"Court Case Friday" I had a prisoner in my courtroom charged with felony transportation and sale of a drug. It was a new designer drug I hadn’t seen before. It had a very long technical name. I started to advise him of the charges: “You are charged with felony transportation and sale of drugs: to … Continue reading Prisoner Tells the Judge How to Pronounce the Name of the Illegal Drug
Inside the back hallways of the Newport Harbor Justice Center are historic photos of South Orange County. I thought I would share them with you. First Laguna Beach City Jail Back Bay Salt Mine Newport Dory Fleet Irvine Sugar Beet Facility Fashion Island Under Construction Downtown Laguna Beach World Jamboree 1953, Future "Jamboree Road" Laguna … Continue reading Historic South Orange County (Photos)
Dream and Visions Some revelations come "through the dreams of sleep or in waking visions of the mind." (James Talmage) As the prophet Lehi wrote, "Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision." (1 Nephi 8: 2) How do we tell the difference between a mere dream and … Continue reading Personal Revelation (Pt 4/5): Dreams, Visions, Visitations, Theophany
California Government Code sections 420-429 list California’s official stuff, in other words, “California State Symbols and Emblems.” Here is the list. [Plus, my expert comments] How many did you know? What others would you recommend? Red-legged Frog Motto: Eureka [This should be my wife’s motto when I misplace something]Nickname: The Golden StateSong: “I Love You, … Continue reading California’s Official State Stuff: Amphibians, Insects, Lichen, Dirt, etc. (Gov. Code 420-429)
When I was a rookie deputy district attorney (D.A.) one of my colleagues quickly grabbed a case file and rushed off to court for his first jury trial. He wanted to make a good impression. The judge explained that the defendant waived his right to an attorney and insisted on exercising his constitutional right to … Continue reading The D.A.’s Disastrous Embarrassing False Start with a Jury
What if the Church Leaders Denied Their Testimonies? I asked my seminary students and gospel doctrine classes this question: “Suppose that the prophet announced at general conference that the church is not true. Therefore, the prophet asked that the members sustain the general authorities and officers in dissolving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day … Continue reading Joseph F. Smith – An Unshakable Personal Testimony, Even at Gunpoint
I have witnessed a recent spike in the number of fentanyl cases. This is a deadly trend. Opioid Addiction Crisis America is in the middle of an opioid addiction crisis. Each year, over 90,000 people die from drug overdoses. That is 9 times the number killed by drunk drivers. And fentanyl is the driving force. … Continue reading Important Warning! Fentanyl Is a Killer!
"Court Case Friday" I had a case of a couple charged with interfering with businesses. They were begging for money outside of liquor stores. When they came to court, they they refused to sit down, to touch anything, and they had wrapped themselves in dozens of layers of cellophane. They crinkled when they moved Apparently, … Continue reading A “Germaphobe” Couple Comes to Court Wrapped in Cellophane
"Court Case Friday" YouTube Star Hotel Jumper I presided over an interesting case involving a YouTube “Star.” The young man filmed himself jumping off very high balconies or roofs of hotels into their swimming pools. Apparently, when he posted the videos on YouTube, he had so many “views” and “likes” that advertisers were eager to … Continue reading My Case of the YouTube Star Who Jumped off Hotel Balconies
In Honor of Veterans Day (11 am, 11th day, 11th month. 11-11-11) Airports are named after famous people. I know about the namesakes of John Wayne and Ronald Reagan Airports, but who is O’Hare? I pondered this when I was stuck at that massive crowded airport. WWII Navy Fighter Pilot Chicago International Airport is named … Continue reading In Honor of Veteran’s Day: “Who is ‘O’Hare’ of Chicago O’Hare International Airport?”
The London Edition 