Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (02/28-03/06)

Children Among 4 Killed in Fresno County Crash with Semi-Truck; 3 Others Injured

Thursday, March 3 (ABC 30) – On Wednesday, a two-vehicle crash left four people dead, including two children, and three other people with major injuries. The California Highway Patrol has identified the deceased as Lute Fekitoa, 43; Naomi Cook, 35; Adimada Fekitoa, 9; and Keola James (KJ) Cook, 13. The 52-year-old driver of a Chrysler Aspen SUV, a 37-year-old man, and 12-year-old girl suffered major injuries and were taken to Community Regional Medical Center. The crash occurred along Interstate 5 north of Highway 33 in Fresno County.

According to investigators, the driver of the Chrysler drifted into the west shoulder of the highway and struck the back of an 18-wheeler truck. The SUV was heavily damaged, and its front portion remained stuck to the 18-wheeler. Lanes were closed for six hours, while officers are still working to determine the cause of the accident. Truckers responded to the incident by saying more rest areas are needed along roadways in the Central Valley.

One Identified in Double Fatal Crash on Harbor Boulevard Near Oxnard

Wednesday, March 2 (VC Star) – Two people were killed and three others hospitalized following a two-vehicle crash on North Harbor Boulevard near Oxnard on Wednesday, the California Highway Patrol reported. The crash was reported shortly after 5:30 p.m. at the 300 block of Harbor, south of Gonzales Road. According to CHP officials, the deceased driver of a 2005 Subaru Impreza was identified as Seth A. Strader, 44, of Ventura.

Strader was traveling northbound on Harbor when he lost control of his vehicle, swerved right onto the shoulder, veered left into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with a Subaru and southbound Ford Explorer with four occupants. A passenger in the Ford was identified as a male from Oxnard, according to the CHP. Officials said Strader was wearing a seat belt, as were the driver of the Ford and two surviving passengers who were taken to Ventura County Medical Center and Los Robles Regional Medical Center with major injuries.

Harbor between Gonzales and Fifth Street was closed for about five hours during an investigation. Authorities haven’t yet determined if drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

Lakers Put LeBron James on Notice: Report

Thursday, March 3 (Heavy.com) – LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have downplayed any tension, yet the relationship between them continues to be scrutinized. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons tried to add context to the Laker’s reaction to James’ comments before the All-Star game (and the organization’s relationship with Klutch Sports). Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported Jeanie Buss, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul discussed the matter during a February 25 meeting, from which James tried to distance himself.

James claims to have heard about the event through media reports, as he explained at a February 26 press conference. Said James, “I think a lot of people are, to be honest, just jealous of the relationship that Rich [Paul] has with the front office and with this team and the relationship that I have that I’ve grown over the last four years. That’s what I think it boils down to.”