Hannah Eberle | A&E Editor
February 10, 2023
When Triton students think of Pacific Coast Highway, they envision driving with the windows down, singing along to their favorite song with their best friends. The long stretch adjacent to the coast creates arguably the best route to grab a view of a Southern California sunset. However, the highway has caused some worry after recent incidents. In the span of two weeks, there have been two deadly accidents causing anxiety throughout the local community.
The first accident occurred last Wednesday when a Lexus hit a cyclist in the intersection of PCH and Crown Valley. The Lexus driver then proceeded to exit his car and stab the cyclist multiple times. Later identified as Michael Moore, the cyclist was quickly rushed to Mission hospital. Bystanders were able to detain the attacker until police arrived on the scene and arrested him. Despite receiving medical attention, Michael, unfortunately, passed away a few hours after the attack. Any motives the driver had have yet to be announced, for the time being it is claimed to be a road rage incident.
In addition to this horrible incident, another pedestrian was killed on Sunday after being struck by multiple vehicles on PCH in Laguna. The pedestrian was identified as Willen Mari Alvarez, 32. First responders performed life-saving measures at the scene, Willen was then transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead not long after the incident. Senior Kaitlyn Tuttle remarked, “I’ve always loved PCH, but the recent accidents makes driving a little nerve racking.”
Both accidents have raised concern regarding driving safely along this iconic roadway. Senior Carly Hoffmeister said it best, “[t]he accidents aren’t a product of the highway, they are a product of people”. Actions need to be taken and reckless drivers need to be addressed in order for PCH to become the beloved highway of Southern California once again.
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