DOJ
Witness statements, video surveillance, cellphone data, and an analysis of fire dynamics and patterns at the scene also were part of the investigation. The ATF staged several controlled burns near the point of origin to test the detection of smoke and flames by wilderness cameras and other remote sensors, officials said.
ATF experts had also been working to evaluate the possibility that embers or material not fully extinguished from the New Year’s fire could have reignited a week later. The findings from those tests have not previously been made public.
Federal law enforcement officials told NBC News that an open flame was the ignition source of the New Year’s Day fire. The officials did not specify the flame’s ignition source.
The 26-page federal criminal complaint does not specify what exactly started the fire, but detailed what investigators were able to discount as part of the probe. In the complaint, prosecutors appeared to exclude potential causes, including fireworks, power lines, refraction of sunlight and smoking.
The Palisades Fire is considered a “holdover” fire, a continuation of an earlier fire.
“The fire was a holdover fire, meaning it was deeply seeded in dense vegetation and roots, and continued to burn undetected until catastrophic weather ensued, resulting in the Palisades Fire,” said Kenny Cooper, special agent in charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Los Angeles City Fire Department Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva said Wednesday that fire department resources were on scene for more than 36 hours after the Lachman Fire.
In another high-profile case of fire re-ignition, a 1991 fire in the Oakland Hills was thought to be extinguished, but embers continued to smolder under dense brush and the fire re-ignited in strong winds the next day to become one of the deadliest fires on record in California, resulting in 25 deaths and hundreds of destroyed structures.
The Palisades Fire expanded to 23,400 acres before it was contained Jan. 31. Twelve people were killed and more than 6,800 structures, including residences and businesses, were destroyed.
“While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy,” Essayli said.
The Palisades Fire is the ninth-deadliest wildfire on record in California and the third-most destructive.
“This action was deliberate, intended to cause devastating harm to the City of Los Angeles,” Villanueva said in a statement. “This arrest is a critical step toward ensuring accountability, justice, and healing for our city.
“We are forever grateful to our frontline responders, law enforcement partners, and the people of Los Angeles for their vigilance and support for one another during this incredibly challenging year. Although the flames have been extinguished, the impact of these fires will linger for years to come. Our hearts are with the families and neighborhoods who faced tremendous loss.”
Prosecutors said additional charges are possible in connection with the fire.
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It may not be Halloween just yet, but the spooky season has already begun in San Diego County — and events taking place throughout October and into November.
There’s haunting fun for all ages, from frightening to not-so-scary celebrations. Whether you want to get into the Halloween spirit before or after Oct. 31, don’t miss the chance to enjoy one, or many, of these events.
A haunted Halloween in the city of San Diego
The Haunted Trail and The eXperiment Maze Sept. 26 through Nov. 1 | Balboa Park | $34.99+ The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park has returned with two haunts in one: the 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze and the milelong Haunted Trail winding through the twisted pines and gnarled oaks of historic Marston Point. Attendees can enjoy two ghostly experiences at one location.
Gaslamp Walking Tour by Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours Times and dates vary | Gaslamp | $42 Walk around downtown San Diego, looking into the dark history, true crime and haunting ghost stories that permeate the Gaslamp District.
Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash Oct. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. | Hangar Deck, USS Midway Museum | $25 This family-friendly event promises a night full of fun activities, contests, crafts and more. Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready to indulge in some tasty treats, and there’s magic potion cocktails for the adults.
University Heights Fall Festival Oct. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. | University Heights | Free The annual University Heights Fall Festival is a free event open to the public. From live music and performances to arts and crafts, there are many free activities to explore. For those seeking extra excitement, ticketed activities like face painting, potion-making, bounce houses, horse-drawn hayrides, seasonal pie tasting and more are available.
Bayside Boo – Spirited Night by the Bay Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Seaport Village | Free Experience a spirited night by the bay, presented by the Seaport Fudge Factory. Bayside Boo will feature spooky beats, sweet treats and plenty of festive fun.
Halloween Aglow Oct. 24 and 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | La Jolla | $40+ When the sun goes down, the Birch Aquarium lights go up. Halloween Aglow is a family-friendly event where guests can trick-or-treat around the aquarium, explore Living Seas — the newest exhibit — and watch scuba divers transform the aquarium into an underwater pumpkin patch. Ticket sales opened at noon on Sept. 26.
Trick-or-Treat on India Street Oct. 26, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Little Italy | Free Little Italy is bringing back Halloween tradition Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Enjoy an evening of authentic trick-or-treating, jumping from door-to-door asking for Halloween treats and candy from participating Little Italy businesses along India Street. The Piazza della Famiglia will also get a spooky makeover as it will transform into the “Nightmare Before Christmas.” A giant 13’ Jack Skellington and large pumpkin stacks will fill the Piazza. Maps of participating businesses will be available at the Piazza on India and W. Date Street. Cedar through Grape streets will be closed for the event.
SeaWorld Spooktacular Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1 | Mission Beach | $67.99+ Set sail on SeaWorld’s pirate-themed Halloween adventure. This year’s Spooktacular offers a treasure trove for the whole family. With trick-or-treat stations and a charming pumpkin patch, there’s festive fun for everyone during this daytime event.
Halloween at the Station Oct. 26, noon to 4 p.m. | Liberty Station | Free Liberty Station invites the community to join for a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration. Visit Ingram Plaza for live entertainment with a DJ set, a Hollywood car show, inflatable obstacle courses, crafts, activities and more trick-or-treating throughout Liberty Station for all to enjoy.
Spooky events in North County
Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Haunted Corn Maze Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7 to 10 p.m. | Carlsbad | $25+ Looking for a spooky adventure this Halloween season? Carlsbad Haunted Corn Maze partners with the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation for a haunting experience. The Carlsbad Strawberry Company also has pumpkins, tractor rides, games, food and a regular 1.5-mile corn maze.
Brick-or-Treat Monster Party Saturdays and Sundays | Carlsbad | $84+ Monsters take over Legoland, this family-friendly event has not-too-scary fun for all ages such as live shows, limited-time attractions, costume contests and of course, trick-or-treating at candy stations across the Park. The Brick-or-Treat event is included with the purchase of tickets and select passes at Legoland for the month of October.
Family-friendly fun in East County
HauntFest on Main Oct. 17 from 4 to 9 p.m.| Downtown El Cajon | Free HauntFest on Main is an annual family-friendly Halloween-themed event held in downtown El Cajon. This free event features live music, costume contests, carnival rides, a haunted car show and a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, games and more.
Haunted Circus: Monsters at Play Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | El Cajon | Free The Magnolia is hosting its third annual Haunted Circus at its historic theater in El Cajon, as part of the city of El Cajon’s HauntFest celebration. Guests can RSVP to enjoy thrilling circus-style performances, including jugglers, aerialists and acrobats. This year’s theme, “Monsters at Play,” promises a lively and spooky experience for all ages.
Santee Lakes Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Santee | $10 The third annual Spooktacular Santee Lakes event returns. Get ready for a day of food trucks, face painting, inflatables, a DJ, trick-or-treating and much more. Plus, special guests Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion will join the event at Lake 1 and Lake 2. There will be a Mary’s Donut Walk where local businesses will decorate trunks and booths to give away tons of candy.
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