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Independent Voice

Community Continues Support, Condolences for Couple Struck Downtown

Nov 24, 2020 12:00AM ● By Debra Dingman

Sentiments from customers, family, and friends line the entry of the Taqueria Adelina in downtown Dixon. The family expressed deep appreciation for the community's support. The taqueria reopened the restaurant this week. Photo by Debra Dingman

Community Continues Support, Condolences for Couple Struck Downtown [2 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Beautiful flowers, candles, and a poster of sweet sentiments written in Spanish and English have been outside the Taqueria Adelina since last week after a hit and run driver struck the owners of the Taqueria Adelina Mexican Restaurant next door to First Northern Bank in downtown Dixon.

Adelina Rendon Diaz, 70, died after she was struck by a vehicle that left before authorities arrived and her 71-year-old husband was hospitalized with serious injuries but is now home recovering from surgery. The couple had just closed up their restaurant on a Sunday evening and were heading home, crossing North First Street.

The couple were the owners of the restaurant for many years and their granddaughter, Atzimba Bocanegra, set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her grandmother's funeral and memorial services. She said their family was going through a very difficult time and expressed sincere appreciation to her grandmother’s friends, family and loyal customers who have supported them throughout the years.

“My Grandmother was mostly known as a sweet hardworking lady who cooked at Taqueria Adelina,” Bocanegra wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Our family is beyond grateful for all the prayers and contributions from the community.” The contributions at press time are nearly double the requested funeral expenses with many of them contributing anonymously.

"The money will be used for [my grandmother's] funeral/memorial expenses as well as any related expenses like medical bills for my grandfather who is now recovering from surgery. We appreciate everyone who’s supported us. She will now forever be in our hearts," Atzimba wrote in a follow up.

The family has just reopened the little restaurant at 183 North First Street and will be offering take-out orders, said Julio Bocangera, son of the couple who was struck. He also expressed appreciation to the community for their outpouring of kindness. For placing take-out orders, please call (707) 693-8989.

The Dixon Police Department is continuing its investigation into the fatal hit and run collision that occurred on November 8, 2020, at about 8 pm. The Dixon Police Department thanked the public on its Facebook page for their assistance in locating the vehicle which has been identified as the involved vehicle and towed as evidence on November 9.

They have identified the driver of the vehicle as Jose De Jesus Arauza-Ortiz (31) and obtained a warrant for his arrest. The Dixon Police Department has received information Arauza-Ortiz may be en route to Southern California or Mexico at this time.

If anyone has information regarding this incident or Arauza-Ortiz’s whereabouts, they are asked to contact Dixon Police Detective Oliveira at 707-678-7080.