News

Laguna Hills Man Jailed for Insurance Fraud

Roofing contractor has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison in what prosecutors are calling one of the largest workers' compensation insurance fraud cases in California history.

A jury found Michael Vincent Petronella, also known as Michael Constantine, guilty of 33 felony counts of insurance fraud and a sentencing enhancement for aggravated white collar crime.

Beginning in 2000, prosecutors say Petronella and his wife, Devon Lynn Kile, obtained workers' compensation insurance for their multiple companies and fraudulently submitted 42 claims for uninsured workers and underreported $29 million in payroll to avoid paying insurance premiums. The scheme resulted in the state incurring more than $253,000 in uncovered injured worker claims and insurance premium losses in the millions

Business News

Laguna Hills beats Capistrano

Laguna Hills rolled up 325 yards of offense in a balanced, workmanlike style and remained unbeaten with a 28-20 victory over visiting Capistrano Valley in a Sea View League game Friday night.

Sports News

Tustin Council Update

Al Murray (with 19.2 percent of the vote) and Rebecca "Beckie" Gomez McKeon (with 17.1 percent) were in the lead for two open council seats. But a third candidate, David Waldram, was close behind with 16.8 percent.

Political News

Fullerton Council Update

Incumbent Councilman Don Bankhead was leading, but Pat McKinley and Doug Chaffee were separated by only a few dozen votes in their race for the second open council seat. Both had 18.1 percent of the vote.

Political News

Laguna Hills Council Update

Challenger Barbara Kogerman and incumbent Councilwoman Melody Carruth held wide leads in the race for City Council. But two other incumbent council members, Randal Bressette (with 15.9 percent of the vote) and Craig Scott (with 15.6 percent), were still locked in a close race for the third council seat.

Political News