Debris From Overpass Falls Onto I-880 in Oakland, Sparks Multi-Vehicle Crash

I’m a native Californian, I love living here and the weather despite the drought great. That can’t be said about the decaying highways and the streets though. On Monday October 19, 2015 around 6:30 p.m. on highway 880 at 23rd avenue in Oakland during the already horrific commute, 100 feet of fence came crashing down across the highway causing a shut down in both directions. This incident caused 8 cars to crash sending two people the hospital with minor injuries. I couldn’t even image driving home after an along days work  and all of a sudden you see a fence coming down in front of you, when you’re going over 40 miles per hour. It is a blessing no one was killed.

Not only are highways bad, the streets in the cities are bad as well. There are pot holes and sinkholes popping up. In Union City California on October 13, 2015 a sinkhole appeared at the corner of Alvarado Boulevard and New Haven St. This sinkhole in a matter of hours had gone from 6 feet by 6 feet to 25 by 25. Crews from Alameda County Water District went down 10 feet in order to repair a 16 inch water main that was ruptured as the sinkhole grew.

California is supposed to be the 9th richest state according to Forbes 2014 list. If that is the case, how come we have such terrible highways and streets? Is it because budgeting for transportation, roads and bridges including utilities would never get first priority. The infrastructure in California needs to be fixed. It is old and decaying. If it’s not fixed we will continue to have incidents like this and people will die.

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Debris-From-Overpass-Falls-Onto-I-880-in-Oakland-Sparks-Multi-Vehicle-Crash-334432491.html
https://twitter.com/CornellBarnard/status/654503586479542272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2014/10/13/the-richest-and-poorest-states-in-2014/

New Year’s Eve’s Party’s in Northern California Cities

The year 2012 is almost over. It is ending on a somber note. With the mass shootings this year, I pray that it will be better in 2013. I know I have had my share of obstacles as well as a proud moment. One big fantastic thing that happen to me in 2012, I became a grandparent of a baby girl she is the light of my life. I know everyone is ready to party 2012 away. I put together a list of some New Year’s party’s going on in the San Francisco, Oakland, Alameda, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Rosa, San Ramon, Vacaville and San Jose areas. Just because you’re having a good time don’t be stupid, don’t drink and drive. Happy New Year!

SAN FRANCISCO

Asian Art Museum

27th Annual Bell Ringing Ceremony (Joya no kane) - Take a swing at the giant temple bell to literally "ring in" the New Year. A 2100-lb., sixteenth-century Japanese bronze bell originally from a temple in Tajima Province in Japan will be struck 108 times with a large custom-hewn log. Participants may take turns ringing the museum's sixteenth-century bronze bell to leave behind the bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the old year. Tickets to ring the bell are distributed at the admission desk. Sunday, December 30, 2012 at approx 11:00am. Samsung Hall, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 581-3500.

Bimbo's 365 Club

New Year’s Eve at Bimbo's 36 Club featuring Nick Waterhouse - Plus, Quinn Deveaux and The Blue Beat Review, Gaucho and special appearances by The Girl in the Fishbowl. Admission includes complimentary glass of champagne, hats, party favors and traditional balloon drop. Cocktail Attire- Black Tie Optional. Monday, December 31, 2012. 1025 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133. (415) 474-0365.

Davies Symphony Hall

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball with the San Francisco Symphony - Party and concert with the San Francisco Symphony, some bubbly, and dancing on the stage. Doors open and entertainment begins at 8pm. Concert begins at 9pm. Monday, December 31, 2012. 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 864-6000.

Embarcadero - Pier 14

New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks - Monday, December 31, 2012 12:00am. Check out ABC7's video of the entire 2012 New Year's Eve fireworks display along the waterfront!

Fort Mason Festival Pavilion

4th Annual Streets of San Francisco - EyeHeartSF transforms the pavillion into a San Francisco inspired playground of city sights, lights and sounds. Visuals, sounds, music, and featured DJs: A-Trak, DJ Craze and Sam Isaac. Monday, December 31, 2012 9pm. Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA.

Hornblower Cruises & Events, San Francisco

San Francisco Premier New Year's Eve Cruise and Belle of the Ball New Year's Eve Cruise - Scenic views, dinner, midnight fireworks, open bar, party favors, live music and dancing. Departs Monday, December 31, 2012 at 8pm. Pier 3, San Francisco. All Ages. 1 (888) 467-6256.

