In the wake of a deadly crash in San Francisco’s Chinatown, community members on Monday raised concerns about pedestrian safety as the victim’s family continued to mourn.
Last Friday, a driver lost control and struck two people – one fatally – before slamming into a historic neighborhood restaurant.
During a traffic and public safety meeting in Chinatown on Monday, police said the 76-year-old driver has been cooperative with them and that they’re still investigating the crash.
“There is the possibility of pending charges,” SFPD Lt. Brendan O’Connor said. “Obviously, we will complete our investigation before we divulge any of that information and we will also work in concert with our district attorney’s office.”
The person who was killed, 49-year-old Cutberto Zamora of Stockton, was helping deliver carpet for a renovation project at the time, according to a Chinatown property manager. He was a husband and father of two.
His wife, Alberta Martinez, said he was outgoing, hard-working and the sole provider for their family.
“My husband was a wonderful person,” Martinez said. “He always enjoys the life a lot. He was very caring of the family.”
Zamora’s son Diego said the fatal collision happened right before his dad was set to turn 50 and days before his sister’s quinceañera.
“He loved talking to anyone and everyone,” Diego said. “Everywhere he’d go he made friends. I think we want to remember his as just hard-working.”
At Monday’s community meeting, the panel was asked about the possibility of further precautions for senior drivers. Someone pointed out there have been a few fatal or harmful crashes lately involving drivers over 70 years old.
“My understanding is a lot of seniors get automatic license renewal; I think we should look into it,” Harlan Wong of San Francisco said.
In 2024, the California Department of Motor Vehicles started requiring drivers who reach 70 to visit an office in person for an eye test before getting a license renewed. Supervisor Danny Sauter said family members should also begin having honest conversations with older drivers about their capabilities and the city needs to preserve public transit and make it more accessible.
