Press Release
Contact: Ronald Gonzales-Lawrence
Date: June 17, 2026
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (909) 397-4800 ext. 23885
For Immediate Release
Pomona Unified Honors Simons Middle School Student
Angel Mendoza Lopez
Launches Student Safety Initiative
POMONA, Calif. – The Pomona Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved Resolution No. 34 on June 10, 2026, honoring the memory of Simons Middle School student Angel Mendoza Lopez and launching a districtwide student safety initiative focused on scooter and bicycle education.
The resolution was adopted by a 5-0 vote and recognizes the profound impact Angel's passing has had on his family, classmates, school community, and the District as a whole.
The resolution follows the tragic loss of Angel Mendoza Lopez, who died following a traffic collision while riding an electric scooter after school, an event that profoundly affected students, staff, and families throughout the District.
District leaders noted that the tragedy underscored the importance of ensuring students and families understand safe transportation practices, particularly as the use of bicycles, scooters, and other mobility devices continues to grow among school-aged children.
Board President Dr. Lisa Nashua said, "This resolution is about honoring Angel's life while reaffirming our responsibility to educate and protect students. Through awareness, education, and community partnerships, we hope to promote safe transportation practices and help prevent future tragedies."
As part of the resolution, the District will develop and implement a comprehensive student safety campaign focused on scooter and bicycle safety. The initiative will include age-appropriate instruction on California safety laws and responsible riding practices, outreach to students and families, and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, transportation officials, public health organizations, and community partners.
"Angel's passing deeply affected our entire Pomona Unified family," said Superintendent Darren Knowles. "While no action can undo this tragedy, we hope to honor Angel's memory by helping educate students and families about transportation safety and by working together to prevent future tragedies."
The District will work with school sites and community partners during the coming school year to develop educational resources and awareness efforts that are age appropriate, compassionate, and focused on prevention.
The Board of Education also formally expressed its support for Assembly Bill 1569, California legislation intended to strengthen electric bicycle and scooter safety education in California schools. District leaders noted that education, awareness, and community engagement are important tools in helping students make safe transportation decisions.
During the Board meeting, members of the Board of Education presented flowers to Angel's family and expressed their gratitude for allowing the District to honor Angel's memory through Resolution No. 34 and the student safety initiative that will be implemented in his name. Board members thanked the family for supporting efforts to educate students and help prevent future tragedies.
The Board of Education also presented a commemorative copy of the resolution to Angel's family in recognition of Angel's lasting impact on the Pomona Unified community and the important role his memory will play in advancing student safety and awareness throughout the District.
###
Pomona Unified School District is a Pre-K through Adult Education school district serving more than 20,000 students in the cities of Pomona and Diamond Bar.