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Drive Sober Or Game Over!

Auto Club, MADD, Law Enforcement, And A Family Forever Impacted By A DUI Crash Remind Fans To Prevent Impaired Driving On Super Bowl Sunday

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Los Angeles Blade graphic/file photo

LOS ANGELES – The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will face off in the Super Bowl on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona. Millions of people will watch the Big Game at bars, restaurants and homes all across Southern California and the nation. That’s why the Auto Club, MADD and law enforcement remind fans to prevent alcohol and drug-impaired driving this coming weekend.

One-third of all crashes in California are due to impaired driving. According to the California Highway Patrol, during the last five Super Bowl Sundays, there were 1,363 DUI crashes that resulted in 43 fatalities and 756 injuries in the Golden State. Nationwide, in 2020 (most recent national data available), 55 people died on Super Bowl Sunday, which was 44 % of all traffic deaths for that day of the week.

“Our message to drivers is drive sober or game over,” said Auto Club Corporate Communications Manager Doug Shupe. “A DUI collision could forever change your life or someone else’s life, leave you with a lifetime full of guilt, prevent you from getting the job you want, and cost you a lot of money. Your entire life could be negatively impacted by making the wrong decision to drive after drinking alcohol.” According to Auto Club research, a first-time DUI conviction in California could cost a driver $22,578 in court, arrest and DMV fines, fees and penalties, alcohol education classes, attorney’s fees and additional insurance costs. Beyond the financial penalties of a DUI, there is a much greater cost which is that of a human life. That is why the Auto Club, law enforcement and MADD are reminding fans to plan ahead before heading out to watch the game.

“We urge everyone to put choosing a non-drinking, sober driver at the top of their Super Bowl party checklist,” said Patricia Rillera, MADD California State Executive Director. “Whether you are going out or staying in, celebrate with a plan.”

In addition to alcohol and driving, legal recreational marijuana and driving is also a concern. Whether you smoke, vape or consume edibles, getting behind the wheel when you’re high on marijuana poses a risk to everyone on the road as well. In fact, next to alcohol, marijuana is the drug most found in drivers who have been involved in collisions.

Research shows drivers involved in crashes who also tested positive for THC were three to seven times more likely to be responsible for having caused the crash. Marijuana’s affects on driving abilities include:

  • Difficulty maintaining attention
  • Slower reaction times
  • Inability to stay in traffic lanes
  • Difficulty judging distances
  • Slower decision-making
  • Reduced peripheral/side vision
  • Reduced coordination

This weekend CHP and LAPD officers will be watching closely for both alcohol and drug-impairment on our roadways.

“The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year, and many people will choose to watch the game with alcohol. We want our community members to enjoy the Big Game but do it responsibly and safely,” said LAPD Transit Services Bureau Deputy Chief Donald Graham. “We need commitment from drivers that they’ll help keep the roads safe and if they don’t, we will be there.”

“We will be on high alert for impaired drivers,” said CHP Central Los Angeles Area Captain Jared Perry. “Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).  Cannabis, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can all impair your ability to drive and send you to jail.”

Elina Medina knows the pain of losing someone to DUI. On April 6, 1996, her best friend was driving her and Medina’s 4-year-old brother home when an impaired driver going 64 miles per hour on a residential street slammed into them while they were in an intersection.

“After the crash, someone had to help me out of the car, and I was screaming for someone to help my brother,” said Medina.

Tragically, Medina’s young brother was ejected from the car and killed. Her best friend, who was behind the wheel at the time, also died instantly. The driver who hit them was a repeat offender and this crash was his fourth DUI. After a mistrial, the driver pleaded guilty during a second trial and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Medina has suffered from survivor’s guilt in the years following the crash.

“To not be able to hug them, or see them, or celebrate life with them is completely devastating, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I go through on a daily basis,” said Medina.

The Auto Club, MADD and law enforcement offer the following tips to ensure safe roads this Super Bowl weekend.

Party Hosts:

·Ask guests to designate a sober driver in advance.

·Keep phone numbers for sober ride services handy.

·Take car keys from partygoers as they arrive and don’t let them drive impaired.

·Encourage guests to pace themselves. Serve food and non-alcoholic drinks and water. Many mocktail recipes, including those featuring team colors, can be found online.

·Do not serve alcohol or cannabis to anyone under age 21. It is illegal.

·Allow guests to stay overnight, if possible.

Super Bowl Fans and Partygoers:

·Designate a sober driver or safe ride home before attending a Super Bowl party.

·Make sure your designated driver is sober. If he or she decides to drink, call a sober friend or family member for a ride home. Or, if possible, stay where you are for the night.

·Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been consuming marijuana or drinking alcohol – even after just one drink.

·If you’re under 21, do not consume alcohol or marijuana. It’s against the law.

