Tragic Crash at Westwood 99 Ranch Market Kills Three in Los Angeles
Tragic Crash at Westwood 99 Ranch Market Claims Three Lives
A devastating incident unfolded Thursday afternoon when a car plowed into the 99 Ranch Market on Westwood Boulevard, killing at least three people and injuring seven others in Los Angeles' Westwood neighborhood. The crash, reported around 12:11 p.m., left a silver sedan lodged deep inside the store's bakery section, trapping victims beneath it.[1][2]
Details of the Heartbreaking Incident
Authorities identified one victim as 42-year-old Deris Renoj, alongside a 55-year-old man and a 30-year-old man—all inside the bakery. Two were store employees, one a customer. A 92-year-old female driver, who first struck a bicyclist nearby, is cooperating with investigators. Police are probing possible medical issues, ruling out intent. Four injured men were hospitalized: two 35-year-olds critically, others in fair condition.[1][4][5]
Community Response and Aftermath
Mayor Karen Bass expressed condolences, deploying crisis teams for support. The store remains closed, structurally stable after inspection. First responders earned praise for swift action amid chaos, as aerial footage captured the harrowing scene. This tragedy underscores road safety concerns, especially for elderly drivers.[1][2][4]
About the People Mentioned
Karen Bass
Karen Bass is a prominent American politician serving as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles, a position she has held since December 2022. Born on October 3, 1953, in Los Angeles, Bass is notable for being the first woman and the second African American to lead the city as mayor[1][5]. Her career has been marked by a series of historic firsts and a deep commitment to public service, community organizing, and social justice. Bass began her professional life as a nurse and physician assistant, bringing a health-focused perspective to her later political work[1][2]. Her activism took root early; observing the Civil Rights Movement with her father, she was inspired to pursue community-based solutions to systemic challenges[4]. In 1990, she founded the Community Coalition, a South Los Angeles organization that empowers Black and Latino residents to address issues such as substance abuse, poverty, and crime[1][2]. Her political career advanced with her election to the California State Assembly in 2004, where she represented parts of Los Angeles. In 2008, she became the first African American woman to serve as Speaker of the California Assembly, leading the body during the state’s recovery from the Great Recession. For this work, she and her colleagues were awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award[1][2]. Bass served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2022, representing California’s 37th Congressional District. In Congress, she held leadership roles, including Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (2019–2021), and was recognized for her bipartisan efforts to reform the foster care system through the creation of the Congressional Foster Youth Caucus[3][4]. She also served on key committees, including Foreign Affairs, where she focused on U.S.-Africa relations[3]. As mayor, Bass has prioritized addressing homelessness, and her administration reported a reduction in homelessness in her first year—a notable shift after years of increases[2]. She continues to draw on her background in health care and community organizing to tackle Los Angeles’s most pressing issues. Currently, Bass remains a significant figure in California and national politics, known for her trailblazing roles, policy achievements, and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of Angelenos[1][2][5].
About the Organizations Mentioned
99 Ranch Market
**99 Ranch Market** is the **largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States**, operating as a leader in serving Asian American communities and mainstream consumers seeking authentic Asian products and foods.[1][4] ## History and Founding 99 Ranch Market was established in 1984 by **Roger Chen**, a Taiwanese immigrant who arrived in California from Taichung, Taiwan.[1][5] Chen opened the first store in Westminster, California, just outside Los Angeles, motivated by a personal mission: he missed the authentic flavors, familiar settings, and specialty goods from his homeland.[1] The name "99 Ranch Market" carries cultural significance—in Mandarin, "99" is a homophone for longevity and good fortune, while "ranch" symbolizes freshness and Chen's promise to deliver the freshest products.[1] ## Growth and Expansion The first store's success was immediate, leading to rapid expansion.[6] A second location opened in Montabello in 1988, followed by a pivotal third location in Rowland Heights in 1989, which marked a turning point for the brand.[5] The company expanded strategically across the United States, with franchise locations established in Atlanta (1993), Las Vegas (1995), Phoenix (1997), and subsequent locations in Texas, Oregon, Virginia, and Arizona.[2] ## Current Operations Today, 99 Ranch Market operates **54-58 stores across 10-11 states**, including California, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, and Virginia.[1][4] Each store carries over 15,000 unique product items sourced locally and internationally.[1] The company is headquartered in Buena Park and is now led by second-generation leadership, including CEO **Alice Chen** and Chairman **Jonson Chen**, Roger's children.[5]
