It has been less than three weeks since 22-year-old Calistoga resident Brenda Sarabio was struck by a Calistoga police vehicle while walking in a pedestrian crosswalk at Berry and Washington streets in the late afternoon.
Sarabio sustained multiple injuries, including broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. She was airlifted from the scene to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where she has been receiving intensive medical care.
Following the July 29 incident, one of Sarabio's friends created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her mounting medical expenses.
“Her family needs the help of the community to cover the necessary expenses. Thank you all for your good heart,” read part of the campaign statement. Colleagues at the Calistoga Depot, where Sarabio works as a server, also rallied around her by posting a heartfelt message on the business’s Instagram page, encouraging users to contribute to the fundraiser.
“Brenda is a beloved member of our team here at The Calistoga Depot,” the social media caption read. “From all of us here at The Calistoga Depot, we wish Brenda a speedy recovery.”
Sarabio was hospitalized immediately after the accident, and it was later confirmed by a Calistoga Highway Patrol spokesperson that the vehicle involved was being driven by on-duty, 49-year-old Calistoga Police Sgt. Kristine Norton.
According to Bob May, a contracted public information officer for the City of Calistoga who was hired to manage communications related to this incident, the city is still awaiting updates from CHP, which is leading the investigation. May said the city has "no idea" when further details from the investigation will be made public.
CHP spokesperson Vince Pompliano said on Tuesday there was no suspicion of drugs or alcohol being involved in the crash. As part of the ongoing investigation, the Calistoga Police Department's patrol vehicle was seized as evidence, and Norton has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Eyewitnesses and sources close to Sarabio said that they believe she was on her way to a local gym at approximately 7 p.m. when the incident occurred, according to televised reports from Fox KTVU. While Sarabio has since regained consciousness, she remains hospitalized, with a long road to recovery ahead according to Fox reports.
The incident highlighted a broader issue within California, as nearly 1,000 pedestrians die or suffer critical injuries each year as a result of car accidents, according to the latest statistics for California car accidents and fatalities. The state also ranks 11th in the nation for pedestrian deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents, underscoring the dangers faced by those on foot.
As of Wednesday morning, nearly $13,000 has been raised through Sarabio’s GoFundMe campaign, with a goal of $50,000 to help cover her medical and rehabilitation costs.
Despite the outpouring of community support, Sarabio's family has not yet made any public comment about the young woman or her prognosis.
Sarabio’s GoFundMe can be found here.
