A trail to remember

On  Oct. 5, friends of Annamay Naef remembered her on the anniversary of her tragic death. Exactly one year before, the car Naef rode in spun out of control, hitting a post at the corner of Hawthorne Blvd. and PV Drive North, resulting in the head trauma that took her life. However, Annamay has remained alive in everyone’s hearts.

Bouquets of flowers decorated the plaque built in honor of Naef. One by one, people quietly lit candles and set them next to the plaque.

“It really doesn’t feel like it’s been a year,” senior Amanda Yost said. “I met her in sixth grade through mutual friends and we used to talk all the time.”

Growing up within the same school district, numerous Panthers had come to know Naef.

“During freshmen year we had a ‘love-hate’ relationship, but sophomore year we just clicked,” senior Trevor Stiker said. “We became best friends.”

Naef also connected with members of the community, and  used to regularly babysit two little boys who were Boy Scouts.

To honor her, their 12-scout troop constructed a sign, renaming the riding trail near the accident site “Annamay’s Trail.” Rolling Hills Estates gave permission to rename the trail in honor of Naef’s passion for riding.

Family friend Cat Spydell had been one of the people who helped Naef pursue horseback riding, and she referred to Naef as “part of the family.”

“Ultimately, we always went back to horseback riding with her,” Spydell said. “It was the most beautiful time of our lives, riding with her and being part of that world with her.”

RPV Deputy Sheriff Angela Alfaro emphasized the danger of driving in violent weather, and the safety precautions that can be taken to prevent such accidents.

“You have to definitely take into consideration the road factors. If the road is wet with the first rain of season, there’s a lot more oil on road,” Alfaro said.

According to Alfaro, the most dangerous intersection near Peninsula is Palos Verdes Drive North and Hawthorne Blvd.

The roads are busiest during commute times, in the morning before school from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m., and in the afternoon around 3:30 p.m. Students should be wary of traffic and should never attempt to multitask while driving.

Alfaro added that it is important to watch for not only the car in front of you, but the car in front of that as well. “If he slams on his brakes, you and the car in front of you won’t have enough reaction speed.”

However cautious a driver may be, accidents do occur. This is how Peninsula lost Annamay Naef. Although Naef’s presence may no longer be with us, she will continue to live on in the hearts of family, friends and the panther community.