On Wednesday, the parents of a 12-year-old girl who died in an Encinitas automobile accident two months ago made their first public remarks.
On April 25, Emery Chalekian was struck by one of the two cars that crashed at the junction of Encinitas Boulevard when she was crossing the street. She was in the crosswalk and had the right-of-way.
Her parents were deeply saddened by her passing.
It’s simply depressing. “You wake up feeling like it’s another day without her,” Bridget Chalekian, Emery’s mother, said.
Emery, by most accounts, was wise beyond her years and gentle.
She infused every space she entered with a feeling of light. She was a source of happiness. Her father, John Chalekian, remarked, “She brought a smile and laughter that no one else can bring.”
People in the neighborhood are grieving over Emery’s passing. One week after the tragedy, around 100 friends, family, and even complete strangers gathered at the scene. New flowers are delivered every day, and well wishes were chalked on the sidewalk as early as Wednesday.
A 12-year-old girl was killed in a two-car collision in Encinitas after it crashed into her while she was crossing the street. At that spot, her loved ones came together to honor her life. Dave Summers of NBC 7 reports.
Investigations into the incident are still ongoing. There are currently no citations or criminal charges, and sheriff’s deputies have stated that neither drugs nor alcohol were involved. The family is resolved to start with driving behavior, even though it may be challenging to identify what steps would make this region safer without knowing the what or why.
There are people in our community who are afraid. Our daughter is no longer with us. John Chalekian stated, “We must interpret that in a meaningful way.”
Since their daughter’s passing, the Chalekians’ quest for purpose has brought them to the Mobility & Traffic Safety Commission (MTSC) sessions in the city of Encinitas.
“Security is not a luxury. It’s a right. John Chalekian stated, “Please take some action for my 9-year-old son and the rest of this community.”
To get permission to investigate a 10-point plan to address safety issues on Encinitas streets, MTSC and the city council met jointly on Wednesday night.
“We turn to the city council because we need to concentrate on something constructive, like changing things. Bridget Chalekian stated, “We must change.
A 12-year-old girl was slain Friday night while crossing the street, leaving people in the Encinitas neighborhood in shock. Friends honoring Jeanette Quezada’s memory chatted with her.
The Chalekians have learned that transformation is neither swift nor simple.
Instead of committing to changing behavior, we’re becoming mired in the process of doing so. We cannot alter conduct, according to other council members. To be honest, I don’t agree with that,” John Chalekian remarked.
The hour-long meeting ended up lasting more than ninety minutes. Members of the community joined the family’s battle. To speak on Emery’s behalf, almost fifteen people showed up. Even T-shirts were worn by a few.
There is no doubt that Emery’s passing is having a significant impact on the Encinitas community, even while solutions are still being considered.
Among other things, MTSC is investigating automated enforcement, including a trial program that use cameras, similar to red-light cameras, to track and ticket speeders.
