Community Corner

Punter Cut Amid Rape Lawsuit | VP Attends Fundraiser: SoCal In Brief

Took a break from the news this weekend? Not to worry, we've rounded up some of the stories you missed in SoCal on Saturday and Sunday.

The Buffalo Bills cut Matt Araiza from the team on Saturday, Aug. 27, two days after a lawsuit was filed alleging the player and two college teammates gang-raped a teenager last fall.
The Buffalo Bills cut Matt Araiza from the team on Saturday, Aug. 27, two days after a lawsuit was filed alleging the player and two college teammates gang-raped a teenager last fall. (AP Foto/Adrian Kraus, archivo)

SAN DIEGO, CA — As the weekend wraps up, we've rounded up all the stories you may have missed Saturday and Sunday to prepare you for Monday.

But before we jump into Southern California's top stories, Golden State residents should know that violent crime and homicide rates shot up again in 2021, adding fuel to an argument that California is fraught with crime as the state's top Democrats head into another election season.

In other news, Vice President Kamala Harris ended a five-day trip to Southern California that included speaking at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. Also, the Buffalo Bills released punter Matt Araiza, days after he and two college teammates were accused in a lawsuit of raping a 17-year-old girl last year when he was a San Diego State University student.

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

From the vice president's visit to an NFL team cutting a player accused of rape, here are some of the Southern California stories you may have missed this weekend.

CA Homicides And Violent Crime Spiked In 2021, State Report Shows

Find out what's happening in San Diegofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Amid rising tensions over rampant crime, the Golden State reported an uptick in violent crime and homicides again last year.

VP Harris Discusses Midterm Elections At Newport Coast DNC Fundraiser

Vice President Kamala Harris' 18-minute speech at a Newport Coast estate emphasized the importance of November's midterm elections.

Buffalo Bills Release Matt Araiza Amid SDSU Rape Lawsuit

Punter Matt Araiza and two college teammates were accused in a lawsuit of raping a 17-year-old girl last year when he was a student at SDSU.

Adult Male Mountain Lion Killed In SoCal

Another collared adult mountain lion was fatally struck by a vehicle north of Ojai in Ventura County, authorities said.

1 Killed, 1 Injured In Single-Vehicle Crash On Freeway In West Covina

Both occupants were ejected. One died at the scene.

6 Wounded In Shooting At Boyle Heights Bar

A suspect is in custody. All the victims are expected to survive, officials said.

Brush Fire Prompts Evacuations Of Poway Industrial Park, Road Closures

The blaze, called the Metate Fire, burned near Metate Lane and Community Road, according to Cal Fire San Diego.

Brutal Late-Summer Heat Wave Coming To Los Angeles County

Temperatures will rise a few degrees Monday, then spike even more on Tuesday and stay that way through next weekend, according to the NWS.

Brutal Late-Summer Heat Wave Coming To Orange County

Temperatures will rise a few degrees Monday, then spike even more on Tuesday and stay that way through next weekend, according to the NWS.

Brutal Late-Summer Heat Wave Coming To Riverside County

Temperatures will spike on Tuesday and stay that way through next weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Brutal Late-Summer Heat Wave Coming To San Diego County

By midweek it may be quite hot inland and warmer over coastal areas, despite the sea breezes.

Burglary Suspect Armed With Knife Arrested In North County

An armed man was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary and robbery after he entered a home while the family was still inside.

COVID-19 Case Numbers Continue To Improve In Orange County

The number of COVID-positive patients in Orange County hospitals dropped by six people to 224, according to the latest state figures.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Fall In San Diego County

The number of people in San Diego County hospitalized with COVID-19 has decreased by nine to 247, according to the latest state data.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise In Los Angeles County

The number of coronavirus patients in Los Angeles County hospitals increased by 62 to 889, according to the latest state data.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise In Riverside County

The number of people hospitalized with COVID in Riverside County has increased by 22 people to 145, according to the latest data.

Crews Halt Small Brush Fire In Temecula

The blaze sparked in the 30900 block of Samantha Lane, according to Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department.

Crews Knock Down House Fire In Chinatown

The Los Angeles Fire Department extinguished the flames in 14 minutes, officials said.

Downey Man Faces Federal Charges In Girl's Fentanyl Death

Jonathan Limas-Reyes, 26, was arrested by special agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, federal officials said.

Driver In OC Ditches Vehicle When It Catches Fire

A motorist ditched a car when it caught fire during a single-vehicle crash.

Fire Scorches Mezzanine Above Highland Park Auto Shop

Firefighters battled a blaze that burned part of a structure above an auto shop in Highland Park.

LA County Announces First Human Cases Of West Nile Virus

Six cases have been identified since late July, and most of the patients were hospitalized.

LA County Deputy Missing After Crash Arrested On Suspicion Of DUI

Deputy Carlos Lopez was arrested and released with a citation for a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

LA Supervisors Consider Safety Reviews After Fatal Windsor Hills Crash

Following the deadly Windsor Hills collision, Supervisor Holly Mitchell is investigating a series of studies and steps to slow traffic.

Lieutenant Allegedly Fired For Being Gay, Having HIV, Settles Suit

Attorneys for Steven Prendergast filed court papers with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Terry Green stating that the case was resolved.

Man Arrested After Police Pursuit, Standoff In Downtown San Diego

The pursuit went onto Interstate 5 north through downtown San Diego, police said, adding that the suspect hit speeds of more than 100 mph.

Man Shot, 2 Zip-Tied In Home Invasion Robbery In Temple City

A man was shot and at least three suspects made off with an unknown amount of cash during the home invasion, police said.

NoHo Man Accused Of Severely Hurting Son, Charged With Assault

"The physical abuse suffered by this young boy is horrifying," D.A. Gascón said. Police said his injuries could have left him comatose.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Huntington Beach Police Officer

The officer was identified as 22-year-old Robert M., according to the CHP.

Person Killed, Another Injured In Huntington Beach Crash

One person was killed and at least one other person was injured in a vehicle crash in Huntington Beach.

RivCo Woman In SUV Killed In Crash Near Disneyland

Hanna Jocelyn Gomar, 32, of Corona was pronounced dead at the scene.

Riverside County Inmate Dies At Hospital

The man was found in need of medical attention inside a housing unit at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, authorities said.

Woman In SUV Killed In Crash Near Disneyland

A woman was killed when her SUV crashed into a palm tree across from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

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