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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-2006 Traffic Safety Commission AgendaV CITY OF SARATOGA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION Special Meeting AGENDA DATE: July 20, 2006 TIME: 6:30 PM LOCATION: Senior Center 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 Call to Order Roll Call: Ballingall, Biester, Bustamante, Guichard, and Kane Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on July 13, 2006. Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Lode Section 54954.2. Oral Est Written Communication Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up to three minutes. Commissioners may notrommenton the matter but may choose toplacethexopic on a future agenda Old Business 1. Traffic Matrix # 111 Issue: Review implementation of Speed Bumps on Pierce road Action: TSC will review and make recommendation New Business None Announcements by Commissioners and Staff Adjournment to Next Regular Meeting Thursday, August 10, 2006 4 In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability - related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 408.868.1269 or ctclerk@sarat!2pa.ca.us Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Administrative Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on July 13, 2006, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City's website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Pierce Road Speed Bumps - Phone Call Log Date Name Address Supports Do Not Support Comments Letter Sent to Residents on 4/25/06 Regarding Installation of Speed Bumps on Pierce Road 1 4/26/2006 Bill Pierce 12936 Pierce Rd. ✓ Thrilled 2 4/26/2006 Edward Levin Chalet_ Clotilde ✓ Unnecessary nuisance 3 4/28/2006 David Trager Pierce Road ✓ Looking forward to safely walking on Pierce 4 4/28/2006 Dave Walb 12841 Pierce Rd. ✓ Thanks for attempting to slow traffic down 5 5/1/2006 Don Weldon Pierce Road ✓ The 'real' speeding is past Foothill on Pierce - we got it wrong 6 5/1/2006 Gary Anderson 18880 Bella Vina ✓ Thinks we need mirrors for site distance for side streets that enter onto Pierce 7 5/8/2006 Brian Frank 13090 Pierce Road ✓ The 'real' speeding is past Foothill on Pierce- will send letter to request speed bumps past Foothill, will schedule for TSC 8 5/8/2006 Loretta Levin 13481 Pierce Road J Ruins the alignment on your car, it is dangerous to slow traffic down 9 5/8/2006 Don Campbell Chadwick Ct. J creates danger for low imported cars, have to slow down too much, creates a safety hazard- there will be accidents 10 5/11/2006 Dorothy Terrill 13277 Pierce Road ✓ Happy, but thinks there is more speeding above Foothill. 11 6/5/2006 Brad Pierce Road ✓ Thinks they should have been put in a long time ago 12 6/12/2006 Colleen Wagner Pierce Road ✓ Speed Bumps Installed on 6/14/06 13 6/14/2006 Ken Munson ✓ Can't drive the speed limit over the bumps, seems like a punishment, there will be accidents and lawsuits 14 6/14/2006 Robert Yeager 21020 Comer Drive J Bumps are a traffic hazard and dangerous, people having trouble manuevering over them 15 6/15/2006 Annonymous Message ✓ Thinks the bumps are stupid and wants to know what he can do to have them removed Do Not Date Name Address Supports Support Comments Very upset, wants to know process on how to get them removed. Close to causing accidents. Should be able to go 30 16 1 6/15/2006 Robert Schwartz Pierce & Comer ✓ mph over bumps not 15, you are changing speed limit creating a safety hazard, almost hit a truck in front of him. 17 6/15/2006 Steven Sneddon 21780 Heber ✓ Supports some kind of remediation, just not this one 18 3/15/2006 Jocelyn Pierce Road ✓ Are we going to consider other sections of Pierce Road? 19 3/15/2006 Leela 12886 Pierce Road ✓ Bumps are not helping, cars are driving around the bumps Does not want bumps, we should be enforcing speed limit, slows traffic to 1/2 posted speed limit, City will be liable for 20 3/15/2006 John Keenan ✓ damages. Pierce is a major.throughfare. We should lower the speed limit instead of causing 21 3/15/2006 Annonymous Message Pike Road ✓ inconvenience for everyone Thrilled with the result of the speed bumps and so are his 22 6/19/2006 Brad Daniels Pierce Road ✓ neighbors, they are working. Bumps are a safety hazard, Pierce Road is a feeded road, too 23 6/19/2006 Russell Perry 21846 Via Regina ✓ busy for bumps. No notice given to residents Wants them removed. Lives near speed bump. This is just a 24 6/19/2006 Steve Mourning 12929 Pierce Road J nuisance. No children live on this section of road. Unhappy with increased noise level. People are honking when driving over them. Daughter's VW bug had to have pan underneath car replaced because of bumps. Cars are trying to go 25 6/20/2006 Liz Shewchuk Houston Court J around them 26 6/20/2006 Karen Azzi Can't see the bumps at night 27 6/22/2006 Dan Eastman 13745 Pierce Road J Other areas on Pierce Road also need remediation You have slow down too much. Hard for horse trailers. Stupid 28 6/28/2006 Judy Miller 14440 Pike Road ✓ for a thru- way street. Should be another way to slow traffic. Has had 5 vehicles go into yard over the years because of speeding. Happy with speed bumps, City is finally doing something for the local residents. Honking compaign is 29 1 6/28/2006 Sherry Jaunrubenis 112969 Pierce Road 1 ✓ I annoying. Do Not Date Name Address Supports Support Comments After the City for 10 years for City to install them. Move last one closer to curve. People speeding around curve. Two bumps 30 6/28/2006 Bob Wallace 12881 Foothill Lane ✓ are enough. Supports bumps. Drivers are acting aggressive toward her and 31 6/29/2006 Sheri Pierce Road ✓ neighbors, honking and shouting at them. Have to slow down too much to go over them and can only go 32 6/29/2006 Rob Schwartz ✓ 20 mph in between - well below the limit. Speed bumps are obnoxious, causing traffic jam, speeds are so 33 6/29/2006 Jack Mt. Eden Road ✓ inconsistent 34 7/5/2006 Margaret Casanova Mt. Eden Road ✓ Bumps are ridiculous, too many, have to stop at each one 35 7/11/2006 Ingrid Sywick Parker Ranch ✓ Hates bumps. Has trouble going over bumps with horse trailer. 36 7/11/2006 Don Perata Pike Road ✓ Thinks the solution is too extreme for the problem Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: EDWARD LEVIN [ENLEVIN @COMCAST.NET] Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 4:51 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] speed bumps Importance: Low I live on Pierce Rd off Chalet Clotilde. I jog on Pierce Rd, I ride my bike on Pierce Rd. and take my grandkids for walks on Pierce Rd. I do not have a problem with the traffic and 1 do not want speed bumps installed. This will be an unnecessay nuissance. Thank you, Edward Levin, M.D. enlevin @comcast.net 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: David Trager [tragers @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 9:10 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] speed bumps Importance: Low Hi Kristin, Thanks for your letter announcing the installation of the speed bumps on Pierce Rd. We are very excited that this is coming to fruition, and looking forward to their arrival next month. Hopefully, we will be able to walk safely down that stretch of Pierce Rd this summer! Thanks for helping make this happen. Sincerely, David Trager 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Deborah Williams '[deborahwilliams @cox.net] Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 1:47 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: 'Phil Williams' Subject: Placement of Speed Bumps on Pierce Road Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst City of Saratogga 13777 Fruitvare Avenue Saratoga, CA 92081 Dear Kristin: I received your letter indicating speed bumps that are being placed on 'Pierce Road. I have owned my property on Chiqui a Way for 13 years and have been a member of the Saratoga community for many more years than I've owned this property. I was unaware of the speed bump considerations until after a decision had been made. You asked if I have further questions, and I would like to know what other measures were considered? I would also like to determine if the people who complained about the speeding are representative of the entire Pierce Road community. Typically the squeaky wheel is seldom representing the community as a whold. I personally have to use Pierce Road to gain access to my home, and I am FIRMLY AGAINST any and all speed bumps on Pierce Road. Have there been multiple accidents on Pierce as a direct result of speeding? If not, then I don't feel these complaints are justified. Has anyone determined if possibly the speed limit should be increased? Were additional stop si ns considered before speed bumps? Is he city going to be responsible for any damage to my car as a result of the speed bumps? As this impacts ALL drivers on Pierce Road all residents who live on Pierce Road, and all residents who can only access their homes b driving on Pierce Road, I believe the needs of the community would be better served by putting this type of action on the ballot and let the entire community take part in this decision. It is my experience that once these are installed, it will take an act of God an act of Congress, or more money than I have available to have the speed bumps removed. Unless there is overwhelmingg evidence indicating this is the only viable solution, I suggest the city should quit serving smairspecial interest groups and begin to address the need of the entire community. I'd be willing to bet if this were on the ballot, it would be rejected by an overwhelming majority of votes. Regards, 7/5/2006 Kristin Borel From: _ Brad Lind Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 5:05 PM To: Kristin Borel; Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Citizen Complaint Kristin, Can you help with this? Brad - - - -- Original Message---- - From: - f mailto :joe @emulation.com] Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 3:47 PM To: Brad Lind Subject: Citizen Complaint Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by {joe @emulation.com) on Monday, June 12, 2006 at 18:46:49 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --- - -- Complainant: Joseph Bagliere Address: 13746 Pierce Road HomePhone: 408 - 867 -9810 WorkPhone: 408- 982 -0660 #212 LocationComplaint: Pierce Road CrossStreet: Sara Hills Drive DescriptionComplaint: A number of people speed up and down Pierce Road.Whether they do it intentionally or not it is very dangerous from Sara Hills to Mount Eden Road as there are blind curves, children and pets living on this road. I have seen several accidents and near misses -over the past 4 or 5 years and I think something should be done to stop people from speeding permanently. Many trees have been hit so there is a recorded history of the accidents. Also the creek between Pike Road and Sara Hills does not have a guard rail and a car drove into once. 1. Can you install speed bumps on this road to slow people down. The speed limit is 25 mph and putting a sheriff there from time to time is not the answer. Can you put a guard rail up along the creek undercrossing? Please let me know. I would be glad to show someone in the city government where the problem is and they can clock the cars coming up and down the road. Best regards, oe Bagliere Kristin Borel From: 1250man @comcast.net Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 4:30 PM To: John Cherbone Cc: Ann Waltonsmith; Dave Anderson; Nick Streit; Kathleen King; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Rick Torres; Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Road Thanks John, You don't have to educate me about the bureaucratic process. Popularity may not be a factor in TSC decisions. But it IS in council elections, and don't forget, they are the folks who appoint the TSC and who decide whether or not to implement TSC recommendations. I am curious just how many people get mailed notice of this meeting. Just folks with Pierce Road addresses? Just folks within so many feet of the affected area? The truth is that everyone along Pierce and all the roads that feed into it are affected, and I suspect that the vast majority knew nothing about this. Please keep me informed on developments. I'll plan to attend the meeting in August. I'd like to play a constructive role in this process. I am not trying to be a spoiler. I think that my views about this are realistic and pragmatic. I just think that someone went way overboard here in an attempt to correct a problem. I think that there has to be a better solution than this. Paul -------- - - - - -- Original message ---------------- - - - - -- From: 'John Cherbone' <jherbone @saratoga.ca.us> > Hi Paul, > According to the City's Traffic Engineer 7 mph over the 85th > percentile is the standard for considering traffic calming measures. I > drove them today and it was not a problem for me to slow down to > travel over the bumps and then accelerate to the speed limit and then > slow for the next bumps. It may be that we only need two sets and > three is too much. We will determine that once the post traffic data is collected. > Pierce Road is designated as a collector street in the Circulation > Element and roads such as Saratoga - Sunnyvale are classified as major > and minor arterials. We do not consider traffic calming measures on > arterial roads. > We are receiving a great deal of feedback from the public some for and > some against the bumps. The TSC makes their determination based on > safety not weather the bumps are popular or not, so if the bumps are > determined not to be effective or not to be safe they will be modified > or removed. > You have raised some great questions and I will have each one followed > up on-so they can be discussed at the August meeting. > Thanks, John > - - - -- Original Message---- - > From:1250man @comcast.net [mailto:1250man @ comcast.net] > Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 3:30 PM > To: John Cherbone > Cc: Ann Waltonsmith; Dave Anderson; Nick Streit; Kathleen King; Norm > Kline; Aileen Kao; Rick Torres; Kristin Borel > Subject: RE: Pierce Road > John, you guys make me laugh;-) (as I grit my teeth). The speed bumps > are sufficiently close together so that Pierce Road would look like a >.drag strip if folks actually sped up to 30 mph between them. And if > the AVERAGE is only 7 mph over posted, then I have trouble seeing why it > warrants something this drastic. Is that unsafe? I'll bet that all > over the valley if not the entire state, 5 miles over the posted speed > limit is standard. I'll bet that on any major street in Saratoga the > average is at least 5 mph over, and on S- S'vale Road it is higher than > that. > Now, I have no doubt.that the bumps WILL lower the average speed; you don't need to be a traffic engineer to see that. No one would want to hit one of those bumps at 30 mph. But why should traffic be forced to > travel at less than that? The question is whether or not the means > warrant it and whether the reduction is MORE than necessary. You could > install stop signs every 50 yards too, and that would slow traffic, > but the question is, is this really necessary? > 1 would suggest that the traffic engineer also do a traffic count. > I'll bet that Pierce ranks right up there with the other major > thoroughfares in volume, and you wouldn't install speed bumps there. > I hope that all of you folks will drive this a few times and see if > you think this makes sense. > Paul > -------- - - - - -- Original message ---------------------- > From: 'John Cherbone" <jherbone @saratoga.ca.us> > > Iii Paul, > > The next TSC meeting will be held on August 10th at 6:30 P.M. The 15 > mph > speed is only at the speed bumps. In between the bumps the speed > > limit is 30 mph as posted. Currently "85% of the vehicles are > > traveling and average of 7 mph over the posted speed limit of 30rnph. > > The bumps have been installed to lower 85% of the vehicles to a > > average speed of 30 mph. Prior to the August meeting our Traffic > > Engineer will be taking speed data to determine if the bumps are > > successful or not and to collect public comments. > > Sincerely, > >John > > -> - -- Original Message---- - > > From:1250man @comcast.net [mailto:1250man @comcast.net] > >'Sent: Thursday, June 15, 20061:22 PM > > To: John Cherbone > > Cc: Ann Waltonsmith; Dave Anderson; Nick Streit; Kathleen King; Norm > > Kline; Aileen Kao; Rick Torres; Kristin Borel > > Subject: RE: Pierce Road > > Thanks John. > > I have not received notice of an August TSC meeting and would like to > > attend. > > When exactly is it? And I never received notice of the meeting last > > year when > > a decision was made on this by the TSC. > > I am sure that there are folks along that stretch who would like the > > road closed too, but the reality is that it's long been a very busy > > road and they should > > have recognized that when they moved in. They need to live with it. > > Invariably it's a few whiners who get what they want because the city > >gets tired of listening to them and caves in. But I think that this > > is going too far and now the other side needs to get heard. > > If you're not familiar with any lumps that allow posting of speeds > > in excess of > > 15 mph, then I assume that you are essentially