Black Friday Pepper Spray Victims Detail - Andrew Blankstein, Shan Li, Hailey Branson-Potts and Dalina Castellanos

Customers hit by pepper spray at Wal-Mart describe scene of chaos November 25, 2011 |  2:26 am (Los Angeles Times)  Matthew Lopez went to the Wal-Mart in Porter Ranch on Thursday night for the Black Friday sale but instead was caught in a pepper-spray attack by a woman who authorities said was "competitive shopping." Lopez described a chaotic scene in the San Fernando Valley store among shoppers looking for video games soon after the sale began. "I heard screaming and I heard yelling," said Lopez, 18. "Moments later, my throat stung. I was coughing really bad and watering up." Lopez said customers were already in the store when a whistle signaled the start of the Black Friday sale at 10 p.m., sending shoppers hurtling in search of deeply discounted items. Lopez said that by the time he arrived at the video games, the display had been torn down. Employees attempted to hold back the scrum of shoppers and pick up merchandise even as customers trampled the video games and DVDs strewn on the floor. "It was absolutely crazy," he said. Another customer said screams erupted after about 100 people waiting in line to snag Xbox gaming consoles and Wii video games got into a shoving match. Alejandra Seminario, 24, said she was waiting in line to grab some toys at the store around 9:55 p.m. when people the next aisle over started shouting and ripping at the plastic wrap encasing gaming consoles, which was supposed to be opened at 10 p.m. "People started screaming, pulling and pushing each other, and then the whole area filled up with pepper spray," the Sylmar resident said. "I guess what triggered it was people started pulling the plastic off the pallets and then shoving and bombarding the display of games. It started with people pushing and screaming because they were getting shoved onto the boxes." The pepper spray wafted through the air, Seminario said, and she breathed some in and started coughing. Her face also started itching. "I did not want to get involved. I was too scared. I just stayed in the toy aisle," she said. By the time she and her husband, 27-year-old Cesar Seminario, got to the cash register 20 minutes later with a Wii gaming console and some Barbie dolls, the air was still smelling of pepper spray, she said. Wal-Mart employees were taking statements near the front of the store from about eight customers who had been pepper-sprayed, Seminario said. "After we paid, we saw five that were in really bad shape," she said. "They had been sprayed in the face, it looked like, and they had swelling of the face, really extreme swelling of face, redness, coughing." Nakeasha Contreras, 20, of North Hollywood, said she arrived at midnight and hadn't heard what happened. Even if she had, she said, she wouldn't have minded: "I don't care. I'm still getting my TV. I've never seen Wal-Mart so crazy, but I guess it could have been worse." Joseph Poulose, who said he was hit with the spray near the DVD and video games display, criticized the store for failing to control the crowds. "There were way too many people in a building that size. Every aisle was full," he said. Customers were stomping on photo frames and other items on the floor, said Poulose, who tried to protect his pregnant wife from the throng of shoppers inside. "It was definitely the worst Black Friday I’ve ever experienced," he said. RELATED: Early-bird Black Friday turns ugly with "shopping rage" incident Woman in Wal-Mart pepper spray attack was "competitive shopping" Wal-Mart customer in Porter Ranch pepper sprays other shoppers; 20 hurt -- Andrew Blankstein, Shan Li, Hailey Branson-Potts and Dalina Castellanos Photo: Shoppers mix with security officials outside Wal-Mart in Porter Ranch. Credit: Andrew Blankstein / Los Angeles Times

CITY OF BRANSON - PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING November 4, 2011

M I N U T E S PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF BRANSON, MISSOURI November 4, 2011 (Archive Supplement to  Branson Missouri)  INTRODUCTORY The Personnel Committee of the City of Branson, Missouri met for a meeting in the Municipal Court Room of the Branson City Hall on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. The following members were present: Mayor Presley, Dean Kruithof, Janet Akers, and Luise Bird. Also present were: Lori Helle, Kelli Fleck, Dennis Brunner (EPC), Tim Bonner (EPC), Jamie Rouch (EPC), Hillary Bargman (EPC) and Becky Iverson. Absent: Cris Bohinc and Dr. Parnell. AGENDA Mayor Presley called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Minutes The Minutes from the October 14, 2011 meeting were acknowledged. There were no corrections. Discussion of Health, Life, & Dental Insurance Rates Lori informed the Committee that John Akers was present and would discuss the renewals of the Health, Dental, and Life Insurance. Mr. Akers indicated that a few design changes were made to the plan as outlined on the Anthem Blue Preferred Plus Summary of Benefits – Proposed CHANGES document included in the Agenda packet. Mr. Akers indicated that these changes were initiated at employee’s request to try to keep the premiums the same. With the design changes made, the renewal actually came in a little under last year’s rate. The renewal rate for employee coverage came in at $498.57 as opposed to the current employee rate of $501.70. Mr. Akers informed the Committee that even with the plan design changes, the City still has a very good plan. Mr. Akers indicated that the dental renewal went up 5% with no changes and the life insurance went up 5% on the base life with no change to the voluntary life. Dean mentioned to the Committee that during his last manager’s meeting he shared some of the information about the renewal rates going down on the health plan with employees and they responded with a round of