DEATHS FROM DUI INCREASE 9 FATALITIES TRIPLE '00 TOTAL.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Nolan Lemar, a Hart High School graduate and college baseball standout, survived a chemical blast, but couldn't survive a collision with a drunk driving suspect.

Bakersfield resident Dolores Pantoja was waiting in her stalled pickup truck as her husband sought help at a freeway call box when she, too, died at the hands of a driver investigators believe was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Christina Williams herself was drunk when her car plunged off a curve on Summit Knoll Road in Agua Dulce, according to police and coroner's reports.

In all, nine people have died so far this year in the Santa Clarita Valley in

crashes involving intoxicated drivers, according to Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol records. A 10th possible case remains under investigation.

``We have had quite an increase this year,'' said Officer Doug Sweeney, a spokesman for the CHP's Newhall office.

This is after local drunk-driving deaths fell to just three in 2000, from five the year before.

Santa Clarita, in fact, celebrated declining numbers last year, as the nation saw an increase in drunk-driving fatalities for the first time in five years.

``We were just fortunate,'' Sweeney said.

But this year, the increase in drunk-driving deaths has sparked concern.

``Any fatal is alarming, especially DUIs,'' said Sgt. Clint Bowers, head of the traffic enforcement team at the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station. ``We need to keep our focus on DUI very high. We never want to see a fatal traffic collision.''

Along with the increase in fatal collisions, DUI arrests in areas that are patrolled by the CHP are also on the rise. So far this year, CHP officers have arrested 677 drunk driving suspects, compared with 549 over the same period last year.

Earlier this year, four of the officers from the Newhall CHP station were honored by a local chapter of the Mother's Against Drunk Driving for their above-average DUI arrest totals.

Officers Mark Griffith, Mike Solso, Richard Cheever and Perry Haggard averaged about 75 DUI arrests over the year.

To combat drunk driving, the CHP has increased its efforts.

``We have more officers working the road,'' Sweeney said. ``We focus our enforcement on trying to get the drunk driver off the road, especially during our graveyard hours.''

The Highway Patrol also has promoted its education and prevention programs.

``When we're at community events our message is: Don't drink and drive,'' Sweeney said. ``We always try and take a proactive role.''

CHP officials also emphasize their designated-driver program and program with several area restaurants that offer free soft drinks to drivers.