Is $4 million enough to curb highway violence?

Q Is there any push to put more CHP patrols on our freeways to catch the crazies shooting guns at other cars?

— F. Ramos, San Leandro

A Yes. Gov. Gavin Newsom proposes setting aside $4 million to support the California Highway Patrol's Highway Violence Task Force. The independent Legislative Analyst's Office says “The idea has merit, but it is unclear whether the proposal is the most effective solution, given limited understanding of the factors associated with highway violence and the high levels of CHP vacancies.”

The LAO recommends a research-based alternative, as well as requiring reporting on the prevalence and factors contributing to highway violence.

My question is if $4 million is enough.

Q Gary, here's an update on my claim against San Francisco after I tripped on one of those yellow pedestrian curbs outside the Chase Center.

A lawyer said that unless my injury was more severe, it would not be worth it to take on the case. I submitted a claim with the city for reimbursement of costs for chiropractic and acupuncture treatment for post-concussion care and the cost to fix a permanent scar on my forehead from the accident. Kaiser feels the scar is cosmetic and won't cover it.

I doubt I will get the city to reimburse, but perhaps if they get more claims, they will do something to prevent other accidents.

— Carol Carlson, Vallejo

A Carol tripped on the raised pavement dots at a curb cut, was propelled forward and hit her head on a utility box. She was bleeding and was attended to by Chase medical staff before going to the ER for a CT scan. Another woman fell before she did, and had head injuries and bleeding. While Carol was being cared for, still another woman fell and had trauma to her shoulder after slipping on the raised dots. “And the city continues to install those slippery buggers,” Carol said.

Q Gary, your recent comments from a reader about speeding trucks on Interstate 5 is spot on. We go to SoCal several times a year. Big rigs seem to own the road! They pass each other going uphill and slow down all the traffic. They also pull out in front of cars with impunity. We now only use 101 or 99 because of these problems.

— Robert Kruse, Martinez

A I'm certain many others are with you. Q

The Roadshow Army can fix the problem of no rain. We all just have to wash our cars!

— Ed Beardsworth, Mountain View

A I hope your suggestion works. We just have to be willing to sacrifice one car wash for the cause.