Safer walking path in Santa Ynez Valley dedicated in honor of teen who lost her life near the site

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. – A new walking path has been dedicated in the Santa Ynez Valley to remember the life of a teen who died near the site in 2015.

The morning ceremony unveiled the plaque in honor of Carina Velazquez who died eight years ago one day shy of her 16th birthday.

It's located outside of Santa Ynez High school on Refugio Road near the intersection of Highway 246.

Third District Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade, the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department and Santa Ynez Valley trail advocates held a morning ribbon-cutting celebration and dedication.  

Hartmann said, "the Refugio Road Trails Restoration Project was a joint effort." It also involved the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.  

Work began last September.

Tuesday’s celebration commemorates the completion of the first segment, from Highway 246 to Samantha Road. The goal is to reach Baseline on one side and the other direction it will reach the Equestrian Center. Sunstone Winery is also planning a trail and that will add more length and a safe path for those on foot, bike or horseback.

Hartmann said, "today we see that she (Velazquez) has inspired her community to create a trail by the school she attended to be used and enjoyed by all who follow her."

It's taken many community meetings and door to door talks with neighbors nearby to make this trail come to life as a safe route to school project in areas that had been overgrown and lost in the vegetation.

Abe Powell, Bucket Brigade founder said, "to do any kind of project you need organizers, planners, supporters, funders and leaders and if you have all of those things  you've got a project.  If you are missing anyone of those, you've got a problem."

Remembering Carina here in this way,  with her family present, was an emotional moment.

Powell said, with the Velazquez family in attendance, "the way your family took the unbelievable pain that you had to suffer  and turn it into a project that make other people's kids safe,   to make everybody safer in this community, man that moved me!"

Along the  way it will  slow many drivers down. Santa Ynez Valley  resident Chip Willbrandt said, "have people be more aware of the people on the trails and awareness from both sides, from the trail users and also from the drivers. Just get everyone back to the  feeling nice, warm and  happy about  being in the Santa Ynez Valley."

County Public Works Department Deputy Director Chris Sneddon said, "one of the great things about having walking paths like this is you're slowing everything down and you are getting a new perspective  about things  and you are moving more slowly through the world."