As Richard Alarcon was on his way to the Topanga Plaza on Sept. 12, 2008, news of the Chatsworth Metrolink collision was broadcasted through the radio.
The Los Angeles City Council member was no stranger to collision tragedies as 21 years ago his son died due to subsequent injuries after a car accident. Rushing to the scene, he along with other first responders, attempted to save as many lives as possible.
One year later, he stood before a crowd of about 300 remembering the day’s events at a memorial service honoring the 25 people who died.
“It’s a day that those of us who were present will never forget,” Alarcon said. “But it’s also a day that I hope we remember. There were tremendous successes. For all the lives lost, I believe there was an equal number or more that were saved.”
People gathered under the 90-degree heat by the tall brown stones that make up Stoney Point Park, only feet from the crash site. Family and friends wept, prayed and held each other.
In the past year, instead of letting the grief consume her, Paulette Pelayo used the memory and aspirations of her late friend Jacob Alan Hefter to strive for more and work harder to pursue her own dreams.
“He really loved medicine, just the fact that he didn’t get to do what he wanted to do,” Pelayo said. “It makes us all wanna try harder and reach his dream that he wasn’t able to complete.”
Rabbi Barry Lutz of Temple Ahavat Shalom delivered the benediction and told the crowd that the anniversary was a time to affirm the lasting impression that those who died left on them and will continue to have throughout their lives.
“As we gather here a year later, we find ourselves still haunted by the question,” Lutz said. “Why?”
But also a time to honor those who provided aid at the scene, he said.
“So it is that we have gathered here this morning, a time for us to thank those who have dedicated their lives to public service, those who have dedicated their lives to save, to comfort.”
Assistant Chief Michel Moore said the incident on September 12 was an unforgettable event, but a tragedy those affected must come to terms with.
“This is a fitting tribute. This is yet another chapter in this terrible, terrible tragedy that we as a people, as a community need to move through,” Moore said. “This is a scar in this area, a scar in our lives that can never be removed. It is with us forever.”
At the end, 25 first responders were given a white rose to place inside a water fountain, one for every person who died. As the names were read aloud they walked towards the fountain with their flower in hand. Eventually, the white petals adorned the side of the fountain.
“This community comes together in a time of crisis. And now, in times of need, remembrance and memorial,” said Mitchell Englander, master of ceremonies.
“Our lives will never be the same.”
