Freeway Shooting Crash + Westside Homeless Camps +Summer Concerts

Happy Thursday, Los Angeles County.

With widespread reopenings just around the corner, The Ford announced its summer concert lineup, starting with two weeks of free shows. The buzz about President Biden appointing LA Mayor Eric Garcetti as ambassador to India has become deafening — an announcement seems imminent.

Lastly, it's not an exaggeration to say Southland freeways were a bit of a horror show Wednesday. It started with a car-to-car shooting in Hollywood that ended with a crash. A man hanging off a Santa Ana (5) Freeway overpass held up traffic for nearly 12 hours, but authorities finally talked him down. And the pursuit of a domestic violence suspect ended with a standoff on the Santa Ana (5) Freeway where the suspect took his own life. If there is a bright side, it's that CHP officials believe they have in custody a suspect in the spate of BB gun shootings terrorizing Southland freeways.

Let's get to LA's top stories.

Thursday's Weather Report:

Thursday will be a bit cooler with a high of 74 degrees and a low of 60, the National Weather Service says.

Patch Pick:

Here are the top 5 stories in Los Angeles County today.

1. While more than 100 freeway BB gun shootings have rattled drivers and investigators across the Southland lately, there has also been a spate of car-to-car handgun shootings in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, a driver was shot and crashed his truck on the 101 (Hollywood) Freeway. (More on Patch).
2. Despite intense opposition from residents and Westside neighborhood groups, the Los Angeles City Council voted to explore the feasibility of plans to build tiny homes, cabins and campgrounds for people experiencing homeless (More on Patch).
3. New findings about long-term immunity from the coronavirus offer a hopeful outlook as Los Angeles County readies for the last phase of broad reopenings in June (More on Patch).
4. If calls for help are any indication, Los Angeles has the worst mosquito problem in the nation, according to a 2021 ranking of pest control calls. LA bumped Atlanta off the top perch for the dubious distinction. But there are things you can do to avoid getting eaten alive in the upcoming mosquito season (More on Patch).
5. In perhaps the least subtle end-of-an-era business deal ever, Amazon bought MGM, the lion of Hollywood's golden era. The $8.5 billion deal gives Amazon MGMs complete catalog including the James Bond and Rocky franchises and all footage from "The Apprentice."
6. Residents reported shaking across Los Angeles and as far south as Irvine stemming from a small earthquake epicentered near Santa Barbara (More on Patch).

'Immersive Van Gogh' Exhibit 2021; Los Angeles Thursday, 5:00 p.m., Los Angeles, CA

• From Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Los Angeles: "The location 'Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit' is taking over, is a secret venue situated in the heart of Los Angeles. To be announced before the exhibit opens, existing ticket holders will receive an email with the venue name and location once it is made public. Renowned for transforming venues into unforgettable art experiences, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit strives to highlight the unique architecture of its spaces while integrating influences from its history and community.

Community Blood Drive with American Red Cross; Thursday & Friday, May 27-28, 2021 - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. (Reservations required)

Summer Sounds on the Plaza at The Original Farmers Market,Thursday, 5:00 p.m., The Original Farmers Market, 6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90036

• Summer is here and live music is back at The Original Farmers Market! Summer Sounds on the Plaza returns on May 27th with the sounds of modern world guitar with Carbe & Durand from Incendio (Thursday) and Dave Stuckey and the Hot House Gang (Friday) for a little 30s swing.

See more on the Los Angeles calendar!

Now you're in the loop and ready for this week, but don't miss out on stories posting throughout the day! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content every day of the week.

~Paige

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Los Angeles County Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Los County Patch? Email all inquiries to me at paige.austin@patch.com