Encinitas officials investigate ongoing fatalities while reviewing traffic crash reports

The City of Encinitas Mobility & Traffic Safety Commission convened on May 22, 2025, to address ongoing concerns regarding traffic fatalities and safety measures within the community. The meeting began with inquiries about recent fatal incidents, specifically the investigations into a fatality that occurred on April 26 and another involving a cyclist on January 1.

During the discussions, a representative from law enforcement indicated that the investigation into the April 26 incident is ongoing, and specific details could not be disclosed at this time. The representative also acknowledged a lack of information regarding the January 1 cyclist fatality, stating that they would gather the necessary details and provide updates in future meetings.

Commission members expressed concern over the apparent gap in communication following the departure of Sergeant Carlos six weeks prior, which they felt contributed to a loss of information regarding ongoing investigations. The commission emphasized the importance of having timely updates on fatal incidents to assess the need for declaring a state of emergency due to the rising number of fatalities this year.

The discussion highlighted the necessity for finalized collision reports from the sheriff's office, which are typically received within a month of an incident. However, delays in these reports were noted, particularly for the January 1 and January 19 fatalities, which had not yet been finalized.

Commissioner Gross urged law enforcement to review past reports and provide progress updates on ongoing investigations to ensure transparency and accountability. The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, although no speakers were present to address the commission at that time.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commission's commitment to improving traffic safety and the need for better communication regarding fatal incidents in Encinitas. The commission plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings, aiming for more comprehensive updates on the investigations and potential safety measures.