admitting that the > posted > > speed limit along here is being dropped to 15mph. Now based on > traffic > > surveys is 15 mph a justifiable maximum speed limit for this stretch > of > > road? Would the city be justifed in reducing the speed limit to 15 > > without these bumps? State law sets 25 mph as the standard in a > > residential area. Except for hairpin curves and unusual roadways, > > where else is the speed limit reduced in this fashion on a major > > thoroughfare in Saratoga? > > I am not a fan of speeding cars on Pierce Road. I'd love to see less > > traffic. > > But this is an impediment to the normal and reasonable flow of > traffic. >>I > > think that a reasonable solution would be to put something like rows of > > Bots > > Dots, so that when people hit them it makes noise and alerts them, > but > > not > > something that's as drastic as these lumps. > > Paul > > -------- - - - - -- Original message ---------------------- > > Prom: "John Cherbone° <jcherbone @saratoga.ca.us> > > > Hi Paul, > > > We will forward your comments to the Traffic Safety Commission > >>(TSC) > > who > > > will be reviewing the issue at their next meeting in August as was > > > indicated in the notification letter which was mailed to Pierce > > > Road area residents. The residents along this stretch of Pierce > > have been > > > concerned for years regarding speeding vehicles and thus the TSC > voted > > > to move forward with the installation of three sets of bumps. > Because > > > these speed bumps are a type which are installed rather than > > constructed > > > they can be removed or relocated without a great deal of effort or > > > wasted funds. If you cannot attend the TSC meeting in August we > will > > > let you know what decisions are reached regarding this issue. > > > I am not aware of any speed bumps that allow a posting of speeds > > greater > > > than 15 mph, but I will look into this. > > > Let me know if you have any other questions. > > > Sincerely, >>>John > > > From: Paul & Renee Jacobs [mailto:1250man @comcast.net] > > > Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 6:20 PM > > > To: John Cherbone > > > Cc: Ann Waltonsmith; Dave Anderson; Nick Streit; Kathleen King; > > > Norm Kline; Aileen Kao > > >'Subject: Pierce Road > > > John, > > > I see that they put in the speed bumps on Pierce. But 'Reduce >>> speed > >to > > > 15 MPH° !!!! Are you �Yzuvs nuts ? ?? That's ludicrous. This is >a > > > very dark road at night and when folks hit those bumps there will > > > be serious consequences. And 15 mph during the day ? ?? What is >>>.the > plan > > > here? If the city intends to leave those, then I intend to raise > > > an army in protest because it is totally ridiculous to reduce > > > traffic > to >>15 > > > mph on that stretch of road. The speed limit is 30. Heck, even > the > > > curve is set at 20. > > > Paul Jacobs 0 Kristin Borel From: Steve Sneddon jsned @stevesneddon.us] Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 2:14 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Paula Sneddon; Laura Sneddon Subject: Letters to Traffic Safety Committee Kristin, We spoke on the phone yesterday concerning my issues with the new speed bumps -on Pierce Rd. You were going to send me any correspondence to the Traffic Safety Committee from Pierce Rd. residents that went into the packet for the Committee at its Sept 8, 2005 meeting. Did you locate any emails or other electronic forms of these letters? Thanks in advance, 'Steve Sneddon PS - the bumps are really too high for the SUV's, pickups, and larger trucks that travel that road. The result is that traffic comes to a halt at one or more of the speed bumps. I urge you to get the traffic engineer down there at a busy traffic time (8 -10AM on weekdays, for example) to investigate. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: David Trager [tragers @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 7:54 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps Hi Kristen, Just wanted to let you know that the speed bumps on Pierce Rd. have been installed, and they are absolutely effective! The speeding on that stretch has been virtually eliminated, and it is now safe to walk along, and cross the street. Thanks to you and the safety commission for making this happen - -it is truly a big improvement to our community. Thanks, David Trager 7/5/2006 Kristin ftrel From: Brad Lind Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 8:47 AM To: Kristin Bore[ Subject: FW: Citizen Complaint - - - -- Original Message---- - From: [mailto:prometheusl @ yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2006 9:18 PM To: Brad Lind Subject: Citizen Complaint Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by (prometheusl @yahoo.com) on Monday, June 19, 2006 at 00:17:35 --------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- Complainant: Anita Chowdhry Address: 13597 Old Oak way 1-lomePhone: 872 -1706 NorkPhone: 523 -6337 LocationComplaint: pierce road DescriptionComplaint: I have moved to Saratoga recently and while I love the city I am quite concerned about vehicles speeding on Pierce road. Not only cars, but trucks carrying heavy equipment go at least 15 -20 mph above the posted speed limits. The situation can get hazardous for drivers and even more so for bicyclists and pedestrains. I have noticed that several speed bumps have been placed close to the Pierce and Sunnyvale- Saratoga road crossing and it seems to have eased the speeding situation in that part of the road. Is it possible to place more speed bumps along the Pierce road or take any other measures to ensure that drivers adhere to the posted speed limit. Best Regards, Anita Chowdhry Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 9:52 AM To: Kristin Bore[ Subject: FW: Pierce Rd speed bumps From: Ann Burris {mailto:a_burris @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2006 10:42 AM To: John Cherbone Cc: Nick Streit; Ann Waltonsmith; Kathleen King; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Dave Anderson; Cathleen Boyer; John Cherbone Subject: Pierce Rd speed bumps Dear Sir, My family has lived happily on this property for 41 years. Our quality of life and our property value, I'm sure, took a nosedive this week after speed bumps were installed in front of our house. Granted, speeding traffic has been an ongoing, increasing problem up and down the hill due to the influx of people over the years but now that speeding traffic is ANGRY speeding traffic. Brakes squeal, traffic backs up, cars bottom out, engines rev before peeling away, horns honk, obscenities are yelled, not to mention the heavy truck traffic whose contents crash up and down with every bump on top of everything else. I hear the same things repeated at the other two speed bump sites nearby. This goes on all day and all night. Not a minute of peace and virtually no sleep. I can only imagine what will happen when Mountain Winery concert traffic comes by! I can't offer a practical solution. Moving the bumps puts them in front of someone else's house and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. The speeding hasn't stopped, anyway. Road rage has just been added to it. Please remove them as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention. Ann Burris 12915 Pierce Rd 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 3 Kristin Borel From: Robert Schwartz /RFAN `[Robert.Schwartz@rfan.com] Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 12:49 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: Robert Schwartz/RFAN; danakschwartz@yahoo.com Subject: Re: Speed bumps Kristin, Thank you for your time today. As I mentioned, we live at the corner of Damon Lane and Mount Eden. I (and my wife) drive up and down Pierce road several times a day. We are very concerned about the new speed bumps (3) that have appeared at the lower portion of Pierce Road near Saratoga /Sunnyvale Road. We talked about our concerns on the phone but 1 thought I'd just note them here for reference. Several of our neighbors share the same concerns (and have others). I will forward your email to them and suggest that they also send you emails or letters to that their inputs may also be considered. 1) Safety Because the speedbumps have a "suggested safe speed" posted near them of 15mph and because Pierce Road is (and has been for a very long time) a 30mph zone, cars are jamming on their brakes and bunching up in front of the speed bumps (in both directions). I was almost rear -ended twice coming up Pierce on the way home. Further, I have seen drivers trying to avoid them by swerving to the side (only hit the bump with one side of wheels). While I see that as illegal and unsafe, there is no doubt in my mind that it is only a matter of time until these speedbumps cause an accident. I believe that the City should carefully consider the safety issues created by putting 15mph speedbumps on a 30 mph street (especially right after a turn - in the "coming down Pierce" direction). Someone is going to get into an accident and it is somewhat obvious to those who drive there regularly. 2) Inappropriate Implementation a) Process To Decide To Implement I am curious about how the City decided to implement these speedbumps? I was never aware of any hearing or opportunity to make input. Why not use law enforcement as a first effort? This effectively changes the speed limit to 15mph in a short stretch of a 30mph street. Did Saratoga follow all legal procedures necessary to implement a speed change on a residential street? Have there been accidents in that area? We pay a lot of taxes and I for one am uncomfortable about using speedbumps to do a job that we pay law enforcement to do (enforce the laws). b) Speed Rating I believe that there is no reason to put 15mph speedbumps on a 30mph street. If the goal is to get drivers to obey the speed limit (without law enforcement presence), then why not put in 30mph speed bumps. This is one of the major complaints I have about this action by the City. c) Number Of Speedbumps Why three? Why put one soon after the curve icoming down Pierce)? I believe three is excessive and makes the safety and inconvenience issues excessive. 3) Inconvenience 7/5/2.006 Page 2 of 3 The speedbumps are a disruption to drivers and three are three times the disruption. I imagine {sorry•to project) that the homeowners in the area of the bumps will tire of the noise of the braking, starting, and driving over the bumps all day and night. 4) Prioritization I am not aware of a similar installation in our city (may well be wrong about that). I am aware of far more dangerous locations where people speed. An example would be right in front of my house. Drivers come down past -Garrod on Mount Eden and hit the straightaway in front of our house. They routinely go 50 -60mph in that 30mph zone. I know the city made measurements of speed there a few years ago. I am not aware that speedbumps were ever considered there? Not that I want them there (I'd rather have law enforcement do that job). I'm just wondering how lower Pierce Road was selected for this particular installation at this time. Was there a prioritization policy followed? What was it? Robert Schwartz Managing Director Third Point Ventures President RF Associates North, Inc. Suite 100 1277 Borregas Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94089 PH: (408)541 -4222 FX: (4,08)752 -7015 MP: (408)718 -7449 "Kristin Borel" <kborel @saratoga.ca.us> To <robert.schwartz @rfan.com> cc 06/19/2006 11:13 AM Hi Robert, Subject Speed bumps Thanks for you comments today. Please send me you or your neighbor's comments and I will make sure that the Traffic Safety Commission and Traffic Engineer get them. The meeting date is Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 6:30 pm in the Administrative Conference Room at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. Please let me know if you have further questions. Sincerely, 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Lynn Weber [ellweber @comcast.net] Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 8:51 PM To: sn @community - newspapers.com Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: letter to the editor Pierce Road Traffic Calming We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the City of Saratoga Public Works Department and Public Safety Commission for addressing the growing safety hazard on Pierce Road. During the twenty plus years that we have lived in this location the number of cars and trucks and their speeds have increased dramatically. The recent installation of traffic flow moderators has already brought the speed of traffic down to a much safer level and greatly reduced the noise. All of us that live along Pierce Road will be much more comfortable about our children's and pet's safety and bicyclists and pedestrians will be more comfortable sharing the road as well. Sincerely, Lynn and Susan Weber 12885 Pierce Rd. Saratoga, CA 95070 867 -6513 7/5/2006 Kristin Borel From: Donna - Guldimann [dguld @comcast.net] Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 8:38 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: pierce rd. Hi Kristin- I live off Pierce on Via Regina in Saratoga. I got your name and number form Steve Sneddon, who said you were the key person to communicate with about the speed bumps. I understand the concern of residents on lower 'flat' Pierce Rd. about speed. The problem actually for safety is not that area - for there, at least, you have visibility and more width. I live off Pierce where it is narrow and much more dangerous. There is a lot of truck traffic with all the new construction. There are bikers trying to negotiate the narrow road. This is the area that will, before long, be a deadly scene. The speed bumps address the problem in the wrong place. Have committee members spent time observing the traffic paternson the road, or responding to letters from lower Pierce residents? Thank you. Donna Guldimann 21891 Via Regina 408 -741 -8433 Speed bumps on Pierce road Kristin Borel From: Ann Waltonsmith Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 10:59 AM To: Barbara Powell; Kristin Borel Cc: Aileen Kao Subject: FW: Speed bumps on Pierce road gage 1 of 1 FYI Is she talking about the Pierce Rd speed bumps? Are we collecting data on them still? Do we have enough warning flags and warning signs on them? Can you let the citizen know what the plans are? Thanks Ann Ann Waltonsmith Councilmember, City of Saratoga From: Lynda Wijcik [mailto:lwijcik @aol.com] Sent: Fri 6/23/2006 10:33 AM To: Nick Streit; Ann Waltonsmith; Kathleen King; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Dave Anderson; Cathleen Boyer Cc: John Cherbone; Alex Barkas Subject: Speed bumps on Pierce road These are an impediment to traffic. We have three speed bumps and two construction sites - and no one has worked at these construction sites all week. They should be put out only when they are needed - not left there all the time. You can't just throw down speed bumps all over the town anyone has a construction project. The contractor just needs to get a flag man out to stop traffic if they need to pull in and pull out. Lynda Wijcik lwijcik @aol.com Cell 408- 455 -0383 Chiquita 408 - 867 -5656 Fax (5682) La Quinta 760 - 777 -7765 Fax (7795) Corolla 252- 457 -0881 Fax (0884) 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: John Page -Dohn.d.page @gte.net] Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 2:26 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce rd bumps Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Purple Ms Borel I understand you are the person to talk to about the new speed -bumps on Pierce Rd. Please remove them as soon as possible. I think they are actually dangerous. I can understand the purpose of them. I am frequently appalled at the speed some people drive on that road. But this is not the answer for a number of reasons: 1. It does nothing to slow traffic on other equally dangerous stretches. For example the intersection with Mt Eden and th sharp turn by the bridge at Quarry Rd. 2. It is too severe. Many vehicles come to an almost complete halt at the bumps. The.goal should be to reduce the speed to the limit, not zero. 3. Following traffic is not expecting the vehicle in front to almost stop for no apparent reason. A rear -end collision is just waiting to happen. 