This Week In The News (05/27-05/31)

Pregnant Mother, Father and Two Children Killed in Crash

Wednesday, May 29 (NBC Los Angeles) – A family of four, including a father, pregnant mother, and two kids, was killed Sunday morning when their 2017 Nissan Altima crashed on state Route 153. The father, Samuel Soto, lost control near Los Banos in Merced County, while traveling between 65 and 75 miles per hour. According to the California Highway Patrol, the Altima crossed the eastbound to westbound lanes and struck a tree. A medical condition is thought to have caused the crash.

Tanker Spill Causes Traffic Jam on I-5 near Los Angeles

Monday, May 27 (Fox 5 San Diego) – On Monday, a tanker broke down on the Golden State Freeway, shutting down Interstate 5 from Parker Road to Templin Highway. The tanker spilled hydrogen peroxide on the road, which did not affect any storm drains. It was estimated to be carrying 4,200 to 4,500 gallons. The California Highway Patrol subsequently closed all northbound lanes, while traffic backed up to Halsey Canyon Road. The northbound Lake Hughes onramp was also closed.

Southern California City’s Beaches Closed Due to Sewage-Laden Runoff from Mexico

Tuesday, May 28 (CBS News) – The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health issued an order Sunday to close the entire shoreline of the city to swimmers, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. The order was issued after sewage-contaminated runoff reached California’s shores from the Tijuana River in Mexico. The closure includes the city of Imperial Beach. Since April, officials say over 110 million gallons of toxic storm water has flowed north.

Homicide Detectives Investigate Death of Infant in Bellflower

Monday, May 27 (NBC Los Angeles) – A female infant was found dead shortly after 10:35 a.m. on Monday in Bellflower. The infant was discovered by a mortuary worker in a car seat at the 10300 block of Alondra Boulevard, according to police, partially covered by a blanket. Although there were no signs of visible trauma, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office will determine the cause of death, while detectives spoke with potential family members and searched for video in the area.

California Assembly Votes to Tighten Rules on Contractors

Thursday, May 30 (NBC Los Angeles) – Backed by Democrats and major labor unions, Assembly Bill 5 passed by the California Assembly would require companies like Lyft and Uber to pay a minimum wage and offer workers compensation. The bill now goes to the Senate. It revises standards that define whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor. Exemptions for insurance agents and physicians are included, while the California News Publishers Association has sought an exemption for newspaper carriers and freelance journalists.

Eleven Charged in $50 Million Charter School Fraud Scheme

Wednesday, May 29 (Courthouse News Service) – On Wednesday, Sean McManus, 46; Jason Schrock, 44; and nine other individuals were charged in a $50 million scheme to open 19 charter schools in California. They were also charged with using public-school funding to invest in real estate and start-up companies. As part of the scheme, another $200 million had been allocated for future use, while it involved the enrollment of about 40,000 children in charter schools. A $5 million bench warrant was issued against McManus, while Schrock pleaded not guilty to 62 charges.

Kamala Harris, in MSNBC Town Hall, Lays Out New Abortion Proposal

Tuesday, May 28 (The New York Times) – Senator Kamala Harris, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president, unveiled an abortion proposal on Tuesday, which she calls the “preclearance requirement”. Harris’ proposal would require states and localities to obtain federal approval on abortion laws if they have a history of unconstitutional restrictions on abortion rights. The proposal follows the recent passing of anti-abortion laws in Alabama, Missouri, and other states.

1 Person Hospitalized After Minivan Crashes into Winnetka Doughnut Shop

Monday, May 27 (ABC 7) – One person was hospitalized after a minivan crashed into Donuts Plus Depot in Winnetka, located at the intersection of Sherman Way and Mason Avenue. A second person was injured and treated at the scene, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The same donut shop was struck by a garbage truck in 2017. Its structural stability was being evaluated by a search and rescue team.