SOME PROGRESS is being reported in containing the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires.

While the wildfires that have scorched the Los Angeles area are still raging, firefighters are making some progress against the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that over 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for over 150,000 people. There have been 11 deaths confirmed, and it’s feared that more fatalities will be discovered once the fires are extinguished and burnt areas searched for possible victims.

As of Friday afternoon, the Palisades fire was considered 8 percent contained and the Eaton fire was 3 percent contained. The abatement of heavy winds has been a help in fighting the blazes, according to fire officials.

For the second day, Orange County residents received an erroneous “evacuation” warning from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has invited President-elect Donald Trump to visit California to view the damage and offer appreciation to the first responders. Newsom also ordered an investigation into water supply problems that left some fire hydrants dry.

The cause of the fires remains unknown.

Giuliani held in contempt again

Former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani and attorney to Donald Trump was found in contempt on Friday in a federal court, accusing of spreading lies about former election workers in Georgia.

RUDY GUILIANI (Shutterstock).

According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell found that Guiliano had violated a court order barring him from defaming Wandrea Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman.

They had won a $148 million judgment against Giuliani for falsely accusing them of election fraud in the 2020 election.

Outside the courtroom Giuliani criticized the judge as well. “I don’t care what she did,” he said. “She didn’t consider a damn thing I said. She wrote it before hand.”

Giuliani has lost his law license in New York and is facing criminal charges.

No penalty for Donald Trump

The sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump on Friday – convicted of 34 felony charges for falsifying business records – was somewhat anti-climactic.

DONALD TRUMP escaped jail time of a fine in sentencing (Shutterstock).

New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Marchan remarked that “this has been a truly extraordinary case” before giving Trump an “unconditional release.”

That means that Trump will still be considered a convicted felon, but will serve no jail time, pay no fine and not be supervised.

Trump, appearing before the court remotely, called the prosecution a “political witch hunt.” The dilemma of possibly jailing a president was a motive for the way the case was discharged.

Sports: Buckeyes, Longhorns clash

The second of two semifinal games in the College Football Playoff today (Friday) will be in the Cotton Bowl. The winner will meet Notre Dame in the championship game in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

Weather: Sunny and cool

Our West Orange County cities are in for cool and sunny days – mostly – over the weekend and into the new week. Saturday is forecast for a daytime high of 66 with an overnight low of 51 with the sunshine. Sunday will be similar at 65 (44). Monday is expected to be partly cloudy with temps of 65 (48). Tuesday will see the sun return and 66 (46) on the thermometer.

Great Thoughts

“I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashions.”
– Lillian Hellman, writer.