Text and Photography by Julian Lucas
Published 8:00 a.m. PST

Pomona - Sunday family and friends gather to mourn the loss of Gilberto Cazares Payan, 52. Mr. Payan was picking up dinner at the local taco stand.

Reports explain a motorist was driving east bound on Holt Ave veered into the left lane, jumping onto the curb and driving into a crowded sidewalk into a taco stand at about 7:45 p.m. on Friday resulting in the loss of life of Mr. Payan and injuring 12 other people. The driver evaded the scene, but soon returned to turn themselves in. The driver was arrested and faces charges of suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, and hit-and-run causing death or injury.

Activists, family and friends will speak out at the next Pomona city council meeting in regards to protections for street vendors and the public who patronize them. Join in solidarity and make your voice heard October 17, 2022 at 6 p.m.

A gofundme has been set up after the tragic loss. See the fundraiser here.

Julian Lucas, is fine art photographer, photojournalist, creative strategist, and writer in training. Julian has lived in Chicago, Inglewood, Portland, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County including Pomona.