This Week In The News (10/07-10/11)

SUV Slams Into Sedan In Lake Los Angeles Killing 5-Year-Old Girl, Alcohol Suspected

Wednesday, October 9 (CBS Los Angeles) – A 5-year-old girl was killed Tuesday night in an SUV crash at Avenue O and 165^th Street East shortly after 9:00 p.m. The SUV also struck a sedan, injuring four people inside. Police suspect the 61-year-old male driver of the SUV, identified as George Kokoteev, was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He sustained major injuries and was arrested at the scene.

California’s High Gasoline Prices Are No Accident

Tuesday, October 9 (Forbes) – In California, the price per gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.18 during the week of October 4, the highest in five years. The national average is currently $2.65 and in Texas it is $2.305. Forbes referenced a CNN story that blames refinery outages, but criticizes gasoline policies because prices in Texas have been markedly lower. It also noted that the California state government has raised gasoline prices to make travel more expensive and has enacted or is considering policies that will inconvenience drivers. However, many Californian’s who’ve fled to Texas to escape cost of living increases are voting for similar policies that convinced them to move.

CHP: Badly Injured Drive Runs from Hit-and-Run that Damages Parked Cars in East L.A.

Tuesday, October 8 (FOX 11 Los Angeles) – On Monday morning, a man fled the scene after crashing his Dodge Ram into three parked cars in East Los Angeles. Investigators are still searching for him. They also believe he was severely injured in the crash, which occurred at South Atlantic Boulevard and Union Pacific Avenue at 1:30 a.m. Monday. The truck flipped on its side, and witness told FOX 11 he climbed out the driver’s side and was bleeding from the neck.

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Rural Road

Wednesday, October 9 (FOX 5 San Diego) – According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a motorcyclist was killed Wednesday in a crash on State Route 78, west of Pine Hills Road, in Julian. The accident on the rural road happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. The motorcycle had veered off the highway and hit a wooden pole, based on evidence found by the CHP.

Wildfire Prompts Southern California Evacuation

Thursday, October 10 (KTIV) – In the latest update from the Associated Press on the California wildfires, 89-year-old Lois Arvickson of Calimesa was reported missing, after neighbors said she fled from flames in her car. The blaze had destroyed 74 structures in Riverside County. Earlier in the day, Pacific Gas & Electric restored power to about 228,000 customers after it was cut to prevent wildfires, while 510,000 remained in the dark. Evacuations had taken place 50 miles east of Los Angeles, while a mobile home park fire in Calimesa was determined to be caused by a trash truck that dumped burning garbage on a road.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the California Power Outages

Wednesday, October 9 (USA Today) – Major utilities in California have cut power to prevent wildfires in the wake of dry conditions and high winds. On Wednesday, Pacific Gas & Electric cut power to over 500,000 homes and businesses in Northern California, plus 234,000 more in San Jose and Santa Cruz. North and east of Los Angeles, Southern California Edison cut power to 12,900 customers. Utilities have no set time for restoring power. PG&E’s decision was based on conditions similar to last year’s Camp Fire and the power lines blamed for starting it.

New California Law Caps Rent Hikes. What Does It Mean for Tenants, Landlords?

Tuesday, October 8 (The Sacramento Bee) – On Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that caps rent increases at 5% plus inflation statewide. The law also restricts when landlords can evict renters. Bill AB 1482 aims to protect tenants, according to advocates, while critics say it may negatively impact housing production and small property owners. It permits two types of evictions—when a tenant violates provisions in their lease and when landlords terminate leases for no-cause reasons. To go into effect on January 1, it will likely impact 8 million Californians.

New California Laws Aim to Speed Housing Construction

Wednesday, October 9 (VC Star) – A law intended to stop communities from delaying housing construction was signed Wednesday by California Governor Gavin Newsom. It was one of 18 housing bills he signed on Wednesday to address the state’s housing crisis. Drafted by Senator Nancy Skinner of Berkeley, the bill contains several measures that discourage cities and counties from delaying construction projects after they have zoned for new housing. The law will remain in effect through 2025.