California
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Gets Major Tax Break, Will Be First Star Wars Film Shot in California
The next “Star Wars” movie is paving the way for filming in Lucasfilm’s home state: “The Mandalorian & Grogu” has qualified for a $21.7 million tax credit, the largest in the history of the California program, and would be the first “Star Wars” movie filmed in the Golden State.
The project is one of five big-budget productions and 10 independent films that will be made under the Film and Television Tax Credit Program. These projects are estimated to bring close to $408 million to California’s economy, accounting for in-state expenditures.
An estimated 2,252 crew, 598 cast and 16,800 background performers are planned to utilized during an expected 579 filming days. Specifically, “The Mandalorian & Grogu” is expected to inject $166 million into the state’s economy thanks to below-the-line wages and qualified expenditures.
“We are thrilled to be shooting the next Star Wars movie, ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ here in California,” said a Lucasfilm spokesperson, according to a press released from the California Film Commission. “We are proud to be creating film jobs in California and excited to start production, utilizing the world class crew available here.”
Directed by Jon Favreau, the movie marks the latest spinoff from the Disney+ original, “The Mandalorian.” It will continue the story of Mando (Pedro Pascal) and The Child established in the series. Filming is expected to begin in June of 2024 with a planned 2026 release date.
“The array of film projects announced today demonstrates California’s enduring attraction for storytellers. These productions, spanning big-budget features to indie films, not only infuse millions into our economy but also showcase our state’s talent and versatility,” said Colleen Bell, executive director for the California Film Commission, in a press release. “We’re proud to welcome these projects, highlighting California’s resilience and continued prominence in the film industry.”
Other notable projects will include an untitled Disney live-action movie, an untitled 20th film and two Amazon MGM Studios projects: “The Accountant 2” and “Mercy.”
A significant portion of the filming announced on Monday will take place outside of the he Los Angeles 30-mile studio zone. Nearly 41 percent, or 235 out of 569 filming days, are planned to take place in ares such as Alameda County, Joshua Tree, Marin, Orange County, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco and Upland.
Since the resolution of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last fall, over 60 productions utilizing the Tax Credit Program have either resumed filming or are scheduled to do so in the first half of 2024. A total of 59 projects applied during the most recent application period. This list of 15 approved projects is subject to change depending on if applicants withdraw from the program.
The final application period for this fiscal year will focus on television projects. Currently roughly $200 million is earmarked for that purpose.
California
California Upsets No. 14 Louisville Cardinals in Overtime Thriller
California traveled to Louisville, Ky., in search of a statement win against the No. 14 Louisville Cardinals (7-2, 4-2 ACC), and the Golden Bears (6-4, 3-3 ACC) pulled out all the stops Saturday evening to earn the upset, 29-26, in overtime.
On the first play of the game, California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw a lateral to his slot receiver, Jacob de Jesus, who then connected with Trond Grizzell on a deep 27-yard pass. While the Golden Bears would not score on the drive, their fast and aggressive play early on silenced much of the 51,381 in attendance.
California out-gained Louisville in total yards and offensive plays throughout the entire game. The Golden Bears never once trailed the nationally ranked Cardinals by more than one score, despite entering the game as three-score underdogs, according to many sportsbooks’ odds.
Sagapolutele earned the game-winning touchdown in overtime with a nail-biting throw on fourth down. California’s first-year signal-caller found his favorite target of the evening, de Jesus, who brought in the three-yard reception to close out the game.
De Jesus had a game-high 157 receiving yards and hauled in 16 of 23 passes in which he was targeted. His 16 receptions tie Geoff McArthur’s school record for receptions by a receiver in a single game.
In his post-game press conference, Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm praised de Jesus, calling him California’s “best player.”
“… Even at the end, to allow their best player to be one-on-one for an easy throw in the corner… you know, we need to coach better; we need to play better,” Coach Brohm said.
Sagapolutele completed 30 out of 47 passes attempted and racked up 323 passing yards—both career highs. In addition to the game-decider, the quarterback threw his first touchdown of the game in the first quarter, a 20-yard bomb to tight end Landon Morris.
The last time California beat a nationally ranked, top-25 team was on Dec. 5, 2020, when the Golden Bears upset the No. 20 Oregon Ducks, 21-17, for their first win in the 2020 college football season.
With the win, California is now eligible for a post-season bowl bid.
California
Mom of missing California girl arrested on unrelated charges of daughter’s disappearance
CALIFORNIA (AZFamily) — The mother of a missing California girl has been arrested on charges unrelated to her daughter’s disappearance, but the child still has yet to be found.
FBI Los Angeles announced that 40-year-old Ashlee Buzzard was taken into custody on Friday. However, the whereabouts of her daughter, 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard, remain unknown.
Melodee and Ashlee reportedly went on a road trip as far as Nebraska in a rental white Chevrolet Malibu last month, detectives say. Federal authorities say Melodee and her mother may have passed through Interstate 15 in Littlefield, Arizona while on the drive.
Detectives say Ashlee was arrested for a recent incident where she allegedly prevented a victim from leaving against their will. Authorities say this crime is not connected to the ongoing search for Melodee.
“Although this arrest occurred during the course of the missing person investigation, it is not directly related to Melodee’s disappearance. Sheriff’s detectives remain fully focused on locating Melodee and confirming her safety,” FBI Los Angeles said in a statement.
Ashlee was booked for a felony charge of false imprisonment. She is being held at a jail in Santa Maria, California, with bail set at $100,000.
Melodee was photographed at a rental car agency on Oct. 7, wearing a wig and a hoodie.
The young girl has brown eyes and brown, curly hair that may be straightened or covered with a dark wig. She is between four and four-and-a-half feet tall, weighing between 60 and 100 pounds.
Anyone with information about Melodee is asked to contact detectives at (805) 681-4150 or submit an anonymous tip at (805) 681-4171.
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California
Home Ronald and Nancy Reagan commissioned as California Governor’s Mansion hits the market
A Carmichael home that was originally designed to be California’s official Governor’s Mansion is now up for sale.
The mid-century modern home, located at 2300 California Avenue, was built in 1975 after being commissioned by Ronald and Nancy Reagan to replace the aging governor’s mansion at 16th and H streets in Sacramento.
By the time construction was finished, Reagan had already left office. His successor, Jerry Brown, declined to move in – famously dismissing the Carmichael residence as the “Taj Mahal.”
No California governor ever called the mansion home, with the property being sold to a private citizen in 1983.
A time capsule installed at the property recognizes the home’s history. The capsule is scheduled to be opened on July 4, 2076.
Now, as of Oct. 16, the Carmichael home has hit the market with a list price of $7.5 million. The property spans 4.3 acres that overlook the American River, with the home featuring a total of 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 2 half bathrooms.
“You can really feel the history here,” said realtor Hattie Coleman in a statement.
The Carmichael home last sold in 2004 for $4.1 million.
The East Sacramento home Reagan lived in for much of his time as California governor was designated as a historic landmark in 2024.
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