Today’s newsletter is presented by Evans Hotels/Bahia Hotel/Dockside 1953.
Good morning, San Diego ☀️
Here’s what we have for you today:
- Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a double murder in Ramona.
- The Firefighters worked Tuesday to subdue a brush fire at Camp Pendleton.
Dorian Hargrove
News editor
Top story
Family of 6-year-old killed by a hit-and-run driver in Pacific Beach blames city for dangerous road design
For years, the city of San Diego has touted its work to make city streets safer for pedestrians. Despite the efforts to create new bike lanes, crosswalks with flashing lights and reducing the number of traffic lanes, pedestrians and cyclists continue to be at risk of injury and in many cases death in San Diego.
This past January, an unimaginable tragedy occurred when 6-year-old Hudson O’Laughlin, who was out on a family bike ride with his mom, dad, and younger brother, was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Pacific Beach Drive in Pacific Beach.
On June 1, the family filed a tort claim, the first step in a lawsuit, against the city, alleging the city failed to make the street, sidewalk and the adjacent alley safe for pedestrians and cyclists.
The family’s legal claim, which Times of San Diego obtained through a public records act request, says the city allowed vehicles to park up to the entry of the alley, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to spot oncoming traffic.
“[Hudson’s parents] witnessed the collision and its immediate aftermath. [Hudson O’Laughlin’s] minor brother was present and exposed to the traumatic events surrounding his sibling’s fatal injury,” reads the family’s claim. “As a legal and proximate result of the foregoing, Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer the loss of [Hudson O’Laughlin’s] love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, suffer the loss of society, and moral support.”
Days following the fatal collision, city crews painted the curb red.
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Stories you should know about
🎣 A family that caught a 500-pound marlin watched a dock crane lifting it from the water snap in half. The family has now filed a precursor to a lawsuit against the Port, after the catastrophe broke one family member’s back.
⚾ The Padres have just one All-Star this year, in closer Mason Miller. And the club’s disappointing season could mean he’s on the trade block a year after the Pads picked him up.
🧑⚖️ A San Diego man has pleaded guilty to sending threatening letters to a podcaster who was an associate of Charlie Kirk. He sent the letter to the podcaster Benny Johnson last year, after Kirk’s assassination.
🐶 San Diego County’s Department of Animal Services released the results of an independent operational assessment: The report found the county could do better in reaching out to owners to return lost pets and reducing the length of stay for animals.
What else we’re reading
🌭 The city of San Diego is pausing its enforcement of ordinances restricting street vendors following losses in court related to it. (KPBS)
🚽 Here are the 13 bathrooms around Mission Bay that will be closed come Monday thanks to the city’s budget cuts. (Axios)
Times of San Diego thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
Mid-Week News Quiz
Have you kept up with Times of San Diego this week? Let’s see!
🚗 Which street in La Mesa has had the most parking tickets issued so far this year?
A) Allison Avenue
B) Murray Drive
C) Palm Avenue
D) Baltimore Drive
Reply first with the correct answer to earn a shoutout in tomorrow’s newsletter.