Sheriff’s Office, CHP crack down on speeders

More than 50 citations issued in a day

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“if you find it in your heart to care for somebody, you will have succeeded”

Inyo County Sheriff Stephanie J. Rennie reported that more than 50 citations were issued to motorists during a crack down on Jan. 5 that included deputies as well as officers from the California Highway Patrol,

Bishop Office.

Rennie said the traffic enforcement detail stemmed from ongoing concerns regarding speeders along U.S. Highway

395 that put other motorists and pedestrian in danger.

“This has been a hot topic within our small communities forever,” she said.

Rennie said the speeding issue has been on her radar since taking office at the start of last year. She directed one of her staff members, Lt. Mike Atkins, to “figure this out.”

Rennie recalled how just a few months ago a pedestrian was hit and killed in Independence “and we’ve had children hit in Lone Pine.”

She said Deputy Phil West organized the traffic enforcement detail for Jan. 5, which included the local CHP office as well.

“Fifty-four citations were written – 54 in one day,” Rennie reported.

She said as she a lot of hard work went into the effort over the last year, including building up staff, which she hopes to continue to do.

“We’re going to be performing those more regularly throughout all the towns in the county,” Rennie said.

She also reported that her office and the Inyo County Probation Office conducted a probation and parole compliance detail in December that netted four arrests of individuals who were “at large.”

Supervisors expressed their appreciation since speeding through each community in the county is something they hear about consistently.

Second District Supervisor Jeff Griffiths called the number of citations issued “alarming.”

Fifth District Supervisor Matt Kingsley said while it is alarming, it confirms what they are hearing from constituents.