23-Year-Old Woman Killed When Car Slams Into Pole

NORTHRIDGE — A 23-year-old woman was killed when the car she was riding in slammed into a light pole at Balboa Boulevard and Lassen Street, police said Saturday.

Julia Sokolow was in the passenger seat of her friend’s car when the accident occurred at 9:55 Friday night. She was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where she was pronounced dead shortly after, according to police.

Todd Olson, 24, the driver, and another passenger, Anitrea Manor, 22, sustained minor injuries. Olson was treated at the scene, and Manor was treated and released from Holy Cross.

The accident occurred when the car driven by Olson, traveling southbound on Balboa, swerved to avoid a vehicle that was attempting to make a left onto Lassen from northbound Balboa. Olson’s car missed the other vehicle but hit the pole, causing the traffic light to crash through Olson’s sunroof, police said.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department Valley Traffic Division arrived at the scene minutes later.

Police are looking into a witness’ report that Olson’s car was exceeding the speed limit. There was no evidence that either driver was intoxicated, according to police, who said their investigation is continuing.