Community Corner
Annual 5K Against Distracted Driving on Sunday
The event is a tribute to a young victim of texting and driving accident.
A 5K walk and run in remembrance of a teenager killed in a distracted driving accident is being held on Sunday to promote awareness of the issue.
The 3rd Annual In Honor of Conor kicks off at 7:30 a.m. at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park and is being organized by Conor Lynch Foundation, led by Conor's mother.
Also attending the event is Jon Epstein, founder of Lead Everyone Against Distracted Driving and a junior at Oakwood Secondary School in North Hollywood who's made a lifelong pledge to never text and drive.
His organization was prompted by the death of his friend, Conor Lynch, who was killed by a texting driver while crossing the street a few years ago.
"I just realized how dangerous it was, how bad I would feel if I killed someone or if I was killed, how my parents would feel," Jon told Patch.
After the walk, Jon is hosting a booth at the event Expo, where food, entertainment and additional information on distracted driving will be made available.
He'll also be asking those in attendance to take a "don't text and drive" pledge and handing out bumper stickers.
5K starts at 7:30 a.m. at Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, 14201 Huston Street, Sherman Oaks.
Editor's Note: This article originally reported that the 5K was organized by Jon Epstein. It's actually put together by the Conor Lynch Foundation.
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