Costa Mesa entry sign heavily damaged

A passing car damaged one of Costa Mesa’s city entry signs during a recent rainstorm, police said Tuesday.

According to police, Tustin resident Daniel Chittenden, 66, hit the sign in the median along Fairview Road about noon Friday after he lost control of his 1993 Ford Explorer while making a right turn from Sunflower Avenue.

He sustained minor injuries, and his car was heavily damaged on the driver’s side, Costa Mesa police Lt. Greg Scott said.

Chittenden was cited at the scene for making an unsafe turning movement, Scott said.

The entry sign is probably beyond repair, Public Services Director Ernesto Munoz said Monday. Replacing it may cost as much as $25,000, though city officials generally seek to recoup that money through the driver’s insurance provider, he said.

The sign is one of several throughout the city. It is visible to motorists going south on Fairview Road toward the 405 Freeway.

— Bradley Zint

Twitter: @bradleyzint