Local News
LA councilmember urges action against Union Pacific for idling trains – NBC Los Angeles
Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin De León announced Thursday he plans to file a motion this week to request that the city attorney’s office report back with potential legal remedies against Union Pacific for what the councilman called a long history of environmental and safety violations by the train operator plaguing two of the city’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods.
The motion, impacting residents in El Sereno and Lincoln Heights, is set to be filed at Friday’s city council meeting.
“Union Pacific has exploited our communities, treating the people of El Sereno and Lincoln Heights like disposable resources. They have poisoned our air, jeopardized our safety and dismissed our voices, all in the relentless pursuit of profit,” De León said. “We’re here to say today that those days are over.”
The motion states that Union Pacific has long violated state regulations with what De León called illegal stoppages — trains idling for hours on end along train tracks, often blocking intersections affecting the motoring public and emergency vehicles and adding to the area’s air pollution.
“Despite decades of complaints, the community’s voices have gone ignored. Union Pacific Railroad has built its empire by turning a blind eye to communities it pollutes,” De León said. “For years, there have been spewing poison into the air, poison that our children breathe into the lungs every single day, the lungs of our families who live here.”
NBC4 has also reported extensively on cargo thefts along stopped or idling Union Pacific trains in recent years near downtown Los Angeles.
“When you sort of kind of uncover it a little bit more, it’s because they were idling for the longest time,” De León said. “It was organized criminal cartel rings that decided to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Union Pacific provided the following statement: “Union Pacific has a history of working collaboratively with the City of Los Angeles and agencies who work directly with railroads. We have not received any communications from the Councilmember’s office related to the concerns referenced. His office has reached out previously on unrelated inquiries, and we responded accordingly. We would welcome an open dialogue with the appropriate city leaders to discuss any concerns with our operations.”
De León’s office provided video from two cameras set up at train crossings showing vehicles and people dangerously crossing over trains as they blocked intersection.
On at least one other occasion, video shows an emergency vehicle going around railroad crossing gates to continue on its route.
“There’s been years that we tried to complain about the train, the idling, which is not healthy for our community,” said Robert Vega, a longtime resident of the area. “If they were to park maybe a half block further down, it wouldn’t affect the community, but they insist on parking in front where it affects the community.”
De León is seeking several legal avenues from the city attorney’s office.
“I intend to submit a motion calling on the Los Angeles City attorney to report on all of our legal remedies, our options to hold Union Pacific accountable and sue them in a court of law,” he said.
Local News
Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles
The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.
Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.
“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.
Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.
“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.
CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.
The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.
“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”
Local News
7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles
7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies.
From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.
Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.
“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”
Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.
“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”
Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.
In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.
Local News
Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles
A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies.
The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year.
At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft.
They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes.
Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.
“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.”
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