This Week In The News (03/02-03/06)

Caught on Video: Car Trying to Cross South LA Tracks Hit by Metro Blue Line Train

Thursday, March 5 (CBSLA) – Video has surfaced of a vehicle attempting to cross the train tracks ahead of an oncoming Metro Blue Line train on Sunday morning. This is a reminder to inpatient drivers that you’re better off taking the safer approach during your commute. Authorities said that the car tried to cross the tracks at 55th and Long Beach Avenue in South LA. The driver was a 60-year-old male and miraculously survived the crash with only minor injuries. 

Pedestrian Struck, Injured by Sheriff’s Deputy Car in Lynwood

Monday, March 2 (ABC 7) – In a rare turn of events, a pedestrian was struck by an LA Sheriff’s Department cruiser as it was responding to a call at the time of the accident. The collision occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 12300 block of Long Beach Boulevard. At this time it is unclear what caused the collision as it is still under investigation. Both the pedestrian and deputy were taken to the hospital and treated for injuries. 

Woman Pleads Guilty in Fatal Head-On DUI Crash

Thursday, March 5 (Fox 5 San Diego) – A fatal head-on crash is finally coming to a close with the sentencing of a 55-year-old Indio woman, Maritza Millan. Millan pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and was sentenced to nearly nine years in prison. The fatal crash happened back in August on Valley Center Road, between Vesper and Cole Grade, killing an 84-year-old Escondido woman and seriously injuring the other passengers in the vehicle. Maritza Millan remains in custody, without bail, as she awaits transport to the state prison. 

Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Fentanyl That Caused Woman’s Overdose Death

Wednesday, March 4 (Fox 5) – 26-year-old Michael Steen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in the death of a 33-year-old woman from Ramona. San Diego County Sheriff’s Capt. Justin White said, “There are many stories of lives stolen,” by fentanyl. “In this case, the victim is a young woman from Ramona who was just starting off in life.” Steen sold over 500 grams in 2018, some of which fell into the hands of this unidentified female victim who later died of an overdose. Steen is slated to be sentenced on May 29.

Coronavirus Grocery List: What to Buy in Case of Self-Quarantine

Friday, March 6 (NBC Los Angeles) – Concerns are mounting and everyone is on high alert with concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. The coronavirus, also referred to as COVID-19, has been dominating the news cycle. There has been a shortage of testing kits on a nationwide scale so the number of infected individuals is still unconfirmed and considerably low. That all is likely to change in the coming months. Scientists stress that the spread of the virus is inevitable, with the average incubation period being 14 days, some patients don’t show symptoms right away. Since testing kits for the coronavirus are sparse, ER doctors are advising people to stock up on supplies and quarantine themselves from the general public until they can be properly tested, treated and cleared. Go heavy on the fluids, broths, fruits, and vegetables. It is essential to bolster your immune system with lots of vitamins and nutrients if you are fighting a virus, COVID-19 or not. Americans should brace for possible school and business closures, enhanced travel restrictions and the possibility of mass quarantines. The best defense still remains washing hands for 20 seconds or more and wearing a mask in some instances, especially when traveling. 

Warren Declines To Endorse, Talks Support From ‘All Those Little Girls’

Thursday, March 5 (CapRadio) – After an abysmal performance during Super Tuesday, with a low voter turnout in her home state of Massachusetts, Senator Elizabeth Warren officially ends her bid for the presidency. She has yet to endorse either of the remaining two candidates, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, stating “Let’s take a deep breath and spend a little time on that. We don’t have to decide this minute.” Warren continued to say that she was intently thinking about all those girls who are going to have to wait four more years to see a female in charge of the White House. 

‘This Is Not a Drill’: WHO Urges the World to Fight Coronavirus

Thursday, March 5 (NBC Los Angeles) – Despite the President being less than alarmed by the recent rise of the coronavirus, even though there are reported cases throughout the country, the U.N. health agency is sounding the alarm. The health agency urged countries across the globe to “push this virus back.” The numbers of the infected and deceased are all too real. Now there are about 17 times as many new infections outside of China as there are in it. As of today, the coronavirus has killed over 3,300 people and infected over 97,000 patients. 

Coronavirus: Factors for the Insurance Industry to Consider – Part 3 Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Friday, March 6 (The National Law Review) – Stock markets hate instability and uncertainty, and that’s exactly what the coronavirus has done to international markets. The virus has suspended operations at major factories throughout China, resulting in supply chain delays and product shortages which affect global trade. In response to the drastic drop in stocks, the Federal Reserve announced an emergency rate cut on March 3rd which was just enough of a nudge to slow the bleed to the bottom. Insurance companies have been on high alert and carefully considering what it would look like if there are extensive interruptions to business, event cancellation and if workers’ compensation insurance benefits should be available while similarly assessing liability risks. The future is uncertain, but expect more drops in the market as the globe adjusts to living amongst the coronavirus. As of March 3rd, the United States is reporting more than 100 infections, with thousands more not yet reported because of a lack of proper testing.