4. It is just plain annoying having your coffee slop all over your leg, even at near -zero speeds. Pierce road is reaping the rewards of years of neglect and poor planning. I feel a comprehensive redesign and upgrade is called for. The bumps are not a solution John Page 21530 Saratoga heights Dr 741 0448 7/5/2006 Kristin Borel From: Julie Daniel [Julie @matrixcabte.com] Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 8:17 PM To: Peter & Kristen Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: Re: Neighborhood Traffic - New Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. Hi Peter and Kristen, The traffic engineer choose these speed bumps because they are expectable for emergency vehicles. These speed bumps were first installed in Morgan Dill and our traffic engineer waited for follow up reports from the area about how successful these bumps would be. We have noticed the honking from neighbors annoyed with the speed bumps as well. I am hoping that this is temporary. My thought is that if these same neighbors followed the speed limits the speed bumps would not be here. The traffic noise has been greatly reduced on our end of the street, we are five houses up from the intersection of Pierce and Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd. I have had conversations with two of my immediate neighbors who have also commented that it seems quieter with the speed bumps. I have not noticed any near collisions because of the speed bumps. I do hope that neighbors who travel this stretch of Pierce Rd daily with make adjustments in their driving. like that the traffic is slowing down greatly. I have to slow to under 20 mph to roll over. I was not surprised by this because I had driven over these speed bumps on Three Oak Way in April. I am unsure of how the city will track and handle concerns and criticism about the speed bumps. As you can see I have cc Kristen Borel from the city Traffic Safety Committee. If I receive an email from Kristen about the speed bumps I will forward it on to you so that you are aware of how the city will handle the situation. Over all we are satisfied with the speed bumps. I do however understand that although we both live on Pierce Rd. we have different traffic experiences. Julie Daniel - - - -- Original Message - - - -- From: "Peter &r Kristen" <p.edler@comcast.net> To: Julie Daniel" <julie @matrixcable.com> Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 4:04 PM Subject: Neighborhood Traffic - New Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. > Dear Julie, Hi, we are your neighbors at 12970 Pierce Rd. > What do you think of the new speed bumps? > Our observations are - > 1) They do slow down the traffic, but they are too tall, like the > 5 MPH bumps used in a parking lot. > 2) Some cars slow down much more than others to about 2 MPH and > are nearly rear -ended by others behind that do not slow down as > much. I have seen several near collisions. Often the second car > honks in anger. > 3) Many times each day I have seen cars honk repeatedly when there > no other car nearby - apparently to annoy /get even with the > neighborhood so that the bumps will be removed. > 4) At least twice each day, I have seen trucks pull over right after > hitting them with a bang at a reasonable speed, partially blocking > traffic, to try to readjust their load that has shifted. > 5) The traffic noise has nearly doubled due to cars and trucks braking > to a near stop, then roaring off, as well as much honking now. > 6) The traffic from The Mountain Winery is now much more noticeable > and annoying when it lets out after 10 PM each night. > RECOMMENDATION: > Our recommendation is that they all be replaced with shorter height > [same length] speed bumps, that reduce the speed to 30 MPH, but not to > such an extreme extent. Maybe 1/2 the current height would be about > right. I am concerned that enough motorists will be upset by the > current height that they will be removed altogether as hazards that > cause accidents. ) > What do you think about this idea of lowering them? > Regards, Peter and Kristen Kristin Borel From: EastmanD1, @aol.com Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2006 12:00 PM To: Kristin Sorel Subject: Pierce Rd Speed Bumps Hi Ms. Borel, Once again, thank you for your prompt return to my phone call and also for letting me air my opinion about the speed bumps on Pierce Road. In that regard: I am definitely not a safety engineer, but it should be obvious to anyone who has spent any time driving on Pierce Road between Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road and Big Basin Road, as well as observing other drivers, that the placement of the speed bumps on Pierce Road is in the safest, possible area and is, therefore, difficult for me to understand why this section was selected. Plus, 15 MPH bumps (that still jar your teeth even at this speed) in a 30 MPH zone is very confusing. I have seen a lot of speed bumps, but I do not .recall ever seeing them built to reduce speed to less than the speed limit. In any case, the area of the bumps is flat, has visibility of at least a half a mile, has wide shoulders for walkers and bike riders, is where there have been few, if any, accidents and where it is conducive to using radar. I add this last comment because the last time we had an accident lof which there have been many) in view of where I live (above Sarahills, below Pike), I asked the investigating police officer why we never saw radar used in this area. He acknowledge that this was one of the worst sections on Pierce Road which also made it the most dangerous for police officers to pull people over (though it would seem to me that they could 'tail" a speeder intil they reached a safer area). Obviously this part of Pierce Road could be made somewhat safer if we cut down the trees and hedges, but this is our only barrier to the incessant noise of the traffic. Besides, Kate Bear would not let us (thank you, Kate). If you can imagine, when we moved here 35 years ago my daughter and her friends road their horses on Pierce Road. Now, simply getting out of our driveway is a problem. So, while I appreciate the fact that some people in the area of the bumps were afraid to walk across the street to get their mail, I have only this to say, please talk to my neighbor. His mailbox is around a blind curve, with no shoulders on the road. Now, he's a guy who can tell you what's really tough about _getting mail. Bottom line? If the bumps were installed in this area because it is a hazard to the residents, when and in what areas will the rest of them be installed? Hopefully, they will be where it is really dangerous. Dan Eastman 13745 Pierce Rd. Saratoga, CA 95070 408 - 867 -3354 Pagel of 2 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 10:05 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Jim Trah re: Speed Bumps FYI From: Nick Streit [mailto:NStreit @cpa- online.com] Sent: Monday, June 26, 2006 8:21 AM To: TJCHart@aol.com Cc: John Cherbone Subject: RE: Jim Trah re: Speed Bumps Jim Thanks, There is going to be a public meeting in August regarding the bumps I'll ,make sure City Staff forwards you a copy of the meeting notice Thanks again Nick From: TJCHart@aol.com {mailto:TJCHart@aol.com] Sent: Sun 6/25/2006 7:01 PM To: Nick Streit Subject: Jim Trah re: Speed Bumps Nick; Thanks for soliciting our input on the recently installed speed bumps on lower Pierce Road. Although I don't live in the vicinity of the speed bumps, and don't have to deal with the traffic, my observations over the past couple of weeks mirror Ann Burris'. Additionally, I have observed cars trying desperately to avoid the bumps by swerving around them. The worst part is that drivers will slow way down to get over the bump and then speed right back up again until the hit the next bump. Traffic definitely backs up during the early evening drive home. My observation, over the past 14 years while I have live on Pierce Road is that people do tend to speed on. the straight away between Saratoga Sunnyvale and Surrey Lane. However, their rate of speed is much more dangerous once the road narrows and becomes windy above Sarahills. I'm surprised that there haven't -been more accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists or trees. I'm not sure what the solution is either Nick. I do think that the installed speed bumps are steeper than most I have encountered and do require you to slow "way" down if you don't want to bottom out. Would more gently sloped asphalt bumps address the issue? I;m not sure, but I can certainly sympathize with Ann. Jim Trah 408 -867 -6929 Circular 230 Notice: IRS regulations, as well as many states, require us to advise you that, unless 7/5/2006 Page 2 �of 2 otherwise specifically noted, any tax advice in this communication (including any attachments, enclosures, or other accompanying materials) was not intended or written to be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax - related penalties imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or any other applicable state or local tax law provision; furthermore,this communication was not intended or written to support the promoting, marketing or recommending of any of the transactions or matters it addresses. This message is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. 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Any such document is a legal document and should not be altered without our knowledge and approval. 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: John Cherbone Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 10:12 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Pierce Rd speed bumps From: Ann Burris [mailto:a_burris @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 8:21 AM To: Nick Streit; Ann Waltonsmith; Kathleen King; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Dave Anderson; Cathleen Boyer; John Cherbone Subject: Pierce Rd speed bumps To Whom It May Concern, This is my second attempt to communicate to someone my family's utter dismay as a result of speed bump installation in front of our house. I've had no indication that anyone has read the first, so I'm trying again. I spend much of my time wondering how soon we can move. This situation has ruined any enjoyment of our home. Some poor, restricted drivers, many of whom are our neighbors up the road, have chosen to punish us for this outrage by making as much noise and fuss as possible. The worst of this is the horn- honking campaign which begins before 6am and continues until well after midnight. We've come to recognise some of them. I envy them their perverse pleasure. We get none. What we get is disrupted sleep, disrupted peace and zero quiet time. Time spent inside or outside working or relaxing is ruined not only by these drivers' spiteful behavior but also the noise level generated by brakes, engine noise and the many large trucks full of construction or destruction materials that crash up and down as every axle meets a speed bump. Not everyone has made it a mission to spread their displeasure but much of this is unavoidable. We want the speed bumps removed as soon as possible. Change the speed limit and make the signage blatently obvious. Write tickets. I don't know what else to suggest but this is not working and it's making us miserable. Thank you for your attention, Ann Burris 12915 Pierce Rd 7/5/2006 Kristin Borel crom: Antoinette Romeo [ Antoinette .Romeo.. @PRK.SCCGOV.ORGI Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 10:32 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road June 27, 2006 Dear Ms. Borel, As a resident on the east end of Pierce Road I wanted to let you, and the City, know our opinion of the speed bumps recently installed on Pierce Road. We and our nearest neighbors think they are great. Not only have they slowed the traffic to a reasonable speed for a residential neighborhood, but there is much less traffic noise it is noticeably quieter. I have noticed that some vehicles skirt the edge of the road to try to avoid the bumps but even this causes them to slow down. Also, one night a fire engine went up the street and had no problem straddling the bumps. I trust that the speed bumps are a permanent addition to Pierce Road. Thank you. Sincerely, Antoinette Romeo .nd, on behalf of:, Joseph Romeo Michael and Diane Overhulse Dave and Nancy Walb from the desk of: Antoinette Romeo Park Planner Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department 298 Garden Hill Drive, Los Gatos CA 95032 -7669 (408) 355 -2235 FAX: (408) 355 -2290 email: antoinette.romeo @prk.sccgov.org NOTICE: This email message and/or its attachments may contain information that is confidential or restricted. It is intended only for the individuals named as recipients in the message. If you are NOT an authorized recipient, you are prohibited from using, delivering, distributing, printing, copying, or disclosing the message or content to others and must delete the message from your computer. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by return email. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: till.guldimann @sungard.com Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 11:04 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: speedbumps Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Yellow kristin- i understand you are collecting comments on the new speedbumps on pierce road. here are some argumentrs why they should be dismantled or modified asap: 1. i thought this was a 30 mph zone - so why 15 mph bumps? 15mph on a major road is just too slow. 2. they are installed in the straight part of the road - not where cars need to slow down the most. better to install speedbumps near the bridge. 3. one speedbump gets the message across. why 3? 4. why not install one of these large mph- meters instead, so drivers are reminded how fast they drive? best till 'Till Guldimanu • 21591 Via Regina, Saratoga, CA 95070 Tel 4-1 (408) 741 -1270 • Mobile -4-1 (415) 640 -7792 • Fax -t 1 (403) 741 -1957 • www.sunpard_com CONI"IDENTIALITY: ' [*his email (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use is prohibited. If you received this email in enor, please notify the sender and delete this email from your system. Thank you. 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: Ann Burris [a_burris @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 9:21 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Rd speed bumps Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Orange Kristen, Thank you for your response. I appreciate the information about the special meeting in July. We will make every endeavor to be there. Ann Burris Kristin Borel <kborel@saratoga. ca. us> wrote: Hi Ann, The Traffic Safety Commission approved the speed bumps at a meeting last September following years of complaints regarding speeding on Pierce Road. The City Traffic Engineer conducted speed surveys which showed that 85% of traffic was traveling over 7 mph over the speed limit. With this data the TSC recommended that speed bumps be placed on Pierce Road. The Traffic Safety Commission will be reviewing the implementation of these speed bumps at a special meeting to be held on July 20th at 6:30 pm in the Administrative Conference Room here at City Hall. They will review new speed data taken after the installation of the speed bumps and hear citizen comments and concerns. I encourage you to attend and voice your concern. I will make sure that they receive a copy of your email, and all emails that I have received about this issue. Please let me know if you have further questions. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 - 868 -1258 From: Ann Burris [mailto:a_burris @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 8:21 AM To: Nick Streit; Ann Waltonsmith; Kathleen King; Norm Kline; Aileen Kao; Dave Anderson; Cathleen Boyer; John Cherbone Subject: Pierce Rd speed bumps To Whom It May Concern, 7/5/2006 Page 2 of 2 This is my second attempt to communicate to someone my family's utter dismay as a result of speed bump installation in front of our house. I've had no indication that anyone has read the first, so I'm trying again. I spend much of my time wondering how soon we can move. This situation has ruined any enjoyment of our home. Some poor, restricted drivers, many of whom are our neighbors up the road, have chosen to punish us for this outrage by making as much noise and fuss as possible. The worst of this is the horn- honking campaign which begins before .6am and continues until well after midnight. We've come to recognise some of them. I envy them their perverse pleasure. We get none. What we get is disrupted sleep, disrupted peace and zero quiet time. Time spent inside or outside working or relaxing is ruined not only by these drivers' spiteful behavior but also the noise level generated by brakes, engine noise and the many large trucks full of construction or destruction materials that crash up and down as every axle meets a speed bump. Not everyone has made it a mission to spread their displeasure but much of this is unavoidable. We want the speed bumps removed as soon as possible. Change the speed limit and make the signage blatently obvious. Write tickets. I don't know what else to suggest but this is not working and it's making us miserable. Thank you for your attention, Ann Burris 12915 Pierce Rd 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Julie Daniel [Julie @matrixcable.com] Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 6:47 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Piece Rd. Speed Bumps Hi Kristen, I suspect that you have received a fair amount of feedback regarding the speed bumps on Pierce Rd. The honking seems to be calming down a bit. We noticed the Sheriff out today, so that may help out. When is the next Pubic Safety meeting? September? There are some neighbors up the street that would like to get together next week to discuss the honking and more. I will try to make it to the meeting so that we, I can come to the next Public Safety meeting and direct the committee with as a concise a report as possible. I will discourage the "lot" of the neighbors from attending. Silly me thought that the installation of the speed bumps was the end of a chapter...... not so. Julie Daniel 7/5/2406 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Caroline Cocciard i .