The White House plans to unleash a controversial artillery display over a major Southern California highway, I-5, on Saturday, sparking concerns over public safety. Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a strong statement, criticizing the federal government's decision to prioritize ego over responsibility and public safety. The event, scheduled for October 17-18 at Camp Pendleton, involves firing live artillery rounds over the I-5, a busy highway that serves as the economic lifeline of Southern California. This decision has raised eyebrows, as the U.S. Marine Corps confirmed the exercise would not be conducted over the freeway, and the federal government later directed the cancellation of train services parallel to the I-5.
The state's concerns were further validated when live munitions were observed being fired near the freeway, indicating a practice run. Despite the state's repeated inquiries, the federal government only confirmed the live fire activities for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, leaving little time for preparation. The California Highway Patrol, in consultation with traffic safety experts, has recommended closing a section of I-5 to mitigate the extreme life safety risk and distraction caused by sudden, loud explosions.
I-5 is a critical artery, facilitating over 80,000 travelers and $94 million in freight daily between San Diego and Orange Counties. Just north of Oceanside, more than 65,000 vehicles cross county lines daily, with half of those trips for work. This translates to a significant loss in daily visitor spending and potential disruptions for thousands of truck shipments. The federal government's decision has sparked a heated debate, with Newsom emphasizing the importance of honoring military sacrifices while upholding the guiding principles of the nation's founding fathers.
