Families Demand Safer Streets After Child Deaths | California News

Families in Encinitas are rallying for safer streets after a heartbreaking string of child pedestrian deaths, with Jon Chalekian — whose 12-year-old daughter Emery was killed in a crosswalk in 2025 — leading the charge. Speaking at a Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission meeting, he vowed to keep fighting until every street is safe, driven by the pain of loss and the fear of another tragedy. Residents echo his plea, frustrated by years of stalled progress and rising dangers: 14 pedestrian deaths since 2016, 141 speeding tickets and 22 DUI arrests in July alone. They demand real action — like a traffic safety task force and speed cushions — to protect kids, especially after Chalekian’s own son narrowly escaped a near-miss. Even a proposed renaming of a crossing to “Emery’s Crossing” reflects how deeply these losses have shaken the community. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5449a95072c921b1