Wild Chase of Stolen RV Ends with Injuries in Los Angeles
Wednesday, May 22 (The Washington Post) – A woman led authorities on a half-hour chase from Santa Clarita into the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday in a stolen recreational vehicle. According to KABC-TV, the RV failed to yield to police and sped at up to 60 mph. During the chase, it hit several cars and sustained damage, while a large dog jumped out but was not seriously injured. The RV stopped after hitting trees and a car in the Tarzana neighborhood; police apprehended the woman after she exited and attempted to escape.
Los Angeles Lakers Introduce Frank Vogel as New Coach
Monday, May 20 (KTLA) – Frank Vogel was hired as the Los Angeles Lakers’ new coach following criticism by Magic Johnson of general manager Rob Pelinka. Johnson had left his role as president of basketball operations in a news conference prior to the regular-season finale. Vogel previously worked for the organization during the 2005-2006 season and has been highly praised by Pelinka, who expressed optimism regarding the team’s championship prospects next year.
Speed Played Factor in 710 Freeway Crash That Killed 4
Wednesday, May 22 (NBC Los Angeles) – Hussein Ahmad Ghasham, Hussein Yasser Saab, Hussein Moussa Ayoub, and Hussein Ali Saleh, ranging in age from 20 to 24, were all killed in a street racing crash on the 710 Freeway in Bell Gardens. The skidding car struck a guard rail as bystanders rushed to help. Seven men were returning from Anaheim in two cars when the lead car, a BMW sedan, lost control. Reports suggest they were racing on the freeway, and speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash.
Actress Rebecca Gayheart Opens Up About Car Accident That Killed 9-Year-Old Boy
Wednesday, May 22 (Today.com) – In a podcast with Laura Cathcart Robbins, former “Beverly Hills, 90210” actress Rebecca Gayheart revealed she considered suicide after involvement in a 2001 car accident that killed 9-year-old Jorge Cruz Jr. The boy ran into the street chasing a soccer ball at the time. Gayheart was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter. Since then, she has tried to find purpose in life, working for a non-profit that helps homeless people find employment.
Motorcycle Hit-and-Run Crash Near LAX Caught on Camera
Tuesday, May 21 (NBC Los Angeles) – Ruben Borne and wife Kathleen Jurski were injured when they fell from their rental motorcycle on the 105 Freeway. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of another vehicle attempted to switch lanes; it did not strike the motorcycle but caused it to go down. The driver fled the scene and ran over Borne’s leg, fracturing his ankle. Both motorcycle riders were wearing protective gear at the time.
Car Carrier Hits 3 Vehicles, Drops Car on Guard Rail in Orange County
Wednesday, May 22 (Fox 8) – A car carrier crashed near exit 170 of I-85 in Orange County, NC, at about 8:12 a.m. Wednesday. The vehicle was being driven by Angel L. Melendez, 46, of Killeen, Texas, from Louisiana to New Jersey. It was carrying eight vehicles at the time and struck a Dodge pickup, Kia SUV, and Honda passenger car. A Volvo SUV rolled off the carrier, landing on the highway guard rail. The driver of the Honda suffered a minor head injury.
Head-On Collision Near Moreno Valley Leaves One Dead, One Hospitalized
Tuesday, May 21 (The Press-Enterprise) – Isabel Akerlundh, 48, of Moreno Valley was killed in a head-on collision on Gilman Springs Road south of Alessandro Boulevard on Tuesday morning. Akerlundh was driving a 2009 Volvo S40 when a 2015 Dodge Charger approaching from the west crossed into the opposite lane. Police say the woman died upon impact and that drugs or alcohol have not been ruled out as contributing factors in the crash.
California Eyes Health Care for Immigrants in US Illegally
Tuesday, May 21 (NBC San Diego) – California lawmakers proposed legislation that would provide government-funded health care to adult immigrants living in the state illegally. California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed spending $98 million annually to cover low-income immigrants between 19 and 25 years old, while the state Assembly has announced a bill to cover all immigrants in California over 19. The plan would cost an estimated $3.4 billion.
California Senate Passes Legislation to Create State-Chartered Cannabis Banks
Tuesday, May 21 (CNBC) – The California Senate approved Senate Bill 51 that would allow private banks and credit unions to apply for a limited-purpose state charter to provide depository services to licensed cannabis businesses. Approved 35 to 1, the legislation is awaiting approval by California Governor Gavin Newsom. It would enable businesses to pay state/local taxes, fees, and rent, and may pressure the U.S. Congress to legalize banking for the marijuana industry at the federal level.
California Crackdown on Vaccine Exemptions Moves One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Wednesday, May 22 (The Sacramento Bee) – Senate Bill 276, which cracks down on medical exemptions for mandatory vaccinations, passed the California Senate floor on Wednesday. The measure calls for a special form (to be created by the Department of Public Health) for doctors to fill out. The information provided would be used by public health officials to accept/deny exemptions and monitor doctors routinely giving them.