Residents in Delano are calling for change following the death of Shaylyn Pinoliar, 12. Pinoliar was struck and killed by a car while walking to La Vina Middle School Wednesday, November 14. Residents are demanding the city to do something to keep this from happening again.
"Somebody banging on the door knocking. And, my wife was about to leave for work and some lady told my wife that she thinks it's your daughter who got hit," recalls Fegimar Pinoliar, Shaylyn's father.
Shaylyn was in a crosswalk, but the speed limit at Summer Drive and Browning Road, where she was hit, is 45 miles per hour. And, some Delano residents say there should be a stop sign.
"This is the only way that these kids can cross the street. Mind you that main street is a main route for a high school, middle school, and an elementary school," said Chris Quinones, a concerned Delano resident.
Residents went before the Delano City Council Monday evening to push for a stop sign. The city says it has taken the first step by ordering a study of the intersection. If it's determined there should be a stop sign, the council would have to vote on it.
It's a process that could take months. But, some say the council isn't working fast enough.
"I don't think that's right. Literally, they have family and friends in the city and if that's their family member or friends they would move on it. That's what we are doing, we are making moves. We are not waiting for time," said Mario Reyes, a family friend.
"I just don't want no other family going through what we are. It's 45 miles per hour where kids cross all the time," said Fegimar Pinoliar.
In the meantime, when classes resume next week, the school district says there will be crossing guards at all four corners of the intersection.
Some residents also want the city council to consider naming one of the streets after Shaylyn Pinoliar.
