Sen. Blakespear Calls Saturday’s Live Fire Exercise Over I-5 Unnecessary and Unsafe

The closure of San Diego County’s two main transportation arteries – train service and I-5 – was an unconscionable inconvenience for an exercise that did not benefit military readiness or the community

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, issued the following statement about Saturday’s live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton that result in shrapnel falling on the Interstate 5 freeway while it was closed as a precaution:

As the State Senator representing Camp Pendleton and the area surrounding it, I support the Governor and Caltrans prioritizing safety and closing I-5 during the Trump administration’s unnecessary show of military force. A live fire display across the I-5 freeway was completely unnecessary – providing no benefit for the community or military readiness. The freeway and nearby train track, which was also closed, are the two main arteries for transportation north from San Diego County to the rest of the state.

Proving the wisdom in closing the freeway, the live fire display resulted in shrapnel from one round striking and damaging a CHP vehicle, leading to a discontinuation of that military exercise.

Once again, we see the federal administration is posturing with militaristic bluster at the expense of the safety and well-being of communities. The U.S. Marine Corps’ 250 years of extraordinary service and steadfast dedication to our nation deserve to be celebrated. The fact that the chosen celebration inconvenienced tens of thousands of drivers on Saturday traveling north from San Diego County, and could have imperiled their safety, is unconscionable.

Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.