A Painful Ride: In the bustling heart of Santa Clara County, where innovation thrives and the pursuit of justice prevails, one woman’s journey towards healing and justice reaches a turning point. Andrea Ortega, a tenacious attorney, is on the cusp of receiving a $337,500 settlement from the city of San Jose.
The San Jose City Council is poised to deliberate on the proposed settlement agreement with Andrea Ortega on November 14, marking a significant step in her quest for redress. In 2021, Ortega took legal action against the city, citing hazardous conditions and a lack of maintenance as contributing factors to the serious injuries she suffered near a light rail station.
In this challenging legal battle, Ortega was represented by attorney Casey Kaufman, who shared her client’s relief in reaching a resolution. “It’s a regrettable situation for all parties involved,” Kaufman remarked, emphasizing that Andrea Ortega would undoubtedly prefer that this unfortunate incident had never occurred.
The fateful night of December 17, 2019, around 10 p.m., saw Ortega and her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Bergam, embarking on a tandem ride aboard a rented Bird electric scooter. Their journey, returning from the SAP Center after a San Jose Sharks game, took an unexpected and painful turn. As they traversed a parklet adjacent to the San Fernando Light Rail Station, their scooter collided with a broken lamp post base embedded in the ground. The absence of the lamp post itself and the lack of warning signs or cones heightened the peril, as Ortega was thrust face-first into the unforgiving concrete.
In the aftermath, it became evident that the nearest functional streetlamp, located approximately 20 feet away, had been inoperative that ill-fated night. This rendered the broken lamp post base virtually invisible to those in the vicinity. The repercussions were severeOrtega endured a broken nose, a concussion, and the loss of two teeth. Multiple teeth were broken, chipped, or loosened, leaving her with lasting scars in the form of lacerations, bruises, and facial swelling. A protracted and intricate medical journey followed, involving the need for three crowns and two implants, with numerous visits to dental specialists.
Also Read: Valley Water Pioneering Next Gen Program: Forging an Inclusive Water Future
While the legal proceedings unfolded, it was disclosed that the city had an existing agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) dating back to 2004, regarding maintenance responsibilities in the area where the accident transpired. The city was entrusted with the maintenance of the parklet, including the lighting fixtures. However, a misinterpretation had prevailed, as the city had incorrectly assumed that its obligations were limited to landscaping in the parklet.
An examination of historical Google Street View images provided compelling evidence that the light pole had been missing from its base for nearly three years before the incident that profoundly affected Ortega. Furthermore, at two separate instances before that fateful night, cones had been placed over the fractured lamp post base, though the responsible agency remained unclear.
Upon gaining clarity on their maintenance obligations, city crews promptly rectified all deficiencies related to the area’s lighting. Nonetheless, the indelible impact on Andrea Ortega’s life lingers, as she faces daily reminders in the form of scarring and the dental work required for her recovery.
The Next Gen Career Pathways Program is about creating opportunities, nurturing skills, providing mentorship, and offering hands-on experience to aspiring individuals. It’s our way of ensuring that the door to the water industry is open to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Next Gen Program helps us develop career pathways for disadvantaged local communities and do more to recruit diverse candidates from across the nation.
Investing in the Next Gen Career Pathways Program is essential for our community. It allows us to take concrete steps toward promoting workforce development and creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who can ensure the long-term sustainability of the water industry. This program actively engages with diverse communities, attracting underrepresented groups and fostering fairness in hiring outcomes.
In the spirit of equity, diversity, and inclusion, Valley Water’s Next Gen Career Pathways Program isn’t just a program; it’s a promise to help break down barriers to ensure everyone in our community has an equal opportunity. We’re excited to be part of an organization that’s building a workforce more inclusive, driving progress for generations to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the roller coaster feeling called?
Airtime is a beloved term among roller coaster enthusiasts. It refers to the exhilarating sensation of floating that riders experience due to negative g-forces. This feeling is typically felt during drops or at the top of hills. By experiencing airtime, riders can truly feel like they are flying through the air.
What is roller coaster of emotions meaning?
This journey has been a wild ride of emotions for me, swinging between moments of pure excitement and joy to feelings of sadness, disappointment, and even desperation. It’s been a roller coaster of ups and downs, but I’m grateful for the experience nonetheless.
How do you describe a rollercoaster?
A roller coaster is an elevated railway that takes passengers on a thrilling ride through sharp curves, sudden changes of speed and direction, and steep inclines and descents. This popular leisure activity is typically found in amusement parks and is designed as a continuous loop for maximum excitement. With its heart-pumping twists and turns, a roller coaster is sure to provide a brief but unforgettable thrill ride for all who dare to take the plunge.
What do you call someone who loves roller coasters?
A roller coaster enthusiast is someone who has a deep passion for these thrilling rides. They are often referred to as “Goons” or “Thoosies” by their fellow enthusiasts. Their love for roller coasters is evident in their excitement and eagerness to ride them. These individuals are always on the lookout for new and exciting roller coasters to experience. Their enthusiasm is contagious and can inspire others to join in on the fun.