SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) was awarded a $250,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long enforcement and public awareness program.

According to a press release Canyon News received from Lt. Saul Rodriguez of the SMPD, the traffic safety program is planned to educate the public on safe roadway behaviors and discourage people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

“We are thankful for the continued support from the California Office of Traffic Safety,” said Police Chief Cynthia Renaud. “The grant will allow us to provide traffic education, enforcement and work towards mobility solutions in Santa Monica”

The grant from OTS will fund a variety of education and enforcement activities for the 2019 federal fiscal year (October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019): DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.

• Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.

• Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.

• Checking for seat belt and child safety seat compliance.

• Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.

• Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.

• Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders

• Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.

• Conduct Know Your Limit campaigns with an effort to reach members of the community.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2016, there were a total of 3,623 people killed in crashes in California, a 7 percent increase from 2015. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed on California roadways.

“Almost all crashes are preventable,” said OTS director Rhonda Craft. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”

Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Residents Urged To Prepare For Flooding

Written By Staff

MALIBU/TOPANGA—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is alerting residents to be prepared for flood safety after the Woolsey Fire. A rise in the probability of mud and debris flow in regions impacted by the wildfire can lead to flooding, mudslides and debris run-off.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) is asking residents living in regions susceptible to debris flow and mudslides to be prepared for danger:

• Obtain sandbags ahead of time. Sandbags (and instructions about how to use them) are available at most local LACoFD fire stations.

• Know how to shut off all utilities. Remember, water and electricity do not

• Flowing water is an instant danger zone. Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways which are susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rain.

• Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water.

• If you become isolated, seek the highest ground available and wait for help.

• If flooding traps you in your car, stay inside. If the water rises higher, wait on top of your car for assistance. Do not step into moving water around your car.

Residents are being warned that if they see someone swept away in moving water, to not enter the water and attempt to rescue. Contact 911 for emergency rescue personnel and, throw a flotation device to the individual if possible.

For region impacted by the Woolsey Fire, residents can contact fire stations with available sandbags which include: Fire Station 69 located at 401 South Topanga Canyon Boulevard Topanga, CA 90290; Fire Station 70 located at 3970 Carbon Canyon Road Malibu, CA 90265; Fire Station 71 located at 28722 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265; Fire Station 72 located at 1832 Decker Road Malibu, CA 90265.