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San Diego Dedicates Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park in Clairemont

The renaming recognizes Machitar’s service in Clairemont, the community where he was raised.

Chris Machitar hugs Director of Parks and Recreation Department Andy Fields after unveiling Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park on Oct. 26, 2025. Machitar died on Aug. 26, 2024, while on patrol in the Clairemont community. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Overview

  • North Clairemont Community Park was officially dedicated as Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park on Oct. 26.
  • Mayor Todd Gloria, City Council President Joe LaCava, and Police Chief Scott Wahl joined family and colleagues for the unveiling of the new sign.
  • Machitar, 30, died on Aug. 26, 2024 when a 16-year-old fleeing a traffic stop broadsided his patrol car, killing both.
  • Partner Zachary Martinez, who survived with critical injuries and does not recall the crash, spoke about continuing Machitar’s legacy.
  • The renaming followed a mayoral proposal and unanimous Parks and Recreation Board approval, reflecting Machitar’s ties to the park he patrolled in the neighborhood where he grew up.