[carol ineitzen@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 10:30 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Pierce Rd Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Orange 6 -30 -06 Re: Pierce Rd Speed Bumps Dear Ms. Kristin: I have been using Pierce Rd. to get to my home since I was born over 50 years. The 3 speed bumps that have been installed on Pierce Rd I would like to know it's purpose. Was the decision based on a life threatening situation if not, who authorized it and for what purpose. If the city wants to change the speed limit to "15 miles" I would honor that but to state "30 miles" and coverting have motorist go 15 miles an hour is being dishonest with the public. I would like to know what are my rights to reverse the installation of these speed bumps. Thank you for your time Caroline Cocciardi 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Kenneth Smith [kencsmith@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 8:57 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road speed bumps Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Orange Ms. Borel, I was given your name by Rick Torres in response to an email I sent him about the new -speed bumps on Pierce Road. While I realize that a number of people likely speed along the section of road where the speed bumps were placed, I think that these bumps are an overreaction. The speed limit is 30 MPH along this stretch of Pierce, yet the bumps limit speeds to 15. This limit is not really advisory, I've found that encountering them at even 20 MPH causes huge jolts. I think that bumps designed for 25 MPH would be a more reasonable compromise and should still address the local resident's concerns. Thank you for your consideration, Ken Smith 16388 Sanborn Rd Saratoga, CA 95070 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Boz736 @aol.com Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 1:09 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Speed Bumps Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Orange Speed bumps are a good idea, however, they should be placed where needed, not only along straight sections - before bad curves would be desirable. I realize this is not being brought up at the next Commission hearing, but the question of bicycles being allowed on both Pierce and Mt. Eden Roads should be addressed. These roads were built in the era of Model A's - there is barely enough room for a truck pulling a horse trailer, let alone, having to share the lane with a bike! I drive that road on a daily basis and have seen some really close calls due to bikes not yielding to larger vehicles. When a bike is going 1 mile an hour up the curving, hilly roads and there is no way to pass them, and they refuse to move over, it can cause a terrible case of road rage. Why are bicycles allowed on these roads? Sincerely, Mrs. Jos. Palermo 377-0380 7/5/2006 Kristin Borel From: prithvi Raj [praj0652 @yahoo..com] Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 9:17 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps on Pierce Rd. Follow Up Flag: Follow up flag Status: Orange I'm "for" the speed -bumps installed at the start of the Pierce Rd. in Saratoga. I've witnessed people trailing bumper -to- bumper persuading the front car to drive faster; the worse fear is that the offender may dare to illegally overtake the car in front at the risk of hurting someone. There are portions of the Pierce Rd beyond the speed -bumps that have the same concern and do not know how the "educated" people in the area can be so very careless and offensive. regards, -a concerned Saratoga resident. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: harn- zichen @comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 10:10 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road speed bumps Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Orange The rubber speed bumps on Pierce Road are to high. Lower speed bumps would still slow traffic but would be less uncomfortable when we drive over them several times a day. It does not seem like a total of 3 are necessary. Two would be sufficient. Pierce Road should be widened in the area where the speed bumps are. Thank you - John Tatman and Ham-Zi Chen 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 2 Kristin Borel From: Jack Eitzen Dackeno @hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 12:10 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Importance: Low CITY OF SARATOA TRACFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION 1377 Fruitvale Ave Saratoga John Cherbone 408 - 868 -1241 Kristin Borel 408 - 858 -1258 kborel@saratoga.ca. us Re: Pierce Rd Speed Bumps Special Meeting The TSC will be holding a special meeting to discuss the implementation of the Pierce Road Speed bumps. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 6:30 pm Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Dear Ms. Kristin: I have been using Pierce Rd. to get to my home for over 20 years. The 3 speed bumps that have been installed on Pierce Rd are causing traffic to slow down to 15 mph and cause cars to unsafely bunch up. That is not the speed limit, or a safe speed to travel on that part of Pierce Rd. Humps create noise and pollution, damage vehicles, create extra wear and tear. More over they do not achieve the aims for which they are apparently installed. Those intent on speeding will continue to speed, both between humps and in areas where they are not fitted. Humps punish all for the sins of the few. Catch the culprits, and stop punishing the responsible majority. I would like the speed bumps remove immediately. 7/5/2406 Page 2 of 2 Thank you for your time Jack Eitzen 22631 Mt. Eden 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Chris & Jenny Wire Ulwire @comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 9:57,PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Support for Pierce Road bumps Dear Kristin, I just wanted to voice our support and say "bravo" for the speed bumps on Pierce Road. We live on Houston Court and have 3 boys under the age of 6 and are greatly relieved that traffic has finally slowed down. It seems that folks still like to accelerate into the turn just past Houston and Comer while heading down Pierce towards Saratoga - Sunnyvale. Are there any plans to add bumps before the turn for traffic coming down Pierce. Count us in as supporters for that addition if so. I'm sure some people are complaining about the bumps, their size, their make — especially all the workers /contractors who seem to be speeding up to their jobs — but I think it's definitely made Pierce feel like safer. Thanks! Jennifer Wire 13040 Houston Court 7/6/2006 Page I of 1 Kristin Borel From: bgnieman @comcast.net Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 12:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Bumps on Pierce Road Because we will be on vacation when the Traffic Safety Commission meets, we will send the following comment: The bumps on Pierce Road are probably necessary to slow the traffic in that section, but it is not the only area for concern. We live on Padero Court which feeds into Pierce Road at a junction where two other streets also intersect Pierce. Because of the streets' configuration, the curves in the Pierce Road, and roadside landscape, traffic visibility is very poor. The speed of cars from both directions at those intersections is often hazzardous. Accidents waiting to happen! It might actually take a stop sign on Pierce to fix that problem. Speed and safety features are also problems as Pierce climbs the hill, and need thorough evaluation and retrofitting. As long as we are making comment and suggestions, the intersection of Pierce and Sunnyvale- Saratoga Road has been hazzardous and badly maintained forever! Will that area of Pierce Road ever be repaired and properly maintained? With the increased demand for utilities as the uphill Pierce Road region develops, will we ever see the removal of unsightly and unsafe power poles, and the weight -laden wires buried? To remove the poles would make pedestrian and bicycle travel on Pierce Road safer. I'm sure we are not the only citizens to comment about these issues. Thank you for the opportunity to be informed and to make imput on the basis of our experiences on Pierce Road. Bernard and Luanne Nieman 13217 Padero Court Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 867 -0159 bgnieman@comcast.net 7/6/2006 Kristin Borel From: Hans Stellrecht [hstellrec @comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 9:30 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps at lower Pierce Road Dear Ms Borel, We live near the vineyards about one half mile in from Saratoga Sunnyvale road just at the second curve on Pierce road. We agree in principle with slowing down traffic since we had our share of accidents and spinouts in front of our house. However the speed bumps which were installed on lower Pierce Road are too high. We have to come to a virtual stop in order to cross them or damage the car. Since this is our primary way out of our property this is quite an inconvenience. If speed bumps have to be used to slow traffic we would recommend a modification so they could at least be crossed at 25 miles per hour which is near the speed limit of 30. This would also be better from an environmental viewpoint since starting and stopping by hundreds of cars 3 times in a short area causes unnecessary pollution and wastes gas. Thank you for considering this at the commission meeting next Thursday. With kind regards, Hans Stellrecht Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Jennifer Der Torossian Odtdiva @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 10:37 AM To: Kristin Bore[ Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Speed bumps Importance: Low Please kindly find a way to remove these speed bumps as they are a terrible annoyance and unneccessary addition to the road. What can we as home owners who communte daily here do to have these removed immediately. Thanks for your help, Jenny 7/6/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: jell bedolla [jpaulbedolla @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 12:28 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] July 20th Speed -bump Hearing Importance: Low The goal is to get individual drivers to want to slow down, right? That's the idea behind speed bumps, isn't it? But speed bumps don't get people to want to slow down. Therefore they do not address the problem; instead they only fight it. Not only is the core issue ignored but the initial problem is itself made worse; plus a host of other problems are generated. In addition, backtracking is required once a false solution is applied; conditions have to be brought back to as near to the original state as is possible before a fresh approach can be taken. And, as there is a normal resistance to questioning assumptions, once a decision like this is made it is very difficult to clear the board in order to get it right. Everybody knows that the speed -bump solution is unsatisfactory, so here is an opportunity for you to meet with someone - -me!- -who can point the way to where we really want to go. If you would like help in addressing the real problem, all you have to do is ask. I'd be happy to help you with this. My central career interest is in this area of driving. The work I am doing, and envisage doing more extensively, is pure public service. No one is to feel obligated in any way, shape or form. Anyone who is willing to look at issues of this kind with an open mind is welcome to all the help I can possibly provide. Through personal experience I have a perspective I want very much to share. And anyone who is willing to give me the opportunity to so can count on original thinking. For references, all I can offer is this: (1) I had a letter to the editor published in the Willow Glen Resident paper, on March 15, 2006, oil the subject of jaywalking. The letter itself can be accessed by doing a web -search on my name (Jeffrey P. Bedolla), or by going to the archives of the newspaper; (2) I am a member of the Traffic Safe Communities Network. In all of the meetings I have so far attended, I am the only member of the community at large who has been there. I believe it is possible to solve our driving behavior social concerns. That's why I am doing the work I am doing, all independently, and why I want to interest others in supporting me in it. Perhaps getting others to listen is just as hard as getting drivers to slow down. You would be taking a chance on me. I couldn't ask in return for anything more than your trust. It is my considered opinion that the willingness to keep an open mind is the sole qualification for having the solution to your problem delivered to your doorstep free of charge. The reason is that the good that comes from a truly constructive approach being taken generates social capital that benefits all. In times like these, it is important that we all do our part for the public good. Jeffrey P. Bedolla Do you Yahoo!? Next -gen email? Have it all with the all -new Yahoo! Mail Beta. 7/6/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Richards, Gary [GRichards @mercurynews.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 10:16 AM To: Kristin Borel; 'jim.porter @ci.los- altos.ca.us' Subject: FW: Roadshow — speed bumps & limits Hi again, Kristin and Jim. Can you both help me answer this question from a reader? Thanks Roadshow line (920 -5335) direct line: 920 -5037 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Elena Shea [mailto:elena @thesheas.us] Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 9:19 AM To: mrroadshow @mercurynews.com Subject: speed bumps & limits Can you address why cities & neighborhoods use speed bumps to reduce speed? I attended the last Los Altos Traffic Commission meeting which discussed how to reduce speed on Springer Road and learned that it takes a lot more than simply putting up a new speed limit sign. Traffic surveys which produce an average speed of travel have great influence on where the speed limit can be set. And without the speed limit and the average speed of travel agreeing in some way ,(I am still not clear on this relationship) the speed limit cannot be enforced and tickets will be thrown at in court. At the meeting it was mentioned that a ticket of 62 mph in a 25 mph zone was thrown out because of this issue. There has to be some way for cities to reduce speed on roads and enforce those lower speed limits. Cities cannot afford to have traffic cops out every day. Speed bumps are relatively cheap, slow people down and are allowable by law so I think we'll see more of them. Thanks, Elena Shea 7/5/2006 lercuryNews.com 107/04/2006 1 Roadshow: Pros and cons of speed... http:// www. mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews /news /columnists /mr ... if 2 7/5/2006 3:55 PM TbeAlcrcur � Vew' � Currnt: 72* 54* Subscriber Services .4 MercuryNewscom Complete Forecast ....................... ...... ... ..... ....... ... ... .. ....... ,... ..... .................. Search f' ,...... .... ......................................... ,.., .................... . .......... ........ ................ ..... .................,................................................................. ..._........