Q: While traveling from Orange County to Los Angeles, I have noticed homeless individuals creating terracing on the slopes of freeways, including under overpasses, to set up their tents. I’m concerned about how this could impact the long-term integrity of the bridges, roads, and overall freeway design. Does Caltrans address this issue to ensure the safety of the roadway structures and landscaping?
– Thomas Rubio, Carson
A: Yes.
In Orange County, Caltrans has observed some terracing below freeway underpasses by homeless individuals. However, according to Nathan Abler, a Caltrans spokesman, these terracing activities have not posed a significant threat to the freeway design or structural functionality of the roads. Caltrans actively investigates such concerns and performs necessary repairs or restoration when needed.
If you come across a homeless encampment on Caltrans property anywhere in the state, please report it using the agency’s Customer Service Request form at csr.dot.ca.gov.
Q: I was interested in your recent column about the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) knowledge test. I didn’t realize that not all DMV offices provide the option for a paper/pencil test. A few years ago, I had to take the test manually because the computer couldn’t read my fingerprints. Can you provide more information on this?
– Judy Badstuebner, Fullerton
A: Honk couldn’t confirm last week whether every DMV office offers the paper/pencil test option. However, after reaching out to Ronald Ongtoaboc, a DMV spokesman, it has been clarified that DMV offices do provide alternatives for customers who visit the office. Ongtoaboc explained that the DMV encourages customers to take knowledge tests on touchscreen terminals to reduce paper waste, prevent cheating, and streamline grading. If this method is not suitable for a customer, they are offered an audio test. And if none of these options work, paper tests are available upon request.
Additionally, many individuals can take the test or an eLearning seminar online, but individuals aged 70 and older must pass the test or attend the 45-minute seminar to renew their driver’s licenses.
HONKIN’ FACT: Last week, Sheriff’s deputies in Florida pulled over a sedan on Interstate 75, which had been reported stolen, and found a 10-year-old driver and his 11-year-old sister inside. The siblings had driven 200 miles of their journey to California. The girl explained to officers that their mom had taken away her electronic devices for misbehaving, which led them to embark on their adventure. The outcome of their family reunion was not disclosed.
To ask Honk questions, email him at [email protected]. Please note that he only answers questions that are published. You can find Honk online at ocregister.com/tag/honk or follow him on Twitter at @OCRegisterHonk.
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