Mother's Tragic Death Prompts Safety Changes At Hollywood School

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A mother's tragic death caused officials Friday to make safety changes outside a Hollywood school.

A guard was on duty at the intersection of Bronson and Foundation avenues outside Citizens of the World Charter School where 42-year-old Marleni Barrera was hit by a semi-truck while walking with her daughter last week.

"I was thrilled to see that bright, bright florescent yellow! It just made me feel so much safer," mother Susan Mitnick said. "The kids are so short, they are lower than the cars and people don't see everybody."

District officials say they requested a traffic guard more than a year ago, but the LA Department of Transportation said there weren't enough funds.

LA Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell used district's discretionary funds to put the guard in place Friday at the charter school, which shares a campus with an LAUSD middle school.

"There is nothing more important than protecting the health and well-being and safety of children," he said.

Friday's crossing guard was just a temporary supervisor who will fill in until someone is hired for the position.

Mother Killed, Child Injured After Being Hit By Semi Truck Near Hollywood Middle School