Los Angeles News Summary 7-19-19

>>Katy Perry Copyright Trial Resumes Today 

(Los Angeles, CA)  –  Pop-star Katy Perry is keeping things light in court as she denies copyright infringement violations.  She’s being sued for allegedly using parts of someone else’s song in her 2013 hit Dark Horse.  She took the stand yesterday and testified she had never heard of the song Joyful Noise by Flame before the lawsuit.  There was a technical hiccup during her testimony when trying to play audio of Dark Horse and the courtroom erupted in laughter after she offered a live performance.  The trial resumes today. 

>>Joe Biden Fundraising In The Southland 

(Los Angeles, CA)  –  Former Vice President Joe Biden is in the L-A area raising money for his Democratic presidential bid.  He arrived in town yesterday and one of his stops last night was at a Crenshaw soul-food restaurant.  He served up food to customers and dished out criticism at President Donald Trump.  He also attended two private events, including a high-priced fundraiser hosted by Sony Motion Picture Group Chairman Tom Rothman and his wife.  He has two more fundraisers in the area today. 

>>Nearly 15 Tons Of Pot Seized In Perris Busts 

(Perris, CA)  –  Nearly 15 tons of marijuana are off the streets after a series of busts in Riverside County.  Sheriff’s officials say they the pot, 37 guns and a honey oil lab were found after 48 search warrants were served at illegal grow operations in Perris yesterday.  Officials say they’re concerned with crimes that surround these types of operations.  Twenty seven people were arrested. 

>>FilmLA Reports Second-Quarter Drop In Local Film Production Days 

(Los Angeles, CA)  –  A new report shows production crews are filming less often in the greater Los Angeles area.  Non-profit Film L-A says the number of days production crews filmed in the area dropped in the second quarter of the year by about four-percent.  Even though the report reveals a decline in filming on location, local production facilities say they are operating at capacity.

>>San Dimas Councilman Goes Rogue With Seating Assignment 

(San Dimas, CA)  –  A San Dimas councilman is going rogue with his seating assignment.  Councilman Ryan Vienna says he won’t sit with his colleagues until the seating order is changed.  The council voted down his request last week to have all council members sit next to each other.  Currently, the city manager and city attorney surround the mayor.  Vienna’s reasoning for the switch: residents who want to address the council have to talk to the council with city staff in between.  He wants balance and will now sit at a city staff table. 

>>Silent Dancing Event At Zoo 

(Los Angeles, CA)  –  People will be shaking their tail feathers in silence at the zoo tonight.  A silent disco will be going on at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.  It’s the second Roaring Nights event of the season.  Folks who are 21 and over will be able to wear a set of headphones to listen to music instead of speakers on the dance floor.