Thankful in Pacific Beach this Thanksgiving morning

Early this Thanksgiving morning police were chasing a car who’s driver wouldn’t stop, turning off their headlights at times to avoid being caught.

The driver eventually lost control, jumped a curb, drove off a cliff—flipping the car onto its roof. The driver and passenger then fled on foot–one quickly caught nearby.

View Thanksgiving Day crash in a larger map

Viewing the aftermath at sunrise, debris was found everywhere–plastic car parts strewn from the top of the cliff to the beach, and personal belongings including two business cards from different marijuana dispensaries, the vehicle’s (expired) insurance card, and ironically a flyer the DMV gives all California drivers explaining state laws – complete with a DUI blood alcohol chart.

The car was registered to a Rancho Bernardo address. What would be helpful to know is: Was this driver drunk or high when they wrecked? Were they actually going to drive such a long distance through many San Diego neighborhoods being so drunk?

Over six police cars and officers were at the scene processing evidence for an extended amount of time – unable to perform their other responsibilities in the community and assumingly at great expense. One would hope the city goes after the driver for these costs. However, most likely all San Diegans will be paying for it.

I’m thankful to the police for helping keep us all safe. I am also thankful, as I’m sure the occupants of this car are as well, that they were not critically injured or killed. I pray they both remember this day and make a change in their lifestyle — before gambling with their and our lives so carelessly.

If history is a lesson the residents of Pacific Beach and the greater San Diego will continue to be put in harm’s way if conditions don’t change.

Let’s work together to change these conditions and stop subsidizing those who help others get so drunk. Isn’t it about time?