Yoshi's

Maceo Parker's New Year's Party! - Celebrate the New Year with some Funk! Plus, Andy Caldwell in the lounge area. Monday December 31, 2012 8pm and 10pm. 1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115. (415) 655-5600.

ALEMEDA COUNTY

Alameda Port

New Year's Eve Dinner & Fireworks Cruise - Dinner, dancing, food and fireworks aboard a luxury yacht, sailing the San Francisco Bay. Monday, December 31, 2012, boarding 8pm, cruise 9pm - 1am. 2394 Mariner Square Drive, Alameda, CA 94501. (510) 337-9000.

Yoshi's - Oakland

New Year's Eve with Pete Escovedo & Sons Latin Jazz Orchestra - Bay Area Latin Jazz Legend celebrates 2013 with the release of Live From Stern Grove Festival. NYE package includes show, 4-course dinner, champagne toast and priority seating. Monday, December 31, 2012 7pm. 707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3, Alameda, CA 94501. 510-238-9200

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

San Ramon Marriott Hotel

New Year’s Eve Party - Party favors, drinks, 2 ballrooms, food, live band, complimentary casino and balloon drop at midnight. Monday, December 31, 2012. 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA 94583.

SOLANO COUNTY

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags New Year's Eve 2013 - Holiday in the Park - Ring in the new year at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Family-friendly, live music, fireworks, holiday lights, shows, food and more. Monday, December 31, 2012. Park is open from 4pm - 12am. 1001 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo, CA 94589. (707) 643-6722.

Stars Recreation Center

City Sports Bar & Grill Presents New Year's with Ascension - Dinner, dancing, party favors and more! Monday, December 31, 2012 at 6:30pm. 55 Browns Valley Parkway in Vacaville California. (707) 455-7827 x108.

SAN JOSE

Santa Clara County

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

New Year's Eve Party & Grand Finale of Club Max - located inside the Doubletree by Hilton San Jose. 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, CA. Monday, December 31, 2012 at 8pm. 408-453-4000

Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge & Restaurant

Fahrenheit New Year's Eve 2012 - Music (Hip hop, Top 40, R&B) dancing, champagne, complimentary food stations, and balloon drop at midnight. 99 East San Fernando Street, San Jose, CA. Monday, December 31, 2012 8pm - 2am. Semi-Formal 21+.

SANTA CRUZ

Cocoanut Grove Ballroom

New Year's Eve with The Alison Sharino Band - Buffet, champagne, sparkling cider, live entertainment, dancing, party favors, full bar and countdown clock at midnight! 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Monday, December 31, 20127pm - 1am. 21+. (831) 423-2053.

Best Western Seacliff Inn - Severino's Bar and Grill

New Year's Eve Extravaganza - Featuring Joint Chiefs, four course dinner and champagne toast. 7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, CA 95003. Monday, December 31, 2012, 8:30pm. (831) 688 -8987.

SAN MATEO

Broadway Grill

NEW YEARS EVE 2012 Dinner & Show - Dinner and a show featuring band Pure Ecstasy. Monday, December 31, 2011 9pm. 1400 Broadway, Burlingame, CA 94010. (650) 343-9333.

San Mateo Marriott

Carnival Night "12th annual New Year’s Party" - 6 separate rooms of music, 5 live bands, 14 DJ's, Brazilian samba at midnight, balloons, party favors, red carpet and more! Monday, December 31, 2012. 1770 Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402. (408) 507-6519.

MARIN COUNTY

George's Night Club

THE TUBES featuring Fee Waybill - A New Year's Eve Bash - Celebrate the New Year with popular New Wave rock band, best known for their classic 1980s hit "She's a Beauty." Monday, December 31, 2012 at 9pm. 842 4th Street, San Rafael, CA, CA 94949. (415) 226-0262.

San Francisco Spirit Yacht in Sausalito

New Year's Eve Family Gala - Black tie optional affair, open bar for adults, music, and gourmet dinner. Monday, December 31, 2012 at 8:15pm. 39 E. Pier, Sausalito, CA 94133. (415) 762-0554.

NAPA COUNTY

Napa Valley Wine Train

A New Year's Eve to Remember: 2012 Crystal Ball - Celebrate the New Year with caviar, sparkling wine, a gourmet meal, entertainment and dancing. Monday, December 31, 2012 5pm to 1am. 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA94559. 1 (800) 427-4124.

