Q: Greetings: Being a longtime desert dweller, I am acutely aware of how hot it can get inside a fully enclosed vehicle. Is it legal to break a window to free pets or people who are left unattended in a locked motor vehicle that is not running its air conditioning to prevent heat-related illness or injury? What should one do when faced with this type of situation, especially if law enforcement cannot respond in a timely manner? I think if more people knew what to do, it could save at least one life this summer.

– Kai Christensen, Yucca Valley

A: “That is a great question, especially with summer right around the corner,” said Brian Kinsey, an officer and spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol. “The short answer is yes, but some steps have to be taken prior to the removal of the animal or child.”

Under California law, before breaking in, the good Samaritan needs to ensure the car or truck is locked and has contacted authorities first, such as police, firefighters, 911 or animal control — and no more damage than necessary can be inflicted on the vehicle. And the rescuer must determine that danger is imminent.

And the good Samaritan must stay with the animal nearby until the authorities arrive and then turn over the animal.

The same laws generally apply to both animals and children six years or younger.

“While you are waiting for law enforcement to arrive, try to find the vehicle’s owner,” said Tami Grimes, a CHP spokesperson in Sacramento. “Nearby businesses may be able to help. If possible, stay by the vehicle until help arrives, and if the situation becomes life-threatening, California law allows you to act by breaking into the vehicle to prevent serious injury.”

Q: Honk: My normal route in the morning has me enter the eastbound 91 Freeway on Lakeview Avenue in Anaheim. About a month ago, I noticed there were signs that said it would be closed starting May 30 for the new construction tied to the 55 Freeway interchange. However, yesterday (June 6) I noticed the ramp was not closed. The signs still said closing on May 30. Can you get an update as to what is happening and when the ramp will actually close?

– Terrence Mangold

A: That ramp is part of a $779 million project in large part to reduce weaving — a major cause of congestion.

Eventually, drivers will be able to take a ramp from Lakeview directly to the nearby 55 Freeway — instead of having to take the 91 and merging over.

Work began in March; so far, it’s been mostly clearing out vegetation. The closure of that ramp was delayed as more planning was required.

“People were notified through social media, and those who signed up for project updates were notified via text and email that the eastbound onramp closure was being delayed,” Joel Zlotnik, a spokesperson for the Orange County Transportation Authority, told Honk in an email. “A printed sign near the onramp that indicated the initial closure date, however, was not removed, and we apologize for any confusion it created.”

That ramp will actually close sometime after July 4, he said.

The project will be in three overlapping phases, with the last construction crew slated to move out in 2030.

Improvements will include a new eastbound 91 lane between the 55 and 57 freeways and reconstructed bridges — eliminating merging in a couple of spots.

At octa.net/91improvements, updates can be had.

To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk