BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Fatal-crash driver to appear in court

A Costa Mesa woman accused of drunk driving and causing the Aug. 8 accident that killed her 6-year-old son is scheduled to appear in court today.

Julie Ann Smith, 46, is charged with vehicular manslaughter, child abuse and endangerment, and felony drunk driving.

Smith had allegedly been drinking before she crashed her Lexus into a metal guardrail on the Corona del Mar Freeway (73).

Her son, Trevor Smith, was ejected from the car and killed.

Police, security to take field for charity

Members of the Costa Mesa Police Department and of South Coast Plaza Security will play against each other Saturday in a softball game to benefit children’s charities.

The first annual game will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Carl Thornton Park, 1701 W. Segerstrom Ave., in Santa Ana.

The public is encouraged to support both teams in the nine-inning game, followed by a barbecue and opportunity drawing.

For information, call (714) 327-7571.