Santa Paula school community sends support to former principal injured in Hwy 126 crash

Santa Paula: The school community is really stepping up for Alfredo Varela, a former principal who got into a serious crash on Highway 126. It happened on Christmas Eve, and he was in critical condition at first.

Alfredo, who’s 44, was the principal at Glen City Elementary until June. He’s been with the Santa Paula Unified School District since 2017, starting as a Spanish teacher. Now, he’s an assistant principal at Lake Elsinore Unified School District.

The accident involved two vehicles and happened around 2 p.m. Varela’s SUV crossed the median and hit a Lexus. He was airlifted to the hospital, while two others in his vehicle were taken by ambulance with moderate injuries.

Sadly, the crash also claimed the lives of two Santa Paula residents, Carlos Perez and Maria Ceja, who were well-loved in their community. Memorial services for them are set to begin soon.

Everyone is hoping for Alfredo’s recovery, and the support from the community is pouring in. It’s heartwarming to see people come together during such tough times.