93-year-old beloved Vieja Valley crossing guard retires after more than 20 years

For more than 20 years, Gwendolyn Clark knew exactly who was coming down the sidewalk outside Vieja Valley School – children by name, dogs by their favorite treats and drivers who needed a reminder to slow down. Now, at 93, the beloved crossing guard is retiring from a job she never wanted to leave. Clark s departure was marked by a surprise celebration Oct. 22, when students, staff and families gathered to honor the woman who had become a fixture of their school community. “It was really nice of them. I wasn t expecting that!” Clark said. “I thought it was just going to be the mothers, you know, all of the parents, and when I walked in, and all of the children were there? Oh my goodness.” Students from every grade made posters and cards, and former students also returned to celebrate her. Then, she was presented with a certificate of recognition by Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Laura Capps. Santa Barbara County Second District Supervisor Laura Capps