Q: Given what happened to Reginald Denny, the truck driver who was attacked by a mob during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles in 1992, and what happened Friday when a San Jose mob attacked drivers on Highway 101, what should you do? Get out of your car, stay in your car, or drive through the mob to possibly save your life? What are the legal consequences if you harm one of those anarchists with your vehicle?
Jack Field, San Jose
A: First, have your car radio on to monitor potential problem areas, and check warnings, such as those sent through texts and tweets. Heed curfews and avoid downtown areas.
If you get caught in a protest, stay in your vehicle and slowly try to weave out of harm’s way. Do not accelerate and do not put yourself and protesters at risk. Charges were being considered against a woman who ran into protesters in San Jose with her car. Even if someone smashes a window in your car, don’t challenge them. Be as calm as you can.
As for Denny, he survived his savage beating, caught on TV. Following the 1992 riots, he moved from Los Angeles to Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he worked as a boat mechanic. But he has shunned the public eye and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Q: We drove up to Marin and the trash on Highway 101 was terrible around Novato. … Interstate 580 looks like a landfill through Richmond. I even saw a sofa. … Is there a way to get Caltrans to clean up Meridian Avenue to the north Interstate 280 onramp in San Jose? There is a camp on the hill and trash is on the verge of sliding down onto the roadway. … Caltrans did a great job of cleaning Highway 87. However, there is more trash there again.
Fred Cody, Linda Lee, Dave Carter, Elizabeth Tritch and many others
A: We can blame some of this ugliness on COVID-19. Caltrans has put off some trash pickups and other non-essential tasks to limit exposure to the virus. Crews are focusing on paving work, guardrail repairs and tree trimming, etc.
By the end of the month, Caltrans and other agencies will install debris capturing equipment at stormwater drains along 101 in Marin County, which will help in that area.
Q: You mentioned a place in the East Bay that installs catalytic converter protectors. I can’t remember the name of the shop. Can you help me?
Connie Ellis
A: Several readers recommend Art’s Automotive in Berkeley, which for $250 will weld a 3/8-inch-thick wire rope from the exhaust manifold back to the resonator on both sides. Would-be thieves seldom get these converters out.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
