Torch Tribute and Relief Relay

Sadly, I received the following email this morning:

Facebook HERE.

I am writing in regards to an event that is being organized due to a tragic car accident that occurred in the early morning hours of Nov. 30^th. The Bakersfield Californian reported the accident that occurred on Highway 46 on Tuesday December 1^st as a single car accident that left the driver, Asencion Mendoza, in critical condition and passenger, Sergio Mendez, dead from injuries suffered in the crash. Here is the link to the article: http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/BreakingNewsTeam/52402

The two men involved were former students at Wasco High School and this crash has left many in the Lost Hills and Wasco communities very upset. Mendoza suffered spinal injuries, and was transported from Kern Medical Center to a special rehabilitation center in Downey, CA has still not regained full movement in his arms and legs. Mendoza was a decorated athlete and two-time All-Area Cross Country nominee. He was a four time South Sequoia League Champion, two-time Central Section Champion, and four-time State Meet Qualifier. He is a big part of our running family here in Wasco.

We have organized an event on Saturday January 23^rd in honor of Sergio Mendez and Asencion Mendoza and have named it the “Torch Tribute and Relief Relay”. We are planning on having approximately 50 students and graduates from Wasco High and Lost Hills Elementary participate in a torch relay run between Lost Hills School and Wasco High School . Each runner has pledged to seek sponsorship for their leg of the relay in order to raise money for the families that have been affected by this accident. The route that we will be running is especially meaningful since the crash occurred along the stretch of highway between Lost Hills and Wasco. It is also meaningful because Sergio’s burial plot is located along Highway 46 as well. We hope that this torch relay will create some community interest and we are hoping that you would be willing to help get the word out so that charitable donations may come in. If anyone is willing to make a donation, the payment and mailing information is below. We will also have T-shirts for sale at Lost Hills School and Wasco High School on Saturday, Jan. 23^rd. Please let me know if there is the possibility for some exposure. Please feel free to contact me or Lost Hills School principal Veronica Gregory if you have questions.

The event will start at 9:00 on Saturday Jan. 23rd at the Lost Hills School campus. The route will be along HWY 46 between Lost Hills and Wasco. The runners will be escorted by Sheriff and school vans for safety and the torch will stop and light candles in the location of the accident and at Sergio Mendez's gravesite. The entire relay will be about 40 miles long and should take most of the day.

Thank You,

Craig Williams

Wasco High Cross Country Coach

Work: 661-758-7400

Cell: 661-599-7595

Veronica Gregory

Principal Lost Hills School

Work: 661-797-2626

Mail Donations to:

Torch Tribute Relay Fund

P.O. Box 158

Lost Hills, CA 93249

Make Checks Payable to Lost Hills Booster Club