USAID formally suspends contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan

The United States Agency for International Development has formally suspended the work of one of its contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan following accusations of mismanagement.

A USAID statement issued Monday said the decision was the result of investigations into "serious misconduct" by Arlington, Va.-based International Relief and Development.

Since it began operations in 2006, IRD -- which describes itself on its website as a nonprofit humanitarian and development organization -- has been awarded projects worth more than $1 billion in Afghanistan and $85.57 million in Iraq.

The ban, effective immediately, comes after a USAID review "revealed serious misconduct in IRD's performance, management, internal controls and present responsibility," the statement read.

IRD, which last year was USAID's 25th largest contractor, said it was "cooperating fully" with the investigation.

"We are working on a response to USAID that will directly address the agency's concerns, and reestablish confidence that federal taxpayer funds are being prudently managed by IRD," said Roger Ervin, the group's chief executive.

IRD is also under investigation for alleged mismanagement by the U.S. government's special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction.

The USAID's own inspector general found that 34% of the group's projects in Iraq failed to match any needs identified by the communities.

The USAID decision comes more than a week after Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on the Obama administration to sever ties with IRD and another contractor.

In a Jan. 16 letter to Rajiv Shah, the head of USAID, Corker called the agency's "continued reliance on such organizations … questionable at best."

Corker cited a case in which a former procurement director at IRD was indicted for "allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for influencing the award of USAID-funded contracts in Afghanistan."

Latifi is a special correspondent.

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Obama pays respects to late Saudi king, meets with country's new ruler

Greeted by a crowd of royalty and a band playing the U.S. national anthem, President Obama landed in Riyadh on Tuesday for a hastily planned visit to Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally.

Obama cut short a trip to India in order to pay his respects during the mourning period for King Abdullah, but the visit is also intended to start the reign of the late monarch's successor and 'half-brother, King Salman, on a positive note for the U.S.

Advisors to the president said the trip was intended to pay respects to the legacy of Abdullah, whom Obama said in a statement was "candid" and "had the courage of his convictions." 

Obama also wants to "touch base on some of the issues where we're working together with the Saudis," said deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia consult on a number of delicate issues in the Middle East, including the fight against Islamic State, nuclear negotiations with Iran and the unfolding crisis in Yemen, where the American-backed government collapsed last week.

The White House put together a bipartisan delegation for the trip, with veterans of both Bush administrations and members of Congress, including Sen. John McCain and House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.

The president and First Lady Michelle Obama were greeted on the tarmac in Riyadh by King Salman and Crown Prince Muqrin. With an interpreter at their side, Obama chatted for a moment with Salman as a sword-bearing honor guard stood by.

The Obamas shook hands with several members of the Saudi delegation before a motorcade took them to Erga Palace for a closed-door meeting.

For news about President Obama and the Obama administration, follow me on Twitter: @cparsons

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USAID formally suspends contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan

The United States Agency for International Development has formally suspended the work of one of its contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan following accusations of mismanagement.

A USAID statement issued Monday said the decision was the result of investigations into "serious misconduct" by Arlington, Va.-based International Relief and Development.

Since it began operations in 2006, IRD -- which describes itself on its website as a nonprofit humanitarian and development organization -- has been awarded projects worth more than $1 billion in Afghanistan and $85.57 million in Iraq.

The ban, effective immediately, comes after a USAID review "revealed serious misconduct in IRD's performance, management, internal controls and present responsibility," the statement read.

IRD, which last year was USAID's 25th largest contractor, said it was "cooperating fully" with the investigation.

"We are working on a response to USAID that will directly address the agency's concerns, and reestablish confidence that federal taxpayer funds are being prudently managed by IRD," said Roger Ervin, the group's chief executive.

IRD is also under investigation for alleged mismanagement by the U.S. government's special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction.

The USAID's own inspector general found that 34% of the group's projects in Iraq failed to match any needs identified by the communities.

The USAID decision comes more than a week after Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called on the Obama administration to sever ties with IRD and another contractor.

In a Jan. 16 letter to Rajiv Shah, the head of USAID, Corker called the agency's "continued reliance on such organizations … questionable at best."

Corker cited a case in which a former procurement director at IRD was indicted for "allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes in exchange for influencing the award of USAID-funded contracts in Afghanistan."

Latifi is a special correspondent.

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Obama pays respects to late Saudi king, meets with country's new ruler

Greeted by a crowd of royalty and a band playing the U.S. national anthem, President Obama landed in Riyadh on Tuesday for a hastily planned visit to Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally.