Designated Drivers:

  • Take your role as designated driver seriously. Refrain from any alcoholic beverages or drugs.
  • Always buckle up and require passengers to do the same.
  • If someone you know has been drinking or using marijuana, take their keys and help them get home safely.
  • If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).
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LGBTQ+ voter education town hall held tonight in Los Angeles

Unique Women’s Coalition, Equality California and FLUX host discussion on upcoming election.

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(stock photo)

The Unique Women’s Coalition, Equality California and FLUX, a national division of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, will host their second annual voter education town hall today at the Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center in Los Angeles from 7PM to 9PM tonight. 

The organizations will present and discuss ballot propositions and measures that will appear on the November ballot and that affect the LGBTQ+ community in this part of the town hall series titled ‘The Issues.’  

“The trans and nonbinary community is taking its seat at the table, and we are taking the time and space to be informed and prepare the voter base,” said Queen Victoria Ortega, international president of FLUX.

The town hall will feature conversations through a Q&A followed by a reception for program participants, organizational partners and LGBTQ+ city and county officials. 

There will later be a third town hall before the election and The Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center will also become a voting location for anyone who feels like they need a safe space to vote, regardless of what voting district they are a part of. 

“Our community is really asking for a place to talk about what all of this actually means because although we live in a blue sphere, housing and other forms of discrimination are still a very real threat,” said Scottie Jeanette Madden, director of advocacy at The Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center. 

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Southern California

Triple A: SoCal gas prices continue dropping quickly

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Gas prices in Southern California have dropped by more than 50 cents a gallon in most areas after two straight months of price declines, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.46, which is two cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.83 per gallon, which is 10 cents less than last week and 13 cents less than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.85, which is 10 cents lower than last week and eight cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.97, which is five cents lower than last week and two cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.75, which is 10 cents lower than last week and 10 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.96 average price is eight cents less than last week and nine cents higher than a year ago today.

“Oil Price Information Service reports the latest Energy Information Administration data shows that West Coast refinery utilization rates reached their highest production levels of 2024 at the beginning of this month,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “California continues to have the highest gas prices in the U.S., but this week for the first time since March, gas prices in most local areas are lower than at this time a year ago.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on June 13, averages are:

061324

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Southern California

Triple A: Statewide gas price average drops below $5 a gallon

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.98, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – The California gas price average dropped below $5 a gallon for the first time since late March, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.98, which is 11 cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.48, which is eight cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is 12 cents less than last week and the same price as last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.95, which is 12 cents lower than last week and six cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.02, which is eight cents lower than last week and 12 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.95, which is 11 cents lower than last week and three cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.04 average price is eight cents less than last week and 17 cents higher than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices are dropping as large supplies of imported gasoline continue to arrive in Southern California,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “A few Southern California gas stations are now charging less than $4.10 a gallon for regular unleaded.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on June 6, averages are:

060624 CA

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Southern California

‘Heat dome’ brings scorching conditions but coastal areas spared

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an excessive heat warning as high temperatures have been forecast

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NWSLA/Los Angeles Blade graphic

OXNARD, Calif. – The first significant heat of the season has arrived for the interior, and is expected to last into Thursday. Temperatures will be warmest Wednesday and Thursday, with highs in the deserts from 98 to 108, and 92 to 102 for the mountains and interior valleys.

Drier conditions along with breezy conditions will lead to an increased risk for grass fires. Reduce exposure to the heat, and stay hydrated. Look before locking vehicles for children, elderly and pets. Vehicles can become dangerously hot in a short period of time. Report any wildfires to authorities.

High Temperatures Forecast for Parts of Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an excessive heat warning as high temperatures have been forecast for the following areas:

  • Antelope Valley: Wednesday June 05, 2024 through Thursday June 06, 2024
  • Western Antelope Valley: Wednesday June 05, 2024 through Thursday June 06, 2024
  • Eastern Antelope Valley: Wednesday June 05, 2024 through Thursday June 06, 2024

Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with a chronic medical condition who are especially sensitive to negative health impacts from extreme heat. Public Health offers the following recommendations during high temperature days:

  • Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.
  • If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.
  • Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open. Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.
  • Beware of and know what to do for heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
  • Check on those at risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.
  • If you are wearing a mask, avoid strenuous workouts wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purpose
  • Visit your power company’s website or contact them by phone to determine if you are scheduled for a rolling power outage.

“On hot days, it’s important for everyone to both take care of themselves and check on others, especially those who have a higher chance of getting ill due to the heat. Some of them include children, the elderly, those with health conditions, pregnant people, those living alone, and pets,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Hot days can be dangerous for anyone, so it’s crucial to stay cool and hydrated. Never leave children, the elderly, or pets alone in hot homes, places, or vehicles. Make sure to check on elderly or unwell neighbors and relatives regularly.” 

County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers. To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs can call 2-1-1 for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting 211la.org.

