Dead diver washes ashore at Corral Canyon
The body of a diver that washed ashore at Corral Canyon Beach Saturday afternoon was identified as 58-year-old Thomas Swanson of Simi Valley.
A representative for Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said Swanson was diving alone, and was last seen going into the ocean with scuba equipment at about 9 a.m.
Passersby discovered his body around noon and paramedics who arrived at the scene pronounced Swanson dead at 12:39 p.m. Malibu resident Vic Calandra was passing by the area on Saturday and said he had seen Swanson’s body lying on the sand after paramedics had arrived.
Oliver Stone to conduct discussion at Pepperdine
Director and producer Oliver Stone will attend a screening of his film “South of the Border,” at Pepperdine University’s Elkins Auditorium Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. After the screening, Stone will discuss his film and answer questions. The film is a documentary about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and other South American leaders.
Pair who accused Busey of drunk driving arrested
Patrice Karst and Marc Abel, both of Marina del Rey, were arrested Jan. 13 after allegedly interfering with a DUI investigation.
Karst, 52, and Abel, 53, reportedly saw a Mercedes-Benz driving dangerously on Pacific Coast Highway, prompting them to flag down a patrol car. The driver of the Mercedes was actor Gary Busey. While Busey was being given a sobriety test, Karst began taking photos with her iPhone. Busey was deemed sober and set free. Karst and Abel were taken into custody and had their car impounded for taking photos. During the arrest, deputies reportedly discovered marijuana in Karst’s possession.
According to a press release from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, “Her actions hampered the deputies’ investigation, and deputies asked her to step back away from their location so they could continue their interview with Mr. Busey.”
Blackburn pleads guilty
Malibu resident Jeremy Blackburn pleaded guilty to fraud by wire, radio or television Dec. 10, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. His sentencing is set for March 8 in Chicago.
The charge of federal wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine with mandatory restitution.
Blackburn, former president and CEO of Canopy Financial, Inc., and Anthony Banas, former chief technology officer, allegedly defrauded investors of about $75 million and misappropriated about $19 million from client custodial accounts intended for health care savings and expenses.
Malibu Canyon work continues
The repaving work on Malibu Canyon Road concluded last week Friday. However, restriping work began Monday and will take the whole week to finish and county public works officials said that reflectors will need to be added afterward, and could not say how long it will take to conclude.