Obama cut short a trip to India in order to pay his respects during the mourning period for King Abdullah, but the visit is also intended to start the reign of the late monarch's successor and 'half-brother, King Salman, on a positive note for the U.S.

Advisors to the president said the trip was intended to pay respects to the legacy of Abdullah, whom Obama said in a statement was "candid" and "had the courage of his convictions." 

Obama also wants to "touch base on some of the issues where we're working together with the Saudis," said deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia consult on a number of delicate issues in the Middle East, including the fight against Islamic State, nuclear negotiations with Iran and the unfolding crisis in Yemen, where the American-backed government collapsed last week.

The White House put together a bipartisan delegation for the trip, with veterans of both Bush administrations and members of Congress, including Sen. John McCain and House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.

The president and First Lady Michelle Obama were greeted on the tarmac in Riyadh by King Salman and Crown Prince Muqrin. With an interpreter at their side, Obama chatted for a moment with Salman as a sword-bearing honor guard stood by.

The Obamas shook hands with several members of the Saudi delegation before a motorcade took them to Erga Palace for a closed-door meeting.

For news about President Obama and the Obama administration, follow me on Twitter: @cparsons

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Kobe Bryant uses Super Bowl analogy to describe frustration, injury

Kobe Bryant will go back under the knife on Wednesday for season-ending surgery to repair his torn right rotator cuff.

The 36-year old veteran's season will presumably end after 35 games played, an improvement over last year that saw Achilles' and knee injuries limit Bryant to just six appearances.

On Tuesday morning, Bryant released a brief statement via "The Players' Tribune":

I feel like I just returned a 100 yard kickoff in the last two minutes of the Super Bowl to win it all only to have my run called back by a flag on the play.

The Lakers All-Star guard was injured on Wednesday in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Bryant is under contract for another season at $25 million.

Despite his injuries, Bryant is likely to push his way back to the court for a 20th season once he gets through rehabbing a repaired rotator cuff.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.

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Six-alarm fire in steep canyons spurs evacuations in Pacifica

A fast-moving fire in Pacifica south of San Francisco triggered a six-alarm response from local firefighters and local evacuations, authorities said Monday.

About 90 homes were evacuated as the flames crept toward canyon homes, said North County Fire Authority spokesman Clyde Preston. The blaze was challenging because of the steep canyons, thick brush and 15 mph winds that pushed it toward residents, Preston said.

The fire broke out in vegetation on the edge of a state game refuge in Pacifica about 3:30 a.m.

The San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services initiated a reverse-911 call to about 500 homes about 6:30 a.m. and told them that there were voluntary evacuations and a shelter had been set up, said EOS district coordinator Steve Mahaley.

Residents of about 90 homes heeded the warning and were holed up in the county's shelter, he said.

Meanwhile, crews fought to extinguish the flames. The fire was ultimately contained before 8 a.m. and was limited to about five acres, he said. The cause is under investigation.

County firefighters were going to spend most of the day "mopping up" the blaze, Mahaley said. There were no reported injuries and a cause for the blaze was being investigated.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection sent crews to assist in the fight, the agency said in a tweet.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna.

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Home of the Day: South Pasadena Craftsman with Batchelder tile

High-pitched gables and a hipped roof lend a distinguished touch to this transitional Craftsman residence in South Pasadena. Built in the early 1920s, the home retains its period charm with such details as delicate crown molding, large picture windows and an original Batchelder tile fireplace. Modern upgrades include an updated kitchen and a master bathroom lined in Calacatta Gold marble.

Location: 1705 Wayne Ave., South Pasadena, 91030

Price: $1.695 million

Year built: 1921

House size: 2,744 square feet, four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Lot size: 0.25 acres

Features: Batchelder tile fireplace, crown molding, hardwood flooring, picture windows, formal dining room, living room, kitchen, breakfast room, family room with fireplace, study, master suite with Calacatta Gold marble, brick-lined patio, pool, spa, garden

About the area: There were 15 single-family homes sold in the 91030 ZIP Code last month at a median sales price of $1.193 million, according to DataQuick. That was a 53.3% increase in median price year-over-year.

Agents: Joy Majich, (626) 773-3449, deasy/penner&partners

To submit a candidate for Home of the Day, send high-resolution color photos via Dropbox.com, permission from the photographer to publish the images and a description of the house to neal.leitereg@latimes.com.