SONOMA COUNTY

Safari West

http://www.safariwest.com/newyeareve/

Romp with the Beasts! New Year's Eve at Safari West - Featuring Brent Farris, DJ and Voice of Sonoma County's Radio Show - KZST. Party with animals! Festive dinner and dancing plus champagne toast. Leave after midnight strikes or enjoy all the creature comforts and spend the night in a luxury safari tent. Reservations required. Monday, December 31, 2012 starts 6:00pm - 12:00am. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. (707) 579-2551. <>

LM

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/feature?section=news&id=6572465

Move Over Law

Image via Wikipedia

How many California drivers don't know there's a law requiring motorists to move over or slow down when approaching emergency vehicles with lights flashing while stopped on the side of  the road?  The law is SB1610, and it includes safely steering clear of CalTrans workers, police officers, fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks.

We are already required to pull over and make way for approaching emergency vehicles with sirens or lights flashing.  This law instructs drivers to safely slow down and/or change lanes (more than one lane adjacent to) any stopped emergency vehicle.  Violators face a $50 fine.

The California Highway Patrol originally rejected this law in 2005, arguing that pulling over violators would place traffic and drivers in more danger.  Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger agreed by vetoing the bill, saying, "This law could result in unintended consequences and additional road hazzards". 

However, SB1610 was eventually passed in 2006 before expiring last month, and then re-instated by the Governor on January 1, 2010.  Sponsoring Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto says the "Move Over, Slow Down" law closely resembles similiar laws in more than 40 states.

"This bill is about promoting highway safety, plain and simple, says Simitian.  "I hope it puts a stop to the senseless deaths of police officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics and other emergency personnel out there simply helping stranded motorists".

Over the past five years more than a dozen police and state road workers have been killed along California roads.  The latest was CalTrans worker Don Lichliter, who was struck down by a passing truck in Lodi on July 23, 2009.  Since 1924, 176 CalTrans employees have died from roadside accidents.

North Carolina was the first of 45 states to pass such a law in 2002,  following the injury or death of 66 state troopers over three-year period.  Violators there are fined $250.

If you think that's expensive try Virginia, where passing a stopped police officer without changing lanes is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by a $2500 fine!  This may be a bit steep, however, the message here seems clear!

Use common sense!  Drive defensively by seeing the BIG picture! (Remember drivers ed. class?)  Above all, pay attention around, and, ahead  of you....particularly with emergency vehicles. 

After all, our law enforcement and emergency professionals put thier lives on the line to protect us every day!  Slowing down or changing lanes to give these first responders enough room to work safely,  is the least we can do in return!  Move over California!  It's the law!

Thanks again, and drive safely! PeteCam4

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• More New Driving Laws for 2010: Moving Over & Towing (laist.com)

OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA

OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA

The Oakland Museum of California was established in 1969 as a museum for
the people, to tells the stories of California. Back then the main focus
was on art, history and natural sciences. Oakland museum is undergoing
renovation and transformation, the grand opening will be in May 2010.
With the new transformation Oakland Museum of California will also focus
on visitor participation, interpretive tools, interactive features, new
gathering spaces and program areas that will engage and encourage
visitors to share their perspectives questions and stories of California.
Oakland Museum of California has always had strong ties to the community,
so schools, scholars, local audiences and visitors will be welcome to
participate in events and activities and be part of California’s past,
present, and future. A local artists has already gave the Oakland Museum
of California a face lift with a new mural at the Oak Street Entry, this
mural is beautiful. If this is any indication of what the museum to be
like, Oakland Museum of California this is going to be something to see.
I can’t wait until it reopens.

http://museumca.org/node/738/photos


LM

Holiday Checkpoint Season

It's holiday checkpoint season again, and time for local police and The California Highway Patrol to put up random sobriety roadblocks.  But, just how necessary are they, and what restrictions govern them regarding the rights of motorists?

 

The fourth amendment to the Constitution protects people from being stopped without a search warrant, or at least "probable cause" that they've committed a crime.  While the US Supreme Court did make an exemption regarding DUI checkpoints, eleven states have still outlawed them...following a landmark 1990 ruling in Michigan that granted  permission to uphold  outstanding state law. 

