Lionel’s Legacy hosting sleepover party and more in Lakeside April 18-19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Lakeside) — East County-based senior dog rescue group Lionel’s Legacy is holding a day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside. The first-ever “Canine Carnival” is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts that night will take visitors into more activities the morning and early part of April 19 at 11937 Woodside Ave. Saturday’s event, which runs from noon to 8 p.m., serves as a major fundraiser for Lionel’s Legacy, a 501c-3 nonprofit with a mission to provide life-saving medical care and permanent foster homes for aging pets. While registered participants are able to enjoy a unique overnight sleepover at the shelter through Sunday morning (see link here), the Canine Carnival is a community gathering that is open to the general public with no overnight commitment required. The carnival officially kicks off at noon on Saturday with a free ice cream social, setting the stage for a day packed with pet-friendly entertainment. Organizers have scheduled a wide variety of activities, including dog-themed music Bingo, dog-themed trivia, and a cornhole tournament; creative outlets such as paw painting; and a dedicated photo booth to capture memories. There are alspo more physical fun events planned, including line dancing and an inflatable costume race. Most activities require a donation of $5 to $15, with all proceeds directly benefiting the rescue’s seniors. Discounted pricing is available for those who purchase activity passes in advance online. One highlight will be the “Adoptable Spotlight Hour,” running from 2 to 3 p.m. During this window, visitors can head to “Adoption Alley” to meet senior dogs currently searching for their forever homes. Rescue coordinators will explain the group’s adoption process and the share some of the benefits of bringing an older dog into the family. Last year, Lionel’s Legacu rescued 101 dogs, adopted out 55 dogs, had 2,500 lbs. of fresh food cooked for foster dogs, served 500 Thanksgiving meals to local shelter dogs and shared 30 low-cost exams and labs at the Free To Chew Clinic. For more information on activities or to register for the event, visit lionelslegacy.org Printer-friendly version
Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday, April 15 hosting the first-ever Mountain Empire Art Show 2026, opening at 4 p.m. and the Boulevard-Jacumba Town Hall Event at 6:30 p.m. The first annual Mountain Empire Art Show is an act of advocacy for the vibrant and sometimes hidden gem of the art community of the high desert east county region. Sixteen artists will show at the Backcountry Resource Center, gathered by the curation of Mara Harris who enthusiastically organized the show as an act of community activism. Harris is also a resident on Jewel Valley Road the primary location for the Starlight Solar Project slated for Boulevard. The art show theme is “Artists Activate Aliveness!” It is a direct response to the east desert communities’ concern of the impact of the growing number of industrial solar, battery, and wind turbine projects in the Mountain Empire region. The art work being shown is not a direct response to the political conversation, but the gathering of the artists is. “Art activates awareness, we artists gathering our art in community are sending a message to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors that this region is not a dead desert, but in fact a precious ecosystem filled with valuable families, unique artisans, rare plants and animals,” sHarris said. There are numerous artist representations spanning the desert communities as west as Japatul Valley and as east as Boulder Park, and diverse mediums from: eco-organic assembled art, mixed media, film photography, acrylic paintings to voodoo dolls, and handcrafted jewelry. A unique highlight is an interactive visual/auditory installation; participants will hear Leona Ze Zipaktli weave her poetic words while multimedia artist Mason Smith added field recordings of the natural landscape, recordings mixed by Tone Morrison; all three are Boulevard residents. This art show brings Morgan Smith and Mason Smith, brothers and natives to Boulevard. A family of artists, mother and daughter Alanna and Luci Gray, ten years old, show side by side. To follow the activation of the Empire Art Show, the Backcountry Resource Center will host a kick-off arts & crafts event called “The Boulevard Bazaar” at the end of May (date to be announced). This is a free arts and crafts fair for participants/vendors and attendees. The Boulevard Bazaar will follow the footsteps of the free Jacumba Market which takes place at Jacumba’s Old Bath House outdoor lot the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. WHO: FIRST ANNUAL Mountain Empire Art Show 2026 Featuring: Linda Churchill – Painter, Muralist, Gallery Proprietor – JACUMBA Yvonne Mena – Painter – BOULEVARD Leona Ze Zipaktli – Word Weaver – BOULEVARD Mason Smith – Painter / Photographer / Ceramicist – BOULEVARD Morgan Smith – Visual Artist – BOULEVARD Lin Lin Hu – Visual Artist / Assemblage Artist – JAPATUL VALLEY Steve Bolinger – Eco/Organic Mixed Media Artist – BOULEVARD Toni Fusco – Artist – JAPATUL VALLEY Alanna Grey – Photographer – BOULEVARD Lucille Grey – Jewelry Maker – BOULEVARD Jacob Willson – Film Photographer – BOULEVARD Webb Silverthorn – Assemblage Artist – JACUMBA Amanda Rogers – Visual Artist – JACUMBA Gabriel Dice – Sculptor – JACUMBA Jessica Van Arsdale & Dan Herbst – Mill, Design, Build – CAMPO Carl Anderson III & Syda Stark – Lapidary, Leather, Home Goods – CAMPO WHAT: Mountain Empire Art Show 2026 opening at the Boulevard Jacumba Town Hall Event Art & Craft Show Opens at 4pm, APRIL 15th, come enjoy art and get to know your neighbors before the Boulevard-Jacumba Town Hall Event. WHERE: Backcountry Resource Center 39919 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905 Art Show opens at 4 p.m., followed by the Town Hall Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Printer-friendly version
Padre Dam’s Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility decommissioned after more than a half-century of use
Printer-friendly versionRay Stoyer Water Recycling Facility at Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santee Lakes Community event makes way for the East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility has been decommissioned, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in regional water sustainability. Padre Dam Municipal Water District officials marked the milestone April 8 by ceremonially pulling the railing at the facility’s aeration basin adjacent to Santee Lakes, closing the book on a plant that was ahead of its time that helped shape modern recycled water practices. The Ray Stoyer Facility was relocated to its current site in 1968 and became a workhorse in a region often challenged by drought and limited imported water supplies. A 1997 expansion increased its capacity to produce up to two million gallons of recycled water daily, supporting Santee Lakes and a range of non-potable uses across the community. It was named after former Santee County Water District General Manager Ray Stoyer and the facility stood as an example of early innovation in water reuse long before conservation became a household word. Its legacy reflects the simple idea that water is too valuable to use just once. “The Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility has been a cornerstone of water sustainability in East County for more than half a century,” Padre Dam General Manager and CEO Kyle Swanson said. “Its legacy of innovation has set the standard for responsible water reuse.” That legacy will now carry forward through the East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Program, a major investment aimed at creating a drought-proof, locally controlled drinking water supply. The new system will use advanced purification technology to treat up to 16 million gallons of wastewater daily, producing about 11.5 million gallons of potable water, enough to meet about 30 percent of the region’s demand.It will be coming online in stages, producing purified water beginning at the end of this year. East County Advanced Water Purification Program nearing completion at Santee Lakes to replace Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility (right) The full commercial operation is scheduled to be up and running in 2027, according to Swanson. In the meantime, recycled water will be coming from the new facility. As a result, the water in Santee Lakes will become cleaner and fishing and boating will still be allowed. “This program will provide a clean, safe, high-quality drinking water source while strengthening long-term reliability for the region, including during periods of drought,” Swanson said. For longtime employees, the transition is both professional and personal. Rob Northcote, operations manager for the East County AWP Program, began his career at the Ray Stoyer facility in 1997. He described it as more than just a workplace. “It’s been distinguished by its history, innovation, and depth of expertise,” Northcote said. “The dedication of the people who worked here will help guide the next generation of water purification.” The new AWP facilities, visible from the decommissioned plant, symbolize that transition, linking decades of recycled water innovation to a future defined by advanced treatment and increased water independence. “The East County AWP Program reflects years of planning, coordination and commitment from multiple agencies as well as continued support from this community,” Padre Dam Board President Bill Pommering said. “The facility being developed here will significantly expand the work that began with the Ray Stoyer water recycling facility, in providing a high-quality, locally controlled drinking water source for residences and businesses for decades to come.” Mark Niemiec is the project director leading the team toward completion of the AWP Program.“ We had a vision and we are seeing that vision become a reality,” Niemiec said, calling it a “generational project that is helping us address near and long-term water supply challenges in the San Diego area.” Padre Dam Municipal Water District Board of Directors pull down railing at Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility decommissioning (left) Niemiec told a crowd of elected officials, dignitaries, community members, employees, partners, and stakeholders that Padre Dam and the AWP facility is at a new level of innovation, clearly placing it on the leading edge of water reuse in California. “We are at the final stages of construction for the AWP Project,” he said. “Buildings are up, final electrical and wiring work is being completed, setting the stage for bringing wastewater to the new facilities this summer for start of the testing activities.” In addition, construction of the laboratory completion is being expedited, which will allow lab staff to work toward obtaining the necessary certification and operate the new state-of-the-art facility. 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Lemon Grove Library hosting Sheriff’s reentry event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 13, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Services Division is holding a public event aimed at bridging the gap between life behind bars and life as a productive neighbor. From 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 14 at the Lemon Grove Library, the community is being invited to meet the team dedicated to ensuring that when individuals leave custody, they stay out. While vocational skills get people hired, the Sheriff’s Department is also focused on the internal work required to prevent a return to custody. During the event, guests can explore tables that highlight the department’s Career Technical Education programs and meet our community partners who support successful reintegration. There will be an overview presentation that shares a clear picture of the services, programs, and supports our team provides, along with how these efforts contribute to a successful return to our communities. According to the department’s website, one part of its effort is the Psycho-Social curriculum. Unlike traditional classroom settings, the department’s programs utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help participants rewire their decision-making processes. The re-entry services division offers a 12-week course that addresses self-cognitive change, social skills and complex problem-solving. For those ready to re-enter the workforce, the re-entry services division also provides a “one-stop shop” for professional development, collaborating with the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Dedicated job centers have been established by the Sheriff’s Department at both the East Mesa Reentry Facility and the Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility. At these centers, participants do more than look for work, they actively prepare for it, learning to master modern computer literacy, draft professional resumes, practice interview techniques and navigate online job boards. The re-entry services division also offers vocational training in high-demand fields, including construction trades, healthcare service assistant training, culinary arts and industrial sewing. The Sheriff’s Department also recognizes the unique hurdles of those who served in the military and has a “Veterans Moving Forward” program that works in collaboration with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. By providing in-custody programs specifically for veterans, the division aims to honor their service by ensuring they have the community resources needed to reduce recidivism and reclaim their civilian lives. Recidivism, which is the rate at which a person returns to prison within three years of release, is the ultimate metric of a justice system’s success. Historically, national rates have hovered between 60 percent and 70 percent. Data shows that a wraparound approach works. According to a RAND Corporation study, incarcerated individuals who participate in any form of educational program have 43 percent lower odds of recidivating than those who do not. The event in Lemon Grove is free and open to all. The Lemon Grove Libraryis at 3001 School Lane. For more information, visit: sdsheriff.gov/reentry-services Printer-friendly version
Man arrested for threatening deputies, firing shots in Santee
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 13, 2026 (Santee) — With help from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT) team, an armed man who threatened deputies was arrested April 11 at his security systems business in Santee. Deputies responded to reports of possible gunshots near North Magnolia Avenue around 12:33 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies checked the area and saw Robert Sanford, 45, entering his business suite at 10744 Rockville St., Suite 104. Deputies believed that Sanford was holding a handgun as he entered the suite. Deputies surrounded the property and attempted to contact Sanford via phone. “He was uncooperative and refused to exit the building to speak with deputies,” says Captain Chris Katra. “During the incident, deputies observed possible bullet holes in a parking sign located in front of Sanford’s suite.” A church was located 100 yards behind the sign. Since Sanford was alone inside his business and no victims were identified, deputies returned at 7:16 a.m. and discovered “evidence indicating Sanford was in possession of a handgun and had made threats to shoot deputies if they entered his business,” according to Captain Katra. Around 10:06 a.m., investigators obtained a search warrant for Sanford’s business suite. With help from the SWAT team, the warrant was executed, and Sanford was taken into custody. During the search, detectives recovered a 9 millimeter handgun and multiple 9mm shell casings from the location. Sanford was subsequently arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm and threats against peace officers. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail. Printer-friendly version