_....._........................... Recent News r' Archives r Web for ! Go Welcome Guest I Sign Up I Sign In I Member Benefits Back to Home> Opinion > Columnists > Wednesday, Jul 05, 2006 News Mr. Roadshow a Opinion Perspective Columnists Posted on Tue, Jul. 04, 2006 © email this A print this ® reprint or license this Business Sports Roadshow: Pros and cons of speed Entertainment bumps and humps get real going over Life & Style ONLINE EXTRAS By Gary Richards Mercury News Staff Columnist Newspaper Ads Online MORE NEWS FROM (TOPIX.NET1 - - BIOgs Q Is Morgan Hill the only place with horrid rubber speed bumps in downtown? Or is it a • Morgan Hill, CA disease spreading among Bay Area cities? r P About The Mercury News i Mercury News Jobs i About the Real Cities Network i Terms of Use & Privacy NAMAL" X080 i" I RSS Feeds r7 tj r i Navi Singh Menlo Park, CA ,rt. Yet otnn Real Cities sd b6 Morgan Hill . San Francisco, CA Discussion Boards I A Morgan Hill stands out in the location of these devices to slow down speeders, installing West Menlo Park, CA Traffic Reports rubber humps on busy Monterey Road. But a growing number of cities use them on • Discuss West Menlo Park, CA Weather secondary roads, the latest on Pierce Road in Saratoga where the 30 mph speed limit was Past articles being ignored by many drivers. Newsletters O For 45 years I've lived near Pierce Road where it takes a sudden turn. I've lost count of Coupons the serious accidents caused by drivers trying to make the curve at 50 mph or faster. Today's Front Page Occasionally (not often enoughl) cops give tickets to the over -50 mph drivers. Over the years, PG&E has replaced three utility poles badly damaged by frequent collisions. One SITE SERVICES house installed a four- foot -high brick wall for protection, but a car jumped over the wall and Maps Directions stopped a foot from the living room windows. The next owner raised the wall to six feet, but P& Yellow Pages a truck cleared that wall and took out a pine tree beside it. Contact Us For years neighbors have begged Saratoga to do something about the curve. A safety Feedback J committee finally installed large yellow aluminum squares with black arrows pointing around Registration Help the curve, along with "20 mph" signs at the curve. Several were wiped out by speeders. Advertise i We urged speed bumps or stop signs, but they would be dangerous for fire engines. Print Services Finally, the safety committee came up with a solution — special speed bumps narrower than Jobs at MN.com the space between fire engine wheels. Traffic has slowed to a sensible speed. Buy Photos Ethics Policy Now a new problem: Too many drivers, annoyed at being required to avoid killing . - .. .. . themselves and others, are honking to express their frustration to the annoyance of adjacent neighbors. What does it take to persuade drivers to drive safely? Mari Offenberg and Bob Wallace Saratoga A And another view.... Q There are three major problems with the speed bumps on Pierce Road. They are set for speeds of 15 mph in a 30 mph zone. Even at 15, it still jars your teeth or brings you to a virtual standstill. They only cover the middle part of each lane which allows motorcyclists (who are some of the worst violators) to go between them without slowing. And they put them in the widest, straightest, flattest and safest part of Pierce Road rather in dangerous speed zones. How will the city address these complaints? Dan Eastman and others Saratoga A The cites traffic safety commission will hold a meeting on the speed bumps July 20 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. You can also e-mail comments to kborel@saratoga.ca.us and they will be forwarded onto the commission. Traffic concerns regarding other sections of Pierce Road will be heard at /an Aug. 10 meeting. O Cordilleras Road is a very nice street that I often travel, a secondary thoroughfare in unincorporated San Mateo County adjacent to Redwood City. I have always obeyed the 25 mph speed limit. So imagine my chagrin when I discovered six speed bumps had been installed in two blocks, set for 15 mph. Admittedly, the street is residential; however people who bought homes there knew what they were getting as to traffic. Drivers have rights too! Bill Stock Emerald Hills A Speed humps have been installed on seven roads in unincorporated areas in West Menlo Park and Montara, and in areas near Redwood City and South San Francisco. They are designed to slow cars to 15 mph as they go over the humps. The program is neighborhood -driven: A petition must have at least 51 percent of all residents within the area indicating they are in favor of speed humps. Before these devices were installed, speeds ranged from 32 mph to 60 mph.-Speeds have fallen between 12 percent and 24 percent. Now back to Morgan Hill. if 2 7/5/2006 3:55 PM tercuryNews.com 1 07/04/2006 1 Roadshow: Pros and cons of speed... http:// www. mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews /news /columnists /mr '... 0 1 guess Morgan Hill really wants to make sure that people don't go over the speed limit on Monterey Road. Navi Singh A Most speed bumps are confined to residential streets with a speed limit of 25 mph in other cities. However, Morgan Hill and Saratoga are trying them out on roads that carry significant traffic. Downtown Morgan Hill merchants have long felt that traffic goes too fast along Monterey Road and the rubber humps at Third Street have lowered speeds and made it safer for pedestrians at an intersection lacking a traffic signal. Contact Gary Richards at mrroadshow@mercurynews.com or (408) 920 -5335. )f 2 7/5/2006 3:55 PM Kristin Borel From: Joe Bagliere Doe @emulation.com] ;ent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 3:05 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Citizen Complaint Hi Kristin, I understand completely the situation on the data. No problem. If the goal for the present speed bumps is to reduce car speeds around the curve near the spead bumps to 20 MPH around the curve then I don't think 3 bump sets are necessary on the down hill side of the curve? I think placing one set on the uphill side before the curve and one set on the down hill side before the curve would be better since a car going to fast coming down the hill and rounding that sharp bend would still be able to lose control, cross over and run thru the front of that house on the other side of the street. Three bumps seems a little excessive for the people who live in front of the bumps. If the goal is to reduce the traffic on Pierce Road to just those who live on Pierce or off Pierce I would suggest the following. 1. Move one set of speed bumps before or after the bridge 1 mile up from Sunnyvale- Saratoga. At the bridge there is a narrowing in the road and a sharp curve on the down hill side where accidents have occured and people travel to fast after crossing the bridge to negotiate the curve and have a car coming toward them in the narrowing and curved part of the road. 2. Put a set of speed bumps on the down hill side of Pike Road and Pierce Road. This is also an area where people tend to speed including motorcycles going up and down and bicyclists coming down the hill who ignor the 25 mile an hour speed limit. With blind corners and cars pulling out of driveways this is very dangerous. 3. If you add the speed bumps on upper Pierce then you may not need the guard rail along the creek near the driveway of 13740 Pierce Road. Please let me know the results of the meeting as I will be out of town at that time. Thank you and best regards, Joe Bagliere 408 - 982 -0660 ##212 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 2:19 PM To: joe @emulation.com Subject: RE: Citizen Complaint ]be, the Traffic Engineer is still compiling the data at this time, and will be discussing the results at the meeting. It is our usual policy not to release data before the Commission has seen it first. This way residents are not writing to the Commissioners about data they have not seen. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Richards, Gary jGRichards @mercurynews.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 10:16 AM To: Kristin Borel; 'jim.porter @ci.los- altos.ca.us' Subject: FW: Roadshow -- speed bumps & limits Hi again, Kristin and Jim. Can you both help me answer this question from a reader? Thanks Roadshow line (920 -5335) direct line: 920 -5037 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Elena Shea [mailto:elena @thesheas.us] Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 9:19 AM To: mrroadshow @mercurynews.com Subject: speed bumps & limits Can you address why cities & neighborhoods use speed bumps to reduce speed? I attended the last Los Altos Traffic Commission meeting which discussed how to reduce speed on Springer Road and learned that it takes a lot more than simply putting up a new speed limit sign. Traffic surveys which produce an average speed of travel have great influence on where the speed limit can be set. And without the speed limit and the average speed of travel agreeing in some way (I am still not clear on this relationship) the speed limit cannot be enforced and tickets will be thrown at in court. At the meeting it was mentioned that a ticket of 62 mph in a 25 mph zone was thrown out because of this issue. There has to be some way for cities to reduce speed on roads and enforce those lower speed limits. Cities cannot afford to have traffic cops out every day. Speed bumps are relatively cheap, slow people down and are allowable by law so I think we'll see more of them. Thanks, Elena Shea 7/5/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Mike Rashkin [m rash kin@marvel I =m] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 1:14 PM To: Kristin Bore[ Subject: Speed Bumps on Pierce Ms. Korel, I live on Via Regina, off Pierce Road. These are the most annoying speed bumps. There must be a better way. It is if drivers are being punished. I drive this road everyday and do not see speeding. If there is speeding, have the police hand out a few tickets that will stop it, like everywhere else. Why does this section require special attention? This is not even the dangerous part of Pierce Road. It is the curvy part of the road that is dangerous, especially with bikers allowed in the narrow sections. The straight away is the safest area on the road. Mike Rashkin 21780 Via Regina Saratoga, CA 95070 7/5/2006 Kristin Borel From: John E. Keenan:Uohn @ald.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006 1:23 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: John Cherbone; Dave Anderson Subject: RE: Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. ,Kristin Thank you. for keeping me informed and for this ad hoc meeting. I would suggest that you include the people that use Pierce Rd. everyday as well... Mt. Eden and it's feeder streets. I know that this might cost our city more postage, but I think it's only fair to tell the people that must suffer with these things in addition to those who benefit. Another suggestion would be to notice this meeting with a sign in the area of the speed bumps. I will be there on July 20th. Regards, John E. Keenan Advanced Logical Design, Inc. 12280 Saratoga - Sunnyvale Rd. Suite 203 Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 446 -1004 (408) 446 -1079 fax john @ald.com www.ald.com - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Kristin Borel [mailto:kborel @saratoga.ca.us] Sent: Wednesday, July 05,200612:03 PM To: john @ald.com Subject: RE: Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. John, We will be holding a special meeting about the speed bumps on Pierce Road. I have pasted in a letter that I sent out to residents on Pierce Road about the meeting this month. Please come to this meeting and voice your concerns. I will be forwarding all the emails to the Traffic Engineer and the Traffic Safety Commission. Sincerely, Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst 408 -868 -1258 RE: Review of Speed Bumps on Pierce Road Dear Resident: The City's Traffic Safety Commission will be holding a special meeting to review the implementation of the speed bumps on Pierce Road and to review speed data taken after the installation of the bumps. The meeting will be held on Thursday, July 20th at 6:30 p.m. in the Administrative -Conference Room here at City Hall. I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to share their views with the Commission. If you cannot attend and want to send your comments to me at the email address below, I would be happy to forward them to the Commission. Traffic concerns regarding other sections of Pierce Road will be heard at the regularly scheduled Traffic Safety Commission meeting on August 10th. Please let me know if you have further questions. I can be reached at (408) 868 -1258 or by email at kborel @saratoga.ca.us. - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Nick Streit [mailto:NStreit @cpa- online.com] Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 9:13 AM To: John Cherbone; Kristin Borel Subject: FW: Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. FYI lick - - - -- Original Message---- - From: John E. Keenan [mailto :john @ald.com] Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 6:36 PM To: Nick Streit; awaltonsmith @saratoga.ca.us; kk2king @saratoga.ca.us; kline @caspr.com; akao @saratoga.ca.us; davea @saratoga.ca.us; ctclerk @saratoga.ca.us Subject: Speed Bumps on Pierce Rd. Hon. Members of Council, I was not aware that the king had moved to Pierce Rd. While I realize he didn't want people going too fast past his house, he isn't alone. I, on the other hand, must travel that road at least twice a day, every day and frequently more. The posted speed limit is 30 mph. The bumps are posted at 15 mph. That is ridiculous. Why must I have my car rattled because a few people go .too fast? Where is the precedent for this draconian measure to slow traffic? I personally have never seen speed bumps outside of parking lots and alleys. Can you identify one street as heavily traveled as Pierce Rd that employs speed bumps? Please, de -bump Pierce Rd. `ohn Keenan X2215 Mt. Eden Rd 446 -1004 867 -9299 Circular 230 Notice: IRS regulations, as well as many states, require us to advise you that, unless otherwise specifically noted, any tax advice in this communication (including any attachments, enclosures, or other accompanying materials) was not intended or written to be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax - related penalties imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or any other applicable state or local tax law provision; furthermore, this communication was not intended or written to support the promoting, marketing or recommending of any of the transactions or matters it addresses. This message is intended for the sole use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not-the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly. prohibited. Any document(s) attached to this message is(are) being provided at the client's request and for its convenience. Any such document is a legal document and should not be altered without our knowledge and approval. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Oscarthoma @aol.com Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 7:06 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed Bumps Pierce Road I am writing to protest the speed bumps placed on Pierce Road. This is just plain overkill. I can understand putting one speed bump but three is unnecessary and irritating. I get angry every time I must pass over them as you must slow to 15 miles per hour and still feel like you are being thoroughly shaken. I too live just below a sharp turn on Pierce road but I would never impose my irritation with reckless drivers on innocent drivers. Why do we all have to suffer because of a few idiots? Lydia Thomas 21550 Saratoga Heights Drive, Saratoga 7/7/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Maggie O'Connell [maggieo @gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 8:11 PM To: Kristin Bore[ Subject: Fwd: Speed Bumps _- Pierce Road ---- - - - - -- Forwarded message ---- - - - - -- From: Maggie O'Connell <maggieo@ Zma il.com> Date: Jul 6, 2006 6:20 PM Subject: Speed Bumps _- Pierce Road To: kborel@saaratoga.ca.us As a resident of many years on Pierce Rd we have seen the increased volume of traffic along this somewhat rural road. However the installation of the 3 Speed Bumps is about the most stupid thing second to The Pillars fiasco. The intersection with Saratoga/ Sunnyvale Road Safeway continues to be a major problem every time it rains, the road surface is appalling at the junction(No money for this important repair ? ? ? ? ? ?? , ) with any sport car grinding out its nose on the dismal surface as it dips and raises, and yet we spend money on the one section of the road that is relatively "Safe" The traffic now races to make up the lost time around the bends as it winds its way further up towards the Winery.Cars drivers are struggling with the small bumps...... either make them go across the whole road or make them more user friendly so that everyone can take them at a consistent speed. Currently some motorists are practically stopping ... 5 mph... others ((MINI drivers) are able to avoid the bumps by going to one side, whilst wide axle vehicles (Hummers) hardly notice the inconvenience! Yes ,yet another poorly thought out decision to install these Speed Bumps ... ..............................I hate them and will take an alternative route rather than subject my car to them on a daily basis . Maggie OConnell 13621 Pierce Road Saratoga CA 95070 7/7/2006 Kristin Borel From: Coleen Wagner [irishcoleen @comcast.net] ►ent: Friday, July 07, 2006 8:04 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps on Pierce Rd We want to thank the city for installing the speed bumps on Pierce. It has really helped slow the traffic down - we can actually get in and out of our driveway safely now. We don't much care for the rebellious honking that is going on. Some people think it's OK to express their frustration by disturbing the neighbors. A police officer handing out a couple of disturbing the peace tickets might stop that. People who are upset about the bumps don't have to deal with speeding at the rates we have had to. We've almost been hit quite a few times coming out of our driveway by people doing 45 mph (and we are only the third house up from Saratoga - Sunnyvale!) It's made our road much safer and we really appreciate it. Please keep the bumps! Thank you again, Coleen Wagner Pierce Road Speed Bumps Kristin Borel From: Joe Wagner [JoeW @vertical.com] Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 9:38 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Speed Bumps Page 1 of 1 Wanted to thank you for putting in the speed bumps. We appreciate the fact that we can get out of your driveway without taking our lives into our hands. Now if you could only find a way to stop the petulant honking of those who object to keeping a legal speed... Regards, Joe Wagner 7/7/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: J. Osier Bos @mao.comj Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 11:04 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Dear Kristin, Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion in regards to the speed bumps placed along Pierce Road. First, I am anew resident to Pierce Road having just celebrated my one month. While I was aware that Pierce was a well traveled road, I quite naively didn't realize how often I witness speeds in excess of forty -five to fifty miles an hour in front of my house. I imagine that the speed bump issue has been quite one -sided from the people who have complained about them (the non - residents of Pierce) versus the people that have lobbied to keep them (the residents of Pierce). I, being a resident, although unfortunately not with a speed bump near my house offer my full support to keep them and in fact install a few more, so in fact Pierce Road can be both a residential street and an access street for all of the residents to enjoy. I have on occasion pulled out from my driveway after several looks to make sure the road is clear only to have within seconds someone come upon the back of my car, going in excess of the speed limit. For me, I don't want people to desist using the road, I only ask that the people who abuse the stated speed limit take into account that this is also a residential street and put themselves in the position were the shoes reversed. Imagine what it might feel like to pull out of their driveway only to have someone tailing them or walking across the street to retrieve mail and have to wait as cars speed by at speeds meant for expressways. Reaching Saratoga/Sunnyvale Road a minute earlier doesn't seem worth putting fellow neighbors in this situation. In addition, it should be noted that several construction \worker trucks travel these roads with no regard for the stated speed limit. I have witness first hand how effective the speed bumps have been to slow traffic and I'm sure make the residents of those particular stops on Pierce road will attest to the same thing. It must be a pleasure to not have to hold their breath while pulling out from their own driveways. One last thought, which will probably address those that say well it's their decision to live on Pierce Road. Yes, this was mine and my family's decision to move onto Pierce, however, it was with the intent that all people follow the speed limits as posted and use common courtesy as they themselves would expect. Best Regards and thank you for letter my voice be heard. Jocelyn Osier 7/7/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Terrie Creamer [terriecreamer@comcast.net] Sent: Saturday, July ,08, 2006 4:09 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: speed bumps on Pierce Dear Kristin, I will not be able to attend the meeting on July 20, -but would like to voice my opinion. I am assuming that the bumps were installed in order to control speeding. If this is the case I am not sure why they are where they are. They are on the straight portion of Pierce and if you are turning from Saratoga - Sunnyvale then your speed isn't great and if you are traveling the other way you will most likely need to stop, so your speed will be decreasing. It is also a pretty safe spot, so why are they placed there? The bumps themselves seem like they jar the car more than others. Can this be good for our cars? It seems to me that the speed bumps are misplaced and would be better in other areas. Sincerely, Terrie Creamer 7/10/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: McKenna Mary [maryimckenna @yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 1:50 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Comment on Speed Bumps on Pierce Road Date: July 9, 2006 To: Kristin Borel, kborel @saratoga.ca.us From: Mary and Rich McKenna Address: 13414 Surrey Lane, Saratoga, CA Email: maryimckenna@yahoo.com Subject: Comment on Speed Bumps on Pierce Road Reference: Letter, Kristin Borel, City of Saratoga, re: Review of Speed Bumps on Pierce Road, dated July 3, 2006 The speed bumps should be removed right away for the following reasons: - Everyone is penalized instead of stopping and fining the speeders. The appropriate method to reduce speed is to have the police enforce the posted traffic signs. - Cars try to minimize the shock to their suspension systems by either veering into the oncoming lane so only one wheel goes over the speed bump, or, in some cases, swerving to the right jeopardizing pedestrians next to the road. Either maneuver is unsafe. - People who are going to go fast do drive fast, even with speed bumps. For example, just after the set of speed bumps, I was passed by a car going much over 30 MPH. By the time the car passed Comer, it was going far in excess of 30 MPH. The speed bumps anger people which cause some people to react by accelerating speed aggressively after passing them. - The speed bumps are very difficult to go over, even at 15 MPH. Thank you for your consideration of our feedback. Respectfully submitted, Mary and Rich McKenna Want to be your own boss? Learn how on Yahoo! Small Business. 7/10/2006 Review of Speed Bumps On Pierce Road Kristin Borel From: Dean Markley [Dean @DeanMarkley.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 9:06 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Review of Speed Bumps On Pierce Road Dear Traffic Safety Commission, Page 1 of 1 I want to Thank You for installing the speed bumps on Pierce Road. That was a very smart move and it is helping the speeding problem greatly. I think they should become a permanent fixture on Pierce Road, as Pierce has become a "speedway" over the past few years, the more building goes on further up Pierce. As well as the Mountain Winery traffic. I love the Mountain Winery events, but it does cause a lot of extra . traffic and they sometimes speed down Pierce. One of my dogs was killed by a speeder several years ago. And we must be very careful to keep our friendly dogs behind locked gates. All in all, the speed bumps have help a lot and we look forward to their continued use to impede the speeders. Dean Markley Resident: Pierce Road Saratoga, CA. 95070 Kristin, Please take my email to the commission when they meet about this. I want them to know how some of the people feel. Other neighbors have expressed the same feelings as I do in wishing to keep the bumps. 7/11/2006 July 9, 2006 Kristin Borel Public Works Analyst City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Ms. Borel: Since I cannot attend the meeting on July 20'', I would like to express my concerns regarding the Pierce Road speed bumps. I am very unhappy with the speed bumps on Pierce Road. My main concern is safety. If there is a fire or any other emergency, the time the emergency vehicles are slowed by the bumps could be serious. We have had fires in the hills in the past. I have lived on Foothill Lane for 40 years and never found the need to speed to reach my home. Now, I find it necessary to slow down to 5 to 10 MPH at each of the 3 bumps. When the traffic is heavy, there is a backup of cars slowing the traffic to almost a standstill. Also, I'm sure these bumps are very hard on our cars and we probably use more gas by having to slow down to 5 to 10 MPH at each bump. I would suggest putting several of the in -road 25 or 30 MPH signs along this portion of Pierce Road as are in the Cox/Quito area. This would remind drivers to drive at a safe speed. I see no need for speed bumps on a MAIN ROAD like Pierce Road. There are many, many people who live off Pierce Road and I am wondering how many people are complaining about speeders compared to the number of people who drive at a safe speed on this MAIN THOROUGHFARE. Thank you for he(aar�iig myrconcerns. Louise Chamberlin 12909 Foothill Lane Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 867 -1393 Kristin Borel From: landpc flandpc2002 @yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 10:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed Bumps Kristin, I can't make it to the meeting but I live on Pierce and these speed bumps are a pain!! Thanks for taking these questions to the Commission. Please have the Commission answer these questions: 1) If the idea is to slow traffic why not put bumps on ALL streets in Saratoga ?! Why just Pierce Road? Sure they'll say 'Oh Pierce is a speed zone, etc....... Then put a Cop there more often and increase City revenue!! B)I can't believe that Pierce is that much worse than any other street in Saratoga! Speeders are speeders! If they can justify THREE bumps on Pierce then they can justify them on many other streets! Cox, Saratoga Avenue, Highway 9, etc.. (Let's become "Speed Bump City "! We'll become the laughing -stock of the Valley... taking the title away from Cupertino!) 3) Why 3 bumps in less than 1/4 mile ?! Why not 5 ?! or 7 ?! Slow everyone down to a crawl if that is the plan! D) What about the extra pollution from slowing every car down to 5 mph! Reducing gas mileage even a little on hundreds of cars a day! The amount of extra pollution and reduced mileage per car is small but it is not zero! Multiplied by hundreds of cars a day, 365 days a year,... This has to be a large problem! Has this even been addressed? Thanks, Kristin. Laurence Clifford 12985 Pierce Road Speed Bump City, CA 408 -507 -9553 landpc2002 @yahoo.com Do You YahooP Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http: / /mail.yahoo.com Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Isywak @aol.com Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 10:49 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps on Pierce Rd. Saratoga Dear Ms. Borel: Thanks for taking my call this morning regarding the new speed bumps that were installed on Pierce-Rd. Just for the record, "we hate them and want them removed." We are residents of Parker Ranch for nearly 25 years. I and my family drive that road at least 10 times a day. The bumps are a nuisance. We now tend to drive off the road or into the other lane to avoid them. I find people are speeding up and slowing down on the road, now that they are there. We also board our horses atGarrods, and find that driving over the bumps with our F350 and 6 horse trailer, is adding strain on the vehicles and throwing the horses around the trailer more. As we are discussing the bumps, let's also talk about the bikers which are out on Pierce every day. There are NO bike lanes there, and they seem to be driving in the middle of the road, or at least taking over 1/2 the car lanes. Some bikers even ride 2 people deep many times. I suggest that Pierce Rd. ban bikers as there is no room for cars and bikes at the same time, without being safe. There are too many hidden curves, no lanes, and hills for both car and bike to be on the road at the same time. In closing, please remove the bumps. Ingrid Sywak Dr. Alex Sywak Tatiana Sywak Nicholas Cwick 7/11/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: don perata [duperata @gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 5:22 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps Traffic Safety Commission I, like many other people who have used Pierce Road for many years, are law abiding drivers. I am mystified by the decision to install speed bumps on a road which carries significant traffic. I understand that there are drivers who disregard the posted speed limit, but I am very concerned about the process and the solution to the problem. I have listed a number of concerns and alternatives below. Why does a city which is short on money not use radar enforcement? I would think that the commission would find a way to use the revenue from citations to increase the availability of enforcement. Radar would target those who are the problem. The use of radar seems to have been effective on Herriman and Cox. Motorcycles, which seem to represent a noise and speed problem to the residents, are not affected by the speed bumps, since they can easily go around them. The speed bumps are very extreme. They do not slow traffic to the permissible 30 mph, but cause stop and go traffic. Not very smart during a time of high gas prices and concern for the environment. The process to deal with this issue was faulty. Did the commitee consider getting input from the residents of Saratoga who use Pierce Rd as their only reasonable alternative to Sunnyvale Saratoga Road, prior to the decision to install speed bumps? Much of the hostility could have been avoided had more residents been involved in the decision. How many of the members of the commission use Pierce Rd as a regular commute and get a flavor of the impact of the speed bumps? 7/13/2006 City of Saratoga Bob and .Daisy Stark Kristen Borel, Public Works Analyst 21247 Chiquita Way 1377 Fruitvale Ave Saratoga, Ca. 95070 Saratoga, Ca. 95070 July 8, 2006 RE: Review of Speed Bumps on Pierce Road Dear Kristen, Thank you for providing a forum to discuss the newly installed speed bumps on Pierce Road. We only wish that this discussion could have occurred before their installation. Please forward our comments to the Commission. We have used this road for the last 12 years both driving and walking, and frankly can see no reason for the installation of the bumps. We were very disappointed to see these bumps installed since we believe they are the typical result of one individual or small group deciding that they should impose their personal agenda on everyone else that uses the road. It is clear that this area is not a park or school safety zone and also the section of road is one of the straightest and most easily visible portions of Pierce Road. We have noticed that several of the houses in this area are newly expanded and are installing wails or hedges to reduce their visibility of the road. Could it be that these homeowners have recently created then own safety issue by doing things such as backing out of poorly visible driveways? Aren't these the problems that all residents of Saratoga face? We believe that most people who use Pierce Road have the sense to observe the on- coming traffic when entering via side streets or driveways. Our personal access to Pierce road via Pedero Court is far more dangerous than the stretch where the speed bumps were placed. In our case, there is a blind curve that makes it difficult for us to turn left onto Pierce from Pedero. When making this turn, one has to be on then toes since occasionally a car may come around the curve at a faster speed. Despite this inconvenience, we would never advocate or petition the city to add speed bumps or stop signs to make our life a little easier. Pierce road has a nice country type feel and should not be destroyed simply to satisfy people's individual conveniences. We can understand that the city can be pressured by individual homeowners in the name of public safety to re -shape their immediate surroundings, but also feel that this practice should be discouraged unless absolutely necessary. If the city believes that these speed bumps are required in this location, then the city should continue installing these bumps not only all the way down Pierce Road, but also on most of the roads in Saratoga. We would like to know why this one section of Pierce Road is being treated as an extreme danger zone. Thank you fore considering our views_ on_lhis_subject. Bob and Daisy Stark City of Saratoga Public Works Department MEMO TO: Traffic Safety Commission FROM: Kristin Borel DATE: July 18, 2006 RE: Pierce Road Speed Bumps Here are some additional emails that I received since I sent out your packets last week. Kristin Borel From: Michael Bellissimo Imbelliss @mac.comj Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 9:37 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Speed Bumps Kristin: I received the notice about the Pierce Road speed bump meeting on the 20th which I am unable to attend. I live on Old Oak Way which is accessed from Pierce Road. I imagine that the temporary bumps were installed based on complaints from Pierce Road homeowners about speeding in their neighborhood. And, while I cannot comment on that I can comment on the inconvenience these bumps pose. I am not in all in favor of their permanance and suggest that greater policing would be more appropriate. I see cars and trucks drive around the bumps or, conversely, slow down to a 5 mph-crawl to cover them! They only inconvenience those of us who live in the neighborhood! Mike Bellissimo Page 1 of I Kristin Borel From: Sue McFarland •[smcfrind @msn.com] Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 5:02 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Speed Bumps Although I do not live on Pierce Road, I do travel on it almost .every day between Saratoga - Sunnyvale and Mt. Eden Roads and completely understand why the residents on Pierce petitioned (successfully) for speed bumps. Too many drivers of all ages - treat Pierce and Mr. Eden Roads as their personal speedway. And to those immature drivers who are frustrated at the speed bumps and honk their horns as they drive over them (per a letter to "Mr. Roadshow" at the Mercury News on July 4), I say "chill out, people - these bumps add only a few seconds to your driving time; is that really worth getting so irate over ?" I must add, however, that I believe there are parts of Pierce Road that are far more dangerous than the speed bump stretch, specifically between Surrey Lane and Mt. Eden Road, where there are hidden driveways, cyclists, walkers, deer who can jump out of the shrubbery at any time, and, with all the new construction going on in that area, many construction trucks which can barely fit into one narrow lane. Can anything be done about this stretch, such as lowering the speed limit even more and /or having more frequent Sheriff patrols? In any event, the main purpose of this e-mail is to show support for the residents in the area of the speed bumps and to emphasize that here's one driver who doesn't mind taking a few more seconds to get to her destination. Sincerely, Sue McFarland Saratoga iii'70AAA Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: wkinkead @comcast.net Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 10:38 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road My wife and I will be unable to attend the July 20th meeting regarding the Pierce Road speedbumps, so we are sending this email. When we first saw the speedbumps, we felt like the Gestapo had come in overnight and erected tank barriers. These are entirely inappropriate and should be removed as quickly as they appeared. Pierce Road has been a through street for longer than any current Saratoga resident has been alive. Everyone living on Pierce Road knew that when they they bought their houses. We once rented a house back east that was on corner similar to the one on Pierce Road. While we lived there, there was only one accident and this did not affect our property. After we moved, however, the cement block garage that we had used was totally destroyed twice by out of control speeding cars. Then there was a car that missed the garage but went through the fence into the back yard where our first child had played. The owners of the house and the town fixed the problem with a very substantial log barrier and some Highway 17 sized arrow signs (4'x8'). A similar fix should work on Pierce Road. Wilson & Ginny Kinkead 13987 Pike Road Saratoga, CA 95070 ^ 1117/1%/lAL Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Russell Perry [perrylaw @pacbell.net] Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 10:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: August 20 meeting: Pierce Rd. bumps We have lived on Via Regina off of Pierce Rd. for over 16 years, and been Saratoga residents for 30+ years. We strongly OPPOSE the Pierce Rd. bumps. 1. They are a hazard. I followed Saratoga fire engine E 30, one day (not on an emergency), and the fire truck came to a very slow pace and "bumped" over the bumps, despite a design that supposedly allows them to pass without "bumping ". The driver would have to be extremely accurate to pass exactly over without bumping. I can only imagine an emergency call, needing rapid response. Ambulances and Sheriff cars would have to "bump ", thus be slowed. I also witnessed a motorcycle not slow at all by riding in the center between the bumps. 2. In 16+ years I have never personally witnessed any accident on that portion of Pierce. I know from statistics there have been a few, but not in large numbers for the hundreds (or 1000's) of trips a day. I would bet if the data on traffic accident data was reviewed, the vast majority didn't involve residents off Pierce Rd. but others, such as construction workers, etc. This is not to marginalize those accidents, but some accidents are going to occur on nearly every street. Let's not take such drastic measures for only a few. 3. The bumps are damaging to our vehicles. Let's not punish the residents and guests of i 00's of Saratoga homes who use Pierce Rd. as access, for a few scofflaws. Russell and Susan Perry 21846 Via Regina Saratoga 7n 7i ,)nnr% Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: robertyager @comcast.net Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 7:20 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: PIERCE ROAD BUMPS DEAR SARATOGA SAFETY COMMISSION: I greatly appreciate your efforts to control speed on Pierce Road. Eventhough the new bump contols do slow traffic, they are not designed for 15mph. They actually are a significant nuisance for anyone who has to travel daily on Pierce, especially if one needs to make several trips. I would strongly suggest the posting, at arbitrary times, an officer who would enforce the speed limit. For a brief time the City did post an officer. I would prefer the spending of City funds on making Pierce safer for pedestrians. Also, the intersection at Pierce and Hwy 9 needs improving. Not only is the pavement uneven, proper drainage is necessary. Correcting the drainage issue could prevent the need for posting the annual "flooded" sign. Please enforce the speed limit and not create a road block to a busy road. THANKS, Robert Yager 21,020 Comer Drive Page 1 -of 1 Kristin Borel From: eghawkes04 @aol.com Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 2:04 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: {SPAM EMAIL) Pierce Road speed bumps Importance: Low Having lived for many years in Berkeley, a city with many speed bumps in its residential districts, I find the Pierce Road speed bumps unacceptable. I'm sure there must be some expert to determine placement and height, but from personal experience, I find those on Pierce Road badly positioned, too many and too high. SUVS can go roaring over them with little effect, but those of us in compact cars must slow to about 5 -10 mph (not the posted 15 mph) in order to avoid jarring our cars and passengers. I also wonder why there are three -- two would be adequate. It has slowed traffic, yes, but to a mere 10 -15 mph throughout the entire stretch along Pierce Road (whereas in other locations along Pierce Road, the speed limit is 20 -- at curve -- and 30 further up). The extreme slowing down leads to a bunching up of cars all along the way and especially at the light at Highway 9, so that one must wait for two cycles of the traffic light in order to make a left turn. It also leads to those SUVs that can take the bumps at faster speeds to tail gate smaller cars (I've even had these drivers honking at me to go faster over the bumps). I hope some specialist will address the questions of the height, the number and the positioning of the speed bumps, because as they are now installed, this is an excessive remedy to speeding (nb usually by SUVs) on lower Pierce Road. As they now exist, they are "overkill" to solve a problem that I recognize but feel might be as well addressed with two lower speed bumps more strategically placed. Ellen Hawkes 22541 Mount Eden Road Saratoga 95070 7117/7006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Oldhrslvr @aol.com Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 3:37 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] speed bumps on Pierce Rd Importance: Low I understand you are the point of contact for this issue. Having been unable to attend the meeting last night I wanted to voice my opinion. For the last 20 years I have been going to Garrod Farms where I board my horse. I use Pierce Road up to 4 times per day. The newly installed speed bumps are a tremendous inconvenience and in some cases even dangerous. I understand some people may feel they are necessary and they certainly do slow down the speed of traffic but they are (in my opinion) the wrong kind for such a narrow road. When cars go over them with only the left or the right tires and don't evenly straddle the bump (which can only be done if no one is coming the other direction) the steering wheel can be pulled right out of your hands from the torque. There are speed bumps that cover the full width of the street that a car (and a horse trailer) would be able to go over without having the vehicle jerked around. See the speed bump on Baylor in Saratoga for an example. Another one is on Komino also in Saratoga. Thanks for listening, Kathy Norton 0 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Jack Daly [jackdaly @moison.com] Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 5:28 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Pierce Rd Importance: Low Hello, I have been a resident on Via Regina for over 20 years. While I understand the police have patrolled Pierce Rd frequently to keep speeding traffic at a minimum, I find the speed bumps to be extremely annoying. Not only do they impede the flow of traffic, they increase pollution and create a nuisance for those who travel the road daily. I expect these speed bumps would also be extremely annoying to those residents living along side the bumps, having traffic coming to a crawl in front of their homes continuously. Obviously, I am in favor of eliminating these speed bumps. Why should all of us be inconveniences for the sake of a few speeders? Sincerlely, Jack Daly 21931 Via Regina 'Saratoga, CA jdaly1000 @comcast.net 7/17/9006 Kristin Borel From: frank Schneider [fchneider @ion.com] Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 1:58 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: nanpris @comcast.net Subject: Speed bumps on Pierce road Dear Ms. Borel: We live on Pierce road near Surrey lane which is a straight stretch subject to speeders, and we pass through the recently installed speed bumps many times per day. Speeding is a problem everywhere and Pierce road is no exception. It was enhanced when the City chose to repave the road several years ago; the result was a smooth, relatively straight road and the average speed increased noticeably. The current speed bumps are an over reaction. The speed limit on the road is 30 mph. According to the sign, the speed bumps reduce the speed to 15 mph, but in fact many people come nearly to a stop before crossing the bumps. We would like the traffic to travel 30 mph as posted. If given a choice between the current speed bumps and the pre -speed bump traffic condition, we prefer the pre -speed bump condition. The current speed bumps are ridiculous! No neighbor we've spoken to thinks otherwise. A perfect solution is a radar with a camera that issues a speeding citation via the mail to any driver exceeding a reasonable (maybe 40 mph) speed above the posted limit. A helpful alternative is the large radar sign that advises the driver of his speed when approaching the sign. Most drivers intend to follow the law, but get distracted by other issues; the sign brings them back to reality and usually results in a positive response. I hope our position is clear. Advise if you have questions. Frank W. Schneider Priscilla B. Schneider 13291 Pierce Road Saratoga, Ca. 95070 408 - 867 -0163 Kristin Borel From: Mary Feinstein [mary.feinstein @comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2006 8:53 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Importance: Low Dear Kristin' Re: Review of speed bumps on Pierce Rd. Do you really need three speed bumps? I think two would do. Mary Feinstein, Quarry RD. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Warmington Dick [dwarmjr @yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 9:43 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: re speed bumps We live off Pierce Rd. on Paramount Ct. and I would like to add my view of the recently installed speed bumps. There are TWO speed bumps when we turn onto Pierce Rd. heading toward Sunnyvale - Saratoga. In my opinion this is one too many! One would do fine. I see many people trying to drive over the sides of the bump to partially avoid them. I'd like to see only one bump on each side of the Paramount Ct. entrance and also perhaps a clearer sign warning of the upcoming bump. —c. warmington City of Saratoga Public Works Department MEMO TO: Traffic Safety Commissioners FROM: Kristin Borel DATE: July 20, 2006 RE: Additional Emails Attached please find the additional emails that have arrived yesterday and today. There was only one additional phone call, so I have attached the last page of the phone call log. TDate Do Not Name Address Supports Support Comments After the City for 10 years for City to install them. Move last one closer to curve. People speeding around curve. Two bumps 30 6/28/2006 Bob Wallace 12881 Foothill Lane ✓ are enough. Supports bumps. Drivers are acting aggressive toward her and 31 6/29/2006 Sheri Pierce Road ✓ neighbors, honking and shouting at them. Have to slow down too much to go over them and can only go 32 6/29/2006 Rob Schwartz ✓ 20 mph in between - well below the limit. Speed bumps are obnoxious, causing traffic jam, speeds are so 33 6/29/2006 Jack Mt. Eden Road ✓ inconsistent 34 7/5/2006 Margaret Casanova Mt. Eden Road ✓ Bumps are ridiculous, too many, have to stop at each one 35 7/11/2006 Ingrid Sywick Parker Ranch ✓ Hates bumps. Has trouble going over bumps with horse trailer. 36 7/11/2006 Don Perata Pike Road ✓. Thinks the solution is too extreme for the problem 5 drivers in the house, punish the many for the sins of the few. People stop at the bumps or slow down to 5mph, stops the flow. Please remove them. Put stop sign at Foothill if you want 37 7/20/2006 Bill Wallace 21133 Chaquita Way, ✓ to slow traffic down. Make speed limit 25. Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Gail Bonaso [goodnose2 @yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 11:15 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Pierce Road Speed Bumps Dear Kristin, I am writing to add my two cents' worth to the speed bump issue on Pierce Road. I am opposed to them, especially in the form in which they have been installed. They are ridiculously large and force the driver to slow to about 10 miles per hour in order to cross them. As I recall, the speed limit on the street is 25 miles per hour so I don't even understand how this is legal. As far as I am concerned, it only serves to irritate the driver and cause him/her to want to speed up more or to honk in protest. Is this the intended purpose? Please reconsider these bumps. Perhaps placing multiple Bots dots around the curve area would work better. Sincerely, Gail Bonaso How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC -to -Phone call rates. 7/20/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Dorothy Terrill [dotterrill @comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 12:26 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed bumps on Pierce Road Dear Ms. Borel: I am writing to tell you that the speed bumps on Pierce Road are very effective at slowing down the traffic on that portion of Pierce Road. Our address is 13277 Pierce Road. I would like to see speed bumps on our portion of the road as cars accelerate on this part of the road both in going up into the hilly part and as they roar down from the hills. We go for a walk in the evenings, sometimes as late as 10 p.m., and traffic is very fast, very rude, and does not slow down when they see pedestrians. We take a flashlight to indicate our presence. We plan to attend the meeting tonight but have a meeting at our house at 7:30 p.m. so will not be able to stay for the entire meeting. Is the meeting in the Administrative Conference Room at City Hall as your letter of July 3 says or is it in the Senior Center as a sign on Pierce Road says? Thanks. Dorothy Terrill 7/20/2006 Kristin Borel From: Valerie Natale [vnatale @obura.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 9:44 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: California law and speed limits Dear Ms. Borel, Regarding the speed bump situation, I read the following in today's paper: "A 2005 traffic study confirmed that 85 percent of the road's drivers were going seven or more miles per hour over the speed limit." http: / /www.mercurynews. com/mld/mercurynews /news /transportation/15071771.htm So, this finding seems to say that the speed limit on the road should be raised, as per the California 85th .percentile statute. I can't determine the 85th percentile from this data, but I expect it's at least 5 mph above the current limit. Numerous studies have found that raising the speed limit to the 85th percentile does not increase accidents. And setting it below that level does not reduce them. References available. .end anyway, the 85th percentile rule is the law. Why do people make a big deal about the law when it suits them (i.e. "You're going over the speed limit!! ") but ignore it or twist it when they don't like what it says (i.e. "According to state law, the speed limit is too low ")? This is so frustrating.. Drivers are punished for driving, but there are no viable alternatives to driving down this road. I'm sorry if people on Pierce Road don't like it, but it's too bad. The houses beyond them aren't going away. And putting everyone in an explosive situation like the current one is only going to make the problem worse. If the city was serious about solving the problem, it would set the speed limit according to the 85 th percentile law and post a cop on the road often enough to make people obey the law. And the city will get revenues from the tickets. Regards, Valerie Natale Kristin Borel ' From: David Kocsis [d_kocsis @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 1:29 PM To: Kristin Borel Subject: [SPAM EMAIL] Pierce Road speed bumps are overkill Importance: Low As a Pierce Road resident for more than 14 years, I can understand and sympathize with lower Pierce Road residents frustrated with speeding. However, the installation of THREE speed bumps more severe than those used in most parking lots was really overkill. If the goal is to enforce the 30 MPH speed limit, why make traffic slow to 15 MPH (or slower - I need to go 5 MPH to avoid damage to my car)? TWO speed bumps of a more gentle type (like those used in the Seven Springs area of Cupertino) could slow traffic to 30 MPH. Another serious problem is the excessive traffic going to and from Mountain Winery events. This traffic should be directed through the Village to the other end of Pierce Road, especially after concerts when the Village is empty. I have had numerous near head -on collisions with cars crossing the line into my lane when returning home at night, when hundreds of cars unfamiliar with Pierce Road are streaming downhill from the Mountain Winery. David Kocsis 13945 Pierce Road Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http: / /mail.yahoo.com Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Steve Atherton [atherton @netgate.net] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 8:11 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: blfrank @gmail.com Subject: Spped Bumps Dear Kristin, We live on the corner of Houston Court and Pierce Road, at 13050 Pierce Road. We are unable to attend the meeting tomorrow evening, as we have a scheduled meeting out of town, but would love to have this opportunity to voice our opinion on the speed bump situation on Pierce Road. We have lived at the above location for twenty -one years, and have seen Pierce Road evolve from a quiet country road to a busy speedway past our house. We understand that the residents that live above us, and the visitors to the Mountain Winery must use Pierce Road as an exit to HiWay Nine, or Saratoga -Los Gatos Road , as it has been named since we moved here, but the amount of traffic and the speed at which the traffic passes our house has caused us great concern. We have had to install gates in front of our house because we have had pets get run over and are afraid that our grandchildren will also be harmed if they stray outside our gates.. when we get the mail in the afternoon, we have to take great care not to be hit by speeding cars. The speed bumps have added to the speed at which cars travel at our end of the street... they slow down, out of necessity, across the speed bumps, and then pick up speed after the speed bumps on the straight- away in front of our house, and our neighbors, the Frank's house. This happens in both directions, up and down Pierce Road. We find the speed bumps to be much too large, and too close together along section that they were installed... we would suggest installing the asphault ones that slow down traffic to the speed limit, instead of the rubber ones that are too high , and install them at reasonable intervals up to Surrey Lane. We would also welcome the Sheriff to sit in our driveway, any day of the week, and clock the speed of cars going past our home. Thank you for this opportunity to share our deep concerns on this issue. Robin and Steve Atherton 7/20/2006 RE: Spped Bumps Kristin Borel From: Brian Frank [B Fran k @ariba.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 8:13 PM To: Steve Atherton; Kristin Borel Cc: blfrank @gmail.com; Sheri Risa Nakamitsu Frank Subject: RE: Spped Bumps Thanks steve. This is exactly what I plan to recommend tomorrow Sent from my GoodLink synchronized handheld (www.good.com) - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Steve Atherton [mailto:atherton@net atg e.netl Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 08:10 PM Pacific Standard Time To: kborel @saratoga.ca.us Cc: blfrank @gmail.com Subject: Spped Bumps Dear Kristin, We live on the comer of Houston Court and Pierce Road, at 13050 Pierce Road. We are unable to attend the meeting tomorrow evening, as we have a scheduled meeting out of town, but would love to have this opportunity to voice our opinion on the speed bump situation on Pierce Road. We have lived at the above location for twenty-one years, and have seen Pierce Road evolve from a quiet country road to a busy speedway past our house. We understand that the residents that live above us, and the visitors to the Mountain Winery must use Pierce Road as an exit to HiWay Nine, or Saratoga -Los Gatos Road, as it has been named since we moved here, but the amount of traffic and the speed at which the traffic passes our house has caused us great concern. We have had to install gates in front of our house because we have had pets get run over and are afraid that our grandchildren will also be harmed if they stray outside our gates.. when we get the mail in the afternoon, we have to take great care not to be hit by speeding cars. The speed bumps have added to the speed at which cars travel at our end of the street. they slow down, out of necessity, across the speed bumps, and then pick up speed after the speed bumps on the straight -away in front of our house, and our neighbors, the Frank's house. This happens in both directions, up and down Pierce Road. We find the speed bumps to be much too large, and too close together along section that they were installed. we would suggest installing the asphault ones that slow down traffic to the speed limit, instead of the rubber ones that are too high, and install them at reasonable intervals up to Surrey Lane. We would also welcome the Sheriff to sit in our driveway, any day of the week, and clock the speed of cars going past our home. Thank you for this opportunity to share our deep concerns on this issue. Robin and Steve Atherton 7/20/2006 Page 1 of 1 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Dave House [dave @davehouse.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 11:11 PM To: Kristin Borel Cc: John Cherbone Subject: Pierce Road speed bumps Kristin, I sympathize with the fact that no one wants cars speeding past their homes and I understand the need to control speeds on all our city streets. However I feel that the three sets of speed bumps currently on Pierce Road are an overkill and a safety hazard because 1) drivers slow quickly making rear end collisions a risk, 2) drivers swerve to the center of the roadway to keep two wheels off the bumps and risk head on collisions and 3) the sudden jolt of the bumps can cause suspension or tire failures that result in accidents. I have lived off from Pierce Road for 28 years and am sympathetic to the safety risk of this historic country road. The problem of cars exceeding the posted speed limit however exists on many of our Saratoga streets and, although everyone may want a speed bump in front of their home, no one wants them everywhere in the city. Speed bumps are not the answer to our city's speed limit enforcement problem. Other solutions should be explored. One possibility is signs that state the posted speed and display the approaching vehicles actual speed. These signs are used effectively on many locations in many cities including Saratoga where one has been utilized at the entry to the downtown area from Los Gatos on highway 9. These signs appear to be a safer and better solution. I recently called John Cherbone and offered to work with the city to personally pay for signs in this area and am willing to discuss ways that I could personally provide a number of these signs for use in other Saratoga neighborhoods. Unfortunately I am not going to be able to attend the July 20 meeting to discuss this issue due to a corporate board of director's dinner I must attend that evening. I hope that you can communicate my ideas and my offer to help the city with this important problem to the attendees at Thursday's meeting. Dave House 13340 Old oak Way Saratoga. Ca. 7/20/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel From: Pat Mora [pat @morafamily.org] Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 4:23 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed Bumps on Pierce Road We have lived at 13327 Pierce Road since 1995, and with 5 drivers in the family, have spent a lot of time driving from our house, which is opposite Surrey Lane, to Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road. Unfortunately, our work schedules do not make it possible to attend the Traffic and Safety Meeting on July 20th, so I am writing so that my feedback can be considered when reviewing the impact of the speed bumps on Pierce Road . While speeding cars are an issue, they are usually speeding more coming down from the top of the mountain than they are at the bottom near Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road. We are very much opposed to keeping the newly installed speed bumps. They badly back up traffic on the road, and we are unable to go over them at much more than 5 MPH without causing damage to our cars alignment or scraping the bottom of our cars. They also make it more difficult to safely share the road with the many bikers who regularly ride up and down the road, especially when they do not ride single file. Bike safety on the road is a very serious problem in general, and traffic safety would be much more improved with widening the road and putting in bike lanes, rather than putting in speed bumps. While there are very few children playing along the road, there are many people who walk the street, especially at night. Since there are no lights, the road is narrow with no room for cars to park when visiting residents, and there are no sidewalks, it is a very dangerous situation and sidewalks should be installed. In summary, while I agree there are traffic safety issues on Pierce Road, the speed bumps do not address the most serious issues, and in fact add dangers of their own with cars coming almost to a stop to pass over them. Instead, what the road needs are bike lanes and sidewalks. Patricia, Richard, Alison, David and Robert Mora 13327 Pierce Road Saratoga, CA 408 - 741 -0649 Pat 7/20/2006 RE: Spped Bumps Kristin Borel From: Brian Frank [BFrank @ariba.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 8:13 PM To: Steve Atherton; Kristin Borel Cc: blfrank @gmail.com; Sheri Risa Nakamitsu Frank Subject: RE: Spped Bumps Thanks steve. This is exactly what I plan to recommend tomorrow Sent from my GoodLink synchronized handheld (www.good.com) - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Steve Atherton [mailto:atherton(a�net atg e.netl Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 08:10 PM Pacific Standard Time To: kborel @saratoga.ca.us Cc: blfrank @gmail.com Subject: Spped Bumps Dear Kristin, We live on the corner of Houston Court and Pierce Road, at 13050 Pierce Road. We are unable to attend the meeting tomorrow evening, as we have a scheduled meeting out of town, but would love to have this opportunity to voice our opinion on the speed bump situation on Pierce Road. We have lived at the above location for twenty-one years, and have seen Pierce Road evolve from a quiet country road to a busy speedway past our house. We understand that the residents that live above us, and the visitors to the Mountain Winery must use Pierce Road as an exit to HiWay Nine, or Saratoga -Los Gatos Road, as it has been named since we moved here, but the amount of traffic and the speed at which the traffic passes our house has caused us great concern. We have had to install gates in front of our house because we have had pets get run over and are afraid that our grandchildren will also be harmed if they stray outside our gates.. when we get the mail in the afternoon, we have to take great care not to be hit by speeding cars. The speed bumps have added to the speed at which cars travel at our end of the street. they slow down, out of necessity , across the speed bumps, and then pick up speed after the speed bumps on the straight -away in front of our house, and our neighbors, the Frank's house. This happens in both directions, up and down Pierce Road. We find the speed bumps to be much too large, and too close together along section that they were installed. we would suggest installing the asphault ones that slow down traffic to the speed limit, instead of the rubber ones that are too high, and install them at reasonable intervals up to Surrey Lane. We would also welcome the Sheriff to sit in our driveway, any day of the week, and clock the speed of cars going past our home. Thank you for this opportunity to share our deep concerns on this issue. Robin and Steve Atherton 7/20/2006 Page 1 of 1 Kristin Borel I From: Linda Yelavich [LindaY @cupertino.org] Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 10:06 AM To: Kristin Borel Subject: Speed Bumps on Pierce Road Hello: Just wanted to put in my support for the speed bumps. Would like to see more especially between Pike and Mt. Eden Road. Trying to pull out onto Pierce Rd. in that area of Pierce is scary as people come from both directions at high speeds. I have almost gotten side swiped on several occasions as there is not good visibility in either direction. The two roads I turn from are coming from Mt. Eden making a left onto Pierce and going down Pierce making a left onto Via Regina. Even though I have my left turn signal on people coming from behind have almost rearended me and people coming the other direction are traveling very fast. Nobody pays attention to the "hidden driveway" sign posted along Pierce Rd. Stop signs would be another option. Cupertino uses stop signs along Stelling Rd. from Prospect to McClellan. I vote to keep the speed bumps and add more or add stop signs. Thank you. Linda Parsley 21990 Via Regina Saratoga Kristin Borel From: Brian Frank [BFrank @ariba.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 2:25 PM To: Frank Schneider Cc: Kristin Borel Subject: RE: Speed bumps on Pierce road Dear Mr. Schneider: Thank you very much for your response. While I'm disappointed that you do not support the first and only response I've received which initiative), I'm glad that you agree that there Road. Page 1 of 3 the proposed remediations (yours is was NOT in favor of the is a speeding problem on Pierce Hence, while we may disagree on the methods proposed, we can tell our local government representatives with a united voice that speeding is a problem and it needs to be addressed. Sincerely, Brian Frank - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Frank Schneider [mailto:fschneider@ion.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 10:11 PM To: blfrank @gmail.com Cc: kborel @saratoga.ca.us; nanpris@comcast.net Subject: Fw: Speed bumps on Pierce road Dear Mr. Frank: Today I received your letter of July 18 regarding changes you propose for Pierce road. I have been a long time resident of Pierce road, but I disagree with almost everything you propose. Pierce road is a rustic country road. If you wanted sidewalks, bike lanes, and same side mail delivery, you should have bought a home in a different neighborhood. I can't imagine children at play on or near Pierce road. Your comment that the speed bumps "has had an tremendous positive impact on traffic flow" is an interesting interpretation of the word "flow" as must be your definition of "safety" that is associated with stopping three times in a quarter of a mile and swerving so a low suspension doesn't scrape on the speed bump. The posted speed limit is 30 mph which is reasonable, and I wish it were obeyed. In my note to Ms. Borel (below) , I have proposed two practical solutions to maintaining both the speed limit and the rustic character of 7/20/2006 the road. I hope you'll discontinue your efforts to make Pierce road look like most sub - division streets and adopt my proposals (especially the camera) which will address the excessive speed without disrupting the flow of traffic. Regards, Frank W. Schneider 13291 Pierce Road Saratoga, Ca. 95070 408 - 515 -3634 - - - -- Forwarded by Frank Schneider /IonSystems on 07/18/2006 09:33 PM - - - -- Frank Schneider /IonSyst ems 07/16/2006 01:58 PM Dear Ms. Borel: To kborel@saratoga.ca.us cc nanpris @comcast.net Subject Speed bumps on Pierce road Page 2 of 3 We live on Pierce road near Surrey lane which is a straight stretch subject to speeders, and we pass through the recently installed speed bumps many times per day. Speeding is a problem everywhere and Pierce road is no exception. It was enhanced when the City chose to repave the road several years ago; the result was a smooth, relatively straight road and the average speed increased noticeably. The current speed bumps are an over reaction. The speed limit on the road is 30 mph. According to the sign, the speed bumps reduce the speed to 15 mph, but in fact many people come nearly to a stop before crossing the bumps. We would like the traffic to travel 30 mph as posted. If given a choice between the current speed bumps and the pre -speed bump traffic condition, we prefer the pre -speed bump condition. The current speed bumps are ridiculous! No neighbor we've spoken to thinks otherwise. A perfect solution is a radar with a camera that issues a speeding citation via the mail to any driver exceeding a reasonable (maybe 40 mph) speed above the posted limit. A helpful alternative is the large radar sign that advises the driver of his speed when approaching the sign. Most drivers intend to follow the law, but get distracted by other issues; the sign brings them back to reality and usually results in a positive response. 7/20/2006 4 I hope our position is clear. Advise if you have questions. Frank W. Schneider Priscilla B. Schneider 13291 Pierce Road Saratoga, Ca. 95070 408 - 867 -0163 7/20/2006 Page 3 of 3