Foothill PTA raises enough money to buy flashing light system for crosswalk

The crosswalk at a dangerous intersection will soon be a lot safer thanks to the Santa Barbara community.

The Foothill Elementary School PTA hosted a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Saturday at Community Covenant Church.

Santa Barbara County firefighters cooked up pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs donated by Jordano’s.

The goal was to raise $9,000 dollars to install a new button-activated safety light system at the crosswalk at Cathedral Oaks and Ribera.

The crosswalk is notorious for accidents, and close calls as children walk to and from Foothill Elementary School.

In December, a 12-year-old boy was hit by a car in the crosswalk suffering a broken arm.

That incident was the tipping point for parents who decided to take matters into their own hands.

On Saturday, the community showed up in droves and purchased tickets to the breakfast, while others made donations.

PTA President Bryant Henson said the goal was met and he can’t wait to place the order for the new safety system.

Foothill parent Dustin McKibben is thankful to know people will be safer when they cross the street.

“My kids will only be a here a couple more years. But for future families, the safety of the crossing guards and the community and the churchgoers, and everyone who uses this intersection, it’s going to be really nice to see it out there,” McKibben said.

The hope is the safety system will be ordered and installed in the coming weeks.