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release of Sexually Violent Predator Gary Snavely. The California Department of State Hospitals has recommended the placement of Snavely at 3406 Running M Road in Borrego Springs He was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with two girls ages 8 and 9 between 1982 and 1986. Snavely was previously placed in Jacumba Hot Springs, but was ordered back to a state mental hospital for violating terms of his release. The violations included misuse of medications, failing to remain appropriately clothed at all times on his property while in public view, and failing to report any and all instances of sexual thoughts and fantasies involving sexual deviance to treatment staff. Efforts to place him in Julian were blocked after the homeowner withdrew the property from consideration, after a public outcry. The San Diego County Sheriff’s office, the District Attorney’s office and the Safe Task force are not responsible for the selection of the Borrego Springs location. The selection process is the responsibility of the Department of State Hospitals. The selection by state mental hospitals requires approval by the San Diego Superior Court. With the hearing scheduled for May 15, 2026, the SAFE Task Force will be accepting public comments about the proposed placement to be included in the formal response to the court and the Department of State Hospitals. This is your opportunity to support or object to the proposed placement before it is finalized. The District Attorney’s Office and the SAFE Task Force will submit your comments to the court for the court’s consideration. Comments will be accepted between the dates of April 11, 2026 and April 24, 2026. You can e-mail your comments regarding placement to: sdsafe@sdsheriff.org. You can also call (858) 583-7238. You can mail your comments to: SVP/Release/SAFE Task Force 9425 Chesapeake Drive San Diego, CA 92123 Oral comments may be accepted subject to court ruling during a hearing on: May 15, 2026 8:30 a.m. Honorable Daniel B. Goldstein San Diego Superior Court Department 1901 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 For more information about the legal designation, treatment and release from confined facilities of sexually violent predators, visit the San Diego County District Attorney’s website. You can also visit the Department of State Hospital’s website. To learn more about the SAFE Task Force, click here. Printer-friendly version
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks to a crowd during a town hall he hosted at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center in downtown Fresno on Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local April 10, 2026 (Fresno) – Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the leading candidates for California governor, came under increasing pressure Friday to drop out of the race following a report by the San Francisco Chronicle that he sexually assaulted a former female staffer. Swalwell denied the allegations. Swalwell had racked up endorsements across the Democratic establishment, but a handful of the state’s most powerful labor unions and public officials who backed him had dropped their support by Friday afternoon. Some, including U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, also called for him to exit the race. Nearly all the other Democratic candidates called for him to immediately drop out, including billionaire and climate advocate Tom Steyer, former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Controller Betty Yee, who called the allegations “sickening.” The Chronicle reported that a woman who worked in Swalwell’s Castro Valley office claimed to have had sexual encounters with him while she worked for him and alleged he sexually assaulted her when she was intoxicated. The report comes after weeks of rumors that Swalwell had inappropriate interactions with staff for years. On one instance in 2019, the woman said she became intoxicated after Swalwell asked her for drinks and woke up in his bed in a hotel room, feeling the effects of intercourse. “These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public — as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action,” Swalwell said in a statement Friday. CNN published a separate report later Friday with the same allegations, as well as from another woman who said Swalwell touched her and kissed her at a bar, then she ended up in his hotel room with no memory of how she got there. CNN also quoted two other women who said he had sent them sexual images and text messages. In recent weeks, two social media influencers began posting online what many people had considered rumors about Swalwell’s behavior with women. The influencers said they had spoken with several young women with whom Swalwell had behaved inappropriately. CalMatters has not independently verified the claims. Swalwell pushed back hard against the allegations this week, telling reporters at a town hall in Sacramento on Tuesday that they are “false,” that he had “never” had a sexual relationship with anyone who worked for him. He suggested