 

Here in California, the CHP maintains that checkpoints reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads and highways, and diminishes  the amount of pain, suffering and death that result from drunk driving.  Still, 51-percent of all drivers in America fall victim to at least one alchohol-related accident, while one person dies every 22 minutes from a drunk driving accident.  The current annual death toll is at 11, 888.
    

No matter how grim the numbers, sobriety checkpoints must still follow strict protocol laid out by the California Supreme Court.  Checkpoint locations must be chosen by supervisory police officers, not field officers.  Advanced notice must also be given, while location of road blocks is not required.  Police must also us a a neutral mathematical formula when stopping drivers, such as....every car, or every 3rd car etc. 

 

Motorist safety must be a primary concern, with police providing proper lighting, warning signs and signals.  Checkpoints should be only open when traffic volume allows safe operation. In fact, checkpoints open during late evening hours on major holidays.  Here in San Jose, the next checkpoints are scheduled for December 31st between 8pm and 3am.

 

Officers are also not allowed to detain drivers longer than it takes to ask a few questions, while looking and smelling for obvious signs of intoxication.  If cleared,  the driver should be swiftly waived through, while those showing signs of  impairment are taken to a seperate area for a field sobriety test.  I recently discovered one other, unusual restriction during a personal road experience.

 

While driving north-bound on Bascom Avenue in San Jose this past Labor Day weekend,  I came upon a checkpoint  just past the stoplight at Stokes Avenue.  As I eased behind a slow line of cars heading for the blinking signs, I noticed a few cars making sudden U-turns in an obvious attempt to avoid the road block.  Even the driver in front of me darted left onto a double-yellow line and into a 7'11 parking lot.  Isn't that illegal, I thought?  Can't  the cops stop them for that?  None were around to see them!

 

According to the Supreme Court,  motorists may NOT be stopped while seeking to avoid a checkpoint.  However, if the ditching driver commits a vehicle code violation, or shows obvious signs of intoxication...police can pull them over.  Next evening the Bascom Avenue checkpoint was back up, but a half-mile closer to Valley Medical Center this time,and pointed North.

 

Curiously, I joined the checkpoint line again, but, this time a half-dozen  patrol cars were stationed BEHIND the line, partially hidden in dark parking lots. Up front and past the checkpoint to the right, was a very well lighted parking lot...filled with cars and their drivers performing drunk tests.

 

That scene reminds me of the age-old advice which always provides the best way around such a  scenerio. DON'T drink and drive!!

If you MUST drink....either stay home, take a cab or ride next to a designated driver.  That way you'll sail through all your checkpoints...without checking into jail or checking OUT for good! 

 

Stay safe and stay sober,

 

PeteCam4

 

 

Bay Bridge Accident

Image via Wikipedia

How soon before the San Francisco Bay Bridge re-opens?  More importantly, will the fix hold for good this time? 

High winds Tuesday night caused a steel cross-beam and two tie rods to snap off and fall to the upper deck, damaging three cars and injuring one person.  The three steel pieces were part of an emergency repair made just seven weeks ago during a planned Labor Day expansion project. 

An un-forseen crack in a structural beam then,  forced that repair... and threatened a possible major delay in the bridge's re-opening. However, the crack was repaired, and thus,  swiftly allowed the bridge to re-open...nearly on schedule!

After Tuesday's accident, which caused enormous commute problems throughout the entire North and East Bay Area, Caltrans refused to predict when the Bay Bridge would re-open, though the lead contractor predicted the new repair woud be complete sometime today.

Under intense public scrutiny--and now the eyes of the Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans blames high winds and traffic vibration for Tuesday's accident, claiming the repair design was a first-of-its-kind innovation, done on a type of cracked beam never before seen.

"Wind is something that should have been accounted for in that design," Caltrans spokesman Bart Ney said Wednesday. "We've identified fatigue as a factor, and our new design should address that." 

Still, there are skeptics who believe the initial brace design was an inadequate fix for a 73-year old bridge. UC-Berkeley engineering professor Abolhassan Astaneh-Asi said, "They rushed this repair over Labor Day, and now they refuse to acknowledge that it's an incorrect design."

Caltrans officials defended their brace design, claiming they are making vast improvements this time in order to provide additional protection. Meanwhile, Thursday's commute could set new traffic records as drivers crawl along adjacent highways and bridges, and pack into Bart train stations...all hoping that their sacrifices will lead to a FULLY fixed Bay Bridge--once and for all!

