AROUND THE REGION.

ANTELOPE VALLEY 

CHP looks for truck that hit, killed man

LAKE LOS ANGELES -- A 56-year-old man walking along a rural road died after being hit by a pickup truck and dragged 55 feet, the California Highway Patrol said.

Alfred Freddie Torres was hit by the truck, possibly an older-model Ford, about 9 p.m. Tuesday on Avenue P-8, west of 170th Street East, the CHP said.

Anyone with information about the incident or the truck is being asked to call the CHP at 661-948-8541.

Smith recall effort comes up short

LANCASTER -- A group seeking to recall Councilman Ron Smith has fallen short of gathering the required amount of signatures to hold a recall election.

The group collected 5,805 signatures, fewer than the 8,404 that were required. The group targeted Smith because he tried to fire former City Manager Bob LaSala, organizers said.

LaSala resigned in November, taking with him a $995,000 contract buyout.

Recall proponents said they might try another recall effort against Smith in the future.

SANTA CLARITA

Freeway closings allow bridge work

CASTAIC -- A southbound section of the Golden State Freeway was closed near Castaic for about five hours, starting Wednesday night, so crews could work on the Hasley Canyon Bridge.

The closure began about 11 p.m. at Lake Hughes Road, said Gary Boze of the county's Department of Public Works. Traffic was detoured onto The Old Road and then back onto the freeway.

At 11 tonight, a five-hour closure will begin on the northbound side of the freeway in the same general area. Signs will be posted to guide motorists around the detour.

-- Staff and Wire Services