QUICK HITS: STATE
LOS ANGELES Swimmers, surfers warned as high surf pounds California
High surf will pound much of the southern and central California coast all week and beachgoers are warned of dangerous waves and rip currents.
The National Weather Service says a strong southerly swell from Hurricane Sergio could bring waves topping 11 feet (3.4 meters) to some areas from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
Swimmers and surfers are urged to stay near lifeguards and never turn their backs on the ocean.
Minor coastal flooding is possible during high tides. Some beach communities have built sand berms to protect neighborhoods from rising waters.
A beach hazards statement — which is just below a more serious high surf warning — will stand until Friday.
BAKERSFIELD
California veteran to be added to Vietnam memorial
A California veteran who died from health complications related to his time in Vietnam will be added to the state's Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The Bakersfield Californian reports James E. Williams' name is one of the three that will be added to the memorial.
The names will be unveiled in an event scheduled Saturday in Sacramento.
Spec. Williams grew up in Lamont and joined the Army in June 1966.
He died 50 years after his tour of duty in Vietnam from complications believed to be connected to exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical compound.
The Arvin High alumnus was awarded two Purple Hearts and numerous other citations for his service.
Vietnam Veterans of America Sonora chapter President Larry Bramblett says he think there should be a new medal for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
SAN BERNARDINO
Woman arrested in connection with San Bernardino hit-andrun
California Highway Patrol has arrested a woman suspected of striking and killing a San Bernardino teen with her vehicle and fleeing from the scene.
Officer Brian Alvarez says 55-year-old Charlean Larue Welch of San Bernardino was arrested in connection with the Sept. 28 collision on Monday.
Officials say 14-yearold Jade Maldonado was struck by a vehicle as she was walking to Pacific High School.
The Sun reports California Highway Patrol officials identified Welch with tips from the public.
Alvarez says investigators located the suspect vehicle near the collusion site.
Welch later came in voluntarily to California Highway Patrol's San Bernardino office to make a statement.
Jail records show Welch was arrested for investigation of hit and run resulting in death, and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence — both felonies.
THOUSAND OAKS
13 arrested, $10M in drugs seized in California crackdown
Authorities say 13 people were arrested and more than $10 million worth of illegal drugs were seized as part of a year-long crackdown on traffickers in Southern California.
Ventura County Undersheriff Gary Pentis said during a Tuesday press conference that those arrested include high-ranking members of a drug ring centered in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles. More arrests are pending.
Pentis says large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl were smuggled in from Sinaloa, Mexico and distributed across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The investigation was conducted along with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Weapons and cash were also seized.