Jacob’s Journal – Weekly News Rewind (08/02-08/08)

Millennials Hit with Biggest Increase In California Covid Cases

Wednesday, August 4 (The Guardian) – Since early June, infections in young adults in California have jumped 554%, according to epidemiologist George Lemp. Millennials, or those between the ages of 18 and 34, had the highest climb in COVID-19 infections, while the next highest were those between ages 35 and 49. Officials are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated as a similar trend has been seen nationwide. Hospitals across the U.S. have reported a growing number of younger patients with more severe illness. Experts suggests this is due to lower vaccination rates and more social contacts, while it’s not conclusive as to whether the Delta variant affects younger patients differently.

Just 67% of people aged 18 to 49 have been vaccinated in California. By comparison, 91% of those over 65 have according to the Los Angeles Times. Vaccines have proven effective at preventing serious illness, despite the variant showing evidence it can spread among vaccinated people. Doctors have warned the majority of people hospitalized have not been vaccinated. The vaccine has recently been promoted by President Joe Biden and pop star Olivia Rodrigo, Anthony Fauci, and local public service announcements such as those in Los Angeles County.

Car Accidents in California: What’s Your Legal Responsibility?

Thursday, August 5 (The Union Journal) – The Union Journal this week stressed that safety is the first priority in a car accident, while legal responsibilities must be considered. Each party bears financial liability for damages depending on how much they were at fault. Important steps to take include reporting the accident to authorities; California law requires accidents to be reported to the California Highway Patrol or local police in writing within 24 hours if an injury or fatality was involved. In certain cases, incidents must be reported to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Vehicle owners are financially responsible for accidents, so proof of insurance is a requirement. Numerous accidents happen because drivers fail to yield on highways. When involved in a car accident, it’s best to work with a California car accident lawyer.

Tracking the Coronavirus in California

Wednesday, August 4 (Los Angeles Times) – The Los Angeles Times released the latest coronavirus numbers this week, with 3,968,193 confirmed cases, and a 7-day average of 9,390 reflecting a 14-day change of +113.2%. The 14-day average for deaths rose 72.6%, with a total of 63,622. Currently, 61.8% of Californians are at least partially vaccinated. Despite recent upticks caused by the Delta variant, counts are still far below their peak. Vaccinations have slowed while hospitalizations are increasing, and 1 out of every 10 people in California has tested positive. The Times also detailed coronavirus infection totals for the most affected counties as well as numbers of those hospitalized, in intensive care, and cases by age and race. Data for nursing homes, prisons, and California in context with other states (the state has accounted for roughly 11% of cases nationwide) were also revealed.

Jazmine Gomez Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash On Menifee [Menifee, CA]

Wednesday, August 4 (L.A. Weekly) – A multi-vehicle crash in Menifee last Thursday claimed the life of Jazmine Gomez, 29, of Romoland, and injured two others. The incident occurred on July 29 at about 9:00 p.m. on the northbound side of Interstate 215, just south of McCall Boulevard. Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene by responders while paramedics transported the two other patients to a hospital with minor to moderate injuries. The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash.

California Highway Patrol Investigating a Fatal Head-On Collision in South Bakersfield [CA]

Wednesday, August 4 (L.A. Weekly) – A head-on crash in South Bakersfield was being investigated by the California Highway Patrol on Saturday, July 24. The crash too place at about 6:40 p.m.; according to a CHP report, it happened at the intersection of Cottonwood and Panama Roads. It wasn’t clear how many people were injured or what caused the accident while the investigation was ongoing.

These Charts Show Just How Fast COVID Cases Are Rising in California and the Bay Area

Tuesday, August 3 (San Francisco Chronicle) – The San Francisco Chronicle released updated coronavirus numbers this week. In July, the average daily case rate was 11.9 per 100,000 statewide; in the Bay Area it was 10.9 per 100,000 people, representing a threefold increase from June. The Bay Area and California experienced five straight months of decreases in daily COVID-19 cases starting in January. But both areas saw the biggest one-month jump since the pandemic began in March 2020, with more younger adults being affected. Officials are stressing indoor masking while more restaurants and bars in the Bay Area are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Meanwhile, hospitals are reporting a surge in unvaccinated patients.

Uber Ordered To “Go” Electric in California

Thursday, August 5 (Hurricane Valley Times) – The California Air Resources Board has proposed a regulation requiring ride sharing company drivers to drive 90% of miles in electric vehicles by 2030. A study released in December found ridesharing vehicles emit 50% more greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile than the average vehicle. Uber’s business model has been under scrutiny, including how it often denies liability in accidents, views drivers as independent contractors, and doesn’t pay for health care or unemployment insurance. In California, ridesharing companies must provide additional insurance coverage to drivers, but there are many variables that affect the amount of coverage available. There’s also been uncertainty as to who will pay for new vehicles, as Uber drivers use their own personal automobiles, but the Air Resources Board found many drivers would be unable to afford a new electric vehicle and associated higher electric bills.

Lakers Close Cali Classic with a Win

Wednesday, August 4 (NBA.com) – On Wednesday night, The South Bay Lakers concluded the California Classic with an 84-74 win over the Sacramento Kings. Austin Reaves sealed the victory with 45.1 seconds to play in the fourth quarter. In addition, Chaundee Brown scored 12 points, Devontae Cacok scored 13 points, and Mac McClung pitched in 11 points. During the summer league, young players are given a chance to kick start their development and showcase their games. The Lakers won the Summer League title in 2017 with talent like Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Caruso. Between August 8 and 17, the Lakers will play several more games in Las Vegas.

Report: Alex Caruso Offered to Return to Lakers for Similar Money as He’ll Get from Bulls

Wednesday, August 4 (Yahoo! Sports) – Alex Caruso is being signed to the Chicago Bulls to a four-year, $37 million contract. Several experts weighed in on why the Lakers didn’t re-sign him, while sports writer Dan Feldman reasoned that it is worth paying Caruso $30 million over three years, although it would be costly to the Lakers with a projected payroll increase of $38 million. He also said with the Lakers contending for a championship, it is the time to spend, and the team could have gotten a bunch of players and Caruso within salary-cap rules. Also, he stressed that LeBron James pressured the Cavaliers to spend liberally when he signed with Cleveland. The result, according to Feldman, leaves the Lakers’ roster short of maximized.