This Week In The News (11/11-11/15)

2 Dead, 4 Wounded After California Shooting Suspect Opened Fire at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita

Friday, November 15 (ABC 7) – Following a shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita on Thursday morning, investigators continued to search for the motive of a student who opened fire on his classmates. The 16-year-old boy killed two teenagers and wounded three others during the 16-second attack, which was first reported at 7:38 a.m. Students seem to be targeted at random, according to Captain Kent Wegener of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The sheriff’s department was also investigating a message left on an Instagram account a day earlier, which had not yet been authenticated.

These Are Definitely Not Last Year’s Lakers

Thursday, November 14 (NBC 4) – The Los Angeles Lakers are off to a 9-2 start, which is their best in a decade, without Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations and Luke Walton as head coach. Sports writer Michael Duarte speculates the departure of injury-plagued point guard Lonzo Ball is a factor, along with a new roster of three-point shooters including Anthony Davis. For the first month of the season, the Lakers are currently ranked first in the NBA in defense. They defeated the Warriors 120-94 in last Wednesday’s matchup.

California Urges No Vaping as 4th Death Reported in State

Wednesday, November 13 (Associated Press) – Following a fourth vaping-related death in the state, California public health officials are urging people to stop vaping and using e-cigarettes. Since August, 161 people in the state have been hospitalized for vaping related breathing issues and lung damage, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. While causes are still being investigated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified vitamin E acetate as a potential factor in e-cigarette-related lung injuries and fatalities.

SoCal Residents Can Fly Over Rush-Hour Traffic With New Air Taxi for $1,250 Per Month

Wednesday, November 13 (KTLA 5) – A commuter air service is set to launch in January, and will enable Southern California residents to fly to 40 participating small airports. Fly Over All Traffic, or FLOAT, will operate a fleet of nine planes that will operate in facilities such as Hollywood Burbank Airport, Camarillo Airport, and John Wayne Airport. Additional airports could be added soon, according to FLOAT co-founder and CEO Arnel Guiang. Targeting those with one-way commutes of 90 minutes or more, the service will be available via an app, while routes can be requested via the service’s website.

‘There’s a Ton of Blame to Go Around:’ California’s Crisis of Fires, Blackouts Was Decades in the Making

Thursday, November 14 (KTLA 5) – Pacific Gas & Electric, a utility serving more than 5 million customers, is currently in bankruptcy. Recently, the utility has turned off power to millions of customers to help prevent wildfires, which has been a controversial decision. Miles of power lines in dry remote forests, construction in forested areas, and a warming climate are just a few factors to blame for events like the Camp Fire. PG&E is considering options to mitigate the risks. But while shareholders and bondholders are competing for control of the company after it emerges from bankruptcy, California Governor Gavin Newsom has threatened a takeover amidst its recent issues.

Train Hits, Kills Pedestrian in Old Town

Thursday, November 14 (KUSI News) – Sheriff’s officials said a train struck and killed a pedestrian in Old Town on Thursday at about 11:30 a.m. The incident occurred at the 4000 block of Taylor Street and resulted San Diego police closing that road from Congress Street to Pacific Highway. Passenger train service was delayed until further notice, according to the North County Transit District. Busses were sent to serve affected commuters at the Sorrento Valley Station.

Top Moments From the Trump Impeachment Hearing

Wednesday, November 13 (NBC 4) – On Wednesday, House public hearings on whether President Donald Trump should be impeached began. Two State Department officials, William Taylor and George Kent, testified that the president’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others were involved in a delay of U.S. military aid to Ukraine linked to an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden and son, Hunter. Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff describes Trump’s actions as bribery and high crimes and misdemeanors, while Rep. Devin Nunes of California (the ranking Republican on the committee) said Democrats were just staging a televised theatrical performance. Republicans continue to insist no crimes have been committed.

38-Year-Old Man Dies in Solo Motorcycle Crash Near Mission Valley Mall

Tuesday, November 12 (KUSI News) – A 38-year-old man riding a 2018 Honda CMX500 motorcycle crashed and was killed near the Westfield Mission Valley mall on Tuesday. The crash was reported at about 8:35 p.m. on Mission Center Road where it crosses over the San Diego River. Officer John Buttle of the San Diego Police Department said the man lost control for unknown reasons, struck a curb and guardrail, and was ejected from the motorcycle onto the west sidewalk of Mission Center Road.