Public records search by ECM finds 1,805 accidents, including 20 fatalities and 673 injuries from 2018 to the present

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – On Sept. 27, the La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a request for proposals to erect electronic billboards along Interstate 8 and potentially, other areas in the city.  The action reversed a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. But after the measure was amended to assure revenues from billboards would be used primarily to fund police, firefighting and the arts, the Council majority opted to ignore concerns over public safety and approve soliciting proposals for the flashing advertising along the city's busiest freeway.

Supporters argued that the billboards would produce revenues needed by the city.

But Councilman Jack Shu, who cast the lone vote against the proposal, and other opponents argued that these flashing billboards could distract drivers, particularly near the busy interchange of I-8 and State Route 125 near Grossmont Center regional shopping mall.

How dangerous is that area already?  Council and staff failed to do their research.

To find out, East County Magazine (ECM) obtained public records from the California Highway Patrol.  Our editor requested data on accidents along I-8 east and west throughout the city of  La Mesa from  Lake Murray Blvd. on the west to  Chase Ave. in El Cajon,  since one billboard site would be near the La  Mesa/El Cajon boundary.  We also asked for data on accidents on onramps connecting I-8 and SR 125.

The data reveals that from  Jan. 1, 2018 to Oct. 10, 2023, there were 1,805 accidents in those locations.  Those accidents resulted in 20 fatalities and 673 injuries.

April 24, 2023 (La Mesa) -- ECM interns Jacob Pamus and Daniela Torres visited La Mesa's Earth Day celebration on Saturday, speaking with an event organizer and participants about  their efforts to protect our planet.

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2016 (La Mesa) –  At today’s 4 p.m. meeting, La Mesa City Council will consider a proposal introduced by Council members Bill Baber and Kristine Alessio that would require signatures  of two  Council members to place any item on the agenda.  Under the proposal (item 10 on the agenda), all requests must also be made in writing, be relevant to the official business of the City, and submitted with any pertinent materials by the Wednesday prior to a Tuesday Council hearing.

Until now, any member could ask to add an item to the agenda and seek full discussion, sometimes at the request of a concerned citizen.