RANCHO VISTA (LALATE) – The Crown Fire (fire map below) is spreading from Agua Dulce into Leona Valley. The Crown Fire evacuations are now in Leona Valley, Rancho Vista, Ana Verde and The Boulders, as of 10 PM Thursday evening.

The Crown Fire started north of Sierra Highway at Anthony Road.

Los Angeles Fire is reporting to local news late tonight that the Crown Fire is out of control, already prompting nearly 1100 evacuations Thursday evening. The Crown Fire is closest to the 14 Freeway in Agua Dulce, has no containment currently, and has already taken 5500 acres by 10 PM PST tonight. The winds are severe, promptly tremendous advances by the blazes on all different flanks by sundown.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for Leona Valley (Spunky Canyon Road to Elizabeth Lake Road, both sides of Bouquet Canyon Road), parts of west Palmdale, Rancho Vista, Ana Verde and The Boulders, Ritter Ranch (90th Street west to Grant Center), Ana Verde, Rancho Vista and sections south of Elizabeth Lake Road.

Evacuation centers have been set up for persons, large pets and small pets. For individuals, evacuation centers are at Acton at 3748 Nickels Avenue, Agua Dulce Elementary School (11311 West Frascati Street in Agua Dulce), and Marie Kerr Park (2730 West Rancho Vista Road in Palmdale). Small animal evacuations should be taken to Villalobos Rescue Center (36220 Anthony Road in Aqua Dulce) while large animals need to go to Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (2551 West Avenue in Lancaster).

For continuing coverage of this and other fires in the region, click here: http://news.lalate.com/category/fires.

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Ellen is leaving American Idol. Ellen DeGeneres confirms her leaving American Idol during a week in which a handful of singers have been linked as possible judges for the 2011 season.

Ellen’s departure from Idol comes as net reaction to Idol judge-hopefuls has been mixed. Days ago Chris Isaak says he has auditioned twice for the job. Insiders contend Isaak is a front runner.

Yesterday it was American Idol and Jessica Simpson. The latest claims are that American Idol and Jessica Simpson are in late stage negotiations. (Ironically, as LALATE reported in 2009, Simpson and Ellen are neighbors in Los Angeles.)

Late today, Ellen confirmed her departure. She said she made her decision several months ago because “this didn’t feel like the right fit for me.”

Her reasons for leaving Idol were scheduling and giving criticisms to contestants. “It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. “

Fans of the show have in recent weeks being calling upon producers to hire a judge(s) with successful music experience, not singers whose careers have grown lackluster in recent years.

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NEW YORK (LALATE) – Jennifer Love Hewitt is reportedly dating Alex Beh. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s success at love with Alex Beh comes after her recent success as Samantha Horton in “The Client List True Story”.

The latest Love Hewitt love report includes notable lines in US Magazine that “she’s so into him” and “they’re really cute together.” Yet those reports are much the same copy as April’s reports about Love Hewitt with John Asher. For Asher, local news reported “They’ve been spending a lot of time together and are having fun. He showers her with attention and is helping her move on from her breakup with Jamie [Kennedy].” For Beh’s picture, click here.

In January 2009, Hewitt split with Ross McCall after months of engagement. OK! reported at the time “They’re both really sad about this. Even their friends are surprised; they seemed really happy. Everyone just wants the best for both of them.”

Hewitt’s performance as Samantha Harris was not only a big ratings hit for Lifetime. It was also a hit with her mom.  Her mom said of the Lifetime special “It’s [a role...] I’ve always dreamt for you [as an actor].”

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Pictures of Drew Carey’s amazing weight loss don’t tell the whole story. Drew Carey’s weight loss not only got rid of 70 lbs but also eliminated diabetes, says Carey. He tells US Magazine that he was just “sick of being fat”.

The National Enquirer first reported the 52-year old comic and star of The Price is Right was dropping major pounds. He later told local news that he was using a “custom-made appetite suppressant administered by a Hollywood nutritionist.”

So how did Drew drop the weight? He later said cardio and a mentor have been key. Drew Carey tells local news this week that having someone watch over him and give him regular advice and motivation worked.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WEIGHT LOSS PHOTO

If it’s not helping himself, Drew is always helping Cleveland. In March, Drew started an initiative to promote commerce in Cleveland.

“Like all too many American cities, Cleveland seems locked into a death spiral, shedding people, jobs, and dreams like nobody’s business” said Carey. “When it comes to education, business climate, redevelopment, and more, Clevelanders have come to expect the worse. Is a renaissance possible? Of course it is, but only if the city’s leaders and residents are willing to learn from other cities such as Houston, Chicago, Oakland, and Indianapolis. And only if they’re willing to try new approaches to old problems.”

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LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Hulk Hogan is not dead. Hulk Hogan false death reports spreading today are no different that fake Mel Gibson death claims several weeks ago.

Hogan fake death reports are the latest in nearly two years of fabricated death stories to strike celebrities; but by accounts, this might be the first fake death report to strike the world of professional wrestling. The most recent reports this summer have been about Lindsay Lohan and Mel Gibson.

Just days ago, Linda Hogan announced her engagement to Charlie Hill. This was despite Linda indicating she still loves Hulk. “The war is over. I still love him. He’s the father of my children. … We’re trying to be a family one more time.” Hogan thereafter gave his support for the two. But he is still remembered for that notable quote “You live half a mile from the 20,000-square-foot home you can’t go to anymore, you’re driving through downtown Clearwater and see a 19-year-old boy driving your Escalade, and you know that a 19-year-old boy is sleeping in your bed, with your wife . . . I totally understand OJ. I get it.”

While Justin Bieber has been the most common celebrity victim of fake viral campaigns, Hogan is an unusual entry. Moreover, most fake celebrity death reports rarely spread during daytime, weekday hours where sites are quickly to confirm the reports as false.

Hulk Hogan is alive, Miley Cyrus is doing great, and Justin Bieber is not in North Korea.

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