the allegations were politically motivated. “I don’t want there to be any question in the minds of Californians,” he said. “I’m offering myself also as somebody who is fearlessly going to stand up for Californians on the toughest issues and not flinch.” An attorney for Swalwell sent cease-and-desist letters to some of the women, one of the influencers, Arielle Fodor, wrote online. The attorney, Elias Dabaie, did not respond to a request for comment on the Chronicle story but confirmed to other news outlets the letter’s authenticity. On Thursday night, Swalwell canceled a planned town hall in Southern California. Swalwell began calling groups that have endorsed him Friday morning to tell them of an upcoming story in the Chronicle, and denying the story, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to CalMatters. At least four of his senior campaign staffers, including a top consultant who helped him court labor support, abruptly resigned before the news report. Some groups that have endorsed Swalwell declined to comment on the allegations when reached by CalMatters, saying their board members needed time to digest the news. For others, the exodus was swift. U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a Los Angeles Democrat who chaired Swalwell’s campaign, resigned from the role Friday and called on Swalwell to drop out. He called the allegations “the ugliest and most serious accusations imaginable.” “My involvement in any campaign begins and ends with trust,” he said in a statement. “The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay.” U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, withdrew his support Friday and said he regretted defending Swalwell earlier. “What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.” Reps. Ted Lieu, Adam Gray, Doris Matsui and Mike Thompson, all California Democrats, also pulled their endorsements. The powerhouse union California Teachers Association immediately suspended its support of Swalwell and a few hours later its board voted to rescind its endorsement, calling the allegations against him “incredibly disturbing and unacceptable” in a statement by President David Goldberg. Another heavyweight union that endorsed him, Service Employees International Union California, suspended at least one ad buy in support of Swalwell following the accusations. The California Medical Association, another backer, was convening an emergency meeting of the board, and “takes these allegations extremely seriously,” said spokesperson Erin Mellon. The California Labor Federation, an umbrella organization of the state’s unions, had endorsed Swalwell and three other Democrats. President Lorena Gonzalez said members were shocked by the allegations and acting urgently. Printer-friendly version
Attacked by AI-cyberbots: Please help us fund critical security upgrades
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 10, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Our East County Magazine website is being attacked by AI-cyberbots that have repeatedly crashed it. Our new website designed in WordPress is ready to launch with great new features for readers – but we can’t launch without critical security upgrade programs that cost thousands of dollars. Please help! Donate at https;//www.eastcountymedia.org./donate. We are also seeking major sponsors who may want to sponsor any special section on the new site, as well as angel donors/philanthropists who would love to earn the loyalty of our many readers. Our audience is huge—more than 10 million hits and 650,000 unique visitors each month! Our success in growing our readership is unfortunately also attacking cyberbots seeking to cause harm. It’s critical to protect our 18 years of news articles on our existing site as well as protect the new site design immediately. Call 619 698 7617 or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org for more information. Thanks to those who have already donated via our newsletter request this morning –but a lot more is needed to fund these costly security programs. Printer-friendly version
San Diego County has free parking perks for seniors
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson holds up his senior parking pass at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve in Ramona. (Photo courtesy Joel Anderson Facebook page) East County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) — While parking prices across the region seem to be climbing faster than a fit hiker scaling Iron Mountain, local seniors can count on San Diego County to give them a break on vehicle parking fees. San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson sent a notice this past week on his social media account reminding those 62 and older that they are able to get free day-use parking at local parks. The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation offer seniors free parking every day, from Agua Caliente to William Heise, with proof of residency. For those under 62, a standard All Parks Annual Parking Pass currently costs $50, while daily parking at most fee-charging county facilities is $5 per day. Unlike many modern services, however, the County notes that you can’t simply download a pass to your phone. To ensure that only residents and eligible seniors use the service, the County requires