My heart was shattered the day I received the call that no parent ever wishes to hear. My son, Kephas Pope, class of 2027, was tragically killed while navigating El Camino Real, a hazardous stretch plagued by speeding traffic. Students, like Kephas, frequently navigate this six-lane thoroughfare, traveling between Santa Clara University campus buildings located on either side of Camino Real, often making this dangerous trek multiple times a day.

El Camino Real, a vital artery in Santa Clara, California, has become a perilous raceway posing significant risks to pedestrians, especially the youthful and vibrant college students striving to further their education. California Highway Patrol data cites that pedestrian fatalities on El Camino Real have been on the rise, demonstrating the urgent need for improvements. Students, residents, and visitors should not have their lives jeopardized by every crossing.

In 2021 alone, pedestrian deaths accounted for nearly 20% of all traffic fatalities in California, with many incidents occurring in areas like El Camino Real where foot traffic is dense and vehicle speed is a major concern. These statistics are not just numbers—they represent children, families, and futures cut tragically short.

Concrete and immediate solutions are within our grasp. Implementing pedestrian overpasses, establishing lower speed zones with strict enforcement, and enhancing visible crosswalks with lighting and signage can transform El Camino Real from a conduit of danger to a passage of safety. Rectifying these dangers is not only vital to protecting lives but also fostering an environment of care and responsibility in our community.

We call upon the Santa Clara City Council, Caltrans, and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the safety of our students and community members by taking immediate action to rethink and redesign this critical area. The tragic loss of my son and others should not be in vain.

Please support this petition by signing it, in memory of Kephas Pope and the countless others who deserve a change. Let us come together to create a safer El Camino Real for all our students and the broader community.