NATIONAL GUARD in Washington (US Army).

National Guard troops numbering 800 have arrived in Washington, D.C. as a part of an anti-crime deployment ordered by President Donald Trump.

According to the Associated Press the soldiers are there along with an executive order allowing the federal government to temporarily assume control of the Washington D.C. police force.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, after at first expressing alarm, sought to express a cooperative outlook.

“How we got here or what we think about the circumstances – right now – we have more police, and we want to make sure we use them,” she said.

Trump has called the nation’s capital a “lawless city” but the latest crime statistics show that violent crime – with the exception of arson – is in decline over the past year.

All crime is down 7 percent with violent crime down 26 percent and property crime down 4 percent.

Russian troops make advances

Ahead of the planned summit in Alaska between U.S. President  Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian troops have moved forward and advanced into some areas in eastern Ukraine.

RUSSIA VS. UKRAINE (Shutterstock).

The New York Times reports this is in case any agreement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine would allow each side to keep the ground it holds at the time of any cease-fire deal.

Ukraine, for its side, is increasing its attacks on Russian oil refineries, hoping to damage Russia’s main source of income.

“The next 24-48 hours will likely be crucial” said a commentator on whether Ukraine can contain the Russian move.

Texas shooting suspect identified

The man police believe fatally shot three people on Monday outside a Target store in Austin, Texas, has been identified.

According to USA Today, the suspected gunman is Ethan Nieneker, 32.

The shooting took place in the parking lot and the victims are said to be two adults and one child. The suspect faces charges of first degree murder, capital murder by terror threat and capital murder of a person under 10.

Nieneker is said to flee the scene in a stolen car after the shooting, crashing it and stealing another car. He was eventually tracked down by police and subdued with a Taser.

He is believed to have a history of “mental health challenges,” reports the newspaper.

Weather: Hope you like clouds

Southern California is famous for “June Gloom” but it’s not always sunny in August, either. The forecast for our West Orange County cities for the coming week is for a fair amount of the cloudy weather.

Wednesday is expected to have a daytime high of 78 with an overnight low of 66 with morning clouds and afternoon sun. After that, it’s partly cloudy skies right through Sunday. The highs will range from 75 to 77 with lows of 65 to 66.

Great Thoughts:

“I’m not led into temptation. I go there by myself.”
– Dennis the Menace.

“For every minute you’re angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

“In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt