Lots of scrutiny of my comment on where I was told SP was dropped off. I'm not picking on KaaBoom by quoting him/her here, just using this post as a reference, so please don't take offense.
First, looking at a picture and trying to make judgements on what SP could or could not see is likely counter productive. The photos you are examining looking down the road probably takes in a 5-10 degree field of view at best. SP could turn her head and has a much wider field of view. From the house area west of I5 one could simply turn your head and see the lights of the traffic on I-5 to the SouthEast. That plus the noise= freeway in that direction -->
In regard to the church video, my recollection was that the Sheriff said nothing was seen on the video, perhaps I'm mistaken. It was also he that stated she "walked" to the church. When SP told me the story it was "ran".
OK! I will believe "ran" since you say that you heard that DIRECTLY from the VICTIM. Thanks. JMO