Justice for Cynthia Romero – Safe Streets on Forty Mile Road

On March 7, 2026, Cynthia Romero was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle while traveling in her wheelchair on Forty Mile Road /Plumas Arbogoda Road near the Hard Rock Casino and Toyota Amphitheatre in Wheatland, California.

Cynthia was someone’s mother, family member, and loved one. She mattered. Her life should never be reduced to a statistic.

The stretch of Forty Mile Road / Plumas Arbogoda Road between the Hard Rock Casino and Toyota Amphitheatre is extremely dangerous for pedestrians and people using mobility devices. The road has little lighting, high traffic speeds, and no sidewalks or safe pedestrian paths. Despite thousands of visitors traveling to and from the casino and concert venue every day, there is no safe infrastructure for people who must walk or use wheelchairs along this roadway.

Cynthia’s tragic death is not the only incident that has occurred in this area. There have been multiple crashes and pedestrian incidents along this same corridor. These repeated tragedies highlight a serious and ongoing safety problem that must be addressed.

No one should have to risk their life simply traveling along a public road.

We are calling on local leaders, transportation officials, and the businesses that bring heavy traffic to this area to take immediate action to improve pedestrian safety on Forty Mile Road./Plumas Arbogoda Road 

We respectfully demand the following safety improvements:

• Construction of sidewalks or a protected pedestrian pathway along Forty Mile Road/Plumas Arbogoda Road 
• Installation of proper street lighting throughout the corridor
• Clearly marked pedestrian crossings in areas where people are likely to walk
• Traffic-calming measures to reduce high vehicle speeds
• Safe and accessible routes for individuals using wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Transportation options or shuttle services for guests leaving the casino or nearby venues late at night

The Hard Rock Casino and Toyota Amphitheatre attract thousands of visitors every week. When businesses draw that level of traffic to a rural road, the surrounding infrastructure must be safe for everyone — including pedestrians and people with disabilities.

Cynthia Romero’s death must lead to change. This tragedy should be the moment when our community comes together to demand safer roads so that no other family experiences this kind of loss.

We ask local officials, transportation agencies, and community leaders to work together to address the dangerous conditions on Forty Mile Road / Plumas Arbogoda Road and protect the lives of those who travel through this area.

Cynthia Romero’s life mattered. Her memory deserves to lead to safer streets and stronger protections for pedestrians.

In memory of Cynthia Romero.