What: Press Conference Regarding Pedestrian Safety

When: Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at 8:00 p.m.

Where: Across from 7050 Shoup Avenue, Canoga Park

Who: Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine,
Captain Greg Meyer, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division

Los Angeles: On June 17, 2003, at about 9:10 p.m., a 67 year-old resident of Canoga Park, was driving northbound on Shoup Avenue, north of Schoolcraft Street, in a 2000 Cadillac Seville. 32 year-old Maria Gutierrez-Cervantes and her five year-old son, were crossing westbound on Shoup Avenue outside of a marked crosswalk when they were hit by the Cadillac.

Ms. Cervantes and her son died at the scene. The driver of the Cadillac stopped and remained at the scene pending the arrival of a rescue ambulance and the police.

Ms. Cervantes’ husband, and father of the child, will attend the press conference with family photos.

Approximately 6,000 pedestrians die each year in the United States as a result of traffic collisions, and more than 110,000 pedestrians are injured by automobiles each year.

In the San Fernando Valley, through June 18, 2003, 12 pedestrians have lost their lives in traffic collisions. Through the same time period last year, nine pedestrians lost their lives.

Due to the increase in pedestrian tragedies, officers are asking the public to obey traffic laws so that they may avoid becoming a traffic statistic. Pedestrian Safety Tips will be provided during the press conference.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.