applause. He expressed his appreciation for all of the work that had gone into designing a plan that remained flat dollar wise and was still an excellent benefit for employees. The Personnel Committee also expressed their thanks to the staff and recommends that the renewals be presented to the Board of Aldermen for final approval. Discussion of Health & Wellness/non-tobacco initiatives Lori presented the Wellness and Non-Tobacco Forms to the Committee. Cameron Black of Ollis & Company was also present to answer any questions. Lori informed the Committee that a fifth option was added to the form – I choose not to participate in this program (I realize that I will be obligated to pay 15% of the Employee Coverage health insurance premium cost during 2012 because of this.) Mayor Presley asked if the non-tobacco incentive extended to family members. Lori answered that it does not at this time. Mayor Presley asked Mr. Black if he had prepared other forms like this and he indicated that he had. Both Lori and Kelli indicated that the City’s labor attorney had reviewed and approved the form. There was much discussion regarding how the non-tobacco incentive is being received by the employees. Staff indicated that most of the employees are accepting of the plan, however, there are those who are still feeling penalized and there are at least two who have openly stated that they will drop out of the insurance. Mayor Presley asked that staff come back to the Committee with the number of employees who do decide to drop the insurance. Lori next directed the Committee to the Passive/Active Wellness Options Quarterly Checklist. She indicated that it had been revised to be point-based. It was felt that changing to a point system would provide an easier tracking method for employees to report their wellness activities. The requirements for some of the options were modified. Cameron Black mentioned that the numbers come from the Surgeon General’s report and have been modified to a beginning level. He indicated that while very simplified, for the first year of the program, it will get people moving and then every year we can increase the requirements. There were a number of questions from the Committee including what happens if an employee in unable to accomplish their goals and when they would be subject to the 15 % increase for non-participation. Kelli explained that a “grace” month is built into the plan and as the plan is quarterly based the earliest an employee would have to pay the 15% would be April 1st for non-participation in the first quarter. The Committee recommended adding “walking” to the “Participate in aerobic exercise (running, swimming, jogging, biking, etc.): 30 minute session line of the Active Options”. Luise Bird motioned to approve the Wellness and Non-Tobacco forms with the recommendation of adding walking to the Passive/Active Wellness Options – Quarterly Checklist. Janet Akers seconded. Voting aye: Presley, Akers, Bird, and Kruithof. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried. Discussion of “Opt-Out” Lori presented the 2012 Health Insurance Opt Out Form to the Committee for review. She informed the Committee that only those employees who show proof of other coverage will be allowed to “opt out” and receive the $100 per month payment. There was concern expressed by the Committee that employees would not enroll in comparable or credible coverage. It was determined that since the terminology “credible coverage” means equal to or greater than Medicare coverage, that the City use that terminology. The Committee also discussed the terminology “credible proof”, as it appears in line five of the first option under the paragraph which reads, “I have read and understand the above, and I have elected the paragraph marked below:” The Committee requested that the line be amended to read “…additional proof that I am, in fact, covered under another credible health insurance plan.” Dean Kruithof motioned to approve the 2012 Health Insurance Opt Out Form as amended. Voting Aye: Presley, Akers, Bird and Kruithof. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried. Discussion of EAP Provider Lori informed the Committee that the Employee Assistance Program is currently administered through Anthem. There were four responses to the Request for Quote for Employee Assistance Program provider for the City with Anthem having the low bid. Staff does recommend continuing the EAP services with Anthem for 2012. Dean motioned that the City accept the quote from Anthem for the Employee Assistance Program Provider. Voting Aye: Presley, Akers, Bird, and Kruithof. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried. Discussion of Drug Testing Provider Lori informed the Committee that there was only one response to the Request for Quote for a drug testing provider for the City. The response was from Employee Screening Services. Kelli explained to the Committee that Employee Screening Services has established a relationship with Skaggs Regional Medical Center, who currently provides all the drug testing services for the City of Branson. Employee Screening Services is fully capable of providing all required and needed aspects of the City of Branson’s drug and alcohol testing program, including Compliance and Third Party Administrative services and consulting. The Committee asked if clerical employees were included in the random testing process. Kelli responded that currently we test those employees who are in safety-sensitive positions and those required under DOT guidelines. The City does not currently include clerical employees in their random testing process and to do so would increase costs. Mayor Presley asked to have the Employee Personnel Committee (EPC) discuss this topic and investigate what other employers do and what is standard. Dean motioned that the City accept the quote from Employee Screening Services as drug testing provider. Voting Aye: Presley, Akers, Bird, and Kruithof. