SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Residents in one City Heights neighborhood say they're upset their streets have become a constant "demolition derby."
In the Ring video, a loud crashing sound is heard at night, before a frantic Yesenia Zepeda goes outside her home in late April. A hit-and run driver struck her girlfriend's car parked on Dwight Street near 47th Street. It is the second time her girlfriend's car has been struck outside the home in a 4-month period.
"It's ridiculous and it's dangerous," said Zepeda.
Last week, that danger played out again on her Ring camera, as a car collided with an SUV carrying a mother and a one-month-old baby, who appeared to be okay.
"It was heartbreaking to see," said Zepeda.
Zepeda fears more heartbreak may be just around the corner.
"I hear screeching all the time," said Zepeda.
She and other neighbors say crashes and close calls are a constant.
"You really can't see anything at night," said Zepeda. Zepenia points to the dark street, speeding cars, a sharp turn, and one very narrow street.
Other videos show just how tight that squeeze is. Sometimes, two-way traffic is not possible. Zepeda has contacted city officials, asking for streetlights, signage to help slow speeds, and turning a section of 47th Street into a one-way street.
A city spokesperson issued the following statement:
“In April 2017, a 24 hour traffic study was conducted and the data concluded that this location does not qualify for traffic calming measures. Although the data did not warrant traffic calming measures, in May 2017, the City installed 2 speed limit signs on Dwight and 47th Streets and painted a yellow centerline at the intersection of 47th and Dwight. The City will open a new case to re-evaluate this street segment for traffic calming and evaluate for street lights.”
Corinne Wilson, Communications Manager for City Council President Georgette Gomez, issued the following statement:
“Our office has been working with Yesenia. The corner was referred for a traffic study in 2017. Recently, we have requested that it also be specifically evaluated for additional signage and are requesting data from the SD Police Department regarding collisions. We will continue to work with the residents and City staff to address concerns.”