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Good bets for Super Bowl partying in Las Vegas

As the clock ticks toward the Super Bowl matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, fans who will be spending the weekend in Las Vegas have a tantalizing decision to make: Will a humble hot dog be enough when dishes such as chili shrimp skewers and Grandma's meatballs are available?

It will be a big weekend for sure: Last year, bettors in Nevada wagered a record $119.4 million on the Super Bowl. The Nevada Gaming Control Board said the combined earnings for sports books statewide totaled more than $19.6 million.

Because this is the big game, you'll want to get the eating/drinking options right if you're in Las Vegas. Here are some good bets. I've even tossed in an option for the kids who obviously can't sit next to Mom or Dad at an adults-only party.

—PBR Rock Bar & Grill is one of the scads of spots luring potential patrons with food and drink packages. It will be nearly impossible to miss a play since this venue inside the Miracle Mile Shops will have 105 HDTVs tuned to the Super Bowl. Open bar packages start at $100.

—Citizens Kitchen and Bar at Mandalay Bay will keep things simple on Sunday. Enjoy a bucket of wings for $20 or a bucket of beer for $25. The regular menu will also be available.

—Tacos & Tequila at Luxor will spice up the on-the-field action with habañero hot wings. Wash them down with the "Spicy Lover," a cocktail made from Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata Tequila, English cucumber, Mexican cilantro, lime juice, sweet agave nectar and a dash of Tabasco sauce.

—The Pub at Monte Carlo, with one of the biggest beer selections around, will tempt guests with either an "All-You-Can-Eat" package ($75) or "All-You-Can-Eat & Drink" package ($175). The latter includes both a "tailgate buffet" and premium cocktails.

—Buddy V's Ristorante at the Grand Canal Shoppes may have one of the biggest bargains during the game. From 1 p.m. until the last whistle blows, the restaurant created by "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro will offer an Italian-style tailgate party for $35. The all-you-can-eat menu includes dishes such as Grandma's meatballs, Hoboken Italian subs and mini cannoli. Buckets of six bottles of beer cost $20. Because the party's in the bar, guests must be 21 or older.

—The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (200 S. 3rd St.) will welcome hundreds of fans to a tent being touted as a giant man cave. There's no charge to attend and multiple cash bars will be available along with stadium-style food. VIP packages with private seating and an open bar are also offered.

—Shake Shack at New York-New York can help fans who feel the need for some serious comfort food (think ice cream) with its "two pint conversion." Sunday's special is two pints of frozen custard for the price of one. Don't worry, there are plenty of TVs on which to watch the game.

—Vinyl, an intimate live entertainment venue at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, will offer the clash plus a concert. For $150, guests can enjoy pub grub and an open bar. Admission includes a concert by local band Smashing Alice after the game. The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. and it's first-come, first-served for tables.

—At the House of Blues Foundation Room on the 63rd floor of Mandalay Bay you can enjoy the view and the game. A single-day member pass ($40) includes two beers. The special game-day menu offers items such as chili shrimp skewers with pineapple sauce and French fries with truffle oil, rosemary and shaved Parmesan.

—Splash Studios (9700 W. Tropicana Ave.) is a place where the kids can make their own fun on Sunday. This paint-your-own pottery studio is open from 1 to 8 p.m. on game day. The "parent-free zone" will welcome kids 5 and older to create their own works of art. The price is $65 per child in advance or $75 at the door. Info: (702) 868-1606.

—Of course, sports books throughout Vegas will be accepting wagers and catering to their clients. The race and sports lounge at Caesars Palace is selling $300 tickets for premium seats with an open bar. The liquors to be poured include Absolut, Crown Royal and Patron. The price also includes two hot dogs and unlimited chips and pretzels.

Follow us on Twitter at @latimestravel

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Easy dinner recipes: Rich and comforting soups for Meatless Monday

Sometimes it doesn't get better than a comforting bowl of soup. Check out these ideas for rich and hearty vegetarian one-dish meals:

Creamy mushroom and roasted onion soup: If you're craving a bowl of rich mushroom soup, this recipe delivers. No less than a pound of cremini mushrooms are simmered with garlic, shallots, onion and buttery Chardonnay for an aromatic base. Purée the mushrooms with heavy cream for a smooth, velvety finish, then stir in finely chopped roasted onion (the onion can be roasted ahead of time) at the end. A thin slice of Parmigiano-Reggiano completes each serving.

Sally Lunn's carrot, lentil and cumin soup: Rich and full of deep flavor, you might never guess this soup is vegetarian. Or that it comes together so quickly and easily. Sally Lunn's in Bath, England, was happy to share its recipe so you can have a little taste of Bath here at home.

