My heart breaks as I share the devastating loss of my beloved mother, Carmen Nava, who was tragically struck by a vehicle on December 7th, just a block away from her home in Salinas, CA. Carmen was more than just a mother; she was a sister, aunt, grandmother, and an influential member of the community. Having dedicated 26 years as a supervisor and security personnel in the local school district, she touched countless lives and left an enduring impact on Salinas residents. Her passion was the safety and well-being of our community, and I want to honor her legacy by ensuring safer streets for all.

Salinas is a vibrant community made up of families, students, and hardworking individuals, all of whom deserve the basic safety of well-marked and illuminated crosswalks. Reflective markings and appropriate lighting at crosswalks are vital in making pedestrians visible to drivers, preventing tragedies like the one that claimed my mother's life. Currently, multiple areas within our city lack adequate crosswalk visibility, putting every pedestrian at risk every time they step out.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roads have been a growing concern, with over 6,000 deaths reported in recent years. Our city is no exception, and we must take proactive measures to prevent further loss of life. Implementing proper lighting and reflective markers on all crosswalks, especially in residential areas, is an actionable step towards significantly reducing pedestrian accidents.

I urge the city officials of Salinas to commit to the immediate assessment and upgrade of our pedestrian safety measures. At a minimum, this should include installing reflectors for all crosswalks in residential zones and lighting enhancements, ensuring pedestrians are visible both day and night.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for safer walking passages for all residents of Salinas. Join me in compelling our local government to enact these changes, potentially saving lives and preventing future families from enduring the pain of losing a loved one. Let us make a statement that our community values human life above all. Please sign the petition and help us illuminate the paths to safety.