One final question. Who is going to pay for the three smashed autos damaged on the bridge, and the medical bills for the woman who was injured?  (Just wondering!) 

Thanks, and see you on the other side of the bridge.

PeteCam4

"Best Wishes"--PTCJr

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Road Rage

Image via Wikipedia

Road rage is an act of agression by a vehicle driver toward another.  If taken to the extreme, it often leads to physical assault, injury, and even death. It has risen to epidemic proportions throughout the country, whereby more drivers fear being victimized by road rage than by drunk drivers.

Between 1000 and 1500 people are killed each year due to road rage incidents, most involving firearms and other weapons...including the assailant's car. In every day, common cases, plain old aggression and aggressive driving also cause over 50-percent of all car crashes in this country.

How  do we slow this disease down, especially here in the Bay Area?  To start with, we all need to lighten up when driving.  I'm going to share an incident that happened to me a few weeks ago that may offer some help::

I take DeLaCruz Blvd every day when working for StreetWise Special Delivery. I was driving South the other morning between Hwy.101 and the San Jose Airport, when I nearly ran a small truck off the road. It happened at a wishbone fork that leads right to Santa Clara or left where it turns into Coleman Ave. I turned left onto Coleman at the same time this small truck turned onto Coleman from the Santa Clara, ElCamino Real side.  I was either not paying attention or he drifted into my huge, sunrise blind-spot....because I never saw him!. I changed lanes and cut him right off,  not realizing a thing until we stopped a half -mile ahead at the airport entrance stoplight. 

This is the perfect road rage scenerio!  The driver could either lay on the horn, flip me off, get out of his truck screaming for a fight, or pull out a weapon and physically assault me. It happens all to often, but thankfully...not to me, at least not this day. What did happen was just the opposite, and an example to learn from:

...I heard a tap on the horn from behind me and turned around. The man signaled me to roll down my window. (I thought something may be wrong with my car) He then leaned out of his window, and, in a calm voice intoned..."Did you know you just cut right in front of me?" You almost ran me off the road back there at the bridge." I apologized and said....  "I didn't even see you...is everything OK?"  "Yea, I'll live. Just be more careful next time, and have a nice day", he said.  I told him thanks and apologized again. We both drove off on our seperate ways,  safely and free of  road rage!! This truck driver teaches a great lesson! Lighten UP!

...It comes down to the basics.... Don't drive in a bad mood, avoid being in a hurry, and drive defensivly as opposed to aggressively!  Always signal when changing lanes.(57% don't) Do not tailgate, do not drive slowly in fast(left) lanes, and above all...AVOID possible confrontations on the road. This means no return screams, obscene gestures, horn honking or high beams. If threatened or taunted by another driver, avoid and evade them.

If pursued, use your cell to call police and/or drive to a station if possible.  Do NOT drive home, and do NOT leave your car unless safely away from danger. These rules should help reduce road rage incidents, but it may also come down to common sense.

If you make a mistake behind the wheel and have the chance...apologize appropriatly. Be cheerful and polite to other drivers especially in heavy traffic where most road rage originates. Smile, and let the other driver in, or slow down...and let them pass peacefully.

If we all follow these basic steps, perhaps we can pave more PEACEFUL roads to drive on.

Continue to drive safely out there, and avoid THE RAGE.

Sincerely..PeteCam4

   

  

"Best Wishes"--PTCJr

SHOOTING AT A TOLL BRIDGE

SHOOTING AT A TOLL BRIDGE It was a tragic state of events that happened August 11, 2009 on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge in California. A man pulled onto the bridge shoot a man sitting in his truck on the side by the toll gate and pulled up to toll gate and shoots his girlfriend. I can’t even imagine how the commuters felt seeing a man with a gun shoot two people, let alone the toll takers. I feel for the toll takers, because they are so vulnerable. They have to deal with armed robberies, random shootings and breathing in car fumes all day. If this kind of thing keeps happening, the toll booths should be bullet proof where you have to put your money through a slot. I am sure this will give the toll takers peace of mind. http://cbs5.com/local/toll.taker.shot.2.1124999.html http://sfappeal.com/alley/2009/07/guilty-plea-in-gg-bridge-toll-shooting-and-robbery.php http://a.abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/state&id=6960404 LM