Coral Tree Cafe's vegetable soup: Craving a hearty vegetable soup? Fresh vegetables simmered with barley in a hearty broth make for a perfect one-dish meal. What's more, your guests might not even notice it's vegetarian.

CORAL TREE CAFE'S VEGETABLE SOUP

Total time: 1 hour | Serves 8 to 10

Note: Adapted from Coral Tree Cafe in Los Angeles.

    2 tablespoons oil
    2 cups diced carrots
    2 cups diced onions
    1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
    1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
    3/4 cup pearl barley
    1 quart vegetable broth
    1 1/2 cups prepared marinara sauce
    2 cups quartered mushrooms
    2 cups diced zucchini
    Salt and pepper

1. Heat a medium, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat until hot. Add the oil, then add the carrots, onions, bell pepper, thyme and barley. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are golden-brown, about 18 minutes, taking care that the barley does not burn.

2. Stir in the vegetable broth and marinara. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook until the barley is al dente, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and zucchini, and season to taste with salt and pepper (the amount of seasoning needed will vary depending on the vegetable broth and marinara used). Cover and continue to simmer until the mushrooms and zucchini are just tender, 4 to 6 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, thin if desired, and season again to taste, and serve. This makes about 2 1/2 quarts of soup.

Each of 10 servings: 155 calories; 4 grams protein; 26 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams fiber; 4 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 1 mg cholesterol; 8 grams sugar; 365 mg sodium.

Love cooking as much as I do? Follow me @noellecarter

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SAG Awards 2015: The duds, thuds and wows on the red carpet

We saw dull (Felicity Jones in a blush-pink, off-the-shoulder Balenciaga column), dowdy (Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a subdued black Monique Lhuillier gown with long black lace sleeves) and disappointing (Julianne Moore in an emerald-green beaded Givenchy that lacked that extra oomph).

And we saw more plunge fronts than a water park in high summer.

We also saw a lot of just plain dark outfits, a veritable blackout on an 80-degree day. Lorelei Linklater looked as if she were auditioning for the role of Morticia Addams in a black velvet Honor gown with bell sleeves. Why so serious? It's January in L.A., not New York.

And poor Rosamund Pike, pilloried for her side-scooped white Vera Wang gown at the Golden Globes, didn't even stop to talk to the TV cameras about her ruffled blue high-low Dior gown.

But the SAG Awards red carpet wasn't a total dud.

Reese Witherspoon looked modern and confident in a one-shoulder white Giorgio Armani gown with matte sequin detailing and a deep scoop back. The gown was fitted to perfection, and her sleek ponytail was the right accompaniment. Another white light? Maggie Gyllenhaal in a slinky crepe gown with a sheer bodice panel by Thakoon Panichgul.

Pregnant or not, Keira Knightley was one of the best-dressed in a deep-plum gown by British designer Erdem Moralioglu. The dramatic hue offset the gown's delicate lace tiers.

If you were looking for unusual, Emma Stone wore a Dior design that was one part tuxedo dress, one part sheer ball skirt — altogether sassy and different.

Another cool customer, Claire Danes, chose a Marc Jacobs gown that was anything but standard issue. In olive-drab green, the column dress was embellished with sparkly cabochons. It was a riff on Jacobs' spring 2015 runway collection, which riffed on uniforms of every stripe. And it was the first time I'd seen a Jacobs design on a major awards show red carpet, maybe ever. (Jacobs left his job as creative director of Louis Vuitton after 16 years in 2013 to focus on his own label in New York, and this has to be a feather in his cap.)

When it came to stripes, always a joyful choice for the red carpet when it's nice and warm, Tatiana Maslany wore a side-flounced gown with all-over stripes that recalled beach umbrellas in St. Tropez. The gown was an Oscar de la Renta from 2013. Lupita Nyong'o was thinking along the same lines; she wore a cheery striped and watercolor floral, long sleeve Elie Saab gown.

The biggest fashion risk taker of the night was probably Jennifer Aniston, who chose a vintage gold gown by John Galliano for the simple reason that she'd fallen in love with it, as she told E! Vintage was a big trend on the red carpet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but lesser so now that luxury labels pay stars big bucks to be walking billboards. Aniston also took a gamble on Galliano, the designer who lost his job at Dior after being caught making racist comments on a camera phone and who recently restarted his career at Maison Martin Margiela.

The dress itself wasn't tremendous, but at least Aniston proved that when it comes to fashion, she's her own woman.

booth.moore@latimes.com

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