Washington
Asia seeks Obama’s assurance in territory spats
WASHINGTON – As President Barack Obama travels through Asia this coming week, he will confront a region warily watching the crisis in Ukraine through the prism of its own territorial tensions with China.
Each of the four countries on Obama’s itinerary – Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines – has disputes with China over islands and waters in the South and East China Seas. Their leaders will be weighing Obama’s willingness to support them if those conflicts boil over.
Administration officials have taken a tougher line on the territorial issues in recent weeks, sternly warning China against the use of military force and noting the U.S. has treaty obligations to defend Japan in particular. But in an attempt to maintain good relations with China, the U.S. has not formally taken sides on the question of which countries should control which islands.
New York
Veteran Fox executive fired over fundraising email
NEW YORK – Fox has fired a veteran executive who used her company email account to plan aid for loved ones of the missing Malaysian airplane.
Darlene Tipton says she emailed a woman whose boyfriend was aboard the plane to propose a fundraising effort. Tipton’s idea was to bring swift financial help to families and other loved ones, sparing them lengthy court fights.
Fox spokesman Scott Grogin said Saturday that Tipton’s “conduct and communications” violated company policy. He confirms she has left the company.
Tipton says she hopes to continue her drive, soliciting contributions through a fundraising website.
California
Hundreds paddle out for surf icon Hobie Alter
DANA POINT, Calif. – Hundreds of surfers and rowers have honored Hobie Alter’s request by paddling out in the Pacific in his memory.
Alter, who died in March at age 80, revolutionized surfing by developing the foam surfboard that was lightweight and maneuverable. He also was credited with bringing masses to the water with his “Hobie Cat” sailboat.
On Friday, his family released bowls filled with soil brought from Hawaii, ocean water and sand from Waikiki Beach and rock salt.
During the Hawaiian paddle-out ceremony, surfers splashed water to the sky; the Orange County Harbor Patrol boat sprayed water to a rainbow.
Alter was memorialized on Huntington Beach’s Surfing Walk of Fame in 1997 and enshrined in the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2011.
Del Taco customers hit with expensive bills
SANTA PAULA, Calif. – What was supposed to be a cheap bite at Del Taco turned out to be small fortune for some Southern California customers.
About 150 people who ate last week at the Mexican-style fast food chain in Santa Paula, northwest of Los Angeles, mistakenly were charged thousands of dollars for burritos, tacos and soft drinks.
Del Taco spokesman Brian Devenny said the glitch affected ATM and credit-card transactions at one restaurant. He said all charges will be refunded.
Customer Michael Cole said he was surprised when he was charged $4,050 for one CrunchTada Pizza and two beef tacos. He noticed the problem Friday when he tried to withdraw $20 from an ATM and was denied.
Associated Press
