PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A RIVER RAN THROUGH JAMUL—BUT HIGHWAY STAYED OPEN

Photo, left, by Jodie LaRosh, reposted with permission from the JAC

January 7, 2016 (Jamul) –Jodie LaRosh came upon this surreal scene this morning at 7 a.m. at State Route 94.  At a dip in the road near Jamul Estates, rainfall had created a river flooding the road. 

At 8:02 a.m., CHP asked for Caltrans to shut down the roadway. A t 8:27 CHP observed that “water is getting pretty deep” and again asked for a shutdown at Honey Springs and 94.  But at 8:41 a.m., inexplicably, CHP posted,  “SR 94 will remain open –there is a foot of water crossing from the creek.” Signs were posted to alert motorists.

The Facebook page for Jamulians Against Casinos (JAC) posted updates throughout the day to keep Jamul residents informed and the Deerhorn Valley Antler sent “Antler Alerts” to warn of hazards, as did East Counth Magazine. It is unclear why the CHP, Caltrans and County did not shut down the road and allowed such motorists to enter such potentially dangerous fast-flowing waters.

Headaches for Jamulians got worse later in the day, when a vehicle struck a power pole on Honey Springs Road, causing it to shut down for the entire night. 

Ronnie Durfee came across flooding across 94 this afternoon, between Rancho Jamul and Melody Lane. He estimated the depth at even greater than in the morning -18 to 24 inches.  ““CHP was allowing cars to pass but I would not recommend it. Many were turning around and a couple had tried, but became disabled.”