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried. Personnel Officer’s Report Lori reported to the Committee that with the Merit Pay Plan going into effect in 2012, there are changes that are necessary to the Personnel Manual to reflect the changes. She informed the Committee that the packet they had, indicates the changes to the Manual in red. After reviewing the changes, there was discussion regarding whether certain positions in Police and Fire, as outlined in Articl3 3 – PAY PLAN & MERIT PLAN, Section 1. Preparation of Pay Plan and Merit Plan on page 14 should be part of the merit pay system or remain on the current step and grade system. It was determined to omit the last two sentences of the first paragraph which read, “The following positions will remain on the pay plan and not convert to the merit plan: Firefighter, Fire Engineer, Fire Captain, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Police Officer, Police Captain, and Dispatcher. All other full-time positions in the City will be converted to the merit plan as outlined:” Now, the second paragraph under this heading will begin with the word, “In” and will read, “In 2012, full-time city employees will start transitioning over to the merit plan. In calendar year 2012, all Directors, Assistant Directors, and Upper Level Supervisors (as identified) in each department will transition to the merit plan. All other employees will remain on the pay plan. Additional positions to convert over to the Merit Plan in calendar years 2013 and 2014 will be evaluated in 2012. It was recommended by the Committee that meetings be held with Police and Fire be held to determine their thoughts on whether they should be included in the merit plan or remain on the pay plan. Luise Bird motioned to pass the changes to the Personnel Manual as amended by the Personnel Committee. Voting Aye: Presley, Akers, Bird, and Kruithof. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried. Discussion on Next Meeting The December meeting of the Personnel Committee was cancelled. The next meeting of the Personnel Committee will be Friday, January 13, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Fredenburg Makes Pro MMA Debut - by Pat Dailey BDN

Posted: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 3:26 pm | Updated: 11:56 pm, Tue Nov 22, 2011. By Pat Dailey |     If anyone would know exactly how many steps are along the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area trail leading to and from Fall Creek Road and Lake Taneycomo, it’s Kenny Fredenburg.     “There are 229 steps and 33 landing areas,” he answers with no hesitation when asked.     Fredenburg knows what he speaks. He’s gone up and down the steps repeatedly as part of the relentless conditioning program for his jump to the pro ranks. Last weekend, he capped his training for his upcoming pro debut on Saturday by running the stairs four times within a 20-minute span.     “What a great workout,” he said proudly.     Fredenburg is without a cell phone at the moment. Maybe he doesn’t need one. From noon-9 p.m. almost daily, he’s been easy to find, either running the trail or going through a workout with Fulcrum 360 at the YMCA.     There might be naysayers questioning if Fredenburg’s eight amateur fights have him ready to fight as a pro. But no one should doubt his willingness to prepare like a pro.     “This is my dream,” said Fredenburg, who will take on Mathew Froster, of Topeka, Kan., in a heavyweight tussle as part of the Titans Rumble pro-arm at the Hilton Convention Center.     “I’m a fighter full-time. I live in the gym. I used to dread training. Now, I look forward to it. I can’t wait to get in the gym and make myself better — climb the mountain.”     Fredenburg feels like a new man, responding admirably by all accounts to a 60-day jail sentence he served over the summer for repeated DWI convictions.     This will be his first fight since his release from jail in early September.     “I did a lot of soul-searching while I was in there,” Fredenburg said. “I feel like a warrior again. I lost that attitude for a while. I went through a lot of things in my life. But now all aspects of my professional and personal life are progressing. I have no negativity in my life. I’ve surrounded myself with positive people.”     “I know I’m not getting any younger. I’ve got that hunger back. I feel like I’m ready for this jump and I’m wanting to show everybody I’m ready to go pro. I’m more focused than ever. I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been. I’ve stopped the partying and drinking and am eating right. I’ve trimmed up, I’m faster and my stand-up has changed drastically for the better. I’m not just a wrestler anymore.”     In fact, Fredenburg, who previously held the Shofight heavyweight championship belt as a member of the Branson Fight Club, will do everything he can to keep Saturday’s fight from going to the floor.     Froster’s background includes amateur kickboxing fights. He has a blue belt in jujitsu.     “Stand-up is where it’s going to be,” said Fredenburg, who posted a KO or TKO in all six of his amateur wins. “I’ve been working on my jujitsu and ground game. But I’m hoping for a first-round knockout. I want to show I’m not just a wrestler. I want to land a big head-kick or a hook to end the fight.”     Saturday’s card will include nine amateur fights and seven pro bouts.     In the main event, former UFC middleweight Rob Kimmons (24-8) will meet Brandon Gains (15-16).     Jeri Sitzes (3-2), a former world-renowned kickboxer, will face Angie Hayes (5-6) at lightweight.     Brad Hamrick, a newcomer to Branson, was due to make his pro debut at super heavyweight. But he has left Fulcrum 360 to train with the Branson Fight Club.     Hamrick will fight at BFC’s Ultimate Finals on Dec. 3. That card will feature 26 locals vying for 13 spots on BFC.

Herman Cain Payout Detailed by Guardian

Herman Cain sexual harassment accuser 'received $45,000 payout'   More allegations emerge as Cain's team back off from claim that Rick Perry strateg st Curt Anderson had planted the story Ewen MacAskill in Washington guardian.co.uk, Thursday 3 November 2011 15.38 EDT Article history Herman Cain had suggested earlier this week that the woman had received a payout of two to three months' salary. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP Fresh allegations have surfaced in the Herman Cain sex row with a report that one of the women involved had received a payout of $45,000, substantially more than the Republican presidential candidate suggested she had. The report undermined attempts by Cain, the Republican frontrunner in the battle to take on Barack Obama for the White House next year, to divert attention from a scandal that has dominated the media all week. Politico first reported on Sunday that two female staff had complained about Cain's behaviour while working for him at the National Restaurant Association in the late 1990s and that both had left after receiving financial settlements. Cain, who denies sexually harassing the women, on Monday said he could not recall any such settlements. He told journalists at the National Press Club in Washington: "As far as a settlement, I am unaware of any kind of settlement. I hope it wasn't for much, because I didn't do anything. But the fact of the matter is, I'm not aware of a settlement that came out of that accusation." But he later amended this to say he recalled one but it had only been for two to three months' salary, though he changed this again to say perhaps it had been six months'. Politico said Thursday that one of the women had received $45,000, believed to be more than just a few months' salary. This comes after the New York Times reported the other woman had received $35,000. In another setback, Cain's team backed off its claim that rival Rick Perry's team had originally planted the story in a dirty tricks operation. Cain had blamed a Perry strategist, Curt Anderson, as the source. But Cain's team on Thursday was forced into a climbdown after Anderson denied it. Anderson said he had known nothing about the sexual allegations until he read about them on Politico. He added that he continued to have enormous respect for Cain and would not speak negatively about him either on or off the record. Mark Block, Cain's campaign chief, said: "Until we get all the facts, I'm just going to say that we accept what Mr Anderson has said, and we want to move on with the campaign." Anderson had worked for Cain as a consultant in a failed bid for the Senate in 2004. Cain's team claim he was briefed at the time about the sex harrassment allegations. Perry's team suggested that another rival, Mitt Romney, might have been the culprit, noting that one of Romney's big donors was in the restaurant industry. AP reported Wednesday that a third woman had come forward to say she had considered lodging a complaint against Cain's behaviour towards her at the restaurant association. Cain's camp described the report as "baseless". One of the women in the Politico report, who has opted for anonymity, is considering issuing a statement through her Washington-based lawyer, Joel Bennett. Bennett said he is planning to approach to restaurant association to see whether it will free her from a pledge of silence on the issue so her statement can be released. In Iowa, a conservative radio talkshow host, Steve Deace, suggested Cain was compromised. No polls have yet appeared indicating that Cain's support was crumbling but Deace is influential in the state, where the first of Republican contests is due to be held on 3 January. Deace claimed Cain had made inappropriate comments about two of his female staff. After three days of being in the media glare in Washington, Cain remained in the city on Thursday intent on adopting a lower profile. At least one campaign event has been cancelled, but he has not yet pulled out from a radio interview scheduled for Thursday evening. Cain, throughout his campaign for the Republican nomination, has kept his family strictly in the background but, following the pattern of candidates caught up in previous sex rows, he may field his wife Gloria for the first time in public, with negotiations underway for a possible television interview on Friday. The former chief executive of Godfather's Pizza is the surprise candidate of the Republican race so far, rising to the top of the polls in spite of having no political or foreign policy experience.