Los Angeles, CA —Last week’s fire at the downtown Da Vinci Apartments under construction seemed to me to be an obvious case of arson.  Motives in significant arson cases are nearly always financial.  The fact that the fire engulfed the entire, well over one million square feet evenly and suddenly indicates, at least to me a very large amount of accelerant like gasoline or paint thinner was used. Arsonists often mistakenly believe that fires will consume all the evidence of their crime.  The reality is gravity preserves arson evidence.  The temperatures of fires are the coolest on the bottom of structures conserving precious clues. Investigators are being understandably tight lipped about the things they know.  I also suspect that because the vast amount of real estate involved this crime involved multiple arsonists. In this case the first arsonist that can get to a lawyer, contact authorities and snitch on everyone else wins!  With...

Los Angeles, CA —I really looked forward to the first ever L.A. Drone Expo .  It happened today at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.  The exhibitors came with products and displays.   Hundreds of drone enthusiasts stormed the venue and there was real excitement. It was terrific to talk with many of the engineers and inventors that have made contributions to this specialized technology.   Products were for sale everywhere and for the attendees it seemed like their first trip to Disneyland.   Additionally there were speakers on all of the creative and regulatory issues.   Speaking of regulatory issues there are those that want cumbersome regulations and those like me that don’t.   It’s seems so un-American to use regulation as a way to reduce competition by making things difficult for the unwashed newbies. This country was number one in technology, design and innovation.   Somehow we made a Left turn and fell behind. ...

Los Angeles-CA —It did not take long for a Drone Trade Show to happen once the multi-rotor camera drones have it the landscape! Saturday, December 12, 2014 from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM there will be exhibitors, speakers and a whole lot of networking going on.   You will be able to meet many of the drone industry mover and shakers.   We will all learn about the future of this exciting technology. Crimefile News plans on covering this event.   Those folks that are too far away to attend can expect lots of video and information right here! Those wanting to attend can visit their site right here:   http://www.uavsa.org

Washington, DC —The FAA was very tight lipped about the drone regulations they are drafting for public comment later this month.   An FAA official claims they are releasing a Risk Based Proposed Regulatory Program that will integrate commercial drones into the airspace.   Judging from today’s Congressional hearing they are attempting concentrate on educating the operators of small consumer drones and more serious regulation of anything else.   Oddly enough they never once mentioned using drones for news video news gathering and only touched lightly on filmmakers. Once they release their draft drone rule package it must be published and then there is a routine schedule for inviting public comment. Once that period passes the FAA will then set their rule in concrete.   That of course can be challenged later both by Congressional action and litigation. The FAA seems to be coming to grips that the small camera drone operator will be nearly impossible to re...

Los Angeles, CA —As Crimefile News prepares to cover the first ever Drone Expo here on Saturday, we are watching as more corporate and business refugees are fleeing this once great nation.   Americans are also renouncing their citizenship now, more than ever before. Currently drone hobbyists have no licensing or training requirements to fly their drones.   T he only FAA restrictions currently are in the form of somewhat vague “guidelines”.   They suggest maximum altitudes of 400 feet, staying three miles or more from airports and keeping visual contact with the drone. Frankly the hobbyists have already proven that civilian drones really pose no threat to Americans, their safety or privacy.   The only hard and fast enforceable civilian drone regulation is that they can’t be used to earn or generate money.   Of course the government can’t realize any income tax revenue from drone operators either.   Civilian multi-rotor drones cur...

Phoenix, AZ --In this state where concealed carrying if firearms by law-abiding citizens requires no license or permits the choices of guns are unlimited.  However I teach and preach that conflict avoidance is the best policy.  Walk softly but carry a big stick is the right way. Here is a lovely pair of somewhat effective hideout guns.  One is the Smith & Wesson Model 340PD .357 Magnum.  The other is a vintage High Standard .22 Magnum derringer. Both of these guns are outfitted with elegant Kirinite grips from www.eaglegrips.com .  The color of this set is called LAVA and you'll never find a more durable or stronger material for gun grips than this incredible Kirinite. The color or pattern choices are nearly limitless.  This is all about personalizing your firearms.