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Southern California

Triple A: Finally, some SoCal cities drop below $5 a gallon

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.09, which is six cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Six straight weeks of price drops at Southern California gas stations have pushed average prices below $5 a gallon in a few cities, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.09, which is six cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.56, which is four cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.05 per gallon, which is six cents less than last week and 12 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.07, which is six cents lower than last week and 17 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.10, which is six cents lower than last week and 21 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.96, which is six cents lower than last week and 13 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.12 average price is five cents less than last week and 29 cents higher than a year ago today.

“Oil Price Information Service reports that wholesale Los Angeles gasoline prices are continuing to drop because of increased availability of imported gasoline and reportedly lower levels of demand compared to last year,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Those factors should help pump price drops to continue for now.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 30, averages are:

socal blue gas chart May 30

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Southern California

Triple A: Memorial Day travelers get a break at the pump

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.15, which is nine cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Gas prices continued downward for a fifth straight week, giving some Southern California Memorial Day travelers the chance to fill up for about $4.50 a gallon or even less in a few areas, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.15, which is nine cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.61, which is one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.11 per gallon, which is ten cents less than last week, 27 cents less than last month, and 25 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.13, which is ten cents lower than last week, 23 cents lower than last month, and 29 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.16, which is five cents lower than last week, 17 cents lower than last month, and 30 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.02, which is ten cents lower than last week, 28 cents lower than last month and 25 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.17 average price is five cents less than last week, 15 cents less than last month, and 36 cents higher than a year ago today.

“With an all-time record number of Southern California travelers expected for this Memorial Day getaway weekend, the gas price drops are providing some welcome relief,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Those travelers who are planning out-of-state trips should expect to pay even less when they fuel up for their return, since California continues to be the only U.S. state with a gas price average above $5 a gallon.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 23, averages are:

052324 FINAL CHART CA

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices drop for four straight weeks

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.24, which is eight cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Local gas prices have dropped for four straight weeks, but California continues to be the only state with an average price above $5 a gallon, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.24, which is eight cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.60, which is four cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.21 per gallon, which is eight cents less than last week, 18 cents less than last month, and 37 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.23, which is six cents lower than last week, 14 cents lower than last month, and 41 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.22, which is five cents lower than last week, 14 cents lower than last month, and 38 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.12, which is eight cents lower than last week, 19 cents lower than last month and 36 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.23 average price is three cents less than last week, eight cents less than last month, and 40 cents higher than a year ago today.

“California continues to have the highest average gas prices in the U.S., and despite a month of price declines, the state average price is still more than 40 cents higher than Hawaii, which is the second most expensive state for fuel,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 16, averages are:

051624 Final

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Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices head down for third straight week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.32, which is six cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices have dropped for the third straight week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.32, which is six cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.64, which is three cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.28 per gallon, which is six cents less than last week, six cents less than last month, and 42 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.29, which is five cents lower than last week, five cents lower than last month, and 44 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.27, which is six cents lower than last week, two cents lower than last month, and 41 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.20, which is seven cents lower than last week, five cents lower than last month and 43 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.26 average price is four cents less than last week, five cents more than last month, and 42 cents higher than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), California and all West Coast refineries are continuing to operate at higher capacities and West Coast gasoline inventories are increasing in anticipation of higher summer demand,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 9, averages are:

050924 gas chart

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Southern California

Triple A: SoCal gas prices continue downward

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.38, which is three cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are continuing to drop for a second straight week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.38, which is three cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.67, which is one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.34 per gallon, which is three cents less than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.34, which is two cents lower than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.33, which is the same as last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.27, which is two cents lower than last week, 21 cents higher than last month and 45 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.30 average price is one cent less than last week, 29 cents more than last month, and 44 cents higher than a year ago today.

“After a few months of supply interruptions from refinery breakdowns and maintenance, Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) reports that California refineries have been operating at above 86% of their capacity for the past two weeks,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Additionally, OPIS reported the US Energy Information Administration believes that the country has already experienced its highest gas price point for the first half of this year. Although California prices often go against national trends, that prediction is an encouraging sign for further price drops at the pump.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 2, averages are:

050224 final

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Southern California

Triple A: Southern California gas prices begin to slowly decrease

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.41, which is four cents lower than a week ago

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Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices slightly decrease in almost every metro city, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.41, which is four cents lower than a week ago. The average national price is $3.66, which is also one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.37 per gallon, which is two cents less than last week, 33 cents higher than last month, and 44 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.36, which is two cents lower than last week, 34 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.33, which is two cents lower than last week, 31 cents higher than last month, and 43 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.29, which is three cents lower than last week, 37 cents higher than last month, and 45 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.31 average price is the same as last week, 40 cents more than last month, and 43 cents higher than a year ago today.

“For the first time in almost two months prices in Southern California have slightly decreased,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “The reasons for gas prices moving lower include slowing domestic gasoline demand between Spring Break and summer travel, as well as the cost of crude oil retreating.” 

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on April 25, averages are:

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