a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) that shows your age and address in the county to pick up a physical pass at any of the following 15 parks (or at the Parks and Recreation headquarters at 5500 Overland Ave. in Kearny Mesa): Agua Caliente County Park: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian; Dos Picos County Park: 17953 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona; El Monte County Park: 15805 El Monte Road, Lakeside; Felicita County Park: 742 Clarence Lane, Escondido; Flinn Springs County Park: 14787 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon; Guajome Regional Park: 3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside; Lake Morena County Park: 2550 Lake Morena Drive, Campo; Live Oak County Park: 2746 Reche Road, Fallbrook; Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve: 12020 Black Mountain Road, San Diego; Louis A. Stelzer County Park: 11470 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside; Otay Lakes County Park: 2270 Wueste Road, Chula Vista; San Dieguito County Park: 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Del Mar; Sweetwater Summit Regional Park: 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita; Wilderness Gardens County Preserve: 14209 Hwy 76, Pala; William Heise County Park: 4945 Heise Park Road, Julian. For more information, visit sdparks.org/Parking or call (877) 565-3600. Printer-friendly version
CHP urges drivers to follow hands-free cell phone law; officers report more violations as distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes annually
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) — Distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes across California each year, and violations of the state’s hands-free cellphone law remain an ongoing concern. As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol is urging drivers to put down their phones and stay attentive to help make roads safer for everyone. Every year, CHP officers issue more citations to drivers violating California’s hands-free law, highlighting the ongoing challenge to change driver behavior. In 2025, the CHP issued over 111,700 citations for distracted driving, nearly 20 percent more than in 2024. The consequences of distracted driving extend far beyond just a citation and can include crashes resulting in serious injury or death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,275 people died and nearly 325,000 others were injured in Distraction-related crashes in the U.S. in 2023. Any activity that diverts attention from driving — such as using a cellphone, eating, adjusting controls or interacting with passengers — increases the risk of a crash. “Every crash caused by distracted driving can be avoided says CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. Too often, drivers look away from the road, risking their lives and those of others. No text, call or notification is more important than safety. Put your phone down, eliminate distractions and drive as if someone’s life depends on it — because it does.” Safe driving requires full attention. Road conditions and traffic can change quickly, and distractions reduce reaction time. In California, distracted driving was reported to have caused over 3,400 crashes between 2020 and 2025, injuring more than 1,600 people, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. LOSE THE DISTRACTIONS California law prohibits drivers from holding or using a cellphone while driving unless the device allows hands-free, voice-operated use. Drivers who cannot use hands-free features — except to dial 9-1-1 — should ask a passenger for help or pull over and park in a safe location before using a device. Drivers can reduce risk by eliminating distractions: Enable “Do Not Disturb” or use apps that block notifications Place phones out of reach Set music or podcasts before driving Secure pets and loose items Avoid eating or drinking while driving TALK TO YOUR TEENS According to the NHTSA, 7 percent of drivers ages 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were distracted — the highest proportion among all age groups. The CHP encourages parents and guardians to demonstrate safe driving habits and discuss the risks of distracted driving with teens. The CHP’s Start Smart program provides driver safety education for newly licensed teens and their parents. Classes are offered at CHP offices and community locations statewide. For more information, contact your local CHP Area office. EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT The CHP will conduct statewide education and enforcement efforts throughout April, including a zero-tolerance campaign that began April 6 and goes through April 13. CHP officers will also conduct a 24-hour Maximum Enforcement Period beginning at 6 a.m. April 28 to reinforce that distracted driving is dangerous and preventable. Last year, the CHP deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles across the state to help combat reckless and aggressive drivers who are putting lives at risk on California’s highways. These vehicles are designed to blend into traffic and detect these dangerous motorists before they realize they are being monitored. The CHP urges all drivers to eliminate distractions, stay focused and help keep California’s roads safe not just in April, but every day of the year. Printer-friendly version