This Week In The News (02/17-02/21)

Vehicle Falls Off Parking Structure Near Beverly Center, 2 People Injured

Thursday, February 20 (CBS Los Angeles) – Two people were hospitalized after a vehicle fell multiple stories from the Beverly Connection parking structure. The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. Thursday in a facility east of the Beverly Center shopping complex on La Cienega Boulevard. The vehicle landed upside down, while the injuries were non-life-threatening.

4 Girls Hospitalized After School Bus Slams Into Power Pole in Elysian Park, Topples Electrical Wires

Wednesday, February 19 (ABC 7) – A school bus struck a power pole in Elysian Park on Wednesday morning, injuring four female students. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the collision was reported before 7:30 a.m. at the 500 block of West Solano Avenue. Four girls, all about 12 years old, were hospitalized in fair condition, officials said, and nine children were examined at the scene. A California Highway Patrol spokesperson said the bus driver suspected a mechanical failure on the brakes.

Knives Out for Bloomberg From the Start of Nevada Debate

Thursday, February 20 (CBS News) – In Wednesday’s Democratic debate in Las Vegas, candidates took aim at Michael Bloomberg, the newest Democratic presidential candidate. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren said electing Bloomberg would be a “huge risk” and criticized his history “of harassing women and of supporting racist policies”. Both Warren and former Vice President Jo Biden spoke on Bloomberg’s unwillingness to release women from nondisclosure agreements. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar claimed he is too similar to Donald Trump. The former New York City mayor, who is self-funding his presidential campaign, officially cleared the polling threshold Tuesday to appear in the debate.

Woman Suffers Life-Threatening Head Injury After Rollover Crash

Wednesday, February 19 (Fox 5 San Diego) – A 40-year-old woman suffered life-threatening head injuries after the Range Rover she was driving crashed along the 10300 block of Scripps Highland Drive in the Scripps Ranch area. The crash was reported around 11:40 a.m. According to the San Diego Police Department, the 2014 red and white Range Rover was speeding around a curve at the time. Drugs or alcohol were not suspected factors in the crash, authorities said.

Live Updates: First Coronavirus Deaths Among Diamond Princess Passengers and in South Korea; Health Experts Warn of Mounting Cases Beyond China

Friday, February 21 (The Washington Post) – At least 634 people aboard the cruise ship Diamond Princess contracted coronavirus, while Chinese public health officials have been criticized for inconsistencies in reporting. On Friday, they made the third change in eight days to reported case numbers. Coronavirus cases have been reported in South Korea, Lebanon, and Israel as well as Iran and Italy. Hundreds of cases have been reported in Chinese prisons, which officials say underscores the high transmissibility of the virus in confined spaces. Additionally, two hospitals in Beijing were put under quarantine, raising speculation that infection numbers could rise significantly.

Transcript and Analysis: California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2020 State of The State

Wednesday, February 19 (CapRadio) – California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his second State of the State address on February 19. In his speech, Newsom highlighted California’s economy and job growth since 2010. He also referenced a bill signed last summer, creating the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, to give communities safe and clean drinking water. A bipartisan statewide school bond for facility improvements was also mentioned. Newsom also discussed poverty, homelessness, and LBGTQ and racial discrimination as well as the state of mental health resources and facilities. Updates on new home production and housing availability were provided as well, along with plans to build 3.5 million new housing units by 2025.

Motorcyclist Arrested in Norwalk Hit-and-Run Crash That Killed Bicyclist

Thursday, February 20 (KTLA 5) – Brandon James Lindsey, 29, was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run on Tuesday in connection with a motorcycle crash on February 1, according to officials. The Norwalk crash occured along a bike path near Imperial Highway and Firestone Boulevard, where authorities found a girl unconscious. She died after being taken to Coast Plaza Medical Center. Lindsey is being held on $105,000 bail and has a no bail hold from a previous assault case. The girl’s identity and age have not been released.

Former SoCal Boy Scout Details Alleged Abuse from Assistant Scoutmaster, Says Bankruptcy Opens Old Wounds

Wednesday, February 19 (ABC 7) – Former Boy Scouts in Southern California are speaking out after the Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy protection this month. Several former Boy Scouts have come forward with sexual abuse allegations. Manuel Lemos, who claims he endured abuse for decades, recently filed a lawsuit alleging he was assaulted by his assistant scoutmaster in the 1970s. Past scoutmaster and Eagle Scout Mike Flanagan expressed hope the bankruptcy and reorganization would enable Boy Scouts of America to do the right thing and help victims.