> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Call of the wild - URL: https://www.smdp.com/call-of-the-wild/ - Published: 2006-12-15T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T23:22:41.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: Events, Santa Monica, #archive-import *MAKE IT A DOUBLE SMPD to hold sobriety checkpoint* CITYWIDE — Eat, drink and be merry, but most of all, be safe. That’s the message being sent by law enforcement, elected officials and activists looking to cut down on the number of alcohol-related deaths this holiday season. “We are in the deadliest time of year right now,”said April Snook of the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “We see more accidents because of alcohol during the holiday period that starts on Thanksgiving and ends just after New Year’s. “This is when we see the most (driving under the influence) deaths and we are right in the middle of it.” Last year, there were 265 people killed and more than 7,000 injured in alcohol-involved crashes in Los Angeles County, with more than 39,500 arrests for DUI, according to the California Highway Patrol. While no figures were available for November and December of last year, law enforcement officials said the holiday season is a dangerous time and would be on the lookout for drunk drivers. “On behalf of the thousands of law enforcement officers throughout the state who will be working overtime during the holidays, I ask for the public’s help — call 9-1-1 if you see a drunk driver,” said Christopher Murphy, director of California’s Office of Traffic Safety. To spot a drunk driver, watch for those straddling the center of the road, zigzagging across the road, erratic braking and driving slower than 10 miles per hour below the speed limit. In efforts to protect local residents from inebriated drivers, the Santa Monica Police Department will be stepping up patrols and setting up sobriety checkpoints throughout the city. The first checkpoint will conducted today on the 1200 block of Ocean Avenue. The SMPD last conducted a DUI checkpoint in September on the 3200 block of Santa Monica Boulevard. In just over four hours, a total of 888 cars passed through, 284 vehicles were screened and one person was arrested for drinking and driving, as well as for being in possession of a controlled substance. Eight drivers were given citations and seven vehicles were towed for a variety of offenses. The checkpoints are part of the national campaign — “You Drink and Drive. You Lose” — which is aimed at educating and bringing awareness to the community about the dangers of drunk driving. Checkpoints are funded by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety. “During the holiday season, we are always wanting to keep the community safe and make sure people understand the importance of not driving while intoxicated and using a designated driver,” said SMPD LT. Alex Padilla. AAA is again offering free rides to the public as part of its “Tipsy Tow” service, which runs from Dec. 29 until New Year’s Day. Drivers can have their cars towed to their home. The first seven miles are free. Padilla encourages those who are too drunk to drive to either call a friend, take a taxi or just walk. The holidays can also be a dangerous time for those struggling with alcoholism. Many may be tempted to drink as they are surrounded by family members and friends who are serving alcohol at parties and during dinners. “This is a terrible time for any alcoholic,” said David Rolston, director of programming at the CLARE Foundation, a Santa Monica-based drug and alcohol recovery center founded in the late 1960s. “I preach to everyone I know, please don’t serve alcohol at Christmas. It’s not necessary. You can have a great time with family and you don’t have to serve beer, wine or egg nog.” > “This is a terrible time for any alcoholic.” — DAVID ROLSTON DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING AT THE CLARE FOUNDATION Rolston said the pressure to drink has less to do with the availability of alcohol and more to do with one’s relationship and role within the family. Alcoholics may revert back to their role as the “drinker” or may be pressured by family members who are most comfortable when relatives who are fulfilling their roles, whether that be the drunk or the achiever or the comedian. “We find that in treatment, six months to a year later that individuals who have changed tremendously will find it difficult to go back into the family setting,” Rolston said.“A lot of people want to go home for the holidays, but some just can’t.” For those who are fighting to remain sober, Rolston said they must put themselves in a different environment when alcohol is introduced. “You have to decide today, right now, that you are not going to drink so when a trigger fires off, you are prepared to deal with it,” Rolston said. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 15, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/121506.pdf?ref=smdp.com)