FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
June 30, 2023

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO – Flexible posts installed by the City earlier this week on Diamond Street at the intersections of Fanuel and Cass streets in Pacific Beach to protect road users were torn apart and stolen overnight in an act of theft and vandalism. Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Joe LaCava today issued the following joint statement in reaction: 

“We take the safety of our communities very seriously. The Diamond Street traffic-calming project was part of a years-long community process, and destruction of the traffic control installation is nothing less than undermining that open process and an affront to the community. We will not tolerate criminal acts of theft and vandalism anywhere in our city, and our police department has opened an investigation in order to hold those who committed this crime accountable. We urge the offenders to respect the community’s will, safety for all users of our public roads, and the law.”

The City has already re-installed the flexible posts. In addition to investigating the incident, the San Diego Police Department will increase their presence at the location.

Diamond Street Traffic Calming measures were put in place to slow the speed of cars, improve safety for people of all ages and abilities and encourage San Diegans to use less-polluting modes of transportation along the corridor on Diamond Street between Ingraham Street and Mission Boulevard. Drivers can turn right at these intersections, or start a different route at Ingraham, such as Garnet Avenue, or from neighborhood access at another residential street. The posts have pass-throughs for pedestrians, cyclists, people using wheelchairs and shared mobility device users.

The City engaged extensively with the community over the last several years regarding PB Pathways and its phased implementation, gaining support from many businesses, residents, Pacific Beach Planning Group, Pacific Beach Town Council, and beautifulPB, a community group that advocates for projects and policies that promote sustainability, equity and safe mobility. Councilmember LaCava connected with all perspectives of the Pacific Beach community to listen, vet and plan and will continue to do so in a civil and open-minded manner.  

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