Neighbors Upset After Woman Killed In Intersection

A woman pushing a toddler in a stroller was hit and killed around 5:15 p.m. Monday.

Neighbors near the intersection of Cathedral Oaks Road and Santa Marguerita Drive told NewsChannel 3 they have been telling the City of Goleta about the dangerous intersection.

Sheriff’s deputies said the 18-year-old male driver hit the woman and the 20-month-old boy. The woman was killed and the boy was seriously injured.

The woman’s identity is not being released until the next of kin is notified. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office said the woman is not the boy’s mother.

“Then the ambulance came and put the baby on the stretcher. Then about 10 minutes later they put the blanket over the woman,” said Christian Rodriguez, a neighbor.

Flowers were placed on the sidewalk near where the accident took place.

Cathy Olivero and Luci Luciano live in the area and said for years they have been asking the City of Goleta for safety upgrades to prevent an accident like this.

“They’re not listening to us. It was devastating last night what happened. Now will they listen? This is terrible,” said Luciano.

Goleta has developed pedestrian improvements. On its website, it outlines flashing beacons and curb extensions for the intersection.

It also said, “Construction is anticipated for late 2013.”

Oliverio said she knew the tragedy would happen and it could have been prevented.

“I said in the City Council meetings, ‘Does someone have to die in order for you to make the modifications in this intersection?’ and now that has come to fruition. So it absolutely breaks my heart,” she said.

Goleta Mayor Roger Aceves released a statement.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the young child who was injured. We pray for a quick recovery. We also understand the burden borne by the driver. Our hope is that our community will come together to support those who have lost a loved one and a friend. Our prayers are with the families and friends today,” the statement said.

A city spokesperson told NewsChannel 3 the crosswalk project is slated to begin during the local schools’ winter break.

“I hope the city goes to sleep at night, because it’s on their back,” said Luciano.