A sidewalk memorial has been growing on State Street near Mission Street for a Santa Barbara man killed in a vehicle crash Sunday night.
Joel Gonzalez, 29, was riding an electric bicycle around 9:30 p.m. Sunday when he was struck by a black SUV on the 1900 block of State Street. First responders determined he suffered major injuries and he was declared dead at the scene.
The vehicle driver, Christina Almada of Santa Barbara, 36, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Gonzalez’s family to help with memorial costs. The GoFundMe had raised $27,082 as of Wednesday morning with a goal to raise $30,000.
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Joel,” Christina Mendoza wrote. “As we come together to celebrate his life and say our goodbyes, we are also raising funds to help cover memorial expenses and support the family during this difficult time.”
Gonzalez was reportedly a bar manager at Santo Mezcal restaurant by Los Agaves. Santo Mezcal shared a photo of Gonzalez on Instagram Tuesday announcing his passing.
“Joel’s kindness, warmth, and joyful spirit touched everyone,” the post read. “He was the kind of person who lit up every room- always kind, always smiling, with love for his craft and hospitality.”
Gonzalez leaves behind a young daughter, according to the post.
“His presence at Santo Mezcal brought joy not just to our team, but to every guest who had the pleasure of meeting him,” the post read.
KEYT reported that Gonzales lived by the Old Mission and enjoyed the Mission Rose Garden. He also enjoyed watching Dodger Games with his family and he recently got his real estate licence.
Before becoming a bar manager at Santo Mezcal, Gonzalez reportedly worked security at Seven Bar on Montecito and Bath Streets. Seven Bar was hosting an all day fundraiser Wednesday with 50% of the proceeds going to his family, KEYT reported.
Police arrested Almada in connection to the crash for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury, and driving without a license, according to Santa Barbara Police Sgt. Bryan Kerr.
The investigation revealed that Almada, the driver of the black SUV, was traveling south on State Street when the bicyclist may have veered or turned in front of her vehicle, according to Kerr.
Almada was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on $100,000 bail. No charges have been filed by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office as of Wednesday.
