Author: dailycastsocal

All northbound lanes on the 5 Freeway were shut down near Lorena Street in Boyle Heights after authorities received reports of a shooting and a vehicle crash. The California Highway Patrol responded to a report of gunfire and a vehicle traveling the wrong way around 4:11 p.m. on Thursday, Officer Erik Larson stated. It remained unclear whether the shooting occurred on the freeway or on adjacent streets prior to the accident, he noted. One individual was transported to the hospital, and authorities were on the lookout for three potential suspects, he added. As of 6:30 p.m., the investigation was ongoing, and northbound traffic was being redirected to the 710 Freeway. CHP units were carefully guiding vehicles against the flow of traffic to various exits to help reduce congestion between the crash site and the 710, according to Larson. The California Department of Transportation was aiding with the road closure, utilizing trucks, cones, and flare patterns to safely direct vehicles as darkness approached, he mentioned. At 6:30 p.m., Larson indicated that the closure was anticipated to last for several hours. Aerial footage captured by KTLA revealed first responders on the freeway alongside a white Tesla, which showed damage to its front driver’s side, and a silver vehicle with a damaged rear driver’s side bumper. No official reports of fatalities have been issued. A white sheet was placed over the front passenger’s side of the gray car. Traffic appeared to be congested for miles, extending all the way to the 605 Freeway. Source link

This November, California voters will decide whether to approve propositions 2 and 4. If approved, voters would allow the state government to borrow billions of dollars for the purpose of improving the infrastructure of public schools and protecting the environment. Props 2 and 4 are two of 10 statewide ballot propositions that will be left up to voters in the Nov. 5 election. Here’s what to know about each one: Here’s what Prop 2 would do if passed: Would authorize the state government to borrow $10 billion for repairs, upgrades and new construction of K-12 public schools, community colleges and trade schools $8.5 billion directed towards K-12 schools $1.5 billion directed towards upper education Funding would be prioritized for improvements regarding health and safety of students and staff alike, and classroom upgrades. Who’s supporting Prop 2? Supporters say schools across the state are often outdated and in need of basic repairs and upgrades or sometimes just outright unsafe. They also argue it’s one way to retain and attract teachers during a time where school staffing is short nationwide. California Teachers Association California School Nurses Organization Community College League of California CalChamber League of Women’s Voters Who’s opposing Prop 2? Those opposing the proposition argue bond obligations will cost the state close to $18 billion with interest, making it uneconomical. Passing the proposition would increase state costs by $500 million per year for 35 years, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office. Here’s what Prop 4 would do if passed: Prop 4 would authorize California to borrow $10 billion in bonds for water conversation and wildfire prevention. Funds could also be used to protect communities and their associated lands. $3.8 billion towards drought, flood, and water supply concerns $1.5 billion towards wildfire prevention $1.2 billion towards sea-level rise prevention $1.2 billion towards land conversation $850 million towards energy infrastructure $700 million towards community parks $450 million towards extreme heat resources $300 million to help farmers mitigate climate change Who’s supporting Prop 4? Supporters say the proactive approach to conserve and protect California resources will pay itself back as wildfires, droughts and pollution concerns become increasingly prevalent. Clean Water Action CALFIRE Firefighters National Wildlife Federation The Nature Conservancy Who’s opposing Prop 4? Similar to Prop 2, those opposing the argue bond obligations will cost the state far more than it’s worth and that natural disasters (and their prevention) should be budgeted for, not paid with bonds. Opposing analysts say the bonds will cost taxpayers $2 for every $1 spent. Passing the proposition would increase state costs by $400 million per year for 40 years according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts’ Office Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Source link